ChangED

Andrew Kuhn & Patrice Semicek

ChangED is an educator based podcast for Pennsylvania teachers to learn more about the PA STEELS Standards and science in general.  It is hosted by Andrew Kuhn and Patrice Semicek.  

  1. What Makes Students Want To Show Up

    1D AGO

    What Makes Students Want To Show Up

    What did you think of the episode? Send us a text! What if the most important people in your school system are the ones you rarely see? We sit down with Dr. Michael Heater—former teacher and principal, now an IU coordinator—to unpack how behind-the-scenes educators keep districts moving, support leaders under pressure, and build programs that make students want to show up. From realistic planning to social-emotional wellness, this conversation gets honest about what schools need now and how to deliver it without burning people out. Mike takes us inside the IU’s “many hats” reality: one hour on comprehensive planning, the next on federal programs, then a call from a principal who needs immediate help. We explore the stage crew analogy—why invisible work matters—and how trust becomes the currency that powers quick pivots. He shares practical strategies for keeping educators’ cups full, including nature-based wellness events, leader networks, and capacity-conscious improvement plans that trade checkboxes for impact. We also dive into equity across dramatically different districts and the engagement power of esports. Mike’s doctoral research shows how gaming programs spark belonging, communication, and leadership for students who never felt seen by traditional activities. The lesson travels: ask students what they value, then build the door that fits. Whether it’s girls’ wrestling, crochet club, or a first-time league match announced over the PA, connection before content changes everything—attendance, behavior, and the desire to learn. If you’re a teacher, leader, or support pro who cares about sustainable change, this episode offers grounded ideas you can use tomorrow. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review telling us which program in your school creates the most unexpected sense of belonging. Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed

    42 min
  2. Why the Real Risk of A.I. is What We Stop Doing

    JAN 26

    Why the Real Risk of A.I. is What We Stop Doing

    What did you think of the episode? Send us a text! What if the real danger of AI isn’t what it can do, but what we stop doing because of it? We sit down with licensed professional counselor, author, and retreat leader Joni Staaf Stanford to unpack how technology is reshaping attention, empathy, and everyday relationships—and how to build a practical antidote that restores depth, presence, and human connection. Joni introduces the core idea behind her new book, The AI Antidote, our minds are trading contemplation for convenience. We explore how validation-heavy chatbots can subtly condition us to avoid friction, why shallow summaries are crowding out deep reading, and how bias inside models can narrow our thinking without us noticing. From parenting to classrooms, we trace the consequences of screen-first habits—shorter attention spans, lower reading comprehension, and a growing discomfort with real conversations that don’t flatter or agree. The good news: you can reclaim your attention with small, repeatable practices. Joni shares a morning breathing routine to reset your focus before your phone, a three-times-a-day check-in that scans body, energy, mood, and mind, and a “choose the struggle” mindset that strengthens patience and critical thinking. We also map out where AI shines—plain-language explanations of medical or legal jargon, brainstorming after you’ve done your own thinking—and where to draw the line, especially for mental health and relationships. Joni provides a toolkit full of strategies for educators, parents, and professionals who want tech to serve their values, not replace them. If you’ve felt scattered, over-stimulated, or suspicious that your best thinking is being outsourced, this conversation will help you reset. Subscribe, share with a friend who could use a calmer mind, and leave a review telling us the first habit you’ll change this week. Use the links below to learn more about Joni's newest book or to connect with Joni directly. The AI Antidote: Preserving Human Connection & Emotional Intelligence In a Tech-Driven World Insight with Joni Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed

