EdTech Startup Showcase Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/edtech-startup-showcase This series shines a spotlight on the innovative edtech companies working to make a difference for students and educators. Through conversations with the founders and CEOs, partner organizations, and the educators who are using their products in schools today, listeners hear about solutions relevant to their chronic challenges and opportunity-expanding ideas to go into uncharted directions. 2024 BE Podcast Network 7f48cf17-c36c-5b96-8179-06d3e2c25f92 yes Introducing the EdTech Startup Showcase en Wed, 06 May 2026 19:49:35 -0400 Wed, 06 May 2026 19:50:18 -0400 https://etss.bepodcast.network https://img.transistorcdn.com/7dJ3fYdR5gp89rIaqKoOsbUD2_H6JsTu2QNtK7SyW-o/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ4NjI4LzE3MDUw/NDE3NzUtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg EdTech Startup Showcase https://etss.bepodcast.network episodic BE Podcast Network This series shines a spotlight on the innovative edtech companies working to make a difference for students and educators. Through conversations with the founders and CEOs, partner organizations, and the educators who are using their products in schools today, listeners hear about solutions relevant to their chronic challenges and opportunity-expanding ideas to go into uncharted directions. This series shines a spotlight on the innovative edtech companies working to make a difference for students and educators. edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching BE Podcast Network etss@bepodcast.network No No Trading the Classroom for a Startup with Mike Cronley 28 28 Trading the Classroom for a Startup with Mike Cronley full d857193d-b4b7-458a-a0f0-2e07112031d7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5afe8f27 In this episode of the EdTech Startup Podcast, host Jeff Bradbury interviews Mike Cronley, co-founder and CEO of Class Composer and former third-grade teacher. Mike shares his journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship, sparked by a casual conversation with his school's music teacher about students being incorrectly placed together. This "aha moment" led him to develop Class Composer, a software solution that helps elementary schools create balanced, equitable classroom rosters. Over seven years, Mike transitioned from teaching while developing his idea as a side project to fully committing to his startup. The conversation explores the challenges of the traditional paper-based class placement process, the importance of listening to customers, and advice for educators considering entrepreneurship.

]]> In this episode of the EdTech Startup Podcast, host Jeff Bradbury interviews Mike Cronley, co-founder and CEO of Class Composer and former third-grade teacher. Mike shares his journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship, sparked by a casual conversation with his school's music teacher about students being incorrectly placed together. This "aha moment" led him to develop Class Composer, a software solution that helps elementary schools create balanced, equitable classroom rosters. Over seven years, Mike transitioned from teaching while developing his idea as a side project to fully committing to his startup. The conversation explores the challenges of the traditional paper-based class placement process, the importance of listening to customers, and advice for educators considering entrepreneurship.

]]> Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:18:00 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1735 In this episode of the EdTech Startup Podcast, host Jeff Bradbury interviews Mike Cronley, co-founder and CEO of Class Composer and former third-grade teacher. Mike shares his journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship, sparked by a casual conversation with his school's music teacher about students being incorrectly placed together. This "aha moment" led him to develop Class Composer, a software solution that helps elementary schools create balanced, equitable classroom rosters. Over seven years, Mike transitioned from teaching while developing his idea as a side project to fully committing to his startup. The conversation explores the challenges of the traditional paper-based class placement process, the importance of listening to customers, and advice for educators considering entrepreneurship.

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Family Engagement Lab with Vidya Sundaram & Elisabeth O'Bryon 27 27 Family Engagement Lab with Vidya Sundaram & Elisabeth O'Bryon full 1592f7f9-cbee-455c-bec0-e0445b673d3a https://share.transistor.fm/s/0de113ca In this EdTech Startup Showcase episode, host Jethro Jones interviews Vidya Sundaram (CEO) and Elisabeth O'Bryon (Chief Impact Officer) from Family Engagement Lab. The conversation explores how their platform bridges the gap between classroom learning and home support through bite-sized, actionable text messages that help families understand what their children are learning and how to reinforce those skills at home. The founders share their personal motivations—Elizabeth's experience as a bilingual school psychologist working with diverse families, and Vidya's childhood experience of disconnect between her immigrant family's educational values and school communication. They discuss their FAST Talk model (Families and Schools Talk), which has supported over 70,000 students across 50+ districts, and their new AI learning coach that provides personalized support for parents' questions.

Key Takeaways

  • Family engagement works best when it's accessible and actionable
    • Short text messages (160 characters) with specific, grade-level appropriate activities are more effective than lengthy emails
  • The impact is greatest for underserved students
    • Research shows the most pronounced learning gains for students whose families don't share a common language with teachers and those who started the year behind academically
  • Parents want to help but need the right information
    • Families have passion and interest in supporting learning but often lack insight into what's happening in the classroom and how to help at the right developmental level
  • Sustainable implementation requires cross-functional coordination
    • Success comes from communications experts working alongside curriculum teams to create a shared responsibility for family engagement
  • AI can personalize family support
    • Their new AI learning coach allows parents to ask specific questions about their child's needs and build their own confidence in supporting learning at home
]]> In this EdTech Startup Showcase episode, host Jethro Jones interviews Vidya Sundaram (CEO) and Elisabeth O'Bryon (Chief Impact Officer) from Family Engagement Lab. The conversation explores how their platform bridges the gap between classroom learning and home support through bite-sized, actionable text messages that help families understand what their children are learning and how to reinforce those skills at home. The founders share their personal motivations—Elizabeth's experience as a bilingual school psychologist working with diverse families, and Vidya's childhood experience of disconnect between her immigrant family's educational values and school communication. They discuss their FAST Talk model (Families and Schools Talk), which has supported over 70,000 students across 50+ districts, and their new AI learning coach that provides personalized support for parents' questions.

Key Takeaways

  • Family engagement works best when it's accessible and actionable
    • Short text messages (160 characters) with specific, grade-level appropriate activities are more effective than lengthy emails
  • The impact is greatest for underserved students
    • Research shows the most pronounced learning gains for students whose families don't share a common language with teachers and those who started the year behind academically
  • Parents want to help but need the right information
    • Families have passion and interest in supporting learning but often lack insight into what's happening in the classroom and how to help at the right developmental level
  • Sustainable implementation requires cross-functional coordination
    • Success comes from communications experts working alongside curriculum teams to create a shared responsibility for family engagement
  • AI can personalize family support
    • Their new AI learning coach allows parents to ask specific questions about their child's needs and build their own confidence in supporting learning at home
]]> Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:39:00 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1695 In this EdTech Startup Showcase episode, host Jethro Jones interviews Vidya Sundaram (CEO) and Elisabeth O'Bryon (Chief Impact Officer) from Family Engagement Lab. The conversation explores how their platform bridges the gap between classroom learning and home support through bite-sized, actionable text messages that help families understand what their children are learning and how to reinforce those skills at home. The founders share their personal motivations—Elizabeth's experience as a bilingual school psychologist working with diverse families, and Vidya's childhood experience of disconnect between her immigrant family's educational values and school communication. They discuss their FAST Talk model (Families and Schools Talk), which has supported over 70,000 students across 50+ districts, and their new AI learning coach that provides personalized support for parents' questions.

Key Takeaways

  • Family engagement works best when it's accessible and actionable
    • Short text messages (160 characters) with specific, grade-level appropriate activities are more effective than lengthy emails
  • The impact is greatest for underserved students
    • Research shows the most pronounced learning gains for students whose families don't share a common language with teachers and those who started the year behind academically
  • Parents want to help but need the right information
    • Families have passion and interest in supporting learning but often lack insight into what's happening in the classroom and how to help at the right developmental level
  • Sustainable implementation requires cross-functional coordination
    • Success comes from communications experts working alongside curriculum teams to create a shared responsibility for family engagement
  • AI can personalize family support
    • Their new AI learning coach allows parents to ask specific questions about their child's needs and build their own confidence in supporting learning at home
]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Jamie Rosenberg, Founder & Executive Chairman of ClassWallet 26 26 Jamie Rosenberg, Founder & Executive Chairman of ClassWallet full 077600c9-801a-497e-aa29-202b26e74b66 https://share.transistor.fm/s/860f2f2e Jamie Rosenberg is a two-time founder of technology platforms, including education philanthropy platform AdoptAClassroom.org, and the subject of today’s conversation, ClassWallet. We discuss:

  • Jamie's entrepreneurial background and how he got into education
  • The problem ClassWallet is aiming to solve
  • How many states, districts, and schools ClassWallet is working with
  • If Jamie was starting the company again today, what would he do differently?
  • With the growth of ESAs and personalized funding, what do the next 5 years look like?

Learn more at https://classwallet.com 

About the guest
Jamie Rosenberg is a visionary entrepreneur and a two-time founder of technology platforms that have transformed how public funds reach communities in need to drive large-scale, systemic change. He is the founder and Executive Chairman of ClassWallet, a transformative digital wallet financial technology company reimagining how public funds are distributed to citizens, and spent. Prior to ClassWallet, he founded AdoptAClassroom.org, one of the country’s leading education philanthropy platforms, ensuring classroom teachers get the support they need. With a lifelong passion for social impact, Rosenberg has dedicated his career to reducing poverty and inequality by leveraging technology to improve educational opportunities, enhance government efficiency, and foster trust and transparency between citizens and public institutions.

About the host
Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and host of The Authority Podcast. Listen at https://authoritypodcast.net

]]> Jamie Rosenberg is a two-time founder of technology platforms, including education philanthropy platform AdoptAClassroom.org, and the subject of today’s conversation, ClassWallet. We discuss:

  • Jamie's entrepreneurial background and how he got into education
  • The problem ClassWallet is aiming to solve
  • How many states, districts, and schools ClassWallet is working with
  • If Jamie was starting the company again today, what would he do differently?
  • With the growth of ESAs and personalized funding, what do the next 5 years look like?

Learn more at https://classwallet.com 

About the guest
Jamie Rosenberg is a visionary entrepreneur and a two-time founder of technology platforms that have transformed how public funds reach communities in need to drive large-scale, systemic change. He is the founder and Executive Chairman of ClassWallet, a transformative digital wallet financial technology company reimagining how public funds are distributed to citizens, and spent. Prior to ClassWallet, he founded AdoptAClassroom.org, one of the country’s leading education philanthropy platforms, ensuring classroom teachers get the support they need. With a lifelong passion for social impact, Rosenberg has dedicated his career to reducing poverty and inequality by leveraging technology to improve educational opportunities, enhance government efficiency, and foster trust and transparency between citizens and public institutions.

About the host
Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and host of The Authority Podcast. Listen at https://authoritypodcast.net

]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1846 Jamie Rosenberg is a two-time founder of technology platforms, including education philanthropy platform AdoptAClassroom.org, and the subject of today’s conversation, ClassWallet. We discuss:

  • Jamie's entrepreneurial background and how he got into education
  • The problem ClassWallet is aiming to solve
  • How many states, districts, and schools ClassWallet is working with
  • If Jamie was starting the company again today, what would he do differently?
  • With the growth of ESAs and personalized funding, what do the next 5 years look like?

Learn more at https://classwallet.com 

About the guest
Jamie Rosenberg is a visionary entrepreneur and a two-time founder of technology platforms that have transformed how public funds reach communities in need to drive large-scale, systemic change. He is the founder and Executive Chairman of ClassWallet, a transformative digital wallet financial technology company reimagining how public funds are distributed to citizens, and spent. Prior to ClassWallet, he founded AdoptAClassroom.org, one of the country’s leading education philanthropy platforms, ensuring classroom teachers get the support they need. With a lifelong passion for social impact, Rosenberg has dedicated his career to reducing poverty and inequality by leveraging technology to improve educational opportunities, enhance government efficiency, and foster trust and transparency between citizens and public institutions.

About the host
Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and host of The Authority Podcast. Listen at https://authoritypodcast.net

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Ross Romano Inside Greenville County's System for Improving Instruction Through Classroom Observation Data 25 25 Inside Greenville County's System for Improving Instruction Through Classroom Observation Data full 709e44e9-22e0-4272-b7e0-1c3f184f9a7c https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b828c70 Ben Gustafson, founder of Classroom Mosaic, returns to the show along with Jeff McCoy, associate superintendent for Greenville County Schools in South Carolina. 

Jeff and Ben discuss:

  • How Greenville "electronicized" observation with Classroom Mosaic 
  • Greenville's objective to get more insight into classrooms and transform instruction
  • Helping principals become better instructional leaders and the impact on student achievement
  • Excellent support for new administrators and new coaches
  • How to use proven frameworks and modify them for local needs

Hear more about Classroom Mosaic:
We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.

We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: 

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Ben Gustafson, founder of Classroom Mosaic, returns to the show along with Jeff McCoy, associate superintendent for Greenville County Schools in South Carolina. 

Jeff and Ben discuss:

  • How Greenville "electronicized" observation with Classroom Mosaic 
  • Greenville's objective to get more insight into classrooms and transform instruction
  • Helping principals become better instructional leaders and the impact on student achievement
  • Excellent support for new administrators and new coaches
  • How to use proven frameworks and modify them for local needs

Hear more about Classroom Mosaic:
We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.

