Via our HOT OFF THE BLOG series, we’re bringing our blog posts to your favorite podcast app. 🎧

“Are You an Educator on Fire? AI Can Help You Chill Out” by Vickie Echols, originally published with NGLC at https://www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/are-you-an-educator-on-fire-ai-can-help-you-chill-out

Today, we’re diving into Policy & Pedagogy: The Educator’s Dilemma, exploring the tension between rules on paper and the real lives of students and educators.

In our latest episode, Dr. Katie Colina, Dr. Dominique Smith, and Sarika Simpson discuss how policy often lags behind what students actually need — and what it takes for educators and leaders to bridge that gap with compassion, creativity, and courage.

From wraparound supports that don’t end at graduation to pathways beyond college, this conversation asks:

➡️ How do we ensure policy truly serves students, not the other way around?

👉 Tune in here:  

#EDUCafé #PolicyAndPedagogy #StudentWellbeing #EducationPolicy #Podcast

In this EDU Café episode, Digital Promise's Dr. Quinn Burke, Dr. Sharin Jacob, and Keun-woo Lee discuss the integration of computational thinking and literacy in education, particularly for young learners. They explore the importance of these skills in today's technology-driven society, the role of educators in curriculum design, and the development of resources to support teachers. The conversation also touches on current initiatives in New York City schools, the Pathways program for K-12 education, and the future of AI in education, emphasizing the need for students to understand and create technology rather than just consume it.

This EDU Café podcast episode focuses on the importance of wellness for educators, emphasizing a framework that supports individual, collective, and systemic wellness in educational settings. The speakers discuss the significance of mindfulness, community building, and trauma-informed practices, highlighting the need for safety and healing as priorities in schools. They also explore strategies for managing trauma exposure and fostering a culture of curiosity and connection among educators.

In this EDU Café podcast episode, hosts Yaritza Villalba and Victor Hicks explore the transformative power of project-based learning (PBL) in STEM education. They discuss how PBL empowers students to become problem solvers and engage deeply with content, particularly in culturally responsive ways. The conversation highlights innovative project examples, the importance of building relationships with students, and practical tips for implementing PBL in the classroom. The hosts emphasize the need for transparency in teaching and the value of letting go of control to foster a collaborative learning environment. Ultimately, they advocate for a teaching approach that prioritizes skill acquisition and student engagement, preparing learners for real-world challenges.

In this episode of EDU Café, the speakers delve into the multifaceted nature of discomfort, exploring its definitions, implications, and the relationship between discomfort and safety. They discuss how discomfort can lead to personal growth and the importance of framing it as a necessary part of the learning process. The conversation also highlights the collective responsibility in creating safe spaces for discomfort to be navigated effectively, emphasizing the need for self-awareness, boundaries, and the pursuit of peace over mere comfort.

This EDU Café podcast episode features Peter Boyle from Center for the Future of Arizona and two students exploring personalized learning, highlighting their favorite classes, the impact of personalized learning on their education, and the importance of collaboration and goal-setting. The students discuss the challenges of traditional grading systems and offer insights on how schools can better support student learning and engagement. They emphasize the need for flexibility in learning methods and the importance of student voice in educational reform.

In this episode of EDU Café, Dr. Kathryn Kennedy interviews Vicki Echols about the intersection of AI and education, focusing on wellness for educators. Vicki shares her journey as a school transformation coach and discusses the challenges and opportunities in promoting mental health in educational settings. The conversation explores the potential of AI to enhance productivity, support educator well-being, and foster a positive school culture. Vicki also highlights practical strategies for school leaders to implement AI effectively while addressing ethical considerations and the importance of building trust within educational communities.

In this episode of EDU Café, Dr. Kathryn Kennedy interviews Claire Romzek, the Magnet Coordinator at Lead STEM Academy, discussing the transformative role of project-based learning in STEM education. Claire emphasizes the shift from traditional teaching methods to a facilitator role, where teachers guide students through authentic learning experiences. The conversation explores assessment strategies, the importance of community involvement, and the skills students develop through project-based learning. Claire shares insights on evaluating success and offers practical tips for educators looking to implement project-based learning in their classrooms.

In this episode of EDU Café, Deion Jordan and Nikki Wallace discuss the transformative power of personalized competency-based learning (PCBL) and project-based learning (PBL) in education. They explore the integration of biomimicry and synthetic biology into STEM curricula, emphasizing the importance of real-world problem-solving and community engagement. Nikki shares her experiences with students designing innovative solutions to local environmental issues and the role of AI in enhancing project design. The conversation highlights the essential skills students develop through these approaches, preparing them for future challenges and fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration in learning environments.