Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

In this conversation, Tricia and Laura discuss the intersection of ableism, artificial intelligence, and education. They explore how AI can serve as an assistive device to enhance access and equity, particularly in educational settings. Laura shares personal experiences and insights on how AI can foster curiosity and agency in learners, especially those with disabilities. They also touch on the importance of community support and sharing knowledge to create a more inclusive environment for all. Ready to learn more about our amazing guest? Laura Germishuys is a speaker and disability consultant, focusing on accessibility, workplace accommodations and transition coaching. She leverages AI to find creative solutions in the disability space. Laura was a learning professional for seven years specialising in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and believes strongly in the transformative potential of technology for equity in education. She cares deeply about animal rights, sustainable development, and social justice. https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-germishuys-she-her-781278104/ Post AI in the Living Room Thank you to our show sponsor for supporting us Learn more

Reed Hepler discusses the changing role of archival work in the era of generative AI. He explains that while some may think archives and AI are incompatible, there are actually many ways in which AI can be useful in archival work. Reed also demystifies the role of archivists, highlighting their responsibility in acquiring, organizing, preserving, and interpreting historical records. He emphasizes the importance of structure, objectives, and perspectives in creating archives and offers insights into how AI can assist in the archival process. Reed also discusses the skills required for archival work, including curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to find interest in seemingly mundane tasks. He compares generative AI tools to musical instruments, emphasizing the human element in using these tools effectively. Reed also advocates for open access and equitable access to information in education. Connect with our guest: Reed Hepler is a digital initiatives librarian, instructional designer, artificial intelligence practitioner and consultant, and M.Ed. student at Idaho State University in the Instructional Design and Technology program. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, with emphases in Archives Management and Digital Curation, from Indiana University. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in History with minors in Anthropology and Religious Studies as well as a Museum Certificate. He has worked at nonprofits, corporations, and educational institutions encouraging information literacy and effective education. Combining all of these degrees and experiences, Reed strives to promote ethical librarianship and educational initiatives. Currently, Reed works as a Digital Initiatives Librarian at a college in Idaho and also has his own consulting firm, heplerconsulting.com. His views and projects can be seen on his LinkedIn page or his blog, CollaborAItion, on Substack. Contact him at reed.hepler@gmail.com for more information. heplerconsulting.com reedhepler.substack.com Thank you to our sponsors! Neulight.io Learn more about the upcoming FETC event: https://www.fetc.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Goodall, a leading expert on the social applications of assistive technologies. Fiona helps us understanding how emerging technologies, particularly AI, can benefit neurodivergent learners and support social-emotional development. We'll explore a compelling use case where AI is being leveraged not just for academics, but to help foster friendships and meaningful connections. Fiona will also share her perspective on the need for cautious optimism when it comes to AI - a mindset she believes is critical as this powerful technology continues to advance. Learn more about our special guest: Fiona is: Autism Consultant Owner & Director of Making Connections Toowoomba Making Connections Toowoomba was founded by Fiona Goodall, a Special Educator with over 20 years’ experience. Fiona holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of Special Education. She is also a certified facilitator of the PEERS® Program, Peaceful Kids Mindfulness and Positive Psychology programs, and is a certified facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy. Fiona has a professional and personal interest in Mindfulness and Meditation. She is a Registered Meditation Teacher with the Meditation Association of Australia, and is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling. Fiona has worked across all education sectors, including specialist autism settings, special education settings and mainstream schools, both in Australia and abroad. Fiona stepped into the private sector so she could devote her professional time, passion, and expertise to working directly with neurodivergent young people, and their families. Fiona is a member of the Positive Partnerships Delivery Team, working with caregivers and educators of school-aged children on the autism spectrum to provide evidence-informed information through face-to-face and online workshops. Fiona is also a member of the Positive Partnerships Educators Reference Group. Connect with her: https://www.makingconnectionstoowoomba.com.au/ https://www.facebook.com/makingconnectionstoowoomba/ https://www.instagram.com/makingconnectionstoowoomba/ Many thanks to our sponsors for making this conversation possible: https://www.lebrahq.com/

