On the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia engages with Will Richardson, co-founder of The Big Questions Institute, to explore the evolving role of education in the face of global complexity and potential collapse. Richardson shares insights from his new manifesto, emphasizing the importance of repairing human and ecological relationships as a core educational mission. Together, they delve into the necessity of preparing students emotionally, physically, and spiritually to ...
Apr 18, 2025•37 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sara Schapiro, the director of the Alliance for Learning Innovation. Together, they explore the critical need for enhanced research and development (R&D) within the education sector—an area historically underfunded compared to other industries like healthcare. The discussion delves into the unique challenges and opportunities of education R&D, highlighting the importance of both ...
Apr 16, 2025•32 min
In this episode of "Catching Up!", join Mason Pashia and Nate McClennen as they explore the intersection of learning spaces, AI readiness, and global education innovations. Discover how AI-assisted teams outperform conventional groups and what New Zealand's competency-based education system can teach us about learner records. Delve into the role of technology adoption inspired by the Amish and how this shapes community values. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or lifelong learner, this ep...
Apr 11, 2025•45 min
On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Jordan Luster explores the transformative potential of relational intelligence in education with Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and author of “ Love to Learn .” Together, they explore the concept of relational intelligence (RQ) and its importance in shaping relationship-centered learning environments. Isabelle shares insights on how fostering strong emotional connections can enhance learning experiences, emp...
Apr 09, 2025•33 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark chats with Don Wettrick, CEO of the StartEdUp Foundation, to explore the future of entrepreneurship education. Don Wettrick talks about how the foundation is transforming high school students into proactive problem-solvers and innovators through initiatives like the Innovate Within pitch competition. This program empowers young minds by encouraging them to tackle real-world problems, leveraging tools like AI to enhance opportunity reco...
Apr 02, 2025•30 min
In this episode of “Catching Up,” Mason Pashia and Nate McClennen dive into the endless potential of AI across various sectors, with a focus on education and music. They explore the implications of AI-generated music, the concept of unbundling education to expand learning ecosystems, and the emerging importance of digital credentials and learner records. The discussion also highlights a new framework for school redesign, emphasizing real-world experiences and adaptability in a changing labor mar...
Mar 28, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia and his guests talk about how YouScience is transforming career navigation for students and educators. Joined by an achieved panel of guests, including Peter Van Mondfrans from YouScience, Kaitlyn Tyler from the Greater Springfield Partnership, Christina Walters of Knight Dispatch, and Jamison Truebenbach from the Global Impact STEM Academy, the discussion explores the dynamic intersection of education, workforce development, and technol...
Mar 26, 2025•42 min
In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews engages in an enlightening conversation with Tiffany Green, the visionary founder of Uprooted Academy. This innovative platform is designed to transform the college application journey for young students by incorporating holistic elements such as financial literacy, wellness, and community engagement. Tiffany shares her personal experiences and insights, revealing how Uprooted Academy is not just about getting students to ...
Mar 19, 2025•34 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Rebecca Midles sits down with Aylon Samouha, the CEO of Transcend and a visionary in education reform. They delve into the concept of The Third Way, an approach that blends community insights with proven educational practices to create lasting change in schools. Aylon shares his insights from years of experience in the field, discussing the limitations of traditional top-down reforms and the challenges faced by grassroots efforts. Together, they...
Mar 05, 2025•28 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Nate McClennen explores the topic of teen engagement with guests Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of "The Disengaged Teen." They delve into the four modes of learning—passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer—offering insights on how students move between these modes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of agency and engagement in education, providing practical strategies for parents and educators to help students thrive. By...
Feb 26, 2025•42 min
Welcome to the Getting Smart Podcast, in today's episode, we dive into the innovative initiatives of District 214, a leader in creating personalized, real-world learning experiences for students. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, District 214 is part of the Illinois Accelerate Ed cohort, focusing on bridging K-12 education with postsecondary opportunities and careers. Join us as we speak with Dr. Lazaro Lopez, Associate Superintendent, and inspiring students Ayana and Georgie, ...
Feb 19, 2025•33 min
In this episode, Mason Pashia is joined by Michael Horn to discuss his new book, "Job Moves: Nine Steps for Making Progress in Your Career." They explore the jobs-to-be-done theory and how it applies to career choices, highlighting the iterative process of career pathways. Michael shares insights on hiring your job, storytelling in career development, and the role of experiences in credentialing. Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast (02:09) Michael Horn's Career Journey (04:...
Feb 12, 2025•30 min
Mark your calendars for SXSW EDU March 3-6, 2025 in Austin, Texas, and register now at sxswedu.com . Let’s work together to shape the future of education—one idea at a time. In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark interviews Abby Falik, founder of The Flight School, a transformative educational initiative aimed at high school graduates. The Flight School offers an innovative "launch year," encouraging young adults to step beyond traditional educational paths, explore persona...
Feb 05, 2025•32 min
In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, Arizona is pioneering a transformative approach through unbundled learning. This model breaks down traditional educational silos, integrating K-12, higher education, and workforce readiness to equip students with the skills necessary for the 21st century. By leveraging partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions, initiatives like those led by ASU Prep and the Greater Phoenix Chamber are providing students with real-world lear...
Jan 31, 2025•50 min
In Colorado, the unbundled learning movement is reshaping how education is delivered, bridging the gap between traditional schooling and real-world experiences. This initiative is driven by the need to provide students with relevant, career-connected learning opportunities that prepare them for future success. By integrating work-based learning, internships, and community projects, Colorado is fostering a learning ecosystem where students can earn credentials and develop skills directly applicab...
