Shows
Edtech InsidersSeesaw’s Learning Loop: Connecting Teachers, Students, and Families with Matt GivenSend us a textMatt Given is an experienced education technology leader and the CEO of Seesaw, a groundbreaking learning experience platform designed for PreK-5 students. With over 20 years of experience in education and edtech leadership, Matt has held executive roles at Kaplan, Catapult Learning, and EdisonLearning. Known for his expertise in universal design for learning and his ability to bridge the gap between home and classroom, Matt is a driving force behind Seesaw's mission to create accessible and engaging learning tools.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How...
2024-11-2545 min
Southern Soul - Live StreamThe Future of Public Education with Thom Jackson, Esq and LaShanda Jackson“It's not about whether our kids can learn, it’s about how we engage them as critical thinkers and how teachers engage those students,” explains Thom Jackson, Esq, President and CEO at EdisonLearning. In today’s episode host D-Rich sits down with guests Thom Jackson and LaShanda Jackson, Extension Instructor at Michigan State University to talk about the future of public education and how to reduce the achievement gap between white students and students of color.
There are a lot of factors to consider when looking into why students of color often fall behind their white peer...
2022-08-041h 29
Equity EverywhereGuidance and What We’ve Learned with Thom Jackson (S1E9)What is equity? Who is leading the charge in shaping educational equity? How can I get involved? The Equity Everywhere podcast answers these questions and more. Made for educators, this podcast will give you vital resources through conversations with equity leaders across the educational industry.
In this episode, Thom Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning, chats about key topics of the podcast so far and major lessons learned from the experts that have joined the conversation recently. In this conversation, Thom focuses on piecing together a well defined equity point of view, particularly what it...
2022-06-3035 minEquity EverywhereEquity For English Language Learners with Dr. Gladys Cruz (S1E8)What is equity? Who is leading the charge in shaping educational equity? How can I get involved? The Equity Everywhere podcast answers these questions and more. Made for educators, this podcast will give you vital resources through conversations with equity leaders across the educational industry.
In this episode, Thom Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning, chats with Dr. Gladys Cruz, District Superintendent of Questar III BOCES in Castleton, N.Y., and the newly elected President of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).
In this conversation, Thom and Dr. Cruz focus on English...
2022-06-0749 minEquity EverywhereExceptional Personalized Learning and Rethinking Education with Dr. Jim Rickabaugh (S1E7)What is equity? Who is leading the charge in shaping educational equity? How can I get involved? The Equity Everywhere podcast answers these questions and more. Made for educators, this podcast will give you vital resources through conversations with equity leaders across the educational industry.
In this episode, Thom Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning, talks with Dr. Jim Rickabaugh, Senior Advisor for the Institute for Personalized Learning. In addition to his role as a lifelong educator, Jim is the author of Tapping the Power of Personalized Learning: A Roadmap for School Leaders, a refreshing...
2022-05-1743 min
Coffee with a little bit of creamEquity Everywhere Podcast (Ep 5) - The Rise of Directors of Equity with Shomari JonesThis episode is a crosspost from the Equity Everywhere podcast: What is equity? Who is leading the charge in shaping educational equity? How can I get involved? The Equity Everywhere podcast answers these questions and more. Made for educators, this podcast will give you vital resources through conversations with equity leaders across the educational industry.
In this episode, Thom Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning, chats with Shomari Jones, the Director of Equity and Strategic Engagement at Bellevue School District in Bellevue, Washington. In this conversation, Thom and Shomari focus on the process of developing...
2022-05-111h 04
Equity EverywhereHow To Lead Equity Initiatives with Dr. Joshua Starr (S1E6)What is equity? Who is leading the charge in shaping educational equity? How can I get involved? The Equity Everywhere podcast answers these questions and more. Made for educators, this podcast will give you vital resources through conversations with equity leaders across the educational industry.
In this episode, Thom Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning, chats with Dr. Joshua Starr, Chief Executive Officer of PDK International, former superintendent of schools for Montgomery County Public Schools and Stamford Connecticut, and author of the recent book “Equity-Based Leadership: Leveraging Complexity to Transform School Systems.”
In this...