On this week we speak with Dr. Federica Fornaciari, who is a Professor, a researcher, a children’s book author, and the Academic Program Director for the MA in Strategic Communications at National University. She received a doctorate in Communication with a concentration in Electronic Security and Privacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Marshall University. Her research and teaching revolve around emerging technologies, privacy issues, digital identities, frame theory, and media representation. Federica has published several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters including “The silver generation and beauty: does American culture provide models for positive ageing?” in Critical Studies in Fashion & Beauty; “Reframing Hate: The Changing Face of White Power Narratives” in Discourse Analysis and Conflict Studies. “What is Privacy Anyway? A Longitudinal Analysis of Media Frames of Privacy” in the Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy, and “Pricey privacy: Framing the economy of information in the digital age” in First Monday. A storyteller at heart, Federica recently published her first children’s book titled “Rosa & Cammy: From Reggio to the World” to cultivate cultural bridges and ignite young minds with the magic of imagination. Federica’s multifaceted journey embodies the spirit of exploration, nurturing intellectual growth, and fostering connection amidst the ever-evolving landscape of communication. -------------- Dr. Fornaciari discusses the concept of technological sublime and its application to AI. The technological sublime refers to the awe, admiration, and fear that arise when encountering a monumental technological advancement. AI, particularly generative AI, elicits a sense of technological sublime due to its ability to push the boundaries of human creativity and intelligence. However, there is also a sense of apprehension and concern about the societal impacts of AI and the potential loss of human values. The conversation also touches on the importance of privacy, media literacy, and critical thinking in the age of deepfakes. ---------------- Learn more about our guest: https://www.nu.edu/degrees/arts-and-humanities/faculty/federica-fornaciari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/federica-fornaciari/ ---------------- Thank you to our show sponsor: Lebra https://www.lebrahq.com/

Professor Anna Mills discusses the evolving landscape of AI literacy in education, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to integrating AI into writing and learning processes. She reflects on the challenges of defining boundaries for AI use in academic settings, the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation among students, and the necessity of bridging the gap between K-12 and higher education. Anna Mills has taught writing at public two-year colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area for 18 years and currently teach at College of Marin. Her OER textbook, How Arguments Work: A Guide to Writing and Analyzing Texts in College, has been used at over 65 colleges. She serves as the English Discipline Lead for the California community colleges OER Initiative, and her collection AI Text Generators and Teaching Writing: Starting Points for Inquiry is featured in the Writing Across the Curriculum Clearinghouse. As a consultant for OpenAI, she tested GPT-4 before its release. Currently, she serves as volunteer advisor on the teacher-created app MyEssayFeedback.ai and as faculty for the AAC&U Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum. As a member of the MLA/CCCC Task Force on Writing and AI, she helped launch Exploring AI Pedagogy: A Community Collection of Teaching Reflections. Connect with our guest: www.annarmills.com https://x.com/AnnaRMills https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-mills-oer/ Thank you to our amazing show sponsor! Neulight

In this episode, Jeff Utecht interviews Michelle Kassorla, an associate professor of English at Georgia State University, about using generative AI in higher education. They discuss the importance of teaching AI literacy, the role of AI in the writing process, and the benefits of using AI to support student learning. Michelle shares her insights on assessment, transparency, and the creative opportunities that AI provides for students. She also discusses the development of AI literacy standards for higher education and offers practical tips for integrating AI into the classroom. Michelle Kassorla, Ph.D., an Associate Professor at Georgia State University, Perimeter College, has more than 30 years of experience teaching English and Composition. She teaches With and Against AI in Composition I and II courses, integrating AI into all assignments this academic year. She's on the AI Expert Panel for EDUCAUSE, leading the AI Literacy committee for Higher Education. A recipient of a Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Online Education fellowship, she published "Teaching with GAI in Mind" in the EDUCAUSE Review and co-authors a textbook and papers with Eugenia Novokshanova. She's a Co-Principal Investigator in the "Perceptions of AI" study at GSU. She shares her insights on LinkedIn and her blog, "The Academic Platypus." As a mother of eight boys, she's continually inspired to excel. Connect with our guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkassorla/ Takeaways Teaching AI literacy is crucial in higher education to help students understand the limitations and biases of AI models. AI can be used to support the writing process by providing feedback on grammar and punctuation, generating topic ideas, and assisting with research. Assessment should focus on voice, tone, audience, transparency, and accuracy rather than traditional grammar and punctuation. AI can free up time for teachers to focus on higher-order thinking skills and creative aspects of writing. Developing AI literacy standards for higher education can help guide educators in teaching AI effectively. Thank you to our amazing show sponsor! Lebra https://www.lebrahq.com/

