Getting Smart Podcast

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Getting Smart Podcast

Getting Smart

The Getting Smart Podcast covers topics in K-12, …

41 minutes 15 seconds

How Is Bhutan Transforming Education with Place-Based Learning? | Wangchuk and Tashi Dendup
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen engages with Wangchuck Wangchuck and Tashi Dendup to explore Bhutan's innovative approach to learner-centered practices. Learn how Bhutan connects education with its community, culture, and environment to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and sustainability. Through a whole-school approach, Bhutan is not only enhancing student engagement but also aligning its education system with its Gross National Happiness philosophy. This conversation highlights impactful lessons on transforming education systems to prepare learners for the complexities of the 21st century.

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9 January 2026, 8:00 am
27 minutes 14 seconds

How Can Technologies Help Learners Figure Out What's Next For Them? | Diane Tavenner and Marshawn Brown
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Diane Tavenner, founder and CEO of Futre, and Marshawn Brown, a student user of the platform. Together, they discuss how Futre empowers students to explore diverse career pathways with transparency and dignity. From personalized career exploration and work-based learning integration to long-term tools for student success, this conversation reimagines the mission of education. Learn how schools can support students in navigating post-secondary options and preparing for meaningful, purpose-driven futures.

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7 January 2026, 8:00 am
31 minutes

How Will AI Transform Education in 2026 and Beyond? | Ben Kornell
In this dual-episode podcast, Tom Vander Ark of Getting Smart and Ben Kornell of EdTech Insiders dive into the transformative year of 2025 in education and share bold predictions for 2026. They explore how AI-driven innovations, work-based learning, and personalized education models are reshaping teaching and learning. From the rise of AI-forward schools to the impact of generative AI on traditional classroom practices, Tom and Ben discuss key trends such as the shift to learner agency, creativity, and critical thinking. They also tackle pressing challenges, including the increasing automation of the workforce, the potential backlash against AI in K-12 education, and the growing importance of teacher training for AI integration. This episode is packed with insights, predictions, and actionable advice for educators, policymakers, and edtech leaders navigating the future of learning.

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19 December 2025, 8:00 am
44 minutes 43 seconds

Can Team-Based Teaching Revolutionize Education? | Rebecca Hutchinson & Brent Maddin
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Nate McClennen is joined by Dr. Brent Maddin of the Next Education Workforce Initiative at ASU Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College and Dr. Rebecca Hutchinson, superintendent at Concord Community Schools in Michigan. Together, they explore the transformative potential of team-based teaching models that reimagine the traditional "one teacher, one classroom" approach. From improving teacher retention and fostering collaboration to enhancing student outcomes and creating personalized learning opportunities, this conversation dives into how innovative staffing models can reshape the future of education. Listen in to hear firsthand experiences from Concord's groundbreaking implementations and learn why now is the time to embrace team-based education.

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17 December 2025, 8:00 am
31 minutes 9 seconds

What Happens When We Embrace Real World Learning? | Kenny Rodriguez
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Dr. Kenny Rodriguez, Superintendent of Grandview School District in Kansas City, shares how his district has embraced real-world learning and innovative pathways to drive student success. From his early work with Big Picture Learning in Tulsa to leading regional collaborations with neighboring districts, Dr. Rodriguez discusses the importance of breaking down barriers to provide shared opportunities for students. He highlights how Grandview integrates student passions into education through personalized learning pathways, partnerships, and hands-on experiences like Project Lead the Way. Tune in to hear how his leadership philosophy—focused on collaboration, creativity, and putting students first—has transformed education in his district and beyond.

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12 December 2025, 8:00 am
31 minutes 19 seconds

How Is This Teen Transforming Lagos with Green Spaces? | Amara C. Nwuneli
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Mason Pashia sits down with Amara Nwuneli, the Africa 2025 Earth Prize regional winner, to discuss her inspiring work tackling urban climate challenges in Lagos, Nigeria. Amara shares how her project, The Green Sustainability Hub, integrates sustainable infrastructure into underserved communities by transforming waste into green spaces. From her experiences at COP 30 to her journey of securing grants and mentorship, Amara provides an inspiring look into youth-driven climate solutions, the importance of experiential learning, and the power of starting small to create meaningful change. Tune in to hear how mentorship and real-world projects can empower young leaders to reimagine urban sustainability.

