AmpED to 11

Amplify and Elevate Innovation

Elevating AI in Education Welcome to AmpED to 11, the podcast where AI, education, and technology collide to reshape the future of learning. Hosted by EdTech experts Brett Roer and Rebecca Bultsma, AmpED to 11 brings you the latest insights, trends, and strategies in AI-powered education. We believe that education should never settle for "good enough." Each episode is packed with cutting-edge news, expert interviews, and actionable insights that will keep you ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of EdTech. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or EdTech professional, AmpED to 11 equips you with the tools to integrate AI into education and drive innovation. What You Can Expect: AI in Education: Stay up-to-date with the latest AI tools and trends that are transforming classrooms and educational technology. Expert Interviews: Brett leads in-depth conversations with top educators, innovators, and policymakers to explore how AI is shaping the future of learning. Tech Updates: Rebecca delivers the latest news and updates in AI and education, providing insights into new developments and practical applications for educators. Actionable Tips: Get real-world strategies and tools that you can immediately apply in your classroom or EdTech business to enhance learning outcomes. Why Listen? In each episode of AmpED to 11, you’ll: Learn how AI is revolutionizing education and how you can stay ahead. Gain practical insights from leaders in education and technology. Discover AI-powered tools and strategies to implement in your classroom or EdTech business. Meet the Hosts: Brett Roer is an EdTech visionary who excels at uncovering powerful stories in education and building connections with innovators. He’s committed to bridging the gap between technology and educators to enhance learning. Rebecca Bultsma is an educator and tech strategist with a talent for breaking down complex ideas into actionable insights. She helps educators integrate the latest technology and AI into their teaching, improving engagement and outcomes. Who Should Listen? AmpED to 11 is perfect for: Educators and administrators looking to integrate AI into their teaching. EdTech professionals seeking the latest industry trends and tools. Tech enthusiasts interested in the role of AI in the future of education. Join Brett and Rebecca as they turn the dial on education and AI, bringing you inspiring conversations and actionable advice to drive innovation in the classroom. Stay informed, stay inspired, and stay ahead of the curve with AmpED to 11.

  1. The Five Questions Every Parent Should Ask About School AI with Jason B. Allen

    APR 6

    The Five Questions Every Parent Should Ask About School AI with Jason B. Allen

    Parents discover their teenagers are using AI in school, but they're learning about it after decisions are already made. Jason B. Allen, National Director of Partnerships at the National Parents Union, isn't interested in fixing a communication gap. He's here to close a partnership gap. Jason brings 21 years in education as a certified teacher, special educator, and former school and district leader. He knows what happens when schools make tech decisions without families at the table. He also knows what it looks like when they do it right, and it changes everything about how students, teachers, and parents experience innovation together. In this conversation, we dig into why 70-84% of students are using generative AI while only 16-20% of parents believe they are. We explore the real tension between technology departments and family engagement departments—and why ego, not resources, is often the barrier. Jason shares NPU's vision for technology fairs where parents and students evaluate EdTech tools before purchase, and he walks through the questions every parent should ask their school board about AI right now. We also play the AI Effect game, a scenario-based exercise that shows how AI can actually support human connection, not replace it. The moment: using AI to prepare for a difficult conversation with a parent. Everyone at the table agreed it works. What You'll Learn: The AI awareness gap - why 70-84% of students are using generative AI while only 16-20% of parents knowFive questions for your school board - what every parent should ask about AI adoption and student dataTechnology fairs - how open partnership can shift schools from closed decisions to shared vettingThe department turf war - why ego between tech and family engagement slows everyone down"We come when we're called" - what NPU's approach means for school districts ready to listen2 million members strong - how NPU and 1,800+ partners are reshaping education policy The AI Effect Game: We use a real scenario to show how generative AI can deepen parent conversations instead of replacing them. Listen for the moment the room shifts. Brett Roer and Rebecca Bultsma guide the conversation, Rebecca as an AI ethics researcher and voice of structural thinking, Brett as the translator between what schools are doing and what families need to understand. Tune in, subscribe, and share if you're ready to turn up the volume on what's possible in education.

