InspirED: A PLTW Podcast

Project Lead The Way
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Education

A thought-provoking podcast designed to discuss current educational topics, with thought leaders, school/district administrators, teachers, and PLTW industry partners.

  1. 3d ago

    Hackers, Ethics, and Opportunity: Inside the Cybersecurity Classroom

    In this episode, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement sits down with Jessica Tickle and Karen Hirschy to talk about the importance of Cybersecurity Education in our high schools. This episode is all about learning, as our expert PLTW teachers will discuss everything from fundamental Cybersecurity information, all the way through its immense impact on today’s college and career-ready PLTW classrooms. Takeaways: Cybersecurity education is a vital piece of a well-rounded, career-ready high school curriculum.Cybersecurity teaches students complex, problem-based thinking strategies, along with numerous transferable skills that translate into academic and professional success.Expert PLTW teachers help remove the “stigma” that some may hold towards the term “hacker”.Overview of teaching and learning with PLTW’s Cybersecurity course, within the Computer Science Pathway.Teachers/District leaders become interested in expanding their PLTW offerings to include a PLTW Cybersecurity course. Host:  Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media & Community Engagement Guests: Jessica Tickle, PLTW Engineering and Cybersecurity Instructor at Shawnee Mission School District for Academic Achievement. Karen Hirschy, PLTW Computer Science and Cybersecurity Instructor at Homestead High School in the Southwest Allen County School District in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Resources: What’s the role of ethical security hacking in keeping data safe? How can our personal information be used in social engineering? Students need to know—and they’ll uncover the answers in lessons from the PLTW Cybersecurity course: https://www.pltw.org/high-school-cybersecurity-curriculum Higher-order skills are integral to authentic cybersecurity work. Understanding how systems work, keeping spaces safe, and ensuring everyone knows how to protect their PPI is just the start. See what else matters: https://www.pltw.org/blog/cybersecurity-education-high-school-students  KC STEM Alliance increases access to STEM education and readiness for a complex cyberworld—see what they’re doing and how it’s impacting communities: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/KCSTEMAlliance_CaseStudy.pdf Basic computing skills aren’t enough anymore—and every student needs to be ready for a changing digital economy: https://www.pltw.org/computer-science-foundations-curriculum Keeping information safe from hackers is everyone’s responsibility. Do your district’s career pathways integrate cybersecurity in practical, career-specific ways? This webinar will teach you how: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/cte20260827/ Can you build computational thinking and coding skills without sitting in front of a screen? With the Rosie’s Runtime activity, even PreK students can! Get it free here: https://www.pltw.org/rosies-runtime

    Hackers, Ethics, and Opportunity: Inside the Cybersecurity Classroom

  2. Sep 4

    Building the Year You Want: Relationships, Resources, and Real-World Learning

    In this episode, Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with Brian Bobbitt a PLTW Master Teacher, and Chris Woods, aka @dailySTEM and PLTW teacher, to open-up about teacher motivation/goal setting, getting out of your comfort zone, and ways teachers can make big impacts in their schools and classrooms to ensure that the 2026-27 school year is a success. Part of success is being empowered with all the resources you need to succeed.  In Part 2 of this episode, we talk about several golden opportunities to enhance your PLTW programs including: PLTW’s Fall Grants CampaignPLTW’s Brand New School Counselor GuideWelcome to the PLTW Community on myPLTWThe latest news and notes from PLTW to help you hit the ground running this Fall.Takeaways: Ideas from experienced teachers on how to best channel early school year energy in the classroom.Ways to be resourceful with classroom materials and resources to continue learning.Where PLTW teachers/leaders can find up-to-date information about:PLTW STEM GrantsOur new Counselor Guide for High School CounselorsThe PLTW Community within myPLTWThe immense value of outreach on social media to create PLTW teacher groups. Host(s): Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way Marcus Painter, Director, Social Media & Community Engagement Guests: Brian Bobbitt PLTW Master Teacher IED | POEPLTW National Outstanding Teacher WinnerVanderburgh County Teacher of the YearMcDonald’s Outstanding EducatorAce Educator of the Year Chris Woods Math/Science/STEM/PLTW Teacher at Southwest Middle High - Academia Bilingüe AuthorPodcaster Callista Mason, VP of Grants at PLTW Alan Veach, SVP of Organizational Learning & Development at PLTW -------------------- Connect: Find Brian Bobbitt: Website: http://3dbrian.com YouTube: http://youtube.com/c/brianbobbitt3d Book: http://tinyurl.com/3dchampionbook LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbobbitt/ Find Chris Woods: Website: dailystem.com Book: https://dailystem.com/books/  @DailySTEM on:  Twitter  |  YouTube  |  Instagram  |  Facebook       Chris’s Podcast:  STEM Everyday Podcast -------------------- Resources: Check-out Mark Rober on YouTube!Download the guide for school counselors + career pathway conversations: https://www.pltw.org/counselor-resourcesAI readiness is a must for students. This safe, collaborative course was designed with industry to ensure it’s career-ready, too: https://www.pltw.org/principles-of-ai-course-outlineThese grants are simple to complete, easy to submit, and worth your time. Explore and apply for PLTW Grants: https://www.pltw.org/fundingHere’s what Dave learned during a visit to his alma mater—the same school Brian teaches at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/more-questions-than-answers-what-i-learned-from-my-dimmett-edd-rwrocTeacher training shouldn’t be sit-and-get, and PLTW’s isn’t. It’s active, engaging, and immersive: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-core-training-connects-teachers-to-network-of-supportEducators know failure doesn’t mean it’s over; it means there’s opportunity to learn and improve. https://www.pltw.org/blog/stem-national-winners