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10 December 2025, 8:00 am
36 minutes 31 seconds

What is Power of Participation and How Can Civics Help Learners Thrive? | Fernande Raine
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen sits down with Fernande Raine, founder of the History CoLab, to explore the critical role of civics and humanities in shaping the future of education and empowering young people. They discuss the intersection of crises—disconnection, democracy challenges, and AI disruption—and how these challenges demand a reinvention of civic education. The conversation highlights the "18 by 18" framework, which outlines 18 key learning journeys for students to complete by age 18, and the importance of designing education to foster participation, connection, and purpose. Dive into this insightful discussion to learn how fostering civic engagement and leveraging the humanities can equip students to thrive as active, purpose-driven citizens in an evolving world.

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- (00:00) The State of Civics Education
- (09:25) Understanding the Three Crises
- (14:26) Historical Context of American Civics
- (19:08) Building Multi-Perspectivity in Learning
- (23:44) Purpose and Potential in Youth Development
- (28:26) Creating Meaningful Civic Experiences
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5 December 2025, 8:00 am
45 minutes 52 seconds

Is It Time to Recognize Childcare as a Public Right? | Elliot Haspel
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we sit down with Elliot Haspel, a nationally recognized child and family policy expert and author of Crawling Behind: America's Childcare Crisis and How to Fix It and Raising a Nation: 10 Reasons Why Every American Has a Stake in Childcare for All. Together, we explore why universal childcare is not just a family issue but a societal one, rooted in brain science, economic sustainability, and the moral imperative to support children and caregivers. Elliot shares actionable insights on how policymakers, educators, and community leaders can create a mixed-delivery childcare system that prioritizes accessibility, equity, and quality. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of education, equity, and the well-being of families. Tune in to learn how we can collectively reimagine childcare as a public right.

Outline
- (00:12) Introduction: Early Childhood Education and Personal Background
- (04:46) Defining Caregivers and the Importance of Early Years
- (11:11) Why Childcare Matters for Everyone
- (18:32) Hope and Progress in Childcare Policy
- (27:25) Building Public Will and Expanding the Constituency
- (38:17) Integrating Childcare into Society and Development
- (43:01) Childcare as a Right: Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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3 December 2025, 8:00 am
39 minutes 5 seconds

How Can Youth Participation Shape the Future? | UNICEF Foresight Fellows
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia dives into the critical importance of elevating youth voice and agency in shaping the future of education. Joined by Izumi Vasquez, a recent Harvard graduate and UNICEF Youth Foresight Fellow, alongside Caitlyn McCurn and Shai Naides of UNICEF, the conversation explores how young leaders are reimagining educational systems to be more equitable and inclusive. From addressing global education challenges to designing systems that prioritize student voice, this episode highlights the intersection of community investment, civic leadership, and innovative approaches to learning. Tune in to learn how empowering youth as co-creators can transform education and prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.

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26 November 2025, 8:00 am
46 minutes 35 seconds

Catching Up: Early Reading, Cognitive Luxury, and Monarch Butterflies
In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia dive into a dynamic mix of topics shaping the future of learning and beyond. From exploring early reading development and its ties to brain pathways, to addressing the ethical concerns around AI and student surveillance, this episode balances critical education insights with thought-provoking discussions. The hosts also delve into the concept of "cognitive luxury," emphasizing the importance of creating space for deep, free, and slow thinking in today's fast-paced world. Wrapping up with the awe-inspiring migration of monarch butterflies and their remarkable precision, this episode offers a unique blend of education, innovation, and human connection. Tune in to explore how these themes intersect and inspire a brighter future for learners everywhere.

Outline
- (00:00) Youth Perspectives on AI and Surveillance
- (05:17) Early Reading Development and Brain Pathways
- (10:24) Gifted and Talented Programs: Rethinking Early Testing
- (16:06) Cognitive Luxury: Spaciousness, Agency, and Depth
- (24:55) YouTube as an Educational Ecosystem
- (36:15) Monarch Butterflies and Human Connection
- (42:08) The Art of Touch: Tearing Your Food
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21 November 2025, 8:00 am
45 minutes 11 seconds

How Can We Build Equitable Mentorship Systems for Personalized Learning? | Polygence
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers sits down with Jen Chow, co-founder and COO of Polygence, Rahul Patel, founder of Hypothesis to Hardware, and Zohra Khawaja, founder of Hearts Against Homelessness, to explore how equitable mentorship and personalized learning systems can empower students to thrive. The conversation delves into the transformative power of mentorship when it becomes more than just a "nice-to-have," highlighting how mentorship systems that prioritize student agency, critical thinking, and curiosity can create meaningful, scalable, and equitable learning opportunities. From the role of expert mentors to the integration of AI in education, this discussion emphasizes the importance of meeting learners where they are and creating pathways for all students to succeed—regardless of their circumstances. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of impact and actionable strategies for building mentorship systems that work for everyone.

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19 November 2025, 8:00 am
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