In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark chats with Don Wettrick, CEO of the StartEdUp Foundation, to explore the future of entrepreneurship education. Don Wettrick talks about how the foundation is transforming high school students into proactive problem-solvers and innovators through initiatives like the Innovate Within pitch competition. This program empowers young minds by encouraging them to tackle real-world problems, leveraging tools like AI to enhance opportunity recognition, design thinking, and impactful execution. Wettrick gets into the importance of embedding entrepreneurship as a universal skill set that can be applied across various careers, enabling students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset that extends beyond just starting businesses.

• (00:00) Introduction to Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI
• (03:15) Entrepreneurship as a Universal Skill
• (06:30) Challenges in Teaching Entrepreneurship
• (07:57) Teacher Accelerator and Fellowship Program
• (12:54) Success Stories and Impact
• (18:57) The Role of AI in Modern Entrepreneurship
• (21:55) Vision for Innovation Hubs in Schools
• (24:10) Advice for Young Entrepreneurs and Educators
• (25:57) Encouraging Problem-Solving at Home
• (28:04) Closing Thoughts and Final Tips

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog
• Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level
• Don Wettrick's LinkedIn
• StartEdUp Foundation
• Don Wettrick's Blog
• Don Wettrick's X

In this episode of “Catching Up,” Mason Pashia and Nate McClennen dive into the endless potential of AI across various sectors, with a focus on education and music. They explore the implications of AI-generated music, the concept of unbundling education to expand learning ecosystems, and the emerging importance of digital credentials and learner records. The discussion also highlights a new framework for school redesign, emphasizing real-world experiences and adaptability in a changing labor market. They further delve into the concept of abundance, inspired by recent literature, and its application to educational innovation. The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring value of human connections and creativity in an increasingly digital world. Tune in to explore how these themes are reshaping the landscape of learning and work.

• Watch the full video here
• Suno
• Choosing Abundance Despite an Instinct for Scarcity: New Experiences and New Models
• More Options, More Opportunities: How AI Can Support High-Quality Learning for All
• Digital Credentials Summit Recap
• Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson
• Michael Horn and Ron Matus

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia and his guests talk about how YouScience is transforming career navigation for students and educators. Joined by an achieved panel of guests, including Peter Van Mondfrans from YouScience, Kaitlyn Tyler from the Greater Springfield Partnership, Christina Walters of Knight Dispatch, and Jamison Truebenbach from the Global Impact STEM Academy, the discussion explores the dynamic intersection of education, workforce development, and technology. They go in-depth on YouScience's unique approach to identifying student aptitudes and matching them with career opportunities, the critical role of local partnerships in retaining talent, and the transformative impact of real-world learning experiences.

Tune in to learn how this collaborative effort is equipping students with the tools, confidence, and language to thrive in the evolving job market, while fostering a stronger connection between education and industry.

• (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast
• (01:18) Meet the Guests
• (05:04) Pete's Sales Journey and Career Insights
• (07:38) Understanding Aptitudes with YouScience
• (09:45) YouScience's Impact on Employers and Students
• (14:56) Greater Springfield Partnership's Role
• (17:53) Real-World Learning and Internships
• (40:42) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Peter Van Mondfran | Linked In
• Kaitlyn Tyler | Linked In
• Christina Walters | Linked In
• Jamison Truebenbach | Linked In
• YouScience
• Greater Springfield Partnership
• Night Dispatch
• Global Impact STEM Academy
• Book: Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce

In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews engages in an enlightening conversation with Tiffany Green, the visionary founder of Uprooted Academy. This innovative platform is designed to transform the college application journey for young students by incorporating holistic elements such as financial literacy, wellness, and community engagement. Tiffany shares her personal experiences and insights, revealing how Uprooted Academy is not just about getting students to college but ensuring they thrive through comprehensive support that tackles often-overlooked areas like mental health and family involvement. By employing technology and AI, Uprooted Academy personalizes the college preparation process, making it more accessible and equitable for underrepresented communities.

Tiffany discusses the systemic challenges faced by students in navigating the complex college application landscape and how Uprooted Academy addresses these issues through a community-centric approach. The platform's unique features, like the AI assistant Rudy, provide students with tailored guidance, helping them manage stress and build a support network. With a mission to redefine educational equity, Uprooted Academy equips students, families, and educators with the tools and knowledge needed for long-term success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leveraging technology and community resources to close educational gaps and empower the next generation of learners.

• (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast
• (01:28) Tiffany's Personal Journey and Inspiration
• (05:44) Holistic Approach to Student Support
• (07:11) The Role of Technology in Uprooted Academy
• (10:27) Building a Supportive Community
• (18:13) Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
• (26:02) The Importance of Wellness and Co-Regulation
• (29:34) Empowering Students and Communities
• (32:08) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Uprooted Academy
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma 
• David Brooks -  December Cover Story: David Brooks on How the Ivy League Broke America

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we're thrilled to host Dr. Sonal Patel and Tonya Coats from the California Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science Professional Learning Partnership, commonly known as Cal MSCS. This duo is leading the charge in revolutionizing computer science education across California by focusing on equity and access. They share insights into how Cal MSCS is creating a comprehensive, multi-agency system designed to provide sustainable professional learning infrastructure for educators, ensuring that students across diverse backgrounds gain critical skills in collaboration, design thinking, and problem-solving.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Patel and Ms. Coats emphasize the significance of equity-minded instruction in computer science, detailing how their programs aim to empower educators with the strategies and tools needed to integrate equity-focused practices into their teaching. By teaming up with initiatives like the Seasons of CS program and the CSTA Equity Fellowship, they are working tirelessly to bridge educational gaps and provide opportunities for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how to build equitable learning environments that not only address current educational disparities but also prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

