Episodes

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Brian Lamb, CEO of Swivl, joins the show to discuss the M2—an innovative AI-powered co-teacher that’s transforming instructional support. Designed to enhance—not replace—the work of educators and coaches, the M2 leverages AI to deliver in-the-moment teaching tips, facilitate whole-group dialogue and feedback, and provide on-demand student support in multiple languages. Brian unpacks the product’s roots in reflective video coaching, its current capabi...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, English teacher, blogger, and national thought leader Jen Roberts joins the show to discuss the evolving intersection of literacy instruction and artificial intelligence. With humor, candor, and classroom-tested wisdom, Jen shares how she models ethical AI use, fosters student agency, and navigates the challenges of writing instruction in a world where generative AI is just a few clicks away. From teaching critical reading with AI tools to maintainin...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome back renowned UDL expert and author Dr. Katie Novak to discuss her latest work at the intersection of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Building on her keynote at the 2024 NeMTSS Summit and ahead of her upcoming presentations at the 2025 Future Ready Nebraska Conference, Katie introduces a four-step framework for lesson design that embraces AI as a tool that both supports and enhances educat...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Larianne Polk, CEO of the Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council, and Dr. Dan Schnoes, CEO of ESU 3, ahead of their journey to South Korea and Singapore as part of AESA's Global Leadership Academy. This unique opportunity—coordinated through the national AESA organization and ACES International—offers service agency leaders the chance to learn from and build partnerships with education systems abroad. On the pod, Dr. Polk and Dr. Schn...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Tara Gossman, a Teaching and Learning Specialist at ESU 4, returns to share insights from the continued work with Pawnee City Elementary around high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in math. This follow-up conversation highlights the critical instructional strategies of purposeful questioning, student discourse, and productive struggle that are the bridge between effective materials and deep student learning. Tara also offers a unique behind-th...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore how Vosaic—a powerful video-based platform developed by Nelnet—is transforming professional learning, coaching, and instructional reflection in Nebraska schools. Terry Chvatal, Director at New Ventures, Emir Plicanic, General Manager of Vosaic, and Mikki Brooks, Education Consultant at ESU 3, join us to unpack the tool’s features, including its innovative AI-driven feedback capabilities. Together we explore firsthand stories of how Nebrask...

This episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast explores a timely and impactful initiative from Nebraska's ESU network focused on the integration of artificial intelligence in writing instruction. Along with Katrina Gotschall, professional development coordinator at ESU 8, we unpack a collaborative project designed to help educators navigate the nuanced, often contentious space between embracing AI and maintaining traditional writing practices. The conversation covers the genesis of the initiative, in...

In this insightful episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we're joined by Nick Potkalitsky, a secondary writing teacher, adjunct professor, and the founder of Pragmatic AI Solutions, as we explore the nuanced roles AI can play in the classroom. Nick introduces his innovative framework that visualizes the teacher-student-AI interaction as a dynamic triangle, emphasizing collaborative, intentional, and thoughtful use of AI tools in education. This conversation moves beyond the binary debates about ...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore how Hemingford Public Schools is transforming instructional leadership, curriculum alignment, and school culture through its partnership with the NDE SEED Team. Join us as Dr. Julie Downing of NDE/ESU 13 returns to the podcast alongside Hemingford’s leadership team—Eric Arneson, Mandy Plog, and Dr. Travis Miller—to share the story of how a simple request for a better walkthrough tool sparked a journey of systemic change. From refining eval...

Navigating the educator certification process can feel overwhelming, but Nebraska’s Educator Certification team is working to change that! In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Katelyn Larsen, Director of Educator Certification, and Molly Barnett, Assistant Director, to discuss how their team at the Nebraska Department of Education is improving communication, streamlining processes, and enhancing support for teachers and school leaders across the state. Listen in to lear...

This special episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast explores the latest initiatives supporting world language education in Nebraska! Dr. Chrystal Liu, a World Language Specialist at NDE, and Dr. Nick Ziegler, a World Language Coordinator at ESU 5, join the pod to share some exciting updates, including competency-based crediting, the Seal of Biliteracy, and the new high-ability learner identification for world languages. The episode also highlights Nebraska World Language Week 2024, an exciting sta...

Kick off the new year with this insightful solo episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast! Host Andrew Easton explores the latest advancements in AI technology from OpenAI’s "12 Days of OpenAI" and updates within Google’s Notebook LM. Dive into the transformative potential of these tools for education, from enhancing lesson planning and student engagement to supporting professional learning and legislative bill analysis. Through an innovative demonstration of Notebook LM’s new interactive audio overv...

