Explore the fascinating intersection of poetry, art, and identity on this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast featuring Mason Pashia. Mason discusses his debut book, Kestrel and Other Songs , and dives deep into the creative process, the power of words, and the ways poetry invites us to see the world differently. From his inspirations like Robert Macfarlane to the influence of place and personal experiences, Mason shares insights that connect creativity with education, identity, and community. ...
Aug 21, 2025•35 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Casey Evans, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at American University's Kogod School of Business, to explore how AI is revolutionizing specifically business education. From integrating AI literacy across a fully redesigned curriculum to emphasizing professionalism and communication skills tailored for Gen Z, Casey shares how her team is preparing students for the future of work. Discover innovative approaches lik...
Aug 20, 2025•27 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark dives into the intersection of education and workforce innovation with Kerry McKittrick, Co-Director of Harvard's Project on Workforce. Together, they explore the evolving job market in the AI era, discussing challenges like the "AI job apocalypse" and the importance of creating agile pathways to economic mobility. Kerry highlights the critical role of work-based learning, industry partnerships, and personalized career navigation to pr...
Aug 13, 2025•29 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore the intersection of education innovation, policy updates, and emerging technologies. From the role of AI in fostering human flourishing to the potential of CTE centers and ISDs as innovation hubs, they dive into transformative ideas reshaping education. The discussion also delves into ethical considerations for AI, federal funding impacts on schools, and the power of decentralized networks to accelerate change....
Aug 08, 2025•41 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Shawnee Caruthers explores the transformative power of Career Pathways Academy at iPark 87 with a dynamic panel of guests: Dr. Jonah Schenker (Ulster BOCES), John Boolukos (Archtop Fiber), and students Cameren Thibault-Edmonds and Natalie Winrow. Together, they discuss how place-based education, industry collaboration, and learner-centered design can open doors to opportunity, purpose, and belonging. From redefining Career and Technical Educatio...
Aug 06, 2025•42 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark dives into the AI revolution in corporate learning with special guest Josh Bersin. Together, they explore the transformative potential of AI-powered tools like the Galileo HR Agent, which are reshaping talent development, HR systems, and learning and development (L&D). Discover how dynamic content, AI tutors, and virtual agents are creating “super workers” and revolutionizing workplace learning. Tune in to learn how these innovatio...
Aug 01, 2025•28 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we dive into California’s groundbreaking efforts to expand equitable access to computer science education. Joined by Dr. Caryn Lewis, Rod Garcia, and Dr. Sharisa Chan, we explore how initiatives like the Cal MSCS Professional Learning Partnership are fostering equity, building interdisciplinary approaches, and promoting AI literacy for students and educators alike. From creating immersive communities of practice to emphasizing the importance of famil...
Jul 30, 2025•28 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia and Jason Cummins are thrilled to have Kara Bobroff join them to share her journey in transforming education for Indigenous communities. As the founder of One Generation and the driving force behind the Native American Community Academy (NACA), Kara passionately discusses how schools can truly reflect and serve their communities. Kara discusses the creation of NACA, a groundbreaking school built on the values of cultural identity, wellne...
Jul 25, 2025•38 min
Join us on the Getting Smart Podcast as host Mason Pashia dives into regenerative design in education with Benjamin Freud, Head of Upper School at Green School Bali and co-founder of Coconut Thinking. Together, they discuss how schools can move beyond sustainability to embrace regenerative practices that create conditions conducive to life—not just for students but for all living beings. Explore the difference between sustainable and regenerative design, how to foster emergence in learning, and ...
Jul 23, 2025•46 min
In this episode of Catching Up, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia dive into a rich tapestry of educational innovation and thought-provoking topics. They explore Indiana's groundbreaking charter micro schools initiative, designed to re-engage students through public micro schools, and the fascinating history of Junior Republics—youth-led communities that once offered immersive real-world learning experiences. The duo also examines the importance of project management skills starting in kindergarten...
Jul 18, 2025•53 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we explore the transformative power of professions-based learning through the lens of the CAPS network. Join Tom Vander Ark as he gets into how CAPS integrates real-world learning experiences with career-connected pathways, creating dynamic opportunities for students across the nation. With over 100 sites and participation from 200 school districts, the CAPS model emphasizes self-discovery and entrepreneurial mindsets, equipping learners with durable...
Jul 16, 2025•33 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Dr. Don Haddad, retiring superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools, to explore the impactful journey of transforming a school district into a responsive, high-performing system. Dr. Haddad shares insights on building a vision that aligns education with the fast-changing global environment, fostering community trust, and developing diverse pathways that significantly raised graduation rates. His approach to leadership an...
Jul 09, 2025•38 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen dives into the cutting-edge world of AI in education with Habib Bangura from Urban Assembly. Discover how Project Cafe is revolutionizing classroom instruction by providing real-time, developmental feedback to teachers. By utilizing AI-driven video analysis, this innovative tool enhances teaching efficiency and effectiveness, paving the way for improved student outcomes. Join the conversation to explore how technology is transforming t...
Jul 02, 2025•35 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, join Tom Vander Ark as he explores the transformative power of community-engaged learning with guests from Elizabethton High School in rural Tennessee. Discover how educators like Dustin Hensley are redefining education by integrating real-world challenges into the classroom, allowing students to develop crucial skills and a sense of purpose. Hear inspiring stories from alumni Veronica Watson and Sadie Whitehead, who share how these experiences have ...
Jun 27, 2025•33 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Paul Herdman, CEO of the Rodell Foundation of Delaware, to discuss the transformative power of pathways in education. They delve into how initiatives like work-based learning and seamless transitions from high school to career can enhance student success and readiness for the future. This conversation highlights the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and employers to build effective and equitabl...
