Digital Learning Today

Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury sits down with instructional coach and creator Chrissy Beltran (Buzzing with Ms. B) to explore the systems that shape the future of education, including instructional coaching, AI in schools, professional learning, and the latest educational technology trends.

Together, Jeff and Chrissy share practical coaching strategies, ways to turn professional learning into real classroom change, and what educators should keep in mind as AI tools become part of everyday teaching and learning.

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

Chrissy Beltran is an instructional coach and consultant who specializes in empowering instructional coaches to thrive in the role. Chrissy’s work centers on making coaching practical, sustainable, and realistic. Driven by a belief that every teacher deserves a coach, and every coach does too, her mission is to help coaches feel supported, skilled, and ready to lead change in their school. Through her blog at buzzingwithmsb.com, Instructional Coaching Club, and her podcast Instructional Coaching with Ms. B, she provides actionable guidance that bridges the gap between research and real-world coaching.

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Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

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Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems shaping the future of education—Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and Educational Technology Trends.

Nicole Santora from Discovery Education joins the conversation to discuss student engagement in the classroom. She explores why educators lack a shared definition of engagement and the challenges teachers face in creating engaging lessons. The discussion includes insights from administrators, the role of emotional engagement, and the need for professional development. Nicole emphasizes building strong relationships with students and highlights how instructional coaches support teachers. The conversation closes with a look at future directions in education and ongoing efforts to improve student engagement.

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

About our Guest: Nicole Santora

Nicole Santora is Discovery Education’s Instructional Strategy Director, where she serves as an instructional leader and systems strategist dedicated to advancing equitable learning outcomes through evidence-based design, professional learning, and cross-functional collaboration.

She specializes in upholding instructional integrity across products, programs, and district partnerships—translating learning sciences and research into scalable systems of practice. At Discovery Education, Nicole leads the alignment of curriculum and product design to ensure coherence, quality, and impact across the company’s K–12 portfolio.

Grounded in her early experience building and leading schools as an educator and instructional leader, Nicole’s work in New York City included developing network-wide inquiry cycles, coaching instructional leaders, and designing cross-content frameworks that integrated accessible design principles to strengthen instructional capacity and coherence across schools. She now brings this systems-level perspective into the edtech space, ensuring that digital learning experiences reflect the same instructional integrity, coherence, and equity found in the most effective classrooms.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12, digital solutions help educators engage all students and support higher academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com.

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Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

Book Jeff for your Next Event

Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

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Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends.

In this conversation, Dr. Wendy Amato, Chief Academic Officer for the Teaching Channel, shares her extensive background in education and the Teaching Channel's mission. She discusses the importance of effective professional development for teachers, emphasizing the need for adult learning models designed specifically for educators. Dr. Amato explains warm demander pedagogy and how to create mistake-friendly classroom environments. She also explores K12 Coalition's role in supporting teachers and building healthy school cultures. Throughout the discussion, she reflects on her experiences as a podcaster and the valuable lessons learned from her guests.

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

Dr. Wendy Amato is Chief Academic Officer at K12 Coalition, where she leads academic strategy across a suite of educator-facing brands, including Teaching Channel, iteach, and Passage Preparation. A former classroom teacher and seasoned program designer, Wendy has spent her career helping teachers and school leaders translate research into practice. She holds a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Virginia and has designed professional learning experiences for educators in all 50 states and several countries.

About the K12 Coalition

K12 Coalition provides products and services that help K-12 schools and teachers achieve transformational learning outcomes. We tackle many of today’s toughest education challenges, including teacher recruitment and retention, student learning acceleration, ongoing teacher coaching and development, long-range strategic planning, and school equity audits. K12 Coalition came together when passionate educators with deep experience as teachers, school leaders and high-level district administrators saw a genuine need for something better. Our divisions include iteach, Teaching Channel, Insight Education Group and Lavinia Group.

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Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

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Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems shaping the future of education—Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and Educational Technology Trends.

Dr. Maria Anderson shares her journey in education and the creation of Socrait, a tool designed to reduce teacher burnout by streamlining classroom data management. She explains how cognitive exhaustion affects teachers and how Socrait captures spoken data during lessons, freeing educators to focus on teaching. The discussion includes user feedback, data privacy considerations, and the mission to enhance teacher happiness and effectiveness.

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

About our Guest: Dr. Maria Andersen

Dr. Maria Andersen is the Cofounder and CEO of Socrait, her 2nd EdTech startup. With a 30-year career dedicated to improving teaching and learning, Maria has always kept one foot in the classroom. She’s taught across community colleges, private colleges, universities, and K-12 schools, covering a wide range of subjects, including math, business, chemistry, ELL, and her personal favorite, a middle school elective she designed and is still teaching, called "Technology & Society."

