Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning

In this episode, Seth speaks with Valérie Besanceney, an international educator, author, former Executive Director of Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN), and current International Advisor on Transitions, Care, and Mobility Services for the Council of International Schools (CIS). Her work focuses on helping globally mobile students—and the educators and institutions that support them—navigate transitions with clarity, care, and a grounded sense of belonging.

The conversation traces Valérie’s journey as a third culture kid, her early ease with adapting to new environments, and the later reckoning with identity, rootlessness, and belonging that many cross-cultural students eventually face. She describes how those experiences shaped her writing, her consulting practice Roots with Boots, and her broader mission to ensure schools understand that belonging is not a destination but a lifelong practice.

Together, Seth and Valérie explore:

• Identity formation as a prerequisite for genuine belonging
• The distinction between belonging and fitting in, and why the latter often demands self-abandonment
• How cross-cultural mobility affects learning, confidence, and relationships
• Why help-seeking is an essential skill for all students—not only those who move between countries
• The systems-level work required for schools to create coherent, sustainable transitions-care programs
• The role of teachers, counselors, admissions teams, parents, and students in building cultures of care
• How intentional schoolwide practices can transform mobility from an isolating experience into one that strengthens self-knowledge and global competence

Valérie also discusses her children’s book B at Home: Emma Moves Again and the companion My Moving Booklet, both designed to help young people name emotions, anticipate challenges, and talk openly with adults during relocation. Her core message: even in difficult transitions, you are not alone, and conversation—grounded in honesty and curiosity—is a powerful tool for resilience.

A brief lightning round touches on linguistics in the age of AI, books that challenge us to seek out differing perspectives, and the value of connection during personal hardship.

Books Mentioned

• Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David Pollock, Michael Pollock, & Ruth Van Reken
• Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World by Scott Shigeoka
• Belonging by Owen Eastwood
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Guest Links

• Valérie’s work: https://rootswithboots.com

In this short follow-up episode, Seth revisits a moment from his recent conversation with Karle Delo about student use of AI. While recording that episode, Karle mentioned catching a student actively using AI to cheat on math homework during her workshop—an anecdote that raised a question Seth forgot to ask in the moment: When she paused the workshop and asked students why any of this matters, what did they actually say?

So Seth reached out afterward. Karle shared her students’ answers, and Seth decided to run his own tiny, completely unscientific survey by asking kids in his own life—from Gen Alpha to teenagers—how they think about AI, what they use it for, and what worries them. The result is a  snapshot of how young people are forming their early beliefs, habits, and anxieties around AI long before adults have caught up.

This episode explores what Karle's students said, what Seth’s informal sample revealed, and what this all means for parents and educators who want to help kids build a healthy relationship with AI rather than default to avoidance, fear, or unchecked dependence.

What Karle's Students Said

• AI will shape future careers. Students are hearing this in school—even if they can’t yet articulate the implications.
• Misuse leads to trouble. Kids associate AI with academic integrity issues, even if some (like a student Seth heard from) think, “My work is handwritten, so it doesn’t matter.”
• AI is a tool they’ll need later. This was the strongest theme, echoed repeatedly by Seth’s sample of students.
• AI can help, but overuse can stunt learning. Only one student in Seth’s survey—his daughter—expressed this strongly, with a visceral “this feels wrong” reaction.
• It’s advancing fast, and kids know it. Students feel the need to “keep up,” even if that feeling comes more from cultural osmosis than formal instruction.

What Seth Heard from Kids in His Life

Kids are already using AI in highly practical ways:

• A 10-year-old using AI to analyze a story draft, choosing which feedback to accept or reject.
• A student generating quizzes to help study.
• Another using it for creative programming.
• A teen redesigning his bedroom with his mom using AI for visualization.

They’re also experimenting:

• One student making joke assignments with a deepfaked LeBron James.
• Another generating an image of himself with exaggerated features “for fun.”

But beneath the experimentation sits a surprising emotional and moral range:

• Environmental concerns. Kids who care about climate see AI’s energy use and question whether it’s worth it.
• Moral boundaries. A young musician is troubled by AI systems that can copy an artist’s voice or style without permission.
• Therapeutic utility. A student with AuDHD uses character.ai to safely practice social interactions—while simultaneously feeling uneasy about the technology’s footprint.

The contrast between moral discomfort and personal utility appears again and again.

The Most Consistent Theme: Parents Aren’t Talking About AI.

The answer Seth heard most often: “We haven't talked about it at home.”

This silence leaves kids without guidance and leaves adults unable to speak from experience when young people ask for support.

Seth argues that adults don’t need to love AI—but they do need to engage with it enough to understand their own stance. Otherwise, conversations about learning, opportunity, ethics, creativity, and risk happen without them.

What’s Coming Up on Make It Mindful

• Valerie Besonceney on cultural competency and the complexities of student transitions—especially in international school contexts.
• Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan returns for a new conversation about executive functioning, following one of the podcast’s most popular episodes.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Karle Delo, AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual and one of EdTech Magazine’s Top 30 IT Influencers to Follow in 2023, for a deeply practical conversation about how students actually use AI.

With 14 years of experience as a science teacher, tech integration specialist, and curriculum director, Karle brings a grounded, student-centered perspective to AI literacy—one shaped by direct conversations with learners, classroom observations, and her work helping publish Michigan Virtual’s Student Guide to AI.

Together, Seth and Karle explore what real AI literacy looks like in classrooms: how students are experimenting, where they’re already sophisticated, and what teachers need to know to prevent cognitive bypass while building authentic agency. The episode highlights the role of intentionality, the power of desirable difficulty, and why students must be positioned as co-designers and leaders in shaping the future of AI in education.

Key Topics Discussed

• How students actually experience AI
  Why the most insightful conversations about AI often come from learners—not adults.
• Intentionality and the habit of noticing
  Practical strategies for helping students recognize where AI shows up in daily life—especially in the places they least expect.
• Preventing cognitive bypass
  What students lose when AI removes the “desirable difficulty” essential for learning, and how AI can serve as a coach rather than a shortcut.
• The gym metaphor for AI use
  Why relying on AI to “lift the weights for you” undermines learning—and how to shift toward AI as a trainer, not a replacement.
• Sophisticated student use cases
  From quizzing themselves to vibe-coding entire debate-coaching tools, students are using AI in ways many adults have never considered.
• AI literacy, privacy, and data awareness
  Plain-language guidance for students: what’s safe to type, what’s never okay, and how platforms infer far more than we think.
• Maintaining human relationships at the center of learning
  Why AI feedback is powerful only when paired with teacher guidance, identity development, and student voice.
• Creativity, boundaries, and student agency
  How formulaic assignments—not AI—may be what stifles creativity, and why students must help shape the norms around healthy AI use.

Guest Bio

Karle Delo is an AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual with over 14 years of experience in public education. A former science teacher, technology integration specialist, and curriculum director, Carly was recognized by EdTech Magazine as a Top 30 IT Influencer to Follow in 2023. She recently helped publish Michigan Virtual’s Student Guide to AI and leads statewide work on AI literacy, student voice, and practical implementation strategies for schools. She shares resources and insights at @CoachKarle on social platforms.

Host Bio

Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning and a former classroom teacher with extensive experience in global education, digital literacy, and live virtual teaching. He hosts Make It Mindful and Why Distance Learning?, where he explores how emerging technologies and human connection shape modern learning.

Episode Links

• Michigan Virtual AI Hub: https://michiganvirtual.org/ai

• Michigan Virtual Student Guide to AI: https://michiganvirtual.org/ai/students

• TheySeeYourPhotos.com - website where you can see what information AI can glean about you just from a photograph.