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht interviews Dr. Dayamudra Dennehy, a community college teacher, about the incorporation of generative AI in classrooms. They discuss the importance of including students in the conversation about AI and the need for a nuanced approach to ethics. Dayamudra shares her project of having students create AI manifestos as a way to explore the ethical use of AI. They also talk about the need for educators to have a growth mindset and be curious about technology. Dayamudra emphasizes the importance of educators being involved in the development of AI tools and holding tech companies accountable. Dayamudra is tenured ESL community college faculty and active nationally as a community college online educator. Her current area of interest is the ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in higher education. Dayamudra founded and led an educational non-profit with an India-based team, serving caste-oppressed students at a grassroots leadership academy. She has guided community projects in Guatemala and Hungry, taught in Indonesia, and studied in France, Japan, and Mexico. Dayamudra holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, focused on Equity/Social Justice, was a Stanford EPIC Fellow, and is an ordained Buddhist, a meditation teacher, and a certified yoga instructor. Ready to connect with our guest? https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayamudra/ Takeaways Include students in the conversation about AI and the ethical use of technology. Approach AI with a growth mindset and be curious about new tools and technologies. Educators should be involved in the development of AI tools and hold tech companies accountable. A nuanced approach to ethics is necessary when discussing AI in education. Thank you to our amazing show sponsor! Learn more about Lebra https://www.lebrahq.com/

How do you see yourself in the future of learning? This week on the pod guest Amy Oswalt is here to help us to think bigger about that question as well as the future of inclusivity in schools. Ready to learn more about Amy? Amy Oswalt is a passionate educator and leader with extensive experience in creating and implementing programs that cater to neurodiverse learners. As the Founder and Director of Conduit and Ask Different Questions, Amy has developed a platform that promotes inclusive education practices and neurodiversity awareness through workshops, consultations, and online resources. Her work focuses on fostering academic, social, and emotional growth for neurodiverse individuals by developing strategic partnerships with families, schools, organizations, and community groups. Amy has a rich background in educational leadership, having served as the Director of Innovation and Head of Global Division and Online Programs at Lab School in Washington, DC. Here, she spearheaded the development and management of online programs, ensuring scalability and integrating cutting-edge educational technologies and methodologies tailored for students with learning differences. Amy is particularly passionate about K12 imagination training and scenario thinking development. She integrates these elements into her educational practices to help students visualize and prepare for diverse future scenarios. By using strategic foresight and imaginative thinking, Amy equips students with the skills to navigate an ever-changing world confidently. https://askdifferentquestions.com/ https://we-conduit.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-oswalt/ Thank you to our amazing show sponsor for supporting this season. Learn more about Lebra https://www.lebrahq.com/

Dr. Min Sun, a professor of education at the University of Washington, discusses the work of AmplifyLearn.ai, a center focused on harnessing the power of AI to improve teaching and learning. The center conducts scientific research, develops AI-powered education technology, offers training programs, and engages in public dissemination of research. Dr. Sun explains the development of Colleague.ai, a specialized AI assistant for K-12 educators that streamlines tasks such as lesson planning, differentiation, and grading. She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design and research in AI development and envisions a future where AI transforms teaching and learning, making it more personalized, immersive, and collaborative. https://education.uw.edu/about/directory/min-sun https://www.amplifylearn.ai/ Colleague AI https://www.linkedin.com/in/min-sun-8382aa9b/ Takeaways AmplifyLearn.ai aims to harness the power of AI to improve the quality and equity of teaching and learning. Colleague.ai is a specialized AI assistant for K-12 educators that streamlines tasks and enhances teachers' work efficiency. The development of AI in education requires thoughtful design and research to ensure its effectiveness and impact on student learning. AI has the potential to transform teaching and learning by personalizing instruction, creating immersive learning environments, and fostering collaboration. Join Jeff and Tricia at Camp to discuss this episode and more! https://camp.shiftingschools.com/c/start-here/ Thank you to our sponsor, Lebra! https://www.lebrahq.com/

