Getting Smart Podcast

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Rebecca Midles sits down with Dr. Bill Nicely, Educator in Residence at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, to explore how cross-state, cross-sector collaboration in Kansas City is transforming education. They discuss the Real World Learning Initiative, the importance of market value assets for students, and how partnerships between urban, suburban, and rural districts are creating equitable opportunities. Tune in to learn how this innovative approach is preparing students for the future of work and fostering systemic change in education.

• (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast
• (03:39) Collaboration During the Pandemic
• (07:12) Challenges and Successes in Cross-State Collaboration
• (11:38) The Role of Business Partnerships
• (18:54) Measuring Success and Quality
• (25:44) Future Trends in Education

• Read the full blog here
• Watch the full video here
• LinkedIn
• Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Join us on this week's Getting Smart Podcast as we sit down with Sangeet Paul Choudary, author of Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Attacks the Knowledge Economy. Together with Tom Vander Ark, Sangeet explores the profound reshuffling of markets, education, and talent development in the age of AI. Discover how the value creation chain—curiosity, curation, and judgment—is shifting and why reimagining systems around AI as an engine, rather than a tool, is the key to thriving in the future. Tune in to unlock insights into coordination, innovation, and the possibilities of AI-driven ecosystems. Listen now!

• (00:00) Introduction to the Great Reshuffling
• (04:55) Curiosity, Curation, and Judgment
• (15:38) AI as a Tool vs. AI as an Engine
• (23:14) Coordination and the Future of AI

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• LinkedIn
• Reshuffle
• Platform Thinking Labs
• First Getting Smart Podcast Appearance
• Sangeet Substack

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Hayley Spira-Bauer explore the transformative potential of AI, media literacy, and personalized learning in reshaping education. The lively conversation discusses how generative AI can reduce teacher workloads, foster high-agency classrooms, and create opportunities for meaningful human connections. The conversation also dives into the importance of media literacy as a core skill for navigating today's digital landscape, empowering students to critically evaluate information and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Tune in to discover actionable insights on building innovative, student-centered learning ecosystems and preparing learners for the future.

• (00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction
• (01:50) AI's Impact on Teacher Workload
• (03:41) Increasing Human Connection and Learning Ecosystems
• (10:23) Reimagining Cross-Curricular Teaching
• (14:27) Student Agency and Self-Directed Learning
• (31:49) The Role of Content Knowledge and Skills

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Hayley Spira-Bauer Website
• LinkedIn
• Fullmind
• Learning Can't Wait Podcast

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore key topics shaping education today, from the varying start dates of schools across the U.S. to the global progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They dive into data on teacher shortages, discussing challenges with retention and exploring innovative solutions like rethinking educator models. The conversation also touches on the neuroscience of adolescent identity formation, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for healthy risk-taking and personal growth in schools. Tune in to hear insights on how schools can address current challenges while fostering connection, curiosity, and purpose among learners.

• (00:00) Introduction and Agenda
• (04:02) Global Goals and School Meals Progress
• (07:40) Public School Perception Survey Results
• (12:48) Teacher Shortage Data and Analysis
• (17:36) Rethinking Teacher Models
• (27:28) Identity Formation and Adolescent Development
• (37:23) Human Expression and Connection
• (42:47) What's That Song?

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• When Do Kids Go Back to School?
• Exclusive Poll: As Support for Schools Plummets, Americans Resist Closing Education Department
• Reading for Fun: Student Experiences
• How an Indiana District Puts a Premium on Teacher Autonomy
• Overview of Teacher Shortages
• How Can We Keep Teachers Teaching?
• State of the American Teacher Survey
• The Teaching Model That's Keeping Educators in Schools
• The Great Simplification Podcast: Taylor Guthrie
• Sand Talk: Indigenous Thinking in a World That's Lost Its Way
• Mile-Long Table in Denver Seats Thousands of Strangers to Eat and Celebrate Community
• Introducing Kestrel and Other Songs

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 innovation, and creating flexible, learner-centered systems. From micro-schools to professional development tools, this episode dives deep into the future of education. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about empowering communities and reimagining learning for all students!

