This special Shifting Schools holiday episode isn't about trendy gadgets or generic gift lists.

Instead, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman share seven thoughtfully chosen gifts for educators—each matched to a specific kind of person and a specific kind of need. Some gifts are playful. Some are reflective. Some are deeply practical. All of them offer a meaningful boost during a season when educators are often running on empty.

This episode asks a practical question: "What might actually support someone through their days?"

Whether you're shopping for a colleague, a school leader, a family member, or yourself, this episode helps you gift with attention, care, and intention.

🎧 What You'll Hear in This Episode 1️⃣ TekXYZ Reflex Ball

A surprisingly powerful wellness tool for educators stuck in back-to-back meetings. Jeff and Tricia explore why quick movement resets attention, boosts mood, and even brings a little playfulness into staff spaces.

Perfect for: colleagues, teens, or any educator who needs a fast energy reset.

2️⃣ Letters by Lantern Light

A slow-burn, story-driven mystery told through monthly letters. This gift invites patience, curiosity, and narrative thinking—qualities educators value deeply but rarely get to savor themselves.

Perfect for: grandparents, ELA teachers, reflective readers, or monthly gatherings with friends.

3️⃣ Rocketbook Smart Notebook

A bridge between handwriting and digital organization. Tricia and Jeff unpack why this tool works so well for teachers, leaders, students, and creatives who think best with pen and paper.

Perfect for: note-lovers, journalers, sketchers, and idea-catchers.

4️⃣ Tune Up Fitness Alpha Ball & Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls

The gift for people who say they "don't have time for self-care." These small tools fit under desks and into real workdays—encouraging somatic awareness and tension release in minutes.

Perfect for: administrators, teachers, staff lounges, and anyone carrying stress in their body.

5️⃣ Makedo Cardboard Construction Tools

A maker favorite that proves creativity doesn't require expensive materials. Jeff and Tricia highlight how this kit supports problem-solving, collaboration, and playful design—for kids and adults alike.

Perfect for: families, makerspaces, staff retreats, and rainy-day creativity.

6️⃣ INQ Smart Pen

For analogue thinkers who want digital power. This pen syncs handwritten notes in real time, making it ideal for deep learning, graduate work, and idea remixing.

Perfect for: master's students, researchers, and lifelong learners.

7️⃣ TheraBox Monthly Subscription

A recurring reminder that someone is seen and appreciated. Tricia calls this her most universal gift—one that says "thank you" again and again.

Perfect for: anyone who gives a lot to others.

💡 Why This Episode Matters

This conversation goes beyond shopping lists. It models intentional gifting—a practice that mirrors great teaching itself: noticing, listening, and responding to real needs.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by last-minute holiday decisions, this episode offers clarity, warmth, and ideas that actually fit educators' lives.

🛒 Official Gift Links

• TekXYZ Reflex Ball → https://tekxyz.com

• Letters by Lantern Light → https://lettersbylanternlight.com

• Rocketbook Smart Notebook → https://getrocketbook.com

• Alpha Ball & Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls → https://www.tuneupfitness.com

• Makedo Cardboard Tools → https://www.make.do

• INQ Smart Pen → https://www.inqfactory.com

• TheraBox Subscription → https://www.mytherabox.com

We'd love to know—which gift would you give, and to whom? Join the conversation by sharing this episode or tagging @ShiftingSchools. Subscribe to the podcast for more thoughtful conversations about learning, leadership, and the future of education.

You know Pentatonix – the multi-platinum selling acapella group is the number one most listened to musical acct of the holiday season. Co-founder and Grammy winner Scott Hoying is currently starring in Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars.

Scott Hoying and his husband Mark are now also authors of an innovative picture book which features text that doubles as lyrics to a new, original Christmas song. FA LA LA FAMILY celebrates the spirit of Christmas with a look at nontraditional families.

The reviews are loving their new book:

"A fun and festive dive into Christmas celebrations with diverse families."―School Library Journal "Cozy and filled with love." ―Kirkus

In this episode of Shifting Schools, Tricia Friedman sits down with Scott and Mark Hoying, creators and authors of a new children's book that challenges traditional definitions of family and centers love, creativity, and chosen community.

Together, they explore why representation in children's literature matters, how creative collaboration shapes healthy partnerships, and what their journey toward modern, inclusive parenthood has taught them about patience, communication, and imagination.

