Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman
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Shifting Schools is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the latest trends, strategies, and tools in K-12 education. Hosted by educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, the podcast provides a platform for teachers, administrators, and education thought leaders to share their experiences and insights on how to improve teaching and learning. From innovative approaches in classroom management to leveraging technology for personalized learning, Shifting Schools tackles the most pressing issues facing K12 educators today. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a new educator, this podcast will inspire you to think outside the box and shift your educational approach. Tune in to Shifting Schools to gain new perspectives, share ideas, and join a community of passionate educators who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of their students. Follow us at @shiftingschools on Twitter and @shiftingschoolspod on Instagram and Tiktok

  1. How Puzzles Build Confidence, Community, and Curiosity

    3D AGO

    How Puzzles Build Confidence, Community, and Curiosity

    What do puzzles teach us about being human. In this episode, Tricia talks with Allison Kane, Head of Puzzle Innovation at Highlights, about why puzzling matters far beyond entertainment. From Hidden Pictures and Wordle to classroom design and family learning, this conversation explores how puzzles build confidence, perseverance, and joyful learning across ages. Learn more: https://parents.highlights.com/printable-puzzles-and-mazes-puzzle-day-challenge   Allison shares her origin story as a lifelong puzzler, explains the idea of the satisfaction of the solve, and offers practical advice for educators and families who want to integrate puzzles into learning spaces. The conversation also looks at puzzle design, community building, and what adults model for young people when they choose curiosity over avoidance. Topics covered Allison Kane's path from Highlights intern to Head of Puzzle Innovation Why puzzles support perseverance, confidence, and joyful learning The satisfaction of the solve and why payoff matters Puzzles as community builders in classrooms and families Designing puzzles that challenge without frustrating How educators can bring puzzles into classrooms easily What adults model for kids through playful intellectual challenge National Puzzle Day and the rise of puzzle communities Puzzles are not just activities. They are invitations to practice thinking, persistence, and joy. When adults model engagement with challenge, they show young people that learning can feel good.