• (00:12) Introduction and Podcast Overview
• (04:14) Meeting Dave Richards
• (08:28) Building the Future Learning Council
• (16:24) Supporting Rural Schools
• (20:10) Professional Development Resources
• (23:59) Future Vision and Innovation

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• LinkedIn
• Future Of Learning Council
• Michigan Virtual

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 students. Learn how these efforts are bridging the gap between education and workforce readiness, offering students functional solutions to real-world challenges.

• (00:00) Introduction and Podcast Overview
• (03:16) Memorable Learning Experiences
• (07:19) Chattanooga's STEM School Journey
• (19:17) Leveraging Labs for Essential Skills
• (20:34) Certification Process and Success Stories
• (25:37) Building Fab Folio: From Google Forms to AI Integration
• (29:27) Impact and Future of Fab Folio

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Fab Labs Network
• Michael Stone - LinkedIn
• Kristin Burrus - FabLearn Fellow
• FabLearn Fellows Program
• Volkswagen eLab Network

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, Mason shares insights that connect creativity with education, identity, and community. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that celebrates storytelling, imagination, and the transformative role of art in shaping how we view and engage with the world. Get your copy now!

• (00:00) Introduction to Kestrel
• (02:32) The Art of Poetry
• (12:00) Writing from a Place
• (15:20) Art and Education
• (21:45) Futures Thinking and Abundance
• (25:44) Closing Thoughts and Reflections

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Into Wind
• Buy Kestrel
• Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane

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 her team is preparing students for the future of work. Discover innovative approaches like interdisciplinary first-year courses, AI-infused learning paths, and the launch of new programs like the AI and Business Analytics major. Tune in to learn how the Kogod School is leading the charge in equipping students with both the technical and human skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.

• (00:00) Introduction to AI in Business Education
• (04:52) Integrating AI and Professional Skills
• (09:14) Fostering Professionalism and Communication
• (12:27) AI Literacy Across All Majors
• (16:13) Entrepreneurship and Business Education
• (22:37) Conclusion and Acknowledgements

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Casey Evans LinkedIn Profile
• American University Website
• Kogod School of Business Website
• Business Analytics and AI Program

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 of work-based learning, industry partnerships, and personalized career navigation to prepare learners for a complex and dynamic workforce. Tune in to hear about the future of work, education's response, and how regional and adaptive pathways can create equitable opportunities for all.

• (00:00) Introduction: AI's Impact on Jobs
• (02:27) Pathways to Economic Mobility
• (04:12) Current Job Market Challenges
• (09:05) Education's Response to Workforce Changes
• (14:21) Governors' Role in Workforce Development
• (24:58) Conclusion and Future Work

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Kerry McKittrick | LinkedIn
• Bloomberg Philanthropies CTE Initiative
• Harvard Project on Workforce

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 schools, and the power of decentralized networks to accelerate change. Tune in for insights on how education marketplaces and collaborative ecosystems can create future-ready learning environments.

• (00:00) Introduction and Catching Up
• (03:20) Scholarship Granting Organizations and Education Marketplaces
• (08:34) Innovative Education Models and Networks
• (22:49) Ethical Considerations in AI
• (28:45) AI in Education and Dependency Concerns
• (33:24) Human Expression and Storytelling
• (38:08) What's That Song?

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Free pre-K, kindergarten expanded under new law signed by governor (New Jersey Monitor)
• School choice causes confusion for families. Can edtech companies help? (EdSurge)
• CTE in 2025: The evolving pathway to opportunity in a tech-driven world (Strategos Group)
• Regional Education Agencies: The Critical Link Between the State and the Classroom (SISEP)
• ESA State-by-State Report – March 2021 (WAESD)
• EducationCounsel Policy Brief PDF
• The Flourishing Hub – Research (Gloo)
• Google Drive Document (PDF or File Link)
• Chat GBT Study Mode
• Google NotebookLM Video Overviews & Studio Upgrades
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Article