Flipboard EDU Podcast

Solving the Cell Phone Ban with Callie Zauner from Luxor Workspaces

Host: Coach Jeffery Guest: Callie Zauner

Episode Summary

This week, Coach Jeffery sits down with Callie Zauner from Luxor Workspaces to discuss the growing trend of cell phone bans in K-12 education, how schools are navigating new device policies, and furniture solutions designed to support distraction-free learning.

Key Topics

Cell Phone Bans in Schools Exploring the reasons behind increased cell phone restrictions, how schools differ in policy, and the impact on classroom routines (00:01:25).

Teacher Voices in Policy Why it is essential for teachers to have input on how phone storage solutions are implemented (00:03:12), along with stories of student creativity in bypassing policies.

Product Solutions for Schools Insights into Luxor’s range of products, including RFID-blocking phone pouches and lockable phone cabinets, designed to balance security, student responsibility, and practicality (00:04:48, 00:07:38).

Policy Implementation Challenges How different school sizes and cultures affect the way cell phone bans and storage solutions are adopted (00:02:20, 00:10:06).

Purchasing Trends and Grade Levels Why younger grades may favor cabinets, while high schoolers lean toward personal pouches, and factors influencing purchasing decisions (00:10:25).

Supporting Collaboration The resurgence of traditional classroom tools like whiteboards and mobile stations to encourage collaborative, low-tech learning environments (00:12:01).

Fairness and Equity Addressing the complexities of ensuring device policies consider students with medical, accessibility, or family communication needs (00:13:38).

The Future of Classrooms Predictions for how classrooms will find a balance between technology integration and responsible use over the next five years (00:16:18).

Notable Quotes

“The teachers are the ones really dealing with a lot of it firsthand. They’re the ones that are going to spot children who are trying to maybe skirt the policy.” Callie Zauner (00:03:12)

“We have tried to develop that solution where the onus for the device is still on the student, it is still on their person. They’re still responsible.” Callie Zauner (00:05:56)

“The clear door on cabinets is very important because the anxiety of not being able to see your device is something the students talked a lot about.” Callie Zauner (00:08:49)

“Policies sound great, but then there are other layers to it. It’s like an onion.” Coach Jeffery (00:15:37)

Resources and Links

Luxor Workspaces:

https://www.luxorfurn.com

Featured company providing device management furniture solutions for K-12 schools.

ISTE Conference:

https://www.iste.org

Referenced in the discussion about educational trends.

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to the Flipboard EDU Podcast wherever you listen. Join the Flipboard Fam for more conversations on educational leadership, classroom challenges, and practical solutions.

EVERY STORY IS A PLUS.

Flipboard EDU Podcast

Episode Title: Release Date: 2026-06-26Hosts: Coach Jeffery , Dr. Micah Shippee

Episode Overview

In this episode, Coach Jeffery welcomes Dr. Micah Shippee from Samsung to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of educational technology in 2026. The conversation dives into best instructional practices, the integration of AI in classrooms, the importance of teacher voice in edtech development, and how technology can serve as an amplifier—not a replacement—for effective teaching.

Key topics include practical strategies for blended learning, using interactive displays for collaboration, balancing screen time, upcoming opportunities at ISTE, and how Samsung is supporting educators through programs like "Solve for Tomorrow." Dr. Micah Shippee also shares personal insights on finding professional communities and staying inspired in the face of rapid change in education.

Key Discussion Points

Dr. Micah Shippee’s Background

22 years teaching middle school, advocate for innovative instructional practice 01:40

Transition from classroom to edtech consulting and joining Samsung

Putting Teacher Voice at the Center

Samsung's focus on "voice of customer"—listening to teachers to guide product design 02:25

Importance of amplifying, not disrupting, effective classroom practice

AI in Education—A Thoughtful Approach

AI tools in Samsung’s interactive displays are teacher-focused to protect student privacy 03:21

Responsible integration of AI, ensuring compliance with FERPA and COPPA 03:32

Reflective Innovation & Blended Learning

AI as an amplifier of proven teaching strategies like storytelling 04:29

Tools to support live captioning and note generation 05:01

Importance of balancing technology use and maintaining collaborative, active learning spaces 06:02

Interactive Displays: The Modern “Campfire”