This conversation is especially relevant for educators, parents, and caregivers seeking stories that reflect diverse families—and for anyone curious about how creativity prepares us for life's biggest transitions.

Chapters

• 00:00 What Defines Family Today?

• 02:51 Creativity, Collaboration, and Partnership

• 05:46 Communication in Creative Relationships

• 08:51 Preparing for Parenthood Through Art

• 11:42 Why Representation in Children's Books Matters

• 14:27 Stories, Holidays, and Belonging

ABOUT: Scott Hoying is a GRAMMY award winning and Emmy-nominated singer, songwriter, and arranger from the multi-platinum selling acapella group, Pentatonix. He co-founded the group in 2010 and has headlined hundreds of shows all around the world. He is currently starring in Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. He is very active in the LGBTQ+ community and works closely with The Trevor Project. How Lucky Am I? is his first picture book.

Mark Hoying is a writer and marketing professional from Seattle, Washington. After graduating from the University of Washington, he met and began developing projects with his husband, Scott Hoying. He co-wrote the original Christmas single "Thank You" on Pentatonix's holiday album and currently manages the girl group Citizen Queen.

Fa La La Family is published by Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

In this episode of Shifting Schools, bestselling author Alan Gratz joins Tricia Friedman to explore the craft of storytelling, the role of creativity in education, and why curiosity is the engine behind both great writing and great learning. Gratz shares how baseball has quietly shaped the structure of many of his novels, how he approaches character development with authenticity, and why understanding a character's background is essential for emotional truth.

The conversation also digs into the need for interdisciplinary learning in today's classrooms and the value of teacher collaboration. Gratz argues that creativity isn't a mysterious talent—it's a skill that can be nurtured, practiced, and strengthened when schools design learning experiences that cross traditional subject boundaries.

Whether you're an educator, writer, or lifelong learner, this episode offers fresh insights into how storytelling helps us understand the human experience and how curiosity fuels both art and education.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Alan Gratz's novel has stayed on the bestseller list for five years, a longevity he describes as "never taken for granted."

• He uses baseball as a metaphorical framework when structuring narratives.

• Creativity is a teachable practice—not an innate gift.

• Interdisciplinary learning increases student engagement and deepens understanding.

• Strong character development depends on knowing a character's background, motivations, and contradictions.

• Reading diverse perspectives cultivates empathy, curiosity, and creative thinking.

• Gratz encourages exploring multiple creative pathways in writing and education.

• Schools benefit when teachers collaborate across disciplines to build rich learning experiences.

🕒 Chapters

00:00 – The Legacy of a Best-Selling Author 02:57 – Baseball as a Creative Influence 05:43 – The Teachability of Creativity 08:46 – Interdisciplinary Learning in Education 11:37 – Character Development and Authenticity 14:20 – Curiosity and the Human Condition

ALAN GRATZ is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several highly acclaimed books for young readers, including Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor, Two Degrees, Ground Zero, Allies, Grenade, Refugee, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, Code of Honor, and Captain America: The Ghost Army, an original graphic novel. Alan lives with his family in the Pacific Northwest. Look for him online at alangratz.com.

Huge thanks to our show sponsor Poll Everywhere!

Learn more

In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht reconnects with Marcus DiPaola, a successful content creator and documentary filmmaker. They discuss Marcus's journey from working in news to becoming a prominent influencer on platforms like TikTok, where he has amassed over 4 million followers. The conversation delves into the challenges of content creation, the importance of writing skills, and the role of AI in enhancing creative processes. Marcus shares insights on his documentary work, including a recent project on protests and his upcoming film about food insecurity. He emphasizes the value of internships for aspiring creators and the dedication required to succeed in the industry.

Connect with him:

https://www.tiktok.com/@marcus.dipaola?lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/c/marcusdipaola

Takeaways

Content creation requires strong writing skills. Consistency is key in content creation. The journey to becoming an influencer is not instant. Internships provide invaluable experience for aspiring creators. AI can assist but cannot replace creativity. Documentary filmmaking involves significant research and planning. Understanding audience engagement is crucial for content success. Passion is essential to avoid burnout in content creation. Networking from internships can lead to lasting professional relationships. The landscape of content creation is constantly evolving.

Sound bites

"You have to be super consistent." "I make one 60 second video a day." "You have to be better than that."