    16 min
  2. What to Do When Teachers Are at Very Different Places With AI

    5D AGO

    What to Do When Teachers Are at Very Different Places With AI

    How do you move forward with AI in schools when staff confidence is all over the place? Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman address one of the most persistent leadership challenges in AI literacy implementation. Within the same faculty, some educators are experimenting confidently with tools and workflows while others feel intimidated, skeptical, or frustrated by rapid change. Jeff and Tricia frame the issue through a mindset-first lens and introduce practical leadership moves grounded in BAKE: balance, adaptability, knowledge sharing, and empathy. The conversation begins with a simple leadership truth: confidence grows through a beginner's stance, repetition, and low-stakes practice, not perfection on day one. Tricia shares a "pumpkin patch" analogy for learning something new and models how leaders can normalize experimentation and productive struggle for staff. From there, the episode explores how leaders can reduce anxiety and build confidence by "level setting" foundational understanding of how AI works. When teachers grasp what is happening under the hood, they are more willing to engage, ask better questions, and try new workflows. A central theme is personalization. Confidence increases when educators connect AI learning to what they already love about teaching, then use AI to enhance that strength rather than asking teachers to adopt tools for their own sake. The hosts also highlight the importance of playful, low-stakes experimentation outside of school contexts, from recipe support to pop-culture research challenges, as a way to learn tool boundaries without the pressure of classroom performance. The episode closes with a clear leadership stance: sustained learning matters. AI capabilities are changing quickly, so professional learning cannot be treated as a one-time training. Adaptability requires ongoing documentation of experiments, time-stamped learning, and renewed emphasis on media literacy as AI becomes more persuasive and more embedded in everyday life. If you are leading AI literacy in a school or district and trying to support both early adopters and hesitant educators, this episode offers a grounded approach to building momentum without fracturing culture. In this episode, you will hear about leading AI literacy when teacher confidence varies widely, progress over perfection and the beginner's stance, differentiated professional learning for AI, foundational understanding of how AI works, low-stakes experimentation that increases staff buy-in, balancing voices of early adopters and skeptics, adaptability as AI tools evolve, and mindset-first change management through the BAKE Framework. Explore the BAKE resources and multiple ways to engage, including a four-week email series, PLC slide decks, a live cohort, and school-wide implementation: https://www.shiftingschools.com/ Our show is edited and produced by Sagheer M. Learn more about his work: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01a20f0c0c32996d55 Are you signed up for Crayola Creativity Week? https://www.crayola.com/learning/creativity-week Reach out to learn with us: info@shiftingschools.com 00:00 Welcome and Series Context Jeff frames the third and final BAKE episode and names the core leadership question about uneven staff confidence. 01:30 Why Confidence Gaps Are Normal When Learning Something New Using the beginner's stance and the pumpkin patch example to normalize discomfort and learning curves. 03:30 Progress Over Perfection in Teaching and Leadership Why educators often expect mastery too quickly and how modeling learning matters. 05:30 The Leadership Challenge of Mixed AI Confidence High flyers, hesitant staff, and the tension leaders feel managing both groups. 08:00 Level Setting: How Understanding AI Builds Confidence Why explaining how AI works reduces fear and increases willingness to engage. 10:30 Passion-Based Entry Points for AI Learning Connecting AI use to what educators already love doing in their work. 13:00 Playful, Low-Stakes AI Experiments Using non-school examples to explore AI without pressure or risk. 15:30 Pop Culture as a Confidence Builder The Taylor Swift research experiment and why interest drives learning. 18:00 Abundance of Information and Better Questions Why confidence grows when educators move from answers to inquiry. 20:00 Empathy First: Leading With BAKE Starting with empathy before tools, expertise, or expectations. 21:45 Knowledge Sharing Inside and Outside the Classroom Why sharing personal AI use builds collective confidence. 23:15 Adaptability in a Fast-Changing AI Landscape Why AI learning must be ongoing, time-stamped, and revisited. 25:15 Balance: Creating Space for All Voices Supporting both skeptics and early adopters through reciprocal dialogue. 27:15 Key Takeaways and Next Steps Mindset-first leadership, community, and how schools can engage further with BAKE.

    31 min
  3. What Skills Matter Most for AI Literacy?

    JAN 18

    What Skills Matter Most for AI Literacy?

    AI literacy in the classroom looks like students practicing judgment, sense-making, and self-awareness while working alongside AI, not replacing thinking with tools. It emphasizes mindset before mechanics. In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman frame AI literacy through the BAKE Mindset: Balance – Knowing when AI helps and when it doesn't Adaptability – Updating learning practices as tools change Knowledge Sharing – Making thinking visible and collective Empathy – Designing learning with student experience in mind How Does AI Change Research in Schools? AI changes how research starts and what counts as learning. Instead of: Finding information Rewriting sources Formatting citations Students now practice: Comparing perspectives Identifying bias and heuristics Deciding what matters and why Research becomes an exercise in judgment, not retrieval. The episode traces this shift historically—from card catalogs to microfiche to Google—and positions AI tools as the next evolution rather than a rupture. The conversation highlights several skills that remain human-led: Judgment – Evaluating ideas, not accepting outputs Question Formation – Using AI to clarify what to ask next Bias Awareness – Recognizing anchoring and confirmation effects Metacognition – Noticing learning gaps and strengths AI supports these skills but does not perform them on a learner's behalf. What Does "AI as a Co-Learner" Mean? AI as a co-learner means: Students remain responsible for decisions AI offers scaffolding, variation, or clarification Learning paths stay human-directed This mirrors patterns already familiar in education, including IEPs, 504 plans, and differentiated instruction. How Does AI Literacy Connect to SEL? AI literacy intersects with social-emotional learning by strengthening: Self-awareness of strengths and gaps Confidence in asking questions Comfort with uncertainty and revision As students work with AI, they gain clearer insight into how they learn—not just what they produce. Who Is This Episode For? Classroom teachers rethinking research and assessment School leaders shaping AI literacy strategy Instructional coaches and curriculum designers Educators focused on mindset, SEL, and learning design Series Context This episode is part of the BAKE Mindset series from Shifting Schools. Ready to learn more: https://www.shiftingschools.com/ Do you love the way this show is edited and produced? If you are looking for an amazing producer, learn more about connecting with our very own, Sagheer M. https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01a20f0c0c32996d55