Using interactive screens to foster collaboration and brainstorming 07:02

Moving beyond chart paper with split-screen features for group activities 08:23

Applying the SAMR Model to push classroom tech past substitution toward modification and redefinition 09:45

The ISTE Experience & Samsung Initiatives

The power of educational communities at ISTE 10:29

Introduction to Samsung’s "Solve for Tomorrow" philanthropic STEM competition for grades 6–12 11:27

Wide range of topics from climate change to mental health, open to all public school teachers 12:08

Exciting New Tech for Educators

Sneak peek of products at ISTE: Epaper, advanced interactive displays, spatial (3D) displays, and XR headsets 15:02

Designed for easy integration and supporting both teachers and students

Community, Growth, & Staying Inspired

The importance of connecting with like-minded educators for continual growth 18:38

Encouragement for teachers to share what works, informing future edtech tools 17:34

Resources & Links

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

SAMR Model information

ISTE Conference

Where to Find Samsung at ISTE

Booth #1129—Look for the large Samsung sign and experience the latest in edtech innovation! 20:20

Connect with the Hosts

Follow Coach Jeffery and Dr. Micah Shippee on social platforms for more edtech insights.

Don’t miss this forward-thinking conversation about empowering educators and inspiring the next generation of learners with technology!

In this episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, William Jeffery breaks down a viral satirical video by comedian Ben Palmer , who pretends to be an ICE agent responding to a teacher’s call. The teacher questions a family’s place in the community based on heritage, despite their legal status.

William explores how bias creeps into schools, its impact on students, and the importance of fact-based, inclusive conversations. Tune in to reflect and learn how we create truly welcoming schools.

Takeaways:

This episode challenges listeners to reflect on the language, attitudes, and assumptions educators and communities make about immigrant families. It raises essential questions: How should schools handle concerns about students’ home lives? What does it mean to create an inclusive environment for all children? And how do personal biases shape the way we interpret “unusual” or “out-of-place” families?

Key Topics Discussed:

* School responsibilities vs. personal beliefs

* Stereotypes and bias in education

* Handling sensitive information about students

* The reality of mixed-status families in U.S. schools

* The importance of empathy and due process

Tune in for a candid, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately necessary conversation about identity, belonging, and the role of educators in shaping a welcoming school culture.

If you have feedback about this episode or want to share your thoughts on the discussion, reach out to Flipboard EDU Podcast or join the conversation on social media with #FlipboardEDU.

Classroom technology has evolved dramatically, but the ultimate question remains: Does it empower educators and enhance student learning? A recent episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast featured host Coach Jeffrey in conversation with Carly Sallay, BENQ Education's North America marketing lead, exploring how BENQ's digital boards and integrated ecosystem are redefining adaptability, collaboration, and innovation in today's classrooms. Here’s a glimpse into their discussion and how BENQ is shaping the future of education.

"Future-ish Proof" Flexibility: Teaching Your Way, Not Tech's Way

Carly highlighted BENQ's core strength: the agnostic nature of their boards. Designed to be "future-ish proof," these boards seamlessly integrate with any platform or teaching style. Forget learning proprietary software – BENQ boards function intuitively, like giant, secure, and versatile tablets.

Imagine teachers using Google Classroom. With BENQ's NFC card system, a simple tap on any board loads their personalized settings, including instant access to their Google Drive. Say goodbye to cable clutter and device connection headaches – lessons and resources are immediately at their fingertips, streamlining everything from daily instruction to collaborative projects.

Effortless Connectivity, Dynamic Collaboration

BENQ's free Instashare software eliminates HDMI cable woes, enabling both teachers and students to wirelessly share content from anywhere in the classroom. This game-changer even allows up to nine student devices to share simultaneously, fostering truly interactive learning and facilitating quick formative assessments.

For students familiar with technology, getting started is a breeze. Using Chrome devices, accessing the board requires just a room number and a passcode provided by Instashare. This ease of use encourages active participation, peer feedback, and collaborative creativity across all subjects.

Real-World Transformation: Empowering Instruction

The podcast highlighted compelling real-world examples. Picture a third-grade advanced English class using Canva to create infographics. With BENQ's board and Instashare, students can present their work and receive immediate feedback from their peers in real-time, all without disrupting the lesson flow. Finished projects are then seamlessly integrated back into Google Classroom.