In this episode, we reconnect with the Nebraska SEED Team—Dr. Julie Downing, Jeff Gilbertson, and Dr. Ryan Ricenbaw—to explore their ongoing commitment to supporting leadership and learning across the state. The team shares insights into their work, which centers on moving from a compliance-driven mindset to a focus on growth and development, all while fostering collective efficacy and effective leadership in Nebraska schools. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how the SEED Team levera...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we spotlight the JAG Nebraska (Jobs for America’s Graduates) effort and its mission to prepare students for the future. We're joined by Jessica Hedlund, JAG Nebraska’s Senior Expansion and Onboarding Manager, and Brock Paul, a JAG student leader at Tekamah-Herman Community Schools and the Nebraska State Vice President, to discuss how this transformative program is equipping students with the skills and leadership experiences needed for lifelong succe...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore Nebraska’s newly revised 2024 Science Standards with Kellen Conroy of ESU 1 and Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10, co-leads of the ESU Science Cadre. Kellen and Dianah provide insights into the collaborative process behind updating the standards and the focus on supporting teachers statewide with resources and professional development. Together, we dive into the evolution of science education in Nebraska, from the 2017 shift to three-dimensional...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit, we explore how the Omaha Tribe Head Start program is transforming early childhood education through the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We are joined by Merissa Cruye and Shelsea Bia, who share their inspiring journey of bringing systems-level change to their Head Start program, serving children from six weeks to five years old across four townships on the Omaha Tribe reservation in...

In this episode, we take on the critical issue of school safety, featuring insights from Jay Martin, School Safety and Security Director at the Nebraska Department of Education, and Dr. Mike Lucas, Superintendent at Westside Community Schools. Together, we explore how Nebraska schools are enhancing safety through practical measures like secure vestibules and advanced technologies such as ZeroEyes, an AI-based weapon detection system. From prevention and preparedness to response and recovery, thi...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit, we sit down with leaders from Ainsworth Community Schools to discuss their six-year journey of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We welcomed Ben Wright (K-6 Principal), Steven Dike (7-12 Principal), Heather Lutter (Middle School ELA Teacher and PBIS Team Leader), and Scott Steinhauser (School Psychologist and SPED Coordinator) to share their experiences fostering a culture of collaboration...

This special three-part episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast was recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit. It's the first in a series we are doing to highlight the transformative work happening in Nebraska schools through the lens of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). In part one, Amy Rhone, Nebraska's State Director with the Office of Special Education, and Casey Hurner, the Nebraska MTSS State Coordinator, discuss the importance of building cohesive systems that remove barriers to learni...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into how Elm Creek Elementary is using High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) to transform the learning experience in science for their students. Elm Creek Elementary principal Terah Williams and 4th-6th grade science teacher Katie Holland join Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10 to share their journey with implementing PhD Science. Throughout the episode, listeners will learn how hands-on learning, inquiry-based models, and innovative teaching ...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by national keynote speaker and restorative practices expert Ali Hearn, alongside Scott Eckman of Nebraska MTSS, to explore how restorative practices can transform school culture -- and to promote the upcoming NeMTSS Summit! Ali shares her experience working with schools nationwide to help students and staff foster connections, build trust, and create safe spaces for students, educators, and learning. The conversation delves into the pr...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we spotlight the upcoming Nebraska Digital Citizenship Symposium taking place on October 16th, 2024. Peg Coover of ESU 10 joins us along with the event's keynote speaker Jen Casa-Todd as we dive into the history and evolution of the annual NE DigCit Symposium event. In the episode, Jen previews her message, highlighting her LEAD framework, which emphasizes learning, empathy, awareness, and digital role modeling as crucial elements of student leadersh...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Mike Kentz, founder and CEO of Zainetek Educational Advisors, to discuss the evolving role of AI in education. Mike shares his journey from being a financial journalist to a middle school writing teacher and eventually becoming an AI education consultant. He unpacks his unique perspective on how AI can amplify the teaching process, emphasizing the importance of depth over efficiency. From guiding teachers through the emotional side o...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive deep into Nebraska’s statewide efforts to improve literacy through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Join us as Mary Jo McElhose (NeMTSS Systems Consultant with NDE) and NeMTSS regional support leads, Heidi Farmer and Kala Peyton, share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in advancing literacy education across the state. This conversation explores the alarming data on student reading proficiency, the science...