LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

This week, Jerri and Jamie are joined by Tony Vincent, an educator whose creative, practical ideas have inspired teachers for years. As the mind behind Learning in Hand, Tony has dedicated his career to helping educators design student-centered, technology-rich learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.

Tony shares how thoughtful design and meaningful choice can transform engagement and deepen learning. From his early days as a fifth-grade teacher to his work as an edtech consultant, Tony's journey is a masterclass in curiosity, creativity, and authentic teaching. Tune in for fresh insights, inspiring ideas, and the wisdom of an educator who continues to guide and energize teachers everywhere.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tony Vincent is an educator, innovator, and creative force in edtech. His 26-year journey began as a fifth-grade teacher in Nebraska, where his class pioneered the use of Palm Pilots, sparking the creation of his Learning in Hand website. Now based in Iowa, he continues to teach, speak, and share practical ideas that blend creativity, technology, and authentic learning.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with author and thought leader Zuica Donev to explore her new book, Inside Job. Zuica shows us why the most impactful leadership starts within and how lasting change comes from the work of self-discovery, resilience, and purpose.

Together, we unpack key themes from her book: quieting the noise, leading with authenticity, and building the inner strength to thrive in today’s complex world. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, Zuica offers a clear roadmap for anyone ready to lead from the inside out. Tune in to see how doing the “inside job” can transform not only your leadership, but your life.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Zuica Donev is an author, licensed therapist, and leadership coach dedicated to helping others unlock their potential and lead with authenticity. She began her career as a special education teacher, where she quickly discovered the untapped strengths within individuals and became driven by questions of human behavior, growth, and purpose. Her journey led her to roles as a behavior specialist, counselor, and Director of Special Education, each deepening her understanding of resilience and human potential.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

School is only the starting line. The real question is: How do we prepare students to drive and thrive in a future economy we can barely imagine? In this episode, we sit down with Brad Baird, founder of Penda Learning, and Dr. Steve Miller, a leading researcher on learning platforms, to discuss the future of education and explore what it takes to connect learning with real-world opportunities.

Together, Brad and Steve share what’s possible when innovation and equity intersect. From improved learning outcomes to data-driven impact, this episode makes us rethink our traditional understanding of student success.

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ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Brad Baird is a visionary leader with a passion for transforming education through innovative solutions. With over 30 years of experience in sales and technology within the education sector, he has demonstrated a dedication to addressing the most pressing challenges facing students, educators, and administrators. As CEO of Penda Learning, he is driven by a mission to equip schools with the tools they need to foster engagement, achievement, and long-term success.

Dr. Steve Miller is an applied neuroscientist and technology executive with 25+ years of experience bridging research, technology, and enterprise operations. A published author, inventor, and seasoned presenter, he thrives on turning ideas into actionable systems, leveraging data, innovation strategy, and leadership to deliver meaningful results.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

What happens when a high school student’s big idea meets a classroom full of learners? In this episode, you’ll meet Ronil Dubal, a high school senior and founder of Studysnap, and Meghan Killeen, a curriculum specialist who put the app to work with her students at Temple University.

After inviting Ronil to share Studysnap with her English language learners, Meghan discovered just how powerful the tool could be in supporting diverse students. Together, they reflect on the journey from idea to classroom impact and explore how AI-driven tools are reshaping the future of learning.

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ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Meghan Killeen is the Curriculum and Assessment Specialist for TCALC’s Academic Team. She graduated from The University of Westminster, London, U.K., with a degree in Applied Linguistics and Literature. She has nearly 15 years of teaching experience at both private institutions in Japan and at universities in New York City, including CUNY-LaGuardia and Pratt Institute. She has also served as a research assistant for a professional development program aimed at K-12 educators at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research concentration is in project-based learning, assessment, and inter-semiotic communication.

Ronil Dubal is the founder of Studysnap and a current high school senior from San Jose, CA.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

We're celebrating International Dot Day with the return of bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds to the pod! In this episode, we catch up with Peter on what's been keeping him busy lately and how he's expanding the Dot movement to millions around the world.

Together, we dive into Peter's work, including new stories that champion kindness and courage, and learn more about how he's continuing his mission to unlock creativity in every learner.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Peter H. Reynolds is an accomplished writer, storyteller, and illustrator who has been acclaimed around the globe for his best-selling “stories for all ages” about protecting and nurturing the creative spirit, including the three books in his “Creatrilogy” - The Dot, Ish, and Sky Color.

The Dot has now been published in over twenty languages, including Braille, and has won numerous awards. Each September, a growing number of educators and students have joined International Dot Day for a global celebration of creativity in the classroom.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

What happens when a side hustle disappears, a global pandemic flips everything upside down, and two college students refuse to sit still? For Sophie English Smith and Leah Guesman, it sparked an idea that would reshape how families navigate the college journey. In this episode, we sit down with the co-founders of Your College Contact, a mentorship service built to take the stress out of applications, scholarships, and campus life by pairing students with experienced guides who’ve already been there.