Carly shared that districts upgrading from older technology consistently report they "can't imagine going back." Furthermore, BENQ boards, now Google Edla certified, offer built-in access to the Play Store. This allows teachers to install any district-approved, classroom-friendly app, ensuring a flexible, personalized, and relevant educational experience.

Beyond the Board: A Comprehensive Suite of Educational Tools

While BENQ's interactive boards are a flagship offering, their comprehensive lineup extends further. Their projectors, renowned in home theater and eSports, include ultra-short throw, auditorium-grade, and high-lumen models featuring long-lasting, maintenance-free technology. This eliminates the hassle of bulb and filter replacements in busy school environments.

For seamless wireless presentations, BENQ's InstaShow offers peer-to-peer encrypted casting that works across various devices without relying on the school's Wi-Fi network. This makes it an ideal solution for meetings and even older facilities, adopted by institutions ranging from medical schools to government agencies.

The AyadeaCam, a versatile document camera with a built-in magnifier, was also highlighted. Perfect for detailed science demonstrations, examining money patterns, or microscopic explorations, it functions as both a standard webcam and a tool for low-level microscopic work.

The Verdict: BENQ – A True Partner for Educators

BENQ's philosophy is clear: provide technology that adapts to educators, empowering their creativity rather than limiting it. As Carly Soleil aptly stated, "Your creativity is where this board ends." Whether your goal is to enhance classroom interactivity, simplify content sharing, or expand your school's digital toolkit, BENQ offers a suite of reliable and future-ready tools designed to help educators excel at what they do best: inspire and engage students.

Ready to discover more? Visit BenQBoard.com and be sure to tune into the Flipboard EDU Podcast for more insightful discussions on the intersection of technology and education.

Host: Coach Jeffery (he/him)Guest: Dr. Kara Stern

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Coach Jeffery sits down with Dr. Kara Stern to tackle the pressing issue of chronic absenteeism in schools—an urgent topic in a post-pandemic world. Dr. Stern, with her extensive background as a teacher, principal, and education nonprofit leader, now works in ed tech helping schools re-engage students and boost attendance.

The conversation dives into the staggering scale of absenteeism nationwide (with Houston, TX alone missing 230,000 students), and explores not only the stakes for student outcomes but also the actionable steps schools can take to create a sense of belonging and connection.

Dr. Stern introduces SchoolStatus, an integrated suite of tools designed to improve attendance, enhance communication—especially across language barriers—and help educators and school leaders support students before attendance issues escalate. She emphasizes the human side of this work, arguing that genuine relationships and culturally responsive systems can make a lasting difference.

Key Topics Covered

* The current landscape of chronic absenteeism post-pandemic

* Root causes: from family/language barriers to larger systemic challenges

* The consequences of absenteeism for student futures

* How belonging, communication, and engagement drive attendance

* How SchoolStatus helps schools:

* Multilingual family engagement tools

* Attendance management systems to detect early warning signs

* Streamlined workflows for positive home-school partnerships

* Teacher growth and support resources

* The limitations of tech—why caring, human relationships are essential

* Real success stories from California, Texas, New York, and beyond

* Special considerations for historically marginalized communities

Featured Quotes

* "When we talk about fixing absenteeism, we're really talking about saving kids' lives." — Dr. Kara Stern

* "The chronic absenteeism is kids voting with their feet." — Dr. Kara Stern

* "For students to come to school, they need to feel as if they belong there." — Dr. Kara Stern

Resources & Links

* Learn More: schoolstatus.com

* Connect with SchoolStatus:

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

Connect with the Host

* Coach Jeffery: Flipboard EDU Podcast

Thank you for tuning in! If you’re an administrator or educator looking to tackle chronic absenteeism with real, human-centered tech solutions, check out SchoolStatus. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations that matter in education.

Link to a source discussing the report:

* Houston Chronicle: Report: Nearly 230K students were chronically absent in Harris County last school year

We are excited to announce a brand-new episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast has just dropped, and trust us, you won’t want to miss this one!Special Guests: Tamara Albury & Delia Montelongo and Host Coach Jeffery.

