Education Talk Radio

EDUCATION TALK RADIO PRE K -20

The voice of the American Consortium for Equity in Education at ace-ed.org | Host Larry Jacobs facilitates rich discussions with innovative educators, thought leaders, authors and the leaders within the education industry to promote equity, access and opportunity for every student in every school.

  1. FEB 4 · BONUS

    The Craft of Clarity with Casey Watts and Ross Romano (from The Authority Podcast)

    Today we're pleased to share a recent episode from The Authority, with host Ross Romano and guest Casey Watt. They discuss Casey’s book, The Craft of Clarity: Six Steps to Bridge Gaps, Foster Commitment, and Create Sustainable Alignment. Topics include: Misaligned perspectives between teachers and leaders“Clarity precedes capacity.” What does that mean for leaders?Strategy is simple. Clarity is complex. Many teams think they’re collaborating, but really they’re just coordinating. What’s the difference, and how can leaders move their people from faux collaboration to true collaboration?Learn more about Casey www.catchingupwithcasey.comwww.linkedin.com/in/catchupwithcaseywww.instagram.com/catchupwithcasey  About today’s guest Casey Watts is a passionate speaker, author, and thought leader in team leadership with over 20 years in education and 10 years of experience coaching educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. She is the creator of the Clarity Cycle Framework, helping leaders bridge gaps, foster commitment, and create sustainable alignment. Casey is also the founder and host of The Catching Up with Casey podcast, where she and her guests bring clarity to the seemingly small things in leadership that make a big difference. About the host Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Bluesky or LinkedIn  We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.  IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more: Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    42 min
  2. 12/08/2025

    The Excitement Ahead at FETC 2026

    In this episode, Ellen Ullman sits down with Jennifer Womble, the driving force behind the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), to discuss what’s ahead for FETC 2026. They explore the latest trends in EdTech, the evolving needs of K-12 educators, and how FETC is shaping professional learning for the future. Key Topics: The mission and year-round planning behind FETC, including deep engagement with district leaders and educators.Major themes for FETC 2026: AI in education, eSports, inclusion, digital literacy, and more.The new six-hour AI Summit, led by Holly Clark, Ken Shelton, and Matt Miller, focusing on AI literacy and practical implementation for educators.Spotlight on innovative tools like Kai Beam for literacy, and how AI is being embedded in classroom solutions.The growth of eSports in schools, its impact on student engagement, CTE pathways, and the dedicated eSports Summit at FETC.Inclusion as a core track, not a side topic—how assistive technology and AI-powered translation tools are making classrooms more equitable.FETC’s commitment to community-building, networking, and supporting educators across all roles.Event logistics: FETC 2026 runs January 11–14 in Orlando, with “Sub-Free Sunday” to help districts save on costs, and a mix of summits, workshops, and expo days.  We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.  IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more: Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    24 min
  3. 12/04/2025

    Reading Reinvented: A New Era of Literacy Exploration

    In this reboot of EDU Talk Radio, host Ellen Ullman welcomes EdTech pioneer Jim Marggraff, CEO of Kabe Learning and inventor behind Leapfrog’s LeapPad and the Livescribe Smartpen. They discuss the current literacy crisis, the science of reading, and how screen-free AI tools are transforming early childhood education. Key Topics: The alarming state of early literacy in the U.S. and why fourth grade is a critical inflection point.The evolution of reading instruction: phonics vs. whole language, and the importance of phonemic awareness.The story behind LeapPad and the development of interactive learning tools.Kabe Learning’s new AI-powered, screen-free reading wand and its impact in classrooms and homes.The role of data, brain science, and adaptive learning in the future of reading.How pilot programs in Florida and New York are helping bridge literacy gaps, especially for multilingual and underserved students.The importance of parental involvement and dialogic reading for comprehension and vocabulary development.The future of early reading: personalized, adaptive, and context-aware learning powered by AI We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.  IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more: Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    36 min
  4. 11/19/2025 · BONUS

    Transformative Principal: Building Futures with Joel Lavin and Jethro Jones

    In this episode, originally from Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Joel Lavin, an equity and inclusion administrator in Eugene, Oregon, with 25 years of experience in public education.  Joel shares insights into his work supporting high school students with disabilities, focusing on transition services that help students move from school to adulthood. The conversation covers the importance of inclusive practices, unifying specialized programs, and providing real-life experiences through initiatives like CTE (Career Technical Education) and the Future Build program.  Joel and Jethro discuss the challenges and successes of integrating students with disabilities into broader educational and extracurricular opportunities, including unified sports and robotics. The episode features personal stories that highlight the impact of these programs on student confidence, independence, and community involvement, emphasizing the value of collaboration among educators to create inclusive environments. Follow Transformative Principal here: https://transformativeprincipal.org We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.  IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more: Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    31 min
  5. 10/30/2025 · BONUS

    A Behind-the-Scenes Look at EdTech Startups with Ross Romano and Karen Dudek-Brannan (De Facto Leaders)