Dr. Laura Dumin obtained her PhD in English from Oklahoma State University in 2010. She is a professor in English and Technical Writing at the University of Central Oklahoma who has been exploring the impact of generative AI on writing classrooms. Laura has been experimenting with transformative learning (TL) tools and scholarship of teaching and learning methods (SoTL) in the classroom for over 7 years. She finds that when students are engaged in the lessons, learning can happen organically, leading to more interesting class periods and longer-term gains in understanding concepts. Laura mixes her background in technical writing into all her courses, bringing ideas of audience and clear communication into assignments. When she is not teaching, she works as a co-managing editor for the Journal of Transformative Learning, was a campus SoTL mentor, and directs the Technical Writing BA and advises the Composition and Rhetoric MA program. She runs a Facebook learning community to allow instructors to learn from each other. https://www.facebook.com/groups/632930835501841 Big bold ideas explored this week: Allowing students to use AI in their rough drafts and final drafts of papers can be a valuable learning experience. Reflecting on the effectiveness of AI tools and using the right tool for the job is crucial. Preserving individuality and voice in writing is important in the age of AI. Having conversations with students about AI, including discussions on bias and prompt engineering, is essential. AI can enhance accessibility in education and make learning more inclusive. Connect with our guest: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-dumin157 ldumin157.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/632930835501841 Thank you to our show sponsor Lebra learn more: https://www.lebrahq.com/

Get ready to dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI and its impact on higher education. As the landscape of technology shifts faster than ever, how can today’s college students and Student Affairs professionals adapt? Our guest expert shares insights on the critical questions and tools that can shape the future of AI in higher education, exploring how AI is influencing both the academic and social experiences of students on campus. Key Takeaways: AI Integration in Higher Education: What does AI integration look like for today’s college students, and what should we hope it becomes? Our guest discusses the importance of thoughtful implementation, ensuring AI supports, rather than disrupts, the learning journey. Beyond Academics – The AI Shift in Student Life: AI isn't just changing classrooms—it's influencing student life. From mental health support to campus services, hear about the ways AI is already shaping the college experience beyond academics. One Big Question for Higher Ed: With the conversation around AI often polarized, what’s the one question our guest wishes more people were asking? We explore the key issue that could redefine the AI debate in universities across the globe. Learn all about our special guest: Dr. Claire Brady is a seasoned executive and recognized change agent and coalition builder with significant experience improving processes, leading digital transformations, building world-class teams, and achieving strategic goals. She is a proud graduate of Michigan State University (BA & MA), and the University of Central Florida (EdD). Claire has served in executive VPSA roles at Lake-Sumter State College in Florida and Ana G. Mendez University in Florida and Puerto Rico. Claire also has 10+ years of undergraduate teaching experience. Claire is a nationally recognized educator and passionate advocate for AI in higher education. She is leading the charge in AI literacy as a vocal advocate across higher education. Claire is dedicated to equipping executive teams and student affairs professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to leverage the immense potential of AI in their personal and professional lives. Claire is an active member of regional and national associations and is engaged in her local communities by serving within organizations and on boards. Claire, her partner Ben, and their son Fox (13) live in Orlando. When she’s not picking up LEGO or discussing the intricacies of Minecraft, she enjoys travel, reading, exploring AI, TV, crafting, Broadway shows, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Website: www.drclairebrady.com Socials: IG @drclairebrady LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairebradyedd/ Blogs: https://www.drclairebrady.com/blog Thank you to our incredible show sponsor for making this series possible: Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

