Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Author: Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman Language: English Episodes: 100
Ever feel like the conversation around education moves faster than a school day? Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators is here to slow things down just enough for a meaningful dialogue. Hosted by practicing educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, this podcast creates a necessary space for teachers and administrators to dig into the real work of modern teaching. Instead of just theory, you’ll hear from fellow practitioners and thought leaders who are navigating the same challenges you face daily. The discussions move beyond surface-level trends to unpack practical strategies and tools that can be adapted for your own classroom or school. Whether it’s rethinking assessment, integrating technology with purpose, or fostering a more inclusive learning environment, each episode is grounded in the shared goal of improving outcomes for every student. Tuning in feels less like another professional development requirement and more like a candid staff room conversation with colleagues who get it. This is where the abstract ideas about educational change meet the concrete reality of the K-12 world, offering actionable insights for anyone committed to the craft of teaching. Find Shifting Schools wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts for a regular dose of perspective and practical ideas.
Episodes
Special episode: Tricia talks AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:46
This week Shifting Schools is sharing another podcast with you: Women Talkin' 'Bout AI 🎙️ In this episode of Women Talkin' 'Bout AI, host Dr. Kimberly Becker welcomes Tricia Friedman, an all-around educational innovator…
Is taking play seriously the secret to stellar leadership? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
In this conversation, Tricia and Joel Birch explore the transformative power of Lego Serious Play as a facilitation method. Joel shares his background in music and comedy, discussing how these experiences inform his appr…
Changing perceptions of manufacturing in schools [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:33
In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and John Gardner discuss the critical role of manufacturing in the American economy and the importance of education in preparing students for careers in this field. Gardner emphasizes th…
Help all learners bring more creativity into 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:44
Creativity is essential. On the show this week we loved learning with Crayola's Cheri Sterman. Cheri is here to tell us all about the power of the upcoming Crayola Creativity Week. Educators and families can register fre…
What we can learn from Outlier schools [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
Erich Bolz is deeply versed in the field-tested Powerless to Powerful transformation frameworks developed by Gonzaga University professors Chuck Salina and Suzann Girtz which, when implemented with fidelity, are proven t…
The potential of AI for multilingual learners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:06
In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and Professor Brent Warner explore the intersection of AI and education, particularly focusing on multilingual learners. They discuss how AI can empower students to take control of their…
A New Era in MTSS with AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:23
In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Jose, founder and CEO of Neulight, about the transformative potential of AI in education. They discuss IntelliTier, which enhances the Multi-Tiered System of Su…
Asking better questions about what is possible with AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:51
In this conversation, Tricia and Laura discuss the intersection of ableism, artificial intelligence, and education. They explore how AI can serve as an assistive device to enhance access and equity, particularly in educa…
What can we learn about AI from an archivist? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:43
Reed Hepler discusses the changing role of archival work in the era of generative AI. He explains that while some may think archives and AI are incompatible, there are actually many ways in which AI can be useful in arch…
Understanding the potential uses for AI as an assistive technology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:51
In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Goodall, a leading expert on the social applications of assistive technologies. Fiona helps us understanding how emerging technologies, particularly AI, can benefit neurodivergent…