Podcast
Education Talk Radio
Hosted by EDUCATION TALK RADIO PRE K -20 · EN
The voice of the American Consortium for Equity in Education at ace-ed.org | Host Larry Jacobs facilitates rich discussions with innovative educators, thought leaders, authors and the leaders within the education industry to promote equity, access and opportunity for every student in every school.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Reading Reinvented: A New Era of Literacy Exploration
Dec 400:35:32Tap to summarizeIn this reboot of EDU Talk Radio, host Ellen Ullman welcomes EdTech pioneer Jim Marggraff, CEO of Kabe Learning and inventor behind Leapfrog’s LeapPad and the Livescribe Smartpen. They discuss the current literacy crisis, the science of reading, and how screen-free AI tools are transforming early childhood education.Key Topics:The alarming state of early literacy in the U.S. and why fourth grade is a critical inflection point.The evolution of reading instruction: phonics vs. whole language, and the importance of phonemic awareness.The story behind LeapPad and the development of interactive learning tools.Kabe Learning’s new AI-powered, screen-free reading wand and its impact in classrooms and homes.The role of data, brain science, and adaptive learning in the future of reading.How pilot programs in Florida and New York are helping bridge literacy gaps, especially for multilingual and underserved students.The importance of parental involvement and dialogic reading for comprehension and vocabulary development.The future of early reading: personalized, adaptive, and context-aware learning powered by AI We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →Transformative Principal: Building Futures with Joel Lavin and Jethro Jones
Nov 1900:31:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, originally from Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Joel Lavin, an equity and inclusion administrator in Eugene, Oregon, with 25 years of experience in public education. Joel shares insights into his work supporting high school students with disabilities, focusing on transition services that help students move from school to adulthood. The conversation covers the importance of inclusive practices, unifying specialized programs, and providing real-life experiences through initiatives like CTE (Career Technical Education) and the Future Build program. Joel and Jethro discuss the challenges and successes of integrating students with disabilities into broader educational and extracurricular opportunities, including unified sports and robotics. The episode features personal stories that highlight the impact of these programs on student confidence, independence, and community involvement, emphasizing the value of collaboration among educators to create inclusive environments.Follow Transformative Principal here: https://transformativeprincipal.org We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →A Behind-the-Scenes Look at EdTech Startups with Ross Romano and Karen Dudek-Brannan (De Facto Leaders)
Oct 3001:09:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, originally from De Facto Leaders with Dr. Karen, hear about:✅Business advice that creates ethical dilemmas for companies selling products to school districts.✅Can companies stand for equity without sacrificing product quality and customer service? ✅Who is the true end-user when products are sold to schools?✅When a product isn’t resulting in increased student outcomes, is it really just about the quality of the product? ✅Who is making purchasing decisions for schools, and what matters to them? About the guest:Ross Romano has worked with over 100 companies and nonprofit organizations in the education space and collaborated with countless schools, districts, and educators. Ross is founder of September Strategies, an award-winning consulting firm helping leaders and organizations connect vision to decision through coaching, strategic advisement, and marketing consulting. Ross is also co-founder of the BE Podcast Network, a media company producing 40+ series reaching more than 50,000 educators and parents every month. He is also Strategic Advisor for the American Consortium for Equity in Education and the Founding Program Chair of the Consortium’s Excellence in Equity Awards.Prior to starting September Strategies, Ross was Managing Director of MindRocket Media Group, a K-12 marketing firm. Previously, he was head of communications for ASCD, working closely with the organization’s authors, product developers, administrator members, constituent leaders, and advocacy teams on a diverse array of initiatives. Ross has created and/or hosted dozens of podcast series, written a number of white papers and ebooks, is a contributing editor to Educate AI Magazine, and has been a contributor to Entrepreneur, The Learning Counsel, edCircuit, Access & Equity PreK-12, and more.Ross serves on the advisory boards for Shenandoah University’s Transformative Leadership program and Morning Brew Learning. In 2023, he was listed as a Top 10 leadership coach of the year and was profiled by CIO Views as one of the visionary leaders transforming education.Learn more about the BE Podcast Network here: https://bepodcast.network/Listen to Ross on The Authority Podcast here: https://authoritypodcast.net/Listen to Ross on The Sideline Sessions Podcast here: https://ss.bepodcast.network/people/ross-romanoIn this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsor, Playworks:We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.
