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. The Fourth Industrial Revolution requires a shift

    1D AGO

    The Fourth Industrial Revolution requires a shift

    What does it mean to embracing change in the  Fourth Industrial Revolution? Our special guest talks about the skills and mindset we need to embrace. Welcome to our summer series on the future world of work. We kick it off with Ann Nakaska. Ann Nakaska M.Ed. CDF has a background in psychology, education, and business. She specializes in career decision making and career planning with a special interest in career opportunities of the future. She believes that by people can prepare for the fourth industrial revolution workplace by developing a GET (Global, Entrepreneurial and Technological) Ready Mindset.  Connect with her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-nakaska-ba-med-52315747/ https://constructivecareer.com/ Learn more about our series partner: We are so thankful to our sponsor Alongside, learn more about the critical research they are doing and join them for a special webinar on June 26th. Join Dr. Elsa Friis, Ph.D., Head of Product and Clinical at Alongside, veteran educator Jess Bell, M.Ed., and teen advisor Priya Antony for a candid conversation on the year’s biggest mental health trends.Inside the report: Inside the report: > Teens are struggling with sleep more than ever > School-life balance feels out of reach at every age > Boys are looking for new ways to ask for help > Confidential, self-guided tools are resonating deeply with students. Save your seat now and be among the first to receive the full report. Sign up today. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution 04:45 The Importance of a Get Ready Mindset 10:04 Integrating Entrepreneurial Skills in Education 14:12 Understanding Industry Dynamics 19:38 Focusing on Work vs. Job 25:25 Finding and Solving Problems 32:40 Researching Opportunities in a Changing World

    38 min
  2. Coming soon: The Future World of Work

    SEASON 8 TRAILER

    Coming soon: The Future World of Work

    Listeners voted and told us this summer they wanted us to tell them more about the future world of work. Jeff and Tricia will bring listeners an incredible lineup of experts from a broad range of industries to tell us more about where we are heading. The summer series is proud to partner with Alongside. Tune in June 16th to catch the first episode in our summer of great conversations.

    2 min
  3. The Importance of Trauma-Informed Philanthropy & Advocacy

    JUN 9

    The Importance of Trauma-Informed Philanthropy & Advocacy

    In this conversation, Erin Williamson from Love 146 discusses the organization's core values of defiant hope and unfiltered joy, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care in supporting youth who have experienced trafficking. She highlights the necessity of a collective effort in addressing these complex issues and the role of policy in protecting victims. The discussion also touches on the importance of teaching consent and navigating relationships, as well as how the public can support change through awareness and advocacy. Erin Williamson is the Chief Programs & Strategy Officer at Love146, where she’s spent over a decade fighting child trafficking through trauma-informed care, prevention education, and survivor advocacy. With 20+ years in the field, Erin brings deep insight into protecting vulnerable youth and driving policy change—while balancing her role as a parent and education advocate. Erin holds a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from American University & is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Learn more https://www.facebook.com/love146.org/ https://love146.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-williamson-5b88b58b https://x.com/Love146 Chapters 00:00 Defiant Hope and Unfiltered Joy in Action 05:03 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care 09:13 The Collective Effort in Addressing Trafficking 15:42 Navigating Complex Relationships and Boundaries 21:26 Teaching Consent Across Generations 27:58 Rethinking Child Autonomy and Rights 33:11 The Role of Policy in Supporting Victims 39:50 How the Public Can Support Change

    45 min
  4. Overcoming Barriers with Universal Design for Learning

    JUN 2

    Overcoming Barriers with Universal Design for Learning

    In this conversation, Dr. Loui Lord Nelson discusses the connections between technical theater and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), emphasizing the importance of intentional design in educational environments. The conversation explores barriers to implementing UDL, the significance of emotional connections in learning, and the necessity of fostering collaboration and community among learners. Dr. Nelson highlights the role of educators in creating inclusive and supportive learning spaces that cater to the diverse needs of all students. In this conversation, Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D., discusses the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how to make learning more accessible and engaging for all students. She emphasizes the importance of context in learning, the use of metaphors like sunsets to explain UDL, and provides practical resources for educators looking to implement UDL strategies. The discussion also touches on the significance of designing for barriers and fostering learner agency, as well as the iterative nature of design in educational settings. Ready to learn more from our guest? https://theudlapproach.com/ Chapters 00:00 The Intersection of Technical Theater and UDL 04:09 Intentional Design in Learning Environments 11:14 Barriers to Implementing UDL 17:44 Emotional Connections in Learning 22:14 Fostering Collaboration and Community 30:33 Accessible Learning Resources 31:33 The Sunset Analogy for UDL 36:10 Starting Points for UDL Implementation 40:31 Understanding UDL Gears 46:42 Designing for Barriers and Agency 52:44 The Design Workflow and Reflection

