Shows
LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in EducationPersonalize: Meeting the Needs of All LearnersWhen it comes to personalized learning, high school principal Nicki Slaugh is proving it’s less about tools and more about trust. This week, Jamie and Jerri sit down with Nicki to discuss her new book and learn why she believes personalization is about more than just tech: it's about truly knowing each student and creating the conditions for them to thrive.Tune in for Nicki's real-world stories from school leadership, plus practical insights from Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. This episode is a powerful reminder that when we trust teachers, empower students, and lead wi...
2025-10-2434 min
Unpacking the BackpackMoving from 'We Can't' to 'How Can We?In this episode, we explore what it truly means to embrace discomfort, improve through authenticity, and model a growth mindset—especially when success is already in sight. You’ll hear the powerful story of Nicki Slaugh and the Quest Academy team, who, despite their high-performing PCBL practices, leaned into coaching to push even further. Together, they redefined what’s possible through targeted support, high-agency strategies, and a “How Can We?” mentality. We will unpack the leadership behaviors, teacher mindsets, and practical actions that help schools move beyond perceived limits. Whether you’re leading a classroom or a district, this conversation...
2025-08-2418 min
Cool Cat Teacher TalkPersonalized Mastery-Based Learning: How to Guide🚀 What happens when a whole school shifts to a mastery-based model? Principal Nicki Slaugh shares how Quest Academy made the leap, improving student engagement and outcomes. Plus, hear from three educators using mastery-based learning in science, language arts, and math! 🔥 In This Episode: ✅ What competency-based learning is & how it differs from traditional models ✅ How Quest Academy implemented a school-wide mastery-based system ✅ Strategies that boost student engagement & academic performance ✅ How teachers personalize learning in science, language arts, & math ✅ Misconceptions about mastery-based learning & how to overcome them ✅ Practical tips for bringing mastery-based learning to ANY cl...
2025-02-2758 min
#PrincipalPLNPersonalize and Quest Academy with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh — Transformative PrincipalIn this bonus episode, originally recorded for Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones speaks with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh about their book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. Hear about:The power of Quest AcademyRetain teachers, retain students - how to keep kids there. Free public schoolTeenagers weren’t engaged. PD time every FridayMastery MinutesBeginning of day, tracker system. Choice, voice, tracker data. Curating evidence. Culture Self-pacing route vs. choice boards. Removed points, extra credit, percentages, Emerging, developing, mastering, extendingProve-its aligned to proficiency scales.Big shifts require big moves. At Quest, we want you to be proficientWhen you remove the...
2025-02-2043 min
The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education LeadersPersonalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh — Transformative PrincipalIn this bonus episode, originally recorded for Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones speaks with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh about their book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. Hear about:The power of Quest AcademyRetain teachers, retain students - how to keep kids there. Free public schoolTeenagers weren’t engaged. PD time every FridayMastery MinutesBeginning of day, tracker system. Choice, voice, tracker data. Curating evidence. Culture Self-pacing route vs. choice boards. Removed points, extra credit, percentages, Emerging, developing, mastering, extendingProve-its aligned to proficiency scales.Big shifts require big moves. At Quest, we want you to be proficientWhen you remove the...
2025-02-1342 min
The Teaching Edge PodcastE12: Nicki Slaugh: Personalizing EducationWhat does it mean to truly personalize education? In this episode of The Teaching Edge, we sit down with Nicki Slaugh, an educational leader, author, and principal at Quest Academy in Utah. With over 20 years of experience in transforming classrooms and schools, Nicki shares how personalized, competency-based education reshapes how students learn and how teachers inspire. You’ll learn how to implement personalized learning strategies, build a school culture that fosters mastery, and embrace technology as a tool for growth.Resources Mentioned:Nicki’s book: Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All LearnersNicki’s websiteNicki’s TikTokNicki's Instagram...
2025-01-211h 01
Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For TeachersPersonalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners, with Eric Sheninger and Nicki SlaughIn this episode, Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh share insights from their new book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. They discuss a wide range of perspectives on personalized learning, including why they are proponents of this approach, strategies for achieving personalization, and what it looks like in practice. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.
2024-10-3047 min
Transformative PrincipalPersonalize and Quest Academy with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh Transformative Principal 635This episode with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh discusses their book "Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners" and their insights on transformative education practices, particularly at Quest Academy.Quest Academy's approach emphasizes student engagement and personalized learning. They prioritize retaining teachers and students by fostering a culture of choice, voice, and evidence-based practices.The school has implemented innovative strategies such as Mastery Minutes and a tracker system to monitor student progress and provide personalized support.Traditional grading structures like points, extra credit, and percentages have been removed in favor of a proficiency-based system. Students are assessed on...
2024-10-2745 min
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat TeacherThe Spectacular Story of Quest Academy: Whole School Competency-Based LearningNicki Slaugh is a trailblazing principal who pioneered personalized competency-based learning at Question Academy Junior High in Utah. Nicki's innovative approach has captured national attention, increasing student engagement, test scores, and teacher retention. In today's episode, Nicky shares the journey of shifting from a traditional school to a dynamic, customized learning environment where every student thrives at their own pace. Here's what we'll cover in today's episode: How did Nicki transform her school culture to engage students and raise test scores? What strategies did she use to retain teachers and increase enrollment? How does personalized, competency-based...