• Follow Carly: @CoachKarle on all platforms

In this special bonus episode, host Seth Fleischauer unpacks a surprising insight from his recent conversation with Dr. Chandler Chang of Therapy Lab: an AI “scribe” that listens to therapy sessions and supports teens between appointments. Yes, it raises privacy flags. Yes, it feels futuristic. But if we can suspend disbelief and concerns for a moment, the implications could be huge.

Seth explores how this same model could transform coaching, advising, and teaching:
- What if an advisor’s best insights were available to students 24/7?
- What if overloaded professors or mentor teachers could extend their presence through a trained AI assistant?
- What if PLCs, leadership groups, or even families could capture their collective wisdom and make it accessible on demand?

He even shares a deeply personal experiment—training an AI on years of emails from his late father to approximate his voice when he needed advice.

This episode wrestles with the big tension: Are AI tools expanding our humanity, or eroding it? Helping us connect, or helping us avoid connection?

And it sets the stage for the next full conversation with Karle Delo, who brings a ground-level look at how students are actually using AI in classrooms today.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes back to the podcast Dr. Chandler Chang—clinical psychologist, child and adolescent specialist, and founder of Therapy Lab—to explore how young people are navigating mental health, technology, and growing up in an always-on world. With a practice built around time-limited, evidence-based therapy plans (sometimes called “bite-sized therapy”), Chandler shares why shorter, structured interventions can open doors for people who might otherwise avoid or disengage from traditional therapy.

The episode offers a grounded, human perspective on how therapy, technology, and education overlap—and how mindful design can keep young people at the center.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why “bite-sized therapy” works for many people and how brief interventions are backed by research
• What the rise of “cringe” reveals about self-reflection, social anxiety, and cognitive biases
• How discomfort and exposure can build adolescent resilience
• The emotional load teachers carry and the role of boundaries in creating safety
• Inside Therapy Lab’s new AI companion: scribing sessions, personalized reminders, and closed-loop privacy
• Hallucinations, safety escalations, and keeping AI therapeutically grounded
• Anthropomorphizing AI: risks, developmental considerations, and responsible use with teens
• How teens experience online vs. offline communication—and why emotional check-ins matter
• Short-form media, dopamine, and helping young people recognize their own internal states

Guest Bio

Dr. Chandler Chang is a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent mental health and the founder of Therapy Lab, a practice built around time-limited, evidence-based therapeutic plans. She leads a team integrating clinically-trained AI companions into therapy to expand access, enhance continuity of care, and support teens between sessions. Chandler holds advanced training in brief interventions and is committed to helping families navigate the intersection of mental health and modern technology.

Host Bio

Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education organization delivering experiential and distance learning programs that build global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth explores how mindful innovation—across psychology, technology, and global learning—can strengthen education systems and support the wellbeing of young people.

Episode Links

Therapy Lab — therapylab.com
Email Chandler — chandler@therapylab.com
Contact Therapy Lab — info@therapylab.com

In this rewind episode of Make It Mindful, we revisit one of our most popular episodes. Host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, a speech pathologist and educational consultant, to delve into supporting executive functioning. 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.

Dr. Karen will be returning to the show in a few episodes. If you'd like specific topics covered in that episode, please DM host Seth Fleischauer on LinkedIn.

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 the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education company delivering experiential learning that builds global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth is passionate about exploring how global learning and mindful innovation can transform education.

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 welcomes Greg Kessler, Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University, to explore the evolving intersection of language education, technology, and cultural context. Drawing on more than two decades of international consulting—with the U.S. Department of State among many partners, alongside universities, ministries of education, and NGOs worldwide—Greg shares how teachers can integrate new tools without losing the human and cultural heart of learning.

They trace the evolution of educational technology—from pre-internet classrooms and early chatbots like ELIZA to today’s AI-driven tools—revealing how innovation often cycles back with new accessibility and scale. The conversation centers on teacher and learner autonomy, authentic technology use, and how educators worldwide can adapt tools to fit their cultural contexts. Greg’s reflections highlight a timeless principle: technology should amplify learning, not replace it.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The early roots of AI in language education and what’s truly new about today’s tools
• How to identify technology that adds authentic value versus “digital noise”
• Using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for meaningful language practice
• Teacher and learner autonomy across different cultural settings
• Avoiding “cognitive bypass” when using AI in EFL and language learning
• The promise of virtual and augmented reality for global collaboration
• Innovation as a mindset: turning educational challenges into opportunities

Guest Bio:
Greg Kessler is Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University. He has worked with educators across more than 40 countries to promote meaningful technology integration in English language teaching. His research focuses on teacher autonomy, AI, and the evolution of computer-assisted language learning.

Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education company delivering experiential learning that builds global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth is passionate about exploring how global learning and mindful innovation can transform education.

Episode Links:

• Greg Kessler on LinkedIn

• Greg Kessler’s Google Site

• Our Next Reality: How the AI-powered Metaverse Will Reshape the World by Alvin Wang Graylin and Louis Rosenberg

Guest: Chris Brida, District Administrator, Career & Technical Education (CTE), Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate at Portland (OR) Public Schools. 

A returning guest, Chris is building systems-level, boundary-spanning partnerships that tie K–12 CTE to real pathways in higher ed, industry, and community—while bringing AI into both the classroom and the collaboration process.

Episode Summary:
CTE isn’t “shop class” anymore. Chris Brida returns to map how AI is reshaping CTE on two fronts: AI in CTE (a cross-cutting skill every pathway needs) and AI for CTE (a co-pilot for partnership design and management). He explains “boundary spanning leadership”—innovation that happens in the gray space between systems—and shows it in action through the Albina D-Lab, a seven-year pipeline linking Portland Public Schools and Portland State Engineering to community partners serving Black student excellence. We also dig into student aptitudes, why literacy looks different in CTE (think schematics and blueprints), and why deeper, interdisciplinary learning is the antidote to anxiety about a fast-changing world.

Key Topics:

• AI in CTE vs. AI for CTE—and why both matter now
• Boundary spanning leadership as a template for real partnerships
• The Albina D-Lab: a systems-level model for equity and engineering pathways
• Student aptitudes, durable skills, and invention education
• Deeper learning and the end of siloed “90 minutes of math”

Resources Mentioned:

• Advance CTE (national career clusters; AI as cross-cutting)
• Oregon Clean Energy Workforce Coalition (statewide clean energy pathway)
• Albina Vision Trust
• Portland State University — College of Engineering
• MESA (engineering, human-centered design)
• The Lemelson Foundation (invention education)
• PPS Center for Black Student Excellence

Connect with Chris Brida:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Banyan Global Learning:

• banyangloballearning.com

 If this conversation sparked a new way of thinking, share it with a colleague or leave a review—more educators will find what’s possible when learning goes global.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes back Aaron Baughman—AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual—to explore what’s changed in K–12 AI and what’s working in real classrooms. With clear, passionate urgency, Aaron makes the equity-centered case that AI can fix what’s broken in K-12 schools—if we do it right: use tools and policies that protect students, empower teachers, and unlock truly personalized, student-paced learning.

Key Topics Discussed

• Equity First: Why AI can level the playing field for under-resourced schools if implemented thoughtfully.
• Personalized, Student-Paced Learning: Moving beyond static lesson plans to interest-aligned tasks and dynamic scaffolds.
• Cognitive Bypass, Prevented: Designing AI-supported tasks that keep students thinking, drafting, revising, and reflecting.
• Data Into Action: Turning chat logs and interactions into real-time grouping, targeted re-teaching, and MTSS support.
• New Classroom Capabilities: Safe simulations (e.g., CTE scenarios) that create high-feedback, low-risk practice.
• Policies That Enable Innovation: Keep board policy nimble; set local procedures; vet vendors; minimize data.
• PD That Sticks: Building teacher capacity from AI-curious to AI-confident with practical, classroom-first coaching.
• Digital Citizenship 2.0: Teaching skepticism and verification in the era of deepfakes and multimodal AI.