• (00:00) Welcome to the Getting Smart Podcast
• (02:12) Introducing the Cal MSCS Team
• (03:44) Equity in Computer Science
• (06:48) Seasons of CS Program
• (09:11) Equity-Minded Instruction in Computer Science
• (11:49) Collaborating for Equity and Social Justice
• (21:39) Overcoming Barriers in Education
• (24:18) Community Partnerships and Support
• (27:53) Conclusion and Resources

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• LinkedIn
• San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
• Seasons of CS
• Cal MSCS
• Advancing Computer Science Equity With CSTA Equity Fellow Sonal Patel
• Starting the CS Journey in Elementary with CSTA Equity Fellow Tonya Coats
• Sustainable Development Goals

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Rebecca Midles sits down with Aylon Samouha, the CEO of Transcend and a visionary in education reform. They delve into the concept of The Third Way, an approach that blends community insights with proven educational practices to create lasting change in schools. Aylon shares his insights from years of experience in the field, discussing the limitations of traditional top-down reforms and the challenges faced by grassroots efforts. Together, they explore the importance of truly listening to students and communities to design learning environments that meet today's needs. The conversation is a thoughtful journey through the complexities and possibilities of transforming education, emphasizing the power of student-centered learning and community-based design.

• (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast
• (02:19) The Need for a New Educational Design
• (06:04) Historical Resistance to Change in Education
• (10:01) Impact of the Pandemic on Education
• (11:41) The Importance of Student Experience
• (14:31) Listening to Students: Challenges and Benefits
• (18:16) Surprises in Community-Based Design
• (21:47) Hopes for the Future of Education
• (24:20) Parallels Between Jazz and Education Design

• Watch the full video
• Read the full blog
• LinkedIn
• Transcend Education
• The Aspen Global Leadership Network Fellow
• Watch Aylon as a jazz guitarist
• X profile

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Nate McClennen explores the topic of teen engagement with guests Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of "The Disengaged Teen." They delve into the four modes of learning—passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer—offering insights on how students move between these modes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of agency and engagement in education, providing practical strategies for parents and educators to help students thrive. By focusing on nurturing student curiosity and agency, the discussion highlights how both parents and teachers can make a difference in fostering a love for learning. This episode offers valuable perspectives on how to address disengagement and create more engaging learning environments for teens.

• (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast
• (01:17) Curiosity About Engagement
• (03:03) Engaging Learning Experiences
• (07:18) The Disengagement Crisis
• (10:46) Technology and Disengagement
• (12:16) Four Modes of Learners
• (15:20) Agency and Engagement Matrix
• (21:29) Practical Applications for Schools
• (25:45) Advice for Parents and Educators
• (38:28) Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Watch the full video
• Read the full blog here
• The Disengaged Teen
• Jenny Anderson LinkedIn
• Rebecca Winthrop LinkedIn
• New York Times Article

Welcome to the Getting Smart Podcast, in today's episode, we dive into the innovative initiatives of District 214, a leader in creating personalized, real-world learning experiences for students. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, District 214 is part of the Illinois Accelerate Ed cohort, focusing on bridging K-12 education with postsecondary opportunities and careers. Join us as we speak with Dr. Lazaro Lopez, Associate Superintendent, and inspiring students Ayana and Georgie, who share their unique paths in healthcare and engineering. Discover how these learners are navigating their futures with confidence and purpose in an ever-evolving world.

• (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast
• (02:11) Georgie's Journey in Engineering
• (05:05) Ayanna's Path to Medicine
• (09:36) The Role of Educators and Industry Connections
• (16:09) Success Metrics and Future Directions

• Watch the full video
• Read the full blog here
• Illinois Accelerate ED
• Dr. Lazaro Lopez
• LinkedIn
• D214 Pathways Handbook

In this episode, Mason Pashia is joined by Michael Horn to discuss his new book, "Job Moves: Nine Steps for Making Progress in Your Career." They explore the jobs-to-be-done theory and how it applies to career choices, highlighting the iterative process of career pathways. Michael shares insights on hiring your job, storytelling in career development, and the role of experiences in credentialing.

Outline

• (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast
• (02:09) Michael Horn's Career Journey
• (04:08) Understanding Career Prototypes
• (07:13) The Role of Storytelling in Careers
• (20:02) Advice for High School Students and Educators
• (22:34) Future of Job Market and AI

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• LinkedIn
• Michael Horn Website
• Job Moves
• Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life
• Next Chapter
• Michael Horn on Choosing College

Mark your calendars for SXSW EDU March 3-6, 2025 in Austin, Texas, and register now at sxswedu.com. Let’s work together to shape the future of education—one idea at a time.

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark interviews Abby Falik, founder of The Flight School, a transformative educational initiative aimed at high school graduates. The Flight School offers an innovative "launch year," encouraging young adults to step beyond traditional educational paths, explore personal passions, and engage in aligned work that addresses world needs. The program emphasizes experiential learning, global immersion, and self-discovery, distinguishing itself from the typical gap year by fostering skills such as resilience, empathy, and agency.

During the conversation, Falik articulates the importance of redefining success and education in a rapidly evolving world, aiming to prepare a generation of leaders equipped to navigate and contribute to a future shaped by global challenges and opportunities. The Flight School’s model, designed for scalability, seeks to involve a million students by 2035, making the experience accessible to diverse youth worldwide. Falik invites listeners to support and participate in expanding this vision, highlighting the broader societal shift towards valuing personal and communal impact over conventional academic achievements.

• (04:16) The Concept of a Launch Year
• (06:55) Components of the Flight School Program
• (14:25) Skills and Community Building
• (23:44) Scaling the Flight School Vision

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Abby Falik 
• The Flight School
• Previous Podcast with Abby