SMILE Factor

The excitement is building for NYSCATE 2026! 

In this special episode, we welcome Dr. Amy DelCorvo and Mary Beth Guthrie to talk all things NYSCATE! From inspiring sessions and innovative ideas to meaningful connections and impactful learning opportunities, this year's conference is shaping up to be an incredible experience for educators.

Great learning. Amazing people. Endless opportunities to connect and grow!

This week on the SMILE Factor Podcast, Matt and Laurie dive into the unexpected setbacks that life and education throw our way. Things don't always go as planned, but how we respond can make all the difference!

Join us as we explore the power of resilience, staying positive, and finding opportunities for growth when challenges arise. Sometimes the biggest setbacks lead to the most meaningful comebacks!

The conference may be over, but the learning doesn't have to stop!

This week, Matt and Laurie reflect on the energy, ideas, and connections from MassCUE and discuss how educators can turn conference inspiration into meaningful action.

Attending a conference is just the beginning. The real impact happens when we bring those ideas back to our schools, share what we've learned, and take steps to put new strategies into practice.

Don't just leave inspired. Leave ready to make an impact!

Tune in for a conversation about keeping the momentum going long after the conference ends.

SMILE Factor Podcast: Getting Ready for MassCUE 2026!

MassCUE excitement is in the air! This week, Laurie and Matt share a sneak peek at their upcoming conference sessions, what they're most excited about, and the power of connecting, collaborating, and learning alongside fellow educators.

From fresh ideas to meaningful conversations, we're ready for an incredible MassCUE 2026

This week on the SMILE Factor, we welcome Carl Hooker for a conversation about screen time and students.

How much is too much? And is it really about the amount of time on a screen, or what students are actually doing with that time?

We dig into finding the right balance, making technology use purposeful, and keeping learning at the center.

Tune in and join the conversation!

I is moving fast—but innovation without safety isn’t the goal.

This week on the SMILE Factor Podcast, we’re talking about AI through a safety and security lens. From protecting data to building smart guardrails, we explore how schools can embrace the possibilities of AI while keeping students, staff, and systems protected.

Innovation matters. So does trust. Let’s make sure we’re building both.

Tune in and SMILE on!

This week on the SMILE Factor Podcast, we’re talking cybersecurity and why keeping staff informed, aware, and engaged is one of the strongest defenses a school district can have.

From recognizing potential threats to building everyday habits, cybersecurity works best when everyone understands they have a role to play.

Tune in as we talk about building awareness, communicating often, and creating a culture where cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

On this week’s SMILE Factor Podcast, Laurie shares the AI work she has been doing directly with students, what she learned from the experience, and how students responded when given opportunities to explore AI in meaningful ways.

Steve joins us to talk about keeping our focus on that journey and recognizing the impact we can make along the way.

Because learning isn’t just about reaching the next benchmark. it’s about what happens on the way there.

AI isn’t just something we should be talking about with students, it’s something we should be exploring alongside them.

On this week’s SMILE Factor Podcast, Laurie shares the AI work she has been doing directly with students, what she learned from the experience, and how students responded when given opportunities to explore AI in meaningful ways.

We also talk about practical tips for schools and districts looking to move AI from conversation to action—from where to start to how we can create opportunities for students to learn with AI, about AI, and through AI.

If your district is thinking about what student AI use can actually look like, this conversation is for you.

New episode of the SMILE Factor Podcast!