We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: 

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:18:59 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1705 Ben Gustafson, founder of Classroom Mosaic, returns to the show along with Jeff McCoy, associate superintendent for Greenville County Schools in South Carolina. 

Jeff and Ben discuss:

  • How Greenville "electronicized" observation with Classroom Mosaic 
  • Greenville's objective to get more insight into classrooms and transform instruction
  • Helping principals become better instructional leaders and the impact on student achievement
  • Excellent support for new administrators and new coaches
  • How to use proven frameworks and modify them for local needs

Hear more about Classroom Mosaic:
We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.

We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: 

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Ben Gustafson Classroom Mosaic Jeff McCoy Relevancy and Authenticity with Kali Frederick of High Tech High Graduate School of Education 24 24 Relevancy and Authenticity with Kali Frederick of High Tech High Graduate School of Education full d0cb2a7a-6814-467e-ac46-761750fecc90 https://share.transistor.fm/s/44131d7d It's a delight to be joined by Kali Frederick, Professional Learning Designer with the High Tech High Graduate School of Education who has 20 years of teaching and designing learning experiences in PBL classrooms at High Tech High and NYC. In this insightful episode, she and Scott discuss:

  • How Inkwire supports collaborative curriculum design at High Tech High
  • How Kali learned the necessity of relevance in lesson design
  • The design principles that enable High Tech High students to have a transformative experience
  • Using Inkwire to support project-based learning
  • Building a space for innovative educators


About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 

He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> It's a delight to be joined by Kali Frederick, Professional Learning Designer with the High Tech High Graduate School of Education who has 20 years of teaching and designing learning experiences in PBL classrooms at High Tech High and NYC. In this insightful episode, she and Scott discuss:

  • How Inkwire supports collaborative curriculum design at High Tech High
  • How Kali learned the necessity of relevance in lesson design
  • The design principles that enable High Tech High students to have a transformative experience
  • Using Inkwire to support project-based learning
  • Building a space for innovative educators


About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 

He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1649 It's a delight to be joined by Kali Frederick, Professional Learning Designer with the High Tech High Graduate School of Education who has 20 years of teaching and designing learning experiences in PBL classrooms at High Tech High and NYC. In this insightful episode, she and Scott discuss:

  • How Inkwire supports collaborative curriculum design at High Tech High
  • How Kali learned the necessity of relevance in lesson design
  • The design principles that enable High Tech High students to have a transformative experience
  • Using Inkwire to support project-based learning
  • Building a space for innovative educators


About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 

He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Class Composer CEO Mike Cronley on Addressing Inequitable Elementary Class Assignments 23 23 Class Composer CEO Mike Cronley on Addressing Inequitable Elementary Class Assignments full 6928b4f7-b7be-403d-b739-3906bad4c04d https://share.transistor.fm/s/84b5c68a Today we're thrilled to introduce Class Composer, the newest startup to join the show. We speak with CEO and co-founder Mike Cronley. 

Class Composer is a software solution designed to create balanced and equitable classroom assignments. Mike shares his journey from being a third-grade teacher to developing a tool that addresses the challenges of inequitable class assignments. The conversation explores the inception of Class Composer, its functionality, customer feedback, and the future of the product as it aims to expand its impact in education.

About today's guest:

While some big ideas are born in the boardroom, others are born in the lunchroom. 

In his 12 years teaching third grade near Denver, Colorado, Mike shared the frustrations of many colleagues enduring inequitable classes – for example, classes having an imbalance of low readers or students with challenging behavior. These imbalances weren’t surprising, given the student placement process was done with pink and blue paper cards. 

Over lunch one day in 2007, the school’s music teacher was venting to Mike about some unruly students who mistakenly ended up in her class together, even though they were supposed to have been separated based on their disruptive behavior the year before. Wouldn’t it be great, they mused, if there were some software to create class lists and avoid these basic errors? 

As a self-professed technology geek, Mike started dreaming about the possibility of creating his own solution. That dream grew into an obsession, and he found himself spending evenings and weekends consumed by research – driving his wife crazy. The result was Class Composer, software built on Mike’s tech savvy, his teacher’s perspective, and his commitment to creating positive learning environments.

Mike, who received his B.S. in Psychology from the Ohio State University and an elementary teaching certificate from the University of Colorado Denver, is no longer in the classroom, but is an educator at heart who loves making a positive impact on the lives of teachers and students. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and two poodles, and he loves to ski, bike, and camp with his family, including his college-age son and daughter.

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Today we're thrilled to introduce Class Composer, the newest startup to join the show. We speak with CEO and co-founder Mike Cronley. 

Class Composer is a software solution designed to create balanced and equitable classroom assignments. Mike shares his journey from being a third-grade teacher to developing a tool that addresses the challenges of inequitable class assignments. The conversation explores the inception of Class Composer, its functionality, customer feedback, and the future of the product as it aims to expand its impact in education.

About today's guest:

While some big ideas are born in the boardroom, others are born in the lunchroom. 

In his 12 years teaching third grade near Denver, Colorado, Mike shared the frustrations of many colleagues enduring inequitable classes – for example, classes having an imbalance of low readers or students with challenging behavior. These imbalances weren’t surprising, given the student placement process was done with pink and blue paper cards. 

Over lunch one day in 2007, the school’s music teacher was venting to Mike about some unruly students who mistakenly ended up in her class together, even though they were supposed to have been separated based on their disruptive behavior the year before. Wouldn’t it be great, they mused, if there were some software to create class lists and avoid these basic errors? 

As a self-professed technology geek, Mike started dreaming about the possibility of creating his own solution. That dream grew into an obsession, and he found himself spending evenings and weekends consumed by research – driving his wife crazy. The result was Class Composer, software built on Mike’s tech savvy, his teacher’s perspective, and his commitment to creating positive learning environments.

Mike, who received his B.S. in Psychology from the Ohio State University and an elementary teaching certificate from the University of Colorado Denver, is no longer in the classroom, but is an educator at heart who loves making a positive impact on the lives of teachers and students. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and two poodles, and he loves to ski, bike, and camp with his family, including his college-age son and daughter.

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2080 Today we're thrilled to introduce Class Composer, the newest startup to join the show. We speak with CEO and co-founder Mike Cronley. 

Class Composer is a software solution designed to create balanced and equitable classroom assignments. Mike shares his journey from being a third-grade teacher to developing a tool that addresses the challenges of inequitable class assignments. The conversation explores the inception of Class Composer, its functionality, customer feedback, and the future of the product as it aims to expand its impact in education.

About today's guest:

While some big ideas are born in the boardroom, others are born in the lunchroom. 

In his 12 years teaching third grade near Denver, Colorado, Mike shared the frustrations of many colleagues enduring inequitable classes – for example, classes having an imbalance of low readers or students with challenging behavior. These imbalances weren’t surprising, given the student placement process was done with pink and blue paper cards. 

Over lunch one day in 2007, the school’s music teacher was venting to Mike about some unruly students who mistakenly ended up in her class together, even though they were supposed to have been separated based on their disruptive behavior the year before. Wouldn’t it be great, they mused, if there were some software to create class lists and avoid these basic errors? 

As a self-professed technology geek, Mike started dreaming about the possibility of creating his own solution. That dream grew into an obsession, and he found himself spending evenings and weekends consumed by research – driving his wife crazy. The result was Class Composer, software built on Mike’s tech savvy, his teacher’s perspective, and his commitment to creating positive learning environments.

Mike, who received his B.S. in Psychology from the Ohio State University and an elementary teaching certificate from the University of Colorado Denver, is no longer in the classroom, but is an educator at heart who loves making a positive impact on the lives of teachers and students. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and two poodles, and he loves to ski, bike, and camp with his family, including his college-age son and daughter.

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Scott Schuette Mike Cronley Class Composer Ethics and AI with Priten Shah 22 22 Ethics and AI with Priten Shah full 4c841c7b-19d9-40ed-b35c-2d03b353c64c https://share.transistor.fm/s/3bfcf81d Priten Shah, the founder and CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud and Pedagog.ai, returns as guest. He gets us caught up on the company's latest work, sets the context for ethics and AI, and discusses some of the key questions educators need to be asking about AI. 

Hear about:

  • Embracing tech for a meaningful purpose
  • Finding new uses for AI and being realistic about some of the persistent challenges
  • Priten's updated outlook for what we can expect from educators, students and AI
  • Broadening our concept of future success to include more than careers
  • Overcoming tech resistance

About Pedagog.ai:

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:

About today's guest:
Priten Shah, M. ED and B.A, Harvard, is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. He is also the author of the Wiley’s Jossey-Bass publication, “AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.“ Pedagogy.Cloud has worked with over 200 different educational organizations to adapt and innovate during major world events including the Covid-19 Pandemic. He and his team are currently focused on helping educational organizations adapt to the ever growing capabilities of AI. Priten is also the founder of United 4 Social Change, a civics education nonprofit that focuses on helping teachers integrate interdisciplinary education into their curricula through animated videos, lesson plans, and innovative classroom activities. Connect with Priten:

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Priten Shah, the founder and CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud and Pedagog.ai, returns as guest. He gets us caught up on the company's latest work, sets the context for ethics and AI, and discusses some of the key questions educators need to be asking about AI. 

Hear about:

  • Embracing tech for a meaningful purpose
  • Finding new uses for AI and being realistic about some of the persistent challenges
  • Priten's updated outlook for what we can expect from educators, students and AI
  • Broadening our concept of future success to include more than careers
  • Overcoming tech resistance

About Pedagog.ai:

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:

About today's guest:
Priten Shah, M. ED and B.A, Harvard, is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. He is also the author of the Wiley’s Jossey-Bass publication, “AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.“ Pedagogy.Cloud has worked with over 200 different educational organizations to adapt and innovate during major world events including the Covid-19 Pandemic. He and his team are currently focused on helping educational organizations adapt to the ever growing capabilities of AI. Priten is also the founder of United 4 Social Change, a civics education nonprofit that focuses on helping teachers integrate interdisciplinary education into their curricula through animated videos, lesson plans, and innovative classroom activities. Connect with Priten:

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2025 05:12:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2107 Priten Shah, the founder and CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud and Pedagog.ai, returns as guest. He gets us caught up on the company's latest work, sets the context for ethics and AI, and discusses some of the key questions educators need to be asking about AI. 

Hear about:

  • Embracing tech for a meaningful purpose
  • Finding new uses for AI and being realistic about some of the persistent challenges
  • Priten's updated outlook for what we can expect from educators, students and AI
  • Broadening our concept of future success to include more than careers
  • Overcoming tech resistance

About Pedagog.ai:

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:

About today's guest:
Priten Shah, M. ED and B.A, Harvard, is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. He is also the author of the Wiley’s Jossey-Bass publication, “AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.“ Pedagogy.Cloud has worked with over 200 different educational organizations to adapt and innovate during major world events including the Covid-19 Pandemic. He and his team are currently focused on helping educational organizations adapt to the ever growing capabilities of AI. Priten is also the founder of United 4 Social Change, a civics education nonprofit that focuses on helping teachers integrate interdisciplinary education into their curricula through animated videos, lesson plans, and innovative classroom activities. Connect with Priten:

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Scott Schuette Priten Shah Pedagogy.Cloud | AI in Education Christel Reaves on Knowing Your Strengths and Being a Resilient EdTech Entrepreneur 21 21 Christel Reaves on Knowing Your Strengths and Being a Resilient EdTech Entrepreneur full b5a86c4f-955e-45e7-aa90-064621393bef https://share.transistor.fm/s/50d19be6 We're excited to have Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, back on the show. Today she shares some of the big developments with Connected Class over the past six months and a lot more:


Hear about:

  • Earned insights on scaling a startup
  • Knowing your strengths as a founder and building the right team around yourself
  • Providing resources that give parents options to support their child's education
  • Literacy, math and social-emotional development
  • The resilient mindset required of an edtech entrepreneur in changing times

About Connected Class

We build communication between the classroom and home environment through exciting games, strategies, and activities to help students succeed academically. Learn more:

About today’s guest

Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is an enthusiastic educator dedicated to improving learning and equipping educators to succeed.  Her passion for ensuring family engagement throughout the learning process is evident and at the core of every product and service provided by Connected Class. She oversees a team of Instructional Specialists to support schools, focusing on helping educators analyze data, develop action plans, implement instructional strategies, and enhance family engagement for improved student achievement. 


Before Christel was the founder of Connected Class, she was a classroom teacher, county resource educator and district administrator. She worked closely with the state to remove low performing Title I schools from Intervene status. Over the past 25 years, she has helped many schools improve their student performance and engage families. 


About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> We're excited to have Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, back on the show. Today she shares some of the big developments with Connected Class over the past six months and a lot more:


Hear about:

  • Earned insights on scaling a startup
  • Knowing your strengths as a founder and building the right team around yourself
  • Providing resources that give parents options to support their child's education
  • Literacy, math and social-emotional development
  • The resilient mindset required of an edtech entrepreneur in changing times

About Connected Class

We build communication between the classroom and home environment through exciting games, strategies, and activities to help students succeed academically. Learn more:

About today’s guest

Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is an enthusiastic educator dedicated to improving learning and equipping educators to succeed.  Her passion for ensuring family engagement throughout the learning process is evident and at the core of every product and service provided by Connected Class. She oversees a team of Instructional Specialists to support schools, focusing on helping educators analyze data, develop action plans, implement instructional strategies, and enhance family engagement for improved student achievement. 


