Episodios

  • Transforming Education: Understanding AI’s Role in Student Engagement

    Transforming Education: Understanding AI’s Role in Student Engagement
    Aug 20 2025
    On this episode of Digital Learning Today, we dive into the transformative world of AI in education with Andrea Pasinetti and Jagriti Agrawal, the innovative minds behind Kira. This cutting-edge AI platform is revolutionizing personalized learning at scale, and our conversation uncovers how it's changing classrooms nationwide. We explore Kira's founding vision, tackle important questions about student data safety, and share real feedback from educators already using the platform. The discussion also addresses practical concerns like budget considerations for schools implementing AI solutions. Educators won't want to miss our deep dive into professional development strategies, practical implementation tips, and the learning journey that comes with adopting new AI tools. We conclude with powerful insights about the irreplaceable role of teachers in an AI-enhanced educational landscape and exciting predictions for the future of teaching and learning. **Start using Kira Today! https://app.kira-learning.com/register/** Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
    • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
    • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
    • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

    Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:
    • Teacher Empowerment: Kira provides AI tools that enhance teaching practices without replacing the educator's expertise and judgment.
    • Safety & Privacy: The platform maintains rigorous standards for student data protection and creates secure learning environments.
    • Evolving Perceptions: Educator attitudes toward AI have shifted from skepticism to enthusiasm as they discover practical applications.
    • Classroom Innovation: Teachers are actively exploring creative ways to integrate AI tools into their existing curriculum and instruction.
    • Partnership Model: AI works best as a collaborative tool that amplifies teacher abilities rather than attempting to replace human instruction.
    • Professional Learning: Successful AI integration requires thoughtful, ongoing professional development tailored to educators' needs.
    • Balanced Understanding: Effective use of AI tools demands both practical skills and theoretical knowledge about how the technology works.
    • Continuous Improvement: Learning to leverage AI effectively requires experimentation, reflection, and refinement over time.
    • Teacher Impact: Despite technological advances, teachers remain the most significant factor in student achievement and growth.
    • Future of Learning: Personalized educational experiences powered by AI represent the next evolution in effective teaching and learning.

    Chapters:
    • 00:00...
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • Building STEM Identity: How Smart Labs Prepare Students for Future Careers - The Jeff Bradbury Show

    Building STEM Identity: How Smart Labs Prepare Students for Future Careers - The Jeff Bradbury Show
    Aug 16 2025
    In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, discusses the importance of STEM education and the concept of STEM identity, which emphasizes students' self-belief and belonging in the STEM fields. She shares her journey into education, the role of educators in fostering a productive learning environment, and the necessity of community involvement in creating sustainable STEM ecosystems. Dr. Berry highlights the significance of hands-on, project-based learning and the need for continuous support and training for educators to ensure long-term success in STEM education. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
    • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
    • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
    • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

    Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:
    • Fostering STEM Identity: Building students' confidence and sense of belonging in STEM disciplines creates a foundation for lifelong learning.
    • Creating Supportive Environments: The physical space and skilled facilitators together create the optimal conditions for STEM discovery and growth.
    • Engaging the Community: Sustainable STEM programs thrive when businesses, families, and schools collaborate to support student learning.
    • Breaking Classroom Boundaries: Effective STEM education connects classroom learning with real-world applications and community resources.
    • Prioritizing Hands-On Learning: Project-based approaches allow students to physically engage with concepts, leading to deeper understanding.
    • Supporting Educator Growth: Continuous professional development ensures teachers can confidently guide students through evolving STEM challenges.
    • Building Integrated Systems: Successful STEM education harmonizes physical environment, curriculum design, and community partnerships.
    • Including Parents as Partners: Family involvement reinforces STEM learning and helps students see its relevance in everyday life.
    • Preparing Future-Ready Students: Today's STEM education develops the critical thinking and adaptability needed for tomorrow's careers.
    • Harnessing the Power of Narrative: Stories about STEM applications and innovations help students envision their own potential contributions.

