LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

Jamie Saponaro
  • 5.0 (11)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Jamie Saponaro and Jerri Kemble are two lively ladies passionate about education. Further flamed by the many changes in schools in 2020, they set out to make a positive contribution to the profession they love by creating LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education. LinkedUp’s mission is to have lively and in-depth discussions about relevant educational topics that matter and to link the movers and shakers of the education world with listeners. Jamie and Jerri both work for ClassLink, an edtech company powering this podcast as a service to educators everywhere.

  1. Hooked on Innovation

    14H AGO

    Hooked on Innovation

    How do you teach balance in a world that never logs off? Jamie and Jerri sit down with Carl Hooker, author of Zengaged and AI Evolution, to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing students today: navigating screens, social media, and everything in between. Carl keeps it real with us; this isn’t about restrictions, it’s about intention. From modeling healthy habits to building digital awareness, he shares practical ways to help students make smarter, more mindful choices online. --- ABOUT OUR GUEST Carl Hooker is an author, keynote speaker, consultant, trainer, "Edutainer," and DJ. Carl has been a part of a strong educational shift with technology integration since becoming an educator. From his start as a teacher to district technology leadership, he’s always had one common belief: the kids need to drive their own learning. His unique blend of educational background, technical expertise, and humor makes him a successful driving force for this change. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    37 min
  2. Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders

    APR 10

    Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders

    What if every student is already a leader just waiting to be activated? This week, authors (and hosts of The Play Ed3 Podcast) Tisha Poncio and Rick Butterworth are flipping the script on leadership with their new book, Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders. Together, we dig into Tisha and Rick's tools and practical strategies to bring leadership and entrepreneurship into everyday learning. The focus is not just academic success. It is about preparing students to think, adapt, and take initiative in a world that keeps changing keeps changing faster than textbooks can keep up. Bonus! We'll also take a look at their personal journeys and classroom experiences that sparked this work, and how their unique partnership as co-authors came to be. --- ABOUT OUR GUESTS For over two decades, Tisha Poncio has guided students on subjects including web design, graphic design, business computers, programming, English, broadcast journalism and entrepreneurship. She has also served as an innovative digital learning specialist. Poncio was a finalist for the Texas Computer Education Association’s (TCEA) 2018 Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year award. She holds a master’s in learning technologies from the University of North Texas, and currently works in community engagement for an edtech company. Rick Butterworth is a founder and founding member of multiple startup companies, including Resources, RPB Designs, and Wakelet. At each company, he has been a key designer and developer, driving innovation and creating platforms and meaningful experiences for students and teachers of online applications. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    26 min
  3. Student Voice, Global Impact, Real Leadership

    APR 3

    Student Voice, Global Impact, Real Leadership

    This week, we sit down with Amiya—a student who isn't just learning about leadership... she's living it. Alongside educator Alana Winnick, Amiya is part of a dynamic, student-led team redefining what leadership looks like in the age of AI. From delivering a keynote at FETC to launching an international, student-driven conference, they are creating space for real conversations around the ethical use of AI in learning—by students, for students. Together, we talk about what it means to step into leadership as a young person, how student voices can influence global conversations, and why ethics has to be at the center of how we use AI in education. This isn't theory. This is action. --- ABOUT OUR GUESTS Amiya is the co-founder and President of Students for Innovation, a student leader who has taken her passion for ethical AI from the classroom to the international stage—including a keynote at FETC. Alana Winnick is an award-winning educator and the creative force behind The Generative Age—a book and podcast exploring generative AI and its impact on education. She is also the founder of Students for Innovation, an organization empowering students to advocate for change within their schools. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    31 min
  4. Control ALT Achieve

    MAR 27

    Control ALT Achieve

    This week, Eric Curts sits down with Jamie and Jerri to share a story that proves just how powerful one educator can be. The kind of impact that does not just shape a classroom, but an entire life. If you know Eric, you know he is all about making tech make sense. From Google tools to what is next, he has helped thousands of educators cut through the noise and focus on what actually works. Together we talk AI in education without the hype, Eric's “Wrestle, Wrap, Reflect” approach, and his newest project EduGems.ai: a space for educators to share real, usable ideas. And like everything he does, it is built to be accessible, practical, and free. --- ABOUT OUR GUEST Eric Curts is an EdTech Specialist based in Ohio with over 30 years in education. He began as a middle school math teacher before moving into technology integration, where he has spent decades helping educators use digital tools with purpose. He shares hundreds of free resources on AI, Google tools, accessibility, and more through ControlAltAchieve.com and EduGems.ai, along with his book Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    39 min
  5. EdTech: The Global View