Before Christel was the founder of Connected Class, she was a classroom teacher, county resource educator and district administrator. She worked closely with the state to remove low performing Title I schools from Intervene status. Over the past 25 years, she has helped many schools improve their student performance and engage families. 


About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1869 We're excited to have Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, back on the show. Today she shares some of the big developments with Connected Class over the past six months and a lot more:


Hear about:

  • Earned insights on scaling a startup
  • Knowing your strengths as a founder and building the right team around yourself
  • Providing resources that give parents options to support their child's education
  • Literacy, math and social-emotional development
  • The resilient mindset required of an edtech entrepreneur in changing times

About Connected Class

We build communication between the classroom and home environment through exciting games, strategies, and activities to help students succeed academically. Learn more:

About today’s guest

Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is an enthusiastic educator dedicated to improving learning and equipping educators to succeed.  Her passion for ensuring family engagement throughout the learning process is evident and at the core of every product and service provided by Connected Class. She oversees a team of Instructional Specialists to support schools, focusing on helping educators analyze data, develop action plans, implement instructional strategies, and enhance family engagement for improved student achievement. 


Before Christel was the founder of Connected Class, she was a classroom teacher, county resource educator and district administrator. She worked closely with the state to remove low performing Title I schools from Intervene status. Over the past 25 years, she has helped many schools improve their student performance and engage families. 


About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Scott Schuette Christel Reaves Connected Class Data is the Differentiator — AI to Support 504s and IEPs with Marlee Strawn 20 20 Data is the Differentiator — AI to Support 504s and IEPs with Marlee Strawn full 8af3d66e-af80-40a1-af00-40316ebef375 https://share.transistor.fm/s/75842eaa In this episode, we welcome back Scholar Education co-founder Marlee Strawn for a deep conversation about developing "good AI" that solves pressing challenges for educators. Marlee and Scott discuss:

  • Going from teacher to administrator to founder
  • Starting Scholar Education and building BaxterBot
  • Generating meaningful data insights
  • Putting real education expertise and context behind the data
  • An AI tool with a purpose - supporting students with 504s and IEPs
  • Providing actionable steps for parents to support their child
  • What Marlee has learned in the first 18 months of entrepreneurship

About Scholar Education

Scholar Education is an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform that offers a suite of AI tools designed to deliver a personalized learning environment, with a specific focus on implementing and tracking accommodations for ESE, 504, and ELL students. Learn more at https://www.joinscholar.com 


About today’s guest

Marlee Strawn's career started as a high school teacher and reached a significant milestone when she became the founding principal of the top-performing charter high school in the seventh largest district in the nation. Following her successful tenure as principal, Marlee transitioned to a new role in the education technology sector. As the Co-Founder and Head of Education at Scholar Education, Marlee leads the development of an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform designed to eliminate administrative burdens for teachers. She was also recently selected as a 2024 EDSAFE AI Alliance Women in AI Fellow.

About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> In this episode, we welcome back Scholar Education co-founder Marlee Strawn for a deep conversation about developing "good AI" that solves pressing challenges for educators. Marlee and Scott discuss:

  • Going from teacher to administrator to founder
  • Starting Scholar Education and building BaxterBot
  • Generating meaningful data insights
  • Putting real education expertise and context behind the data
  • An AI tool with a purpose - supporting students with 504s and IEPs
  • Providing actionable steps for parents to support their child
  • What Marlee has learned in the first 18 months of entrepreneurship

About Scholar Education

Scholar Education is an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform that offers a suite of AI tools designed to deliver a personalized learning environment, with a specific focus on implementing and tracking accommodations for ESE, 504, and ELL students. Learn more at https://www.joinscholar.com 


About today’s guest

Marlee Strawn's career started as a high school teacher and reached a significant milestone when she became the founding principal of the top-performing charter high school in the seventh largest district in the nation. Following her successful tenure as principal, Marlee transitioned to a new role in the education technology sector. As the Co-Founder and Head of Education at Scholar Education, Marlee leads the development of an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform designed to eliminate administrative burdens for teachers. She was also recently selected as a 2024 EDSAFE AI Alliance Women in AI Fellow.

About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:02:00 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2031 In this episode, we welcome back Scholar Education co-founder Marlee Strawn for a deep conversation about developing "good AI" that solves pressing challenges for educators. Marlee and Scott discuss:

  • Going from teacher to administrator to founder
  • Starting Scholar Education and building BaxterBot
  • Generating meaningful data insights
  • Putting real education expertise and context behind the data
  • An AI tool with a purpose - supporting students with 504s and IEPs
  • Providing actionable steps for parents to support their child
  • What Marlee has learned in the first 18 months of entrepreneurship

About Scholar Education

Scholar Education is an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform that offers a suite of AI tools designed to deliver a personalized learning environment, with a specific focus on implementing and tracking accommodations for ESE, 504, and ELL students. Learn more at https://www.joinscholar.com 


About today’s guest

Marlee Strawn's career started as a high school teacher and reached a significant milestone when she became the founding principal of the top-performing charter high school in the seventh largest district in the nation. Following her successful tenure as principal, Marlee transitioned to a new role in the education technology sector. As the Co-Founder and Head of Education at Scholar Education, Marlee leads the development of an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform designed to eliminate administrative burdens for teachers. She was also recently selected as a 2024 EDSAFE AI Alliance Women in AI Fellow.

About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Scott Schuette Marlee Strawn Scholar Education Using career exploration to give kids hope for the future with Dr. Shannon Putman 19 19 Using career exploration to give kids hope for the future with Dr. Shannon Putman full b2f9ed4c-62e5-4812-a3b1-b02753df7aff https://share.transistor.fm/s/efb16d72 In this episode, Barb Flowers speaks with Dr. Shannon Putman. Shannon is owner of Putman XR Consulting, focusing on immersive technology education, training, and support. She was a special education teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools (KY) for 15 years. 


Hear their conversation about:

  • Using VR for virtual field trips and job shadowing
  • Understanding how virtual reality gives students the real experience of different jobs that are otherwise hard to access (such as working on wind turbines)
  • Connecting with professional mentors through immersive technology
  • Giving students of various backgrounds exposure to a range of careers
  • Giving kids hope about their options for the future
  • Advice for teachers to get familiar with new technology

About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and former Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About Be More Colorful

Be More Colorful, based in Fargo, North Dakota specializes in immersive technology solutions for solving workforce development problems. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Chaussee, the company has been at the forefront of creating immersive media solutions that help people make better decisions about where they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more:

]]> In this episode, Barb Flowers speaks with Dr. Shannon Putman. Shannon is owner of Putman XR Consulting, focusing on immersive technology education, training, and support. She was a special education teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools (KY) for 15 years. 


Hear their conversation about:

  • Using VR for virtual field trips and job shadowing
  • Understanding how virtual reality gives students the real experience of different jobs that are otherwise hard to access (such as working on wind turbines)
  • Connecting with professional mentors through immersive technology
  • Giving students of various backgrounds exposure to a range of careers
  • Giving kids hope about their options for the future
  • Advice for teachers to get familiar with new technology

About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and former Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About Be More Colorful

Be More Colorful, based in Fargo, North Dakota specializes in immersive technology solutions for solving workforce development problems. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Chaussee, the company has been at the forefront of creating immersive media solutions that help people make better decisions about where they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more:

]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:02:00 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1426 In this episode, Barb Flowers speaks with Dr. Shannon Putman. Shannon is owner of Putman XR Consulting, focusing on immersive technology education, training, and support. She was a special education teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools (KY) for 15 years. 


Hear their conversation about:

  • Using VR for virtual field trips and job shadowing
  • Understanding how virtual reality gives students the real experience of different jobs that are otherwise hard to access (such as working on wind turbines)
  • Connecting with professional mentors through immersive technology
  • Giving students of various backgrounds exposure to a range of careers
  • Giving kids hope about their options for the future
  • Advice for teachers to get familiar with new technology

About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and former Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About Be More Colorful

Be More Colorful, based in Fargo, North Dakota specializes in immersive technology solutions for solving workforce development problems. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Chaussee, the company has been at the forefront of creating immersive media solutions that help people make better decisions about where they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more:

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Barb Flowers Be More Colorful Shannon Putman Creating authentic learning experiences with Dr. Adrienne Usher 18 18 Creating authentic learning experiences with Dr. Adrienne Usher full a832fbd7-99f9-40b0-939f-4bdaac928bab https://share.transistor.fm/s/3ac2918f Adrienne Usher, Assistant Superintendent of Bullitt County Public Schools in Kentucky, is today’s guest. She discusses her work to bring engaging project-based learning to her district and more:

  • Profile of a graduate and building key competencies into academics
  • Creating authentic learning experiences focused on productive collaboration and innovative problem solving
  • Change management through simple shifts
  • Collaborative learning and documenting the learning journey with Inkwire
  • How to establish a vision for learning and choose technology that supports it appropriately

About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and former Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About today’s guest

Dr. Adrienne Usher currently serves the students, staff and community as Assistant Superintendent in Bullitt County Public Schools in Kentucky. In her role, she provides direct consultation to the Superintendent and is responsible for overseeing, promoting and implementing curriculum, instruction and assessment programming, PreK-12, alongside district and school leaders while aligning federal, state and local resources to support the instructional vision and mission for the district. Adrienne has experience in both Kentucky and Tennessee, and has served as a teacher, school counselor, instructional coach, principal, and district level administrator prior to her present role.


About Inkwire

In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 

]]> Adrienne Usher, Assistant Superintendent of Bullitt County Public Schools in Kentucky, is today’s guest. She discusses her work to bring engaging project-based learning to her district and more:

  • Profile of a graduate and building key competencies into academics
  • Creating authentic learning experiences focused on productive collaboration and innovative problem solving
  • Change management through simple shifts
  • Collaborative learning and documenting the learning journey with Inkwire
  • How to establish a vision for learning and choose technology that supports it appropriately

About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and former Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About today’s guest

Dr. Adrienne Usher currently serves the students, staff and community as Assistant Superintendent in Bullitt County Public Schools in Kentucky. In her role, she provides direct consultation to the Superintendent and is responsible for overseeing, promoting and implementing curriculum, instruction and assessment programming, PreK-12, alongside district and school leaders while aligning federal, state and local resources to support the instructional vision and mission for the district. Adrienne has experience in both Kentucky and Tennessee, and has served as a teacher, school counselor, instructional coach, principal, and district level administrator prior to her present role.


About Inkwire

In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 

]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:04:20 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1331 Adrienne Usher, Assistant Superintendent of Bullitt County Public Schools in Kentucky, is today’s guest. She discusses her work to bring engaging project-based learning to her district and more:

  • Profile of a graduate and building key competencies into academics
  • Creating authentic learning experiences focused on productive collaboration and innovative problem solving
  • Change management through simple shifts
  • Collaborative learning and documenting the learning journey with Inkwire
  • How to establish a vision for learning and choose technology that supports it appropriately

About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and former Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About today’s guest

Dr. Adrienne Usher currently serves the students, staff and community as Assistant Superintendent in Bullitt County Public Schools in Kentucky. In her role, she provides direct consultation to the Superintendent and is responsible for overseeing, promoting and implementing curriculum, instruction and assessment programming, PreK-12, alongside district and school leaders while aligning federal, state and local resources to support the instructional vision and mission for the district. Adrienne has experience in both Kentucky and Tennessee, and has served as a teacher, school counselor, instructional coach, principal, and district level administrator prior to her present role.


About Inkwire

In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Barb Flowers Inkwire Adrienne Usher, Ed.D. Unlocking the science of reading with Edsoma CEO Kyle Wallgren Unlocking the science of reading with Edsoma CEO Kyle Wallgren bonus 4326224e-47d3-4223-a1c0-543a5ec6e934 https://share.transistor.fm/s/098d629d Welcome to this special episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase, part of our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).


Our guest today is Kyle Wallgren, a startup coach, investor, and CEO of Edsoma, whose AI-powered app unlocks the science of reading. 


Hear about:

  • Kyle’s entrepreneurial background and motivation to make an impact in education
  • How Edsoma works and the challenges it addresses for students, parents, and educators
  • What makes Edsoma unique and the latest exciting developments, including investment from Shaquille O’Neal
  • Insights for other founders in the edtech space

About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the BE Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Welcome to this special episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase, part of our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).


Our guest today is Kyle Wallgren, a startup coach, investor, and CEO of Edsoma, whose AI-powered app unlocks the science of reading. 


Hear about:

  • Kyle’s entrepreneurial background and motivation to make an impact in education
  • How Edsoma works and the challenges it addresses for students, parents, and educators
  • What makes Edsoma unique and the latest exciting developments, including investment from Shaquille O’Neal
  • Insights for other founders in the edtech space

About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the BE Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:45:24 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2495 Welcome to this special episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase, part of our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).


Our guest today is Kyle Wallgren, a startup coach, investor, and CEO of Edsoma, whose AI-powered app unlocks the science of reading. 