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting and Backgrounds 02:39 The Journey of Content Creation 05:29 Documentary Filmmaking and Its Challenges 08:23 The Role of AI in Content Creation 10:58 Advice for Aspiring Creators and Future Projects

Thank you to our Sponsor Poll Everywhere

Learn more about them:

https://www.polleverywhere.com/plans/education?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=shiftingschools&utm_campaign=shiftingschools

Are micro schools the future of personalized learning? In this high-impact episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht sits down with David K. Richards, CEO of ChangeMaker Education, to break down one of the fastest-growing movements in the education ecosystem: microschools.

With over 125,000 micro schools and 1.5 million students already learning in small, relationship-centered environments across the U.S., this episode delivers a deeply practical and future-focused look at why educators, parents, and policymakers are paying attention.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• What a micro school really is — and why its flexible size (5–150 learners) unlocks personalization

• How the pandemic accelerated the movement, doubling homeschooling rates and driving families to seek community-based alternatives.

• Why micro schools are not new—they're the modern reimagining of the one-room schoolhouse.

• How micro schools fit across sectors: private, charter, district-partnered, and homeschool learning centers.

• The regulatory landscape educators must understand—voucher programs, ESAs, accreditation, and state-by-state flexibility.

  Key Insight From David Richards

  Teachers often underestimate how many entrepreneurial skills they already have—project management, relationship-building, instructional design, crisis navigation, and creative problem-solving. Micro schools simply give them a pathway to use those skills with autonomy, community connection, and purpose.

  Featured Guest

  David K. Richards CEO, ChangeMaker Education Charter school founder • Former Chief of Schools • Micro school accelerator • Host of Changemaker EDU Podcast

  Learn more or apply to launch a micro school at: changemakereducation.com

Huge thank you to our show sponsor, learn more about Poll Everywhere:

https://www.polleverywhere.com/plans/education?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=shiftingschools&utm_campaign=shiftingschools

What if our pets are communicating complex ideas—and technology is finally catching up? In this episode of the Shifting Schools Podcast, cognitive scientist and FluentPet founder Leo Trottier joins us to explore how breakthroughs in animal cognition, inter-species communication, and speech-button interfaces are reshaping the way humans understand pets.

Trottier unpacks the science behind communication-enhancing tools for animals, drawing from research in cognitive psychology, comparative cognition, and linguistics to explain how dogs and cats may be expressing needs, feelings, and even intentions. He also discusses how this emerging field could deepen human–animal bonds, strengthen empathy, and influence the future of animal welfare and education.

Listeners will learn:

• How cognitive science informs FluentPet's design

• What behavioral research reveals about dogs' communicative abilities

• Why emotional connection with animals supports childhood empathy development

• The ethical and rights-based implications of interspecies dialogue

• How next-generation technology could expand communication across species

Perfect for educators, future-focused parents, animal lovers, and anyone curious about the intersection of science, empathy, and emerging technology.

Thank you to our show sponsor for making episodes like these possible.

Learn more about Poll Everywhere today

Summary

In this episode, Jeff Utecht discusses the critical importance of understanding where schools stand on the AI adoption curve. He emphasizes the need for leadership to actively engage with AI and for educators to integrate AI into their teaching practices. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of AI in education, urging schools to move from mere conversation to meaningful integration.

Learn more about our amazing show sponsor: Poll Everywhere

Takeaways

• AI adoption is crucial for schools today.
• Leadership must model AI usage and curiosity.
• Schools are on a curve of AI adoption.
• Teachers should empower students to engage with AI.
• AI can enhance learning, not replace teachers.
• Starting small with AI can lead to significant progress.
• The goal is to move from conversation to integration.
• AI tools should be used daily by educators.
• Understanding AI is essential for future readiness.
• Schools must not fall behind in AI integration.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of AI in Education 02:37 Understanding the AI Adoption Curve 06:01 Empowering Schools to Embrace AI

Discover how educators are using generative AI not to automate, but to elevate critical thinking and collaboration in K-12 schools. In this episode of Shifting Schools, host Tricia Friedman shows how "disagreement by design" and intentional prompt-engineering transform student and leadership learning.

What you'll learn:

• What disagreement by design looks like in real classrooms and leadership teams

• How prompt engineering unlocks student curiosity and systems-thinking mindset in K-12

• Why writing bespoke GPT bots might just be the 'new essay' of our times

Who this episode is for: Any educator, school leader or district-innovator exploring how to responsibly integrate companion AI, AI avatars and prompt-driven dialogue into a learning ecosystem.

