Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman
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Shifting Schools is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the latest trends, strategies, and tools in K-12 education. Hosted by educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, the podcast provides a platform for teachers, administrators, and education thought leaders to share their experiences and insights on how to improve teaching and learning. From innovative approaches in classroom management to leveraging technology for personalized learning, Shifting Schools tackles the most pressing issues facing K12 educators today. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a new educator, this podcast will inspire you to think outside the box and shift your educational approach. Tune in to Shifting Schools to gain new perspectives, share ideas, and join a community of passionate educators who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of their students. Follow us at @shiftingschools on Twitter and @shiftingschoolspod on Instagram and Tiktok

  1. Where is the current taking K12?

    6 HR AGO

    Where is the current taking K12?

    In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman discuss their upcoming training sessions focused on integrating AI into education. They emphasize the importance of understanding AI's impact on the job market, the necessity of prompt engineering as a new skill for educators, and the need for AI literacy among students. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of AI tools and the importance of addressing mental health concerns related to technology use among students. You can learn more about the five part series: https://web.cvent.com/event/19d647db-557e-4502-8a0c-17bd3325fe0b/summary Takeaways AI is reshaping the educational landscape and job market. Understanding AI's impact is crucial for educators and students. Prompt engineering is a vital skill for effective AI use. Generative AI can enhance learning and career exploration. Educators must engage with students about AI and its implications. AI literacy is essential for preparing students for future careers. The evolution of AI tools requires ongoing adaptation in teaching. Interdisciplinary approaches can enrich AI education. Mental health concerns related to technology must be addressed. Local context is important in AI training for educators. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education 02:51 The Driftwood: Navigating AI's Impact 08:38 Understanding Job Market Changes 14:19 Prompt Engineering: The New Skill 20:05 AI Literacy and Its Importance 25:57 Engaging with Students on AI and Mental Health

    31 min
  2. Step up for Second Chance for Students around the world

    8 SEPT

    Step up for Second Chance for Students around the world

    On April 13th, 2018, Nepali New Year's Eve, the University of Texas at Tyler revoked full-ride scholarships it had previously awarded to 60 Nepali students. The university described it as "an administrative oversight." But the global education community knew that it was an unprecedented admissions crisis. The scholarships, which included tuition as well as room and board, were revoked well after most other US university application deadlines had passed. Thus, Nepali students had already declined offers from other institutions they had previously applied to. The moment UT Tyler's mass email hit the inboxes of these high-need, high-performing students, some were already midway through the visa process to attend UT Tyler, and all had celebrated the momentous feat of a hard-earned Presidential Scholarship. In the days following, Selena Malla at USEF-Nepal, Kathmandu, issued a call on social media for help. After seeing a call for support from Selena, Joan Liu, a university advisor at the United World College of South East Asia, Singapore, stepped forward to help. Joan assembled a group of counselors from several corners of the world to form a volunteer crisis management team. Joan Liu is on the show to explain how we can step up this September to support Second Chance. Ready to learn more? https://www.secondchance.global/

    40 min
  3. Data Literacy: The Key to Future Problem Solving

    1 SEPT

    Data Literacy: The Key to Future Problem Solving

    In this episode, Jeff Utecht, Tricia Friedman, and Dr. Curt Merlau discuss the transformative role of AI and data literacy in education and employment. They explore how Pivot, an AI-powered tool, helps unemployed individuals find better job opportunities and training. The conversation emphasizes the importance of data literacy for educators and the potential of AI to personalize learning and improve educational outcomes. They also highlight real-world applications of data in education and the need for teachers to embrace AI responsibly to prepare students for the future. Connect with our guest on LinkedIN: Vice President @ Resultant | EdD, Organizational Leadership and Learning Former Educator, Administrator, and now Consultant. Interoperability Nerd. AI Enthusiast Connect with the work Dr. Curt does. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Pivot and AI in Employment 02:15The Importance of Data and AI Literacy 06:27AI's Role in Education and Personalized Learning 10:08The Power of Data in Student Success 12:42Emerging Pathways and Career Opportunities 19:36Preparing Teachers for an AI-Driven Future   Connect with Jeff and Tricia on LinkedIN   Jeff:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffutecht/     Tricia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-friedman/