Hear about:

  • Kyle’s entrepreneurial background and motivation to make an impact in education
  • How Edsoma works and the challenges it addresses for students, parents, and educators
  • What makes Edsoma unique and the latest exciting developments, including investment from Shaquille O’Neal
  • Insights for other founders in the edtech space

About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the BE Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Ross Romano Edsoma Kyle Wallgren Educate AI with Joel Backon — Simulcast with The Authority Podcast Educate AI with Joel Backon — Simulcast with The Authority Podcast bonus ee7f9c02-018a-43e1-b48b-fb3305336d35 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4b522032 Joel Backon is the editor-in-chief of Educate AI Magazine, a new platform dedicated to supporting those who seek to enhance learning through artificial intelligence. The Be Podcast Network is collaborating with Educate AI to share podcasts and other content advancing educators’ understanding of AI tools and trends. 


In this bonus episode, you'll hear about:

  • How Joel got involved with Educate AI and the publication’s “why”
  • Topics covered in the magazine: use cases, opportunities and risks, AI’s evolution
  • How educators are discussing their experience with AI
  • The value Educate AI seeks to provide
  • Opportunities to get involved

About today’s guest

Joel Backon is the editor-in-chief of Educate AI Magazine. Before joining Educate AI, Joel launched and was the founding editor of Intrepid Ed News, an online education publication that grew to almost 100,000 readers. For most of his career, he was an independent school teacher and administrator, teaching history and government while leading the school’s instructional technology effort, running a dormitory, coaching basketball, and chairing several committees. Immediately following college, Joel spent 15 years in the printing and publishing industries.


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the BE Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Joel Backon is the editor-in-chief of Educate AI Magazine, a new platform dedicated to supporting those who seek to enhance learning through artificial intelligence. The Be Podcast Network is collaborating with Educate AI to share podcasts and other content advancing educators’ understanding of AI tools and trends. 


In this bonus episode, you'll hear about:

  • How Joel got involved with Educate AI and the publication’s “why”
  • Topics covered in the magazine: use cases, opportunities and risks, AI’s evolution
  • How educators are discussing their experience with AI
  • The value Educate AI seeks to provide
  • Opportunities to get involved

About today’s guest

Joel Backon is the editor-in-chief of Educate AI Magazine. Before joining Educate AI, Joel launched and was the founding editor of Intrepid Ed News, an online education publication that grew to almost 100,000 readers. For most of his career, he was an independent school teacher and administrator, teaching history and government while leading the school’s instructional technology effort, running a dormitory, coaching basketball, and chairing several committees. Immediately following college, Joel spent 15 years in the printing and publishing industries.


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the BE Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Sat, 28 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2046 Joel Backon is the editor-in-chief of Educate AI Magazine, a new platform dedicated to supporting those who seek to enhance learning through artificial intelligence. The Be Podcast Network is collaborating with Educate AI to share podcasts and other content advancing educators’ understanding of AI tools and trends. 


In this bonus episode, you'll hear about:

  • How Joel got involved with Educate AI and the publication’s “why”
  • Topics covered in the magazine: use cases, opportunities and risks, AI’s evolution
  • How educators are discussing their experience with AI
  • The value Educate AI seeks to provide
  • Opportunities to get involved

About today’s guest

Joel Backon is the editor-in-chief of Educate AI Magazine. Before joining Educate AI, Joel launched and was the founding editor of Intrepid Ed News, an online education publication that grew to almost 100,000 readers. For most of his career, he was an independent school teacher and administrator, teaching history and government while leading the school’s instructional technology effort, running a dormitory, coaching basketball, and chairing several committees. Immediately following college, Joel spent 15 years in the printing and publishing industries.


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the BE Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Ross Romano Supporting the modern skill-based economy with Richard Kincaid and Matt Chaussee 17 17 Supporting the modern skill-based economy with Richard Kincaid and Matt Chaussee full cc205ddf-7b83-40e1-b276-1211714c96ff https://share.transistor.fm/s/891864c9 Today, we’re discussing the skill-based economy, modern career and technical education, and redefining college and career pathways with CareerViewXR’s Matt Chaussee and Richard Kincaid from the Maryland State Department of Education. 


Hear about:

  • Career is the goal. College is one of several ways to get there.” 
  • Redefining College and Career Pathways
  • How career exploration can help define goals and begin with the end in mind
  • Maryland’s apprenticeship efforts 
  • Improving the quality of the discourse around “college vs. non-college”
  • Compelling reasons/data to evolve CTE programs
  • Supporting educators and improving partnerships
  • Predictions for the next decade

About today’s guests

Matt Chaussee is co-founder and CEO of award-winning immersive media and virtual reality production studio Be More Colorful, which is revolutionizing career exploration for students with the groundbreaking product, CareerViewXR.


Richard Kincaid is the Senior Executive Director for the Office of College and Career Pathways at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). In December 2023, he was a finalist for ACTE’s National Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year. Richard serves on the national Board of Directors for SkillsUSA and is actively involved as an appointed Commissioner on the Apprenticeship 2030 Commission and on the Maryland Technology Development Corporation’s Equitech Growth Fund and Commission. Prior to joining MSDE, Richard was the State Director of Career and Technical Education at the District of Columbia’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education and co-led a $65 million initiative to close equity and opportunity gaps through the development of DC’s first Advanced Technical Center, drawing national attention from the US Department of Education, the National Office of Cybersecurity, and the White House. 


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn. 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Today, we’re discussing the skill-based economy, modern career and technical education, and redefining college and career pathways with CareerViewXR’s Matt Chaussee and Richard Kincaid from the Maryland State Department of Education. 


Hear about:

  • Career is the goal. College is one of several ways to get there.” 
  • Redefining College and Career Pathways
  • How career exploration can help define goals and begin with the end in mind
  • Maryland’s apprenticeship efforts 
  • Improving the quality of the discourse around “college vs. non-college”
  • Compelling reasons/data to evolve CTE programs
  • Supporting educators and improving partnerships
  • Predictions for the next decade

About today’s guests

Matt Chaussee is co-founder and CEO of award-winning immersive media and virtual reality production studio Be More Colorful, which is revolutionizing career exploration for students with the groundbreaking product, CareerViewXR.


Richard Kincaid is the Senior Executive Director for the Office of College and Career Pathways at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). In December 2023, he was a finalist for ACTE’s National Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year. Richard serves on the national Board of Directors for SkillsUSA and is actively involved as an appointed Commissioner on the Apprenticeship 2030 Commission and on the Maryland Technology Development Corporation’s Equitech Growth Fund and Commission. Prior to joining MSDE, Richard was the State Director of Career and Technical Education at the District of Columbia’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education and co-led a $65 million initiative to close equity and opportunity gaps through the development of DC’s first Advanced Technical Center, drawing national attention from the US Department of Education, the National Office of Cybersecurity, and the White House. 


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn. 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 3620 Today, we’re discussing the skill-based economy, modern career and technical education, and redefining college and career pathways with CareerViewXR’s Matt Chaussee and Richard Kincaid from the Maryland State Department of Education. 


Hear about:

  • Career is the goal. College is one of several ways to get there.” 
  • Redefining College and Career Pathways
  • How career exploration can help define goals and begin with the end in mind
  • Maryland’s apprenticeship efforts 
  • Improving the quality of the discourse around “college vs. non-college”
  • Compelling reasons/data to evolve CTE programs
  • Supporting educators and improving partnerships
  • Predictions for the next decade

About today’s guests

Matt Chaussee is co-founder and CEO of award-winning immersive media and virtual reality production studio Be More Colorful, which is revolutionizing career exploration for students with the groundbreaking product, CareerViewXR.


Richard Kincaid is the Senior Executive Director for the Office of College and Career Pathways at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). In December 2023, he was a finalist for ACTE’s National Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year. Richard serves on the national Board of Directors for SkillsUSA and is actively involved as an appointed Commissioner on the Apprenticeship 2030 Commission and on the Maryland Technology Development Corporation’s Equitech Growth Fund and Commission. Prior to joining MSDE, Richard was the State Director of Career and Technical Education at the District of Columbia’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education and co-led a $65 million initiative to close equity and opportunity gaps through the development of DC’s first Advanced Technical Center, drawing national attention from the US Department of Education, the National Office of Cybersecurity, and the White House. 


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn. 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Be More Colorful Matt Chaussee Richard Kincaid Ross Romano Integrating technology to give students and teachers choice with Bonny Lorenzo 16 16 Integrating technology to give students and teachers choice with Bonny Lorenzo full b77984f7-4484-4224-9fae-101ae55bf4ec https://share.transistor.fm/s/486169b9 Bonny Lorenzo, an instructional specialist with Connected Class, is today’s guest. Bonny has more than 35 years of teaching and leadership experience at the elementary and high school levels. 

  • Integrating classroom technology that doesn’t distract from the learning experience
  • Tailoring instruction to individual student needs
  • Using technology to give teachers choice
  • Helping educators balance in-person and virtual learning
  • Educators’ most common professional development needs

About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and an Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About Connected Class

We build communication between the classroom and home environment through exciting games, strategies, and activities to help students succeed academically. Learn more:

]]> Bonny Lorenzo, an instructional specialist with Connected Class, is today’s guest. Bonny has more than 35 years of teaching and leadership experience at the elementary and high school levels. 

  • Integrating classroom technology that doesn’t distract from the learning experience
  • Tailoring instruction to individual student needs
  • Using technology to give teachers choice
  • Helping educators balance in-person and virtual learning
  • Educators’ most common professional development needs

About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and an Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About Connected Class

We build communication between the classroom and home environment through exciting games, strategies, and activities to help students succeed academically. Learn more:

]]> Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:03:19 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1344 Bonny Lorenzo, an instructional specialist with Connected Class, is today’s guest. Bonny has more than 35 years of teaching and leadership experience at the elementary and high school levels. 

  • Integrating classroom technology that doesn’t distract from the learning experience
  • Tailoring instruction to individual student needs
  • Using technology to give teachers choice
  • Helping educators balance in-person and virtual learning
  • Educators’ most common professional development needs

About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and an Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About Connected Class

We build communication between the classroom and home environment through exciting games, strategies, and activities to help students succeed academically. Learn more:

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Barb Flowers Connected Class Leveraging AI for Curriculum and Instruction with Nina Bamberg 15 15 Leveraging AI for Curriculum and Instruction with Nina Bamberg full 51e11e81-53ce-45e8-a5c3-5f037560581e https://share.transistor.fm/s/6363ec95 In this episode, you’ll hear insights on valuable applications of AI for teachers. Find out how to use AI tools to create better assignments, enhance students’ critical thinking skills, save time on various tasks, differentiate instruction, and more. 


About today’s guest

Nina Bamberg is Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Pedagogy.Cloud and Director of Programs at United 4 Social Change. 


About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and an Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About Pedagog.ai:

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more: http://pedagog.ai 

]]> In this episode, you’ll hear insights on valuable applications of AI for teachers. Find out how to use AI tools to create better assignments, enhance students’ critical thinking skills, save time on various tasks, differentiate instruction, and more. 


About today’s guest

Nina Bamberg is Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Pedagogy.Cloud and Director of Programs at United 4 Social Change. 


About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and an Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About Pedagog.ai:

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more: http://pedagog.ai 

]]> Wed, 28 Aug 2024 05:01:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1633 In this episode, you’ll hear insights on valuable applications of AI for teachers. Find out how to use AI tools to create better assignments, enhance students’ critical thinking skills, save time on various tasks, differentiate instruction, and more. 


About today’s guest

Nina Bamberg is Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Pedagogy.Cloud and Director of Programs at United 4 Social Change. 


About today’s host

Barb Flowers is a certified Life Coach and an Elementary Principal with a PhD in K-12 leadership from Kent State University. She is host of the following podcasts:

  • The Principal’s Handbook — Lessons on communication, time management, overcoming overwhelm, and more, designed to help school leaders become more confident and well-rounded. 
  • The Teacher Burnout Podcast — This show explores the complex issue of teacher burnout and shares practical solutions to support your well-being and reignite your passion for education.

About Pedagog.ai:

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more: http://pedagog.ai 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Pedagogy.Cloud | AI in Education Barb Flowers Scholar Education co-founder Marlee Strawn on implementing and tracking accommodations with AI 14 14 Scholar Education co-founder Marlee Strawn on implementing and tracking accommodations with AI full 9a059860-0d62-45d4-80d9-ad3ecbb50dd4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/573db050 Today we’re excited to welcome a new company to the Showcase, Scholar Education, in this conversation with  Marlee Strawn, the company’s co-founder and Head of Education.


Hear about:

  • Vision and goals of Scholar Education
  • Who Scholar Education’s solutions are designed to support in schools
  • The challenges the company is solving
  • Marlee’s career in education
  • What educators are sharing about their experience with the tool
  • How Marlee got involved with AI

About Scholar Education

Scholar Education is an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform that offers a suite of AI tools designed to deliver a personalized learning environment, with a specific focus on implementing and tracking accommodations for ESE, 504, and ELL students. Learn more at https://www.joinscholar.com or join the teacher waitlist: bit.ly/ScholarWaitlist 


About today’s guest

Marlee Strawn's career started as a high school teacher and reached a significant milestone when she became the founding principal of the top-performing charter high school in the seventh largest district in the nation. Following her successful tenure as principal, Marlee transitioned to a new role in the education technology sector. As the Co-Founder and Head of Education at Scholar Education, Marlee leads the development of an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform designed to eliminate administrative burdens for teachers. She was also recently selected as a 2024 EDSAFE AI Alliance Women in AI Fellow. 