    34 min
  4. The Mindset Shift You Need for AI Literacy in 2026

    JAN 11

    The Mindset Shift You Need for AI Literacy in 2026

    In this episode of Shifting Schools, hosts Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman discuss their personal experiences over the holidays, leading into a broader conversation about the importance of mindset in education, particularly in relation to AI literacy. They introduce the 'BAKE Framework' as a tool for educators to navigate AI discussions, emphasizing the need for adaptability, empathy, and open communication. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in educational settings, encouraging educators to embrace change and foster a culture of experimentation and learning.   Takeaways The importance of personal gifts and experiences in shaping our perspectives. Mindset plays a crucial role in how we approach AI in education. The Bake Framework offers a structured way to think about AI literacy. Addressing concerns about AI requires empathy and understanding. Adaptability is key for leaders navigating technological changes. Misinformation about AI and its impacts must be addressed thoughtfully. Conversations about AI should focus on perspectives and experiences. Time is necessary for understanding and shifting opinions on AI. Playfulness in experimentation can lead to better outcomes. Educators should foster a culture of open dialogue and consideration.  Chapters 00:00 New Year Reflections and Personal Gifts 03:07 Mindset and AI in Education 05:47 The Bake Framework for AI Literacy 08:20 Addressing AI Concerns in Education 12:29 Adaptability and Playfulness in Leadership 17:46 Navigating Change and Misinformation 22:31 Conversations and Perspectives on AI Learn more about Crayola Creativity Week https://www.crayola.com/learning/creativity-week Send Jeff and Tricia your questions and feedback: info@shiftingschools.com Learn with us in 2026 https://www.shiftingschools.com/

    33 min
  5. How do we help students be more critical of health advice?

    JAN 5

    How do we help students be more critical of health advice?

    In this episode, host Tricia Friedman sits down with Dr. Michael Greger, bestselling author and founder of NutritionFacts.org, to explore why non-commercial, evidence-based health guidance matters more than ever. They discuss lifestyle medicine, plant-based nutrition, scientific integrity, cannabis research, and how small, testable behavior changes can dramatically improve long-term health. What This Conversation Is Really About Health advice is everywhere — but trustworthy guidance is not. This conversation slows things down and examines how to make informed choices in a noisy, commercialized health landscape, without absolutism, hype, or fear-based messaging. Dr. Greger shares: Why he donates 100% of book proceeds to charity How lifestyle medicine transformed his own family's health What the science actually says about cannabis — both risks and benefits Why updating guidance as evidence evolves is a strength, not a weakness How social support, not willpower, determines whether health changes last Key Topics Covered Why non-commercial health information matters How financial incentives distort nutrition and medical guidance — and how to recognize bias. Lifestyle medicine in practice Diet, movement, and daily habits as powerful tools for disease prevention and reversal. Plant-based eating (defined clearly) What "plant-based" actually means — and what it doesn't. Cannabis: separating evidence from ideology What newer human studies reveal about cancer risk, pain management, and safer use. Scientific uncertainty and misinformation How peer-reviewed research works, where it fails, and how to interpret studies responsibly. Behavior change that sticks Why short-term "experiments," bodily feedback, and social support outperform rigid rules. Who This Episode Is For Listeners overwhelmed by conflicting health advice Educators, parents, and caregivers navigating cannabis conversations Anyone curious about plant-based nutrition without extremism People interested in evidence-based, non-commercial wellness guidance Listeners looking for sustainable, realistic behavior change About the Guest Dr. Michael Greger is a physician, internationally recognized speaker, and New York Times bestselling author of How Not to Die. He is the founder of NutritionFacts.org, a nonprofit providing free, evidence-based nutrition research, and a leading voice in lifestyle medicine. Chapters Introduction and Non-Commercial Guidance - 0:00 Dr. Greger's Personal Story and Motivation - 3:15 Importance of Repeated Guidance and Lifestyle Changes - 6:30 Updated Book Topics: COVID, Cannabis, and Misinformation - 10:45 Science Communication and Challenges - 15:00 Plant-Based Diet and Personal Health Experiments - 19:15 Social Support and Sustainable Lifestyle Changes - 23:30 Closing Thoughts and Positive Messages - 27:45