    25 min
  4. Future-proofing students through service learning

    25 AUG

    Future-proofing students through service learning

    In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and LeeAnne Lavendar discuss the evolving landscape of service learning and education. They explore the importance of experiential learning, community engagement, and the need for transformative teaching practices that resonate with students. LeeAnne shares practical examples and insights on how educators can adapt their approaches to foster curiosity, joy, and meaningful connections in the classroom. The discussion also touches on the significance of future-proofing education by equipping students with essential skills for the complexities of the modern world. Chapters 00:00 The Future of Service Learning 05:52 Transformative Learning Experiences 11:33 Future-Proofing Education 14:30 Community Engagement in Education 19:16 Practical Approaches to Curriculum Design 22:39 Embracing Change in Education   Thank you to our amazing show sponsor: Alongside

    31 min
  5. Help students have a healthier relationship with the news

    18 AUG

    Help students have a healthier relationship with the news

    In this episode, Jeff Utecht interviews Jack Brewster, CEO of Newsreel, discussing the importance of news literacy, the impact of misinformation, and how Newsreel aims to engage students with high-quality news. They explore the role of social media and AI in journalism, the skills needed for future journalists, and how educators can utilize Newsreel to enhance students' critical thinking and media consumption habits. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Newsreel and Its Mission 02:29 The Role of News Literacy in Education 05:09 Engaging Students with Newsreel 09:00 Misinformation on Social Media 09:49 Skills for Future Journalists 14:04 AI's Role in Journalism 17:32 Data Insights for Educators 21:49 Ensuring Accurate News Reporting Jack has written for The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Time Magazine, Vice, Fortune, Newsweek, and The New York Daily News.  His reporting has been covered by The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNN The Washington Post, and other news outlets.  In September 2024, Jack and his then-colleague Sam Howard broke the story uncovering the source of the viral claim that Haitian migrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. In 2022, he led the team that conducted a landmark study on TikTok’s algorithm, which revealed its propensity to feed misinformation to young users. Jack was previously a Fulbright scholar in Germany conducting research on news avoidance and young people’s changing media habits. Get started exploring NewsReel today: https://newsreel.co/about

    29 min
  6. The Future of Civics with Joshua M. Scacco, PhD

    11 AUG

    The Future of Civics with Joshua M. Scacco, PhD

    Tricia Friedman and Dr. Joshua Scacco explore the evolving landscape of political communication, emphasizing the impact of technology and attention fatigue on democracy. They discuss the dual nature of change in political engagement, the importance of understanding human behavior, and the challenges posed by the entertainmentification of politics. Scacco highlights the need for future researchers to adapt to new communication styles and the role of regulation in shaping political messaging. The conversation concludes with a focus on building community and preparing individuals for meaningful democratic engagement. Joshua M. Scacco (PhD, University of Texas at Austin) is the founding Director of the Center for Sustainable Democracy at the University of South Florida. He also is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication. Dr. Scacco specializes in political communication, media content and effects, and quantitative research methods. He is the co-author, with Kevin Coe, of "The Ubiquitous Presidency: Presidential Communication and Digital Democracy in Tumultuous Times" (Oxford, 2021). Dr. Scacco also serves as a Faculty Researcher with the award-winning Center for Media Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Political Communication 03:02 Navigating Attention in Modern Politics 06:54 Emerging Technologies and Political Engagement 12:30 Understanding Human Behavior in Politics 17:15 The Entertainmentification of Politics 21:28 Preparing Future Researchers 27:12 Regulating Information in Democracy 32:58 Building Community for Democratic Resilience   Connect with our guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/jscacco/   Learn more about our show sponsor https://www.alongside.care/shifting?utm_campaign=Shifting

