Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, a speech pathologist and educational consultant, to delve into supporting executive functioning in students who require Tier 2 and 3 interventions. Building on the previous conversation with Mitch Weathers in episode #49, this episode explores how executive functioning challenges impact social, academic, and functional life skills and discusses practical strategies for supporting students beyond the classroom.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding executive functioning as a set of cognitive processes like time perception, self-talk, and future pacing.
• How Tier 1 interventions can support students across all tiers by creating a collaborative, scaffolded environment.
• The importance of visual supports, episodic memory, and modeling self-talk for building executive functioning skills.
• Balancing standardized assessments with dynamic, portfolio-based approaches to better diagnose and support students.
• Strategies for addressing common challenges, like resistance to new tasks, and teaching students to develop self-motivation and planning skills.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan is a speech pathologist with over 14 years of experience in schools. She specializes in supporting related service providers, special education teams, and educators in fostering executive functioning, language, and literacy skills. She is the host of the De Facto Leaders podcast and the creator of resources at Dr. Karen Speech and Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan.

Episode Links:

• Explore resources on executive functioning at Dr. Karen Speech.
• Listen to Dr. Karen’s podcast, De Facto Leaders, at drkarendudekbrannan.com/de-facto-leaders-podcast/
• Sign up for the Executive Functioning training at drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadership
• Download Dr. Karen's Executive Functioning Implementation Guide for School Teams at drkarendudekbrannan.com/efguide

Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer is a former classroom teacher and founder of Banyan Global Learning, specializing in teaching digital, linguistic, and cultural competencies through live, interactive learning experiences. See banyangloballearning.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review and share it with a friend. As always, thank you to our editor, Lucas Salazar.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer kicks off the first in a two-part series on executive functioning by welcoming Mitch Weathers, founder of Organized Binder and author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom. They explore how routines, modeling, and accountability can help students develop critical executive functioning skills in a way that integrates seamlessly into daily classroom life. Mitch also shares practical strategies and insights that teachers can implement immediately, alongside a deeper dive into his program, Organized Binder.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The six key executive functioning skills that empower students: goal setting, work flexing, planning, organizational skills, self-regulation, and accountability.
• How Organized Binder provides a structured routine to model and practice executive functioning daily.
• The role of predictability and repetition in fostering motivation and reducing cognitive load.
• Strategies for integrating time management and goal setting into classroom practices.
• Insights into student accountability and its dual role in teacher-student relationships.
• How routines and clarity can transform classroom culture, supporting all students in developing "student-ness."

Guest Bio: Mitch Weathers is a former high school science teacher and founder of Organized Binder, a program designed to help students develop executive functioning skills through structured classroom routines. He is the author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom and a sought-after trainer and speaker, working with K-12 schools and colleges globally to enhance teaching and learning.

Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning, with live virtual programs that teach digital and cultural competencies. Through Make It Mindful, Seth explores transformative solutions that align teaching with the challenges of the modern world.

Episode Links:

• Learn more about Organized Binder: OrganizedBinder.com
• Mitch’s book: Executive Functions for Every Classroom

Stay tuned for Part Two of this executive functioning series, featuring Karen Dudek-Brannan, who delves into Tier 2 interventions and individualized strategies for student support.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer delves into the intersection of education and technology with guest Rushton Hurley, an education futurist and founder of NextVista.org. Rushton shares his insights on the evolving role of technology in education, particularly focusing on the potential of AI and its impact on teaching and learning.

Key topics discussed include:

• The concept of being an education futurist and the importance of anticipating future trends in education.
• The potential of AI in education, including both the exciting opportunities it presents and the challenges it poses.
• Innovative teaching approaches, such as student-created video projects and service-based learning, that leverage technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
• The importance of mindful adoption of technology, ensuring that it addresses genuine educational needs and enhances the learning experience.
• Practical advice for teachers on incorporating innovative practices in resource-limited environments, emphasizing the value of creativity and problem-solving.

Rushton also shares inspiring stories from his work, such as a project where a student used VR to give elderly individuals new experiences, demonstrating the profound impact of innovative educational approaches. He stresses the importance of exposing students to real-world challenges and solutions to cultivate a mindset of possibility and leadership.

For more insights and to explore Rushton's work, visit NextVista.org and follow his weekly inspiring video series. This episode encourages educators to embrace the potential of technology mindfully and creatively, ultimately aiming to transform the educational landscape.

Subscribe to Make It Mindful for more thought-provoking conversations on keeping education relevant and impactful. Visit makeitmindful.com to learn more about the podcast and upcoming episodes.

About today’s guest: 
Rushton Hurley is an education futurist, founder of NextVista.org, and a director of innovation at Hunipero Serra School. With a background in teaching and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance education, Rushton is dedicated to inspiring educators and students alike.