    Chapters:
    • 00:00 Introduction to SmartLab and Dr. Jennifer Berry
    • 01:57 The Journey to SmartLab: Dr. Berry’s Background
    • 05:38 Understanding STEM Identity and Its Importance
    • 09:29 The Role of Educators in STEM Learning
    • 13:34 Creating a Sustainable STEM Ecosystem
    • 18:42 Community Involvement in STEM Education
    • 21:51 The Future of STEM in Education
    • 26:37 Observing...
    Más Menos
    44 m
  • AI in the Classroom: Practical Strategies that Prompt Student Success

    AI in the Classroom: Practical Strategies that Prompt Student Success
    Aug 16 2025
    In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeffrey Bradbury and Stephanie Clinise explore the integration of artificial intelligence in education, specifically in high school environments. They discuss the transition challenges from middle school to high school, how AI serves as a supportive tool for teachers, and the value of personalized learning approaches. Stephanie shares her firsthand experiences using AI to boost student engagement and improve learning outcomes, while addressing the limitations of standardized teaching methods. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for educators on effectively implementing AI in both their classrooms and daily routines. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
    • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
    • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
    • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

    Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:
    • AI serves as a support tool for teachers, not a replacement.
    • Ninth grade represents a transformative year in students' educational journey.
    • AI enables more personalized learning experiences for students.
    • Educators should prioritize teaching appropriate AI usage to students.
    • Standardized education frameworks can successfully coexist with individualized teaching approaches.
    • AI tools reduce teacher workload and minimize decision fatigue.
    • Teachers should share their AI success stories to promote wider adoption.
    • Effective AI implementation enhances both student engagement and learning outcomes.
    • Educators benefit from experimenting with AI in their personal lives before classroom implementation.
    • Each AI tool offers distinct features and capabilities for different educational needs.

    Chapters:
    • 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education
    • 05:31 The Role of AI in High School English
    • 10:12 Utilizing AI for Personalized Learning
    • 13:27 Collaboration and AI Among Teachers
    • 16:15 Rolling Out AI in Schools
    • 19:29 Practical Applications of AI in Daily Life
    • 26:11 Exploring AI for Personal Projects
    • 29:37 Final Thoughts on AI in Education

    About our Guest: Stephanie Clinise Stephanie Clinise, M.Ed has been teaching English and Social Studies in all high school grade levels in the greater Philadelphia area for over ten years. She remains an active member of student and staff organizations in her current district, focusing on integrating educational technology and AI platforms. Stephanie works to find the best solutions for teachers, students, and staff within the technology and classroom communities while always maintaining her sense of humor and keeping the joy in education. Links of Interest
    • Website:
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Navigating AI in Education with Dr. Bryan Drost

    Navigating AI in Education with Dr. Bryan Drost
    Aug 11 2025
    In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeff Bradbury sits down with Dr. Bryan Drost, Executive Director for Instructional Innovation in Northeast Ohio. Together, they explore AI's impact on education, how to effectively blend pedagogy with technology, and the challenges of crafting school AI policies. Dr. Drost shares valuable insights from the ISTE and ASCD conferences, highlighting the importance of developing a comprehensive curriculum that integrates digital learning. The conversation also covers practical strategies for supporting teacher technology adoption and standardizing assessment practices across classrooms. Their discussion concludes by examining future educational planning and the crucial role curriculum directors play in shaping effective instructional practices. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
    • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
    • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
    • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

    Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:
    • AI is crucial in modern education and should be integrated thoughtfully.
    • Teachers need to be trained in both pedagogy and technology.
    • Clear frameworks for AI use in classrooms are essential.
    • Policies should evolve based on instructional goals, not just restrictions.
    • AI can enhance assessments but requires careful crafting of questions.
    • Collaboration among teachers is key to successful curriculum development.
    • Professional development should be ongoing and responsive to teacher needs.
    • Resistance to technology often stems from fear of de-skilling.
    • Curriculum directors play a vital role in aligning educational practices.
    • Flexibility in planning allows for innovation and adaptation in teaching.