    47 min
  2. National AI Literacy Day 2026: Building Community Playbooks with Erin Mote

    MAR 27

    National AI Literacy Day 2026: Building Community Playbooks with Erin Mote

    What if the data that matters most isn't grades or test scores, but the messy, beautiful process of how students actually learn? Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, joins Brett and Rebecca for a timely conversation on National AI Literacy Day 2026. Erin founded the EdSafe AI Alliance and leads a network of educational partnerships touching thousands of school districts nationwide. Her background spans enterprise architecture, personalized learning platforms, and global education technology initiatives. This episode tackles one of education's most pressing questions: who owns the learning process data that AI systems are quietly collecting? Erin introduces the "ground lease on the family farm" metaphor—describing how foundational models are capturing the intellectual property of teachers and students to fuel AGI development. The conversation moves from policy to practice, exploring the White House's new AI framework (released the day of recording), EdTech accountability gaps where safety features become paid add-ons, and emerging research on AI bias in grading. Punya Mishra's work at ASU reveals how student dialect and cultural references can lower AI-assigned scores, raising urgent questions about fairness and trust. What You'll Learn: AI literacy as discernment — Why the Blueprint for AI Literacy focuses on critical thinking grounded in the science of learning and development, not just tool proficiencyLearning process data vs. PII — How students think, correct mistakes, and sequence productive struggle—and why this data is foundational for AGIEdTech accountability tensions — The pattern of features pushed open by default while safety becomes a paid upgrade, and what shared responsibility really meansAI bias in grading — Research showing how dialectical differences like "y'all" and cultural preferences (rap vs. classical music) affect AI scoringNational AI Literacy Day evolution — From its founding three years ago to 140+ supporting organizations in 2026, with statewide events, year-round curriculum, and student town halls The episode features two rounds of The Rhythm Project's AI Effect game, exploring AI-generated apologies and the ethics of using AI to grade 140 essays, plus Ocean's 11 recommendations from Erin's dream team of education innovators. Brett and Rebecca bring fresh perspectives from recent work: Brett shares insights from presenting with Utah's Matt Winters on six panels exploring humanity in AI policy, while Rebecca reflects on governance research at Edinburgh Futures Institute as she completes her master's in AI ethics. Tune in, subscribe, and share if you're ready to turn up the volume on what's possible in education.

    1h 6m
  3. From Compliance to Capacity: Rethinking Accountability in AI with Julia Fallon

    MAR 23

    From Compliance to Capacity: Rethinking Accountability in AI with Julia Fallon

    What does it mean when policy disconnects from the classroom, and AI is forcing us to finally pay attention? Julia Fallon is the Executive Director of SETDA (State Educational Technology Directors Association) and has spent three decades navigating the intersection of education, technology, and policy. She calls it "the unglamorous middle", the space where good ideas either fail quietly or become real. After 17.5 years with Washington State's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Julia now leads a national network of state EdTech leaders working to operationalize values, not just write rules. This conversation with Brett and co-host Rebecca Bultsma explores the gap between what we say we want in education and what our systems actually support. Julia makes the case that AI isn't creating new problems, it's exposing the ones we've been ignoring. She walks through the three divides in EdTech (access, design, and use), the difference between compliance and capacity building, and why we need to get as clear about where not to use AI as we are about where to use it. What You'll Learn: Why policy is how values get operationalized — and what happens when implementation doesn't match intentThe three divides in EdTech — access (nearly solved), design (teacher capacity), and use (active vs. passive tools)What ethical AI really means — building systems that notice harm and respond before it scalesThe accountability paradox — how "everyone's responsible" leads to no one being accountableResponsible unadoption — when and how to put tools down that don't align with your valuesSETDA's quality indicators for EdTech procurement — five practical filters for vetting tools Rebecca brings her ethics lens to the conversation. Julia turns the tables and asks Brett and Rebecca: How do we keep AI leadership from becoming AI compliance? The episode wraps with shoutouts to state leaders and Brett's "jumbo cannoli" sign-off. Tune in, subscribe, and share if you're ready to turn up the volume on what's possible in education.