    22 min
  6. Why Millions of Students Are Creating Together: Inside Crayola Creativity Week

    12/29/2025

    Why Millions of Students Are Creating Together: Inside Crayola Creativity Week

    What does it look like when creativity becomes a global learning movement—not an add-on, but a connector across every subject? In this episode of Shifting Schools, Tricia Friedman is joined by Cheri Sterman to explore Crayola Creativity Week, a free, cross-curricular program designed to help educators spark collaboration, confidence, and creative thinking in classrooms around the world. Together, they unpack how Creativity Week connects creativity to every subject and career, why celebrity partners—from the Property Brothers to NASA astronauts—volunteer their time to inspire students, and how this year's themes emphasize social-emotional skills like collaboration and confidence in one's own ideas. You'll also hear how: over 13 million students across 122 countries participated last year—and why participation is projected to exceed 20 million educators can access low-prep, high-impact resources available in multiple languages families are invited into the learning through at-home creative challenges and shared student galleries teachers can enter global sweepstakes, school grants, and creativity retreats designed to restore educator energy Whether you're a classroom teacher, librarian, school leader, or parent, this conversation offers a practical and hopeful look at how creativity can unite learning communities—and why it matters now more than ever. Explore printable thinking sheets, educator guides, and activity downloads designed to support creativity, collaboration, and confidence across grade levels and subject areas. https://www.crayola.com/learning/creativity-week

    32 min
  7. Holiday Gifting for Teachers: Tools for Wellness, Creativity, and Reflection

    12/22/2025

    Holiday Gifting for Teachers: Tools for Wellness, Creativity, and Reflection

    This special Shifting Schools holiday episode isn't about trendy gadgets or generic gift lists. Instead, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman share seven thoughtfully chosen gifts for educators—each matched to a specific kind of person and a specific kind of need. Some gifts are playful. Some are reflective. Some are deeply practical. All of them offer a meaningful boost during a season when educators are often running on empty. This episode asks a practical question: "What might actually support someone through their days?" Whether you're shopping for a colleague, a school leader, a family member, or yourself, this episode helps you gift with attention, care, and intention. 🎧 What You'll Hear in This Episode 1️⃣ TekXYZ Reflex Ball A surprisingly powerful wellness tool for educators stuck in back-to-back meetings. Jeff and Tricia explore why quick movement resets attention, boosts mood, and even brings a little playfulness into staff spaces. Perfect for: colleagues, teens, or any educator who needs a fast energy reset. 2️⃣ Letters by Lantern Light A slow-burn, story-driven mystery told through monthly letters. This gift invites patience, curiosity, and narrative thinking—qualities educators value deeply but rarely get to savor themselves. Perfect for: grandparents, ELA teachers, reflective readers, or monthly gatherings with friends. 3️⃣ Rocketbook Smart Notebook A bridge between handwriting and digital organization. Tricia and Jeff unpack why this tool works so well for teachers, leaders, students, and creatives who think best with pen and paper. Perfect for: note-lovers, journalers, sketchers, and idea-catchers. 4️⃣ Tune Up Fitness Alpha Ball & Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls The gift for people who say they "don't have time for self-care." These small tools fit under desks and into real workdays—encouraging somatic awareness and tension release in minutes. Perfect for: administrators, teachers, staff lounges, and anyone carrying stress in their body. 5️⃣ Makedo Cardboard Construction Tools A maker favorite that proves creativity doesn't require expensive materials. Jeff and Tricia highlight how this kit supports problem-solving, collaboration, and playful design—for kids and adults alike. Perfect for: families, makerspaces, staff retreats, and rainy-day creativity. 6️⃣ INQ Smart Pen For analogue thinkers who want digital power. This pen syncs handwritten notes in real time, making it ideal for deep learning, graduate work, and idea remixing. Perfect for: master's students, researchers, and lifelong learners. 7️⃣ TheraBox Monthly Subscription A recurring reminder that someone is seen and appreciated. Tricia calls this her most universal gift—one that says "thank you" again and again. Perfect for: anyone who gives a lot to others. 💡 Why This Episode Matters This conversation goes beyond shopping lists. It models intentional gifting—a practice that mirrors great teaching itself: noticing, listening, and responding to real needs. If you're feeling overwhelmed by last-minute holiday decisions, this episode offers clarity, warmth, and ideas that actually fit educators' lives. 🛒 Official Gift Links  TekXYZ Reflex Ball → https://tekxyz.com Letters by Lantern Light → https://lettersbylanternlight.com Rocketbook Smart Notebook → https://getrocketbook.com Alpha Ball & Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls → https://www.tuneupfitness.com Makedo Cardboard Tools → https://www.make.do INQ Smart Pen → https://www.inqfactory.com TheraBox Subscription → https://www.mytherabox.com We'd love to know—which gift would you give, and to whom? Join the conversation by sharing this episode or tagging @ShiftingSchools. Subscribe to the podcast for more thoughtful conversations about learning, leadership, and the future of education.