Guest Bio

Aaron Baughman is AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual. On loan from his position as Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services at Northville Public Schools, he now supports districts statewide in implementing safe, effective AI practices that center equity, privacy, and pedagogy.

Host Bio

Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global, digital, and cultural competencies in education. Through live virtual programs and thought leadership, he helps students and educators explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems.

Episode Links

• Michigan Virtual AI Lab (educator, student/parent, and admin guides)
• Tools Mentioned: SchoolAI, Brisk Teaching, Curipod, Snorkl
• Previous Conversation with Aaron (earlier Make It Mindful episode)
• Conversation with Aaron's colleague on Seth's other podcast, Why Distance Learning?: #63 The Human Side of Systems Change with Dr. Tovah Sheldon 

Host Links

• Banyan Global Learning — meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes back to the podcast Dr. Trevor Soponis—educator, researcher, and founder of the Sustainable Learning Projects—to explore how to make professional development more impactful for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Drawing on years of observation and coaching across continents, Trevor shares how he helps teachers in Taiwan increase student speaking opportunities while balancing progressive and traditional approaches. The conversation highlights what sustainable teacher support looks like in cross-cultural contexts and why teacher-driven strategies create lasting change.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Trevor’s classroom observations in Taiwan reshaped assumptions about classroom management and student readiness to learn
• Why teachers often overestimate student talk time—and strategies to shift the balance toward more student speaking
• The cultural contrasts between U.S. progressive pedagogy and traditional Asian classroom norms
• Using structured professional development to surface teacher-driven strategies, including deeper explorations of “turn and talk”
• Practical tools like whiteboards, open-ended questions, and accountability systems that foster authentic language use
• The power of the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle for teacher-led continuous improvement
• Lessons learned about providing hybrid and remote coaching support across time zones
• Why sustainable teacher coaching is a “hill to die on” for Trevor, and how it combats burnout and turnover

Guest Bio:
Dr. Trevor Soponis is an educator, researcher, and founder of the Sustainable Learning Projects. With a background spanning classroom teaching, university partnerships, and district-level leadership, Trevor now supports schools around the world with professional learning that is teacher-centered, sustainable, and transformative. He is a longtime collaborator with Banyan Global Learning, supporting teachers both in-person and remotely. Trevor is most active on LinkedIn.
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Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global, digital, and cultural competencies in education. Through live virtual programs and thought leadership, he helps students and educators explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems.

Episode Links:

• Sustainable Learning Projects
• Previous episode with Dr. Trevor Soponis (Episode 13 of Make It Mindful)

Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer takes us on the origin story of Learning Live—his scrappy, video-conferencing English program that began in 2007 with one camera and 42 fifth-graders in Taipei. Through candid student testimonials (from reporting on Ukraine news to college-application interviews) and Seth’s own memories of adapting progressive pedagogy to a Taiwanese context, we explore how this live virtual learning program evolved from a novel experiment into a model of cultural fluency, confidence, and connection that’s now reached over 5,000 students on three continents.

Key Themes

• From Drill to Dialogue: How shifting away from grammar drills toward real-world communication transformed English learning.
• Context and Courage: Student stories of stepping out of comfort zones—using English to cover international news, interview professors, and tackle college applications.
• Blended Beginnings: The humble roots of Learning Live—borrowing teleconferencing gear after teaching in New York and pitching a bridge-across-the-world model to Tsai Hsing School in Taipei.
• Cultural Adaptation: Lessons in moving slowly, celebrating mistakes, and balancing collectivist expectations with a global mindset.
• Authentic Connection: Why imperfect, “messy” live virtual field trips—from Starbucks lines in L.A. to Christmas traditions—became powerful windows into everyday life around the world.
• Enduring Impact: How graduates carry forward confidence, critical thinking, and cultural fluency long after their time with the program ends.

Student Voices

• “Because of this program, I had the courage to jump out of my comfort zone.”
• “Learning Live felt like a break from regular class—it was unforgettable.”
• “I use English now to report on international events and interview people for college applications.”
• “Those field trips—when the video shook or the audio crackled—it felt real, and that authenticity taught me more than any textbook.”

Host & Guest Bios
- Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and the architect of Learning Live. After experimenting with contextualized English lessons in Taipei, he pioneered daily, live virtual classes that blend quality pedagogy with cross-cultural exchange. Over 17 years, his program has helped thousands of students build language skills, confidence, and global citizenship.

- Featured Alumni include:

• Jasper, current Boston University finance student
• Alicia, reporter at Taiwan’s news station
• Emily, Ariel, and Ian - 12th graders at Tsai Hsing High School

Episode Links

• Banyan Global Learning: https://www.banyangloballearning.com
• Learn more about Learning Live: https://banyangloballearning.com/learning-live-2/

How can schools use AI thoughtfully to help educators reclaim time, reduce burnout, and stay focused on teaching?

In this condensed episode of Make It Mindful, EdTech expert Lindy Hockenbary joins us to unpack what practical, human-first AI-powered professional development really looks like for teachers today. We dig into:

• Where AI makes the biggest difference (and where it doesn’t)
• How to help teachers start using AI without adding overwhelm
• Why mindful, teacher-first PD matters now more than ever

👉 Want to bring AI into your school with confidence and clarity?
Download our free AI PD Starter Kit — a quick-start guide to help educators use AI as a tool to enhance learning.

📥 Download the Starter Kit

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Chris O’Shaughnessy, international speaker, author, and advocate for third culture kids (TCKs) - children who grow up in a culture different from their parents’ or passport country and who often attend international schools. The episode explores how the TCK experience is becoming increasingly relevant for students everywhere. Chris and Seth discuss how growing up with multiple cultural inputs and frequent transitions shapes identity, empathy, conflict resolution, and resilience—and why these same themes are essential in today’s rapidly changing world. The episode highlights how we can build the small “weights” of resilience into classrooms and homes, helping students better navigate discomfort, conflict, and complexity.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What defines a third culture kid and why their experiences matter beyond international schools
• Identity formation and the challenge of answering “Where are you from?” in a globalized world
• How relational resilience is undermined by both transience and technology
• The cost of avoidance and the rise of “relationship disposability”
• Why adaptability is a critical life skill and how to help students build it
• The need for intentional inefficiencies to build resilience in the age of convenience
• How rethinking culture as a non-zero-sum game creates more compassionate global citizens

Guest Bio:
Chris O’Shaughnessy is a speaker, author, and passionate advocate for international and third culture kid communities. With a background in both performance and global education, Chris brings humor and insight to topics like identity, cross-cultural communication, and resilience. He has worked with international schools, diplomatic organizations, and corporate groups around the world.

Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global, digital, and cultural competencies in education. Through live virtual programs and thought leadership, he helps students and educators explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems.