2024-09-0922 min
Classroom Dynamics: A Teacher PodcastPersonalized Learning Unpacked: Expert Advice from Eric Sheninger & Nicki SlaughText us!Personalized Learning Unpacked: Expert Advice from Eric Sheninger & Nicki Slaugh In our season premiere of Classroom Dynamics, we're diving deep into the world of personalized learning with insights from the book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. Join us as we sit down with the authors, Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh, two trailblazers in the field of education.Eric Sheninger, a visionary and past guest of our podcast, is the Founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU. With a background as an award-winning principal at New Milford High S...
2024-09-0350 min
The Elemental Educator PodcastPersonalizing Learning: A Conversation with Eric Sheninger and Nicki SlaughConnect with Me:
On my Website: www.elementaleducator.com
Follow my Instagram @elemental_educator https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator
Subscribe to my YouTube @elementaleducator
https://www.youtube.com/elementaleducator
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-comeau-961a49310/
X @ElementalEduc https://x.com/elementaleduc
Facebook @ElementalEducator https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555973948902&mibextid=JRoKGi
Email: tyler@elementaleducator.com
Connect with Eric and Nicki
www.ericsheninger.com
www.nickislaugh.com
Description
Welcome to 'The Elemental Educator,' your podcast for exploring ancient wisdom and mod...
2024-09-0253 min
Aspire to Lead302. Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners with Eric Sheninger and Nicki SlaughIn this episode, we dive deep into the newly released book "Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners" by Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh. Join us as we explore how personalized learning is set to revolutionize education. Through real-world examples, cutting-edge research, and practical advice, Eric and Nicki share how educators can implement high-agency strategies like voice, choice, path, pace, and place to meet each student's unique needs. We also discuss how to leverage data-driven approaches, feedback and risk taking will transform your leadership practices to ensure that every learner succeeds.
About Eric Sheninger
Eric works with schools t...
2024-08-2540 min
Better Learning PodcastPersonalizing Learning and Supporting Teacher GrowthChangemakers Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh take this episode into a deep dive into the transformative power of leadership in education. As seasoned change-makers, they discuss the critical importance of initiating and sustaining change that leads to real, tangible results in schools. One of the most compelling parts of the discussion is their exploration of a student-centered approach. In an era where one-size-fits-all education is increasingly outdated, Eric and Nicki advocate for a system that prioritizes individual needs, fosters a culture of trust, and encourages collaboration. They share insights on how leaders can cultivate a...
2024-08-1456 min
The Dr. Will Show PodcastEric Sheninger (@E_Sheninger) and Nicki Slaugh (@nickiatquest) Author Talks: PersonalizeEric works with schools worldwide, helping educators meet and exceed their potential to improve learner outcomes. He is the founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU, a collaborative consultancy designed to provide personalized support to all educational systems. Before this, he was a teacher and the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement. His work focuses on innovative and practical ways educators can transform...
2024-07-291h 00
The Balance, by Dr. Catlin TuckerPersonalize: Meeting the Needs of All LearnersIn this episode, I chat with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh about their new book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. We clarify what personalized learning is and talk about how data, using technology strategically, and focusing on human connection and relationships are key. Eric and Nicki share their experiences and advice about how to build a culture that supports this shift. You can connect with Eric on X @E_Sheninger and Nicki @nickiatquest.
2024-07-2453 min
Digital Learning TodayPersonalizing Learning for All Staff and Students – A Conversation with Eric Sheninger and Niki SlaughIn this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury interviews Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh, authors of the book 'Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners.' They discuss the importance of personalized learning and how to implement it in schools. They emphasize the need to identify each student as an individual and provide experiences that are engaging and challenging at their own level. They also highlight the significance of celebrating student wins and creating a culture of personalization. The conversation explores the concept of starting with your 'why' and empowering both students and staff. Eric and Nicki share their experiences and strategies for...
2024-07-1748 min
Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica BurnsUnlocking Personalized Learning in K-12 with Eric Sheninger & Nicki Slaugh - 275In this episode, I'm joined by authors Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh for a fantastic discussion about personalized learning in K-12 classrooms. You'll hear expert tips and strategies from their new book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. We chat about ways to honor student voice and choice, differentiate instruction, and seamlessly integrate proficiency-based learning. If you're looking for ways to use personalized learning to increase student engagement and motivation, this episode is for you! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2024/07/09/Personalized-Learning-275/ Sponsored by my new mini-course "Learn ChatGPT This Summer": https://classtechtips.com/ai-for-educators-membership/ ...
2024-07-0922 min
Leading Through Unprecedented TimesHow to Personalize the Experience (with Nicki Slaugh & Eric Sheninger)Guests: Nicki Slaugh, Principal, Quest Academy (UT) X: https://www.x.com/NickiatQuest Eric Sheninger, Award-winning educator and CEO, Aspire Change EDU X: https://www.x.com/e_sheninger Personalize (the book) - https://amzn.to/3z7wQJv Host: Thomas C. Murray, Director of Innovation, Future Ready Schools, Washington, DC X: https://www.x.com/thomascmurray IG: https://www.instagram.com/thomascmurrayedu Future Ready Schools Website: https://www.FutureReady.org Free Virtual Events: http://www.FutureReady.org/Virtual X: https://www.x.com/futureready IG: https://www.x.c...
2024-06-2729 min
EdTrex RewindBikini Competitions and CultureWe've been trying to sit down Nicki Slaugh to talk about the incredible culture she is creating at her school for quite some time. Whether she's supporting friends at bikini competitions or creating an epic experience during testing time, her passion to help others succeed is unmatched. Join us as Nicki shares her passion for education and in creating a culture where both teachers and students can thrive
2018-09-1100 min