🎧 Episode Introduction

This week, Coach Jeffery welcomes powerhouse educators Tamara Albury and Delia Montelongo for an honest, energetic, and inspiring conversation about empowering young women in single-gender schools. The Barbie movie might’ve started the discussion, but the real gems are about leadership, systems, and how those “little girl” experiences shape the way these women lead today.

🔑 5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:

* How Childhood Experiences Shape Leadership: Discover how the “little girl” inside influences these leaders in the way they build safe, empowering spaces for their students—down to the smallest details.

* Why Systems Matter—Every Single Time: Learn how deliberate school systems (like collaborative hiring including students) lead to consistently high-performing teams and exceptional student outcomes.

* Creating Space for Student Voice: Get strategies on helping students—especially girls—find their voice, lead at the table (not just sit at it), and advocate not just for themselves, but for their communities.

* Empowerment (When It Goes “Wrong”): Delia and Tamara share real stories about teaching girls to be empowered and impactful—with a few laugh-worthy moments when student activism catches even the principal by surprise!

* Balancing It All as a Leader: Honest talk on self-care, boundaries, and showing up authentically as a high-profile leader—and why it matters for your staff, your students, and yourself.

🎲 Fun Fact from the Episode

When asked about work-life balance, Delia Montelongo reveals she’s recently taken up watercolor painting as her creative and mindful outlet! (Spoiler: She’s not entirely sure what her creations look like yet, but it brings her joy and fuels her leadership.)

👋 Outro

This episode is packed with wisdom and real-life strategies that apply to any educator or leader wanting to foster more voice, equity, and agency among students—especially girls. Plus, it’s full of laughs, lived experiences, and straight-from-the-heart inspiration.

📢 Call to Action

Don’t wait—hit play on this episode now! Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or education enthusiast, there’s something in here for you (and maybe your “inner little girl” too).Listen, share, and let us know: How are YOU nurturing leadership and voice in your school or community? Reply to this email or tag us on social media!

Stay connected, keep flipping, and keep empowering the next generation!

— Your Flipboard EDU Podcast Team

🎧 Listen to the Latest Episode Now!💬 Join the Conversation on Flipboard 📚 Subscribe for Future Episodes

Thanks for being part of our Flipboard family!

In this engaging episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, our host Coach Jeffery sits down with the amazing Alice Keeler. Alice, an experienced math teacher and a Google Developer Expert, dives into her passion for student-centered classrooms, technology in education, and the importance of flexibility in school systems.

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, Coach Jeffery hosts Stephanie Filardo, an educator and curriculum developer. Their discussion centers on recognizing the human element within educational settings, with a focus on social-emotional wellness and addressing students' fundamental needs.

Stephanie shares her experience in curriculum development, highlighting her dedication to creating inclusive environments where all students see themselves as capable in mathematics. The episode delves into the critical issue of allowing students dignity in meeting basic needs, such as unrestricted restroom access.

The conversation explores the complexities of restroom policies and the social-emotional considerations educators must make, particularly in supporting female students during sensitive times. This includes fostering safe, approachable environments where students feel comfortable expressing their needs, especially regarding menstrual cycles.

Through personal anecdotes, thoughtful insights, and practical advice, Stephanie and Coach Jeffery examine strategies to cultivate a supportive and understanding school culture that prioritizes student and teacher well-being. They also touch upon health conditions like PCOS and their impact on students' attendance and performance.

Key Takeaways:

* The importance of acknowledging the humanity of teachers and students within the educational system.

* Addressing and improving school restroom policies to ensure students' basic needs are met with dignity and respect.

* The significance of building strong, trust-based relationships between students, teachers, and administrators.

* Stephanie's insights into creating inclusive classroom environments and the value of establishing "need stations" for students.

* Consideration of chronic health issues like PCOS that can affect students' attendance and academic performance.

Where to Find Stephanie:

* Stephanie is not very active on social media currently.

* Her dog, Sailor, has an Instagram account: "lab_named_sailor."

* Look for her potential presentations at upcoming educational technology conferences like ISTE.

This enlightening episode provides valuable insights into how small changes in school policies and culture can significantly impact the social-emotional needs of students and educators.