2022-05-0539 minEquity EverywhereThe Rise of Directors of Equity with Shomari Jones (S1E5)What is equity? Who is leading the charge in shaping educational equity? How can I get involved? The Equity Everywhere podcast answers these questions and more. Made for educators, this podcast will give you vital resources through conversations with equity leaders across the educational industry.
In this episode, Thom Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning, chats with Shomari Jones, the Director of Equity and Strategic Engagement at Bellevue School District in Bellevue, Washington.
In this conversation, Thom and Shomari focus on the process of developing an equity leader position for school districts. A...
2022-04-201h 04Equity EverywhereLeveraging Career Technical Education to Build Equity with Alex Madrigal (S1E4)What is equity? Who is leading the charge in shaping educational equity? How can I get involved? The Equity Everywhere podcast answers these questions and more. Made for educators, this podcast will give you vital resources through conversations with equity leaders across the educational industry.
In this episode, Thom Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning, chats with Alex Madrigal, the principal of C.G Bethel High School in Miami Dade County. Alex has been an educator for over 25 years and is in his 10th year at the helm of C.G Bethel. The partnership he...
2022-04-0553 minEquity EverywhereRural Access to Educational Equity with Holly Brzycki S1E3What is equity? Who is leading the charge in shaping educational equity? How can I get involved? The Equity Everywhere podcast answers these questions and more. Made for educators, this podcast will give you vital resources through conversations with equity leaders across the educational industry.
In this episode, Thom Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning, chats with Holly Brzycki, the Supervisor of Online Learning at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. Holly oversees the Capital Area Online Learning Association (CAOLA), a regional online-learning program for 155 districts, schools, educational programs, and eleven Intermediate Units in Pennsylvania. In...
2022-03-2238 minEquity EverywhereOrganizational Development and Leadership in Educational Equity with Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings S1E2What is equity? Who is leading the charge in shaping educational equity? How can I get involved? The Equity Everywhere podcast answers these questions and more. Made for educators, this podcast will give you vital resources through conversations with equity leaders across the educational industry.
In this episode, Thom Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning, talks with Dr. Gregory Hutchings, Superintendent of the Alexandria City Public Schools in Alexandria, VA. Dr. Hutchings and Thom discuss how they define equity, build institutional equity in school districts, and their perspectives and philosophies on how organizations can best...
2022-03-0852 minEquity EverywhereThom’s Story S1E1In this episode, Thom Jackson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning speaks about his challenges growing up in Hamilton, OH, a small town in Southwest Ohio, and attending Garfield Sr. High School. Thom will discuss the adversity he overcame and the individuals who gave him the strength to succeed. Thom displays his heart on his sleeve as he gives back to students today through his leadership and vision at EdisonLearning. A particular focus of Thom’s story is how experiences and human interest encounters early in his career shape the future of EdisonLearning and its participation in ensuring “Equi...
2022-02-2149 minEquity EverywhereComing Soon: Equity EverywhereEquity Everywhere is a podcast series, hosted by MindRocket Media Group and EdisonLearning President & CEO Thom Jackson. Joined weekly by a variety of K-12 practitioners and experts they engage in critical, meaningful, comprehensive conversations about equity in education ― what are the key factors, variables, objectives, and considerations for the education system to acknowledge and address? Together, podcast participants will highlight, amplify, and refine best practices and solutions for ensuring education equity everywhere.
Learn more about EdisonLearning: https://www.edisonlearning.com/
Follow EdisonLearning on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdisonLearning
Facebook: ht...
2022-02-1500 min
Building the BridgeEp. 39 – Tackling the Motivation Crisis with Mike AndersonOn episode 38 of Building the Bridge, author, educator and consultant Mike Anderson shared his insights on self-care for teachers and parents, drawing upon his book, The Well-Balanced Teacher, and his “Beat Teacher Burnout” online institute. Mike and Dr. Oliver had such a productive conversation with so much left to address that he has returned for a second conversation. The discussion continues by addressing the unrealistic expectations educators often set for themselves before transitioning into topics related to student expectations and motivation. Dr. Oliver chats with Mike about his latest book, Tackling the Motivation Crisis: How to Activate Student Learning With...