    Building the Year You Want: Relationships, Resources, and Real-World Learning

  3. Jul 31

    Beyond the Lab Coat: Building Tomorrow’s Healthcare Innovators

    In this episode, Rocky Valadez, Senior Vice President of Engagement at Project Lead The Way chats with three Biomedical Science educators to learn more about how to build tomorrow’s healthcare innovators. Today’s biomedical workforce extends far beyond traditional clinical roles like doctors and nurses. This episode explores how K–12 schools and districts can expand student awareness of biomedical career pathways, including biomedical science, biomedical engineering, laboratory sciences, health informatics, research, and technology innovation.  This episode is for district leaders, school administrators, and CTE decision-makers, and highlights how interdisciplinary learning and intentional pathway design can help schools align biomedical education with real-world workforce demands and post-secondary opportunities.  Takeaways: How to expand student awareness of biomedical careers beyond doctors and nursesWays to integrate biomedical science with computer science, engineering, and CTE pathwaysHow industry certifications, licenses, and credentials connect learning to meaningful careersStrategies for building biomedical pathways that start before high schoolHow to leverage college credit and post-secondary partnerships to give students a head start Host: Rocky Valadez SVP of Engagement Guests: Julye Adams – Biomedical Sciences Teacher, Scott County Public Schools Michelle Lawrence – Medicine & Healthcare Instructor, Northland CAPS Joe McCollum – Biomedical Science Teacher, Central Valley School District Resources: Students are incredible—especially when they’re given the space to create and innovate; check out this award-winning, student-led community education initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFhkSEWNRbQ  Two high schools implemented biomed and healthcare programs differently, both with stellar results: https://www.pltw.org/blog/how-two-high-schools-implement-pltw-biomedical-science  Middle school CTE looks like designing prosthetics, investigating medical mysteries, and making a local impact: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics  Nursing careers take students on career journeys they never expected—these PLTW alums discovered meaningful professions: https://www.pltw.org/blog/stem-to-rn-nursing-careers  How can students get high-quality job roles right after high school? Combine place-based learning with industry certifications and nondegree credentials: https://www.pltw.org/industry-recognized-credentials?type=%22Biomedical+Science%22&search=#:~:text=PLTW%20Biomedical%20Science%20(BMS)  Biotechnology innovation is a high-value, high-demand career path—Bolarin Lawrence shares his story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJP-8XOTKxE&list=PLcCTPHuIP75Lk1HB7a00OYD295-1QamJk&index=2&t=2s&pp=iAQB