    Chapters:
    • 00:00 Introduction to Instructional Innovation
    • 02:38 Reflections on the ISTE and ASCD Conference
    • 05:44 The Role of Pedagogy in AI Integration
    • 08:26 Defining AI in Education
    • 11:17 Creating Effective Policies for AI Use
    • 14:14 Staff Development and Technology Integration
    • 17:20 Assessing AI's Impact on Teaching
    • 20:12 Standardizing Assessments Across Classrooms
    • 23:03 Planning for the Future of Education
    • 25:59 Conclusion and Future Directions

    About our Guest: Dr. Bryan R. Drost Dr. Bryan R. Drost is the executive director for Instructional Innovation for a region of northeast Ohio. He is a faculty member at several Ohio colleges and has presented throughout the state and country on various topics related to instruction, assessment, pedagogy, data analysis and technology integration. He is a published Kappan and Educational Leadership author and is currently the Co-Chair of the NCME Classroom Assessment Committee. His current research focus is the...
    Más Menos
    40 m
  • The Science of Engaging Literacy Instruction

    The Science of Engaging Literacy Instruction
    Jul 28 2025
    Welcome to Literacy with Laura, a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this final episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss key topics in literacy education, focusing on intervention strategies, the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model, curriculum recommendations, and engaging instructional practices. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among educators and the need for effective professional development to enhance teaching outcomes. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • Intervention is about accelerating progress for all students.
    • A multi-tiered system of support is essential for literacy.
    • All students should receive instruction during intervention time.
    • Curriculum should align with the goals of instruction.
    • Explicit instructional dialogue aids teacher understanding.
    • Teachers need professional learning to effectively teach reading.
    • Engaging instruction is crucial for student motivation.
    • 30 to 45 minutes is a general guideline for tiered instruction.
    • The 95% group phonics core program is highly recommended.
    • Advocating for comprehensive support is vital for educators.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Literacy with Laura
    • 00:50 Understanding Intervention in Literacy
    • 05:27 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Explained
    • 08:36 Curriculum Recommendations for Literacy
    • 11:20 Engaging Instruction: Making Learning Exciting
    • 15:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators

    About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit:
    Más Menos
    20 m
  • How Mentorship Transforms Education and Leadership featuring Stephen Minix

    How Mentorship Transforms Education and Leadership featuring Stephen Minix
    Jul 23 2025
    In this episode of Digital Learning Today, we dive into the transformative power of mentorship with Stephen Minix, a former educator turned corporate leader. Stephen shares his journey from the classroom to the boardroom, highlighting how mentorship has shaped his path and continues to influence his work at Upmetrics. Discover how mentorship can be a free, yet invaluable resource in both personal and professional realms, and learn how Stephen's experiences with mentors have fueled his passion for giving back. Whether you're an educator, a leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers insights into the profound impact of mentorship on building communities and fostering growth. Tune in to explore how you can harness the power of mentorship in your own life. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
    • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
    • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
    • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

    Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:
    • Mentorship as a Lifelong Resource: Stephen Minix emphasizes that mentorship is a free and endless resource that can significantly impact personal and professional growth.
    • Translating Skills Across Sectors: The skills and experiences gained in education can be effectively translated into the corporate world, highlighting the adaptability and relevance of educators in various sectors.
    • The Power of Storytelling: Combining data with personal stories can create a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences and stakeholders, making it easier to communicate impact and attract support.
    • Building Relationships at Scale: Stephen shares how building a network of quality relationships has been crucial in his journey, providing support and opportunities for collaboration.
    • Inspiration Over Indoctrination: When working with adults, it's essential to inspire rather than dictate, understanding their perspectives and helping them see the value in their contributions.
    • Mentorship Beyond Titles: Mentorship is not limited to formal titles; it can come from anyone with intention and insight, offering guidance and support in various forms.
    • Clarity in Mission and Impact: Organizations should focus on clarity in their mission and the impact they aim to achieve, which can help in attracting funding and support.
    • Personal Reflection and Growth: Stephen reflects on past experiences, emphasizing the importance of using teachable moments to grow and improve as a mentor and leader.