2021-09-2919 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 38 – Small Steps to Beat Burnout with Mike AndersonAward-winning educator, author and education consultant Mike Anderson is the guest on today’s episode, as we continue the conversation about wellness that we started with Danielle Nuhfer in our previous episode.
Anderson explains that as teachers and parents, we see ourselves as caregivers and, therefore, we may feel that it’s always our job to give care. This feeling can make it very difficult to give ourselves permission to take time for self-care. He provides great detail on the importance of carving out the time to care for ourselves, explaining the benefits this has for our coll...
2021-09-2217 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 37 – Mindfulness Practices for Educators and Parents with Danielle NuhferMindfulness is a topic of great importance as we cope with our surroundings and all of the changes that have taken place over the last 18 months. Normally, we begin to discuss burnout among educators as we approach Thanksgiving, but after the past two years, many educators and parents are already feeling quite worn down to begin the new school year. In this episode, we hear from Danielle Nuhfer, author of the new book The Path of the Mindful Teacher: How to choose calm over chaos and serenity over stress, one step at a time, and dive right into mindfulness...
2021-09-1512 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 36 - Key Findings to Successfully Address Digital Inequity with Dr. Vikki KatzWhat does it mean to be under-connected? On this episode, Dr. Vikki Katz shares insights from a recent research report on the levels of technology access and internet connectivity in U.S. households. Dr. Katz and Dr. Wendy Oliver discuss the recent paper, Learning at Home While Under-Connected: Findings from a National Phone Survey of Parents during the Pandemic, which Dr. Katz co-authored with Victoria Rideout.
You’ll hear how “under-connected” is defined, how lower income families have supported each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, what parents have learned during this pandemic year-plus, and the compelling evidence that d...
2021-09-0823 min
Building the BridgeEp. 35 – SEL for All with Discovery Education’s Rachel BarrachinaContinuing our series of episodes centered on social-emotional learning (SEL), Dr. Oliver welcomes Rachel Barrachina, a digital content coordinator at Discovery Education.
Rachel and Discovery Education collaborated with community and corporate partners in April 2021 to create the Social-Emotional Learning Center, a library of digital resources that support the integration of SEL and wellness into classroom core instruction. In this interview, you’ll learn how and why SEL is for everybody, why it matters, and how it can be integrated into the curriculum. You’ll also hear about the various resources the SEL Center provides and the importance of t...
2021-08-2523 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 34 – Mental Health Literacy with Christina BroderickAs we continue our series covering all aspects of social-emotional learning (SEL), Dr. Oliver interviews Christina Broderick, founder and CEO of IgnitEDU. Christina is a Licensed Social Worker, a Psychotherapist, a Certified School Social Worker, and an Adjunct Professor, who is passionate about ensuring mental health and that it becomes a priority for all.
In this episode, Christina shares the importance of mental health literacy, how to approach mental wellness, and how we can support students holistically with respect to their mental health. Given the challenges all students have encountered during the pandemic, as well as the...
2021-08-1816 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 33 – Trauma-Informed Strategies with Dr. Kathryn Kennedy, Part 2In part two of our discussion with Dr. Kathryn Kennedy, she helps us identify some of the many types of trauma that kids are experiencing as a result of the pandemic. Dr. Kennedy then shares strategies for how parents and educators can create an environment where kids are comfortable sharing the trauma they’ve experienced.
Among other important-to-understand topics, she talks about disassociation, which is the desire to escape our bodies that many people experience as a natural response to traumatic events. Dr. Kennedy describes how certain coping mechanisms can calm the mind and the body and re...
2021-08-1116 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 32 – Trauma-Informed Strategies with Dr. Kathryn Kennedy, Part 1As we approach a new school year and hope to emerge from many of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, we must acknowledge that many students have experienced persistent trauma, and especially now require support for their social and emotional health. In part one of this two-part interview, Dr. Wendy Oliver speaks with Dr. Kathryn Kennedy, an expert in the field of both trauma and online & blended learning. Topics of discussion include Dr. Kennedy’s perspective on social-emotional learning (SEL), her personal experience with trauma and commitment to supporting others, and some interesting information regarding trauma and prolonged st...