    42 min
  3. From Labels To Belonging

    JAN 11

    From Labels To Belonging

    What did you think of the episode? Send us a text! What if designing for everyone from the start could raise the floor without lowering the bar? We sit down with two veteran colleagues who live and breathe Universal Design for Learning and unpack how this framework transforms planning, teaching, and professional learning. Rather than chasing the perfect strategy, they show how UDL begins with a mindset: clarify the goal, anticipate barriers, and build options so students choose their best way into rigorous work. The conversation moves beyond classrooms to the systems that support them. We talk about modeling UDL in adult learning—multiple pathways, clear goals, options for novices and experts—and why cross-role teams (general ed, special ed, EL, psych) surface better solutions by seeing different barriers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by “do it all” initiatives, this episode offers relief and direction: start with one barrier, add one option, ask if it worked, iterate. That’s how we create belonging, reduce over-labeling, and help more students self-direct toward meaningful outcomes. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who cares about access and rigor, and leave a review with your own “plus-one” you’ll try next. Your idea might spark someone else’s breakthrough. Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed

    29 min
  4. Math Joy Without The Math Panic

    12/29/2025

    Math Joy Without The Math Panic

    What did you think of the episode? Send us a text! What if joy—not drills—was the engine of math learning? We sit down with math leader Rob Bayer to unpack how students become “mathers” when classrooms center belonging, discourse, and sense-making. The conversation moves past slogans and straight into practice: diagnosing root causes behind “kids can’t add,” using manipulatives at every grade to surface thinking, and designing instruction that turns algorithms into outcomes rather than starting points. We challenge the curriculum pendulum head-on. High-engagement tasks and Building Thinking Classrooms strategies can spark curiosity, but they can’t compensate for a weak core. At the same time, over-scripted teacher guides flatten professional judgment. Rob lays out a middle path: adopt materials that require student thinking, structure productive talk, and honor teacher facilitation—then back it up with real professional learning. Because impact doesn’t come from a book; it comes from teachers who understand learning trajectories and can guide students from concrete to representational to abstract with purpose. We also zoom out to the system level. From rethinking when fractions and statistics truly make sense to leveraging Desmos as a teaching tool, we explore how standards, tools, and pedagogy can align around deeper understanding. The big takeaway crosses subjects: ask better questions, center reasoning, and measure success by insight, not speed. If students are mathing, they’re mathers—and our job is to build spaces where that identity thrives. If this conversation sparks ideas for your classroom or district, share it with a colleague, hit follow, and leave a quick review telling us where you’ve found joy in math lately. Your insights help more educators find the show and keep the learning going. Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed

    33 min
  5. STEELS, Science, And The Shift

    12/15/2025

    STEELS, Science, And The Shift

    What did you think of the episode? Send us a text! Curiosity thrives when classrooms trade recipes for real experiences. We sit down with Kevin Murphy and Kaity Ferraro from Cheltenham to unpack how a district moves from “follow-the-steps” science to student-driven inquiry under STEELS—without burning teachers out. From the first messy pilot to a sustainable system, they show how small, intentional changes beat heroic sprints every time. Alignment becomes the multiplier. Administrators get trained on the resource and the pedagogy so walkthroughs recognize productive noise, open questions, and student talk as signs of learning. That shared understanding gives teachers permission to say “I don’t know—let’s test it,” and keeps evaluation from punishing the very behaviors STEELS asks for. Along the way, we share the human side—team dynamics, quick pivots, and even the icebreakers that spark laughter and honest debate—because culture is the infrastructure that makes a new model stick. If you care about science education that builds problem solvers, designers, and clear thinkers, this conversation offers a roadmap you can adapt tomorrow. Subscribe, share with a colleague who’s wrestling with STEELS, and leave a review to tell us the one 10% change you’re making next. Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed

