Hillbrook School Podcast

Bill Selak
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS

Dive into a vibrant conversation with Hillbrook educators as they explore Hillbrook's mission to foster a love of learning and its vision to inspire students to reach beyond themselves. As an independent school nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Hillbrook stands as a beacon of inclusivity, reflecting the diverse tapestry of our community. Our educators share stories and insights that resonate with our core values: be kind, be curious, take risks, and be your best. Join us as we share stories of imaginative thinking, creative problem-solving, and the joy of discovery. At Hillbrook, every day is a testament to our promise of providing an extraordinary educational experience, and this podcast is a glimpse into that journey.

  1. 10/23/2025

    AI in Action: Transforming Teaching and Learning at Hillbrook

    Episode Notes - Join host Bill Selak and kindergarten teacher Dana Ford as they kick off Season 9 of the Hillbrook School Podcast! This episode dives into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education, exploring how AI can enhance teaching practices and empower students. Bill and Dana discuss their year-long professional development initiative aimed at helping teachers effectively utilize AI tools. They reflect on the positive feedback received from faculty and share their excitement about the potential of AI to support hyper-personalized learning experiences. The conversation also touches on the importance of maintaining the human element in education, emphasizing that while AI can assist teachers, it cannot replace the social and emotional connections that are vital for young learners. Throughout the episode, they highlight practical applications of AI, such as generating customized reading materials and creating choice boards that cater to individual student interests. As they ponder the future of AI in education, Bill and Dana invite listeners to reflect on what they hope AI will make possible for students. Read transcript

    20 min

  2. 04/24/2025

    Supercharging Creativity: How Generative AI Empowers Educators and Students

    Episode Notes - Dive into the transformative world of generative AI in education! In our latest episode, we chat with Nick Provenzano about how AI can enhance creativity, support neurodiverse learners, and empower students to take control of their learning. Discover practical applications, insights on project-based learning, and much more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to reshape your teaching approach—listen now! Read transcript

    51 min

  3. 04/15/2025

    S8E2 - The Art of Connection: How Augmented Reality Transforms Learning Spaces

    Episode Notes - In this episode, host Bill Selak is joined by Jay Van Buren, co-founder of the Membit augmented reality app and director of the Hub at Hillbrook. Together, they delve into the transformative power of augmented reality (AR) in education, sharing insights on how it enhances student learning and engagement. Bill recounts an exciting opportunity for Hillbrook as they prepare to host a tour from Taiwan's Ministry of Education. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing student projects in meaningful contexts rather than through traditional presentations. Jay explains how AR allows visitors to experience student work in situ, bridging the gap between digital content and the physical environment. By using AR, students can create immersive experiences that reflect their identities and learning journeys. The conversation highlights the innovative "Selfinder" project, where students design immersive cylinders that invite others into their personal spaces, fostering empathy and creativity. Jay elaborates on the significance of context in AR, illustrating how digital objects can enhance our understanding of the real world and elevate the learning experience. As they explore the future of education, Bill and Jay discuss the vital role of creativity and communication skills in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, especially with the rise of AI. They encourage educators to embrace AR as a tool for facilitating deeper connections and engaging storytelling in the classroom. Join them for a thought-provoking discussion on how Hillbrook School is at the forefront of integrating technology and creativity into the learning process, preparing students for a dynamic future where their voices and ideas can truly shine. Read transcript

    20 min

  4. 03/03/2025

    Augmented Journeys: Exploring Identity Through AR at Hillbrook

    Episode Notes - In the new season of the Hillbrook School Podcast, host Bill Selak engages with Jay Van Buren, an innovative educator in the Hub at Hillbrook, as they explore the transformative potential of augmented reality (AR) in education. Jay shares his passion for integrating AR into the learning experience, highlighting how it differs from virtual reality by enhancing our interaction with the real world rather than isolating us from it. The conversation dives into the practical applications of AR, including Jay's development of the "Selflinder" project, where fifth graders create immersive cylinders that reflect their identities. This project not only allows students to express themselves but also empowers them to design an engaging experience that others can explore. With AR, students learn to create meaningful connections to specific locations, making their projects resonate on a personal level. Bill and Jay also discuss the exciting prospects of augmented reality tours and collaborative projects with local museums, emphasizing the importance of community and storytelling in education. They touch on how AR can make learning more interactive and impactful, helping students to think critically about design and user experience. As they navigate the intersection of technology and art, this episode encourages educators to embrace AR as a tool for fostering creativity, collaboration, and deeper connections among students. Tune in to discover how Hillbrook School is pioneering innovative educational practices that prepare students for a future where AR will play a significant role in learning and community engagement. Read transcript Read transcript