Hosts:

* Coach Jeffery

Guest:

* Stephanie Filardo, Curriculum Developer at Amplify

Summary: This episode examines recent developments and challenges impacting education in the United States, including policy changes, legal disputes, and evolving institutional practices. Coach Jeffery provides an overview of these complex issues.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Federal Education Policy Changes: Discussion of proposals to restructure the Department of Education, including the potential impact of executive actions and congressional roles.

* Legal Challenges to Educational Practices: Review of the Texas Attorney General's lawsuit against Coppell ISD, focusing on allegations regarding the teaching of critical race theory and its alignment with state law.

* Impact of Funding Adjustments on Universities: Analysis of reductions in federal grants and their consequences for university programs, including potential impacts on diversity initiatives.

* Title IX Compliance and Transgender Athletes: Examination of the Department of Education's rulings related to Title IX and the participation of transgender athletes in sports, including specific cases and compliance deadlines.

* Federal Funding and University Controversies: Overview of federal funding decisions related to university controversies, such as the withdrawal of funding from the University of Pennsylvania, and the resulting debates on fairness and inclusion.

* Broader Trends in Education Policy: Exploration of the evolving discussions around race, gender, equity, and inclusion in education, and their influence on school policies and practices.

Join the Conversation: Share your perspectives and experiences on these evolving educational issues on social media.

Works Cited

U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). About ED. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/landing.jhtml

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. (2011, April). Dear Colleague Letter: Sexual Violence. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/title-ix-rights-201104.html

Texas Attorney General. (n.d.). Office of the Attorney General. Retrieved from

https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/using_articles.html

Congress.gov. (n.d.). Congress.gov. Retrieved from

https://www.congress.gov/

Episode Overview:

In this enlightening episode, Coach Jeffery delves into the transformative changes aimed at expanding access to higher education and addressing equity challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

* Harvard University’s Bold Move: We kick off with Harvard University's groundbreaking decision to offer free tuition starting in the 2025-2026 academic year for families earning up to $200,000.1 For those earning under $100,000, all expenses, including tuition, housing, and fees, are fully covered.

* Impact Across Higher Education: Learn about similar initiatives being adopted by MIT, UMass, and other elite universities. These efforts aim to diversify student bodies and level the financial playing field, potentially benefiting nearly 90% of U.S. families.

* Challenges for Smaller Schools: The discussion highlights concerns about how smaller institutions can compete with these new standards set by elite universities and what this means for the future of higher education.

* Federal Funding and Legal Battles: Coach Jeffery explores the lawsuit led by California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, challenging proposed cuts to the Department of Education. Discover the potential disruptions these cuts could cause, especially for low-income and special education students.

* Financial Literacy Focus: An OECD report reveals that only 11% of teenagers can solve complex financial problems.2 This sparks a debate on the best methods for teaching financial literacy, from standalone classes to integrated curriculums, alongside creative solutions like community budgeting workshops.

* Preparing for the Digital Economy: The episode concludes with a discussion on the need for systemic changes to equip students for financial challenges in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

* The push for free tuition is a significant step toward making higher education accessible to more families.

* Smaller institutions need innovative strategies to remain competitive.

* Legal battles over federal cuts highlight the ongoing discussions around education funding and priorities.3

* There is a growing recognition of the importance of financial literacy in preparing students for future challenges.

Tune in to explore these pivotal changes in education and their implications for future generations.

Connect with Us:

* Follow us on Twitter @TheCoachJeffery

* Join our Facebook group for more discussions and updates.

Works Cited

Harvard University. (2024). Harvard announces enhanced financial aid program. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/12/harvard-announces-enhanced-financial-aid-program/

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). (n.d.). Affordability & Aid. Retrieved from https://sfs.mit.edu/affordability/

University of Massachusetts (UMass). (n.d.). Tuition and Fees. Retrieved from https://www.umass.edu/bursar/tuition-fees

California Department of Justice. (2023). Attorney General Bonta Leads Coalition Challenging Federal Cuts to Critical Education Programs. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-leads-coalition-challenging-federal-cuts-critical

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2020). PISA 2018 Results (Volume IV): Are Students Ready to Thrive in an Interconnected World? Retrieved from https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2018-results-volume-iv_5307258e-en