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn. 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Today we’re excited to welcome a new company to the Showcase, Scholar Education, in this conversation with  Marlee Strawn, the company’s co-founder and Head of Education.


Hear about:

  • Vision and goals of Scholar Education
  • Who Scholar Education’s solutions are designed to support in schools
  • The challenges the company is solving
  • Marlee’s career in education
  • What educators are sharing about their experience with the tool
  • How Marlee got involved with AI

About Scholar Education

Scholar Education is an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform that offers a suite of AI tools designed to deliver a personalized learning environment, with a specific focus on implementing and tracking accommodations for ESE, 504, and ELL students. Learn more at https://www.joinscholar.com or join the teacher waitlist: bit.ly/ScholarWaitlist 


About today’s guest

Marlee Strawn's career started as a high school teacher and reached a significant milestone when she became the founding principal of the top-performing charter high school in the seventh largest district in the nation. Following her successful tenure as principal, Marlee transitioned to a new role in the education technology sector. As the Co-Founder and Head of Education at Scholar Education, Marlee leads the development of an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform designed to eliminate administrative burdens for teachers. She was also recently selected as a 2024 EDSAFE AI Alliance Women in AI Fellow. 


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn. 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Wed, 14 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2179 Today we’re excited to welcome a new company to the Showcase, Scholar Education, in this conversation with  Marlee Strawn, the company’s co-founder and Head of Education.


Hear about:

  • Vision and goals of Scholar Education
  • Who Scholar Education’s solutions are designed to support in schools
  • The challenges the company is solving
  • Marlee’s career in education
  • What educators are sharing about their experience with the tool
  • How Marlee got involved with AI

About Scholar Education

Scholar Education is an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform that offers a suite of AI tools designed to deliver a personalized learning environment, with a specific focus on implementing and tracking accommodations for ESE, 504, and ELL students. Learn more at https://www.joinscholar.com or join the teacher waitlist: bit.ly/ScholarWaitlist 


About today’s guest

Marlee Strawn's career started as a high school teacher and reached a significant milestone when she became the founding principal of the top-performing charter high school in the seventh largest district in the nation. Following her successful tenure as principal, Marlee transitioned to a new role in the education technology sector. As the Co-Founder and Head of Education at Scholar Education, Marlee leads the development of an AI-powered classroom enhancement platform designed to eliminate administrative burdens for teachers. She was also recently selected as a 2024 EDSAFE AI Alliance Women in AI Fellow. 


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn. 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Marlee Strawn Ross Romano Scholar Education The future of career-connected learning with Matt Chaussee and Hebat Abdelbaki 13 13 The future of career-connected learning with Matt Chaussee and Hebat Abdelbaki full 4cbab57e-0ffe-419f-aced-23a07ee69956 https://share.transistor.fm/s/71cc3cbf Today, we have a great conversation about career-connected learning and career exploration with Matt Chaussee, founder and CEO of Be More Colorful, and middle school principal Hebat Abdelbaki. 


Hear about:

  • The future-focused definition of Career & Technical Education
  • The in-demand and growing career fields 
  • How Hebat engaged her community to find out what careers they wanted to learn about
  • Determining short- and long-term success of CTE programs
  • Making things relevant to students and educators
  • Continuous learning into adulthood
  • Meaningful uses of technology

About today’s guests

Matt Chaussee is co-founder and CEO of award-winning immersive media and virtual reality production studio Be More Colorful, which is revolutionizing career exploration for students with the groundbreaking product, CareerViewXR.


Hebat Abdelbaki is the principal of Stout Middle School with the Dearborn Public Schools in Dearborn, Michigan. She is a 2024 Excellence in Equity Award winner through the American Consortium for Equity in Education.


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn. 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Today, we have a great conversation about career-connected learning and career exploration with Matt Chaussee, founder and CEO of Be More Colorful, and middle school principal Hebat Abdelbaki. 


Hear about:

  • The future-focused definition of Career & Technical Education
  • The in-demand and growing career fields 
  • How Hebat engaged her community to find out what careers they wanted to learn about
  • Determining short- and long-term success of CTE programs
  • Making things relevant to students and educators
  • Continuous learning into adulthood
  • Meaningful uses of technology

About today’s guests

Matt Chaussee is co-founder and CEO of award-winning immersive media and virtual reality production studio Be More Colorful, which is revolutionizing career exploration for students with the groundbreaking product, CareerViewXR.


Hebat Abdelbaki is the principal of Stout Middle School with the Dearborn Public Schools in Dearborn, Michigan. She is a 2024 Excellence in Equity Award winner through the American Consortium for Equity in Education.


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn. 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Wed, 24 Jul 2024 17:47:58 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2439 Today, we have a great conversation about career-connected learning and career exploration with Matt Chaussee, founder and CEO of Be More Colorful, and middle school principal Hebat Abdelbaki. 


Hear about:

  • The future-focused definition of Career & Technical Education
  • The in-demand and growing career fields 
  • How Hebat engaged her community to find out what careers they wanted to learn about
  • Determining short- and long-term success of CTE programs
  • Making things relevant to students and educators
  • Continuous learning into adulthood
  • Meaningful uses of technology

About today’s guests

Matt Chaussee is co-founder and CEO of award-winning immersive media and virtual reality production studio Be More Colorful, which is revolutionizing career exploration for students with the groundbreaking product, CareerViewXR.


Hebat Abdelbaki is the principal of Stout Middle School with the Dearborn Public Schools in Dearborn, Michigan. She is a 2024 Excellence in Equity Award winner through the American Consortium for Equity in Education.


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn. 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Matt Chaussee Be More Colorful Ross Romano Data-driven coaching and purposeful walkthroughs with Dr. Mat Barnett 12 12 Data-driven coaching and purposeful walkthroughs with Dr. Mat Barnett full b2feecd6-f8b4-4dcd-ab1d-05704348e529 https://share.transistor.fm/s/279ce0f8 In this episode, we hear from Dr. Mat Barnett, Director of TK-12 Programs Beaumont Unified School District (CA). Mat began his career as a teacher in Anaheim, CA, and also held roles including junior high principal and director of education services in the Fullerton School District.


Mat describes his interesting journey to the education field, his approach to coaching and professional development, fostering student ownership of learning, and more. Hear about:

  • Professional learning focused on the entire classroom experience
  • Helping teachers focus on the things that are most valuable
  • How Classroom Mosaic enables data-driven coaching in the district
  • Clear communication around the purpose of walkthroughs
  • Feedback from administrators and teachers about purposeful shifts in coaching
  • Techniques to improve relationships between coaches and teachers
  • “You have to have that implementation-level data collecting tool.” Why this is critical for districts and how a tool like Classroom Mosaic supports educators. 

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Classroom Mosaic:

We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.

We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: 

]]> In this episode, we hear from Dr. Mat Barnett, Director of TK-12 Programs Beaumont Unified School District (CA). Mat began his career as a teacher in Anaheim, CA, and also held roles including junior high principal and director of education services in the Fullerton School District.


Mat describes his interesting journey to the education field, his approach to coaching and professional development, fostering student ownership of learning, and more. Hear about:

  • Professional learning focused on the entire classroom experience
  • Helping teachers focus on the things that are most valuable
  • How Classroom Mosaic enables data-driven coaching in the district
  • Clear communication around the purpose of walkthroughs
  • Feedback from administrators and teachers about purposeful shifts in coaching
  • Techniques to improve relationships between coaches and teachers
  • “You have to have that implementation-level data collecting tool.” Why this is critical for districts and how a tool like Classroom Mosaic supports educators. 

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Classroom Mosaic:

We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.

We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: 

]]> Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:37:39 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1900 In this episode, we hear from Dr. Mat Barnett, Director of TK-12 Programs Beaumont Unified School District (CA). Mat began his career as a teacher in Anaheim, CA, and also held roles including junior high principal and director of education services in the Fullerton School District.


Mat describes his interesting journey to the education field, his approach to coaching and professional development, fostering student ownership of learning, and more. Hear about:

  • Professional learning focused on the entire classroom experience
  • Helping teachers focus on the things that are most valuable
  • How Classroom Mosaic enables data-driven coaching in the district
  • Clear communication around the purpose of walkthroughs
  • Feedback from administrators and teachers about purposeful shifts in coaching
  • Techniques to improve relationships between coaches and teachers
  • “You have to have that implementation-level data collecting tool.” Why this is critical for districts and how a tool like Classroom Mosaic supports educators. 

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Classroom Mosaic:

We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.

We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Tanya Sheckley Classroom Mosaic AI and our sustained curiosity about the bright future of education with Priten Shah and Aatash Parikh 11 11 AI and our sustained curiosity about the bright future of education with Priten Shah and Aatash Parikh full 12ff219a-f0ea-4107-bf8c-6377b092b9af https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5a82a01 In this exciting and idea-packed episode, we catch up with Priten Shah and Aatash Parikh, two of our edtech founders who are also innovative thinkers on artificial intelligence and its potential for schools. 


Hear about:

  • How do we understand what technologies are truly “AI?”
  • What we’re still waiting to learn about what AI technologies can and will become
  • What it means to become “AI literate”
  • Helping to solve persistent problems in education
  • Appropriately embracing new technologies in schools
  • How are students responding to new AI tools in their classrooms?
  • The most important advances schools should make with their use of AI in the next year

About today’s guests

Aatash Parikh, founder of Inkwire, is an educator and an engineer. Aatash has worked as a software engineer at companies like Google & Khan Academy and as a middle school teacher in Oakland Unified School District. Connect on Twitter or LinkedIn. 


Priten Shah is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. He is also the author of Wiley’s Jossey-Bass publication, AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. He and his team are currently focused on helping educational organizations adapt to the ever growing capabilities of AI. Connect with Priten on Twitter or LinkedIn. 


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the BE Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> In this exciting and idea-packed episode, we catch up with Priten Shah and Aatash Parikh, two of our edtech founders who are also innovative thinkers on artificial intelligence and its potential for schools. 


Hear about:

  • How do we understand what technologies are truly “AI?”
  • What we’re still waiting to learn about what AI technologies can and will become
  • What it means to become “AI literate”
  • Helping to solve persistent problems in education
  • Appropriately embracing new technologies in schools
  • How are students responding to new AI tools in their classrooms?
  • The most important advances schools should make with their use of AI in the next year

About today’s guests

Aatash Parikh, founder of Inkwire, is an educator and an engineer. Aatash has worked as a software engineer at companies like Google & Khan Academy and as a middle school teacher in Oakland Unified School District. Connect on Twitter or LinkedIn. 


Priten Shah is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. He is also the author of Wiley’s Jossey-Bass publication, AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. He and his team are currently focused on helping educational organizations adapt to the ever growing capabilities of AI. Connect with Priten on Twitter or LinkedIn. 


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the BE Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2335 In this exciting and idea-packed episode, we catch up with Priten Shah and Aatash Parikh, two of our edtech founders who are also innovative thinkers on artificial intelligence and its potential for schools. 


Hear about:

  • How do we understand what technologies are truly “AI?”
  • What we’re still waiting to learn about what AI technologies can and will become
  • What it means to become “AI literate”
  • Helping to solve persistent problems in education
  • Appropriately embracing new technologies in schools
  • How are students responding to new AI tools in their classrooms?
  • The most important advances schools should make with their use of AI in the next year

About today’s guests

Aatash Parikh, founder of Inkwire, is an educator and an engineer. Aatash has worked as a software engineer at companies like Google & Khan Academy and as a middle school teacher in Oakland Unified School District. Connect on Twitter or LinkedIn. 


Priten Shah is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. He is also the author of Wiley’s Jossey-Bass publication, AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. He and his team are currently focused on helping educational organizations adapt to the ever growing capabilities of AI. Connect with Priten on Twitter or LinkedIn. 


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the BE Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Aatash Parikh Priten Shah Inkwire Pedagogy.Cloud | AI in Education Ross Romano How to stop the summer slide with Connected Class founder Christel Reaves 10 10 How to stop the summer slide with Connected Class founder Christel Reaves full c538de1e-98f4-4ae1-ad47-2a45b5845bd4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6e79fa0 Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, returns to the show to talk us through strategies for summer learning success. 


Hear about:

  • The significant challenges posed by the “Summer Slide”
  • Why math and reading are the most critical subject areas for summer learning
  • How the opportunity cost of time spent re-learning material holds the whole class back
  • Summer learning resources offered by Connected Class that make learning fun for families (Learn more: https://bit.ly/3QSDbyE) 
  • How parents support summer learning
  • What schools can do to prioritize better summer learning 

About today’s guest

Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is an enthusiastic educator dedicated to improving learning and equipping educators to succeed.  Her passion for ensuring family engagement throughout the learning process is evident and at the core of every product and service provided by Connected Class. She oversees a team of Instructional Specialists to support schools, focusing on helping educators analyze data, develop action plans, implement instructional strategies, and enhance family engagement for improved student achievement. 