Jan 31, 2025•47 min
The podcast episode "New Hampshire Unbundled" explores how New Hampshire has become a leader in unbundled and competency-based learning, offering students personalized educational pathways that extend beyond traditional school environments. By embracing initiatives like the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) and Learn Everywhere, the state provides learners with opportunities to earn credits through real-world experiences, ranging from internships to independent projects, thus foste...
Jan 31, 2025•47 min
In this engaging episode of the Getting Smart podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews dive into the world of micro schools with Coi Morefield, the innovative founder of the Lab School of Memphis. Morefield introduces Microschool Masters, a groundbreaking platform designed to address the unique challenges of microschool education by transforming teaching teams into exceptional educators and leaders. With a focus on adult learning, Morefield emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts an...
Jan 29, 2025•24 min
The recent "What’s Next in Learning 2025" Town Hall highlighted pivotal trends poised to redefine education, emphasizing the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI), governance shifts, and literacy. AI is revolutionizing classrooms by offering personalized learning experiences but also posing challenges such as plagiarism and ethical use. The discussion underscored the need for thoughtful governance and equitable access to these technologies. Additionally, the shift from federal to locali...
Jan 24, 2025•39 min
In this episode, Shawnee Caruthers explores the innovative approach of the Blue Sky Institute to redefining healthcare education through its partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University. This initiative addresses workforce shortages by offering accelerated pathways that integrate technology with hands-on experience, preparing students for leadership roles in the healthcare industry. Brad Leon, the Blue Sky Institute's executive director, shares how thi...
Jan 22, 2025•32 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we explore LEGOs exciting new venture into science education with their latest K-8 curriculum. Tom Vander Ark chats with Bo Stjerne Thomsen, head of LEGO Education, about how this innovative, inquiry-based learning approach is set to transform classrooms by integrating hands-on science experiences aligned with NGSS standards. Designed to reignite students' curiosity and creativity, these engaging kits are perfect for fostering critical thinking and c...
Jan 17, 2025•23 min
In today's episode, we're diving into the transformative world of career-connected learning with two pioneers leading the charge. Joining us are Dannyelle Austin, the executive director at Launchpad, and Lisa Richardson, the project lead of Catalyze. Catalyze is dedicated to reshaping how students interact with potential career pathways by fostering a community of practice that connects educational innovation with real-world career opportunities. Since its inception, it has awarded over $14 mill...
Jan 15, 2025•32 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Dennis "Doc" Littky, an educational innovator whose work with Big Picture Learning and College Unbound is reshaping the landscape of personalized and experiential education. From the inception of Big Picture Learning, which challenges conventional schooling with its "leaving to learn" model, to the founding of College Unbound, a transformative institution serving adult learners, Littky shares his journey and insights. He...
Jan 08, 2025•31 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark delves into the innovative educational approaches of Tacoma Public Schools, highlighting their commitment to integrating college and career readiness into a unified pathway. Partnering with Tacoma, Tom speaks with Adam Kulaas, Director of Innovative Learning, who shares insights on how the district is empowering students for life readiness. The focus is on engaging learners in meaningful work today while preparing them for future oppor...
Dec 18, 2024•30 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark delves into the intricacies of workforce development and public leadership with Jennifer Purcell, the director of Future Ready Oregon. This state-level initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to aligning education and workforce systems, with a strong emphasis on equity and access. Jennifer shares insights into how Future Ready Oregon has successfully secured over $200 million in funding to support diverse learners and workers, ...
Dec 11, 2024•38 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Tom Vander Ark is in conversation with Laura Slover and Mike Flanagan, focusing on the transformative initiatives in education being spearheaded by ETS and the Mastery Transcript Consortium (MTC). The discussion gets into the Skills for the Future initiative, emphasizing the shift from traditional education models towards competency-based education that aligns with the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce. This initiative, a collaboration between ...
Dec 04, 2024•32 min
In the podcast episode featuring Laurie Gagnon, the focus is on the transformative potential of Competency-Based Education (CBE) in reshaping K-12 learning environments. Laurie discusses how CBE moves away from traditional seat-time-based models, emphasizing mastery of skills and knowledge at an individualized pace. This approach not only personalizes learning but also aligns with the Aurora Institute's vision of equitable education. By centering on explicit, measurable learning objectives, CBE ...
Nov 27, 2024•33 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Victoria Andrews takes us into the transformative world of eSports alongside Danny Martin, co-founder and CEO of eSposure. With eSports growing into a $250 billion industry, it's more than just competitive gaming; it's a thriving ecosystem that fosters community, teaches valuable workforce skills, and opens pathways to entrepreneurship. Victoria shares how eSports has redefined the way students engage with education, offering opportunities for person...
Nov 20, 2024•33 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Tim Dasey delve into the multifaceted impact of AI on education, exploring both the challenges and opportunities it presents. As AI becomes a larger part of various educational contexts, it prompts a reevaluation of traditional teaching methods and calls for the creation of new strategies to ensure students are prepared for an AI-driven world. Tim Dasey, drawing on his extensive experience in AI and education, emphasizes the need t...
Nov 13, 2024•39 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers gets into a profound discussion with Dr. Christopher Emdin and Sam Seidel about their latest work, "From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood." This conversation is essential for educators who are ready to challenge their own biases and rethink their roles in marginalized communities. Emdin and Seidel explore the importance of cultural competency and equity in education, asking educators to not only impart academic knowledge but also t...
Nov 06, 2024•35 min
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews dive into the world of microschools, exploring how these small, adaptive learning environments are making education more accessible and equitable. The conversation touches on the different strategies employed by micro school leaders across the country, emphasizing their commitment to overcoming challenges like financial barriers and geographic limitations. Through real-world examples, listeners gain insight in...
Oct 30, 2024•39 min