2021-07-2819 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 31 – Defining 5 Key Terms in K-12 EducationAs we emerge from the pandemic and approach the new school year, many parents and educators are in discussions about classroom plans and strategies. In this episode, we provide simple definitions of some frequently used and important-to-know education terms, to make sure parents are on the same page with educators in these conversations. We discuss what these terms mean in practice and give tips to help parents prepare for the fall classroom and advocate for their children.
Terms discussed include: Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs); Social-Emotional Learning (SEL); and Online Learning vs. Blended...
2021-07-1411 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 30 – Social-Emotional Learning and TraumaWith a new school year on the horizon – one that in many ways may be a “return to normal” after the extended pandemic – we must acknowledge that we have all experienced some sort of trauma throughout the last year or two. In this episode, we focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) and trauma.
To help us uncover ways trauma presents itself in the classroom, we lean on Jethro Jones and his work with trauma-informed practices. Jethro is a former principal for all levels of K-12 education and hosts a podcast called Transformative Principal. In what he calls a Trauma P...
2021-07-0716 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 29 - The Power of Podcasting in the Blended ClassroomThe guests on this exciting episode of Building the Bridge are Jess Kertz and Jostin Grimes, a pair of Education Specialists for Soundtrap at Spotify. Prior to joining the Soundtrap team, Jess was an educator in Chicago schools, and Jostin was an elementary school teacher in Atlanta and a program manager for STEM to the Future, among other roles.
In the interview, Jess and Jostin share the benefits of podcasting in the classroom with Dr. Oliver. They discuss how podcasting can be an effective learning strategy in any environment -- in-person, hybrid, or remote -- and how...
2021-06-0220 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 28 – Enhancing SEL with Digital ToolsSocial-emotional learning (SEL) has been a hot topic in education conversations, especially over the past year, as the COVID-19 pandemic has given schools and families alike a different perspective on students’ well-rounded needs. There are numerous ways to promote SEL, and using digital tools is an approach with significant promise.
On this episode, Angela Arnold, General Manager of OverDrive Education, and Beth Saxton, a Content Specialist with the company, join Dr. Oliver to discuss some specific ways digital books can support SEL. Prior to their current roles in the education world, each of the guests had experience as...
2021-05-2620 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 27 – What to Know About Digital Ethics with Dr. Kristen MattsonDr. Kristen Mattson joins us to discuss an important, evolving topic in our digital world: ethics.
She begins by defining what it means to be a digital citizen and dives into the importance of educating not only parents, but also teachers about digital ethics. Dr. Mattson has spent her career as an educator, giving a lot of attention to this topic, and has recently written a book answering some of the biggest questions. She feels that technology is often taught in a silo, but her philosophy is that digital literacy and information media literacy skills should...
2021-05-1216 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 26 - Celebrating Teacher Appreciation WeekTeacher Appreciation Week takes place annually the first full week of May, and this year we are especially grateful. Over the last year, teachers were asked to rapidly adapt to pandemic life while continuing to be there for their students and families. To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we invited third grade student Chloe back to the program, and she describes her transition from learning online to her return to in-person learning. Her amazing teacher, Señora Maria, made things comfortable for all students during this unusual year. Chloe is so thankful and provides her perspective and deep appreciation for h...
2021-05-0409 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 25 - All You Need to Know About Kids and Social Media in 15 MinutesUnderstanding how social media platforms are used by your children can help you make informed decisions about how to protect them when they are online.
Dr. Wendy Oliver provides an overview of popular social media apps and their uses including Discord, Instagram, TikTok and Messenger Kids. This informative podcast provides key information about social media privacy policies, their safety settings, and parental controls. It also delivers insight into the minds of teens and how social media can be used to manipulate devices for unrestricted screen time.
About the host:
Dr. Wendy Oliver is...
2021-04-2814 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 24 – The Exciting New World of Career & Technical EducationTechnological advances over the last decade have created a new path and new opportunities for Career and Technical Education (CTE). Crystal Guiler, the Chief Academic Officer of Pointful Education, is a leader in the CTE space, and she joined this episode to share insights with Dr. Wendy Oliver.
Traditional CTE courses like welding and construction still exist, but there is now a whole new world which includes online CTE courses that provide training for Adobe programs, augmented and virtual reality applications, commercial drone piloting, and more. Many of the course offerings are certification courses, meaning students...