Jun 25, 2025•32 min
In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we dive into the transformative power of project-based learning (PBL) through the lens of the Border Lands project. Hosted by Shawnee Caruthers, this episode features insightful conversations with Ryan Sprott, an educator and PBL advocate, alongside former students Annah Sanchez, Daniela Hernandez, and Bianca Garza. Together, they explore how immersive learning experiences at the US-Mexico border shaped their understanding of complex social iss...
Jun 20, 2025•51 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Rebecca Midles discuss the Getting Smart Learning Innovation Framework , designed to catalyze systems change in education. They explore how personalized, competency-based learning models integrated with AI can meet the diverse needs of students and overcome the systemic challenges currently facing education. The conversation highlights the framework's focus on community-driven visions, adaptive learning models, and innovative signa...
Jun 18, 2025•35 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Monique Uzelac, the Executive Director of the Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium in Michigan explore the innovative approach to educational choice within the consortium, discussing how it offers diverse programs like competency-based learning and early college opportunities. Monique shares insights into the consortium's collaborative efforts with multiple districts to enhance student outcomes and meet varied educational needs...
Jun 13, 2025•34 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers has a vibrant conversation with Superintendent Dr. George Philhower to explore how joy, alongside connection, growth, and success, forms the core of their educational commitments. Learn about their innovative initiatives, like the Joy Integration Specialist role and Joy Jam conference, which transform learning experiences by fostering genuine curiosity and purpose. Join us to see how these efforts are not just enhancing academic eng...
Jun 11, 2025•35 min
In this episode of Catching Up, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore the evolving landscape of education with a focus on AI leadership, applied humanities, and innovative learning spaces. They dive into key topics such as the role of AI in transforming educational practices, the shift towards applied humanities in higher education, and the potential of community spaces in schools to enhance learning experiences. With insights from recent developments and thoughtful discussions, this episode o...
Jun 06, 2025•47 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews sits down with educational leaders BB Ntsakey and Kelly Niccolls to explore the transformative power of liberatory assessment. Discover how these innovative approaches move beyond traditional metrics to create personalized, student-centered learning experiences that emphasize growth and empowerment. By reimagining assessment as a tool for learning and liberation, educators can foster environments where students' unique strengths...
Jun 04, 2025•31 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews delve into the critical aspects of sustainability within the microschool movement. They are joined by insightful leaders like Amar Kumar and Andrew Lee, who share their expertise on maintaining financial health, ensuring leadership succession, and prioritizing equity in education. Through candid discussions, the episode highlights how microschools, with their innovative and decentralized models, navigate chall...
May 28, 2025•22 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Jamie Merisotis, CEO of the Lumina Foundation, about the evolving landscape of work and education in the age of artificial intelligence. As industries rapidly adopt AI technologies, Jamie shares insights on how human work is transforming and the crucial role of credentialing in ensuring economic prosperity. The conversation highlights the importance of redefining educational goals to inclu...
May 21, 2025•30 min
In this enlightening episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark and Dr. Kaleb Rashad engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dr. Michael Fullan, an internationally acclaimed advocate for deeper learning. Together, they explore whether deeper learning is the key to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the new age of AI. Dr. Fullan introduces the concept of "systemness," emphasizing the need for systemic change over isolated educational initiatives. The conversati...
May 14, 2025•34 min
In this episode of "Catching Up!", Mason and Nate dive into a vibrant discussion on the evolving landscape of education, focusing on how vibe coding, curiosity, and judgment are poised to redefine learning priorities. They explore the shifting dynamics of computer science education in the age of AI and highlight the importance of fostering experience-based learning opportunities across diverse educational geographies. From the intriguing concept of "Italian brain rot" to the challenges of expand...
May 09, 2025•53 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we delve into the transformative assessment practices of One Stone, a unique high school that prioritizes student agency and real-world skills. Host Victoria Andrews engages in an enlightening conversation with Celeste Bolin, Executive Director of One Stone, and students Sophie Gunther and Raya Naymik. They discuss the school's innovative approach to assessments, which emphasizes resilience, leadership, and the ability to "fail forward." By integrati...
May 07, 2025•33 min
Join Shawnee Caruthers and Carlos Moreno in an enlightening conversation on the Getting Smart Podcast as they delve into the transformative power of leading with love, care, and vulnerability in education. This episode, recorded live at South by Southwest, explores the theme of Humanizing Pathways Leadership. Carlos Moreno, co-director of Big Picture Learning, shares his insights and experiences in empowering students and communities. With heartfelt stories and thought-provoking discussions on e...
May 02, 2025•59 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Rebecca Midles delves into the essential competencies of modern-day leadership with Laura Hilger, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning at KnowledgeWorks. Joined by Carmen Coleman and Estrada, the conversation explores the development and impact of the Lead for Learners Network and the Portrait of a Leader. These initiatives aim to guide educational leaders towards sustainable change through personalized, competency-based learning. Discover h...
Apr 30, 2025•25 min
In this episode of "Catching Up!", hosts Mason and Nate dive into a lively discussion on the future of education, exploring how learning spaces, AI readiness, and global innovations are reshaping the landscape. From the creative redevelopment of community hubs in former malls to the pressing need for media literacy amidst a wave of information overload, this conversation covers a range of critical topics. They touch on the potential impacts of a new executive order on AI in education and the cha...
Apr 25, 2025•49 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Kathleen deLaski, author of "Who Needs College Anymore?" to explore the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. DeLaski challenges traditional views on college education, delving into how the rise of alternative pathways like apprenticeships and dual enrollment are reshaping post-secondary education. They discuss the implications of the Great Recession, the impact of AI, and the role of experience as the new "silver b...
Apr 23, 2025•34 min
