Episodes

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into the ESUCC's statewide Social Studies Inquiry Project with Mark Brady of ESU 7 and three incredible teachers from this summer's iteration of the project (Cassie Kenedy of Omaha Public Schools, Jeff Maddox of Creek Valley Public Schools, and Sydney Daly of Millard Public Schools). Together, we highlight the three-year journey of developing nearly 90 inquiry-based social studies units for grades 4-8, created by Nebraska teachers for Nebrask...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Evie Wusk, a professor of educational technology at Peru State College, to delve into the evolving relationship between AI and education. Together, we explore how technology is not only reshaping teaching and writing but also influencing the broader human experience. Drawing from her recent EdSurge article, Dr. Wusk offers a nuanced perspective on balancing AI’s efficiencies with the need to preserve the deep, me...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by UDL expert Katie Novak to explore the latest advancements in Universal Design for Learning and how the evolution of UDL is shaping the future of inclusive education. We also delve into the role of AI in enhancing UDL practices and the critical importance of robust professional learning systems in driving meaningful change. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how to elevate student learning experiences and outcomes through UDL. ...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore the pivotal role of Network Nebraska in enhancing education across the state. Our conversation dives into how this collaborative statewide network provides reliable and affordable internet and telecommunications services to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and other educational entities. Learn about the initiatives, resources, and partnerships that make Network Nebraska a critical infrastructure for educational success and inno...

Dr. Kristen Mattson joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week for the third and final installment of our Summer Learning Series featuring speakers who shared at Nebraska education conferences this summer. In this episode, Dr. Mattson provides practical examples of Digital Citizenship in action, delves into AI in education, and makes both topics approachable for all educators in our shared responsibility to create spaces for students to learn and grow as citizens in a digital world. Links Referen...

Education author, speaker, and Canva Learning Consultant, Tisha Richmond, joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week for the second of three episodes in our Summer Learning Series. In each of these episodes, we feature a keynote speaker from one of this summer's Nebraska conferences to give access to those not at these events while also extending the learning for those who were there, live. Tisha shares with us her summer learning, speaks to the power of being a connected educator, praises Runza,...

Fresh off her keynote appearance at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference and following up a busy week at the 2024 ISTE Conference, Jaime Donally revisits The Good Life EDU Podcast to share some of her summer learning and where she sees technology for education trending next. Our conversation spans AI, augmented reality, virtual reality, and more -- so don't miss out on this opportunity to see into the future of ed tech. To follow Jaime and learn more, visit www.arvrinedu.com To learn more about ...

In this special episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we bring you a live recording from this summer's Future Ready Nebraska Conference. We recorded a session titled, "All Things Digital Learning," which features Dorann Avey and Shaun Young with NDE and Bill Pulte of ESU 3 sharing their insights on current initiatives, resources, and collaborations taking place within Nebraska's education community. The conversation moves frequently across a myriad of topics, and you can listen in to gain the sa...

In this inspiring episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Dawn Ferreyra and Derek Gangwish, the educators behind the EMIL Maker Lab at ESU 3 in LaVista, Nebraska. Discover how this dynamic makerspace fosters creativity and innovation, providing students with hands-on experiences in 3D printing, laser cutting, embroidery, and more. Learn about the impact of maker education on student engagement and curriculum reinforcement, and how this is just one of the many ways our ESUs serve N...

In this enlightening episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we chat with happiness coach and motivational speaker Kim Strobel. Together, we explore Kim's key message about the power of happiness and its profound impact on our personal and professional lives. Kim shares research-backed strategies and actionable insights that educators can implement to foster a positive, joyful environment in their schools and classrooms. Special thanks to Kim Strobel for inspiring us to prioritize happiness and we...

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we delve into the NDE Arts NOW Grant, a transformative initiative made possible by the Nebraska Arts Council providing $180,000 that funded the purchase of materials in 23 Nebraska school districts. Together with educators from three of those districts, we discuss how this funding helped foster creativity, create community, inspire innovation, and more in arts education. Special thanks to Cody Talarico of NDE and Anne Alston of the Nebraska Arts Coun...

Brian Buffington returns to The Good Life EDU Podcast this week to share his recent work with AI in education and his continued commitment to supporting teacher and student creativity. Brian will be presenting at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference, and we encourage listeners to connect with him and others during that FREE learning opportunity on June 10-11, 2024. Register for the Future Ready Nebraska Conference at nefutureready.com Subscribe to Brian's weekly Buff Nuggets newsletter at https:...