2021-04-2117 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 23 – Global Leader Yong Zhao on Avoiding the “Learning Loss Trap”In this extended episode of Building the Bridge, we’re delighted to share an interview with world renowned education scholar, Dr. Yong Zhao. In this conversation with Dr. Wendy Oliver, Dr. Zhao expands on some of the key points from his recent article “Build Back Better: Avoid the Learning Loss Trap.” In the article, he speaks to the risk of some wrong decisions schools might make as a reaction to Covid-19 challenges, and then shares a list of proven, research-based, global strategies to pursue instead.
Dr. Zhao will enlighten listeners with his thoughts on what has actually been l...
2021-04-1423 minBuilding the BridgeEp 22 – Avoiding “CyberTraps” in Education, Part 2 – Privacy and SafetyIn part two of this special crossover conversation with the CyberTraps Podcast, Dr. Wendy Oliver, Jethro Jones, and Frederick Lane continue their discussion about privacy, safety, and effective technology use in education. Listen to last week’s episode to hear the first part of the conversation.
Among the topics discussed in this episode, the participants share their observations on how parents and educators are managing the transition to a new digital learning environment, and what grace period the parties should be providing to one another as they get used to the new setup. There’s also discussion of t...
2021-04-0713 min
Cybertraps PodcastNot Your Mama's Classroom with Dr. Wendy Oliver Cybertraps 29 In this episode we talk with Dr. Wendy Oliver round digital safety. This is a simulcast with Dr. Oliver's Building the Bridge podcast. Links Not Your Mama’s Classroom: What You Need to Know as a Parent About Your Child’s Digital Education Guest Bio Dr. Wendy Oliver is a highly qualified Tennessee teacher and administrator who has pioneered digital learning across multiple states and school districts. She has authored digital teaching standards and developed software that allows teachers to self-assess their knowledge of digital instruction. Wendy is currently the Chief Learning Officer for EdisonLearning, leading efforts...
2021-03-3129 minBuilding the BridgeEp. 21 – Avoiding “CyberTraps” in Education, Part 1 – Making the Right ChoicesThis special episode of Building the Bridge is a crossover episode, recorded in collaboration with the CyberTraps Podcast. CyberTraps is co-hosted by Jethro Jones, a former principal who authored the book SchoolX and has hosted more than 500 episodes of the Transformative Principal podcast for school leaders, and Frederick Lane, an attorney, educational consultant, and author of the CyberTraps book series. On their podcast, Jethro and Frederick present an entertaining and informative look at the risks of technology in education, and what parents and educators should know.
In this lively discussion, Jethro, Frederick, and Dr. Wendy Oliver tackle...
2021-03-3117 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 20 – Defining Learning Loss and its Contributing FactorsThe need to close the “digital divide,” a term that refers to disparities in device and broadband access, wasn’t new when the COVID-19 pandemic began. However, over the last year, the “COVID Slide” has entered the K-12 vernacular along with “learning loss,” one of the current buzz phrases in education. This refers to a perceived or actual lack of academic growth and/or lost learning time as schools have shifted to remote and hybrid models, often without the type of planning required to deliver an excellent digital education.
In this episode, Dr. Oliver explores the contributing factors that l...
2021-03-1709 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 19 – A Veteran Teacher’s Perspective on Remote LearningDr. Maria Carlone has embraced the challenges of teaching in a hybrid setting, in which half of her students are in the classroom while the other half are learning at home via video. Dr. Carlone teaches in an elementary school Spanish Immersion program and one of her students, Chloe, was our guest on last week’s episode.
This week we hear the teacher’s perspective from “the other side of the camera,” as Dr. Carlone describes what it’s been like to teach during the pandemic, what has been most challenging, what’s been successful, and how she has grow...
2021-03-1015 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 18 – A Third Grader's Insights on Remote LearningIn this episode, student voice is at the center. You’ll hear perspectives on remote learning from an elementary school student. Dr. Wendy Oliver interviews her daughter Chloe, a third grader who has been learning remotely during the pandemic, and is part of a Spanish language immersion program. Chloe shares what she likes and dislikes about remote learning, as well as some of the surprising benefits she’s encountered.