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About Company

Co-founded by two previously successful edtech founders, Socrait is an AI-powered class assistant that's solving teacher burnout in K12 school districts across the country. Built specifically by teachers for teachers, Socrait's class assistant technology uses teacher voice and AI to save educator time by tracking behavior, taking attendance, summarizing lessons, and even helping with parent communication.

Instead of juggling sticky notes, spreadsheets, and end-of-day exhaustion, teachers just speak naturally (as they normally teach) and Socrait listens to key moments in class and turns their words into clear, actionable insights and data. Teachers then get more time to teach, stronger communication with families, and support that actually feels like support. Administrators love Socrait too, because it provides real-time data without the need for classroom visits helping identify trends, support interventions, and reduce burnout across the board.

Try Socrait at: https://socrait.com/try-socrait

Links of Interest

Follow on Social Media

Subscribe to This Podcast

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

Book Jeff for your Next Event

Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

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Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems shaping education's future, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and cutting-edge Educational Technology Trends.

Dr. Leslie Gruis joins us for an engaging conversation, sharing her remarkable journey from a math-fascinated young girl to a distinguished figure in national security and education. Drawing on her 30-year NSA career, she discusses her passion for mentoring STEM students, particularly middle school girls. Dr. Gruis highlights privacy's fundamental role in democracy while examining both challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like AI. Her educational insights emphasize the critical need for effective teaching methods that will inspire our next generation of mathematicians and scientists.

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

About our Guest: Dr. Leslie Gruis

Born a patriot and raised on Capitol Hill, Dr. Leslie Gruis has dedicated her life to the intersection of mathematics, national service, privacy and civil liberties. She spent three decades as a senior intelligence officer at the National Security Agency, where she developed disruptive technologies to tackle complex security challenges and helped shape internal debates around surveillance and privacy. As the first president of the NSA’s Women in Mathematics Society, she championed inclusion in STEM early in her career. Dr. Gruis also held leadership roles at U.S. Cyber Command and the National Intelligence Council before retiring to focus on public education and advocacy. She is the author of Privacy: Past, Present, and Future;The Privacy Pirates, and a forthcoming third book Her texts are not only high-impact, but use language accessible and understandable by all-Americans.In addition to writing and speaking, Dr. Gruis mentors students in math, science, and history, especially middle school girls aspiring to careers in STEM. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and Engineering Sciences from Northwestern University and remains an active member of professional societies including Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Association for Computing Machinery, Association for Women in Mathematics, and the Washington Academy of Sciences.

Links of Interest

About Leslie’s Book: The Privacy Pirates

Follow on Social Media

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Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

Book Jeff for your Next Event

Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

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Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems shaping education's future, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and cutting-edge Educational Technology Trends.

In this conversation, Greg Mertz, Director of Innovation at New England Innovation Academy, discusses NEIA's unique educational environment with its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. He explains how the school integrates AI into its curriculum, the vital role of community engagement when navigating new technologies, and the creative spaces where students explore their passions. Mertz highlights the school's teaching approach that encourages experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration, emphasizing the importance of equipping students with tools for success in our rapidly changing world.

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.

Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.

Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

NEIA seamlessly integrates innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the curriculum.

The academy empowers students to discover their passions and create meaningful impact.

AI serves as an educational enhancement tool rather than a replacement for teaching.

Engaging the community is essential when determining AI's appropriate role in education.

An AI ethics board actively monitors technology's impact within the school environment.

The school views generative AI as a diverse toolset that enhances learning opportunities.

Creative spaces are democratized—available to all students regardless of program enrollment.

The culture embraces "failing forward," encouraging students to learn from their mistakes.

Curriculum development prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility for the entire student body.

NEIA promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration to enrich learning experiences.

00:00 Introduction to New England Innovation Academy

02:47 Innovative Learning Environment and Curriculum

05:31 Navigating AI in Education

08:06 Community Response to AI Integration

10:59 Generative AI and Its Applications

13:37 Creative Spaces and Student Engagement

16:12 Tools and Techniques for Student Projects

18:59 Curriculum Integration Across Grades

21:59 Conclusion and Future Engagement

Greg Mertz is Director of Innovation at New England Innovation Academy. As a maker, outdoor enthusiast, and educator, Greg enjoys the challenges and rewards that come with wearing a myriad of hats. Greg entered the field of education over twenty-five years ago and brings to NEIA a wide range of experiences from guiding wilderness expeditions to facilitating innovation spaces. A lifelong learner himself, Greg strives to support students on their journey of self-discovery as they explore how compassion and character are interwoven. He has a B.S. from Allegheny College and M.Ed. from Northeastern University.