This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore how recent legislative support has paved the way for an elevated commitment to computer science education. Special guests Shaun Young, Computer Science and Technology Specialist from the Nebraska Department of Education, and Jeremy Keeshin, CEO of CodeHS, share insights on the new standards, available resources, and the future of computer science in Nebraska. Listen in to learn how these efforts are set to empower educators and heighten student ...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Larianne Polk who was recently named the ESUCC's new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Polk shares the context for and details about a piece of 2023 Nebraska legislation that has led to an opportunity for the ESUCC to develop and deliver statewide training on topics related to mental health and teacher support. Terri Haynes of ESU 13 and Jackie Ternus of ESU 7 also speak from their role as content developers on this important teacher training. For more information, acc...

This week, we welcome Danna Thomas, CEO and founder of the Happy Teacher Revolution, back to the show to chat about her new book "Happy Teacher Revolution" and all the collaboration, research, and learning that went into its development. Throughout the episode, Danna's passionate advocacy for educator wellness is as contagious as her message for empowering teachers with strategies for claiming and sustaining joy. We are grateful for this opportunity to revisit the Happy Teacher Revolution and wi...

This week we revisit a conversation from the fall of 2022 that highlighted Get SET Nebraska's efforts toward developing effective onboard support for new-to-the-profession Special Education teachers. Since then, Get SET Nebraska has grown in its reach and impact, and this episode brings together a team of educators from Elkhorn Public Schools to speak about the Get SET program and materials. Together with Get SET's Project Manager Pam Brezenski, the Elkhorn team of Adrienne Kennedy, Cara Schrock...

This episode shares the story of how the Accreditation Committee in Nebraska identified a need and creatively addressed the issue through extended collaborative efforts that resulted in a new interpretation of Rule 10 to better serve Nebraska schools. Together, Dr. Decua Jean-Baptiste (Director of Accreditation with NDE), Dr. Dan Schnoes (CEO of ESU 3), and the Accreditation Committee Chair and Superintendent of Ainsworth Community Schools, Dale Hafer provide what Nebraska school leaders need to...

This week, we are grateful to our guest Zac Chase, Digital Equity Impact Fellow with the US Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology, for his time as he joins the pod to speak to the 2024 National Ed Tech Plan (NETP). In the episode, listeners can expect to learn about the context for and development of the NETP and its central tenets. While the conversation references some of the great work in US schools, the NETP includes 50+ exemplars from across the country that illustrate ...

This week's episode featuring Trevor Goertzen from SchoolAI kicks off a series of upcoming episodes previewing sessions at this year's Future Ready Nebraska Conference. Trevor is joined by Eileen Heller of ESU 3 and Dr. Nicholas Ziegler of ESU 5 for a conversation highlighting the "spaces" feature within SchoolAI where educators can create a safe and student-friendly AI chatbot interaction for learners. In this episode, Trevor explains the power and potential impact of SchoolAI spaces, and Eilee...

This week, K.K. Neimann, National Director of District & Strategic Initiatives at World Savvy, joins us for an episode on education innovation and how World Savvy utilizes multi-year partnerships with schools and educators to help them create inclusive, adaptive, and future-ready learning environments. On the pod, we discuss global competencies, ideas for fostering teacher empowerment, and how to enhance our support of students as they develop the skills and dispositions they need to thrive in t...

In this episode, Dani Potter (B-FIT Coordinator) and Cassie Houser (Behavior Specialist) of ESU 4 join us to share their commitment and work in support of students with behavior needs. Our conversation illustrates how Cassie and Dani's roles differ but work in tandem to ensure that not only the student but also those supporting the student(s) have the strategies, communication, and input needed to have a positive impact. To learn more about ESU 4, visit https://www.esu4.org/ To learn more from E...

This episode picks up the conversation from a previous episode that told the backstory behind the purchase and distribution of robotics solutions across K-12 schools in Nebraska. On the pod, Dr. Josh Snyder and Mr. Erik Emerson of Wahoo Public Schools share the story of the devices their district received and how they are introducing products such as Bee-Bots, Tello EDU drones, and the Tetrix Prime robot to students in Wahoo schools. We are also joined once again by Pitsco's regional representat...

Dr. Paul Darvasi is back for his annual episode on all things serious play and learning! In this episode, Paul explains his new role as the Executive Director of the Serious Play Conference and how innovation so often comes from utilizing ideas and techniques from one domain in a new or different context. We also delve into educators as learning experience designers, and how viewing an educator's work from that lens has been transformative to his work with teachers and with his company, Gold Bug...

In this episode, Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus, 4th Grade teacher Aeden Ghyra, and 5th Grade teacher Hadley Sejkora share Pawnee City School's transformative approach to math education. Together with Tara Gossman of ESU 4, this great collection of educators detail the implementation and impact of Eureka Math, highlighting how it has not only accelerated learning but also enhanced students' understanding and retention of math concepts. This group, with the support of NDE and Instruction Partne...