As you listen, you can compare this perspective to what you’ve heard from your own children and students, and to what educators have shared on various episodes of Bui...
2021-03-0311 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 17 – AASA’s Dan Domenech on the Challenges Facing School DistrictsThis episode gives a broad, detailed overview of what school districts nationwide are facing, as Dr. Wendy Oliver interviews Dan Domenech, Executive Director of AASA – The School Superintendents Association. Among several hot topics addressed, the episode touches on how superintendents are tackling the digital divide, food access during COVID-19, handling immunizations, learning loss and social-emotional health. Additionally, Dan looks at the future and identifies changes that he hopes to see in our country’s school systems.
About the host:
Dr. Wendy Oliver is a highly qualified Tennessee teacher and administrator who has pioneered digital learning acro...
2021-02-2415 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 16 – Finding the Funds: An Interview with Dr. Paula Love, Part 2In this episode, Dr. Wendy Oliver and Dr. Paula Love continue their timely conversation about the sources of funding currently available to U.S. school districts. If you haven’t yet heard part one, listen here to get detailed information about the ESSER Fund, established as part of the Education Stabilization Fund from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) package in March, and the funds made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act in December. The vast majority of these funds are still available to districts, and the Department of Education has until September 2023 to obligate the funds fr...
2021-02-1716 min
Future of School: The PodcastSpecial Episode - Reflections on the Future of School ChoiceWe’ve recently observed National School Choice Week in the U.S., leading Future of School and educators nationwide to ask a number of relevant questions: What should school choice really mean in 2021? How is it defined by most Americans and how should it be defined? What work are we doing to enhance options in learning that go far beyond the physical school building? And, looking ahead, what is the future of school choice?In this special episode, Future of School CEO and Education Evangelist Amy Valentine reflects on some of the recent conversations about school choice. We...
2021-02-1018 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 15 – Finding the Funds: An Interview with Dr. Paula Love, Part 1On this timely episode, renowned funding expert Dr. Paula Love shares a wealth of knowledge regarding the relevant funds currently available to districts as a result of the pandemic. In fact, Paula shared so much information, we’ll have even more from her next week for part two.
The interview begins with a review of the funds designated for education from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) package in March (1:40). More than half of this funding is still available, and the allowable uses set up in March have set the pathway for the new funds th...
2021-02-1017 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 14 – Closing the Opportunity Gap Through Innovation: Interview with Susan BeardenClosing the opportunity gap is a tall order, especially during a pandemic when new challenges have compounded previous difficulties. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Oliver interviews Susan Bearden, Director of Digital Programs for Innovate EDU, to investigate how innovative thinking can move the education system toward some solutions.
Wendy and Susan discuss how socioeconomic status contributes to the opportunity gap and the digital divide, and reflect on the ways the pandemic has exacerbated the difference between the haves and have-nots in education. They also discuss what it means to be innovative in the classroom. (Hint: It might...
2021-02-0314 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 13 - The Future of School Choice with Amy ValentineIt's National School Choice Week in the U.S. and to help us get a more layered, in-depth picture of the present and future of choice in education, we're excited to feature an interview with Amy Valentine, CEO and Education Evangelist of Future of School. Amy shares her insights on the history of the traditional school choice discussion, and the ways in which that conversation is expanding and evolving, both as a result of the pandemic but also dating back over multiple decades of online and blended learning. Among other perspectives, Amy shares that “COVID-19 made it undeniable to ev...
2021-01-2717 min
Voices of eLearningMeeting the Demand for Better EdTech Solutions and DataEducation received a technology boost that was unexpected but needed during the pandemic. As students went from the classroom to the dining room, the need for EdTech, including content and a way to measure it, became paramount. Joining host JW Marshall are two online learning leaders Thom Jackson, President and CEO of EdisonLearning, and Kiran Athota, CEO of FocalPoint K12.EdisonLearning and FocalPoint K12 are partners in the online learning platform. Although neither Jackson nor Athota are educators by trade, they have a passion for learning and technology. Talking about the partnership, Jackson said, “FocalPoint helps us move...