Together, Sophie and Leah share how their idea was born in the middle of COVID, the risks they took to get it off the ground, and how they're now helping families cut through the stress with real, personalized support. From their very first students to the growing network they’ve built today, their story is all about turning challenges into opportunities and proving that mentorship can change everything.

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ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Sophie English Smith, CEO & Co-Founder of the nationally recognized College Contact platform, is a graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, where she studied Marketing and IT with a focus in Data Analytics. Before venturing into entrepreneurship full-time, Sophie worked in the venture capital, private equity, and private banking spaces. Despite being offered a full-time banking position at Morgan Stanley in NYC, Sophie went on to raise over $1.5M for College Contact, which was named the EdTech Startup of the Year at SXSW EDU in 2025 and the Career Pathways EdTech Product of the Year at EDTECH week 2024.

Leah Guesman is the Co-Founder and COO of College Contact. Originally from Los Altos, California, Leah graduated from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce in 2023 with degrees in Marketing and Economics. In 2023, Leah joined Sophie as a co-founder, combining her business expertise with her commitment to expanding access to college and career resources. She leads the development of partnerships with schools and nonprofits, enabling College Contact to reach thousands of students.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

How do you lead with purpose, serve with heart, and still make room to grow? In this episode, we’re joined by Drew Hinds, an education leader whose journey takes us from the classroom to the Oregon Department of Education and beyond. With every step, Drew’s focus stays crystal clear: empowering educators and making tech integration not just doable, but transformational.

Drew shares a framework for leadership that's equal parts wise and actionable. Find someone ahead of you, someone beside you, and someone behind you to bring along. From mentorship and policy to classroom practice and peer support, Drew weaves together big ideas with boots-on-the-ground strategies that educators at every level can use. It's a conversation full of heart, legacy, and the power of lifting others as you climb.

Whether you're in the classroom, supporting teachers, or shaping systems, this episode will inspire you to lead with intention and carry someone forward with you.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Drew Hinds is a passionate student-first education leader who has served as a teacher, school principal, and assistant principal, secondary CTE instructor, program coordinator, technology director, and college instructor with experience leading both public and private organizations.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

Recorded LIVE at ISTE 25/ASCD in San Antonio, Jerri and Jamie sit down with Australian edtech rockstar and #AussieED founder Brett Salakas. Known for his people-first approach to technology, Brett shares how his personal story shaped his mission to connect, empower, and inspire through edtech.

Brett offers real-world lessons on building connections, creating meaningful learning experiences, and empowering students and educators to embrace innovation. In true Texas spirit, he even draws surprising (and surprisingly wise) parallels between educational leadership and the iconic pit stop Buc-ee’s.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brett Salakas is a teacher, leader, poet, and the founder of #aussieED (the largest online network of teachers in Australia) and the co-founder of both the ED Poets Society and #TheWalkingED. Passionately committed to turning educational theory into real classroom practice, Brett is all about connection, collaboration, and inspiration.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

Get ready to laugh, learn, and level up your classroom with Tyler Tarver! In this lively episode, Jerri and Jamie sit down with the one and only Tyler—educator, author, YouTube sensation, and social media standout—for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and hilarious.

Tyler shares his go-to tech tips and creative strategies to make teaching more fun, effective, and downright unforgettable. From using humor to build real connections with students to clever ways to bring simple tech tools into your daily instruction, this episode is full of fresh, practical ideas you can try right away.

Don’t miss this fast-paced, feel-good chat that’s bursting with energy, laughter, and tons of inspiration for educators who love to keep it real.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Tyler Tarver is a Director of Learning & Development. He speaks at conferences across the country on various topics related to teaching, remote learning, administration, efficiency, technology, social media, and culture. He has amassed over 120 million views and 500k subscribers on his channels. He also created and maintains TarverAcademy.com, where he helps students/teachers with math, tech, and an assortment of educational needs. Tyler loves helping people move forward and empowering them to be the hero in their classroom.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

What if bravery isn’t something you’re born with, but something you train for? In this episode, Jerri and Jamie welcome Crista Samaras, former U.S. Women’s National Lacrosse Team player, entrepreneur, and founder of Brave Enterprises. Crista shares her mission to help people, especially women and girls, build measurable bravery so they can face discomfort, take bold risks, and grow with intention.

Through powerful stories from sports and business, Crista shares how bravery works, why it matters, and how schools and organizations can create spaces that nurture it. From the science of discomfort to real-world bravery training, this conversation will leave you rethinking what it means to be brave and how you can build it, one challenge at a time.

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ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Crista Samaras is the Founder and CEO of Brave Enterprises. A graduate of Princeton University, Crista was also an outstanding lacrosse player. She was a three-time All-American, three-time All-Ivy League selection, and two-time Ivy League Player of the Year, and played for the US Women's Lacrosse Team from 1995-2007. Prior to founding Brave, Crista coached thousands of high school athletes for over a decade. She is a master educator who connects with junior female athletes both virtually and in-person to enable them to lock in all-terrain life skills to excel both on and off the field.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.