    1h 3m
  4. Harl Roehm on Fighting for What You Love in Education

    MAR 9

    Harl Roehm on Fighting for What You Love in Education

    Can you really love something if you're not fighting to make it better? Harl Roehm, a 28-year veteran CTE teacher from Collierville, Tennessee, has spent his career proving that the answer is no. Raised on a fifth-generation farm in Mississippi, Harl's journey into education started with a $25 yard-sale computer, a Saturday afternoon, and enough courage to tear it apart and put it back together. That moment sparked a 28-year love affair with technology, teaching, and pushing back against systems that aren't serving students well enough. In this episode, Brett and Rebecca sit down with Harl to explore what happens when you bring moonshot thinking to a brick-and-mortar classroom. Harl teaches AP Computer Science, Python, JavaScript, and dual enrollment Cybersecurity—but his real curriculum is agency. He's teaching students that AI isn't a substitute for thinking, it's a tool that should expand what's possible when humans stay in charge. From his Taco Bell Hot Sauce AI agent (yes, really) that generates dad-joke math problems to his daily Suno song challenges, Harl's classroom is a lab for what education could look like when we stop micromanaging innovation to death. What You'll Learn: Why the $25 computer matters — How one yard-sale find launched a 28-year career in CTEMoonshot thinking vs. incremental tweaks — Why going from 30 to 300 miles per gallon means throwing the car away and starting overThe Taco Bell agent story — How Harl built a custom AI that generates math problems as dad jokes, ranked by hot sauce difficulty levelsAI as specialization, not replacement — The Henry Ford assembly line analogy that reframes teacher fears about automationThe social media debate — Harl and Rebecca go head-to-head on banning platforms, digital literacy, and whether kids can defend themselves against algorithms"If you love something, it's your duty to make it better" — Why complacency isn't an option This episode also features Harl's Ocean's 11 shout-outs to Shannon Kirkland-Butts, Wanda Carter, Dr. Monique Chism, Dr. Sasha Luccioni, and TikTok educators Matty McTech, Andrew Davies, Sophie AI Education, and Brittany Teacher Burnout Tips. Harl showed up to the AI summit in Nashville wearing a cowboy hat and overalls—and walked away proving that some of the most important voices in education don't look like what people expect. Brett and Rebecca don't just listen—they learn. And so will you. Tune in, subscribe, and share if you're ready to turn up the volume on what's possible in education. Find Harl at redneckEdTech.com.

    1h 30m
  5. AI in Schools Without the Hype: Pedagogy First, Parents Included with Joseph South & Jessica Garner

    FEB 23

    AI in Schools Without the Hype: Pedagogy First, Parents Included with Joseph South & Jessica Garner

    Two big truths can coexist: AI is powerful, and schools can absolutely make a mess of it. In this episode of AmpED to 11, Brett Roer and Rebecca Bultsma sit down with Joseph South (Chief Innovation Officer) and Jessica Garner (Managing Director of Innovative Learning) at ISTE ASCD to talk about what it looks like to do AI properly in K-12 without turning it into a culture war. They get into: Why most “tech problems” in schools are actually pedagogy problemsThe ISTE ASCD merger and why the pedagogy conversation and the tech conversation must become the same conversationWhat teachers are already doing with AI that’s genuinely useful (and actually saves time)The real reasons some educators resist AI (and why those concerns are not naive)How to vet AI tools beyond shiny marketing, including transparency, privacy, and red-teamingWhy engaging parents and families early matters, and how to do it without panic This is the grounded, no-drama version of AI in education: clear, human, and practical. Listen now and join the conversation.

