The Good Life EDU Podcast

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into how Elm Creek Elementary is using High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) to transform the learning experience in science for their students. Elm Creek Elementary principal Terah Williams and 4th-6th grade science teacher Katie Holland join Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10 to share their journey with implementing PhD Science. Throughout the episode, listeners will learn how hands-on learning, inquiry-based models, and innovative teaching practices are engaging students in authentic scientific thinking.

Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your science instruction or are simply curious about new teaching methods, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways.

To learn more about PhD Science, visit https://greatminds.org/science/phdscience

To access the Nebraska Department of Education's repository of formative tasks for grades 5-8, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/assessment/science-classroom-formative-task-repository-for-grades-5-8/ and contact NDE.

To learn more about the science support and upcoming science-related events hosted by ESU 10, reach out to Dianah Steinbrink https://esu10.org/about/staff-directory

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by national keynote speaker and restorative practices expert Ali Hearn, alongside Scott Eckman of Nebraska MTSS, to explore how restorative practices can transform school culture -- and to promote the upcoming NeMTSS Summit! Ali shares her experience working with schools nationwide to help students and staff foster connections, build trust, and create safe spaces for students, educators, and learning. The conversation delves into the proactive strategies of restorative practices, the importance of embedding them into multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and how schools can shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. Scott provides valuable insights into Nebraska's implementation of these practices and the ongoing efforts to build sustainable systems across the state. We hope you enjoy this thoughtful discussion on reshaping education through restorative practices and creating environments where every student and staff member feels they belong.

Learn more about the Nebraska MTSS efforts and Summit at https://nemtss.unl.edu/

To connect with Ali and learn more about her work, visit https://heyalihearn.com/

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we spotlight the upcoming Nebraska Digital Citizenship Symposium taking place on October 16th, 2024. Peg Coover of ESU 10 joins us along with the event's keynote speaker Jen Casa-Todd as we dive into the history and evolution of the annual NE DigCit Symposium event. In the episode, Jen previews her message, highlighting her LEAD framework, which emphasizes learning, empathy, awareness, and digital role modeling as crucial elements of student leadership online. Listen to learn how students will grow as digital citizens while engaging in hands-on activities that empower them to create positive change in their own schools.

REGISTER YOUR STUDENTS FOR THE EVENT and access the NEDigCit online resources and competition at https://bit.ly/NEDigCit

Learn more from Jen Casa-Todd at https://jcasatodd.com/

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Mike Kentz, founder and CEO of Zainetek Educational Advisors, to discuss the evolving role of AI in education. Mike shares his journey from being a financial journalist to a middle school writing teacher and eventually becoming an AI education consultant. He unpacks his unique perspective on how AI can amplify the teaching process, emphasizing the importance of depth over efficiency. From guiding teachers through the emotional side of AI adoption to grading chats instead of essays, Mike provides a thoughtful, reflective look at how AI can reshape writing instruction and assessment.

To learn more from Mike Kentz, visit https://zainetek-edu.com/

To watch Mike's TEDx Talk on the importance of AI Literacy, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRyWDNjRWaw

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive deep into Nebraska’s statewide efforts to improve literacy through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Join us as Mary Jo McElhose (NeMTSS Systems Consultant with NDE) and NeMTSS regional support leads, Heidi Farmer and Kala Peyton, share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in advancing literacy education across the state.

This conversation explores the alarming data on student reading proficiency, the science behind how the brain learns to read, and the critical role of high-quality instructional materials and practices. Learn about the collaborative initiatives, support systems, and practical strategies aimed at empowering teachers and improving literacy outcomes from early childhood through secondary education.

To learn more and connect with these great education leaders, visit https://nemtss.unl.edu/

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into the ESUCC's statewide Social Studies Inquiry Project with Mark Brady of ESU 7 and three incredible teachers from this summer's iteration of the project (Cassie Kenedy of Omaha Public Schools, Jeff Maddox of Creek Valley Public Schools, and Sydney Daly of Millard Public Schools). Together, we highlight the three-year journey of developing nearly 90 inquiry-based social studies units for grades 4-8, created by Nebraska teachers for Nebraska classrooms. Cassie, Jeff, and Sydney detail the challenges, successes, and insights gained from this unique professional learning experience and share how these innovative resources are elevating social studies education across the state. Join us to hear firsthand stories of statewide collaboration, creativity, and commitment to engaging students in deeper learning.

Access all resources related to the Social Studies Inquiry Project at https://www.esucc.org/instructional-materials/social-studies/

Access the Nebraska OER Hub at https://oercommons.org/groups/nebraska-social-studies-inquiry-project/11856/?&__hub_id=55

The Nebraska Page of the C3 Teachers site https://c3teachers.org/nebraska-c3-hub/

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, listen to this earlier episode where we connect the SSIP to the C3 Framework and the national effort to transform instructional practices in social studies: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-c3-teachers-and-nebraska-esus-are-transforming/id1512974122?i=1000641983055

In this thought-provoking episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Evie Wusk, a professor of educational technology at Peru State College, to delve into the evolving relationship between AI and education. Together, we explore how technology is not only reshaping teaching and writing but also influencing the broader human experience. Drawing from her recent EdSurge article, Dr. Wusk offers a nuanced perspective on balancing AI’s efficiencies with the need to preserve the deep, meaningful aspects of education. Join us for a compelling conversation that invites educators to critically reflect on the future of teaching and learning in the age of AI.

Read Dr. Evi Wusk's EdSurge article https://www.edsurge.com/news/2024-06-17-ai-might-save-teachers-time-but-what-is-the-cost

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by UDL expert Katie Novak to explore the latest advancements in Universal Design for Learning and how the evolution of UDL is shaping the future of inclusive education. We also delve into the role of AI in enhancing UDL practices and the critical importance of robust professional learning systems in driving meaningful change. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how to elevate student learning experiences and outcomes through UDL.

REGISTER TODAY to be a part of the NeMTSS Summit an d learn from Katie Novak, live and in-person, on September 26-27 in Kearney, Nebraska!

https://nemtss.unl.edu/2024/02/23/2024-nebraska-mtss-summit-super-systems-for-success/

LEARN MORE FROM KATIE...

Novak Education: https://www.novakeducation.com/

The Education Table Podcast: https://www.novakeducation.com/theeducationtablepodcast

SEE ALSO...

CAST's UDL Guidelines 3.0 (released on July 30, 2024): https://udlguidelines.cast.org/

Tom Gusky on Professional Learning: https://tguskey.com/

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore the pivotal role of Network Nebraska in enhancing education across the state. Our conversation dives into how this collaborative statewide network provides reliable and affordable internet and telecommunications services to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and other educational entities. Learn about the initiatives, resources, and partnerships that make Network Nebraska a critical infrastructure for educational success and innovation.

Discover how Network Nebraska can support your educational institution by exploring their resources and considering membership. Visit https://networknebraska.ne.gov/ to learn more.

Dr. Kristen Mattson joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week for the third and final installment of our Summer Learning Series featuring speakers who shared at Nebraska education conferences this summer. In this episode, Dr. Mattson provides practical examples of Digital Citizenship in action, delves into AI in education, and makes both topics approachable for all educators in our shared responsibility to create spaces for students to learn and grow as citizens in a digital world.

Links Referenced in the Episode Include:

TeachDigCit.com

TeachDigCit.com/framework

TeachDigCit.com/picturebooks

https://www.pinterest.com/DrKMattson/dig-cit-discussions/ (images for discussion)