Vetted by Mark Vetter

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Dr. Micah Shippee, Director of Education at Samsung, former classroom teacher, researcher in innovation adoption, and futurist.

The conversation goes far beyond hardware. Together, they explore how schools can move from simply integrating technology to truly adopting innovation in ways that improve teaching and learning.

Dr. Shippee shares his journey from 22 years in the classroom to leading education strategy at Samsung, and explains why the most important question about any technology is not what it does today, but where it is going next. The discussion covers AI in education, digital safety, FERPA and COPPA considerations, screen-time concerns, collaborative learning spaces, and Samsung’s vision for interactive displays that amplify teachers’ existing workflows rather than forcing schools into a closed ecosystem.

You’ll also hear practical examples of how AI-powered features such as live transcription, lesson summaries, formative assessment tools, and searchable notes can support accessibility, IEP accommodations, and student understanding.

Whether you’re a superintendent, principal, technology director, instructional coach, or classroom teacher, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the future of educational technology and the human decisions that will shape it.

Cyber threats facing K–12 schools are growing more sophisticated every year, but districts don't have to face them alone.

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Bre Urness-Straight (OSPI), Garren Shannon, and April Mardock to discuss the development of the Washington Cyber Incident Response Team (CERT). Together, they explain how this statewide volunteer initiative will provide trained cybersecurity professionals to help schools, municipalities, and tribal agencies prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents.

The conversation explores why proactive cybersecurity hygiene matters, what happens when a district experiences an attack, how CERT volunteers are trained and vetted, and why collaboration across education and government is critical to protecting student data and public services.

Whether you're a technology director, district administrator, or simply interested in the future of cybersecurity in education, this episode offers an inside look at one of Washington's most important new initiatives.

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Teshon Christie, Chief Digital Transformation and Information Officer at Highline School District and a self-described culture-building innovator.

Teshon shares his journey from early days at AOL and network engineering to leading large-scale digital transformation in K–12 education. The conversation dives deep into what leadership really looks like when it matters most during a crisis.

After navigating a major cyber incident, Teshon reflects on the realities of incident response, the importance of team cohesion under pressure, and how strong leadership can turn disruption into opportunity. He unpacks concepts like technical debt in simple terms, explains why curiosity is a critical leadership skill, and shares how asking better questions can transform team performance.

The episode also explores the human side of leadership, including how to support teams through long hours, stress, and uncertainty without burning them out, and why trust and psychological safety are essential before a crisis ever happens.

Whether you are a CIO, educator, or leader in any field, this conversation offers practical insights on building resilient teams, leading with intention, and coming out stronger on the other side of adversity.

Technology in the classroom has evolved far beyond textbooks and projectors. In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Cindel Green, Public Sector Account Manager at Logitech, to explore how modern classroom technology is changing the way students learn, create, and demonstrate what they know.

From high-quality webcams and microphones to esports equipment and hybrid learning solutions, Logitech tools are helping schools unlock new opportunities for student creativity, collaboration, and access to education. Mark and Cindel discuss how video and audio technologies allow students to present their learning in new ways, how rural districts are expanding learning through hybrid classrooms, and why content creation is becoming an essential student skill.

They also explore emerging trends in esports, the growing importance of flexible technology that works across platforms, and how sustainability is shaping the future of classroom hardware.

Whether you're a district technology leader, educator, or education innovator, this conversation highlights how the right tools can empower students to communicate, collaborate, and succeed in a rapidly changing digital world.

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, cybersecurity leader Chester Wisniewski, Field CISO at Sophos, breaks down today’s real threats facing schools and public organizations. From social engineering and data breaches to the growing pressure on understaffed IT teams, Chester explains how the cybersecurity landscape has shifted and why schools are increasingly in the crosshairs.

He shares practical steps districts can take to strengthen security even with limited budgets, the critical importance of data governance, and why basic cyber hygiene often matters more than the latest flashy tools. A must-listen for technology leaders, administrators, and anyone responsible for protecting student and staff information in the digital age.

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, I sit down with Dr. Missy Wittman, co-founder of Neural Education and a visiting assistant professor at Pacific Lutheran University. We explore her journey in educational neuroscience, highlighting the importance of neuroplasticity in learning. Dr. Wittman shares insights on how technology and movement can enhance student engagement and discusses her recent research on the impact of AI on adolescent brain development. We delve into the critical balance between leveraging AI as a learning tool and ensuring meaningful human connections in education. Join us as we uncover innovative strategies to foster deeper learning experiences in the classroom.

Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry—so what can education learn from it? In this episode, Mark Vetter talks with Andy Hashimoto, Vice President of Insight Financial Services, about how AI is changing the way we work, communicate, and make decisions.

From meeting transcriptions to instant coaching and data privacy, Andy shares how his team is embracing AI responsibly—and what lessons schools can take from the private sector’s early adoption.

How can schools embrace AI without losing sight of equity, privacy, and academic integrity? Dr. Tara Nattrass, Chief Innovation Strategist at Lenovo, joins Mark Vetter to share her journey from classroom teacher to district leader to edtech innovator.

Together, they explore the opportunities and risks of AI in K–12, the importance of teacher voice in driving meaningful change, and the challenges of protecting student data in an increasingly digital world. Dr. Nattrass also highlights how assessment must evolve in the age of AI and why student-centered learning should remain at the heart of innovation.

Whether you’re an educator, technology leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers practical insights on how schools can balance innovation with responsibility in today's classrooms.

AI is no longer on the horizon—it’s already reshaping classrooms. In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, we sit down with Kris Hagel, CIO of Peninsula School District and one of the nation’s leading voices in K–12 AI integration.

Kris shares how his district became an early adopter, what authentic assessment could look like in an AI-powered world, and why school leaders must act now to protect student data and reimagine learning. From teacher training to national policy, this conversation dives deep into the opportunities—and challenges—of bringing AI into public education.

Whether you’re a superintendent, school board member, or educator, you’ll come away with insights on how to lead your district into the future of learning.

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, we sit down with Courtney Bock—Library & Technology Specialist and incoming Digital Literacy Coordinator at Mead School District. From early AI work with chatbots to helping shape policy in K–12 schools, Courtney shares her journey, optimism, and concerns around AI in education. Hear how she's leading district-wide conversations on data privacy, teacher training, and student safety, while championing tools that empower—not replace—educators. Bonus: hear about her surprising life outside of edtech as a competitive mounted shooter!