    27 min

  5. 05/10/2024

    Beyond Right Answers: The Educational Power of Wrong Turns

    Episode Notes - Bill Selak engages in a conversation with Clara, the Director of the Hub at Hillbrook. They challenge the stigma surrounding failure in education by advocating for "failing forward" and embracing the learning opportunities that come from making mistakes. Clara shares her experiences in the Hub, where hands-on projects often lead to unexpected lessons and a deeper understanding of practical applications like woodworking and 3D printing. Bill and Clara also discuss the transformative power of professional development (PD) for teachers, highlighting innovative sessions that range from building miniature cars to culinary challenges and deep dives into visual thinking strategies. They emphasize the importance of integrating subjects to reflect real-world scenarios and how projects can simultaneously address multiple educational standards. From the intricacies of sublimation printing to the nuances of music creation, this episode reveals the endless possibilities for creativity and innovation in education. Tune in to discover how Hillbrook School is redefining learning experiences for students and educators alike, fostering a culture where curiosity leads to lifelong skills and personal growth. Read transcript

    31 min

  6. 04/05/2024

    Crafting the Future: Writing as the Key to AI Mastery

    Episode Notes - In this thought-provoking episode of the Hillbrook School Podcast, host Bill Selak delves deep into the evolving intersection of AI, education, and the creative arts. As we navigate the burgeoning landscape of artificial intelligence, Bill challenges the narrative surrounding AI in schools, focusing on the burgeoning role of creative writing in an AI-driven future. He introduces the concept of prompt engineering as an emerging career path, underscoring the importance of preparing students for jobs that are just beginning to take shape. Bill also breaks down the exciting capabilities of Sora, the latest AI tool that transforms text into video, revolutionizing the way we approach storytelling and film-making. He argues that the ability to craft descriptive writing is no longer just a marker of good prose; it's now the key to producing compelling visual content. By highlighting the direct correlation between the richness of language and the quality of AI-generated images and videos, this episode emphasizes the critical need for creativity and descriptive prowess in the classroom. As we head into Spring Break, Bill encourages educators and parents to embrace the potential of AI as a tool for enhancing the arts and equipping students with the skills to become the content creators and storytellers of tomorrow. This episode is not only a reflection on the current season's theme but also a forward-looking discussion about the essential role of the arts in shaping the educational landscape in an era of rapid technological advancement. Tune in for an insightful exploration of how AI is not just reshaping the future of media but is also reinforcing the value of artistic expression and writing skills in our students' education. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that bridges the worlds of writing and creative arts in unprecedented ways. And stay tuned for the remaining episodes of the season, where we continue to celebrate the integral role of the arts in learning at Hillbrook School. Listen in, get inspired, and join us on this journey through innovation and creativity. Read transcript

    14 min

  7. 01/16/2024

    Melody and Machine: AI's Musical Impact

    Episode Notes - In this melodic episode of the Hillbrook School Podcast, host Bill Selak sits down with the multifaceted Derek Primo Silverman, music and "other things" maestro at Hillbrook. The conversation strikes a harmonious blend of music, technology, and education as they delve into the intricacies of the Winter Concert and the role AI played in refining the show choir's performance. Derek shares the behind-the-scenes magic of arranging popular songs, the unexpected tempo tweaks, and the innovative use of AI-driven audio manipulation software from iZotope to polish the choir's recordings. The duo also explores the broader implications of AI in audio, from enhancing student creativity to its potential for improving urban soundscapes and overall well-being. As they discuss the transformative power of tools like GarageBand and Loopy HD, the episode resonates with the excitement of making music production more accessible and inspiring for students. Tune in for an enlightening symphony of ideas, illustrating how AI is not just changing the future of music but also amplifying the educational experience at Hillbrook School. Listen in as Bill and Derek riff on the future of sound, and don't miss the buzz about upcoming musicals "13" and "Beauty and the Beast Junior." Read transcript

    28 min

  8. 12/15/2023

    Art, Activism, and the New Renaissance: A Hillbrook Story

    Episode Notes - Join host Bill Selak, Director of Technology at Hillbrook School, for an engaging and lively discussion with two special guests, both named Vanessa. In this episode, Vanessa Fernandez, Program and Research Lead for the Scott Center, and VanNessa Hulme Silberman, Performing Arts Director at Hillbrook, dive into the world of art and activism. They explore how art serves as a powerful tool for teaching and understanding complex subjects like early 20th-century literature, and how it reflects cultural shifts and technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the public art renaissance in San Jose and its impact on education. The Vanessas share their personal journeys in art and activism, discussing how they incorporate these elements into their teaching and personal projects. From transforming classic plays to reflect modern sensibilities to fostering student-led social impact projects, this episode is a testament to the power of art in shaping perspectives and driving change. Listen in for an inspiring blend of art, education, and activism, and how these elements are interwoven at Hillbrook School. Read transcript

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Dive into a vibrant conversation with Hillbrook educators as they explore Hillbrook's mission to foster a love of learning and its vision to inspire students to reach beyond themselves. As an independent school nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Hillbrook stands as a beacon of inclusivity, reflecting the diverse tapestry of our community. Our educators share stories and insights that resonate with our core values: be kind, be curious, take risks, and be your best. Join us as we share stories of imaginative thinking, creative problem-solving, and the joy of discovery. At Hillbrook, every day is a testament to our promise of providing an extraordinary educational experience, and this podcast is a glimpse into that journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Selak
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026
  • Show Website
    Hillbrook School Podcast