2021-01-2644 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 12 - Strengthening Parent Advocacy: An Interview with Keri RodriguesIn this episode of Building the Bridge, Dr. Wendy Oliver interviews Keri Rodrigues, Founding President of the National Parents Union. Keri is referred to as “arguably the most successful parent organizer in education advocacy today.” Her outstanding commitment to social, economic and educational equity for children and families spans decades.
Keri's journey as a parent advocate started when she observed that she and other parents didn’t have a voice in their community regarding politics or policy in education. She organized with other parents and formed Massachusetts Parents United, which is now the largest parent advocacy organization, and di...
2021-01-2014 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 11 - The Opportunity Gap and the Digital GapIn this episode, Dr. Oliver discusses the opportunity gap, which refers to arbitrary circumstances in which people are born, as well as the digital gap, which refers to either a lack of knowledge about using computers and/or lack of broadband internet access. She provides definitions, examples and real-world scenarios to illustrate what these disparities look like and where they are occurring in education. Wendy also refers back to a recent interview with online educator and author Courtney Ostaff, whose experience teaching online in rural areas over the past two decades has led to many valuable insights.
2021-01-1308 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 10 - A Superintendent's Perspective on Pandemic Learning: Interview with Dr. Randy ZiegenfussOver the past few weeks, we've discussed social-emotional learning and ways to enhance the well-rounded educational experience for all students. As the pandemic has continued, teachers and administrators have been actively addressing and navigating the various challenges presented. In this episode, it's time to hear their perspective.
Dr. Wendy Oliver sits down with Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss, award-winning superintendent of Pennsylvania's Salisbury Township School District, and asks what it’s like to be an administrator during these trying times. We get a glimpse of how things have changed, how learning is approached differently, and how a good le...
2021-01-0615 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 9 – EdisonLearning and Social Emotional HealthIn this episode, we are joined by two EdisonLearning employees, Alisha Zak, an Academic Advisor, and Jodi Rogers-Carter, a Mathematics Teacher, who share with us how supporting students is intertwined with social emotional health. The relationships between advisor and student as well as advisor and teacher are invaluable. These relationships form a path to successful learning. Discover how our programs support Social Emotional Learning which leads to student engagement and academic success.
Dr. Wendy Oliver is a highly qualified Tennessee teacher and administrator who has pioneered digital learning across multiple states and school districts. She has authored...
2020-12-1814 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 8 - Social Emotional HealthIt’s no secret that the pandemic is taking a toll on us as a society. Students especially are dealing with social emotional issues related to isolation. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Oliver examines ways for parents, teachers and students to bolster their social emotional health.
Dr. Wendy Oliver is a highly qualified Tennessee teacher and administrator who has pioneered digital learning across multiple states and school districts. She has authored digital teaching standards and developed software that allows teachers to self-assess their knowledge of digital instruction. No matter which hat she's wearing, her go...
2020-12-0911 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 7 - Understanding How Kids Learn: An Interview with Patrice BainEducator, presenter and author, Patrice Bain sits down with “Building the Bridge” as we uncover ways to understand how kids learn and how to include parents in the conversation. Patrice has spent 15 years of her teaching career working with cognitive scientists turning research into learning strategies. Among many other achievements, she was one of two U.S. teachers on the working task group: Neuro Myths vs. Neuro Truths, sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences & National Commission on Education Research. In our interview we talk about the Teaching Triangle, the Responsibility Diagram, and so much more. This interview is a...
2020-12-0213 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 6 - Digital SafetyThis era of online learning brings a whole new set of issues parents should be aware of, so they can take necessary precautions to protect their children. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Oliver delivers a high-level overview of digital safety, some important information to know, and how it supports parents' ability to safeguard their children.
Dr. Wendy Oliver is a highly qualified Tennessee teacher and administrator who has pioneered digital learning across multiple states and school districts. She has authored digital teaching standards and developed software that allows teachers to self-assess their knowledge of...
2020-11-1811 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 5 - Turning to the Experts for Online Teaching: Interview with Courtney OstaffCourtney Ostaff has been teaching online since 1999 and describes why online teaching is far more than preparing your typical lesson and turning on a camera. In this episode she discusses how to structure online teaching and ways to make it work. Find out her philosophy about structuring your online lesson and tools to bolster the online learning experience. This interview also addresses students with exceptionalities in this new era of online learning as well as a brief touch on the achievement gap in rural America.