💡 On our power of play series this week we talk with Hayes Greenfield is founder of Creative Sound Play (CSP), a sound-based, generative learning system for Pre-K, as well as an award-winning jazz musician, notable film composer, and innovative educator. His book, Creative Sound Play for Young Learners (Routledge, Eye on Education Series, 2024), invites educators to use sound-making as collaborative educational play. Hayes began working as a teaching artist in public and private K-12 schools. He created and implemented curricula for K-12 students, and professional development workshops for special needs District 75 teachers in New York City. Notably, he created a Pre-K program for PNC Bank’s “Grow Up Great Initiative,” devoted five years to codifying CSP at the Lenox Hill Early Childhood Center’s Head Start program, and consulted at Bank Street Head Start. Founder and lead educator for CSP, Hayes guides Pre-K teachers in his sound-based pedagogy and offers in-person and remote coaching sessions to accompany his self-paced video curriculum. An exceptional speaker Hayes has presented at the NAEYC, NHSA, A Joyous Celebration of Ideas, the Next Wave Center for Artistry and Scholarship, and other conferences. A jazz musician, Hayes is proud to be endorsed by Yamaha, Vandoren, and Eventide. He has released 10 critically acclaimed CDs including two award-winning family CD’s Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz and Music for a Green Planet, and has performed at festivals and venues throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. Hayes’ Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz school assembly program has reached over 300,000 young people and his music has been wonderfully received and reviewed in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Child Magazine, Downbeat, Jazz Times and more. As film composer, Hayes has scored more than 70 films, documentaries, commercials, animations, and TV specials. 🎙️Connect with our guest https://www.creativesoundplay.com/ https://www.hayesgreenfield.com/ https://www.instagram.com/creativesoundplay/ https://www.facebook.com/thehayesgreenfield https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiC0eCONgJfJSXJGO6fALsA Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

Our guest this week is an expert with AR, VR, and XR. Meet Jeannine Charles who is committed to crafting immersive experiences that transcend the boundaries of reality. Jeannine’s journey began with a solid foundation in Industrial Design, which provided her with a holistic understanding of form, function, and user experience. Fuelled by curiosity and a desire to explore new horizons, she has always been drawn to the intersection of technology and creativity. Her passion for visual storytelling led her to pursue a career in photography, which then led to the fields of film, narrative, mixed-media and virtual reality. Jeannine pivoted and began her career in the tech space, exploring the possibilities of extended reality (XR) and how to catalyze the growth of media production in the immersive media landscape. This led her to the co-creation of her first VR prototype and the foundation of her XR production company, where she provides XR/AR/VR marketing solutions for mid-sized businesses. Whether designing captivating virtual environments, interactive simulations, or innovative user interfaces, Jeannine strives to create experiences that captivate the imagination and push the boundaries of possibility. __________ Connect with our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcharlesaamxr/?originalSubdomain=ca Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

play:ground NYC is an organization that focuses on the rights of children and creating affirming spaces for play. They believe that young people should be given authority, autonomy, and respect, and that society often mistreats and oppresses children. The organization promotes sustainability by using recycled materials and repurposing junk for play. They emphasize the importance of people and allocate most of their budget to paying staff. Playground NYC offers play residencies and pop-up spaces for play, providing opportunities for children to lead their own learning and enjoyment. The organization trains play workers and aims to shift parenting approaches to allow for more play and risk-taking. Parents have noticed increased confidence and empowerment in their children as a result of their experiences at this special space. Ready to learn more? https://www.play-ground.nyc/ Our guest this week: Yoni Kallai, the interim executive director, Head playworker and Co founder of play:groundNYC is dedicated to repairing the world in various ways. Working for young people's rights through promoting and supporting play, is his favorite. Connect with Yoni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anahita-shadkam-636ba944/ Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