Before Christel was the founder of Connected Class, she was a classroom teacher, county resource educator and district administrator. She worked closely with the state to remove low-performing Title I schools from Intervene status. Over the past 25 years, she has helped many schools improve their student performance and engage families. Learn more: www.connectedclass.com


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, returns to the show to talk us through strategies for summer learning success. 


Hear about:

  • The significant challenges posed by the “Summer Slide”
  • Why math and reading are the most critical subject areas for summer learning
  • How the opportunity cost of time spent re-learning material holds the whole class back
  • Summer learning resources offered by Connected Class that make learning fun for families (Learn more: https://bit.ly/3QSDbyE) 
  • How parents support summer learning
  • What schools can do to prioritize better summer learning 

About today’s guest

Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is an enthusiastic educator dedicated to improving learning and equipping educators to succeed.  Her passion for ensuring family engagement throughout the learning process is evident and at the core of every product and service provided by Connected Class. She oversees a team of Instructional Specialists to support schools, focusing on helping educators analyze data, develop action plans, implement instructional strategies, and enhance family engagement for improved student achievement. 


Before Christel was the founder of Connected Class, she was a classroom teacher, county resource educator and district administrator. She worked closely with the state to remove low-performing Title I schools from Intervene status. Over the past 25 years, she has helped many schools improve their student performance and engage families. Learn more: www.connectedclass.com


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> Wed, 22 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1414 Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, returns to the show to talk us through strategies for summer learning success. 


Hear about:

  • The significant challenges posed by the “Summer Slide”
  • Why math and reading are the most critical subject areas for summer learning
  • How the opportunity cost of time spent re-learning material holds the whole class back
  • Summer learning resources offered by Connected Class that make learning fun for families (Learn more: https://bit.ly/3QSDbyE) 
  • How parents support summer learning
  • What schools can do to prioritize better summer learning 

About today’s guest

Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is an enthusiastic educator dedicated to improving learning and equipping educators to succeed.  Her passion for ensuring family engagement throughout the learning process is evident and at the core of every product and service provided by Connected Class. She oversees a team of Instructional Specialists to support schools, focusing on helping educators analyze data, develop action plans, implement instructional strategies, and enhance family engagement for improved student achievement. 


Before Christel was the founder of Connected Class, she was a classroom teacher, county resource educator and district administrator. She worked closely with the state to remove low-performing Title I schools from Intervene status. Over the past 25 years, she has helped many schools improve their student performance and engage families. Learn more: www.connectedclass.com


About today’s host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossromano 


Listen to his other shows:

  • The Authority — deep-dive interviews with the leading minds in leadership, management, education, and personal development.
  • Sideline Sessions — conversations with successful coaches and performance experts from professional, collegiate, and youth sports. 
]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Christel Reaves Connected Class Ross Romano Wayde Sick, North Dakota State CTE Director, On Enhancing Career Exploration with VR/XR Technology 9 9 Wayde Sick, North Dakota State CTE Director, On Enhancing Career Exploration with VR/XR Technology full c952df90-db34-47df-9fbb-c10adeffee51 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3510f892 In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Wayde Sick, State Director of the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education. Wayde was previously Director of Workforce Development for the ND Dept. of Commerce and also worked as a school director. 


Hear about:

  • Using innovative technology to enhance career exploration
  • Exploring in-demand occupations in rural areas
  • Virtual reality to provide tangible experiences
  • How North Dakota began using CareerView XR statewide. 
  • What happens when students are introduced to careers they didn’t know existed
  • Getting employers involved

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Be More Colorful

Be More Colorful, based in Fargo, North Dakota specializes in immersive technology solutions for solving workforce development problems. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Chaussee, the company has been at the forefront of creating immersive media solutions that help people make better decisions about where they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more:

]]> In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Wayde Sick, State Director of the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education. Wayde was previously Director of Workforce Development for the ND Dept. of Commerce and also worked as a school director. 


Hear about:

  • Using innovative technology to enhance career exploration
  • Exploring in-demand occupations in rural areas
  • Virtual reality to provide tangible experiences
  • How North Dakota began using CareerView XR statewide. 
  • What happens when students are introduced to careers they didn’t know existed
  • Getting employers involved

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Be More Colorful

Be More Colorful, based in Fargo, North Dakota specializes in immersive technology solutions for solving workforce development problems. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Chaussee, the company has been at the forefront of creating immersive media solutions that help people make better decisions about where they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more:

]]> Wed, 08 May 2024 06:02:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1578 In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Wayde Sick, State Director of the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education. Wayde was previously Director of Workforce Development for the ND Dept. of Commerce and also worked as a school director. 


Hear about:

  • Using innovative technology to enhance career exploration
  • Exploring in-demand occupations in rural areas
  • Virtual reality to provide tangible experiences
  • How North Dakota began using CareerView XR statewide. 
  • What happens when students are introduced to careers they didn’t know existed
  • Getting employers involved

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Be More Colorful

Be More Colorful, based in Fargo, North Dakota specializes in immersive technology solutions for solving workforce development problems. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Chaussee, the company has been at the forefront of creating immersive media solutions that help people make better decisions about where they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more:

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Be More Colorful Tanya Sheckley Wayde Sick Aidan Kestigian, Harvard philosophy fellow and ThinkerAnalytix VP, on using AI to improve information literacy and argument formation 8 8 Aidan Kestigian, Harvard philosophy fellow and ThinkerAnalytix VP, on using AI to improve information literacy and argument formation full d0534ef4-6056-4ed6-bdfa-a2d1faccf1e8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8d6c44ce In this episode, Aidan Kestigian, a visiting fellow in the Department of Philosophy at Harvard University and the Vice President of Operations and Curriculum for ThinkerAnalytix, shares her insights on using AI to help students critically evaluate information and form better arguments. 


Hear about:

  • Pedagog.ai’s connection to philosophy
  • How AI can have a role in moderating disagreements and creating productive discussion
  • Giving students targeted practice in making an argument
  • Using AI to make content and exercises grade- and skill-appropriate
  • Giving students the tools to critically evaluate what they’re reading and hearing
  • Persuasive arguments in a disagreement

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Pedagog.ai

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:

]]> In this episode, Aidan Kestigian, a visiting fellow in the Department of Philosophy at Harvard University and the Vice President of Operations and Curriculum for ThinkerAnalytix, shares her insights on using AI to help students critically evaluate information and form better arguments. 


Hear about:

  • Pedagog.ai’s connection to philosophy
  • How AI can have a role in moderating disagreements and creating productive discussion
  • Giving students targeted practice in making an argument
  • Using AI to make content and exercises grade- and skill-appropriate
  • Giving students the tools to critically evaluate what they’re reading and hearing
  • Persuasive arguments in a disagreement

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Pedagog.ai

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:

]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1667 In this episode, Aidan Kestigian, a visiting fellow in the Department of Philosophy at Harvard University and the Vice President of Operations and Curriculum for ThinkerAnalytix, shares her insights on using AI to help students critically evaluate information and form better arguments. 


Hear about:

  • Pedagog.ai’s connection to philosophy
  • How AI can have a role in moderating disagreements and creating productive discussion
  • Giving students targeted practice in making an argument
  • Using AI to make content and exercises grade- and skill-appropriate
  • Giving students the tools to critically evaluate what they’re reading and hearing
  • Persuasive arguments in a disagreement

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Pedagog.ai

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Pedagogy.Cloud | AI in Education Tanya Sheckley Aidan Kestigian Physics and engineering teacher Ted Cuevas on reigniting his passion by empowering all learners 7 7 Physics and engineering teacher Ted Cuevas on reigniting his passion by empowering all learners full 3ab5ff14-19e8-442a-ae22-90684779532a https://share.transistor.fm/s/6fa77835 In this episode, Ted Cuevas, a physics and engineering teacher at High Tech High – Chula Vista (California), is our guest. He was the first teacher to start using Inkwire two years ago, pioneering innovative projects with students and contributing significantly to the shaping of Inkwire's platform with his pedagogical vision around learning and assessment.


Hear about:

  • Ted’s transition from mechanical engineering to teaching
  • How Ted, High Tech High, and Inkwire all commit to equity and empowerment
  • Collaborating to design a platform for portfolios and enabling students to communicate about their learning
  • How the past few years have reignited his passion for teaching
  • The purpose and process of assessment
  • Competency-based learning, project-based learning, AI, design, and more

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Inkwire

In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 

]]> In this episode, Ted Cuevas, a physics and engineering teacher at High Tech High – Chula Vista (California), is our guest. He was the first teacher to start using Inkwire two years ago, pioneering innovative projects with students and contributing significantly to the shaping of Inkwire's platform with his pedagogical vision around learning and assessment.


Hear about:

  • Ted’s transition from mechanical engineering to teaching
  • How Ted, High Tech High, and Inkwire all commit to equity and empowerment
  • Collaborating to design a platform for portfolios and enabling students to communicate about their learning
  • How the past few years have reignited his passion for teaching
  • The purpose and process of assessment
  • Competency-based learning, project-based learning, AI, design, and more

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Inkwire

In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 

]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2195 In this episode, Ted Cuevas, a physics and engineering teacher at High Tech High – Chula Vista (California), is our guest. He was the first teacher to start using Inkwire two years ago, pioneering innovative projects with students and contributing significantly to the shaping of Inkwire's platform with his pedagogical vision around learning and assessment.


Hear about:

  • Ted’s transition from mechanical engineering to teaching
  • How Ted, High Tech High, and Inkwire all commit to equity and empowerment
  • Collaborating to design a platform for portfolios and enabling students to communicate about their learning
  • How the past few years have reignited his passion for teaching
  • The purpose and process of assessment
  • Competency-based learning, project-based learning, AI, design, and more

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 


About Inkwire

In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Inkwire Tanya Sheckley Instructional specialist Amanda Anthony on empowering parents and differentiating to meet learners' needs 6 6 Instructional specialist Amanda Anthony on empowering parents and differentiating to meet learners' needs full d8c82bda-1866-483e-8f38-2f2d35b1b1aa https://share.transistor.fm/s/2662f11a In this episode, Amanda Anthony, an instructional specialist with Connected Class, discusses her journey in education and shares insights on improving parent engagement, empowering parents to support learning, differentiation, and more. This begins a series of five episodes hosted by Tanya Sheckley, host of Rebel Educator on the BE Podcast Network. 


Hear about:

  • Amanda’s journey from music to K-8 education
  • How Connected Class developed organically to meet teachers’ desire for better training
  • Creating a real community between parents and schools
  • Effective strategies for differentiated instruction
  • Meeting students’ diverse needs
  • How to help parents become empowered learning partners
  • Play as a tool for learning 

About today’s guest

Amanda Anthony is a Learning Link Instructional Specialist at Connected Class with over 20 years experience as an educator. She is known for providing invaluable feedback and differentiating instruction. Learn more about Connected Class:

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 

]]> In this episode, Amanda Anthony, an instructional specialist with Connected Class, discusses her journey in education and shares insights on improving parent engagement, empowering parents to support learning, differentiation, and more. This begins a series of five episodes hosted by Tanya Sheckley, host of Rebel Educator on the BE Podcast Network. 


Hear about:

  • Amanda’s journey from music to K-8 education
  • How Connected Class developed organically to meet teachers’ desire for better training
  • Creating a real community between parents and schools
  • Effective strategies for differentiated instruction
  • Meeting students’ diverse needs
  • How to help parents become empowered learning partners
  • Play as a tool for learning 

About today’s guest

Amanda Anthony is a Learning Link Instructional Specialist at Connected Class with over 20 years experience as an educator. She is known for providing invaluable feedback and differentiating instruction. Learn more about Connected Class:

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 

]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:04:16 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1540 In this episode, Amanda Anthony, an instructional specialist with Connected Class, discusses her journey in education and shares insights on improving parent engagement, empowering parents to support learning, differentiation, and more. This begins a series of five episodes hosted by Tanya Sheckley, host of Rebel Educator on the BE Podcast Network. 


Hear about:

  • Amanda’s journey from music to K-8 education
  • How Connected Class developed organically to meet teachers’ desire for better training
  • Creating a real community between parents and schools
  • Effective strategies for differentiated instruction
  • Meeting students’ diverse needs
  • How to help parents become empowered learning partners
  • Play as a tool for learning 

About today’s guest

Amanda Anthony is a Learning Link Instructional Specialist at Connected Class with over 20 years experience as an educator. She is known for providing invaluable feedback and differentiating instruction. Learn more about Connected Class:

About today’s host

Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms.


Tanya hosts the Rebel Educator podcast, speaks across the country on the future of education, and leads professional development programs for school administrators and educators. Listen to Rebel Educator here: https://re.bepodcast.network/ 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Connected Class Tanya Sheckley Amanda Anthony Classroom Mosaic co-founder Ben Gustafson on the necessity of easy and effective observations 5 5 Classroom Mosaic co-founder Ben Gustafson on the necessity of easy and effective observations full 2b7581e2-87eb-4079-bd1f-18b7285b0519 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bbc24ced Ben Gustafson, founder of Classroom Mosaic is our guest on the show today. Classroom Mosaic is a teacher observation platform that powers transformational leadership with effective observations.