    MAR 20

    EdTech: The Global View

    What does edtech look like beyond your borders? This week, we're going global. Jennifer Surujpaul joins LinkedUp to share an international perspective on educational technology — what's working, what's evolving, and what's keeping leaders up at night. From the exciting possibilities of AI and innovation to the very real concerns around privacy, equity, and implementation, Jennifer brings over 25 years of experience across education, public sector, and international digital transformation to the conversation. If you've ever wondered how edtech challenges and opportunities compare around the world, this episode will stretch your thinking in all the right ways. --- ABOUT OUR GUEST Jennifer Surujpaul is Founder of IT Solutionist and a TransforMATive Associate specialising in digital transformation, IT strategy, cybersecurity, and compliance. With over 25 years of experience across education, local government, and international digital transformation, she helps schools and organisations integrate, secure, and optimise their IT systems for long-term sustainability. Jennifer is passionate about advancing cybersecurity resilience, AI-driven efficiencies, and building future-proof digital ecosystems that empower organisations to work smarter, safer, and more sustainably. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    31 min
  6. Beyond the AI Inflection Point

    MAR 6

    Beyond the AI Inflection Point

    The rapid spread of GenAI has schools at an unprecedented inflection point. While districts may not have all the answers yet, the need to act is clear. Preparing students for a future shaped by AI requires more than reactive guardrails. It calls for thoughtful planning, clear policy, and classroom practices that put student need—not technology—first. That’s why this week we’re sitting down with Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO of AI For Education, and Sari Factor, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer at Imagine Learning. They’ll share insights from their joint release, Beyond the AI Inflection Point: a new report and practical toolkit built to help schools move from uncertainty to intentional, student-centered action in the age of AI. --- ABOUT OUR GUESTS Amanda Bickerstaff is the Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school biology teacher and EdTech CEO, she brings over 20 years of experience in the education sector. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer, she is a sought-after keynote speaker and leading authority on AI and education. Sari Factor, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer of Imagine Learning, leads the company’s vision to empower educators and students’ potential through innovative digital-first learning solutions. A seasoned K-12 education solutions leader with over 40 years of experience, she is passionate about using technology to enhance and support teachers, and to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    44 min
  7. Autopilot

    FEB 20

    Autopilot

    School leadership isn’t getting simpler. It’s getting louder, faster, and far more complex: surprise challenges, constant interruptions, a to-do list that multiplies by the hour. This week on LinkedUp, we’re joined by educator, speaker, and author Rich Czyz to talk about his new book, Autopilot, and what it really takes to lead without burning out. Rich makes the case for “going on autopilot,” not by checking out but by building smart systems that protect your time, sharpen your focus, and help you operate at your highest level. We dig into practical strategies for transforming your inbox, tightening up workflows, minimizing stress, and creating the kind of structure that allows leaders to think strategically instead of constantly reacting. If you have ever felt stuck in inefficiency, overwhelmed by distractions, or stretched thin trying to do it all, this conversation gives you permission to rethink how you work. --- ABOUT OUR GUEST Rich Czyz started his educational career in 2003 as a fifth-grade teacher. As an administrator, he first served as a curriculum supervisor and director of curriculum, where he learned that sometimes challenging the status quo is really the only way to do things. Rich currently serves as a Principal in New Jersey, where he enjoys participating in kickball games with students. Rich is the co-founder of the Four O’Clock Faculty blog for educators looking to improve instruction and learning for themselves and their students. Rich is passionate about engaging all stakeholders in meaningful and relevant learning. He is an author, blogger, and presenter. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    20 min
  8. Mind Sharing

    FEB 13

    Mind Sharing

    Robert Martellacci is known for a simple mantra: "Keep the learning curve steep." In this episode, he sits down with Jamie and Jerri to break down how curiosity, humility, and a commitment to continuous learning have shaped his work across countries, cultures, and classrooms. From building global edtech communities to connecting educators and innovators worldwide, Robert reminds us that learning isn’t a phase: it’s a lifelong posture. Together, we dig into his belief that passion has no expiration date and that meaningful impact comes from relationships, not geography. A must-listen for leaders who want to stay curious, stay relevant, and keep evolving. --- ABOUT OUR GUEST Robert Martellacci, widely recognized as the Godfather of EdTech in Canada, is a pioneering leader in education technology with over 25 years of experience. He is the Founder, President, and Publisher of MindShare Learning, a premier media and consulting firm dedicated to bridging the gap between education and technology. As Founder and CEO of MindShare Workspace, Canada’s first mall-located coworking space, and Co-Founder & CEO of C21 Canada, he champions modern learning models and future-ready education policies. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his cherished family, playing faculty hockey at York University, or sailing on Georgian Bay. His signature sign-off captures his mission: “Until next time, keep the digital learning curve steep!” --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    31 min
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5
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11 Ratings

About

Jamie Saponaro and Jerri Kemble are two lively ladies passionate about education. Further flamed by the many changes in schools in 2020, they set out to make a positive contribution to the profession they love by creating LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education. LinkedUp’s mission is to have lively and in-depth discussions about relevant educational topics that matter and to link the movers and shakers of the education world with listeners. Jamie and Jerri both work for ClassLink, an edtech company powering this podcast as a service to educators everywhere.

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