Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman
  • 4.9 (41)
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Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

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. Ways librarians are leading the AI Literacy Conversation

    3 DAYS AGO

    Ways librarians are leading the AI Literacy Conversation

    Libraries can be a space for community building and idea exchange. During this new era of AI–what is already happening in the library? That's what we explore this week with three different perspectives on the way the Librarian is a critical voice on all things AI. Ready to meet our guests? Zakir Hossain is a Teacher-Librarian and independent researcher. He’s passionate about academic integrity and artificial intelligence literacy development. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Zakir has lived and worked in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Zakir can be reached via @DuZakir on X and zakir.reseachtl@gmail.com    Danny Glasner has been a technology coach, learning support, and for the past seven years, a library/media specialist otherwise known as a teacher-librarian. He has worked in schools for the past 21 years in Toronto, Istanbul, Hanoi, Zhuhai, Beijing, Phuket (as the whole school librarian for UWC Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City, and now Tirana, Albania. The library brings many of Danny’s passions together; love of reading, critical and creative thinking, artificial intelligence, technology in general, diversity, justice, belonging, sustainability, mindfulness, and global citizenship. The library Is a safe space where the entire learning community is made to feel welcome and seen. Danny utilizes his network to bring people together, to help students connect ideas, and to amplify their actions by broadening their audience. His passion for connecting people and ideas inspired him to co-found inTLlead.org, an international grassroots teacher-librarian leadership group, and #inTLchat, a hashtag and chat that connects librarians all over the world. He is the founding coordinator of 21st Century Library Connection Miniconference and the library strand for 21CLHK Main Conference held in Hong Kong, February 12-15 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-glasner-99a833268/ https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14262254/ https://www.instagram.com/dannyglasner/ https://groups.io/g/intllead https://medium.com/@dannyglasner   Heeru Bhojwani is a dedicated librarian with over 25 years of experience, blending her expertise in literacy, research, and digital innovation. Beginning her journey in primary schools with a focus on literacy, she later advanced to secondary education, promoting research skills, student voice, and choice. Heeru is the co-founder of the Liferarian Association, where she coaches librarians, building their skill sets and supporting underserved communities by helping fund library initiatives. She established the National Jarul Book Award to honor excellence in children’s literature and has published three multilingual anthologies representing over 10 languages. Heeru has presented at NESA, ISTE, and collaborated with KSIPD, running workshops that inspire librarians. https://heerubhojwani.com/ Liferarian.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/heeru-bhojwani-76975011   Huge thanks to our sponsors: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1   https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/

    38 min
  2. Rethinking the IQ test with Pepper Stetler

    JAN 13

    Rethinking the IQ test with Pepper Stetler

    On the show this week Jeff and Tricia talk with author, Pepper Stetler about the new book A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test. Pepper Stetler is a Professor of Art History at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She writes extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, The Progressive, the Ploughshares blog and Gulf Coast. Stetler also researches and writes about the art and photography of early twentieth-century Europe and the United States. In 2022, she was awarded an Art Writer’s Grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation. She has written catalog essays for exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. In 2022, she curated Craft and Camera: The Art of Nancy Ford Cones, the first museum scale retrospective of the Cincinnati-based photographer. Stetler grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. She received her BA from Barnard College, Columbia University and her MA and Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. She lives in Oxford, Ohio with her husband and her daughter, Louisa, whose general awesomeness inspired her to write A Measure of Intelligence. Learn more about the book and connect with our guest. https://www.pepperstetler.com/ Thank you to our show sponsor https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

    31 min
  3. Special episode: Tricia talks AI

    JAN 6

    Special episode: Tricia talks AI

    This week Shifting Schools is sharing another podcast with you:  Women Talkin' 'Bout AI 🎙️ In this episode of Women Talkin' 'Bout AI, host Dr. Kimberly Becker welcomes Tricia Friedman, an all-around educational innovator who's been doing really future-forward and inclusive work in AI literacy and community building. In this powerful conversation, international educator and neuroqueer futurist Tricia uncovers the profound potential of AI in education while maintaining authentic human connections.  Key Insights: -The critical need for AI literacy in K-12 and higher education -Reimagining learning assessment in the age of generative AI -How technology can deepen human understanding and creativity -Innovative approaches to integrating AI without losing human connection 📚 Content Discussed in This Episode: 0:00 - Introduction  5:30 - AI in Education 15:45 - Challenges in K-12 Learning 25:20 - Reimagining Assessment 35:10 - Personal AI Experiments 45:30 - Future of Technology and Learning   Want to download the free guide Tricia talked about at the start of the episode? https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/your-free-shifting-schools-guide-more-generative-collaboration-in-2025/

    1h 15m
  4. Is taking play seriously the secret to stellar leadership?

    12/30/2024

    Is taking play seriously the secret to stellar leadership?

    In this conversation, Tricia and Joel Birch explore the transformative power of Lego Serious Play as a facilitation method. Joel shares his background in music and comedy, discussing how these experiences inform his approach to facilitating workshops. They get into the importance of play in communication, the dynamics of team interactions, and the unique benefits of virtual facilitation. The discussion highlights the role of a facilitator in creating a safe space for expression and the similarities and differences between K-12 education and corporate environments. Joel emphasizes the need for skilled facilitators to guide participants through the process, ensuring that everyone has a voice and can contribute meaningfully to the conversation. In this conversation, Joel Birch discusses his journey into facilitation, emphasizing the importance of inquiry learning and collaboration in education. He shares insights on engaging parents and caregivers, the role of play in building relationships, and innovative techniques for strategic planning and interviews in schools. The discussion highlights the need for creativity in educational practices and the value of creating low-stakes environments for meaningful conversations. ➡️ Ready to connect with Joel?  https://joelbir.ch/   🖍️ Learn more about Crayola Creativity Week!  https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/   👏🏻 Thank you to our show sponsor  https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1   Take-Aways from this episode: Collaboration in education can alleviate change fatigue. Play is essential for learning and relationship building. Engaging parents in the educational process is crucial. Facilitation can help capture diverse ideas in a community. Innovative interview techniques can reveal true candidate potential. Creating low-stakes environments fosters open communication. Using physical objects can facilitate deeper conversations.