Episode Links:

• Chris O’s website: www.chris-o.com
• Chris’s podcast Diesel & Clooney Unpack the World
• Book: Arrivals, Departures, and the Adventures In-Between by Chris O’Shaughnessy

Host Links:

Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Chris Brida, district administrator at Portland Public Schools, to explore how career and technical education (CTE) can transform K-12 learning. They discuss the urgent need for public-private partnerships and the role of cross-functional teams in driving educational systems change. The episode highlights how aligning education with workforce needs can empower students with durable, transferable skills—without sacrificing choice or creativity.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The evolution of CTE: from vocational stigma to future-ready pathways
• Why CTE must start before high school: awareness, exploration, and preparation
• Building public-private partnerships to align K-12 with workforce needs
• How to design systems that are nimble, sustainable, and equitable
• The power of cross-functional teams to solve educational problems
• Why K-12 must stop working in isolation—and what happens when it doesn't
• How bringing in outside expertise can solve internal challenges (like teacher burnout)

Guest Bio:
Chris Brida is a district administrator for Portland Public Schools, overseeing Career and Technical Education (CTE), Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. He is also a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky, where his research focuses on the role of public-private partnerships in education systems change.

Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global education. He leads conversations with forward-thinking educators who are shaping the future of learning by connecting people, cultures, and systems.

Episode Links:

• Connect with Chris Brida on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Portland Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education programs

Host Links:

Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Chris Balme, educator, author, and founder of Hakuba International School and Millennium School, to explore how middle school can be redesigned to better support adolescent development. They discuss how current structures often fail kids during this crucial time—and how identity, social belonging, and real-world engagement can drive meaningful transformation. The episode highlights the importance of brave spaces, authentic adult role models, and trusting students to lead.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why middle school “doesn’t have to suck”—and how to redesign it
• Three developmental drivers in early adolescence: identity, social belonging, and contribution
• The role of advisory in creating safe and brave spaces for meaning-making
• How weird (authentic) adults help model real growth for students
• The power of apprenticeships and real-world learning experiences
• Navigating cultural authenticity in American and Japanese school contexts
• How distance learning can level access to global ideas and connections

Guest Bio:
Chris Balme is an internationally recognized educator, school founder, and author of Finding the Magic in Middle School. He founded Millennium School in San Francisco and Hakuba International School in Japan, both designed around the developmental needs of adolescents. Chris is also the creator of Spark, a nonprofit that has facilitated over 17,000 apprenticeships for middle schoolers. His newsletter, Growing Wiser, shares ongoing insights on adolescent learning.

Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for teaching digital and cultural competencies through a global lens.

Episode Links:

• Chris Balme’s book: Finding the Magic in Middle School – https://www.findingthemagicinmiddleschool.com
• Growing Wiser Newsletter – https://chrisbalme.substack.com
• Hakuba International School – https://www.hakuba-is.jp
• Millennium School – https://millenniumschool.org

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Dr. Hayley Watson, clinical psychologist and founder of Open Parachute, to explore how schools can meaningfully address student mental health without overburdening teachers. They unpack the developmental science behind peer-based mental health education and discuss how a preventative, skill-based approach can empower both students and educators.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why traditional therapy alone can’t meet the scale of the youth mental health crisis.
• How peer-driven, documentary-style lessons create authentic, relatable entry points for mental health discussions.
• The power of practicing emotional regulation, communication, and critical thinking in a classroom setting.
• Why teachers don’t need to be mental health experts to facilitate meaningful conversations.
• The developmental need for adolescents to learn from peers rather than adult authority figures.
• How Open Parachute equips educators with ready-to-use, non-clinical mental health lessons.
• What happens when we avoid the “can of worms” — and why we must open it with care and structure.
• Building a culture of self-reflection in schools to shape future generations of emotionally aware adults.

Guest Bio: Dr. Hayley Watson is a clinical psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health and the founder of Open Parachute. Her organization provides documentary-based mental health education programs for schools globally, helping students build emotional resilience and social-emotional skills through authentic peer storytelling.

Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global competence, digital literacy, and education reform. As a former classroom teacher, he brings deep experience and thoughtful insight to conversations that bridge practice and possibility in today’s schools.

Episode Links:

• Try Open Parachute for free: https://openparachuteschools.com
• Connect with Hayley on LinkedIn: Dr. Hayley Watson

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Steve Ventura, educator, author, and founder of the Achievement Teams model. They explore how reflective teaching, collective efficacy, and purposeful collaboration can transform both teacher culture and student outcomes.

Ventura shares why traditional PLCs often fall short—and how his framework, rooted in evidence and emotional intelligence, gives teachers the tools to improve practice without fear. The conversation highlights the emotional challenges of teacher self-assessment, the power of root cause analysis, and the global applications of culturally responsive collaboration.

Pain Point: Teachers are expected to constantly improve—but often lack the time, structure, and emotional safety to do so effectively.

Solution: Achievement Teams provide a collaborative framework that supports honest reflection, shared responsibility, and mid-course corrections grounded in student data—not blame.

Action: Start small. Identify one meaningful learning target, build a short-cycle assessment, and focus on what you can control. From there, build trust and clarity within your team before scaling up.

Episode Links:

• Steve Ventura’s Website
• Achievement Teams book on Amazon

Host Links:

Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Many educators assume online education is inherently inferior to in-person learning—especially when it comes to student agency, academic rigor, and building a real sense of community. Teachers worry students will fall behind, become socially isolated, or struggle to self-motivate in virtual settings.

Heather Rhodes, founder of Highgrove Education and former leader of Harrow School Online, proves otherwise. Her students consistently outperform their in-person peers while becoming confident, globally-minded adults. In this episode, Heather shares the key structures behind that success:

• Flipped learning models that promote deeper understanding.

• Cultural collaboration and rituals that foster true connection.

• Executive functioning skill-building baked into the curriculum.

• A values-based culture of shared academic goals and high expectations.

Listen in to learn how online educators—and brick-and-mortar schools too—can build learner autonomy, nurture global citizenship, and deliver world-class academic outcomes. Plus, Heather shares how conflict transformation, small-group work, and personalized coaching create a safe and rigorous environment where students thrive.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How to build community in an international online school

• Fostering learner autonomy and executive functioning

• The flipped classroom model done right

• Turning cultural differences into shared values

• Why online learning might actually reduce social conflict

• What kind of adults online education can uniquely produce

Guest Bio:

Heather Rhodes is the founder of Highgrove Education and the former leader of Harrow School Online. With over a decade of experience at the forefront of online international education, she’s known for designing high-impact models that combine academic excellence with global citizenship.

Host Bio:

Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Episode Links:

1. Highgrove Education
2. Highgrove Speaker Series – A public-facing program of expert-led talks that anyone can attend, not just enrolled students.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Miles Madison, an expert in literacy, SEL, and character education, to tackle a universal teacher struggle: the feeling of never having enough time.

Pain Point:

Teachers everywhere say, “There’s just not enough time.” But what if the issue isn’t time itself, but how it’s structured, prioritized, and used? Too many educators are caught in cycles of inefficiency—over-planning, managing classroom disruptions, or doing tasks for students that could be built into routines. Without strong organizational systems, clear routines, and structured collaboration, learning time gets lost.

Solution:

Miles introduces a three-pillar framework that reclaims time without sacrificing engagement:

1. Organizational Management – Optimize classroom space and daily schedules for smoother transitions and fewer distractions.

2. Routines & Rituals – Automate repetitive tasks so students can self-manage, freeing teachers to focus on deeper instruction.

3. Collaborative Learning – Teach explicit teamwork skills to reduce student dependence on teacher intervention.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Instead of saying “I don’t have time,” ask: “What am I prioritizing?”

• Invest time upfront in systems and routines that save time later.

• Recognize that SEL, literacy, and global learning aren’t “extras”—they integrate naturally when systems are in place.

Episode Links:

• EffectiveClassrooms.org

• Erin Kent Consulting: https://erinkentconsulting.com/

Host Links:

• Follow Make It Mindful for more episodes.

• Learn more about global learning with Banyan Global Learning.

If you’re ready to take back control of your teaching time, this episode is packed with practical, real-world strategies you can apply today!