🧭 Key Topics

• What "disagreement by design" looks like in real classrooms

• How prompt engineering can unlock student curiosity

• Why generative AI needs to serve learning, not automation

• Examples of schools using AI for civic and digital literacy

• Mindsets for leading change with courage and care

Want to try out the chatbots?

'All about Avatars' https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69000b1682a8819188039180edcc55ce-all-about-avatars

On the Rise of Livestreaming: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-68ffd3cfb750819197dfa42090d38076-making-sense-of-fanum-and-the-rise-of-streaming

Learn more about our amazing show sponsor: Poll Everywhere

Keep learning with Shifting Schools

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Generative AI and Its Misunderstandings 01:36 The Importance of Designed Disagreement in AI 03:57 Prompt Engineering: Thinking Like a Designer 09:26 Creating Custom Chatbots for Specific Needs 13:52 AI Literacy and Community Building Through Technology

A conversation that reminds us how curiosity, art, and iteration can reshape are necessary and may even be assets for our school leadership and the ways we nurture creative courage in young learners....

In this episode, Tricia Friedman sits down with author-illustrator Christy Mandin to explore what school leaders can learn from the creative process behind children's literature. Together they unpack how curiosity fuels empathy, how messy iteration sparks innovation, and how embracing the dark and uncertain moments of creativity can make us more compassionate educators.

What You'll Learn

• Why boredom and unstructured time are essential ingredients for student creativity.

• How to help students (and ourselves) become friends with the dark—embracing uncertainty as a path to growth.

• Why modeling curiosity, reflection, and open-mindedness is one of the most powerful leadership moves.

Christy Mandin is the author and illustrator of multiple picture books. She's grown many interesting plants in her garden over the years but, so far, none with teeth or tentacles. She currently lives in Georgia with her husband and four children. Visit Christy online at christymandin.com or Instagram @christymandin

Learn more about our amazing show sponsor: Poll Everywhere

Keep learning with Shifting Schools.

The conversation about AI in education often starts—and stops—with cheating. But what if that's the least interesting part of the story? In this episode, Tricia Friedman speaks with the team behind the new show: The Homework Machine, MIT's Justin Reich and journalist Jesse Dukes. They unpack how generative AI is reshaping what we mean by integrity, creativity, and student voice. Together they explore how teachers can balance innovation with empathy, and what schools might learn from students already living in the AI age.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Homework Machine 02:47 The Importance of Listening to Students 05:45 AI and Academic Integrity: A Deeper Look 08:23 The Role of Relationships in Education 10:59 Challenges in Teacher-Student Relationships 13:46 Navigating AI in Education 16:38 The Need for Empathy in Educational Policy 19:15 The Impact of the Pandemic on Education 22:17 Engaging Skeptics in AI Discussions 24:41 Finding Balance in Educational Priorities 27:45 Creating Safe Spaces for Student Voices 30:27 Looking Ahead: Future of The Homework Machine

The Homework Machine is a mini series from TeachLab, a podcast that investigates the art and craft of teaching. Hosted by Justin Reich, MIT Professor and director of the MIT Teaching Systems Lab.

https://www.teachlabpodcast.com/

Jesse Dukes is a journalist and comedian who has done (nearly) all the jobs in podcasting and audio including producer, editor, executive producer, reporter, mix engineer, and teacher. Along with other projects, He's currently working with the Teaching System's Lab at MIT on The Homework Machine, a research and podcasting project about the arrival of generative AI in schools. He has taught audio storytelling at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke and Denison University.

Justin Reich is an associate professor of digital media in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing department at MIT and the director of the Teaching Systems Lab. He is the author of Failure to Disrupt: Why Technology Alone Can't Transform Education, and the host of the TeachLab Podcast. He earned his doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was the Richard L. Menschel HarvardX Research Fellow. He is a past Fellow at the Berkman-Klein Center for Internet and Society. His writings have been published in Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Washington Post, The Atlantic, and other scholarly journals and public venues. He started his career as a high school history teacher, and coach of wrestling and outdoor adventure activities.

We are grateful to our sponsors:

Poll Everywhere for supporting us this season, learn more:

https://www.polleverywhere.com/plans/education?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=shiftingschools&utm_campaign=shiftingschools