Ostaff's is author of the new book, The Teaching Online Handbook...
2020-11-1214 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 4 - Digital Learning Communication Plan, Part 2In the conclusion of this two-part podcast, Dr. Wendy Oliver describes the facets and importance of a Digital Learning Communication Plan at the classroom level. This episode is designed to set up teachers, students and caregivers for success in this new era of online learning.
About the host:
Dr. Wendy Oliver is a highly qualified Tennessee teacher and administrator who has pioneered digital learning across multiple states and school districts.
She has authored digital teaching standards and developed software that allows teachers to self-assess their knowledge of digital instruction. No matter which hat...
2020-11-1007 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 3 - Digital Learning Communication Plan, Part 1When we want to achieve high-quality digital learning, it’s critical to talk about a communication plan. There are three prongs to such a plan: communications and policies at the district level, the school level and the classroom level.
This episode is part one of a two-part mini-series that includes information for creating and implementing a Digital Learning Communication Plan at the district and school levels. Policies and key issues are identified for guidance and to support administrators and teachers as they navigate this new era of online learning.
Dr. Wendy Oliver is a hi...
2020-10-3011 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 2 - Educators Supporting CaregiversIt’s so important to view remote learning as a collaboration and create a bridge between teachers and parents. Without that bridge, we will not have a successful experience with blended and online learning. This episode describes strategies that teachers can share with parents and caregivers to initiate a successful school year.
About the host:
Dr. Wendy Oliver is a highly qualified Tennessee teacher and administrator who has pioneered digital learning across multiple states and school districts. She has authored digital teaching standards and developed software that allows teachers to self-assess their knowledge of di...
2020-10-2009 minBuilding the BridgeEpisode 1 - Getting StartedStudents, educators and parents have found themselves in a new learning environment as a result of the pandemic. Our new podcast series “Building the Bridge,” hosted by Dr. Wendy Oliver, addresses how we can create a path to successful learning in this unique era which has forced so many of us to rely on technology for education. The premiere episode, “Getting Started,” provides insights about communication, routine, and organization. A short but sweet weekly podcast designed to bolster educators, parents and students as we navigate through digital learning.
About the host:
Dr. Wendy Oliver is a highly...
2020-10-1610 min
Education TodayS1E6 - "Not Your Mama's" Strategies for Connected Leadership & LearningIn this episode of Education Today, Mind Rocket Media Group interviews Dr. Wendy Oliver and Jeff McCoy to uncover strategies that support online learning at the individual and district levels.
First, Oliver shares her subject matter expertise on online learning (0:30). Dr. Oliver is the Chief Learning Officer for EdisonLearning and author of Not Your Mama's Education: What You Need to Know As A Parent About Your Child's Digital Education. In the discussion, she talks about bridging the gap between educators, parents, and students in a virtual learning setting; how to bring together parents and educators into one c...
2020-05-2230 min
Transformative PrincipalThe Difference Between Online And In Person Learning with Dr. Wendy Oliver Transformative Principal 1061Dr. Wendy Oliver serves as Chief Learning Officer for EdisonLearning, a leading international educational services provider with nearly a generation of experience creating effective and sustainable solutions to raise student achievement. In this role, her experience in digital learning and curriculum design, paired with her expertise in assessment and evaluation, are leveraged to design an innovative, learner-centered curriculum. Expectations around online learning How good design applies to online learning. Teachers are working themselves into the ground to reach students! 19% of teachers said they were adjusted! Also have an 8 year old in her second grade studies. Everyone is in s...
2020-05-2017 min
Getting Smart Podcast221 - Benno Schmidt on Leading Yale, Fixing CUNY, & Launching the Whittle SchoolToday, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an interview with Benno Schmidt. Benno served as President of Yale University, the Dean of Columbia University Law School, and the CEO and Chairman of Edison Schools (now EdisonLearning). Currently, Benno serves as the Co-Chair of the Global Advisory Board at Whittle School and Studios. He also currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York, the largest urban public university in the world. 30 years ago, Chris Whittle convinced Benno to join him in, and together they built Edison Schools — a pioneer in th...
2019-09-1130 min