That's the IDEA!

In this special episode of That’s the IDEA, Don and Stefanie take time to reflect as they record their final episode together. Along the way, they dive into a conversation that feels simple on the surface but runs much deeper: the value of in person learning.

From the lasting impact of Edcamps and conferences to the reality of time, energy, and funding challenges, they explore what actually motivates educators to show up, connect, and grow. You’ll hear honest reflections on professional learning, the power of relationships, and why sometimes even one meaningful conversation can make all the difference.

It’s a thoughtful, real, and at times lighthearted conversation about connection, change, and what comes next.

So whether you’re thinking about your next professional learning experience or just reflecting on your own journey, this episode is one to sit with.

After all, sometimes the best ideas start with simply showing up.

Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Dr. Sawsan Jaber for a powerful conversation about student voice, identity, and what it truly means to create human-centered classrooms. From her journey in education to the ideas behind Pedagogies of Voice, she challenges us to rethink how we build community, honor lived experiences, and use inquiry to transform learning. This is one of those conversations that stays with you.

In this episode, Don Sturm and Stefanie Crawford talk with Stefanie Pitzer, 2025 IDEA Administrator Educator of the Year, about building a culture of readers through simple, powerful moves like lunch read alouds and a virtual family book club. Expect practical takeaways, relationship-driven leadership, the importance of embracing what makes you “extra,” and a few laughs along the way because learning should come with some joy.

Join Don and Stefanie as they welcome high school English teacher Marcus Luther for a lively conversation about what student-centered learning actually looks like in real classrooms. Marcus reflects on the fifth grade teacher who helped shape his path, shares why community is the secret sauce behind meaningful reflection, and offers practical ways to help students build reflective muscles even when they do not know where to start. They also explore thoughtful decision making around technology, including how to stay grounded in core classroom values while everything around us keeps changing. Expect big ideas, usable strategies, a little sports talk, and the kind of educator joy that reminds you why this work still matters.

Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Ted Neitzke, a former social studies teacher turned superintendent and mayor, who brings big energy and a clear message about making improvement actually stick. Ted shares why mindset matters, how every educator leads with influence regardless of job titles, and why reflection can be a daily habit that fuels stronger teams and stronger classrooms. They’ll explore practical ways to build trust, boost engagement, and charge into the storms that show up in education every day.

Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Kunal Dalal, Monday’s IDEAcon keynote speaker. Kunal is a former teacher and principal turned AI thinker and builder. Kunal shares how his work with AI began through parenting, grew through student and district partnerships, and continues to challenge how we think about learning, creativity, and responsibility in a rapidly changing world. This conversation is reflective, practical, and future-focused, and like always, there is curiosity, honesty, and plenty of laughter along the way.

In this episode of That’s the Idea, Don and Stefanie sit down with Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason, the first Indigenous educator named Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year. Wunneanatsu shares her journey from the high school history classroom to Brown University, reflects on the power of local and inclusive history, and challenges us to rethink whose stories get told and how. This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and energizing, with practical ideas for teaching complex history in ways that help every student feel seen, heard, and curious, and like always, there’s no shortage of laughter.

Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Matt Farber, associate professor at the University of Northern Colorado and longtime voice in game-based learning. Matt shares how his path from middle school social studies teacher to researcher led him deeper into play, games, and social emotional learning; explores connections between films, podcasts, books, and student literacy; and gives listeners a preview of what IDEAcon 2026 attendees can expect to learn with him in February.

Join us as we sit down with educator, author, and edtech whisperer Marcus Stein to explore what it really means to make professional learning human. From keeping PD short and authentic to building classrooms that reflect who we are, Marcus shares how to bridge industry and instruction, use AI with intention, and center relationships so teachers and students actually thrive.

Join us as we sit down with educator and creative powerhouse Lisa Mo to explore what it really means to keep people at the center of innovation. From rethinking how we use STEAM and AI to amplifying student voice and teacher agency, Lisa shares how to make learning human again. She reminds us that educators drive the tools, not the other way around, and that every student deserves to feel capable, confident, and seen.