About New England Innovation Academy

Located in Marlborough, MA, New England Innovation Academy is an independent college preparatory day and residential school for grades 7-12 where students discover their passions and purpose, innovate with impact, and prepare for what’s next. Founded in 2021, NEIA received NEASC accreditation in its third year of operation and is SEVIS qualified to issue I-20 paperwork to international students. Graduates have been admitted to more than 130 colleges and universities around the world, earning more than $16 million in merit scholarships in their first two graduating classes. More information at neiacademy.org.

Links of Interest

Website: https://neiacademy.org/

Twitter: twitter.com/helloNEIA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloNEIA/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@newenglandinnovationacadem2540

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Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

Digital Learning Today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310

Ask the Tech Coach: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243

The Jeff Bradbury Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828

Book Jeff for your Next Event

Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

Visit Jeff’s Website: https://jeffreybradbury.com

Contact Jeff Directly: https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/

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On this episode of Digital Learning Today, we dive into the transformative world of AI in education with Andrea Pasinetti and Jagriti Agrawal, the innovative minds behind Kira. This cutting-edge AI platform is revolutionizing personalized learning at scale, and our conversation uncovers how it's changing classrooms nationwide. We explore Kira's founding vision, tackle important questions about student data safety, and share real feedback from educators already using the platform. The discussion also addresses practical concerns like budget considerations for schools implementing AI solutions.

Educators won't want to miss our deep dive into professional development strategies, practical implementation tips, and the learning journey that comes with adopting new AI tools. We conclude with powerful insights about the irreplaceable role of teachers in an AI-enhanced educational landscape and exciting predictions for the future of teaching and learning.

**Start using Kira Today! https://app.kira-learning.com/register/**

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.

Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.

Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

Teacher Empowerment: Kira provides AI tools that enhance teaching practices without replacing the educator's expertise and judgment.

Safety & Privacy: The platform maintains rigorous standards for student data protection and creates secure learning environments.

Evolving Perceptions: Educator attitudes toward AI have shifted from skepticism to enthusiasm as they discover practical applications.

Classroom Innovation: Teachers are actively exploring creative ways to integrate AI tools into their existing curriculum and instruction.

Partnership Model: AI works best as a collaborative tool that amplifies teacher abilities rather than attempting to replace human instruction.

Professional Learning: Successful AI integration requires thoughtful, ongoing professional development tailored to educators' needs.

Balanced Understanding: Effective use of AI tools demands both practical skills and theoretical knowledge about how the technology works.

Continuous Improvement: Learning to leverage AI effectively requires experimentation, reflection, and refinement over time.

Teacher Impact: Despite technological advances, teachers remain the most significant factor in student achievement and growth.

Future of Learning: Personalized educational experiences powered by AI represent the next evolution in effective teaching and learning.

00:00 Introduction to AI in Education

01:27 The Vision Behind Kira

03:21 The Evolution of AI in Classrooms

05:05 Ensuring Student Safety with AI

07:05 Feedback from Educators and Students

09:18 AI's Role in Computer Science Education

11:39 Teacher Feedback and AI Tools

13:22 Financial Considerations for AI in Schools

15:36 Understanding Student Outcomes with AI

17:06 Professional Development for AI Tools

18:40 Deepening Engagement with AI Tools

20:31 The Future of AI Tools in Education

22:57 Transforming AI Tools for Teachers

25:41 Adopting AI Solutions in Schools

27:12 Iterating on AI Outputs

29:06 Final Thoughts on AI in Education

Andrea Pasinetti is the co-founder and CEO of Kira Learning. His path to Kira started with a deep commitment to educational equity—in 2008, he founded Teach For China, placing passionate educators in rural classrooms across the country. By 2013, over 300 fellows from top universities were teaching in more than 80 under-resourced schools

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-pasinetti/

Jagriti Agrawal

Jagriti Agrawal is a co-founder of Kira where she’s channeling her background in AI to help teachers unlock student potential. Before starting Kira, she built automation software for the Mars 2020 rover mission at NASA—but it was the pull toward building something with real-world impact in classrooms that brought her to education. She’s passionate about making powerful tools accessible to every teacher and student.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jagrawal268/

About Kira

Kira is built to make teaching a little easier—never to replace the teacher.

It brings together everything you need in one place: lesson planning, grading, feedback, and tutoring support. Powered by AI, but always guided by your judgment.

With tools like AI Rubric Generation, QuickGrading, and a built-in Tutor, Kira helps you save time on the routine stuff so you can focus on what really matters—connecting with your students and helping them grow.

