Rebel Educator‪®‬ Tanya Sheckley

EdTech Startup Showcase: Aidan Kestigian, Harvard philosophy fellow and ThinkerAnalytix VP, on using AI to improve information literacy and argument formation

Today, we’re pleased to share an episode originally recorded for the EdTech Startup Showcase. It’s been my pleasure to host a series of episodes for this show, which spotlights some of the most innovative emerging companies in edtech.

In this episode, Aidan Kestigian, a visiting fellow in the Department of Philosophy at Harvard University and the Vice President of Operations and Curriculum for ThinkerAnalytix, shares her insights on using AI to help students critically evaluate information and form better arguments. 

Hear about:
Pedagog.ai’s connection to philosophyHow AI can have a role in moderating disagreements and creating productive discussionGiving students targeted practice in making an argumentUsing AI to make content and exercises grade- and skill-appropriateGiving students the tools to critically evaluate what they’re reading and hearingPersuasive arguments in a disagreement
About the EdTech Startup Showcase
This BE Podcast Network original series shines a spotlight on the innovative edtech companies working to make a difference for students and educators. Through conversations with the founders and CEOs, partner organizations, and the educators who are using their products in schools today, listeners hear about solutions relevant to their chronic challenges and opportunity-expanding ideas to go into uncharted directions. To subscribe to the series, visit https://etss.bepodcast.network

About Pedagog.ai
Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:
http://pedagog.ai  https://twitter.com/pedagogycloud  https://www.instagram.com/pedagogycloud  https://facebook.com/pedagogycloud 
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year. 

Devin Vodicka has spent the past 20 years working towards high quality student  outcomes. He has earned multiple prestigious awards in the education field, including  2015 California Superintendent of the Year by both ASCA and Pepperdine University.  He is also a nine-time White House honoree in recognition for his achievements and to  partner with the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Educational Technology and  Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools. 
Devin's years of experience in the education system have made one thing clear, school  must have purpose and relevance. Listen as we discuss how schools can create  connectedness with the outside world and why it is imperative to listen to students. He  challenges us to review our definition of success and escape the perceived security of  our current educational model. 
In this episode, we discuss:  
- Why we need an asset-based perspective in schools 
⁃ How a different definition of success can change education 
⁃ Making progress within a rigid and resistant system 
⁃ What can happen when we listen to learner’s on-going input  
⁃ Devin’s experience establishing multi-aged, competency-based micro schools  ⁃ Some practical advice for parents to help energize their children 
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:  
⁃ Connect with Devin on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
⁃ Learner-Centered Leadership: A Blueprint for Transformational Change in  Learning Communities  
- Get your copy of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination Meet
- Learn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project library.
- Visit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment.
- Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here.

More about the Rebel Educator podcast:  
In each episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, I deconstruct world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents. Join me as we discuss how to shift the classroom, the learning environment, the mindset, and the pedagogy, to resist tradition, reignite wonder, and re-imagine the future of education.

This podcast is dedicated to all of the educators who work thankless hours to make our next generation the best it can be.  It was designed to begin conversations on how we can redesign education for the future of work and the success of our students.  It is meant for teachers, students, administrators, homeschoolers and anyone who interacts with and teaches youth. 
Originally Aired: August 2, 2021

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year. 

A former public school educator of 22 years, Will Richardson has spent the last 15 years developing an international reputation as a leading thinker and writer about the intersection of social online learning networks, education, and systemic change. Most recently, Will is a co-founder of The Big Questions Institute which was created to help educators use "fearless inquiry" to make sense of this complex moment and an uncertain future.

Join us as we discuss how to navigate this moment and why we shouldn’t go back to normal.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:
Meeting this moment of crisis with fearless inquiry9 questions schools need to ask to avoid going back to normalHow learning can be more student-centeredGetting the social experience of college without costWill’s best memory from elementary school
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Check out The Big Questions Institute and connect with Will on LinkedInGet your copy of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination MeetLearn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project library.Visit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment.Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here.
Enjoying the show? Leave us a rating and review and help more people find us!bit.ly/RebelEducatorApplePodcasts
We’d love it if you could take a few minutes to fill out this survey to let us know how we can bring you the best possible content: forms.gle/JcKHf9DHTZnYUmQr6 
Interested in being on the Rebel Educator podcast? Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think you'd be a great fit for an upcoming episode. https://forms.gle/CZJXLQDdevPh22ZN7
Want to learn more about opening your own UP Academy? Check out the Rebel Educator Accelerator:www.rebeleducator.com/courses/the-accelerator

MORE ABOUT THE REBEL EDUCATOR PODCAST:
In each episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, I deconstruct world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents. Join me as we discuss how to shift the classroom, the learning environment, the mindset, and the pedagogy, to resist tradition, reignite wonder, and re-imagine the future of education.
This podcast is dedicated to all of the educators who work thankless hours to make our next generation the best it can be.  It was designed to begin conversations on how we can redesign education for the future of work and the success of our students.  It is meant for teachers, students, administrators, homeschoolers and anyone who interacts with and teaches youth.
Originally aired:  August 2021

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year. 