Hear about:

  • How Classroom Mosaic got started
  • Their vision for transforming teaching and learning 
  • The importance of feedback in K-12 education
  • The story behind the name "Classroom Mosaic"
  • The future of the company 

Hear more about Classroom Mosaic:
We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.

We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: 

About today's guests:
In 2011, Ben and Tyler founded Classroom Mosaic as seniors at Dutch Fork High. They developed a prototype during a project-based learning class as part of a STEM program. Based on the overwhelmingly positive response they received from the prototype, they took what they learned and started building Classroom Mosaic.

They launched the first version of the platform in the fall of 2011 from their dorm rooms as freshmen. Within two weeks, Classroom Mosaic became profitable, with multiple school districts using it to support and develop their teachers.

Since then, we've fallen in love with the problem of supporting teachers well, and our passion for building practical tools for K-12 educators has only grown. We've logged thousands of hours with instructional leaders and expanded our platform to support teacher observations, learning walks, instructional rounds, team observations, teacher evaluations, and much more.

And we're just getting started. Classroom Mosaic continues to grow and evolve as the needs of instructional leaders, just like you, continue to change. Observations shouldn't feel like a chore. Experience easy & effective observations.

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Ben Gustafson, founder of Classroom Mosaic is our guest on the show today. Classroom Mosaic is a teacher observation platform that powers transformational leadership with effective observations.

Hear about:

  • How Classroom Mosaic got started
  • Their vision for transforming teaching and learning 
  • The importance of feedback in K-12 education
  • The story behind the name "Classroom Mosaic"
  • The future of the company 

Hear more about Classroom Mosaic:
We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.

We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: 

About today's guests:
In 2011, Ben and Tyler founded Classroom Mosaic as seniors at Dutch Fork High. They developed a prototype during a project-based learning class as part of a STEM program. Based on the overwhelmingly positive response they received from the prototype, they took what they learned and started building Classroom Mosaic.

They launched the first version of the platform in the fall of 2011 from their dorm rooms as freshmen. Within two weeks, Classroom Mosaic became profitable, with multiple school districts using it to support and develop their teachers.

Since then, we've fallen in love with the problem of supporting teachers well, and our passion for building practical tools for K-12 educators has only grown. We've logged thousands of hours with instructional leaders and expanded our platform to support teacher observations, learning walks, instructional rounds, team observations, teacher evaluations, and much more.

And we're just getting started. Classroom Mosaic continues to grow and evolve as the needs of instructional leaders, just like you, continue to change. Observations shouldn't feel like a chore. Experience easy & effective observations.

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 2008 Ben Gustafson, founder of Classroom Mosaic is our guest on the show today. Classroom Mosaic is a teacher observation platform that powers transformational leadership with effective observations.

Hear about:

  • How Classroom Mosaic got started
  • Their vision for transforming teaching and learning 
  • The importance of feedback in K-12 education
  • The story behind the name "Classroom Mosaic"
  • The future of the company 

Hear more about Classroom Mosaic:
We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.

We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: 

About today's guests:
In 2011, Ben and Tyler founded Classroom Mosaic as seniors at Dutch Fork High. They developed a prototype during a project-based learning class as part of a STEM program. Based on the overwhelmingly positive response they received from the prototype, they took what they learned and started building Classroom Mosaic.

They launched the first version of the platform in the fall of 2011 from their dorm rooms as freshmen. Within two weeks, Classroom Mosaic became profitable, with multiple school districts using it to support and develop their teachers.

Since then, we've fallen in love with the problem of supporting teachers well, and our passion for building practical tools for K-12 educators has only grown. We've logged thousands of hours with instructional leaders and expanded our platform to support teacher observations, learning walks, instructional rounds, team observations, teacher evaluations, and much more.

And we're just getting started. Classroom Mosaic continues to grow and evolve as the needs of instructional leaders, just like you, continue to change. Observations shouldn't feel like a chore. Experience easy & effective observations.

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Scott Schuette Classroom Mosaic Ben Gustafson CareerViewXR creators Katie and Matt Chaussee on learning experiences powered by augmented and virtual reality 4 4 CareerViewXR creators Katie and Matt Chaussee on learning experiences powered by augmented and virtual reality full 4e380a30-f919-4cc3-999d-63f1821f71bc https://share.transistor.fm/s/7437609d Katie and Matt Chaussee, founders of Be More Colorful and creators of CareerViewXR, are our guests for this episode. They share the story of their company's founding and how it is changing workplace and education experiences.  

Hear about:

  • The origin story of Be More Colorful 
  • Content accessibility 
  • Immersive media in education: video content, simulations, metaverse, and more
  • The future of career and technical education (CTE) - industries are changing, CTE needs to keep up, grab the attention of learners and inform them
  • Bridging the Gaps: skills gap, opportunity gap, and awareness gap
  • CTE for all - professional development for parents, teachers, counselors, adult career-seekers, and the incarcerated

About Be More Colorful
Be More Colorful, based in Fargo, North Dakota specializes in immersive technology solutions for solving workforce development problems. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Chaussee, the company has been at the forefront of creating immersive media solutions that help people make better decisions about where they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more:

About today's guests:
Katie Chaussee, co-founder and Owner of Be More Colorful alongside her husband Matt, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that began modestly with a part-time gig providing virtual real estate tours. Over time, their initiative has grown into a prominent EdTech company, employing cutting-edge virtual reality technology to innovate career exploration for students.

This transition from a "mom and pop VR shop" to an acclaimed industry player wasn't a walk in the park. With a steadfast commitment to their vision, Katie and Matt navigated through both successes and failures, ultimately reshaping their family life.

From a traditional young family with two children and two-incomes to fully embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, Katie and Matt demonstrated the courage to tread an uncharted path. Katie's journey, less about glory and more about grit, embodies the essence of their venture — a determination to improve career guidance for students through innovative technology. Her role in this endeavor underscores the power of belief in a shared vision and the determination to see it through.

Matt Chaussee, co-founder and CEO of award-winning immersive media and virtual reality production studio, Be More Colorful, is revolutionizing career exploration for students with the groundbreaking product, CareerViewXR. Together with his wife, Katie, Matthew transitioned from a part-time endeavor creating virtual real estate tours to assembling a skilled team of media professionals who are revolutionizing career exploration with immersive media technology.

Motivated by his own career journey, which involved seven years of college, five major changes, and finally a degree in Mathematics, Matthew's professional path was marked by a continuous quest for fulfillment. Despite a successful 15-year-long career, his internal dissatisfaction led him to pivot, co-founding a virtual reality production studio with his wife and co-founder (and majority owner) Katie.

Through CareerViewXR, Matt and his team use virtual tours and virtual reality video to bring real-world job environments directly into the classroom, offering a dynamic and practical tool for students considering their future careers. Their ambition is to ease the decision-making process for younger generations, providing them with a firsthand insight into their future career path.

About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Katie and Matt Chaussee, founders of Be More Colorful and creators of CareerViewXR, are our guests for this episode. They share the story of their company's founding and how it is changing workplace and education experiences.  

Hear about:

  • The origin story of Be More Colorful 
  • Content accessibility 
  • Immersive media in education: video content, simulations, metaverse, and more
  • The future of career and technical education (CTE) - industries are changing, CTE needs to keep up, grab the attention of learners and inform them
  • Bridging the Gaps: skills gap, opportunity gap, and awareness gap
  • CTE for all - professional development for parents, teachers, counselors, adult career-seekers, and the incarcerated

About Be More Colorful
Be More Colorful, based in Fargo, North Dakota specializes in immersive technology solutions for solving workforce development problems. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Chaussee, the company has been at the forefront of creating immersive media solutions that help people make better decisions about where they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more:

About today's guests:
Katie Chaussee, co-founder and Owner of Be More Colorful alongside her husband Matt, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that began modestly with a part-time gig providing virtual real estate tours. Over time, their initiative has grown into a prominent EdTech company, employing cutting-edge virtual reality technology to innovate career exploration for students.

This transition from a "mom and pop VR shop" to an acclaimed industry player wasn't a walk in the park. With a steadfast commitment to their vision, Katie and Matt navigated through both successes and failures, ultimately reshaping their family life.

From a traditional young family with two children and two-incomes to fully embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, Katie and Matt demonstrated the courage to tread an uncharted path. Katie's journey, less about glory and more about grit, embodies the essence of their venture — a determination to improve career guidance for students through innovative technology. Her role in this endeavor underscores the power of belief in a shared vision and the determination to see it through.

Matt Chaussee, co-founder and CEO of award-winning immersive media and virtual reality production studio, Be More Colorful, is revolutionizing career exploration for students with the groundbreaking product, CareerViewXR. Together with his wife, Katie, Matthew transitioned from a part-time endeavor creating virtual real estate tours to assembling a skilled team of media professionals who are revolutionizing career exploration with immersive media technology.

Motivated by his own career journey, which involved seven years of college, five major changes, and finally a degree in Mathematics, Matthew's professional path was marked by a continuous quest for fulfillment. Despite a successful 15-year-long career, his internal dissatisfaction led him to pivot, co-founding a virtual reality production studio with his wife and co-founder (and majority owner) Katie.

Through CareerViewXR, Matt and his team use virtual tours and virtual reality video to bring real-world job environments directly into the classroom, offering a dynamic and practical tool for students considering their future careers. Their ambition is to ease the decision-making process for younger generations, providing them with a firsthand insight into their future career path.

About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1788 Katie and Matt Chaussee, founders of Be More Colorful and creators of CareerViewXR, are our guests for this episode. They share the story of their company's founding and how it is changing workplace and education experiences.  

Hear about:

  • The origin story of Be More Colorful 
  • Content accessibility 
  • Immersive media in education: video content, simulations, metaverse, and more
  • The future of career and technical education (CTE) - industries are changing, CTE needs to keep up, grab the attention of learners and inform them
  • Bridging the Gaps: skills gap, opportunity gap, and awareness gap
  • CTE for all - professional development for parents, teachers, counselors, adult career-seekers, and the incarcerated

About Be More Colorful
Be More Colorful, based in Fargo, North Dakota specializes in immersive technology solutions for solving workforce development problems. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Chaussee, the company has been at the forefront of creating immersive media solutions that help people make better decisions about where they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more:

About today's guests:
Katie Chaussee, co-founder and Owner of Be More Colorful alongside her husband Matt, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that began modestly with a part-time gig providing virtual real estate tours. Over time, their initiative has grown into a prominent EdTech company, employing cutting-edge virtual reality technology to innovate career exploration for students.

This transition from a "mom and pop VR shop" to an acclaimed industry player wasn't a walk in the park. With a steadfast commitment to their vision, Katie and Matt navigated through both successes and failures, ultimately reshaping their family life.

From a traditional young family with two children and two-incomes to fully embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, Katie and Matt demonstrated the courage to tread an uncharted path. Katie's journey, less about glory and more about grit, embodies the essence of their venture — a determination to improve career guidance for students through innovative technology. Her role in this endeavor underscores the power of belief in a shared vision and the determination to see it through.

Matt Chaussee, co-founder and CEO of award-winning immersive media and virtual reality production studio, Be More Colorful, is revolutionizing career exploration for students with the groundbreaking product, CareerViewXR. Together with his wife, Katie, Matthew transitioned from a part-time endeavor creating virtual real estate tours to assembling a skilled team of media professionals who are revolutionizing career exploration with immersive media technology.

Motivated by his own career journey, which involved seven years of college, five major changes, and finally a degree in Mathematics, Matthew's professional path was marked by a continuous quest for fulfillment. Despite a successful 15-year-long career, his internal dissatisfaction led him to pivot, co-founding a virtual reality production studio with his wife and co-founder (and majority owner) Katie.

Through CareerViewXR, Matt and his team use virtual tours and virtual reality video to bring real-world job environments directly into the classroom, offering a dynamic and practical tool for students considering their future careers. Their ambition is to ease the decision-making process for younger generations, providing them with a firsthand insight into their future career path.

About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Matt Chaussee Katie Chaussee Scott Schuette Be More Colorful Pedagog.ai founder Priten Shah on transforming teaching and learning with artificial intelligence 3 3 Pedagog.ai founder Priten Shah on transforming teaching and learning with artificial intelligence full 77b2bb4c-4964-4715-ba74-89ecf19d31b0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/776b8cf3 Priten Shah, the founder and CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud and Pedagog.ai, is our guest for the episode. Discussing the rise of artificial intelligence in education, Priten emphasizes the importance of navigating the digital transformation in the educational landscape. He highlights the startup's mission of transforming education through AI technology, providing tools to help educators in the classroom while also working to bridge the tech literacy gap. 

Hear about:

  • Priten's journey into edtech
  • The role of technology in education
  • Exploring Pedagog.ai
  • The vision for pedagogy
  • Lessons learned in the journey
  • The impact of AI on society

About Pedegog.ai:

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:

About today's guest:
Priten Shah, M. ED and B.A, Harvard, is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. He is also the author of the Wiley’s Jossey-Bass publication, “AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.“ Pedagogy.Cloud has worked with over 200 different educational organizations to adapt and innovate during major world events including the Covid-19 Pandemic. He and his team are currently focused on helping educational organizations adapt to the ever growing capabilities of AI. Priten is also the founder of United 4 Social Change, a civics education nonprofit that focuses on helping teachers integrate interdisciplinary education into their curricula through animated videos, lesson plans, and innovative classroom activities. Connect with Priten:

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 


]]> Priten Shah, the founder and CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud and Pedagog.ai, is our guest for the episode. Discussing the rise of artificial intelligence in education, Priten emphasizes the importance of navigating the digital transformation in the educational landscape. He highlights the startup's mission of transforming education through AI technology, providing tools to help educators in the classroom while also working to bridge the tech literacy gap. 