    34 min
  6. How A Teacher Of The Year Maximizes Classroom Impact

    12/01/2025

    How A Teacher Of The Year Maximizes Classroom Impact

    What did you think of the episode? Send us a text! What happens when a celebrated classroom teacher steps onto the policy stage and brings the kids with him? We sit down with Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Leon Smith to trace the arc from daily bell schedules and ninth‑grade basketball practice to Capitol Hill meetings, op‑eds, and concrete fixes that help students and teachers thrive. Leon teaches AP U.S. History, AP African American Studies, and a pop culture elective, and he brings that breadth to a candid conversation about belief, representation, and the educator pipeline. He breaks down the subtle power of mentorship—naming potential students can’t yet see—while explaining why it scales only when systems value it. We dig into the real barriers to becoming a teacher: Praxis testing roadblocks, rigid GPA cutoffs, and the costly burden of unpaid student teaching. Leon offers practical alternatives like paid teacher residencies and apprenticeships that pair novices with master teachers and link coursework to authentic classrooms. If you care about recruiting diverse teachers, keeping great ones in the classroom, and making school feel like it belongs to students again, this conversation will meet you where you are and move you forward. Listen, share with a colleague, and tell us the one change you’ll try this week. If you enjoy the show, follow, rate, and leave a short review so more educators can find it. Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed

    31 min
  7. Quiet Engine, Loud Impact

    11/17/2025

    Quiet Engine, Loud Impact

    What did you think of the episode? Send us a text! Most people never see the machinery that keeps Pennsylvania’s schools running. We pull back the curtain with Dr. Mark Leidy, Executive Director of PAIU, to reveal how Intermediate Units quietly connect state policy to classroom reality for 500 districts—and why that “quiet engine” was straining under the budget impasse that froze both state and federally routed funds. We trace Mark’s path from middle school science teacher to superintendent to statewide leader and dig into the three pillars that guide IU work: advocacy to secure stable resources, networking to spread what works across regions, and innovation to meet needs that districts can’t shoulder alone. Our focus lands on Early Intervention, where the stakes are highest and the payoff is undeniable.  We also tackle school choice with a simple proposition: if we’re competing, let’s agree to common rules and transparent costs so dollars reach kids. As the nation nears its 250th year, Pennsylvania’s legacy in public education calls for a bold mindset: spend lavishly on learning where it matters most, and keep the engine running. If this conversation reshaped how you see IUs, early intervention, and funding, help us keep it moving—subscribe, share with a colleague or local leader, and leave a review with the one change you’d prioritize first. Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed

    31 min
  8. ReIgniting Wonder: Why Schooling Shouldn't Kill Curiosity

    11/03/2025

    ReIgniting Wonder: Why Schooling Shouldn't Kill Curiosity

    What did you think of the episode? Send us a text! Ever wondered why kindergartners bubble with questions while high schoolers barely raise their hands? This episode will explore phenomena-based learning.  We'll dive into how educators can reignite student curiosity by starting with observable events that naturally spark questions. "Phenomena doesn't have to be phenomenal to be something," as Andrew Kuhn wisely puts it. Our conversation reveals how everyday occurrences – from melting ice cubes to America's Got Talent performances – can launch powerful learning journeys. We share practical strategies for implementing this approach without completely reinventing your teaching practice, acknowledging that "it's a journey and the journey has to start somewhere." Whether you're a classroom teacher wondering how to get started or an educational leader looking to transform professional development, we offer insights on finding resources, overcoming common challenges, and applying this mindset across all subject areas. The most compelling aspect of phenomena-based learning may be its potential to reverse a troubling trend: research suggests that while kindergartners ask hundreds of questions daily, high schoolers ask just one question monthly. By creating space for curiosity and normalizing not having all the answers, we can help develop what were once called "soft skills" but are increasingly recognized as essential "power skills" for the 21st century. As one host (naturally everyone's favorite host) reflects, "I literally see the world this way now and I can't unsee it. I can't unbe interested, I can't unbe curious." Ready to transform your approach to teaching and learning? Listen now, and don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe to join us on this continuing journey of educational innovation. SHOW NOTES STEELS Hub Toolkit Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed

    22 min
See All (125)

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

ChangED is an educator based podcast for Pennsylvania teachers to learn more about the PA STEELS Standards and science in general.  It is hosted by Andrew Kuhn and Patrice Semicek.  

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Kuhn & Patrice Semicek
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ChangED
  • Show Website
    ChangED