Dr. Julie Jones discusses the power of play and challenges the myth that play is separate from learning. She emphasizes that play is not the opposite of work, but rather the opposite of depression. A playful classroom integrates cognition, movement, and emotion, and focuses on student choice and engagement. Dr. Jones suggests that teachers explore their own play personalities and incorporate play into their classrooms. She also encourages adults to make play more accessible in their own lives through small, playful activities throughout the day. In this conversation, Dr. Julie Jones discusses the importance of play in our lives and how it can be incorporated into our day-to-day routines. She introduces the concept of play personalities, which are different ways in which individuals engage in play. The eight play personalities are Explorer, Director, Joker, Competitor, Kinesthete, Creator, Storyteller, and Collector. Dr. Jones emphasizes the need for educators to provide playful opportunities for students and highlights the impact of play on creativity, empathy, and overall well-being. Dr. Julie Jones is an associate professor in Converse University’s Department of Behavior and Social Sciences. She maintains an active research agenda with interests ranging from urban planning to curriculum and pedagogy, always with a mix of creativity and play. She published her first book,The Playful Classroom in June 2020. Her second book, The Playful Life, was published in October 2022. Follow her on social media @JuliePJones_author, and view her full curriculum vitae at www.juliepjones.com. Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

Welcome to Season 8 of the Shifting Schools Podcast! This season, we're diving deeper into the topics that matter most to educators, with a special focus on practical strategies and innovative approaches. Get ready for new mini-series that tackle some of the most pressing issues in education today, including Generative AI—how it's reshaping the classroom and empowering both teachers and students—and Chronic Absenteeism, where we'll explore actionable solutions to keep students engaged and in school. We're thrilled to be back with more insights, expert interviews, and thought-provoking discussions designed to equip you with the tools you need to navigate the evolving educational landscape. Don't miss out on this exciting new season—subscribe now and join us on the journey to transform education for the better. Make sure to tune in and stay ahead of the curve with Shifting Schools, where we help you prepare students for their future, not our past. Website: pod.shiftingschools.com Community: camp.shiftingschools.com Free Resources: shiftingschools.com Instagram: @shiftingschoolspod X: @shiftingschools

💡 On our power of play series this week we talk with Jackie Mader Jackie Mader is a senior early childhood reporter at The Hechinger Report, where she has reported on a range of topics including teacher preparation, special education and policies that impact young children and families. Her work has appeared in newspapers and outlets nationwide, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, USA TODAY, TIME and NBC News and has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, The New York Press Club, the Education Writers Association and The Newswomen’s Club of New York, among others. In 2021, she was one of two American journalists chosen for the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma’s Early Childhood Development Fellowship and during the 2023-24 academic year, she researched and reported on child care policy as a Spencer Fellow at the Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Prior to journalism, she worked as a special education teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina. 🎙️Connect with our guest: https://x.com/jackiemader Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

💡 On our power of play series this week we talk with a remarkable leader with Skateistan, Hala Khalaf. Skateistan is an international NGO that uses skateboarding as a tool for education and empowerment. It started with a few children in Kabul who were curious about skateboarding and has now grown into a global movement. The organization focuses on providing fun and inclusive spaces for children and at-risk youth to learn, play, and shape their futures. Skateistan has also created the Good Push Alliance, a social skate network that connects over a thousand skate projects worldwide. The organization emphasizes the importance of play and the valuable life skills that can be learned through skateboarding. 🎙️Connect with them to learn more: https://skateistan.org/ Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

💡 On our power of play series this week we talk with Nawal Qarooni. 🎙️Connect with our guest and check out her book: https://nqcliteracy.org/ https://x.com/nqcliteracy?lang=en Chapters 00:00 Empowering Children Through Choices and Leadership 02:28 The Role of Play in Decision-Making and Learning 04:17 Libraries as Community Centers for Play 07:41 Communicating the Value of Play to the Broader Community 12:55 The Power of Process-Oriented Play Link from Nawal https://www.loc.gov/programs/library-of-congress-literacy-awards/about-this-program/advisory-board/ Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

💡 On our power of play series this week we talk with Courtney McLeod. Courtney is an award-winning speaker and a professional life and leadership coach. Her super power is helping people experience and achieve things they never thought possible and she does this work through one-on-one and group coaching programs. She loves leading corporate team-building events and workshops designed to positively impact participants. Courtney infuses fun and playfulness into all aspects of the work she does because she believes in the transformative power of play. 🎙️Connect with our guest: www.kick-assladies.com Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com