Navigating the educator certification process can feel overwhelming, but Nebraska’s Educator Certification team is working to change that! In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Katelyn Larsen, Director of Educator Certification, and Molly Barnett, Assistant Director, to discuss how their team at the Nebraska Department of Education is improving communication, streamlining processes, and enhancing support for teachers and school leaders across the state.

Listen in to learn about key updates, resources, and proactive steps educators can take to ensure a smooth certification or renewal process. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or district leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into Nebraska’s evolving approach to educator certification.

Looking to learn more? Visit the NDE Educator Certification page at https://www.education.ne.gov/tcert/

This special episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast explores the latest initiatives supporting world language education in Nebraska! Dr. Chrystal Liu, a World Language Specialist at NDE, and Dr. Nick Ziegler, a World Language Coordinator at ESU 5, join the pod to share some exciting updates, including competency-based crediting, the Seal of Biliteracy, and the new high-ability learner identification for world languages.

The episode also highlights Nebraska World Language Week 2024, an exciting statewide celebration happening February 17–23. Chrystal and Nick discuss the daily language themes, live student engagement activities, educator webinars, and the special collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, connecting Nebraska students with the global language community.

Listen to learn how students, educators, and families can participate, celebrate, and advocate for world language learning in Nebraska!

To learn more, visit NDE’s World Languages or check out details about Nebraska World Language Week

Kick off the new year with this insightful solo episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast! Host Andrew Easton explores the latest advancements in AI technology from OpenAI’s “12 Days of OpenAI” and updates within Google’s Notebook LM. Dive into the transformative potential of these tools for education, from enhancing lesson planning and student engagement to supporting professional learning and legislative bill analysis.

Through an innovative demonstration of Notebook LM’s new interactive audio overview features, this episode provides practical applications and thought-provoking ideas to inspire your educational journey in 2025.

Learn more about the 12 Days of OpenAI: https://openai.com/12-days/

Explore Google’s NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google/

In this episode, we reconnect with the Nebraska SEED Team—Dr. Julie Downing, Jeff Gilbertson, and Dr. Ryan Ricenbaw—to explore their ongoing commitment to supporting leadership and learning across the state. The team shares insights into their work, which centers on moving from a compliance-driven mindset to a focus on growth and development, all while fostering collective efficacy and effective leadership in Nebraska schools.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how the SEED Team leverages change theory, strategic leadership, and shared leadership to create impactful learning environments.

To connect with the SEED Team and learn more about how their work is empowering educators and driving change in Nebraska, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/educatoreffectiveness/meet-the-s-e-e-d-team/

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we spotlight the JAG Nebraska (Jobs for America’s Graduates) effort and its mission to prepare students for the future. We’re joined by Jessica Hedlund, JAG Nebraska’s Senior Expansion and Onboarding Manager, and Brock Paul, a JAG student leader at Tekamah-Herman Community Schools and the Nebraska State Vice President, to discuss how this transformative program is equipping students with the skills and leadership experiences needed for lifelong success.

Jessi and Brock share insights into the program’s trauma-informed approach, project-based learning curriculum, and employer engagement initiatives, which are driving workforce readiness and leadership development in the JAG students. From fostering communication and soft skills to creating real-world connections with employers, this conversation highlights the statewide impact of JAG.

To learn more about JAG Nebraska, visit, JAG Homepage

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore Nebraska’s newly revised 2024 Science Standards with Kellen Conroy of ESU 1 and Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10, co-leads of the ESU Science Cadre. Kellen and Dianah provide insights into the collaborative process behind updating the standards and the focus on supporting teachers statewide with resources and professional development.

Together, we dive into the evolution of science education in Nebraska, from the 2017 shift to three-dimensional standards to the current updates emphasizing scientific literacy, cross-curricular connections, and equity in instructional support. This conversation highlights how these standards prepare students to think critically and engage as future scientists, engineers, and informed citizens.

