Getting Smart Podcast

Join us on the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast as Rebecca Midles sits down with Dr. Dave Richards, Executive Director of the Future Learning Council. Together, they explore how Michigan’s coalition of school districts and ISDs is driving statewide transformation through personalized learning and competency-based education. Discover how member-driven networks are fostering collaboration, scaling inn...

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Kristen Burrus and Michael Stone from Chattanooga to discuss how fab labs and innovative learning ecosystems are transforming STEM education. They explore how STEM School Chattanooga and the Volkswagen eLab Network are integrating project-based learning, credentialing, and essential skill-building to create meaningful pathways for studen...

Explore the fascinating intersection of poetry, art, and identity on this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast featuring Mason Pashia. Mason discusses his debut book, Kestrel and Other Songs, and dives deep into the creative process, the power of words, and the ways poetry invites us to see the world differently. From his inspirations like Robert Macfarlane to the influence of place and personal experiences, M...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Casey Evans, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at American University's Kogod School of Business, to explore how AI is revolutionizing specifically business education. From integrating AI literacy across a fully redesigned curriculum to emphasizing professionalism and communication skills tailored for Gen Z, Casey shares how he...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark dives into the intersection of education and workforce innovation with Kerry McKittrick, Co-Director of Harvard's Project on Workforce. Together, they explore the evolving job market in the AI era, discussing challenges like the "AI job apocalypse" and the importance of creating agile pathways to economic mobility. Kerry highlights the critical role ...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore the intersection of education innovation, policy updates, and emerging technologies. From the role of AI in fostering human flourishing to the potential of CTE centers and ISDs as innovation hubs, they dive into transformative ideas reshaping education. The discussion also delves into ethical considerations for AI, federal funding impacts on schoo...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Shawnee Caruthers explores the transformative power of Career Pathways Academy at iPark 87 with a dynamic panel of guests: Dr. Jonah Schenker (Ulster BOCES), John Boolukos (Archtop Fiber), and students Cameren Thibault-Edmonds and Natalie Winrow. Together, they discuss how place-based education, industry collaboration, and learner-centered design can open doors to opportunity, purp...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark dives into the AI revolution in corporate learning with special guest Josh Bersin. Together, they explore the transformative potential of AI-powered tools like the Galileo HR Agent, which are reshaping talent development, HR systems, and learning and development (L&D). Discover how dynamic content, AI tutors, and virtual agents are creating “super workers” and revolutioni...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we dive into California’s groundbreaking efforts to expand equitable access to computer science education. Joined by Dr. Caryn Lewis, Rod Garcia, and Dr. Sharisa Chan, we explore how initiatives like the Cal MSCS Professional Learning Partnership are fostering equity, building interdisciplinary approaches, and promoting AI literacy for students and educators alike....

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia and Jason Cummins are thrilled to have Kara Bobroff join them to share her journey in transforming education for Indigenous communities. As the founder of One Generation and the driving force behind the Native American Community Academy (NACA), Kara passionately discusses how schools can truly reflect and serve their communities. Kara discusses the creation of NACA, a groun...

Join us on the Getting Smart Podcast as host Mason Pashia dives into regenerative design in education with Benjamin Freud, Head of Upper School at Green School Bali and co-founder of Coconut Thinking. Together, they discuss how schools can move beyond sustainability to embrace regenerative practices that create conditions conducive to life—not just for students but for all living beings. Explore the difference...

In this episode of Catching Up, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia dive into a rich tapestry of educational innovation and thought-provoking topics. They explore Indiana's groundbreaking charter micro schools initiative, designed to re-engage students through public micro schools, and the fascinating history of Junior Republics—youth-led communities that once offered immersive real-world learning experiences. The...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we explore the transformative power of professions-based learning through the lens of the CAPS network. Join Tom Vander Ark as he gets into how CAPS integrates real-world learning experiences with career-connected pathways, creating dynamic opportunities for students across the nation. With over 100 sites and participation from 200 school districts, the CAPS model emphasizes self-discov...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Dr. Don Haddad, retiring superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools, to explore the impactful journey of transforming a school district into a responsive, high-performing system. Dr. Haddad shares insights on building a vision that aligns education with the fast-changing global environment, fostering community trust, and developing div...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen dives into the cutting-edge world of AI in education with Habib Bangura from Urban Assembly. Discover how Project Cafe is revolutionizing classroom instruction by providing real-time, developmental feedback to teachers. By utilizing AI-driven video analysis, this innovative tool enhances teaching efficiency and effectiveness, paving the way for impro...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, join Tom Vander Ark as he explores the transformative power of community-engaged learning with guests from Elizabethton High School in rural Tennessee. Discover how educators like Dustin Hensley are redefining education by integrating real-world challenges into the classroom, allowing students to develop crucial skills and a sense of purpose. Hear inspiring stories from alumni Veronica ...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Paul Herdman, CEO of the Rodell Foundation of Delaware, to discuss the transformative power of pathways in education. They delve into how initiatives like work-based learning and seamless transitions from high school to career can enhance student success and readiness for the future. This conversation highlights the importance of colla...

In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we dive into the transformative power of project-based learning (PBL) through the lens of the Border Lands project. Hosted by Shawnee Caruthers, this episode features insightful conversations with Ryan Sprott, an educator and PBL advocate, alongside former students Annah Sanchez, Daniela Hernandez, and Bianca Garza. Together, they explore how immersive learni...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Rebecca Midles discuss the Getting Smart Learning Innovation Framework, designed to catalyze systems change in education. They explore how personalized, competency-based learning models integrated with AI can meet the diverse needs of students and overcome the systemic challenges currently facing education. The conversation highlights the framewo...