What are educators actually learning about AI in the classroom after several years of experimentation?

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by Matt Mervis, Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance and co-host of the ChatEDU podcast, for a grounded look at the classroom practices beginning to emerge around artificial intelligence. Rather than focusing on predictions about what AI might do for education, Matt shares what teachers and students are already doing and what appears to be working.

The conversation explores examples ranging from AI-supported tutoring and multimodal learning to flipped classroom experiences, custom chatbots that pressure-test student thinking, and students using AI to solve authentic, real-world problems. One particularly useful framing is “human first, AI in the middle, human last” designing learning so that students begin with their own thinking, use AI strategically to challenge or extend it, and ultimately return to human reflection, discussion, and creation.

Matt and Andrew also discuss the importance of scaffolding AI use rather than assuming students instinctively know how to use these tools well. That includes giving students low-pressure opportunities to practice, helping them critically evaluate AI responses, providing exemplars, and creating learning experiences where AI supports deeper thinking rather than simply completing the work for them.

Another helpful framework explored in the episode is thinking about AI as a clerk, colleague, or coach. Is the tool simply doing a task for us? Is it serving as a thought partner that challenges and extends our thinking? Or is it helping us develop a skill over time? That distinction offers educators and students a practical way to reflect on whether AI is replacing cognition or contributing to it.

The conversation also turns to the broader “techlash” surrounding screen time and educational technology. Matt argues for a more nuanced approach that acknowledges the genuine risks associated with AI and digital tools while also resisting blanket rules that treat all screen use as equal. Instead, he encourages schools and communities to examine the purpose and quality of technology use: reducing low-value screen experiences while preserving opportunities where technology enables meaningful learning, creativity, empathy, collaboration, and problem solving.

Connect with Matt Mervis

Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance and co-host of The ChatEDU Podcast: https://www.skills21.org/mattmervisbio

In this installment of The Good Life EDU Podcast’s NeMTSS Summit preview series, Andrew Easton is joined by Jonathan Mooney, advocate for those who learn differently and founder and CEO of the Divergent Impact Fund.

Jonathan shares his own experience growing up as a neurodivergent learner—struggling to read, spending much of his school experience feeling like the proverbial square peg in a round hole, and internalizing messages about what he could not do. He also explores the shift from viewing dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence primarily through a deficit lens toward recognizing them as naturally occurring differences that can bring both genuine challenges and meaningful strengths.

The conversation also moves from mindset to practice. Jonathan challenges educators to focus less on “fixing” students and more on changing environments so that different learners can thrive. He introduces the idea of benign indifference—responding to challenging behavior without turning that behavior into a judgment about the child—and discusses how educators can pair clear expectations and consequences with relationships, respect, and an unwavering belief in students.

Jonathan will continue these ideas at the NeMTSS Summit, where his keynote will challenge participants to think differently about learners who do not fit traditional expectations, while his breakout sessions will focus on what educators and leaders can do differently through concrete changes in practice, policy, and learning environments.

Resources & Connections

NeMTSS Summit

Learn more about the upcoming Summit and registration: https://nemtss.unl.edu/2026-summit/

Jonathan Mooney

Learn more about Jonathan’s advocacy, writing, speaking, and other work: JonathanMooney.com

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome Bill Bass, an award-winning educator, author, and national leader in instructional technology and literacy, for a conversation about how school and district leaders can thoughtfully navigate AI implementation. Bill serves as Innovation Coordinator for Parkway School District in St. Louis and has held leadership roles with ISTE and the National Council of Teachers of English.

Rather than framing AI as something schools either fully embrace or completely avoid, Bill encourages leaders to begin by understanding their local context. He shares the importance of gathering input from teachers, students, families, IT staff, and community members in order to understand current practices, concerns, capacity, and attitudes toward AI.

The conversation explores the difference between AI policy and AI guidance, including why districts may benefit from broader emerging technologies policies that can remain relevant as tools continue to evolve. Bill also shares why guidance should be practical, contextual, and connected to a district’s existing values, such as a portrait or profile of a graduate.

Andrew and Bill also discuss the urgency of helping students develop thoughtful experiences with AI now, while they are still supported by educators who can help them ask better questions, make mistakes safely, and think critically about the implications of using or not using these tools.

Later in the episode, Bill emphasizes that no one needs to position themselves as an AI expert. Instead, educators and leaders can create space for honest conversations about how AI is being used, what safeguards are in place, and how schools can tell their own story before someone else defines it for them.

The episode closes with a preview of Bill’s upcoming work with Nebraska educators around the NCTE guidance for AI in English language arts, including how national-level guidance can support classroom-level decisions and help teachers make AI-related conversations more actionable.

Resources Mentioned:

SupportED AI resources: https://nesupported.org/artificial-intelligence/

NCTE AI guidance for English language arts: https://ncte.org/working-ela-ai-framework/

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

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by Ben Hartranft, along with his mother, Sandy, and brother, Dan, for a conversation ahead of Ben’s upcoming keynote at the 2026 NeMTSS Summit.

