The Mindset Shift You Need for AI Literacy in 2026

The Mindset Shift You Need for AI Literacy in 2026

Author: Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman January 12, 2026 Duration: 33:10

In this episode of Shifting Schools, hosts Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman discuss their personal experiences over the holidays, leading into a broader conversation about the importance of mindset in education, particularly in relation to AI literacy. They introduce the 'BAKE Framework' as a tool for educators to navigate AI discussions, emphasizing the need for adaptability, empathy, and open communication. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in educational settings, encouraging educators to embrace change and foster a culture of experimentation and learning.

 

Takeaways

The importance of personal gifts and experiences in shaping our perspectives.


Mindset plays a crucial role in how we approach AI in education.


The Bake Framework offers a structured way to think about AI literacy.


Addressing concerns about AI requires empathy and understanding.


Adaptability is key for leaders navigating technological changes.


Misinformation about AI and its impacts must be addressed thoughtfully.


Conversations about AI should focus on perspectives and experiences.


Time is necessary for understanding and shifting opinions on AI.


Playfulness in experimentation can lead to better outcomes.


Educators should foster a culture of open dialogue and consideration. 

Chapters

00:00 New Year Reflections and Personal Gifts
03:07 Mindset and AI in Education
05:47 The Bake Framework for AI Literacy
08:20 Addressing AI Concerns in Education
12:29 Adaptability and Playfulness in Leadership
17:46 Navigating Change and Misinformation
22:31 Conversations and Perspectives on AI

Learn more about Crayola Creativity Week

https://www.crayola.com/learning/creativity-week

Send Jeff and Tricia your questions and feedback:

info@shiftingschools.com

Learn with us in 2026

https://www.shiftingschools.com/

 


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Podcast Episodes
Why the World Has Always Been Weird — and Why That Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:52
Uncle John's All-Knowing Bathroom Reader, Curiosity, and the Weirdness of Human History Brian Boone joins the show to talk about why the world has always been weird—not just now. The conversation ranges from animal histo…
From Super Bowl Champion to Literacy Champion | Malcolm Mitchell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:36
What if readers and writers received the same attention, celebration, and investment as star athletes? In this episode, Tricia speaks with Super Bowl champion, children's author, and literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell ab…
Never Underestimate a Young Reader [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:31
What do young people understand that adults mistakenly believe they have hidden from them? Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson returns to the podcast to discuss Ghost in the Night, her haunting middle-grade novel set…
The Humanoid Robot, the Headlines, and What Really Happened [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:39
When Salamanca City Central School District announced plans to bring a humanoid robot into its robotics program, the story quickly became something else entirely: "A school is replacing teachers with robots." That was ne…
Game Design Could Transform Assessment in the AI Era [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:54
What if students didn't simply complete an assessment—but designed an experience for someone else? In this episode of Shifting Schools, Tricia Friedman pitches Jeff Utecht a new approach to assessment for the AI era: inv…
What will be your anchor for wellness this school year? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:31
The beginning of a school year often arrives with a familiar message: do more, organize more, and somehow become a brand-new person before the first bell rings. This episode offers a different invitation. Instead of atte…
Lisa Gardner on Creativity and Curiosity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:31
What can ELA teachers learn from a bestselling suspense novelist who begins writing without knowing who the villain is? In this episode of Shifting Schools, Tricia Friedman speaks with Lisa Gardner about the habits, ques…
How to Raise a Reader from Birth with Sandra Magsamen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:24
What can a board book offer a baby who cannot yet speak or even hold it independently? Award-winning author, illustrator, and art therapist Sandra Magsamen joins Tricia to discuss Hello, Baby, her new board book created…
Who Gets to Lead? Expanding Student Voice with Rachel Thrash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:15
When schools picture a student leader, they often imagine the confident speaker, the high achiever, or the student who already understands how to succeed within existing systems. But what about the students who are rarel…
How do we teach students to sit with evidence longer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:48
What happens when historical research uncovers a truth you are not sure you want to know? In this episode of Shifting Schools, Tricia speaks with author Christine Kuehn and her husband and research partner, Mark Schiponi…