SOS Podcast

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Erin Olson, an advocate of news literacy and a representative from the News Literacy Project (NLP). Drawing from her rich experience as a middle and high school teacher, Erin shares a poignant anecdote that underscores the indispensable role of news literacy in every classroom. She delves into the importance of educators adopting a systemic and strategic approach to news literacy, emphasizing its relevance in today's rapidly changing media landscape. Celebrating over a decade of service, the News Literacy Project has been a beacon for educators navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Erin discusses the evolving role of AI in the news realm and how it has amplified the need for news literacy skills.  Journalism, as Erin articulates, is a cornerstone of a well-informed society. With the proliferation of information sources, understanding the role and responsibilities of journalists has never been more crucial. Erin shares insights into the e

Discover how Sherard Duvall went from spinning beats to spinning tales that captivate and educate. In a surprising twist, this DJ-turned-filmmaker found that the language of screens held the key to bridging the gap between storytelling and education. Join him on a journey where the power of human connection meets the magic of screen language. Get ready to dive into the world of screen language, where the episode dives deep and enables listeners to: Discover the power of media literacy education and how it can enhance student learning. Understand the importance of screen language in our digital world and its impact on communication. Learn effective strategies for teaching screen language skills to students of all ages. Explore practical ways to integrate media literacy into the curriculum and make learning more engaging and relevant. Empower your students to become critical thinkers and responsible consumers of media through media literacy education. In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, you'll

In this episode Dr. Craft shatters misconceptions and reveals the power of gaming for building social-emotional skills. How can educators effectively integrate gaming into their SEL programs?  Are You Ready To Unlock the Power of Gaming? The power of gaming can be harnessed to forge strong peer connections among students. By instilling the elements of gaming in social-emotional learning, students can be encouraged to reflect on their emotions and reactions in gaming scenarios, apply insights to real-life contexts, and foster belonging within their peer groups. Thus, far from being a mere recreational activity, gaming can be a potent tool for facilitating improved student well-being and social-emotional growth. Learn more about our amazing guest: Dr. Kristen Craft has served as a teacher, principal, and district administrator in public education for the past 27 years. A champion of students, Dr. Craft is currently the Scholastic Esports Specialist for Generation Esports. She helps normalize esports in educa

In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, you'll join Tricia and Jeff as they dive into their recent experiences and reflections on AI and education. They're excited to share the consulting work they've been doing and the innovative ways they're incorporating AI into the classroom. Tricia discusses her passion for teaching creative writing and how she's been using AI-generated art to fuel students' creativity. Jeff, on the other hand, shares his experiences working with school leaders and presenting at conferences, highlighting the importance of teaching AI as an equity issue. They also discuss AI literacy and the need for everyone to advocate for fair and just AI systems. Throughout the conversation, Tricia and Jeff emphasize the transformative potential of AI in education and the importance of educators being actively engaged in the conversation.    Tricia and Jeff unveil their new offering, the Shifting Schools cohort, a three-week transformative program for educators. With access to live webinar

SWAPNA KRISHNA writes about space, science, and technology. You can find her at the YouTube channel Ad Astra, and her work has been published at outlets such as Wired, Engadget, The Verge, NPR, and Slate. Her new book provides a novel approach to mindfulness while learning more about science and history. Pocket Nature: Stargazing: Contemplate the Cosmos to Find Inner Peace Part of the Pocket Nature series, this petite volume features helpful tips for stargazing, plus thoughtful meditations related to stars, space, and the universe. In a cool palette with celestial illustrations, Stargazing is a must-have companion for amateur astronomers, space enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to slow down and find time for contemplation. In these pages, learn about features of the night sky, from the Milky Way to moon craters to the planets in our solar system; read a brief history of stargazing in cultures around the world; and discover seventeen notable constellations to observe in the northern hemisphe

For nearly thirty years, Jennifer Miller has worked with educators and families to help them become more effective with children through social and emotional learning (SEL). She authored and illustrated the book “Confident Parents, Confident Kids: Raising Emotional Intelligence In Ourselves and Our Kids” and founded the organization by the same name ten years ago growing an international platform through her blog with more than 23,000 followers in 152 countries world-wide. She has served as a regular expert contributor to NBC’s TODAY Parenting, PBS WNET and Parent Magazine. She conducted and published original peer-reviewed research on parenting with SEL.” She co-founded SEL for Ohio, a statewide network to champion social and emotional learning and serves on the SEL for U.S. Leadership Council. She consults with schools, conducts research and offers webinars on parenting and SEL with partners in Ohio and nationally. She has her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership with a focus on social and emotional

On this week... We were so excited to have a conversation with Dr. Charles A. Barrett to dive deeper into his book: Social Justice in Schools A Framework for Equity in Education Our conversation explores: Ensuring equitable access to key opportunities Centering Relationships Reflecting on how to build community Find your copy: Via this link Learn about our special guest Charles A. Barrett, PhD, NCSP, a district-level administrator in Virginia, practiced as a school psychologist for 13 years at the elementary and secondary levels. He serves as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, where he is actively involved in the training and development of future school psychologists. Dr. Barrett was named a School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists. His past leadership positions within the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) include co-chair of the Social Justice Task Force and African American Subcommittee, chair of the Multicultural Affairs and Social Just