Diagnosed with autism at age two, Ben’s journey has been shaped by family members, educators, therapists, and others who saw his potential and helped him take the next step. Ben, Sandy, and Dan reflect on those early experiences and the importance of being the person who creates opportunity, builds confidence, and helps someone discover what may be possible.

Ben also shares how his willingness to dream big (and keep going when others might have given up) has led to some remarkable experiences, from his connection with the Philadelphia Eagles and an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to now sharing his story with schools, businesses, and organizations across the country. Along the way, the family discusses the value of building independence in small steps, leaning into an individual’s interests and passions, and recognizing the ripple effect that one supportive person can have on another person’s life.

The conversation also looks toward Ben’s next big goal: helping create affordable, supportive housing that gives adults with autism greater opportunities for independence, stability, and community.

Ben will bring his trademark “Benergy” to Nebraska as a keynote speaker at the 2026 NeMTSS Summit, October 8–9 in Kearney. Sandy and Dan will also lead a breakout session exploring autism through the family and sibling perspective.

Resources Mentioned

2026 NeMTSS Summit

Learn more about the Summit and register at https://nemtss.unl.edu/2026-summit/

Benergy1

Learn more about Ben’s story, speaking engagements, and advocacy at https://www.benergy1.com/

Benergy1 Foundation

Learn more about Ben and his family’s work to support independent housing opportunities for adults with autism at https://www.benergy1foundation.org/

Swinging From the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey Through Autism

Written by Sandy Hartranft, the book shares stories, experiences, successes, and lessons from the Hartranft family’s journey with autism. Get your copy at https://www.benergy1.com/product-page/swinging-from-the-chandelier

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton welcomes Otis Pierce of ESU 7 back to the show for a summer learning recap and a some fun back-to-school conversation. Together, they reflect on ideas and experiences that shaped their thinking heading into the 2026–2027 school year, including takeaways from the Future Ready Nebraska Conference, the evolving conversation around digital citizenship, and the need for thoughtful local decision-making around screen time, AI, and technology use in schools.

Otis shares insights from Kristen Mattson’s framing of digital citizenship as preparing young people for full participation in an ever-evolving digital world, while Andrew connects that work to Nebraska’s broader digital citizenship efforts, including digital safety, digital well-being, media and information literacy, and social responsibility.

The conversation also explores the nuance needed when discussing screen time and technology in education. Rather than treating devices as simply good or bad, Andrew and Otis consider how technology can support learning when used with intention, while also acknowledging real concerns around distraction, addiction, and student well-being.

The episode closes with a look ahead to the school year, including the importance of helping educators understand AI as a tool that can support their work when used well. Otis highlights prompt writing as a key skill for educators and leaders, and Andrew points listeners toward Nebraska resources connected to digital citizenship, AI, and SupportED.

Resources Mentioned:

Future Ready Nebraska Conference: https://nefutureready.com/

Edvolve Digital Citizenship Framework: https://www.teachdigcit.com/framework

Nebraska Digital Citizenship Symposium: https://bit.ly/NEDigCit

SupportED: https://nesupported.org/

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by members of the NEMTSS leadership team: Amy Rhone, Scott Eckman, and Brooke Kahl for a preview of the 2026 NEMTSS Summit.

Together, they discuss the history and evolution of Nebraska’s MTSS work, including its roots in supporting improved outcomes for students with disabilities and its growth into a statewide system of support focused on all learners. This year’s Summit's theme, Destination Impact: Turning MTSS Systems Into Literacy-Driven Student Outcomes, reflects Nebraska’s continued emphasis on strengthening literacy instruction and using multi-tiered systems of support to improve outcomes for every student.

The conversation highlights what educators can expect at the summit, including keynote speakers, school spotlight sessions, practitioner stories, and opportunities for school teams to learn together. Amy, Scott, and Brooke also share why MTSS is not a one-time initiative or isolated program, but a systems-level approach to supporting both students and the adults who serve them.

Resource Mentioned:

NEMTSS website: Learn more and register for the Summit at https://nemtss.unl.edu/

For nearly three decades, the E-rate program has helped schools and libraries across the country afford the connectivity and internal networks essential to their work. Now, as federal officials reconsider the program’s purpose and future, education leaders are being called upon to explain why dependable connectivity remains vital to America’s schools.

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew welcomes Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), for a timely conversation about the history of E-rate, the questions now surrounding it, and what could be at stake for students, educators, and communities.

Learn More and Take Action

Visit SaveOurERate.com to access advocacy resources, review the E-rate funding received by your district or community, and share the local stories that demonstrate what reliable connectivity makes possible for students and schools.

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew welcomes Cynthia Curry, Project Director, and Jena Fahlbush, Technical Assistance Specialist, from the National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction, known as NCADEMI. Together, they unpack what digital accessibility means for K–12 schools and why this work is about much more than compliance.