Bridging AI & Education: Insights from a Live Panel Discussion

This week on Make It Mindful, we’re bringing you a special crossover episode with AI Portland, diving into one of the most pressing conversations in education today: How should AI be integrated into teaching and learning?

At a packed AI Portland event, host Seth Fleischauer moderated a panel featuring four educators with diverse perspectives on AI, from deep skepticism to full adoption. This episode captures the key insights, tensions, and takeaways from that conversation—plus reflections on what made this event such a must-attend moment for the education and AI communities.

👉 The Big Debate: Is AI a threat to foundational learning, or a tool for building student agency?

🎧 Inside this special episode:

✅ Why educators are grappling with AI’s role in critical thinking, ethics, and skill-building

✅ How different schools are approaching AI policy—from cautious restriction to full integration

✅ The tension between AI’s potential for equity vs. its environmental and ethical concerns

✅ What last night’s event revealed about the urgency and passion behind this conversation

Sharing the conversation with Seth are the founders of AI Portland, Nicole Mors and Megan Notarte.

🔥 Panelists discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Isabelle Boleyn (Associate Professor) – Highlights the risks of AI, from bias to environmental impact

• John Down (University of Portland Professor) – Predicts AI will radically transform education in the next five years

• Chris Brita (Portland Public Schools CTE, AP & IB Leader) – Advocates for AI as a tool for equity and access

• Marty Sampson (High School English Teacher) – Shares a pragmatic approach to AI policies in the classroom

Why this episode matters:

“You don’t have to love AI. But you do need to engage with it—because your students already are.” – Eric Hudson

This conversation makes one thing clear: The future of education is not about banning or blindly adopting AI—it’s about building ‘wide walls, not narrow hallways’ for students to explore their learning with agency and ethical awareness.

Visit https://www.aipdx.info/ for more information about Megan and Nicole's project, AI Portland.

🎙 SPECIAL EPISODE!

This week, we’re crossposting a must-hear episode from Why Distance Learning?, featuring a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Williams, a global leader in educational technology, climate action, and social impact. Virtual learning has the power to connect classrooms across continents—but how do we ensure these connections lead to meaningful, real-world change?

👉 Today’s Big Question: Can EdTech Drive Global Action, Not Just Global Connection?

🎧 Global educators face these key challenges:

• “How do I move beyond ‘awareness’ and turn global learning into real action?”

• “What tools and frameworks actually work for integrating climate education into my curriculum?”

• “How do I foster authentic collaboration across cultures, rather than just surface-level exchanges?”

🔥 Our guest:

🔹 Dr. Jennifer Williams (Founder, Teach SDGs & Co-Founder, Take Action Global), an EdTech thought leader who helps educators harness technology to drive social impact, equity, and climate action.

🔹 Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring discuss how virtual learning can go beyond content delivery to inspire students to become active global citizens.

Key Takeaways:

✅ How Take Action Global (TAG) connects teachers and students in over 160 countries to tackle climate challenges together

✅ Why educational technology is a catalyst for real-world impact—not just an engagement tool

✅ The power of community-driven initiatives like Climate Action Day in fostering global citizenship

✅ How to design cross-cultural virtual learning experiences that build identity, empathy, and agency

✅ Practical resources and programs that help educators integrate climate education into any subject area

Learn More:

🔗 Visit Take Action Global to explore the organization’s programs: takeactionglobal.org

🌎 Explore the Climate Action Project: takeactionglobal.org/climate-action-project

📲 Check out The Earth Project App (Available on App Store & Google Play)

📚 Read Teach Boldly: Using EdTech for Social Good by Dr. Jennifer Williams (Available on Amazon)

🎉 Build the Change (Lego Group Partnership): lego.com/en-us/sustainability/build-the-change

Host links:
1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.

2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

AI is reshaping education—but how do we ensure it enhances learning without eroding foundational skills, student agency, or global competence?

Pain Points:

• “How do we balance AI-assisted learning with essential human skills?”

• “What’s the role of teachers in an AI-driven future?”

• “How do we ensure AI is a tool for agency, not a crutch?”

🔥 Our guest, Eric Hudson, is an expert in learner-centered education, AI literacy, and global learning. As a former Director at Global Online Academy, he’s seen firsthand how digital tools can empower students—when used with intention.

🎤 Key Topics Discussed:

• The balance between foundational skills and AI-powered learning

• Why decision-making & agency are the most important AI-era skills

• The vulnerability spectrum: Knowing when AI should—or shouldn’t—step in

• AI’s impact on global learning and cross-cultural education

• Lessons from Global Online Academy: How passion-based, tech-enabled learning works

Guest Links:

📍 Eric Hudson’s Substack: Learning on Purpose

References & External Mentions:

• Global Online Academy (GOA) – globalonlineacademy.org

• Scratch (MIT Media Lab’s Lifelong Kindergarten Group) – scratch.mit.edu

• UNESCO AI & Education Guidelines – UNESCO

• International Baccalaureate (IB) AI Guidance – ibo.org

Host Links:

 Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

🎙 SPECIAL EPISODE!

This week, we’re crossposting a must-hear episode from Why Distance Learning? where we explore how immersive global connections can transform education. Virtual learning can open the world to students—but how do we ensure these experiences feel real, engaging, and deeply impactful?

👉 Today’s Big Question: Can Virtual Learning Build Real-World Global Competencies?

🎧 Global educators face these key challenges:

• “How do I create genuine, meaningful student connections across cultures?”

• “Can technology foster empathy and understanding, not just content delivery?”

• “What if cross-cultural conversations go wrong?”

🔥 Our guests:

• Dr. Brandon Ferderer (Head of Programming, Shared Studios) reveals how immersive portals create face-to-face, full-body interactions that foster authentic global dialogues.

• Ross Phillips (Social Studies Teacher, Winnacunnet High School) shares how he uses this technology to prepare students for global conversations that deepen their understanding of history, culture, and world issues.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why screen-based interactions often fall short in creating true connection—and how immersive experiences change the game

✅ How to prepare students for respectful, deep cross-cultural discussions

✅ The role of facilitators in guiding meaningful, bias-free global conversations

✅ Real-life student success stories from transformative global learning moments

Guest Links:
Shared Studios: https://www.sharedstudios.com/

Host links:
1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.

2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

🚨 “AI won’t replace teachers, but it will change what great teaching looks like.” 🚨

Educators are being pushed to adopt AI—but is it actually making teaching better? Too often, AI in education is used for efficiency rather than transformation, leaving teachers feeling like they’re just automating tasks instead of improving learning.

🎧 In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer sits down with Vriti Saraf, founder of Ed3 DAO, to tackle the real impact of AI on teaching and learning. Instead of using AI to churn out generic lesson plans, how can educators harness it to deepen student engagement, critical thinking, and global collaboration?

Key Takeaways:

✅ AI should enhance great pedagogy, not just automate bad teaching.

✅ The danger of cognitive offloading—how relying on AI too early can weaken essential teaching and learning skills.

✅ Why first-year teachers shouldn’t start with AI-generated lesson plans—and how to integrate AI thoughtfully instead.

✅ The “City of Learning” vision: What if an entire city became a classroom, powered by AI-driven learning experiences?

✅ The Portrait of a Teacher project: How AI might redefine who teaches and how we measure great teaching.

💡 PROBLEM → SOLUTION → ACTION

AI can be an incredible tool—but only if it’s used with intention. If you’re an educator wondering how to prepare students for a world where AI is everywhere, this episode is for you.

About Today’s Guest:

Vriti Saraf is the founder of Ed3 DAO and K20 Educators, pioneering the integration of AI, digital identity, and Web3 into global education. She works at the intersection of pedagogy and emerging technology, helping schools worldwide reimagine how learning happens.