Already used by teachers in every Tennessee district and backed by education and AI experts, Kira was built with teachers, for teachers.

Links of Interest

Website: www.Kira-Learning.com

X: https://x.com/kira_learning

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KiraLearningCSandAI

Teachers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kirateachers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kira-learning/

Articles Mentioning Kira:

https://thejournal.com/articles/2025/06/30/kira-introduces-ai-generated-lesson-tool.aspx

https://www.zdnet.com/article/ai-agents-arrive-in-us-classrooms/

https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-kira-learning-and-how-can-i-use-it-to-teach

https://techafricanews.com/2025/06/16/empowering-50000-students-annually-togo-sets-bold-digital-skills-target/

Contact Me Today: https://www.teachercast.net/contact

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Subscribe to This Podcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828

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Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

Digital Learning Today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310

Ask the Tech Coach: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243

The Jeff Bradbury Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828

Book Jeff for your Next Event

Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

Visit Jeff’s Website: https://jeffreybradbury.com

Contact Jeff Directly: https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/

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In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, discusses the importance of STEM education and the concept of STEM identity, which emphasizes students' self-belief and belonging in the STEM fields. She shares her journey into education, the role of educators in fostering a productive learning environment, and the necessity of community involvement in creating sustainable STEM ecosystems. Dr. Berry highlights the significance of hands-on, project-based learning and the need for continuous support and training for educators to ensure long-term success in STEM education.

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.

Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.

Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

Fostering STEM Identity: Building students' confidence and sense of belonging in STEM disciplines creates a foundation for lifelong learning.

Creating Supportive Environments: The physical space and skilled facilitators together create the optimal conditions for STEM discovery and growth.

Engaging the Community: Sustainable STEM programs thrive when businesses, families, and schools collaborate to support student learning.

Breaking Classroom Boundaries: Effective STEM education connects classroom learning with real-world applications and community resources.

Prioritizing Hands-On Learning: Project-based approaches allow students to physically engage with concepts, leading to deeper understanding.

Supporting Educator Growth: Continuous professional development ensures teachers can confidently guide students through evolving STEM challenges.

Building Integrated Systems: Successful STEM education harmonizes physical environment, curriculum design, and community partnerships.

Including Parents as Partners: Family involvement reinforces STEM learning and helps students see its relevance in everyday life.

Preparing Future-Ready Students: Today's STEM education develops the critical thinking and adaptability needed for tomorrow's careers.

Harnessing the Power of Narrative: Stories about STEM applications and innovations help students envision their own potential contributions.

00:00 Introduction to SmartLab and Dr. Jennifer Berry

01:57 The Journey to SmartLab: Dr. Berry’s Background

05:38 Understanding STEM Identity and Its Importance

09:29 The Role of Educators in STEM Learning

13:34 Creating a Sustainable STEM Ecosystem

18:42 Community Involvement in STEM Education

21:51 The Future of STEM in Education

26:37 Observing Student Growth in SmartLab

32:24 Expanding STEM Opportunities Beyond Elementary School

36:51 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Dr. Jennifer Berry is the Chief Executive Officer for SmartLab. She has an extensive track record leading innovation and growth in multiple top K-12 education businesses, and will further CLS’s mission to transform the lives of future generations through innovative, career-focused STEM education solutions. Dr. Berry has spent the last 15+ years in senior leadership positions for prominent K-12 organizations including Presence, After-School All-Stars, Quantum Learning, and Kaplan. Dr. Berry holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California (USC), and her commitment to education is inspired by her daughter and a love of lifelong learning. She is a resident of San Diego, California.

A student's STEM identity is their self-belief that they belong in STEM, can master rigorous challenges, and can make a meaningful impact. It's not a fixed trait—it's a mindset that develops through repeated moments of success, challenge, and recognition. At SmartLab, we treat STEM identity as a critical outcome of learning, not just an added benefit.

About SmartLab

SmartLab is a career-connected STEM ecosystem that prepares today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges by building a strong STEM identity—one that includes both technical skill and a mindset that prepares students for real careers, whether or not they eventually choose STEM fields. Each hands-on PBL+STEM solution connects grade-appropriate applications to one of eight industry pathways, helping students solve meaningful problems while developing real-world skills. SmartLab programs include dedicated classroom setups or flexible modular systems, along with standards-aligned curriculum, teacher training, and ongoing technical and curricular support. Students leave believing: I belong here. I can do this. I add value. I'm future-ready. This mindset takes shape through active, student-centered learning cycles—each ah-HA! moment steadily converting raw curiosity into resilient, purposeful problem solving.