Whether you’re a science educator or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes efforts driving educational progress, this episode offers a deep dive into the exciting advancements shaping Nebraska’s classrooms.

Resources:

Access the Nebraska Dept of Education’s science page for more information and resources: Science Education – Nebraska Department of Education

In this episode, we take on the critical issue of school safety, featuring insights from Jay Martin, School Safety and Security Director at the Nebraska Department of Education, and Dr. Mike Lucas, Superintendent at Westside Community Schools. Together, we explore how Nebraska schools are enhancing safety through practical measures like secure vestibules and advanced technologies such as ZeroEyes, an AI-based weapon detection system.

From prevention and preparedness to response and recovery, this episode breaks down the key elements driving school safety initiatives across the state.

To access the NDE page on School Safety and Security, visit Nebraska School Safety & Security – Nebraska Department of Education

To access the NDE School Safety and Security Playlist on YouTube, visit NDE School Safety – YouTube

To learn more about ZeroEyes AI security, visit AI Gun Detection Technology: Enhancing Security and Safety | ZeroEyes

To learn more about the I Love You Guys Foundation, visit The “I Love U Guys” Foundation

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit, we explore how the Omaha Tribe Head Start program is transforming early childhood education through the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We are joined by Merissa Cruye and Shelsea Bia, who share their inspiring journey of bringing systems-level change to their Head Start program, serving children from six weeks to five years old across four townships on the Omaha Tribe reservation in Nebraska.

Merissa and Shelsea detail how the pandemic revealed gaps in early intervention services and led to a bold commitment to improving outcomes for the children in their program (and their families). They discuss the challenges and successes of integrating MTSS into their support at Omaha Tribe Head Start, including the use of data-driven practices, professional development, and building a foundation of collaboration through tools like CliftonStrengths.

This episode offers a powerful look at how systemic change and a dedicated team can create meaningful improvements for young learners!

To learn more about the Omaha Tribe Head Start Program, visit: Omaha Tribe Head Start | Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

To learn more about Nebraska’s MTSS efforts, visit: NeMTSS Framework | NDE

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit, we sit down with leaders from Ainsworth Community Schools to discuss their six-year journey of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We welcomed Ben Wright (K-6 Principal), Steven Dike (7-12 Principal), Heather Lutter (Middle School ELA Teacher and PBIS Team Leader), and Scott Steinhauser (School Psychologist and SPED Coordinator) to share their experiences fostering a culture of collaboration and student growth through effective interventions and enrichment opportunities.

From reshaping the schedule to accommodate intervention periods to focusing on reading as a foundational skill across all subjects, the Ainsworth team highlights the importance of breaking down silos and building systems that address the whole student. With personal stories of student success and reflections on professional growth, this episode provides valuable insights for educators and administrators looking to implement MTSS in their own districts.

To learn more about the NeMTSS effort in our state, visit NeMTSS Framework | Nebraska Department of Education – Nebraska MTSS

This special three-part episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast was recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit. It’s the first in a series we are doing to highlight the transformative work happening in Nebraska schools through the lens of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). In part one, Amy Rhone, Nebraska’s State Director with the Office of Special Education, and Casey Hurner, the Nebraska MTSS State Coordinator, discuss the importance of building cohesive systems that remove barriers to learning.

Part two features Chris Blecha from Brady Public Schools, as he shares his summit experience and how all stakeholder groups at Brady Schools have coalesced around their shared values and brought that emphasis into how they gather and support kids.

The third and final part of the episode welcomes Teresa Casart, Director of Learning at Louisville Public Schools, for insights into her conference experience and how Louisville’s Language Lab is broadening their ability to meet secondary learners where they are with their literacy skills.

This episode captures the excitement from the summit, featuring stories from educators on the front lines implementing MTSS to support students across the state. Listen in to hear how Nebraska schools are fostering inclusive practices and developing frameworks that empower every student to succeed.

To learn more about Nebraska MTSS, visit https://nemtss.unl.edu/