    47 min
  7. The Future of School with Dr. Annalies Corbin

    4 AUG

    The Future of School with Dr. Annalies Corbin

    In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Dr. Annalies Corbin, author of 'Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life.' They discuss the origins of the PAST Foundation, the importance of STEM identity, and the five key strategies for educational reform. Annalies emphasizes the need for cultural relevance, student agency, and problem-based learning in education. They also explore the challenges educators face in implementing these changes, the impact of standardized testing, and the concept of wicked problems in education. The conversation highlights the importance of community involvement and the future of education in preparing students for their roles as engaged citizens. Dr. Annalies Corbin is the Chief Goddess, Founder & CEO the PAST Foundation. In 2000, Dr. Corbin founded the PAST Foundation, an organization she envisioned could lead the way to connecting scientific research with classrooms, schools and communities. From 2000-2006, Annalies concurrently led the PAST Foundation and taught at East Carolina University’s Program in Maritime Studies. In 2005, when PAST opened its headquarters in Columbus, Annalies turned all efforts to building the PAST Foundation, assembling a team that could grow the reach and mission of linking learning to life.  From a single school partnership in 2006, Annalies has grown PAST’s supporters across the nation, building a reputation for both transforming teaching and learning by understanding tomorrow’s education needs. In 2015, Annalies’ commitment to transforming schools led to the development of PAST Innovation Lab. Connecting directly with teachers through online professional development courses, MAEd program and on- site workshops, PAST Innovation Lab impacts more classrooms and expands learning opportunities for teachers and students everywhere. In 25 years, PAST has impacted more than 3,000,000 students, over 25,000 teachers across 42 states, hosting nearly 20,000 visitors and building hundreds of partnerships. Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of Hacking School 02:54 Understanding STEM Identity 05:47 The Five Key Strategies for Education 08:28 Challenges in Implementing Change 11:24 The Impact of Standardized Testing 14:09 Wicked Problems in Education 18:55 Understanding Wicked Problems 21:21 The Role of Educators in Navigating Complexity 23:39 Shifting Mindsets in Education 27:25 Building Community Support for Change 31:18 Preparing Future Citizens and Thinkers 34:22 The Importance of Educator Authenticity Learn more about our sponsors and opportunities to connect with Jeff and Tricia this academic year: https://pod.shiftingschools.com/

    41 min
  8. Mental Health Meets AI: What Alongside Is Teaching Us About Students Today

    28 JUL

    Mental Health Meets AI: What Alongside Is Teaching Us About Students Today

    What if AI could help schools not just support educators as they work to manage student mental health needs, but prevent crises before they start? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Elsa Friis, licensed clinical psychologist from Alongside, returns to discuss how her team is using clinician-built AI tools to support students, educators, and families. From building trust through anonymity to boosting classroom attendance, Elsa shares research, real stories, and the myths she’s constantly debunking. 🎧 You’ll hear about: Why mental health support doesn't need to be 55 minutes long to make an impact The surprising issue most students anonymously seek support for (hint: it's not test anxiety) The difference between ChatGPT and what Alongside is actually doing with AI Learn more about our guest: Dr. Elsa Friis, Ph.D., Msc-GH, is a licensed psychologist, researcher, and behavioral health advocate who specializes in utilizing technology to expand access to youth mental health support. She received her MS in Global Health and PhD in Clinical psychology from Duke University where she leveraged human-centered design to develop an app to support the implementation of a family therapy intervention in Kenya. Dr. Elsa Friis has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles on the co-development, adaptation, and implementation of culturally salient youth interventions in the US and globally. Clinically, Elsa has worked and trained in a variety of settings in NC and GA including schools, primary-care clinics, academic medical centers, and hospitals. She is trained in a variety of third-wave cognitive behavioral treatments for youth including DBT-A, ACT, and TF-CBT. She specializes in family-based approaches to treating anxiety, severe behavior concerns, and suicidal ideation. Elsa firmly believes in co-creating products in partnership with the youth and stakeholders who will utilize them.   Learn more about the ground-breaking resarch they are doing: https://www.alongside.care/shifting?utm_campaign=Shifting   [02:15] – What Alongside Does How Alongside supports students through tier one mental health interventions. [05:30] – AI and Mental Health: What Makes Alongside Different Why this isn't just another ChatGPT wrapper—and how clinician-built tools matter. [10:45] – The Power of Single Session Interventions How 5-minute check-ins can drive lasting change in student well-being. [15:20] – What the Research Says About the Youth Mental Health Crisis Surprising findings about stress, social pressure, and how even fourth graders are feeling overwhelmed. [20:00] – How Alongside Supports Educators Too Reducing burnout, building staff confidence, and offering private coaching tools for teachers. [25:30] – What’s Next for Alongside New research, upcoming findings, and how to bring Alongside into your school or district.

    35 min
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Shifting Schools is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the latest trends, strategies, and tools in K-12 education. Hosted by educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, the podcast provides a platform for teachers, administrators, and education thought leaders to share their experiences and insights on how to improve teaching and learning. From innovative approaches in classroom management to leveraging technology for personalized learning, Shifting Schools tackles the most pressing issues facing K12 educators today. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a new educator, this podcast will inspire you to think outside the box and shift your educational approach. Tune in to Shifting Schools to gain new perspectives, share ideas, and join a community of passionate educators who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of their students. Follow us at @shiftingschools on Twitter and @shiftingschoolspod on Instagram and Tiktok

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