Transcribe →Practical AI with Derek Crager - Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk
Oct 800:31:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode, originally from Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk, Jethro Jones interviews Derek "DC" Crager, a passionate advocate for making artificial intelligence accessible, especially for the neurodiverse community. DC shares his personal experiences as an autistic individual and discusses how AI can empower people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia to enhance their skills and independence. The conversation explores the unique challenges neurodiverse individuals face, the importance of supportive AI interfaces, and how technology can provide cognitive equity and a patient, understanding companion. DC also explains his work with Practical AI and AI for Autistics, offering insights into building inclusive tools and communities that help neurodiverse people thrive in education and employment. The episode highlights the transformative potential of AI as both a mentor and a bridge for communication, learning, and self-advocacy.Learn more about the series, Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk by visiting https://avisionforlearning.com Learn more about today's sponsors, IXL and Playworks:IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.Playworks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.
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EdTech Startup Showcase: The Power of "Electronicized" Observation with Jeff McCoy and Ben Gustafson
Oct 400:32:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode, originally from the EdTech Startup Showcase, Ben Gustafson of Classroom Mosaic and Jeff McCoy, associate superintendent for Greenville County Schools in South Carolina, join host Scott Schuette. They discuss:How Greenville "electronicized" observation with Classroom Mosaic Greenville's objective to get more insight into classrooms and transform instructionHelping principals become better instructional leaders and the impact on student achievementExcellent support for new administrators and new coachesHow to use proven frameworks and modify them for local needsHear more about Classroom Mosaic:We help K-12 leaders support, develop, and retain their teachers. For over a decade, we've worked with educators worldwide from districts large (100k students) and small (150 students) to transform instructional practice, guide professional development, and impact student learning.We believe every student deserves a great education. And a great education starts with great teachers supported by great leaders. Learn more: classroommosaic.comtwitter.com/ClassroomMosaic linkedin.com/company/classroommosaic/twitter.com/Ben__Gustafson linkedin.com/in/bengus28/ Learn more about today's sponsors, IXL and Playworks:IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.Playworks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.
Transcribe →Transformative Principal: The Role of Coaching in Dissertation Success with Dr. Jayne Lammers
Oct 300:34:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, originally from Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones talks with Dr. Jayne Lammers, a dissertation coach, about the importance of having systems and support to complete a dissertation. They discuss Dr. Lammers' experience, the role of a dissertation coach, and various strategies such as weekly accountability check-ins, peer exchanges, and 'shut up and write' sessions to help doctoral students succeed.Join DAGGER 🗡️ Doc Student SupportJayne’s interview on TP Episode 592 Weekly Accountability Group Meetings: the momentum generated by showing upShut Up and Write Sessions: the power of social writing sessions (or isolated writing)Setting Goals: making them attainable and humane, not just SMART (and why that matters for doc students, especially)Peer Exchanges: why it’s worth your time to read your peers’ work, even when you feel you have limited time for your ownAbout Jayne LammersDr. Jayne C. Lammers is a former tenured professor and Fulbright U.S. Scholar who has been supporting doctoral students since 2010. She now works as the Director of Learning Design for Edmentum, a K-12 digital learning and assessment provider, but remains connected to academia as a dissertation coach for the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Through Dr. Jayne Consulting Services, she helps researchers thrive by creating systems of accountability that turn the overwhelm into steady progress, and even joy! She’s been developing these systems through her work with academic writers at top U.S. institutions and in Indonesia. Whether someone is a doctoral student navigating the dissertation process or a faculty member stretched too thin, Jayne is there to help. Her approach, affectionately called “lovin’ and shovin’” by a recent student participant, blends compassionate accountability with a no-shame attitude. She meets people where they are and then encourages them to make meaningful progress on their writing, research, goals, and future.At the heart of everything she does is a commitment to making academia a more humane and rewarding experience for everyone involved.Those curious about her scholarship can check it out on ORCiD or Google Scholar.Those interested in what she’s up to professionally can follow her on LinkedIn. Her Curriculum Vitae, current as of May 2025, is also available.