    57 min
  5. Insights on the future of restorative justice

    MAY 26

    Insights on the future of restorative justice

    In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Nicholas Bradford, founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice. They discuss the importance of restorative justice in education, the training and engagement strategies for teachers, and the current trends in school management and student engagement. Nicholas shares insights on the future of restorative justice, emphasizing the need for empathetic approaches in handling student conflicts and the importance of community engagement through conferences and workshops.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Restorative Justice in Education 05:35 Trends in School Engagement and Management 11:31 Future of Restorative Justice in Education 17:26 Conferences and Community Engagement Meet our guest: With over 15 years of experience in the field, Nicholas has worked extensively to promote belonging, culture change, and accountability through restorative justice. He is the founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice and the author of A Real-World Guide to Restorative Justice for Schools. His work is informed by a unique blend of personal insight, academic expertise, and a 24-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, making him a dynamic and deeply knowledgeable voice in this space. https://www.nationalcenterforrestorativejustice.com/

    23 min

  6. MAY 19

    The Future of AI in Trade Classrooms

    This is a topic so nice, Jeff just had to talk about it twice! If you missed last week's episode you might want to check it out first, it is a great precursor to this conversation where Jeff Utecht explores the integration of AI in trade classrooms, focusing on material selection, safety simulations, and the pedagogical benefits of using AI tools. He emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a future where AI is prevalent in the workforce, advocating for a collaborative approach where AI acts as a co-pilot in education. Through practical examples and insights, Utecht illustrates how AI can enhance learning experiences and improve efficiency in trade education. Chapters 00:00The Future of AI in Trade Classrooms 02:59Material Selection and Optimization with AI 05:52AI-Driven Safety Simulations and Briefings 08:50Integrating AI into Classroom Practices 12:11Preparing Students for a Sustainable Future 15:00AI as a Co-Pilot in Education

    22 min

  7. MAY 12

    AI in CTE Classrooms: A New Era Is Here

    In this episode, Jeff Utecht explores the transformative impact of AI in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms, particularly in construction and welding. He discusses how generative AI tools can enhance learning and efficiency, providing real-world applications and examples. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a future where AI plays a crucial role in skilled trades, highlighting the need for critical thinking and verification of AI-generated information. Chapters 00:00 AI in CTE Classrooms: A New Era 04:49 Generative AI in Construction and Welding 10:03 Building Information Management Software 14:45 Computer Vision in Welding Education 19:55 Preparing Students for the Future of Trades   Takeaways AI is revolutionizing CTE classrooms, making learning more interactive. Generative AI can optimize construction designs and processes. Students must learn to verify AI-generated information. There is a significant shortage of skilled labor in construction. AI tools can provide instant feedback in welding education. Building Information Management (BIM) software is essential for modern construction. Computer vision technology can enhance quality control in welding. Educators should pilot AI tools in their classrooms. Safety and critical thinking are paramount when using AI. Preparing students for the future of trades is essential.

    23 min

  8. MAY 5

    Can AI help us share our stories?

    In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, Tricia Friedman introduces a month-long challenge focused on playing with ideas. She discusses the importance of crafting personal stories as a means of reflection for educators and introduces a new generative AI bot designed to assist in this process. The episode encourages listeners to engage with the provided resources and share their experiences. Ready to check out the bot? https://chatgpt.com/g/g-680fda72d2b88191b55ebf3c763d5dbb-crafting-your-story-as-an-end-of-year-reflection   Wanna check out the free guide?   https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/crafting-the-story-of-our-learning/   Takeaways This May, we invite you to get playful and curious. Crafting stories can help educators reflect on their year. The free guide helps educators share their stories. Generative AI can enhance storytelling activities. The bot assists in building a narrative structure. Listening to each other's stories is valuable. Feedback from the community is essential for growth. The challenge aims to foster community engagement. Experimenting with tools can boost confidence in storytelling. Sharing stories can strengthen team dynamics.

    6 min
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4.9
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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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