On this week... We were so excited to have a conversation with Dr. Novak and Dr. Rodriguez about their latest book In Support of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS Our conversation explores: How to make change happen What schools can do to better support ALL students How leaders can upskill in order to foster inclusion in schools Find your copy: On Sale Now via Bookshop Check out their special book group guide Learn about our special guests https://www.novakeducation.com/ https://kristanrodriguezcc.wixsite.com/ccapr We are so grateful to the team at Mackin for sponsoring this episode and the full SEL series. Learn more about them: Mackin  Want to discuss your thoughts on this episode? send us an email info (at) shiftingschools.com or catch us at camp: camp.shiftingschools.com

Jessica Lahey is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed and The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Jess was awarded the Research Society on Alcohol’s Media Award for “outstanding journalistic efforts of writers who cover empirical research on alcohol” […] “for her book The Addiction Inoculation and advocacy for the recovery community.” Over twenty years, Jess has taught every grade from sixth to twelfth in both public and private schools, and spent five years teaching in a drug and alcohol rehab for adolescents in Vermont, and serves as a prevention and recovery coach at Sana, a medical detox and recovery center in Stowe, Vermont. She has written about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and her biweekly column “The Parent Teacher Conference” ran for three years at the New York Times. She designed and wrote the educational curriculu

Jeff begins by emphasizing how ChatGPT enable educators to offer tailored content and support to a diverse range of students, meeting them at their individual learning levels. He cites examples of how this AI-driven technology can adapt lessons, provide personalized feedback, and assist students with varying needs, making the learning experience more inclusive and engaging. Tricia further expands on this by discussing how ChatGPT can help educators save time and energy when it comes to fostering relationships with the parent and caretakers at their school. Together, they explore how ChatGPT serves as an invaluable tool for educators seeking to provide customized learning experiences that empower every student to thrive academically and personally. Jeff and Tricia's conversation highlights big questions to ask when it comes to engaging with  ChatGPT as a "differentiation machine" in the realm of student learning, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible education landscape. Check out the repor

 In this episode of the Shifting Schools Podcast, Jeff Utecht sits down with Elliot Mack, the co-founder of Daigon Esports, our generous sponsor for the esports mini-series. What do we discuss? The educational benefits of esports How Daigon Esports is shaping the future of educational technology Ways to integrate esports into your classroom curriculum What do we investigate? Educational Technology Esports in Education Classroom Integration Why Listen? If you’re an educator, administrator, or simply interested in the intersection of esports and educational technology, this episode is a must-watch. Learn how to bring the competitive, collaborative, and strategic world of esports into your educational setting.    Links Daigon Esports Website Shifting Schools Resources Subscribe to Shifting Schools    

Join us as we unravel the stories that emerge when esports and gaming becomes a lifelong compass for learning. This week's guest is thought leader Janey Laney, a content creator and podcaster bridging the gap between education, gaming & tech. Our guest takes us on a journey where gaming serves as a conduit for boundless education. Janey uncovers the profound community dynamics that power the world of gaming, weaving networks and inspiration together into a seamless fabric of connectivity. Delve into the unexplored corners of education, technology, and empowerment, and glimpse a future where gaming becomes a portal to careers and community and more. Ready to connect with this week's amazing guest? https://linktr.ee/JaneyLaney Ready to learn more about our sponsor? https://www.daigonesports.com/ Learn more with Jeff and Tricia this year: https://www.shiftingschools.com/

In this Off The Cuff episode, Jeff Utecht and Tricia dive into the exciting launch of https://camp.shiftingschools.com and their groundbreaking course on Leadership in AI. Discover how AI is shaping the future of education and why school leaders should be at the forefront of this technological revolution. Key Points: Introduction to https://camp.shiftingschools.com A new platform for educators and leaders to collaborate and share resources. Features and benefits of being a part of this community. Leadership in AI Course Importance of understanding AI in today's educational landscape. What educators can expect to learn and implement. The role of AI in Education How AI can aid in personalized learning. Ethical considerations in using AI in the classroom. Why School Leaders Should Care The influence of AI on decision-making processes. Preparing the next generation for an AI-driven world. Resources: https://camp.shiftingschools.com Leadership in AI Course

How do we help students learn and play simultaneously? This week's guest explains how esports links to so many components of academic life. Curious about ways to leverage your existing curriculum, STEM and STEAM programs with esports? You need to learn more from our guest. In recent years, esports has transitioned from mere entertainment to a thriving ecosystem that offers much more than thrilling competitions. We sit down with an expert to unravel how esports acts as a dynamic pathway for nurturing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) talents. Ready to learn more about our guest?   Gerald Solomon is the Executive Director of NASEF.   Curious to learn more about NASEF? Mission NASEF is on a mission to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to develop STEAM-based skills and social emotional attributes such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities needed to thrive in work and in life.   Vision To ensure that all students possess the knowledg

