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 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 PhD Science® – Elementary Science Curriculum | Great Minds

To access the Nebraska Department of Education’s repository of formative tasks for grades 5-8, visit the Science Classroom Formative Task Repository. This is password protected repository, contact NDE for access information.

To learn more about the science support and upcoming science-related events hosted by ESU 10, reach out to ESU 10: Dianah Steinbrink