About the host: 
Seth Fleischauer is an influential educational leader and founder of Banyan Global Learning. Based in the United States, his company offers a range of services, including AI consultation for education, distance learning in character education and English language development, teacher recruitment and training, and curriculum development. With a team of experienced educators, Seth's blends technology, pedagogy, and mindfulness to create impactful learning experiences.

Support the Podcast:
Follow, rate, and review Make It Mindful on your favorite podcast platform. Share the podcast with friends and colleagues to help spread the word. Thank you to our editor, Lucas Salazar, and advisor, Deirdre Marlowe, for their contributions to the show.

Nikole Sheaffer is an artist, mom, writer, educator, and facilitator. She is a key figure at the Environmental Charter School (ECS) in Pittsburgh and the founder of The Thinking Lab.

In this episode, Nikole and Seth talk about:

• Transitioning from corporate sustainability to education
• The concept of teachers as facilitators rather than traditional educators
• Importance of fostering intellectual discomfort and curiosity in students
• Integrating environmental education, systems thinking, and empathy into the curriculum
• Challenges and rewards of innovative educational practices
• Encouraging outdoor learning and community connections
• The future of the teaching profession and the impact of the next generation of educators

Learn more about The Thinking Lab at thethinkinglab.com.

Subscribe to Make It Mindful for more deep-dive interviews with education change-makers. It’s available wherever you get your podcasts.

About today’s guest
Nikole Sheaffer is an innovative educator and facilitator at the Environmental Charter School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a background in environmental studies and corporate sustainability, Nikole brings a unique perspective to education. She has played a pivotal role in developing ECS's curriculum, focusing on outdoor learning, systems thinking, and empathy. Nikole is passionate about reimagining the teaching profession and creating more sustainable and meaningful learning experiences for students.

About your host
Seth Fleischauer is an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for mindful education. As the co-founder and CEO of Banyan Global Learning, Seth brings over two decades of experience in teaching and educational leadership to the podcast. His mission is to explore innovative solutions for keeping schools relevant and impactful. Seth's unique approach combines mindfulness with practical strategies, aiming to foster meaningful change in the educational landscape. Through Make It Mindful, Seth engages with thought leaders and change-makers to uncover transformative practices that can shape the future of education.

In this thought-provoking episode of "Make It Mindful," Seth Fleischauer converses with Chris Giles, an instructional technology coach with a rich background in educational technology. Moving through various roles from a district Canvas administrator to his current position, Chris's journey reflects a deep commitment to enhancing educational experiences through technology. This episode dives into the nuanced application of technology in classrooms, particularly focusing on the mindful integration of digital tools to support and not overshadow traditional teaching methods.

Chris provides an insightful look into his approach of not pushing technology for its own sake but aligning it with the teachers' goals to enrich learning experiences. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what teachers aim to accomplish in their classrooms and how technology can facilitate these goals without becoming a crutch. The discussion explores various technological tools that have proven effective in enhancing educational practices without diluting the essence of personal teaching.

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to exploring the potential and challenges of integrating AI in educational settings. Chris shares practical examples of how AI can serve as an aid to not only streamline administrative tasks like creating rubrics and lesson planning but also in fostering a deeper engagement in learning among students. The dialogue critically examines the reluctance and the slow adoption rate of AI technologies among educators, attributing it to a blend of unfamiliarity with the technology and inherent fears associated with its misuse.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the delicate balance required to integrate technology into education effectively. Chris's experiences and insights offer valuable lessons on leveraging technological tools to enhance but not replace the human elements that form the core of educational experiences. This episode is a must-listen for educators, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of education and technology.

Guest Links:
Chris Giles Twitter: @ohcanadatweet

Tools Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Canvas - The Learning Management System (LMS) used by the district.
2. Canva - A design tool that includes AI features.
3. Adobe Express - A tool for creating visual content.
4. Adobe Firefly - An AI tool by Adobe.
5. WeVideo - A video creation tool.
6. Book Creator - A tool for creating digital books.
7. ChatGPT - An AI tool by OpenAI.
8. Magic School - An AI tool for creating educational content.
9. Google Gemini - A tool for generating questions from YouTube videos.
10. Turnitin - A tool for checking plagiarism and improving student writing.

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of "Make It Mindful," Seth Fleischauer explores transformative education practices with Tierra Crothers, Director at the School of Education, Sacramento County Office of Education. With 25 years of educational experience deeply rooted in family tradition, Tierra shares her journey from classroom teaching to district-level administration. She discusses the impact of her work across various educational roles and highlights the innovative teacher residency program she leads. This program integrates intense, year-long mentorship, allowing new teachers to experience the full cycle of a school year, thereby enhancing their readiness and effectiveness from day one. Tierra's insights into building a sustainable, impactful educational environment through mentorship, community involvement, and strategic teacher preparation provide a roadmap for addressing teacher shortages and improving educational outcomes.