Transcribe →How to Create a Research-Based Executive Functioning Implementation Plan for Your School Team (from the De Facto Leaders Podcast)
Aug 1400:39:25Tap to summarizeToday we're sharing an episode from De Facto Leaders, a popular show on the Be Podcast Network.Ever feel like your school is trying all the “right” strategies—social skills groups, planners, behavior charts—but students still struggle with time management, motivation, and peer relationships?You’re not alone—and there’s a reason why.This episode is a clip from Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan's free training, “Create a Research-Based Implementation Plan for your School Team.”It’s designed for school leaders who want to guide their teams in embedding executive functioning support across both general and special education settings—without burning out staff.This episode is for you if you’re ready to:✔️ Help students truly benefit from academic instruction✔️ Support social-emotional growth alongside learning✔️ Avoid overwhelming your team with another “initiative”This episode is the first half of the training in audio format, but to view the whole training with the video, you can go to drkarendudekbrannan.com/efteams.Listen and subscribe at https://defactoleaders.com
Transcribe →The Learning Bridge: BAFTA Award-Winning Broadcasters Carrie and David Grant
Jul 22, 202500:48:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode, from The Learning Bridge on the Be Podcast Network, host Richard Gerver speaks with BAFTA award-winning broadcasters, legendary music industry veterans, and parents of four children, Carrie and David Grant. Hear about the very different, yet similarly challenging childhoods Carrie and David each navigated. We discuss their journeys into the entertainment industry, as well as the growth of their relationship, and their various roles as singers, presenters, talent show judges, and singing coaches to the stars. We also talk about their family and in particular their four neurodivergent children. Carrie and David discuss what they’ve learnt about their children and how they champion each of them. They also explain what the education system needs to understand about the challenges they and millions of parents like them face. Carrie talks about her own recent diagnosis of being autistic. Subscribe to The Learning Bridge wherever you get your podcasts: https://thelearningbridge.bepodcast.network/subscribe About the hostRichard Gerver is a sought-after speaker, world-renowned thinker, and bestselling author of books including Change and Simple Thinking. His career began in education, first as a teacher and then as a school principal, when he turned the fortunes of a failing school and its pupils around in just two years.Now regarded as one of the world's leading thinkers on human leadership and organisational transformation, Richard has worked with an extraordinary range of people, from elite athletes to former US President Barack Obama. Named UK Business Speaker of the Year three times, Richard has been invited to speak on the world’s most recognised stages, including TED, the RSA and the BBC.Follow Richard on Twitter @richardgerver and on LinkedIn.
Transcribe →De Facto Leaders: The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support
Jul 17, 202500:34:04Tap to summarizeToday we're excited to share an episode from De Facto Leaders, hosted by Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan. Karen announces the release of her new compression course, “The School Leader’s Guide to Executive Functioning Support.” You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/In this session, Karen shares why she created this program, what parents and professionals have shared with her when she talks about executive functioning, and how she approaches educating professionals about this important and relevant topic.Imagine a school where:✅ Students are better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks✅ Teachers spend less time managing behavior and more time on meaningful instruction✅ Academic performance improves across the board✅ Your team feels empowered and supported, rather than overwhelmed by another initiativeIntroducing: The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning SupportAfter years of developing frameworks to support these essential cognitive skills and helping professionals implement them in their own schools, I've created a comprehensive guide specifically for school leaders like you.Listen to De Facto Leaders on the Be Podcast Network: https://defactoleaders.com/The School Leader’s Guide to Executive Functioning Support is a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/
Transcribe →HOW LIVE, ONLINE TEACHERS FULFILL CRITICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSIONS
May 21, 2018Tap to summarizeHOW LIVE, ONLINE TEACHERS FULFILL CRITICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSIONS:Academic service needs grow and districts need even more qualified educators. Find out how East Moriches NY school superintendent Dr. Charles Russo handled the challenge with help from iTutor....iTutor's COO Steve Pines will be joining the conversation. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
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