Hello, Shifting Schools community! Jeff Utecht here, as we wrap up our exciting journey into eSports Tricia and I wanted to share what we have coming up next for you in September. As we start the new school year, we're diving in with a brand new mini-series focused on Social Emotional Learning, or SEL, a topic that we know is front and center in the minds of educators as we start another school year. And we're not doing it alone. I'm thrilled to announce our guest list for this enlightening mini-series, a line-up of voices that will guide us through this landscape: You’ll hear from Jessica Lahey, New York Times Bestselling Author Charles Barrett, Author of 'Social Justice in Schools Dr. Katie Novak, an Internationally renowned expert and author Swapna Krishna, Known from Wired and PBS And that’s just the start…… These thought leaders will share their insights, strategies, and stories, helping us understand how to connect with our students on a deeper, more compassionate level. Join us as we uncover the keys t

Unravel the complexities of video game ethics as we embark on a dialogue with Dr. Leon Xiao, a distinguished expert at the crossroads of gaming and law. In this episode, we probe into the innovative ways gaming and law intersect, and how they shape the experience of game play. This episode helps us explore more pathways available in the gaming industry and asks us to think more creatively about how differing passions might intersect. Ready to learn more about our guest? Leon is a PhD Fellow at the IT University of Copenhagen. He also holds visiting appointments at Stanford Law School and the University of York’s Computer Science Department. Leon researches video game law, particularly the regulation of loot boxes, a quasi-gambling monetisation mechanic in video games. He uses empirical legal research methods and is passionate about open science. Connect with our amazing guest online: https://twitter.com/LeonXiaoY https://sites.google.com/view/leon-xiao/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-xiao/ Thanks to our ama

In this episode, we have the honor of sitting down with Joanie Kraut, the CEO of Women in Games International (WIGI), a leading organization that empowers women and underrepresented individuals in the gaming and eSports industry. Joanie Kraut has a unique perspective on the role eSports can play in communities and is dedicated to creating more future pathways for young enthusiasts interested in pursuing a career in the eSports realm. Joanie Kraut shares her inspiring journey into the world of eSports and how her passion for gaming led her to a leadership role at Women in Games International. She discusses the organization's mission to foster diversity and inclusivity in the gaming world and explains how they are actively creating opportunities for aspiring individuals to enter the eSports industry. Joanie Kraut sheds light on the various programs, initiatives, and resources offered by Women in Games International that are shaping the future careers of young talents in eSports. As the keynote speaker at The N

In this episode, we dive into the intersection of education technology and literacy with Dr. Miles Harvey. We explore the innovative teaching strategy of using video games as a powerful tool to enhance literacy skills and engage students in reading. Discover how this approach can transform K-12 education and foster a love for learning.   Meet this week's special guest:   ➡️ Dr. Miles Harvey is a scholar gamer, middle years esports coach, streamer, and teacher educator from the University of New Mexico researching media literacy and digital game-based learning. He is a 7-12 Language Arts and Media Literacy educator in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Miles’ research interests focus on how students make sense of their learning through multimodal experiences afforded by mixed reality, video games, and research-based instructional strategies. He coaches New Mexico’s first-ever middle school esports team and competed in the North America’s first international middle school esports competition against Winnipeg, Manitoba. M

On this episode Dr. Rachel Kowert busts myths about gaming. If you are skeptical about what games can offer us, give this conversation some time. Meet this week's special guest: ➡️ Rachel Kowert, Ph.D is a research psychologist and the Research Director of Take This. She is a world-renowned researcher on the uses and effects of digital games, including their impact on physical, social, and psychological well-being. In her current work, she serves as one of the primary investigators on the first grant-funded project from the Department of Homeland Security about games and extremism. She has spoken about her work to thousands of people across the globe, including the United States Congress, United Nations, and Department of Homeland Security. An award-winning author, she has published a variety of books and scientific articles relating to the psychology of games and, more recently, the relationship between games and mental health specifically. She also serves as the editor of the Routledge Debates in Media Stud

How is Minecraft a powerful tool for building community, fostering inclusion, and engaging learners? This week's amazing guest Mashfiq Ahmed has an answer for that question and tons of wisdom to share. Meet this week's special guest: ➡️ Mashfiq Ahmed (he/him) is a high school chemistry teacher at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, New York. He has been playing video games ever since he was 4-years-old and they have positively shaped him into the person that he is today. As a teacher, Mashfiq utilizes classroom gamification tools in order to support all of his students and make science more engaging. When the 2020-2021 virtual school year started, Mashfiq created an after school Minecraft Club in order for students to have a place to relax and de-stress through gaming during the pandemic. Since then, the club has grown to become something so much bigger than he could have possibly imagined. For example, Mashfiq’s Minecraft Club participates in esports building competitions with designs that promote equity, ac