Ross Wehner is a writer, teacher, and social entrepreneur who is the Founder of World Leadership School, which “partners with K12 schools to reimagine learning and create next-generation leaders.” Ross also co-founded the nonprofit TeachUNITED, which works to transform learning at rural schools around the world. Ross is guided by the question: How can K12 school become the ultimate platform for launching students into lives of purpose? 

Ross began his career by working as a journalist in Chile and Peru in the 1990s. He received a Master’s in Latin American literature and has worked as both a classroom teacher and a wilderness educator at the National Outdoor Leadership School. He has worked alongside executive coach Richard Leider, author of Power of Purpose, on leadership development programs for Fortune 50 executives around the world. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife and two children.

Join us for this uplifting conversation about the evolution of education, increasing student agency, and moving towards purpose-driven education.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:
Ross’ experiences as a journalist, classroom teacher, and wilderness educator and how they led him to founding the World Leadership School.Purpose-driven education and it’s place in reimagining education.The major shifts that have occurred in education and what the next step is.The pros and cons of technology and artificial intelligence in modern society, particularly on our youth.World Leadership School and how it’s working with schools to create more purposeful learning opportunities.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Connect with Ross on LinkedIn or send him an email at ross@worldleadershipschool.com Visit www.worldleadershipschool.com and www.teachunited.org to learn more about Ross and his workGet your copy of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination MeetLearn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project library.Visit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment.Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here.
Enjoying the show? Leave us a rating and review and help more people find us!bit.ly/RebelEducatorApplePodcasts
We’d love it if you could take a few minutes to fill out this survey to let us know how we can bring you the best possible content: forms.gle/JcKHf9DHTZnYUmQr6 
Interested in being on the Rebel Educator podcast? Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think you'd be a great fit for an upcoming episode. https://forms.gle/CZJXLQDdevPh22ZN7
Want to learn more about opening your own UP Academy? Check out the Rebel Educator Accelerator:www.rebeleducator.com/courses/the-accelerator

MORE ABOUT THE REBEL EDUCATOR PODCAST:
In each episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, I deconstruct world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents. Join me as we discuss how to shift the classroom, the learning environment, the mindset, and the pedagogy, to resist tradition, reignite wonder, and re-imagine the future of education.
This podcast is dedicated to all of the educators who work thankless hours to make our next generation the best it can be.  It was designed to begin conversations on how we can redesign education for the future of work and the success of our students.  It is meant for teachers, students, administrators, homeschoolers and anyone who interacts with and teaches youth. 

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins Univer

EdTech Startup Showcase: Physics and engineering teacher Ted Cuevas on reigniting his passion by empowering all learners

Today, we’re pleased to share an episode originally recorded for the EdTech Startup Showcase. It’s been my pleasure to host a series of episodes for this show, which spotlights some of the most innovative emerging companies in edtech.

Ted Cuevas, a physics and engineering teacher at High Tech High – Chula Vista (California), is the guest in this episode. He was the first teacher to start using Inkwire two years ago, pioneering innovative projects with students and contributing significantly to the shaping of Inkwire's platform with his pedagogical vision around learning and assessment.

Hear about:
Ted’s transition from mechanical engineering to teachingHow Ted, High Tech High, and Inkwire all commit to equity and empowermentCollaborating to design a platform for portfolios and enabling students to communicate about their learningHow the past few years have reignited his passion for teachingThe purpose and process of assessmentCompetency-based learning, project-based learning, AI, design, and more
About Inkwire
In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 

About the EdTech Startup Showcase
This BE Podcast Network original series shines a spotlight on the innovative edtech companies working to make a difference for students and educators. Through conversations with the founders and CEOs, partner organizations, and the educators who are using their products in schools today, listeners hear about solutions relevant to their chronic challenges and opportunity-expanding ideas to go into uncharted directions. To subscribe to the series, visit https://etss.bepodcast.network


We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year. 

EdTech Startup Showcase: Instructional specialist Amanda Anthony on empowering parents and differentiating to meet learners' needs

Today, we’re pleased to share an episode originally recorded for the EdTech Startup Showcase. It’s been my pleasure to host a series of episodes for this show, which spotlights some of the most innovative emerging companies in EdTech.

In this episode, Amanda Anthony, an instructional specialist with Connected Class, discusses her journey in education and shares insights on improving parent engagement, empowering parents to support learning, differentiation, and more. 

Hear about:
Amanda’s journey from music to K-8 educationHow Connected Class developed organically to meet teachers’ desire for better trainingCreating a real community between parents and schoolsEffective strategies for differentiated instructionMeeting students’ diverse needsHow to help parents become empowered learning partnersPlay as a tool for learning 
About today’s guest
Amanda Anthony is a Learning Link Instructional Specialist at Connected Class with over 20 years experience as an educator. She is known for providing invaluable feedback and differentiating instruction. Learn more about Connected Class:
www.connectedclass.com    https://twitter.com/connectedclass_  https://www.instagram.com/connected_class     https://www.linkedin.com/company/connected-class 
About the EdTech Startup Showcase
This BE Podcast Network original series shines a spotlight on the innovative edtech companies working to make a difference for students and educators. Through conversations with the founders and CEOs, partner organizations, and the educators who are using their products in schools today, listeners hear about solutions relevant to their chronic challenges and opportunity-expanding ideas to go into uncharted directions. To subscribe to the series, visit https://etss.bepodcast.network


We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.