Episode Links:

 • Ed3DAO

 • Vriti’s Substack

 • Vriti Saraf on LinkedIn

Host Links:

 Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

SPECIAL EPISODE!

In this episode of Make It Mindful, we are crossposting a stellar episode from host Seth Fleischauer's other podcast, Why Distance Learning? In this episode, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Noam Gerstein, CEO of the Bina School and a leading expert in precision education. Noam shares her journey of creating a global, digitally native school that reimagines how education serves young learners, blending emotional connection, cultural diversity, and innovative uses of live virtual learning. The episode explores Bina School’s unique approach to play-based, personalized learning for students aged 4 to 12, with a focus on fostering global awareness and nurturing emotionally safe, collaborative learning environments.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The importance of emotionally held learning spaces in live virtual education.
• How Bina School uses thematic biomes and SDG projects to create meaningful learning experiences.
• The role of adaptive content generation in balancing personalization and standardization.
• Building a global community for young learners and redefining what a school can be.

Guest Bio: Noam Gerstein is the CEO of the Bina School, a pioneer in precision education and a thought leader in the field. With a background in history, technology, and social innovation, Noam has spent years researching global education systems and building solutions to meet the needs of Gen Alpha learners. She is a frequent speaker at education conferences and a passionate advocate for blending cultural diversity with cutting-edge technology.

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Episode Links:

• Bina School - thebinaschool.com
• Contact Noam Gerstein: noam@bina.school

In this episode of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Michael Davis, founder of Mindful Bytes and Merek Security Solutions, to explore how mindfulness and cybersecurity intersect in education. They dive into the transformative potential of teaching digital citizenship through mindfulness practices to young learners, focusing on how educators can help students develop a healthier relationship with technology. Michael shares insights from his innovative pilot program, which empowers students to build digital agency and emotional awareness while navigating the digital world.

Key Topics Discussed:

 • Michael’s career journey from Navy cybersecurity expert to mindfulness educator.

 • The importance of understanding the “space between you and the device.”

 • Strategies for fostering mindfulness in children aged 6-10 to develop healthy tech habits.

 • Role-playing exercises that help kids recognize and regulate emotions in digital spaces.

 • The responsibility of schools in teaching digital citizenship and creating mindful technology users.

 • Early results from the pilot program, including increased family discussions about technology use.

 • How Mindful Bytes is addressing the emotional and psychological challenges of the digital age.

Guest Bio:

Michael Davis is the founder of Mindful Bytes, a platform that integrates mindfulness into digital citizenship education, and Merek Security Solutions, a cybersecurity consulting firm. A Navy veteran with over 20 years in cybersecurity, Michael’s passion for exploring the human side of technology has led him to pioneer innovative approaches to education. His work focuses on equipping young learners with the tools to navigate the digital world with awareness, courage, and emotional intelligence.

Host Bio:

Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning, specializing in teaching digital, linguistic, and cultural competencies through live global learning experiences. A former classroom teacher, Seth brings a thoughtful approach to exploring how education can adapt to an ever-changing world.

Episode Links:

 • Mindful Bytes: mindfulbytes.io

 • Merek Security Solutions: merrick.io

 • Connect with Michael Davis on LinkedIn: Michael Davis LinkedIn

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes James Anderson, author of Learnership, to explore how educators can cultivate a mindset of continuous growth in students. Anderson introduces the concept of learnership, a framework that emphasizes teaching students how to learn, not just what to learn. The episode unpacks strategies to empower students to take charge of their learning, embrace struggle, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Learnership Framework: A step-by-step guide to developing students' learning skills, from non-learners to agile learners.
• The Role of the Teacher: How educators can adapt their style—ranging from benevolent dictator to mentor—to meet students where they are and guide them to higher levels of learning.
• The Nuance of Mistakes: Differentiating between helpful and unhelpful mistakes to reframe the learning process.
• Building a Culture of Learning: Shifting from a performance-driven model to one centered on growth and skillful learning.

Guest Bio: James Anderson is an educator, consultant, and author specializing in cultivating growth mindsets and learning strategies in schools. His work integrates research from Carol Dweck, Anders Ericsson, and other thought leaders to create actionable frameworks for improving student outcomes.

Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Episode Links:

• Learn more about James Anderson’s work and resources: jamesanderson.com.au
• Purchase Learnership and access the diagnostic tool to assess learning behaviors in your school.
• Follow up on related frameworks by Carol Dweck (Mindset), Art Costa and Bena Kalik (Habits of Mind) Anders Ericsson (the "10,000 hour rule"), Nassim Nicholas Taleb (Antifragile), John Hattie (Visible Learning), Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins (Understanding by Design), and Adam Grant (Hidden Potential).

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, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Dr. Jordan Smith, a retired Marine Corps Major, secondary math teacher, and author. They explore fostering resilience, addressing the belief gap in education, and creating personal connections to empower students. Dr. Smith shares strategies for engaging students through culturally responsive teaching and motivating them with growth mindset practices.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Building resilience and addressing systemic barriers in education.
• The belief gap: fostering optimism and confidence in students.
• Culturally responsive teaching and personalizing lessons.
• Strategies for teaching growth mindset and fostering intrinsic motivation.

Guest Bio: Dr. Jordan Smith is a retired Marine Corps Major turned secondary math teacher and author of Against the Odds: Chronicles of Resilience. He advocates for empowering educators to foster resilience and confidence in students through innovative, culturally responsive teaching strategies.

Episode Links:

• Get Dr. Smith’s book 11 Effective Strategies for Teaching Math at teachleadandinspire.com.

Host Info: Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning uses technology to enhance digital and cultural competence in teachers and students.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer sits down with Marina Badillo-Diaz, known as the "AI Social Worker," to discuss how artificial intelligence can support social work within schools. They explore the ethical concerns and transformative potential of AI tools in enhancing efficiency for social workers and educators alike, especially when faced with the post-pandemic mental health crisis. Marina shares practical examples, from using AI to streamline IEP goals to supporting administrative tasks, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards while integrating technology into social work.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The intersection of social work and AI: ethics, efficiency, and innovation.
• AI applications for school social workers, including IEP refinement and event planning.
• The significance of relationship-building and mindfulness in student mental health.
• Emerging tech solutions like VR role-playing to prepare new social work practitioners.
• Strategies to support overburdened social workers and teachers in post-pandemic schools.

Guest Bio: Marina Badillo-Diaz, also known as the AI Social Worker, is a school social worker and consultant focused on leveraging technology responsibly to support social work practices. She advocates for ethical AI use in education and provides resources for social workers to integrate tech effectively.

Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and a dedicated advocate for teaching digital and cultural competencies through a global lens to foster meaningful educational change.

Episode Links:

• Marina’s Guidebook on AI Prompting for Social Work Practice: mabdconsulting.com

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Nancy Weinstein, founder of MindPrint Learning, to explore how cognitive science can transform education. They discuss how MindPrint’s unique cognitive assessments help schools understand students' learning profiles and adapt instruction to fit each student's strengths and weaknesses. Nancy shares insights into the impact of the pandemic on students’ memory skills and practical strategies for teachers to address these challenges. The episode highlights how using data-driven approaches can lead to greater student success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Nancy Weinstein's journey from bioengineering to founding MindPrint Learning.
• How cognitive assessments create personalized learning strategies.
• The role of memory in post-pandemic learning challenges.
• Practical tips for integrating MindPrint data into busy classrooms.
• How cognitive tools can increase student retention and engagement.

Guest Bio:
Nancy Weinstein is the founder and CEO of MindPrint Learning. With a background in bioengineering, she’s dedicated to helping educators better understand how their students learn using cognitive assessments.

Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and a passionate advocate for teaching digital and cultural competencies through a global lens to create meaningful educational change.

Episode Links:

• MindPrint Learning: www.mindprintlearning.com

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes two experts in metacognition: Kayla Morehead, a researcher at Denver Public Schools, and Emily Murphy, the Senior Professional Development Lead at Nord Anglia Education. Together, they discuss the role of metacognition in education and how it can empower both students and educators to take control of their learning process.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding Metacognition: Kayla explains metacognition as thinking about one’s thinking, reflecting on cognitive processes, and taking actionable steps based on that reflection. She emphasizes how this skill allows students to evaluate their learning accurately and adjust their strategies.
• Cultural Perspectives on Metacognition: Emily shares insights from her work with international schools, noting that students in different cultures, such as in the East versus the West, often exhibit varied levels of confidence in their learning abilities. She highlights how these cultural differences impact their use of metacognitive skills.
• Metacognition and Lifelong Learning: Both guests explore how metacognition supports students in becoming lifelong learners by fostering curiosity, creativity, and self-awareness. Emily explains Nord Anglia’s learner portfolio tool, which encourages students to document their reflective thinking and growth over time.

Call to Action:

Metacognition is a powerful, high-impact approach that equips students with the tools to assess their own learning and become independent, motivated learners. Explore how you can integrate metacognitive practices into your teaching, and visit the Nord Anglia and Learning Design Principles resources to dive deeper into the science behind learning.

Guest Bios:

• Kayla Morehead: A researcher specializing in metacognition and self-regulated learning, Kayla works for Denver Public Schools and contributes to learning science through publications and collaborations.
• Emily Murphy: As the Senior Professional Development Lead at Nord Anglia Education, Emily focuses on metacognitive projects to enhance 21st-century skills and learner autonomy across international schools.

Episode Links:

1. Nord Anglia Education: For more information about the work Emily Murphy and Nord Anglia are doing with metacognition and the learner portfolio tool.
   • https://www.nordangliaeducation.com
2. Learning Explorations Podcast: Emily Murphy's podcast discussing innovations in education and metacognition.
   • Available on major podcast platforms.
3. The Learning Design Principles: A free resource that includes chapters on metacognition and self-regulated learning, co-authored by Kayla Morehead.
   • https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/global-store/global/resources/efficacy/evidence-about-learning/Pearson-Learning-Design-Principles-Authentic-Learning-summary.pdf 
4. Harvard Project Zero's Thinking Routines Toolbox: https://pz.harvard.edu/thinking-routines

Host Bio:

Seth Fleischauer, founder of Banyan Global Learning, brings decades of experience in educational innovation to the Make It Mindful podcast. His work focuses on providing educational solutions for digital and cultural competencies through a global lens.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer sits down with author, actress, and producer Sheetal Sheth. They explore the impact of Sheth's children's books, including her Anjali series and Raashi's Rakhis, and discuss how her stories highlight cultural competence and representation for young readers.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Sheth’s journey from acting to writing children's literature.
• The importance of diverse representation in children's books.
• How storytelling can foster empathy and understanding in classrooms.
• Approaching sensitive topics in children's literature without shying away from tough conversations.
• Tips for teachers on incorporating diverse stories into classroom settings.

Call to Action:
Listen to this episode to learn how to use diverse stories to enrich classroom experiences and teach cultural competence.

Episode Links:

1. Sheetal Sheth's Website – www.sheetalsheth.com
2. Sheetal Sheth's Instagram – @beneaththesheetz
3. Reading is Fundamental (RIF) – www.rif.org
4. Be Podcast Network – www.BePodcast.network

Guest Bio:
Sheetal Sheth is an actress, producer, and the author of the Anjali series, the first children's book series featuring a South Asian hero. Her latest book, Raashi's Rakhis, continues her mission of creating engaging, inclusive stories for children.

Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer: Learn more about Seth’s work at Banyan Global Learning, where he helps educators bring cultural and digital competence and transformative learning into classrooms worldwide.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer dives into the intersection of literacy, family engagement, and cultural responsiveness with Judy Paulick, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Virginia. As part of the 2024 National Literacy Month and in partnership with Reading Is Fundamental, Judy shares how to create transformative educational experiences by understanding and leveraging the cultural and literacy assets of students' families. She explores how home visits, family engagement, and asset-based approaches can reshape literacy instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The importance of asset-based home visits and how they can deepen teacher-student-family connections.
• How family engagement enriches literacy practices by incorporating storytelling, cultural values, and everyday literacy activities from home.
• Strategies for teachers who may not have access to home visits but still want to leverage family assets in the classroom.
• Using culturally responsive teaching techniques to create a classroom environment where every student sees themselves in the curriculum.
• The challenges and opportunities AI presents in education, particularly around culturally relevant pedagogy and differentiation.

Call to Action:

For more practical, transformative solutions to teaching that emphasize mindfulness and cultural competence, be sure to listen to the full episode! Learn about the tools and strategies Judy Paulick shares that can help educators build stronger connections with their students and communities.

Guest Bio:

Judy Paulick is an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Virginia. She specializes in language arts instruction and family engagement, with a focus on equity and culturally responsive teaching. Judy's work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging family and community assets to enrich classroom learning.

Episode Links:

• Reading Is Fundamental (RIF): www.rif.org
• Parent Teacher Home Visits: pthvp.org
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk on the Single Story: Watch here

Host Links:

• Seth Fleischauer: Learn more about Seth’s work at Banyan Global Learning, where he helps educators bring cultural and digital competence and transformative learning into classrooms worldwide.

Leigh Anne Scherer, Technology Director at North Clackamas School District, navigated the unprecedented challenges of transitioning to online learning during the pandemic, offering key insights into the role of technology in education.

In this episode, Leigh Anne and Seth discuss:

• The rapid shift to virtual learning in 2020 and the lessons learned from navigating this transformation.
• The importance of ensuring data privacy and security in the adoption of digital curriculum and AI tools.
• How accessibility features in digital tools can enhance learning for all students, with a focus on English learners.
• The experimental approach Leigh Anne's district is taking towards AI, allowing teachers to explore tools while maintaining a cautious stance on student-facing AI applications.
• The parallels between how large language models and humans learn language, and the implications for language learners in the classroom.
• The potential and pitfalls of using AI in education, particularly the risks of relying too heavily on translation tools for English learners.

Subscribe to Make It Mindful to explore more deep-dive conversations about transformative solutions in education, available wherever you get your podcasts.

About today’s guest
Leigh Anne Scherer is the Technology Director for North Clackamas School District in Oregon, where she brings her extensive experience as an English learner educator and school administrator to the role. With a focus on accessibility, data privacy, and innovative uses of technology, Leigh Anne plays a crucial role in guiding her district's approach to digital learning and AI integration.

About your host
Seth Fleischauer is the host of the Make It Mindful podcast and the founder of Banyan Global Learning. With a psychology degree from Princeton and a background in elementary education, Seth's work bridges technology, education, and human connection. His company, Banyan Global Learning, has delivered over 40,000 program hours across four continents, focusing on curricula that emphasize cultural competence.

Summary:

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Lindy Hockenberry, a seasoned educator and technology integration specialist, to discuss the mindful adoption of technology in education. Lindy shares her journey from teaching in a rural Montana school to becoming a technology consultant, helping schools and educators effectively integrate technology into the classroom.

