PowerSchool Powercast

In this episode of Powercast: Schoology Learning, hosts Ericka Waterman and Kellie Ady dig into a challenge that many districts face — how to communicate effectively with parents. From jargon-filled messages that confuse families to innovative ways districts are using Schoology to simplify communication, they explore what’s working, what isn’t, and how to make things better.

They’ll cover:

-Why educational terminology can overwhelm parents

-The importance of making information clear and easy to act on

-How Schoology’s parent accounts, groups, and courses help families stay engaged

-Creative examples of using Schoology to train and inform parents

-How AI tools like PowerBuddy can improve parent communication and support

Check out the User Toolbox for quick tips, videos, and more to level up your LMS game. https://www.powerschool.com/schoology-user-toolbox/

In this episode of Powercast: Schoology Learning, hosts Ericka Waterman and Kellie Ady dive into the hot (or cold!) topic of snow days. From the magical feeling of an unexpected day off to the new reality of virtual learning, they explore how districts are balancing tradition with technology.

They’ll discuss:

-The joy vs. the tradeoffs of snow days

-Equity concerns around meals and access

-How virtual learning tools (like Schoology, Google, and Microsoft integrations) are reshaping inclement weather days

-The evolving role of LMS platforms in supporting flexible learning

-Whether snow days should stay, go, or transform into something new

Plus, hear how Schoology and PowerBuddy can make virtual learning days more manageable for both teachers and students.

Check out the User Toolbox for quick tips, videos, and more to level up your LMS game. https://www.powerschool.com/schoology-user-toolbox/

In this episode of Powercast: Schoology Learning, hosts Ericka Waterman and Kellie Ady open up about a challenge that’s hitting even the most seasoned educators: burnout. From grading overload to shifting district priorities, they explore the many factors weighing on teachers today and how small changes can make a big difference.

Tune in as they discuss:

-Why even veteran teachers are considering leaving the profession

-Practical strategies to reduce grading fatigue

-How Schoology tools like Public Resources, Groups, and Workload Planning can ease the load

-The power of community and collaboration in keeping burnout at bay

-How AI tools like PowerBuddy can act as a thought partner and save valuable time

Check out the User Toolbox for quick tips, videos, and more to level up your LMS game. https://www.powerschool.com/schoology-user-toolbox/

In this episode of the Schoology Learning Podcast, Ericka Waterman and Kellie Ady dig into how the world of K–12 assessments is changing—and what that means for educators using Schoology Learning. With final exams being phased out in some states and conversations about AI-driven cheating on the rise, it's the perfect time to rethink how we assess student learning.

The hosts explore:

- Why more educators are turning to Schoology’s Course Assessments as flexible, formative tools that go far beyond bubble tests

- Ways to use audio, video, self-reflection, and student choice inside Schoology to support deeper learning

- Tips for using features like rich content blocks, tech-enhanced question types, and verbal feedback to personalize instruction

Whether you're capturing student thinking through video responses, embedding rubrics into your assessments, or exploring nontraditional ways to measure mastery, this episode offers real-world ideas and inspiration—right inside your LMS.

Head to the Schoology User Toolbox to explore how-to guides, videos, podcast extras, and even take our latest poll on final exams. https://www.powerschool.com/schoology-user-toolbox/

In this episode of the Schoology Learning Podcast, hosts Ericka Waterman and Kellie Ady are serving up “a few of their favorite things” from recent Schoology updates that are making everyday teaching smoother, especially in the elementary space. They cover exciting enhancements like submission controls for younger learners, mastery view access for parents, and creative ways to use PowerBuddy’s content generation tools to save time and spark student engagement.

They also dive into a hot-button trend in K–12 education: cell phone bans in schools. From classroom routines to districtwide policies, Ericka and Kellie reflect on what they’re hearing and invite listeners to join the conversation.

Tune in for practical takeaways, fresh ideas, and a lighthearted lunch break with your LMS besties.