    Beyond the Lab Coat: Building Tomorrow’s Healthcare Innovators

  4. Jun 26

    A Road Less Travelled with PLTW Alum, Sophia Craig

    In our latest PLTW Alumni Spotlight episode, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement sits down to chat with Sophia Craig, a Sophomore at Kansas State University. Sophia shares her journey through Project Lead The Way courses in high school, how they shaped her learning and future aspirations, and how the hands-on, career-connected, and project based learning she experienced in high school is already leading her to success at the collegiate level. This will be an excellent episode for PLTW teachers to share with their students! Host: Marcus Painter Director, Social Media and Community Engagement Guests: Sophia Craig PLTW Alumni, Student at Kansas State University Recording Date: June 4th, 2026 Resources: PLTW Engineering courses helped Sophia see how incorporating her own style and interests can lead to true innovation: https://www.pltw.org/curriculum/pltw-engineering#civil-engineering-and-architecture2026 marked the tenth year of PLTW at Bishop Miege—hear from more of their alums about what they learned and how they use it today: https://bishopmiege.com/celebrating-a-decade-of-pltw-alumni-share-their-journeys/Former PLTW students can boost their proof of readiness by adding a badge to their LinkedIn profile: https://www.pltw.org/blog/showcase-your-pltw-skills-on-linkedin-with-new-profile-badgesCombining STEM and art expands creativity, engagement, and confidence among students—here’s the approach one school took: https://www.pltw.org/blog/engineering-design-and-development-edd-students-collaborate-with-art-class-peersRegional ecosystems like KC STEM Alliance are catalysts for local innovation and economic growth; here’s how: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/KCSTEMAlliance_CaseStudy.pdf

    A Road Less Travelled with PLTW Alum, Sophia Craig

  5. May 29

    Before You Head Out: Spring Strategies For a Great Summer and Smooth Fall

    In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement chats with Tory Spanier and Seth Ponder about teachers can best Sail into the summer! All teachers will have actionable takeaways from this episode!  Sail into summer with a little help from a couple of the best teachers we know! Host: Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media & Community Engagement at Project Lead The Way Guests: Tory Spanier, PLTW Master Teacher from Delano High School, in Delano Minnesota. Seth Ponder, Computer Science and Engineering teacher at Riley High School, in South Bend, Indiana. Recording Date: May 7, 2026 Resources: Middle school teachers bring high-impact, meaningful explorations of biomedical engineering through the Design and Modeling unit from PLTW Gateway: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prostheticsRiley High School students and educators share the “why” behind their passion for project-based learning and PLTW: https://wsbt.com/news/local/stem-education-hands-on-project-problem-based-high-school-south-bend-riley-national-recognition-innovation-careerHow Tory Spanier took risks and build a network of support, exemplifying perseverance and curiosity to his students: https://youtu.be/svO1gDuBN6k?t=237 Explore an educator’s journey from PLTW student to Master Teacher: https://www.pltw.org/blog/from-pltw-student-to-master-teacherWhat’s different about instructor-led, collaborative professional learning? Hear about it from teachers who’ve attended: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-teachers-find-real-world-lessons-and-year-long-advice-during-pltw-core-trainingWhen students don’t see the difference between learning for the future and learning to pass the test, here’s what happens: https://www.pltw.org/blog/connecting-the-classroom-to-your-community Connect on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RileyEngineeringMagnet Instagram: @rileyhighpltw

    Before You Head Out: Spring Strategies For a Great Summer and Smooth Fall

  6. May 1

    The Future Won't Wait: AI in Education (Part 1)

    In the latest episode of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, we bring together voices from both Project Lead The Way and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to discuss how our collaboration has already impacted AI in education, created a roadmap for today, and clarified a vision for tomorrow. You’ll hear how PLTW and AWS strive to make AI ethical, effective, and efficient in today’s educational landscape. We aren’t talking about hypotheticals and “What if’s”. We are talking about the realities of today and how educational leaders can leverage AI in positive ways through understanding, ethics, and empowerment. Host: Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way Guests: Sara Seba, Manager of Customer Solutions and Specialists, for Global Nonprofits at AWS Brian Greiwe, EVP and Chief Technical Officer of Project Lead The Way Recording Date: Wednesday April 8, 2026 Resources: Principles of AI (grades 9–12)—a one-semester course that builds AI skills for the future of work, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and digital literacy: https://www.pltw.org/principles-of-ai A collaborative training that empowers PreK–12 educators to confidently use AI to enhance planning, teaching, and career readiness strategies: https://www.pltw.org/professional-development/training-schedules?program=*&course=%22Demystifying+AI+in+Education%22&type=*&location=*&search= What exclusive access to a globally recognized CompTIA Security+ certification can do for future cybersecurity professionals:  https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-announces-strategic-partnership-with-comptia-to-launch-cybersecurity-accreditation How the latest PLTW and AWS collaboration is accelerating access to AI education by expanding supports for students and teachers: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-named-winner-of-2025-amazon-web-services-imagine-grant-for-nonprofits  Preparing students and educators for the future of work requires a national AI strategy like PLTW's: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-launches-national-ai-strategy-to-prepare-students-and-educators-for-the-future-of-work The AI curriculum pilot expected to reach 1,600 students and 30 school districts in Massachusetts: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/new-ai-curriculum-pilot-to-reach-1600-massachusetts-students-across-30-school-districts Connect on Social Media: AWS (Amazon Web Services on LinkedIn) AWS Nonprofits on X Sara Seba on LinkedIn