Links of Interest

Website: https://www.smartlablearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-learning-systems/

Contact Me Today: https://www.teachercast.net/contact

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Subscribe to This Podcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7btbAI5CjqBgLhitJLMM8y?si=7d151287eb574845

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

Digital Learning Today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310

Ask the Tech Coach: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243

The Jeff Bradbury Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828

Book Jeff for your Next Event

Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

Visit Jeff’s Website: https://jeffreybradbury.com

Contact Jeff Directly: https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/

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In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeffrey Bradbury and Stephanie Clinise explore the integration of artificial intelligence in education, specifically in high school environments. They discuss the transition challenges from middle school to high school, how AI serves as a supportive tool for teachers, and the value of personalized learning approaches. Stephanie shares her firsthand experiences using AI to boost student engagement and improve learning outcomes, while addressing the limitations of standardized teaching methods. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for educators on effectively implementing AI in both their classrooms and daily routines.

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.

Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.

Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

AI serves as a support tool for teachers, not a replacement.

Ninth grade represents a transformative year in students' educational journey.

AI enables more personalized learning experiences for students.

Educators should prioritize teaching appropriate AI usage to students.

Standardized education frameworks can successfully coexist with individualized teaching approaches.

AI tools reduce teacher workload and minimize decision fatigue.

Teachers should share their AI success stories to promote wider adoption.

Effective AI implementation enhances both student engagement and learning outcomes.

Educators benefit from experimenting with AI in their personal lives before classroom implementation.

Each AI tool offers distinct features and capabilities for different educational needs.

00:00 Introduction to AI in Education

05:31 The Role of AI in High School English

10:12 Utilizing AI for Personalized Learning

13:27 Collaboration and AI Among Teachers

16:15 Rolling Out AI in Schools

19:29 Practical Applications of AI in Daily Life

26:11 Exploring AI for Personal Projects

29:37 Final Thoughts on AI in Education

Stephanie Clinise, M.Ed has been teaching English and Social Studies in all high school grade levels in the greater Philadelphia area for over ten years. She remains an active member of student and staff organizations in her current district, focusing on integrating educational technology and AI platforms. Stephanie works to find the best solutions for teachers, students, and staff within the technology and classroom communities while always maintaining her sense of humor and keeping the joy in education.

Links of Interest

Website: https://jgeorge.my.canva.site/stephanieclinise

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Ask the Tech Coach: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243

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Book Jeff for your Next Event

Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

Visit Jeff’s Website: https://jeffreybradbury.com

Contact Jeff Directly: https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/

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In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeff Bradbury sits down with Dr. Bryan Drost, Executive Director for Instructional Innovation in Northeast Ohio. Together, they explore AI's impact on education, how to effectively blend pedagogy with technology, and the challenges of crafting school AI policies. Dr. Drost shares valuable insights from the ISTE and ASCD conferences, highlighting the importance of developing a comprehensive curriculum that integrates digital learning. The conversation also covers practical strategies for supporting teacher technology adoption and standardizing assessment practices across classrooms. Their discussion concludes by examining future educational planning and the crucial role curriculum directors play in shaping effective instructional practices.

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.

Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.

Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

AI is crucial in modern education and should be integrated thoughtfully.

Teachers need to be trained in both pedagogy and technology.

Clear frameworks for AI use in classrooms are essential.

Policies should evolve based on instructional goals, not just restrictions.

AI can enhance assessments but requires careful crafting of questions.

Collaboration among teachers is key to successful curriculum development.

Professional development should be ongoing and responsive to teacher needs.

Resistance to technology often stems from fear of de-skilling.

Curriculum directors play a vital role in aligning educational practices.

Flexibility in planning allows for innovation and adaptation in teaching.

00:00 Introduction to Instructional Innovation

02:38 Reflections on the ISTE and ASCD Conference

05:44 The Role of Pedagogy in AI Integration

08:26 Defining AI in Education

11:17 Creating Effective Policies for AI Use

14:14 Staff Development and Technology Integration

17:20 Assessing AI's Impact on Teaching

20:12 Standardizing Assessments Across Classrooms

23:03 Planning for the Future of Education

25:59 Conclusion and Future Directions

About our Guest: Dr. Bryan R. Drost

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Twitter/X: https://www.teachercast.net/twitter

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YouTube: http://teachercast.net/youtube

Subscribe to This Podcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0n6S0WcyzQ1rpKWJ8iZPLJ?si=a1227a7c5e0b48e4

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

Digital Learning Today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310

Ask the Tech Coach: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243

The Jeff Bradbury Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828

Book Jeff for your Next Event

Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.

Visit Jeff’s Website: https://jeffreybradbury.com

Contact Jeff Directly: https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/

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