    29 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    What Makes a Family? Scott & Mark Hoying on Representation, Creativity, and Love

    You know Pentatonix – the multi-platinum selling acapella group is the number one most listened to musical acct of the holiday season.  Co-founder and Grammy winner Scott Hoying is currently starring in Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. Scott Hoying and his husband Mark are now also authors of an innovative picture book which features text that doubles as lyrics to a new, original Christmas song.  FA LA LA FAMILY celebrates the spirit of Christmas with a look at nontraditional families. The reviews are loving their new book: "A fun and festive dive into Christmas celebrations with diverse families."―School Library Journal "Cozy and filled with love." ―Kirkus In this episode of Shifting Schools, Tricia Friedman sits down with Scott and Mark Hoying, creators and authors of a new children's book that challenges traditional definitions of family and centers love, creativity, and chosen community. Together, they explore why representation in children's literature matters, how creative collaboration shapes healthy partnerships, and what their journey toward modern, inclusive parenthood has taught them about patience, communication, and imagination. This conversation is especially relevant for educators, parents, and caregivers seeking stories that reflect diverse families—and for anyone curious about how creativity prepares us for life's biggest transitions. Chapters 00:00 What Defines Family Today? 02:51 Creativity, Collaboration, and Partnership 05:46 Communication in Creative Relationships 08:51 Preparing for Parenthood Through Art 11:42 Why Representation in Children's Books Matters 14:27 Stories, Holidays, and Belonging ABOUT: Scott Hoying is a GRAMMY award winning and Emmy-nominated singer, songwriter, and arranger from the multi-platinum selling acapella group, Pentatonix. He co-founded the group in 2010 and has headlined hundreds of shows all around the world. He is currently starring in Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. He is very active in the LGBTQ+ community and works closely with The Trevor Project. How Lucky Am I? is his first picture book. Mark Hoying is a writer and marketing professional from Seattle, Washington. After graduating from the University of Washington, he met and began developing projects with his husband, Scott Hoying. He co-wrote the original Christmas single "Thank You" on Pentatonix's holiday album and currently manages the girl group Citizen Queen. Fa La La Family is published by Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

    25 min
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Shifting Schools is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the latest trends, strategies, and tools in K-12 education. Hosted by educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, the podcast provides a platform for teachers, administrators, and education thought leaders to share their experiences and insights on how to improve teaching and learning. From innovative approaches in classroom management to leveraging technology for personalized learning, Shifting Schools tackles the most pressing issues facing K12 educators today. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a new educator, this podcast will inspire you to think outside the box and shift your educational approach. Tune in to Shifting Schools to gain new perspectives, share ideas, and join a community of passionate educators who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of their students. Follow us at @shiftingschools on Twitter and @shiftingschoolspod on Instagram and Tiktok

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