    1h 9m
  6. Future by Design: Marisa Janicek on Decentralized Libraries and AI-Ready Learning

    FEB 9

    Future by Design: Marisa Janicek on Decentralized Libraries and AI-Ready Learning

    What happens when a K–6 school district designs learning spaces that look more like Stanford than Sesame Street—and asks students to lead the future of work? In this AmpED to 11 episode, we're joined by the bold and visionary superintendent of Del Mar Union School District, Marisa Janicek, whose leadership journey rewrites what’s possible in public education. From building student-designed AI rubrics and leading student-run conferences to redefining space, time, and trust in elementary learning, Marisa isn’t just adapting to the new era—she’s inviting it in with a megaphone and a blueprint. After 20 years driving innovation in El Segundo Unified, including co-leading an AI strategy that directly led to students out-innovating adult audiences at major national conferences, Marisa now leads Del Mar: an award-winning district where decentralized libraries, outdoor classrooms, and future-ready pedagogy meet real-world wellness and connection. Her approach isn’t about trends—it’s about transformation. This episode dives deep into how student agency, ethical AI, and durable human skills (not worksheets) are becoming the benchmark for success—and what higher ed and lagging systems need to do to keep up. What you’ll learn in this episode: Bold child-first change starts with belief—not budgetHow El Segundo students out-designed adults with an AI use rubricWhat happens when 6th graders lead PD for teachers…and winHow Marisa uses AI in real life—as a thought partner, not a dictatorDesigning trust into spaces: why decentralized libraries matterWhat universities should learn from kindergarteners already living the future Tune in, subscribe, and share if you’re ready to turn up the volume on what’s possible in education.

    1h 11m
  7. What Only Humans Can Teach: Jessica Paulsen and Roberto Vargas on Post-AI Classrooms

    JAN 26

    What Only Humans Can Teach: Jessica Paulsen and Roberto Vargas on Post-AI Classrooms

    What if AI could actually make your classroom more human? In this episode of AmpED to 11, we sit down with Jessica Paulsen, President of Innovation and Impact at LEAP Innovations, and Roberto Vargas, Managing Director of IT and Data Systems at Distinctive Schools, to unpack a provocative question: If AI can already do many of the tasks we’ve traditionally assigned in school, what new kinds of learning should we be designing—learning that only humans can shape, feel, and experience? Jessica and Roberto are at the forefront of human-centered, AI-integrated education. From personalized learner profiles powered by NotebookLM to co-created AI handbooks designed with students, their work isn’t just about adopting technology—it’s about redesigning systems that truly serve kids. We dive deep into how educators can thoughtfully integrate AI while preserving authenticity, amplifying agency, and centering students’ stories. And we don’t shy away from the hard stuff. We question whether “personalized learning” has gone too far. We push past easy efficiency wins to examine real transformation. And we explore how teacher prep, policy, and mindsets must evolve—fast—if we want equity and humanity to remain at the heart of schools. What you’ll learn: Bold strategies for integrating AI without losing your humanityWhy student co-design and voice is the missing piece in most AI policiesHow Distinctive Schools is using NotebookLM to build living learner profilesWhy data transparency and digital trace ethics must be part of AI rolloutsTangible ways to redesign PD around mindset shifts, not one-off toolsHow dialogue, storytelling, and even “vibe planning” are the future of learning Hosted by Brett Roer and Rebecca Bultsma, this episode will shift how you think about AI—not as a replacement for teachers, but as a power tool for unleashing what makes us most human in the first place. Tune in, subscribe, and share if you’re ready to turn up the volume on what’s possible in education.