Key topics discussed include:

• Mindful Technology Integration: Lindy emphasizes the importance of using technology as a tool, not just for the sake of it, but to enhance learning outcomes. She compares technology to a "teacher toolbox," where each tool should be selected based on the specific learning objective and the needs of the students.
• Balancing Art and Science in Teaching: Lindy discusses how teaching is both an art and a science, requiring educators to make real-time decisions based on student needs and the evolving nature of technology.
• AI Literacy in Education: With AI becoming increasingly prevalent, Lindy stresses the importance of AI literacy as an extension of digital citizenship. She discusses the need for students to understand, use, and evaluate AI responsibly, starting from a young age.
• Process Over Product: Lindy argues that focusing on the process of learning, particularly in writing, is essential in an era where AI can easily produce text. She advocates for teaching students how to collaborate with AI effectively, rather than battling against it.

This episode provides valuable insights for educators on how to thoughtfully integrate technology into their teaching practices, ensuring it serves to enhance, not hinder, student learning.

For more insights and practical advice, tune into this episode and explore Lindy Hockenberry's work. You can find her on social media and through the links in the show notes.

About today’s guest:
Lindy Hockenberry is a lifelong educator and technology consultant who helps schools and teachers navigate the complexities of educational technology. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, professional development, and the integration of AI in education. Find her work at https://www.intechgratedpd.org/meetlindy.

About the host:
Seth Fleischauer is the host of Make It Mindful, a podcast that explores mindfulness in education. Connect with Seth on LinkedIn and follow the podcast for the latest episodes and updates. Find his work at banyangloballearning.com.

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.

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/

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer engages with Justin Reich, an MIT faculty member who critically examines the rapid evolution of AI and its implications in the educational landscape. Reich provides a nuanced perspective, challenging the prevailing excitement around AI's exponential growth and its integration into educational settings. He discusses the historical context of AI development, notably the shift from GPT-3 to GPT-3.5, and raises concerns about the sustainability of improvements in AI technologies given the finite nature of data sources. Reich also explores the classification of technologies as either adoption or arrival technologies, with AI posing unique challenges due to its sudden and pervasive emergence. Throughout the discussion, Reich emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's operational mechanics and advocates for a thoughtful and informed approach to integrating AI in educational practices, highlighting potential risks and the need for a critical assessment of new tools. His insights urge educators to consider both the immediate and long-term effects of AI on teaching and learning dynamics.

Guest Links:

1. Justin Reich's podcast, the Teach Lab Podcast: Teach Lab Podcast
2. Justin Reich's professional group at MIT, the Teaching Systems Lab: Teaching Systems Lab
3. A specific subsection for AI-related content on the Teaching Systems Lab website: TSL MIT AI

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, host Seth Fleischauer engages with Monica Burns, a former New York City public school teacher and the voice behind the popular Class Tech Tips blog and podcast. Monica shares her journey from classroom teaching to becoming a pivotal figure in educational technology. She discusses the evolution of her career, sparked by her early adoption of iPads in a one-to-one classroom setting, leading to significant engagements with educators nationwide.

Monica and Seth delve into the concept of using technology mindfully and with intention in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with educational goals rather than letting the allure of new tools dictate the teaching process -- "task before apps."  They explore practical strategies for educators to integrate technology meaningfully, ensuring it enhances learning without overwhelming educational intent. Their conversation also touches on the broader implications of emerging technologies like AI, discussing both the excitement and the cautious skepticism that accompany its integration into educational settings.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to approach technology not just as a tool, but as an ally in crafting engaging and effective educational experiences. Monica provides actionable advice on simplifying the digital landscape for teachers and students, reinforcing the necessity of a foundational understanding of core subjects to fully leverage technological advancements.

Guest Links:
1. Class Tech Tips - https://classtechtips.com/
2. Monica's AI resources - https://classtechtips.com/artificial-intelligence-resources/
3. Easy EdTech podcast - https://classtechtips.com/podcast/
4. Twitter - https://twitter.com/ClassTechTips
5. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips

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, host Seth Fleischauer is joined by Danelle Almaraz, Chief Impact Officer for Innovate Ed, who brings over a decade of experience in the field of continuous improvement in education. Together, they explore the universal challenges faced by educators, including the leadership pipeline shortage and the necessity of fostering student empowerment and future readiness amidst rapidly evolving educational demands.

Danelle discusses the importance of defining what "future ready" actually means and insists on a clear focus to help schools adapt and thrive. She emphasizes the role of continuous improvement processes and shared leadership in achieving substantive, sustainable changes in schools. The conversation also covers the strategies for building trust and buy-in among educators, which are critical for implementing successful changes.

Key insights include the need for clarity in goals, the empowerment of teachers through shared decision-making, and the creation of supportive environments that encourage innovative practices and continuous learning. Danelle and Seth discuss practical steps for schools to become future-ready—emphasizing student-centered learning, flexibility in approaches, and the importance of community and collaboration among educators.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on making meaningful and lasting impacts in educational settings, understanding the complexities of system-wide changes, and the importance of aligning with core values and clear objectives to effectively prepare students for the future.


Guest Links:
1. Innovate Ed - https://innovateed.com/
2. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz/

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/

On this week's Make It Mindful, hosts Seth Fleischauer and Lauren Pinto welcome guest Forest Bronzan, co-founder and CEO of Digital Detox. The episode delves into the complex relationship between technology use and our lives. Bronzan shares insights from his work, particularly focusing on achieving a mindful balance between our digital interactions and core values, what it is to be present, and strategies for overcoming technology addiction. The dialogue is enriched by findings from Student Dora, a survey aimed at gauging the digital wellness of students, revealing how schools grapple with digital wellness and the imperative of fostering mindful technology use to positively augment our lives.

The episode navigates the polarized perspectives surrounding technology, underscoring the scarcity of a balanced stance, and categorizing parents based on their approach to technology and its regulation. It probes the expectations placed on educational institutions to develop digital citizenship, emphasizing the collective responsibility of schools and parents.  Additionally, the conversation acknowledges the importance of self-awareness of digital habits and the ramifications of ignoring the reality of technological impact. Bronzan and the hosts also contemplate the positive facets of technology and social media, advocating for afacilitated approach to children's engagement with digital platforms. Concluding on a lighter note, the dialogue veers into personal preferences in emojis and how Bronzan maintains a minimal digital presence, primarily through LinkedIn, underscoring the overarching theme of mindful and intentional technology use.

Guest Links:
1. Digital Detox: https://www.digitaldetox.com/
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forestbronzan/

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/

Liz Gallo, the founder and CEO of Why Maker, joins host Seth Fleischauer to discuss the potential to revolutionize education through the lens of design thinking. Liz outlines her vision of making education more relevant and impactful by teaching students critical problem-solving skills and fostering empathy, all while preparing them for the complexities of the modern world (including navigating the implications of AI). She details Why Maker's ambitious goal to train one million educators over the next decade, emphasizing the potential to transform classroom environments into hubs of innovation and real-world relevance. Liz's insights on integrating design thinking into various content areas beyond STEM, and the balance between direct instruction and project-based learning, highlight the adaptability and breadth of this approach.

The episode delves deeper into the practical application of design thinking in education, underscoring the significance of process over product and the importance of nurturing empathetic thinkers. Liz shares how Why Maker's professional development initiatives aim to empower teachers by making them feel supported, valued, and equipped to bring about change in their teaching methodologies. This approach not only enriches the curriculum but also enhances students' readiness to tackle real-life challenges with creativity and empathy. Seth and Liz provide educators with a compelling blueprint for embedding design thinking in their classrooms, thereby paving the way for a future where education is closely aligned with the evolving demands of society and the workforce.

Guest links:
Liz Gallo
Why Maker - http://www.whymaker.co/
An Educator's Guide to Design Thinking (Liz's Book): https://a.co/d/dFCkJ2g

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/