    Chapters:
    • 00:00 Introduction to TeacherCast and Digital Learning Today
    • 01:46
    Más Menos
    46 m
  • How Decodable Texts Transform Early Reading Development

    How Decodable Texts Transform Early Reading Development
    Jul 21 2025
    Welcome to Literacy with Laura, the first in a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart explore key aspects of literacy instruction, focusing on the differences between reading skills and strategies, the importance of oral reading fluency, and effective methods to support English language arts instruction. They also discuss the significance of decodable texts in early reading development and provide practical tips for educators. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • Skills are foundational abilities that children develop through practice.
    • Reading strategies help students engage with text meaningfully.
    • Accuracy in oral reading fluency is crucial for comprehension.
    • Decodable texts support the development of decoding habits.
    • High impact, repeatable routines maximize cognitive energy for learning.
    • Explicit instruction benefits all students, including English learners.
    • Utilizing students' home language can enhance learning.
    • Oral language is a vital scaffold for English learners.
    • Visual aids and graphic organizers support comprehension.
    • Realia provides tangible experiences to enhance vocabulary.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Literacy and Instruction
    • 01:29 Understanding Skills vs. Strategies in Reading
    • 03:26 Oral Reading Fluency: Accuracy and Comprehension
    • 06:10 Supporting English Language Arts Instruction
    • 11:13 The Importance of Decodable Texts

    About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit:
    Más Menos
    19 m
  • Google for Education News and Updates: Gemini – Google Classroom – Vids … Oh My!

    Google for Education News and Updates: Gemini – Google Classroom – Vids … Oh My!
    Jul 16 2025
    Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends. In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury interviews Andrew Caffrey, CEO of Canopy Education, discussing the latest developments in Google education tools, the integration of AI in classrooms, and the launch of Education Magazine. They explore the role of Canopy Education in professional development, the importance of structured training for teachers, and the potential of Google Vids as an educational tool. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to adapt to new technologies while maintaining a focus on effective teaching and learning practices. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
    • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
    • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
    • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

    Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:
    • Canopy Education focuses on training teachers to use technology effectively in classrooms.
    • AI integration in education is evolving, with tools like Gemini being introduced.
    • Professional development should be structured and focused on specific tools or areas.
    • Google Classroom offers various tools to assist teachers in content creation.
    • Education Magazine aims to provide resources specifically for teachers using Google and Canva.
    • Google Vids is now available to all editions of Google, enhancing video use in classrooms.
    • Teachers should not rush to adopt new tools without proper training and understanding.
    • The importance of teaching and learning should guide the use of technology in education.
    • Canopy Education is a community interest company focused on making a difference in education.
    • Feedback from educators is crucial for improving educational tools and resources.

    Chapters:
    • 00:00 Introduction to Canopy Education and ISTE Experience
    • 02:42 Understanding Canopy Education's Role in Professional Development
    • 05:56 Exploring Google Classroom and AI Integration
    • 08:51 The Evolution of AI in Education
    • 11:49 Navigating Google Classroom Features
    • 14:33 Launching Canopy Education Magazine
    • 17:48 Determining Content for Canopy Education Magazine
    • 19:15 Teaching and Learning as a Core Focus
    • 20:32 Selective Adoption of Educational Tools
    • 21:38 Exploring Google Vids for Classroom Use
    • 23:30 Video Evidence in Education
    • 24:53 Integration of Google Tools in Classrooms
    • 25:49 Classroom Management with Google Tools
    • 28:37 Strategizing Instructional Coaching for New Tools
    • 30:06 Professional Development Resources for Educators
    • ...
    Más Menos
    40 m