The conversation explores accessibility as a civil right, the relationship between ADA Title II and IDEA, and the importance of designing digital materials, websites, communications, and instructional resources to be accessible from the beginning rather than retrofitted later. Cynthia and Jena also explain the role of WCAG 2.1 Level AA, the POUR framework, and the practical first steps educators and school leaders can take to build accessibility into everyday practice.

Listeners will hear examples that connect directly to school life, from websites and learning management systems to classroom documents, PDFs, social media posts, lunch menus, and instructional materials. The episode also highlights how accessibility benefits students, families, staff, and community members while helping schools create more inclusive and efficient systems.

Resources Mentioned:

NCADEMI Accessibility Basics: https://ncademi.org/create/basics/

NCADEMI ADA Title II Roadmap for SEAs and LEAs: https://ncademi.org/sustain/roadmap/

Nebraska Learning Network Accessibility Essentials Course: https://canvas.education.ne.gov/courses/accessibility-essentials

Across her previous visits to The Good Life EDU Podcast, Dr. Katie Novak has helped listeners understand the foundations of Universal Design for Learning, its role within MTSS, and the possibilities created when educators bring UDL and artificial intelligence together. In this return conversation, Katie and Andrew take the next step by examining what educators must understand themselves before they can use AI to design learning responsibly and effectively.

Drawing from her latest book, The UDL Shift, Katie explains why strong instructional design begins with firm goals and flexible means. Through a live example, she demonstrates how an AI-generated “UDL lesson” can unintentionally remove the very skill students are expected to learn and why standards alignment, pedagogical knowledge, and human review must remain central to the design process. The goal is not simply to generate something quickly, but to use AI within a thoughtful cycle of planning, analysis, revision, and human transformation.

The conversation also extends beyond lesson planning. Katie explores how educators can prepare students for standardized assessments without abandoning flexible and inclusive instruction, why interleaving is more effective than last-minute test preparation, and how students can build the metacognitive awareness needed to transfer their learning into less-flexible settings. Katie and Andrew also address growing concerns about screen time, accessibility, and device use, making the case for purposeful technology integration rather than an all-or-nothing approach.

This episode is a reminder that AI does not reduce the need for educator expertise; it makes that expertise even more important.

Resources Referenced in This Episode

The UDL Shift: Designing Inclusive Learning That Works by Katie Novak

Elevating Educational Design with AI: Making Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Equitable by Catlin Tucker and Katie Novak

Nebraska Learning Network, where Nebraska educators can access Katie’s free three-course UDL learning series.

AI-Enhanced Processes by Alex McMillan

Katie Novak’s UDL Flowchart

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton welcomes back Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO and Co-Founder of AI for Education, for a timely conversation about where schools are in their generative AI journey and what practical next steps can help educators, leaders, and students move forward with greater clarity.

Amanda shares the thinking behind AI for Education’s new SEE Framework, which defines generative AI literacy as the knowledge, mindsets, and practices that allow individuals to use GenAI safely, ethically, and effectively. The conversation explores why AI literacy cannot be limited to teachers or leaders alone, why schools should avoid gatekeeping these conversations from students, and how clear guardrails can help learning communities make more intentional decisions about AI use.

Andrew and Amanda also discuss the practical dilemmas schools are facing right now, including AI-generated feedback, AI grading, AI detection, student use of chatbots, Google AI Overviews, and the need to move beyond simple “AI is good” or “AI is bad” binaries. Amanda emphasizes that the work is not about adopting every AI tool or avoiding AI altogether, but about building the judgment to know when AI use is appropriate, when it is not, and how to remain intentional, critical, transparent, responsible, and committed to continued learning.

This episode also previews Amanda’s keynote and breakout session at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference, where she will explore the SEE Framework and provide practical examples, including “SEE snapshots,” that help educators think through real-world AI decisions using the framework’s lenses of safe, ethical, and effective use.

Resources:

AI for Education

Resource hub for AI literacy, guidance, prompt libraries, webinars, and practical supports for schools. https://www.aiforeducation.io/

The SEE Framework: A Practical Guide to Building Generative AI Literacy

AI for Education’s generative AI literacy framework focused on the knowledge, mindsets, and practices needed to use GenAI safely, ethically, and effectively. https://www.aiforeducation.io/the-see-framework-for-generative-ai-literacy

AI Course for Educators — AI for Education

A free, self-paced, two-hour course designed to help educators get started with AI, developing prompting strategies, considering ethical implications, and introducing AI to students responsibly. https://www.aiforeducation.io/ai-course

Beyond the AI Inflection Point

A futurist piece from AI for Education that explores a fictional school district’s AI journey from 2023 to 2030 and invites educators to think through the choices schools are facing now. https://www.beyondtheaiinflectionpoint.com/

Future Ready Nebraska Conference

Amanda Bickerstaff’s keynote and breakout session will highlight the SEE Framework and practical AI literacy decisions for schools. https://nefutureready.com/