    48 min
  5. Changing perceptions of manufacturing in schools

    12/23/2024

    Changing perceptions of manufacturing in schools

    In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and John Gardner discuss the critical role of manufacturing in the American economy and the importance of education in preparing students for careers in this field. Gardner emphasizes the need to change perceptions of manufacturing, highlighting its high-tech nature and the lucrative opportunities it offers. They explore how K-12 education has shifted away from vocational training, leading to a shortage of skilled workers. The discussion also covers the importance of real-world applications in education and creating pathways for students to succeed in manufacturing careers. Key highlights of this episode include: +The manufacturing industry faces a potential shortage of 2.1 million jobs by 2030. +Education must adapt to prepare students for future careers, not past roles. +Manufacturing is a viable and lucrative career path for students. +Changing perceptions of manufacturing is essential for attracting new talent. +Real-world applications in education can engage students and enhance learning. +Vocational training should be integrated back into K-12 education. +Students need to see the progression of careers in manufacturing. +Local businesses can play a role in supporting education and training. Learn more about John's book: https://johngardnerauthor.com/product/manufacture-local-how-to-make-america-the-manufacturing-superpower-of-the-world   Thank you to our show sponsor https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

    35 min
  6. Help all learners bring more creativity into 2025

    12/16/2024

    Help all learners bring more creativity into 2025

    Creativity is essential. On the show this week we loved learning with Crayola's Cheri Sterman. Cheri is here to tell us all about the power of the upcoming Crayola Creativity Week. Educators and families can register free for this event: https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/ The conversation centers around Crayola Creativity Week, a free program designed to inspire and celebrate children's creativity. Cheri Sterman discusses the importance of nurturing creativity in children, the role of parents and educators in fostering creative confidence, and practical ways to integrate creativity into daily life. The event features a lineup of celebrity guests and aims to engage millions of children worldwide. The discussion emphasizes creativity as a vital life skill that benefits individual well-being and community building. Ready to learn more about our amazing guest? Cheri Sterman is a nationally recognized leader in child development and education, and a passionate advocate of creativity and the influence it has on a child’s future potential. Cheri most recently helped Crayola launch its advocacy initiative, Campaign for Creativity, which challenges conventional perceptions about creativity, sparking a new dialogue about the value of creativity and helping parents incorporate more creative moments into their children’s lives.   Cheri has served as vice-chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Learning and on the executive boards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Child Development Council. Cheri helps educators and community leaders expand their creative thinking. She hosts Crayola monthly online programs including: The Art of Learning, and Read Along-Draw Along where she interviews authors, illustrators, art therapists, and educators.   Cheri has served as a consultant to the National Governors Association, White House Commission on Children and Youth, Children’s Defense Fund, and the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities’ Turn-Around Schools Initiative.   You can connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-sterman-6862351ba/   Learn more about this week's show sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

    41 min
  7. What we can learn from Outlier schools

    12/09/2024

    What we can learn from Outlier schools

    Erich Bolz is deeply versed in the field-tested Powerless to Powerful transformation frameworks developed by Gonzaga University professors Chuck Salina and Suzann Girtz which, when implemented with fidelity, are proven to increase student achievement and staff satisfaction. Utilizing cognitive coaching approaches, Erich helps school leaders and central office administrators (including Special Education directors) make sense of their day-to-day challenges while fostering transformational breakthroughs in both their work and personal lives. Today on the show Erich and Jeff have a conversation about effective educational transformation. They also emphasize the importance of servant leadership and mission clarity in creating a positive school culture. The conversation also touches on leadership coaching, data-driven decision-making, and strategies for narrowing the achievement gap. They conclude by discussing the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers in the current educational landscape. Connect with Erich, his work and podcast: https://bolzleadership.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/outliers-in-education-from-cee/id1577590456

    27 min
  8. The potential of AI for multilingual learners

    12/02/2024

    The potential of AI for multilingual learners

    In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and Professor Brent Warner explore the intersection of AI and education, particularly focusing on multilingual learners. They discuss how AI can empower students to take control of their learning, the innovative techniques for vocabulary building through prompting, and the importance of teaching prompt engineering skills.  Brent shares insights on redesigning rubrics to be more equitable and effective, while also emphasizing the importance of transparency in using AI in educational settings. The conversation culminates in Brent's upcoming book aimed at helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms for multilingual learners. Learn more about our guest: Brent Warner is an award-winning community college professor focusing on integrating technology and innovation into the language learning process. He works with teachers and organizations across the globe to provide practical advice for helping English Language Learners take advantage of tech to help them communicate more clearly. He blogs about technology integration in the ESOL classroom for TESOL International, and he is the co-host of The DIESOL Podcast, focusing on innovation in ESOL. www.BrentGWarner.com  www.DIESOL.org https://brentgwarner.com/book/ https://www.tesol.org/blog/posts/using-ai-to-build-vocabulary-3-approaches/     Thank you to our show sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

    47 min
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4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

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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