Vetted by Mark Vetter

MicroK12
  • 4.4 (7)
  • TECH NEWS

Join host Mark Vetter for this exciting new podcast, your go-to resource for all things education and technology. With a rich background in the education sector, Mark brings a wealth of experience from his 9 years of classroom teaching to 31 years of leadership in junior high schools. His journey didn't stop there; he transitioned into district curriculum leadership and eventually into a technology leadership role, where he discovered his passion for educational technology. In each episode, Mark dives into the dynamic world of digital learning and student safety, sharing insights and innovativ

  1. 5D AGO

    From Cameras to Classrooms ft. Logitech

    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.

    17 min
  2. Vetted Special: Cutting Through the AI Hype ft. Carl Sweetland

    JAN 30 · BONUS

    Vetted Special: Cutting Through the AI Hype ft. Carl Sweetland

    In this Vetted Special, Mark Vetter sits down with longtime technology leader and former educator Carl Sweetland to cut through the noise around artificial intelligence in K–12 education. Instead of hype and headlines, this conversation focuses on what AI actually means for school districts right now. They explore practical use cases for generative AI, where it can support educators and IT leaders, and where caution is still required — especially around data privacy, accuracy, and security. Carl shares insights from his experience in classrooms, district leadership, and enterprise technology to help schools make smart, grounded decisions about AI adoption. If you’re a K–12 technology leader, administrator, or educator trying to separate real value from buzzwords, this episode delivers a clear, practical perspective on where AI fits in schools today — and what to watch next.

    42 min
  3. 2025 Year in Review ft. Mark Vetter

    12/29/2025

    2025 Year in Review ft. Mark Vetter

    As 2025 comes to a close, host Mark Vetter looks back on a year of conversations at the intersection of education, technology, and student safety — and looks ahead to what’s coming next. In this year-in-review episode of Vetted, Mark revisits key themes from the past year, including student data privacy, cybersecurity, AI in the classroom, broadband access, and the real-world challenges of running modern K–12 technology environments. Throughout the year, Vetted sat down with CTOs, cybersecurity experts, broadband advocates, and district leaders to cut through the hype and focus on what actually works for schools. The conversation then turns forward to 2026 and beyond, with a deep dive into one foundational truth: the future of AI in education depends on data quality, not algorithms. Mark unpacks why districts don’t have a data shortage — they have a data quality problem — and what must change for AI to truly support personalized learning, reduce teacher workload, and improve student outcomes. This episode covers: Why “garbage in, garbage out” matters more than ever What makes student data accurate, contextual, and actionable The role of interoperability, unified data models, and real-time access Why long-term data stewardship is essential for AI success in schools Whether you’re a district leader, technology director, or educator navigating what’s next, this episode offers clear, grounded insights to help you prepare for the future responsibly.

    12 min
  4. Inside Today's Cyber Threats ft. Chester Wisniewski

    11/26/2025

    Inside Today's Cyber Threats ft. Chester Wisniewski

    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.

    31 min
  5. Teaching with the Brain in Mind ft. Dr Missy Widmann

    11/05/2025

    Teaching with the Brain in Mind ft. Dr Missy Widmann

    What happens to the developing brain when AI enters the classroom? Dr. Missy Widmann—educator, researcher, and co-founder of Neural Education—joins Mark Vetter to explore how neuroplasticity, movement, and human connection shape learning in an age of artificial intelligence. Together they discuss why curiosity and belonging are essential for deep thinking, how to design lessons that promote “productive struggle,” and what educators can do to ensure AI supports, not replaces, genuine learning.

    28 min
  6. Artificial Intelligence in the Real World ft. Andy Hashimoto

    10/08/2025

    Artificial Intelligence in the Real World ft. Andy Hashimoto

    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. 🎧 Vetted by Mark Vetter is powered by MicroK12, your trusted K–12 technology partner in the Pacific Northwest. #AI #EdTech #VettedByMarkVetter #MicroK12 #ArtificialIntelligence #EducationLeadership

    28 min
  7. Balancing Innovation and Integrity ft. Tara Nattrass

    09/17/2025

    Balancing Innovation and Integrity ft. Tara Nattrass

    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.

    31 min
  8. Leading K-12 into AI ft. Kris Hagel

    08/26/2025

    Leading K-12 into AI ft. Kris Hagel

    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.

    43 min
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4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Join host Mark Vetter for this exciting new podcast, your go-to resource for all things education and technology. With a rich background in the education sector, Mark brings a wealth of experience from his 9 years of classroom teaching to 31 years of leadership in junior high schools. His journey didn't stop there; he transitioned into district curriculum leadership and eventually into a technology leadership role, where he discovered his passion for educational technology. In each episode, Mark dives into the dynamic world of digital learning and student safety, sharing insights and innovativ

Information

  • Creator
    MicroK12
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MicroK12
  • Show Website
    Vetted by Mark Vetter