    1h 4m
  8. AI, Empathy, and “It Depends” | Michelle Culver, Bomi Akarakiri and Cyra Alesha (The Rithm Project)

    JAN 12

    AI, Empathy, and “It Depends” | Michelle Culver, Bomi Akarakiri and Cyra Alesha (The Rithm Project)

    What happens when a heart-to-heart gets a digital co-pilot? In this bold, boundary-pushing episode of AmpED to 11, Rebecca and Brett dive deep into the tangled intersection of AI and human connection with three trailblazers from the Rithm Project—a visionary effort aiming to preserve humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. Michelle Culver (Rithm Project founder and former Reinvention Lab lead at Teach For America) is joined by Rithm Fellows Bomi Akarakiri and Cyra Alesha, both powerhouse youth advocates working at the sharp edge of policy, mental health, and emerging tech. Together, they bring passion, clarity, and a whole lot of nuance to one of the most urgent questions in education right now: If AI is becoming a co-author of our relationships, what does that mean for how we connect, collaborate, and care? The crew doesn’t just talk about this—they play The AI Effect: a provocative card-based game that sparks unflinchingly honest discussion around AI use cases—from romantic chatbots and AI grief companions to whether students should use AI to write friendship speeches. Every round stirs disagreement, vulnerability, and even some unexpected revelations. And that’s the point. You’ll learn: Bold ways to explore AI's impact on relationships and student well-beingHow educators and students can use tools like The AI Effect to build critical AI judgment, togetherWhy pretending to be more “human” with AI might actually cost us authenticityWhat real trust and transparency look like in a world of synthetic friends and smart lensesHow to support young people in developing emotional regulation and empathy in an AI eraWhy “it depends” is the most radical answer in education today This isn’t your average policy talk or tool review—this is a deep, decidedly human conversation that leaves you feeling more connected, more curious, and honestly, a little more hopeful. Tune in, subscribe, and share if you’re ready to turn up the volume on what’s possible in education.

    1h 6m
See All (35)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Elevating AI in Education Welcome to AmpED to 11, the podcast where AI, education, and technology collide to reshape the future of learning. Hosted by EdTech experts Brett Roer and Rebecca Bultsma, AmpED to 11 brings you the latest insights, trends, and strategies in AI-powered education. We believe that education should never settle for "good enough." Each episode is packed with cutting-edge news, expert interviews, and actionable insights that will keep you ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of EdTech. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or EdTech professional, AmpED to 11 equips you with the tools to integrate AI into education and drive innovation. What You Can Expect: AI in Education: Stay up-to-date with the latest AI tools and trends that are transforming classrooms and educational technology. Expert Interviews: Brett leads in-depth conversations with top educators, innovators, and policymakers to explore how AI is shaping the future of learning. Tech Updates: Rebecca delivers the latest news and updates in AI and education, providing insights into new developments and practical applications for educators. Actionable Tips: Get real-world strategies and tools that you can immediately apply in your classroom or EdTech business to enhance learning outcomes. Why Listen? In each episode of AmpED to 11, you’ll: Learn how AI is revolutionizing education and how you can stay ahead. Gain practical insights from leaders in education and technology. Discover AI-powered tools and strategies to implement in your classroom or EdTech business. Meet the Hosts: Brett Roer is an EdTech visionary who excels at uncovering powerful stories in education and building connections with innovators. He’s committed to bridging the gap between technology and educators to enhance learning. Rebecca Bultsma is an educator and tech strategist with a talent for breaking down complex ideas into actionable insights. She helps educators integrate the latest technology and AI into their teaching, improving engagement and outcomes. Who Should Listen? AmpED to 11 is perfect for: Educators and administrators looking to integrate AI into their teaching. EdTech professionals seeking the latest industry trends and tools. Tech enthusiasts interested in the role of AI in the future of education. Join Brett and Rebecca as they turn the dial on education and AI, bringing you inspiring conversations and actionable advice to drive innovation in the classroom. Stay informed, stay inspired, and stay ahead of the curve with AmpED to 11.

Information

  • Creator
    Amplify and Elevate Innovation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2024-2025 Amplify and Elevate Innovation
  • Show Website
    AmpED to 11

You Might Also Like