Check out the User Toolbox for quick tips, videos, and more to level up your LMS game. https://www.powerschool.com/schoology-user-toolbox/

How do we build systems that adapt as quickly as our students grow? In this episode of Powercast, Bill Bass, Innovation Coordinator for Parkway Schools, former ISTE Board President, and longtime advocate for student-centered learning, joins us from the 2025 ISTE Conference in San Antonio, TX, to reimagine what education can be when it’s driven by curiosity, flexibility, and real-world relevance.

From challenging outdated ideas about curriculum and control to exploring mentorship and experiential learning outside the classroom, Bass shares why schools must remain agile: shaped by student needs and global trends alike. He also dives into how district leaders can stay ahead of what’s coming by listening closely to conversations happening now. If we want to prepare students for an unpredictable world, we need systems that evolve as quickly as they do.

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Connect with Bill Bass on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/williambass/ 

Welcome to another episode of Powercast! Today’s conversation comes from ISTE 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, where we sat down with Sue Moore, Director of Instructional Technology and Curriculum for Meriden Public Schools in Connecticut.

In this episode, Sue shares her district's innovative approach to AI integration in education, moving beyond the common fears of cheating and automation to focus on how artificial intelligence can genuinely improve student learning outcomes. She discusses the initial hesitancy teachers face with AI technology and how her district supports educators in embracing new tools through a culture that encourages experimentation and learning from failure. Sue provides practical advice for districts just starting their AI journey, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear guidelines and guardrails around student data privacy while communicating expectations to teachers, students, and parents. She explores how AI is transforming both classroom instruction and back-office operations for more seamless and efficient tasks.

Tune in to hear from this forward-thinking educational leader about preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, the importance of prompt engineering and critical evaluation of AI outputs, and why embracing AI now is crucial for educational success. 

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

In this episode of Powercast, Dr. Rick Fernandez talks with Julia Fallon, Executive Director of SETDA, about the future of educational technology and the systems that support it.They explore the evolving role of AI in schools, the importance of defining appropriate use cases, and why modernization means more than just digitizing outdated processes. Julia also highlights a critical issue often overlooked in K–12 spaces: cybersecurity. She makes the case for building secure, seamless, and interoperable systems that protect students and support educators as technology continues to reshape the learning environment.To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/Connect with Julia Fallon on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliafallon/

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guests: Julia Fallon, Executive Director at SETDA

Welcome to another episode of Powercast! In this episode, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Keith Konyk, Superintendent of Elizabeth Forward School District, to explore how future-ready initiatives are shaping classrooms and improving student engagement.

Keith shares how his district is embracing innovation—from immersive virtual reality experiences in math and science to iPad-based AR applications that bring lessons to life. He also highlights a bold district-wide focus on artificial intelligence, explaining how AI is being introduced systematically to support teachers, save time, and ensure students learn to use these tools responsibly.

If you’re interested in practical strategies for implementing cutting-edge technology without overwhelming educators, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, intentional planning, and creating meaningful opportunities. Tune in to discover how Elizabeth Forward is preparing students—and teachers—for a rapidly evolving world.

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Welcome to another episode of Powercast! Today, we're sitting down with Ryan Imbriale, Group Vice President of PowerSchool, Education Strategy, for an insightful conversation about the evolution of educational technology and what districts need to prioritize today.

In this episode, Ryan breaks down the watershed moments that have transformed edtech—from ubiquitous internet access and interactive whiteboards to one-to-one laptop initiatives that prepared districts for pandemic learning. He dives into why data integration is the next frontier for schools, explaining how educators are "data rich but information poor" when they can't easily access and connect disparate systems containing student academic data, attendance, transportation, extracurricular activities, and more. He emphasizes the critical importance of real-time data access for personalizing education and making informed decisions quickly.

Tune in to hear from one of education technology's seasoned experts on navigating ISTE, leveraging PowerSchool's integrated solutions like Schoology and MyPowerHub, and preparing for the future of personalized learning.

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Ryan Imbriale, Group Vice President of PowerSchool, Education Strategy