    The Future Won't Wait: AI in Education (Part 1)

  7. May 1

    The Future Won't Wait: AI in Education (Part 2)

    In the latest episode of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, we bring together voices from both Project Lead The Way and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to discuss how our collaboration has already impacted AI in education, created a roadmap for today, and clarified a vision for tomorrow. You’ll hear how PLTW and AWS strive to make AI ethical, effective, and efficient in today’s educational landscape.  We aren’t talking about hypotheticals and “What if’s”. We are talking about the realities of today and how educational leaders can leverage AI in positive ways through understanding, ethics, and empowerment. Host: Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way Guests: Sara Seba, Manager of Customer Solutions and Specialists, for Global Nonprofits at AWS Brian Greiwe, EVP and Chief Technical Officer of Project Lead The Way Recording Date: Wednesday April 8, 2026 Resources: Principles of AI (grades 9–12)—a one-semester course that builds AI skills for the future of work, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and digital literacy: https://www.pltw.org/principles-of-ai A collaborative training that empowers PreK–12 educators to confidently use AI to enhance planning, teaching, and career readiness strategies: https://www.pltw.org/professional-development/training-schedules?program=*&course=%22Demystifying+AI+in+Education%22&type=*&location=*&search= What exclusive access to a globally recognized CompTIA Security+ certification can do for future cybersecurity professionals:  https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-announces-strategic-partnership-with-comptia-to-launch-cybersecurity-accreditation How the latest PLTW and AWS collaboration is accelerating access to AI education by expanding supports for students and teachers: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-named-winner-of-2025-amazon-web-services-imagine-grant-for-nonprofits  Preparing students and educators for the future of work requires a national AI strategy like PLTW's: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/project-lead-the-way-launches-national-ai-strategy-to-prepare-students-and-educators-for-the-future-of-work The AI curriculum pilot expected to reach 1,600 students and 30 school districts in Massachusetts: https://www.pltw.org/about/news/new-ai-curriculum-pilot-to-reach-1600-massachusetts-students-across-30-school-districts Connect on Social Media: AWS (Amazon Web Services on LinkedIn) AWS Nonprofits on X Sara Seba on LinkedIn

    The Future Won't Wait: AI in Education (Part 2)

  8. Mar 27

    From the Classroom to the Feed: PLTW Teachers Growing Programs through Social Media

    In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW podcast, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement sits down with three PLTW social media influencers to share their stories, vision, and advice on how to leverage social media to enhance their classrooms, programs, schools, and districts. Are you a PLTW teacher on the fence about creating social media content from your classroom?  Are you a building or district leader who needs creative ways to tell the story of your school/district?  Why not learn from some of the best social media influencers out there?Tune-in, learn, and connect! Host: Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement at Project Lead The Way Guests: Leah Pelletier, Biomedical Science teacher, McHenry Community High School, District 156, McHenry, IL.Thomas Pfeiffer, STEM 2/Magnet Science teacher at Margaret Mead Junior High, School District 54, Schaumburg, IL.Sarah McCambridge, Marketing Director, Bishop Miege Catholic High School in Roeland Park, KS of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Resources: More social media promotion ideas from PLTW educators: https://www.pltw.org/blog/5-reasons-to-use-social-media-when-teaching-pltwHow PLTW alums can showcase their skills on LinkedIn: https://www.pltw.org/blog/showcase-your-pltw-skills-on-linkedin-with-new-profile-badgesExplore the curriculum these educators highlight at their schools: https://www.pltw.org/curriculum  Leah Pelletier MCHS BioMed on Instagramhttps://www.dist156.org/Thomas Pfeifer @thescienceseekersshow on YouTube@thescienceseekersshow on InstagramMead Junior High on FacebookMead Junior High on InstagramWebsite: https://mead.sd54.org/Schaumburg 54 Schools on InstagramWebsite: https://sd54.org/Sarah McCambridge Sarah on LinkedInSchool WebsiteBishop Miege on InstagramBishop Miege High School on LinkedIn

    From the Classroom to the Feed: PLTW Teachers Growing Programs through Social Media
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A thought-provoking podcast designed to discuss current educational topics, with thought leaders, school/district administrators, teachers, and PLTW industry partners.

Information

  • Creator
    Project Lead The Way
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025
  • Show Website
    InspirED: A PLTW Podcast

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