    In this episode, originally from De Facto Leaders with Dr. Karen, hear about: ✅Business advice that creates ethical dilemmas for companies selling products to school districts. ✅Can companies stand for equity without sacrificing product quality and customer service? ✅Who is the true end-user when products are sold to schools? ✅When a product isn’t resulting in increased student outcomes, is it really just about the quality of the product? ✅Who is making purchasing decisions for schools, and what matters to them? About the guest:Ross Romano has worked with over 100 companies and nonprofit organizations in the education space and collaborated with countless schools, districts, and educators. Ross is founder of September Strategies, an award-winning consulting firm helping leaders and organizations connect vision to decision through coaching, strategic advisement, and marketing consulting. Ross is also co-founder of the BE Podcast Network, a media company producing 40+ series reaching more than 50,000 educators and parents every month. He is also Strategic Advisor for the American Consortium for Equity in Education and the Founding Program Chair of the Consortium’s Excellence in Equity Awards. Prior to starting September Strategies, Ross was Managing Director of MindRocket Media Group, a K-12 marketing firm. Previously, he was head of communications for ASCD, working closely with the organization’s authors, product developers, administrator members, constituent leaders, and advocacy teams on a diverse array of initiatives. Ross has created and/or hosted dozens of podcast series, written a number of white papers and ebooks, is a contributing editor to Educate AI Magazine, and has been a contributor to Entrepreneur, The Learning Counsel, edCircuit, Access & Equity PreK-12, and more. Ross serves on the advisory boards for Shenandoah University’s Transformative Leadership program and Morning Brew Learning. In 2023, he was listed as a Top 10 leadership coach of the year and was profiled by CIO Views as one of the visionary leaders transforming education. Learn more about the BE Podcast Network here: https://bepodcast.network/ Listen to Ross on The Authority Podcast here: https://authoritypodcast.net/ Listen to Ross on The Sideline Sessions Podcast here: https://ss.bepodcast.network/people/ross-romano In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership

    1h 7m
  6. 10/08/2025 · BONUS

    Practical AI with Derek Crager - Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk

    In this episode, originally from Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk, Jethro Jones interviews Derek "DC" Crager, a passionate advocate for making artificial intelligence accessible, especially for the neurodiverse community.  DC shares his personal experiences as an autistic individual and discusses how AI can empower people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia to enhance their skills and independence. The conversation explores the unique challenges neurodiverse individuals face, the importance of supportive AI interfaces, and how technology can provide cognitive equity and a patient, understanding companion. DC also explains his work with Practical AI and AI for Autistics, offering insights into building inclusive tools and communities that help neurodiverse people thrive in education and employment. The episode highlights the transformative potential of AI as both a mentor and a bridge for communication, learning, and self-advocacy. Learn more about the series, Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk by visiting https://avisionforlearning.com We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.  IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more: Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    29 min
  7. EdTech Startup Showcase: The Power of "Electronicized" Observation with Jeff McCoy and Ben Gustafson

    10/04/2025 · BONUS

    EdTech Startup Showcase: The Power of "Electronicized" Observation with Jeff McCoy and Ben Gustafson

    In this episode, originally from the EdTech Startup Showcase, Ben Gustafson of Classroom Mosaic and Jeff McCoy, associate superintendent for Greenville County Schools in South Carolina, join host Scott Schuette.  They discuss: How Greenville "electronicized" observation with Classroom Mosaic Greenville's objective to get more insight into classrooms and transform instructionHelping principals become better instructional leaders and the impact on student achievementExcellent support for new administrators and new coachesHow to use proven frameworks and modify them for local needsHear more about Classroom Mosaic:We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning. We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more:  classroommosaic.comtwitter.com/ClassroomMosaic linkedin.com/company/classroommosaic/twitter.com/Ben__Gustafson linkedin.com/in/bengus28/ We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.  IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more: Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    29 min
  8. 10/03/2025 · BONUS

    Transformative Principal: The Role of Coaching in Dissertation Success with Dr. Jayne Lammers

    In this episode, originally from Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones talks with Dr. Jayne Lammers, a dissertation coach, about the importance of having systems and support to complete a dissertation. They discuss Dr. Lammers' experience, the role of a dissertation coach, and various strategies such as weekly accountability check-ins, peer exchanges, and 'shut up and write' sessions to help doctoral students succeed. Join DAGGER 🗡️ Doc Student SupportJayne’s interview on TP Episode 592 Weekly Accountability Group Meetings: the momentum generated by showing upShut Up and Write Sessions: the power of social writing sessions (or isolated writing)Setting Goals: making them attainable and humane, not just SMART (and why that matters for doc students, especially)Peer Exchanges: why it’s worth your time to read your peers’ work, even when you feel you have limited time for your own About Jayne Lammers Dr. Jayne C. Lammers is a former tenured professor and Fulbright U.S. Scholar who has been supporting doctoral students since 2010. She now works as the Director of Learning Design for Edmentum, a K-12 digital learning and assessment provider, but remains connected to academia as a dissertation coach for the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Through Dr. Jayne Consulting Services, she helps researchers thrive by creating systems of accountability that turn the overwhelm into steady progress, and even joy! She’s been developing these systems through her work with academic writers at top U.S. institutions and in Indonesia.  Whether someone is a doctoral student navigating the dissertation process or a faculty member stretched too thin, Jayne is there to help. Her approach, affectionately called “lovin’ and shovin’” by a recent student participant, blends compassionate accountability with a no-shame attitude. She meets people where they are and then encourages them to make meaningful progress on their writing, research, goals, and future. At the heart of everything she does is a commitment to making academia a more humane and rewarding experience for everyone involved. Those curious about her scholarship can check it out on ORCiD or Google Scholar. Those interested in what she’s up to professionally can follow her on LinkedIn. Her Curriculum Vitae, current as of May 2025, is also available. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.  IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more: Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

    38 min
4.3
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The voice of the American Consortium for Equity in Education at ace-ed.org | Host Larry Jacobs facilitates rich discussions with innovative educators, thought leaders, authors and the leaders within the education industry to promote equity, access and opportunity for every student in every school.