Guest Links:
Statewide Residency Technical Assistance Center and CTC website: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/educator-prep/grant-funded-programs/statewide-technical-assistance-center-grant-program

Sacramento County Office of Education website: https://www.scoe.net/

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of "Make It Mindful," Seth Fleischauer delves into the transformative power of AI in supporting students' mental health. With Lauren Pinto on break, Seth welcomes Brenda Peña and Scott Freschet to discuss the groundbreaking Alongside app. Scott, a co-founder of Alongside and a seasoned EdTech professional, outlines the app's role as a 24/7 mental health tool that offers an AI chatbot named Kiwi. This bot engages students with interactive features such as mood trackers, mindfulness exercises, and instant support for severe mental health issues.

Brenda, as Director of Social Work at Chelsea Public Schools in Massachusetts, shares how Alongside has made mental health resources accessible to students who might shy away from traditional counseling due to stigma or discomfort. This episode explores how Alongside not only supplements existing mental health services by filling gaps but also empowers students by providing immediate, judgment-free support in a format they are comfortable with.

The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI in education, discussing the potential risks and rewards of relying on technology for emotional support. Scott emphasizes the app's design, which encourages real-world application of coping strategies, ensuring that AI is a gateway to human interaction rather than a replacement. This episode offers a critical look at how technology is reshaping the approach to student wellness and educational support.

Guest Links:
Alongside.care

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of "Make It Mindful," Seth Fleischauer converses with Aaron Baughman, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services at Northville Public Schools in Michigan. Aaron delves into his district's progressive integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings, overcoming significant logistical and political challenges to harness AI's potential for personalized and differentiated instruction.

Aaron shares his journey from the initial AI training for educators to implementing student-facing tools like Magic Student and School AI, and details his strategies for fostering broad-based acceptance of AI among educators and parents. He emphasizes the importance of proactive communication and education to combat the skepticism and fear surrounding AI, while showcasing the transformative impacts of AI on teaching methodologies and student engagement.

The discussion also covers the critical role of digital citizenship in the age of AI, ensuring students understand the biases and ethical considerations associated with AI technologies. Aaron’s approach to policy development is cautious yet innovative, aiming to keep pace with the rapid advancements in AI while ensuring student safety and privacy.

This episode provides a deep dive into the practical implications of AI in education, offering valuable insights for educators looking to navigate this new frontier. Aaron's experiences illustrate the potential of AI to not only enhance educational outcomes but also to revolutionize instructional practices by equipping teachers with powerful tools to meet diverse learner needs effectively.

Products Mentioned:

1. Brisk - A tool used for monitoring students' writing processes.
2. Magic Student and School AI - AI tools mentioned as being used for student interactions and lesson management.
3. CuriPod - Another student-facing tool mentioned alongside Magic Student and School AI.
4. Copilot and Gemini - Described as large language models that were accessed in a more private way by the district as enterprise clients.
5. Suno - Used for creating songs, which was mentioned in a specific example of welcoming a new student.
6. Canva Magic Studio - Mentioned in the context of changing how marketing is taught.
7. Co-Pilot - Included in a discussion about using various AI platforms for educational purposes.

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

Welcome to this week's episode of Make It Mindful, where we dive deep into the innovative ways technology is used in education. Seth Fleischauer hosts a compelling conversation with Jed Stefanowicz, an elementary educator turned Director of Digital Learning and Innovation. Jed brings decades of experience to discuss the thoughtful integration of AI in classrooms, emphasizing the human aspect of education technology. Their discussion spans the role of AI in enhancing student engagement, the challenges of maintaining teacher expertise amidst automation, and the balance of technology and traditional teaching methods. Jed's insights on mindfully applying technology serve as a guide for educators aiming to optimize learning while preserving the essential elements of teaching. A truly enlightening exchange for anyone interested in the intersection of education and technology.

Guest Links:
1. Jed Stefanowicz's website: JedPD.com
2. Books by Jed: Beyond the Bulletin Board: Crafting a Culture of Content Creation; Impact to Influence: Pathway Portraits of Risk-Takers, Rule-Breakers, and Changemakers; Aim Toward Digital Learning.

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer chats with Sophie Smith, a recent college graduate who turned a viral TikTok into a thriving ed-tech startup. Sophie shares her journey from scrambling to fill her summer with internships during the pandemic to accidentally attracting hundreds of high schoolers to a leadership program overnight. This surprising turn of events led her to recognize the desperate need for accessible college admissions guidance. Sophie's enterprise now bridges the gap between students and university admissions by linking them with near-peer mentors who are current undergraduates. They discuss the evolving role of AI in education and how her platform maintains a crucial human element in the college preparation process. Sophie emphasizes the importance of starting the college admissions process early and encourages a mindful approach to understanding and navigating the landscape of higher education.

Guest Links:
1. College Contact: https://www.yourcollegecontact.com/
2. Sophie Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-smith273/

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/