Hear about:

  • Priten's journey into edtech
  • The role of technology in education
  • Exploring Pedagog.ai
  • The vision for pedagogy
  • Lessons learned in the journey
  • The impact of AI on society

About Pedegog.ai:

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:

About today's guest:
Priten Shah, M. ED and B.A, Harvard, is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. He is also the author of the Wiley’s Jossey-Bass publication, “AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.“ Pedagogy.Cloud has worked with over 200 different educational organizations to adapt and innovate during major world events including the Covid-19 Pandemic. He and his team are currently focused on helping educational organizations adapt to the ever growing capabilities of AI. Priten is also the founder of United 4 Social Change, a civics education nonprofit that focuses on helping teachers integrate interdisciplinary education into their curricula through animated videos, lesson plans, and innovative classroom activities. Connect with Priten:

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 


]]> Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1524 Priten Shah, the founder and CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud and Pedagog.ai, is our guest for the episode. Discussing the rise of artificial intelligence in education, Priten emphasizes the importance of navigating the digital transformation in the educational landscape. He highlights the startup's mission of transforming education through AI technology, providing tools to help educators in the classroom while also working to bridge the tech literacy gap. 

Hear about:

  • Priten's journey into edtech
  • The role of technology in education
  • Exploring Pedagog.ai
  • The vision for pedagogy
  • Lessons learned in the journey
  • The impact of AI on society

About Pedegog.ai:

Pedagog.ai is focused on supporting educators in adapting to the age of artificial intelligence in education. The company offers a variety of professional development options, including books, online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help teachers learn about the latest advancements in AI and education. Their suite of tools is designed with educators in mind, aiming to enhance curriculum development and workflow efficiency through AI technology. They also provide tools tailored for student use, enabling them to engage in assignments that leverage AI capabilities in a classroom setting. Learn more:

About today's guest:
Priten Shah, M. ED and B.A, Harvard, is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. He is also the author of the Wiley’s Jossey-Bass publication, “AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.“ Pedagogy.Cloud has worked with over 200 different educational organizations to adapt and innovate during major world events including the Covid-19 Pandemic. He and his team are currently focused on helping educational organizations adapt to the ever growing capabilities of AI. Priten is also the founder of United 4 Social Change, a civics education nonprofit that focuses on helping teachers integrate interdisciplinary education into their curricula through animated videos, lesson plans, and innovative classroom activities. Connect with Priten:

About today's host:
Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 


]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Priten Shah Pedagogy.Cloud | AI in Education Scott Schuette Connected Class founder Christel Reaves on creative and hands-on approaches to increase student achievement 2 2 Connected Class founder Christel Reaves on creative and hands-on approaches to increase student achievement full ad597b6a-1948-4632-8c5d-65176ad71a5a https://share.transistor.fm/s/517ca676 Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is our guest for this episode. She shares the story of her company’s work to support education teams with engaging, research-based strategies for increasing student achievement. These include hands-on, interactive activities and technology-based resources to supplement language arts and math curriculum for grades K-8.


Hear about:

  • Christel's journey from struggling student to EdTech Innovator
  • The organic growth story of Connected Class
  • The power of video in education
  • Addressing academic gaps and social-emotional learning
  • The impact and future of Learning Link
  • Christel’s upcoming goals and what motivates her work

About Connected Class

We build communication between the classroom and home environment through exciting games, strategies, and activities to help students succeed academically. Learn more:

About today’s guest

Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is an enthusiastic educator dedicated to improving learning and equipping educators to succeed.  Her passion for ensuring family engagement throughout the learning process is evident and at the core of every product and service provided by Connected Class. She oversees a team of Instructional Specialists to support schools, focusing on helping educators analyze data, develop action plans, implement instructional strategies, and enhance family engagement for improved student achievement. 


Before Christel was the founder of Connected Class, she was a classroom teacher, county resource educator and district administrator. She worked closely with the state to remove low performing Title I schools from Intervene status. Over the past 25 years, she has helped many schools improve their student performance and engage families. 


About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is our guest for this episode. She shares the story of her company’s work to support education teams with engaging, research-based strategies for increasing student achievement. These include hands-on, interactive activities and technology-based resources to supplement language arts and math curriculum for grades K-8.


Hear about:

  • Christel's journey from struggling student to EdTech Innovator
  • The organic growth story of Connected Class
  • The power of video in education
  • Addressing academic gaps and social-emotional learning
  • The impact and future of Learning Link
  • Christel’s upcoming goals and what motivates her work

About Connected Class

We build communication between the classroom and home environment through exciting games, strategies, and activities to help students succeed academically. Learn more:

About today’s guest

Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is an enthusiastic educator dedicated to improving learning and equipping educators to succeed.  Her passion for ensuring family engagement throughout the learning process is evident and at the core of every product and service provided by Connected Class. She oversees a team of Instructional Specialists to support schools, focusing on helping educators analyze data, develop action plans, implement instructional strategies, and enhance family engagement for improved student achievement. 


Before Christel was the founder of Connected Class, she was a classroom teacher, county resource educator and district administrator. She worked closely with the state to remove low performing Title I schools from Intervene status. Over the past 25 years, she has helped many schools improve their student performance and engage families. 


About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1718 Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is our guest for this episode. She shares the story of her company’s work to support education teams with engaging, research-based strategies for increasing student achievement. These include hands-on, interactive activities and technology-based resources to supplement language arts and math curriculum for grades K-8.


Hear about:

  • Christel's journey from struggling student to EdTech Innovator
  • The organic growth story of Connected Class
  • The power of video in education
  • Addressing academic gaps and social-emotional learning
  • The impact and future of Learning Link
  • Christel’s upcoming goals and what motivates her work

About Connected Class

We build communication between the classroom and home environment through exciting games, strategies, and activities to help students succeed academically. Learn more:

About today’s guest

Christel Reaves, founder and CEO of Connected Class, is an enthusiastic educator dedicated to improving learning and equipping educators to succeed.  Her passion for ensuring family engagement throughout the learning process is evident and at the core of every product and service provided by Connected Class. She oversees a team of Instructional Specialists to support schools, focusing on helping educators analyze data, develop action plans, implement instructional strategies, and enhance family engagement for improved student achievement. 


Before Christel was the founder of Connected Class, she was a classroom teacher, county resource educator and district administrator. She worked closely with the state to remove low performing Title I schools from Intervene status. Over the past 25 years, she has helped many schools improve their student performance and engage families. 


About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Christel Reaves Scott Schuette Connected Class Inkwire founder Aatash Parikh on authentic learning and original thinking in the age of AI 1 1 Inkwire founder Aatash Parikh on authentic learning and original thinking in the age of AI full 63ce20cf-e6fb-4a1a-88dc-2f07e5c34a76 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e1840d82 Welcome to the premiere episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase, an original series produced by the Be Podcast Network. This series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the most innovative emerging companies in edtech. 


Today, Inkwire founder Aatash Parikh joins the show to discuss his company’s efforts to empower students to build and share their body of work. Aatash is an educator and engineer who has worked at companies like Google and Khan Academy, and also as a middle school teacher in the Oakland Unified School District.


Hear about:

  • Aatash’s journey from classroom teacher to edtech founder
  • What authentic digital portfolios mean for student learning
  • The results students and teachers get when they engage with the Inkwire platform
  • The launch process and initial school successes
  • Vision for the future of learning

About Inkwire

In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 


About today’s guest

Aatash Parikh is an educator and an engineer. Aatash has worked as a software engineer at companies like Google & Khan Academy and as a middle school teacher in Oakland Unified School District. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from UC Berkeley and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Learn more:

About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Welcome to the premiere episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase, an original series produced by the Be Podcast Network. This series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the most innovative emerging companies in edtech. 


Today, Inkwire founder Aatash Parikh joins the show to discuss his company’s efforts to empower students to build and share their body of work. Aatash is an educator and engineer who has worked at companies like Google and Khan Academy, and also as a middle school teacher in the Oakland Unified School District.


Hear about:

  • Aatash’s journey from classroom teacher to edtech founder
  • What authentic digital portfolios mean for student learning
  • The results students and teachers get when they engage with the Inkwire platform
  • The launch process and initial school successes
  • Vision for the future of learning

About Inkwire

In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 


About today’s guest

Aatash Parikh is an educator and an engineer. Aatash has worked as a software engineer at companies like Google & Khan Academy and as a middle school teacher in Oakland Unified School District. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from UC Berkeley and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Learn more:

About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:33:00 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 1761 Welcome to the premiere episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase, an original series produced by the Be Podcast Network. This series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the most innovative emerging companies in edtech. 


Today, Inkwire founder Aatash Parikh joins the show to discuss his company’s efforts to empower students to build and share their body of work. Aatash is an educator and engineer who has worked at companies like Google and Khan Academy, and also as a middle school teacher in the Oakland Unified School District.


Hear about:

  • Aatash’s journey from classroom teacher to edtech founder
  • What authentic digital portfolios mean for student learning
  • The results students and teachers get when they engage with the Inkwire platform
  • The launch process and initial school successes
  • Vision for the future of learning

About Inkwire

In a world in which generative AI has called into question the value of traditional curriculum and assessments, Inkwire is a platform that engages students in real projects and helps them demonstrate their original thinking & skills through portfolios. Learn more: https://inkwire.co 


About today’s guest

Aatash Parikh is an educator and an engineer. Aatash has worked as a software engineer at companies like Google & Khan Academy and as a middle school teacher in Oakland Unified School District. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from UC Berkeley and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Learn more:

About today’s host

Scott Schuette is a Learning and Development Executive with years of experience driving the creation of innovative, multi-million dollar learning platforms and education programs for major corporate enterprise companies. 


He is cohost of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, a podcast sharing new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact — All while having FUN! Listen to the show and subscribe here: https://fabulouslearningnerds.transistor.fm 

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No Aatash Parikh Inkwire Scott Schuette Introducing the EdTech Startup Showcase Introducing the EdTech Startup Showcase trailer 06f9b5ba-c95f-4718-9b56-042020288553 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9e3e3248 This Be Podcast Network original series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the innovative and impactful edtech companies who are not yet household names — but soon could be. 


Over the course of the next year, you’ll hear from our founding cohort of amazing startups:

  • Be More Colorful with their premier product CareerViewXR
  • Classroom Mosaic
  • Connected Class
  • Inkwire
  • Pedagogy.Cloud and specifically its AI service Pedagog.ai


We’ll have conversations with the companies’ founders, partners, and the educators who are using their products in schools today. You’ll not only become familiar with new solutions relevant to your chronic challenges and opportunity-expanding ideas to go into uncharted directions, but you’ll get a sense of the journey each of these growing organizations is on. 


EdTech Startup Showcase is now available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe today to hear these thought-provoking conversations and to join the effort to transform teaching and learning for the better. 


Follow the Be Podcast Network:

]]> This Be Podcast Network original series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the innovative and impactful edtech companies who are not yet household names — but soon could be. 


Over the course of the next year, you’ll hear from our founding cohort of amazing startups:

  • Be More Colorful with their premier product CareerViewXR
  • Classroom Mosaic
  • Connected Class
  • Inkwire
  • Pedagogy.Cloud and specifically its AI service Pedagog.ai


We’ll have conversations with the companies’ founders, partners, and the educators who are using their products in schools today. You’ll not only become familiar with new solutions relevant to your chronic challenges and opportunity-expanding ideas to go into uncharted directions, but you’ll get a sense of the journey each of these growing organizations is on. 


EdTech Startup Showcase is now available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe today to hear these thought-provoking conversations and to join the effort to transform teaching and learning for the better. 


Follow the Be Podcast Network:

]]> Fri, 12 Jan 2024 01:44:17 -0500 BE Podcast Network BE Podcast Network 158 This Be Podcast Network original series is all about spotlighting and amplifying some of the innovative and impactful edtech companies who are not yet household names — but soon could be. 


Over the course of the next year, you’ll hear from our founding cohort of amazing startups:

  • Be More Colorful with their premier product CareerViewXR
  • Classroom Mosaic
  • Connected Class
  • Inkwire
  • Pedagogy.Cloud and specifically its AI service Pedagog.ai


We’ll have conversations with the companies’ founders, partners, and the educators who are using their products in schools today. You’ll not only become familiar with new solutions relevant to your chronic challenges and opportunity-expanding ideas to go into uncharted directions, but you’ll get a sense of the journey each of these growing organizations is on. 


EdTech Startup Showcase is now available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe today to hear these thought-provoking conversations and to join the effort to transform teaching and learning for the better. 


Follow the Be Podcast Network:

]]> edtech, technology, founders, startups, companies, leadership, schools, K-12, education, teaching No