State of Ed Podcast

A podcast about education inside the classroom and out.

Ep. 73: Growing an EdTech Mindset 04/13/2025

Ep. 73: Growing an EdTech Mindset Marc and Nick sit down with Jake Miller, author, personalized learning specialist, and host of The Educational Duct Tape Podcast to discuss how to leverage instructional technology, increase students' intrinsic motivation, and strategies to help shift how educators approach teaching in today's schools. Show Notes: Jake Miller's socials Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/36116920

Ep. 72: Improving the Game 03/29/2025

Ep. 72: Improving the Game Marc and Nick sit down with Laura Williams, author, consultant, and 21st century learning specialist to discuss increasing student engagement, leveling up cooperative learning, and how to make a meaningful impression on your classes. Show Notes: Laura Williams on , Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's new book, https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990566898 /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/35917240

Ep. 71: Tales of a Techno-Optimist 03/08/2025

Ep. 71: Tales of a Techno-Optimist Marc and Nick sit down with Jennifer Womble, chair of the Future of Education in Technology Conference (FETC), the largest gathering of its kind in North America. They discuss the many challenges faced by educators and schools impacted by an ever-evolving technological landscape. Show Notes: Jennifer Womble on , Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/35587670

Ep. 70: The School Leader's Playbook (Part 2) 02/03/2025

Ep. 70: The School Leader's Playbook (Part 2) Catch the second part of Marc and Nick's in-depth conversation with Dr. Todd Whitaker (author of What Great Teachers Do Differently and What Great Principals Do Differently). It is a master class in instructional leadership from the classroom to the superintendency. Show Notes: Dr. Whitaker on , Follow Marc on , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/35122540

Ep. 69: The School Leader's Playbook (Part 1) 02/03/2025

Ep. 69: The School Leader's Playbook (Part 1) There are so many great lessons in this conversation we couldn't fit it into one episode! Don't miss Dr. Todd Whitaker (author of What Great Teachers Do Differently and What Great Principals Do Differently) share gems on how to hire and retain the very best teachers, improve classroom management, and be the best leader you can be for your school community. Dr. Whitaker on , Follow Marc on , , or Pick up a copy of /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/35122350

Ep. 68: Leading Schools by Example 01/13/2025

Ep. 68: Leading Schools by Example Marc and Nick sit down with two outstanding school leaders, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld and Dr. Nick Polyak to discuss the importance of promoting and supporting cultures of innovation and inclusivity to meet the needs of all students. This is a masterclass for educators in leadership roles as well as those learning how to lead. Show Notes: Dr. Lubelfeld on Dr. Polyak on Follow Marc on , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/34828800

Ep. 67: Using AI to Support Students 12/22/2024

Ep. 67: Using AI to Support Students Marc and Nick sit down with Neulight co-founder, Dr. Andrew Lawrence to discuss how his company is helping educators leverage the power of A.I. to implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) more efficiently and effectively than ever before. Show Notes: Check out Dr. Lawrence on Follow Marc on , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/34569760

Ep. 66: Hangin' With The Cool Cat Teacher 11/23/2024

Ep. 66: Hangin' With The Cool Cat Teacher In their first , Marc and Nick sit down with the one-and-only Vicki Davis, known worldwide as the Cool Cat Teacher. Topics include: the role of AI in teaching and learning, computational thinking, and the power of making meaningful connections with students. Show Notes: You can explore Vicki’s insights, projects, and resources at . Follow Marc on , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/34118521

Ep. 65: Sparkle Sisters - Architects of the Future 11/12/2024

Ep. 65: Sparkle Sisters - Architects of the Future Recorded at AMLE 24 in Nashville, Marc sat down with five of the Sparkle Sisters, a group of innovative middle school educators from across the United States. Pull up a chair and catch P. Sloan Joseph, Katie Powell, Ruby Voss, Amber Benson, and Dr. Simone T. Lewis as they discuss topics, including: collaboration, AI, evolving classrooms, and the power of making connections. Show Notes: Guests' X handles: Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/33892252

Ep. 64: The Future Is Here 10/20/2024

Ep. 64: The Future Is Here Marc and Nick sit down with tech guru, Jose Moreno, to discuss how his company, Neulight, is using AI to change the way schools implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). And that is just the beginning... Show Notes: Follow Marc on , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/33529872

Ep. 63: Dope Genius 10/12/2024

Ep. 63: Dope Genius Marc and Nick sit down with disrupter, Dr. Anashay "Teach 'Em" Wright, to discuss the importance of promoting the promise and power of children. Show Notes: Find Dr. Wright online: , , Follow Marc on , , or Check out Marc's new book, ! /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/33430632

Ep. 62: Math Can Be Fun... Really 09/02/2024

Ep. 62: Math Can Be Fun... Really Marc and Nick sit down with math guru and force of nature, Libo Valencia to discuss his book, "Math Play," and why he believes that math can be every student's favorite subject! Show Notes: Follow Marc on , , or /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/32862937

Ep. 61: Tap Into Your Story 07/17/2024

Ep. 61: Tap Into Your Story Marc and Nick sit down with esteemed educational leader and hip hop artist, Dr. Mervin Jenkins (aka "Spectac") to discuss how he has successfully interwoven his two passions into one outstanding journey. Show Notes: Follow Marc on X or online: /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/32172492

Ep. 60: Food Fights 07/05/2024

Ep. 60: Food Fights Marc and Nick sit down with two brilliant education policy experts, Dr. Sarah Robert and Dr. Jennifer Gaddis to discuss the importance of school food and how American institutions can and must do a better job sourcing food and providing more enriching experiences for students. Show Notes: The Guardian article: " Open access copy of Follow Marc on X or online: /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/32019312

Ep. 59: A Taste of PBL 06/28/2024

Ep. 59: A Taste of PBL Marc and Nick sit down with two amazing staff developers and instructional gurus, Tara Koehler and John Sammon to discuss their new book, The Tapas Approach to Project Based Learning. This conversation is perfect for PBL pros and newbies alike! Find Tara and John online: John’s John’s Tara’s Tara’s Tara’s Book Follow Marc on X or online: /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/31924767

Ep. 58: Ode to Joy 02/17/2024

Ep. 58: Ode to Joy Back together for the first time since defending their doctoral dissertations, Marc and Nick sit down with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad to discuss her fantastic new book, Unearthing Joy. Dr. Muhammad is a professor of Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on literacy, language, and culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has served as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, school district administrator, curriculum director, and school board president. Her scholarship has appeared in leading academic journals and books. Dr. Muhammad's Culturally and Historically Responsive Education Model has been adopted across thousands of schools throughout the United States and Canada. And she's really funny, too! Dr. Muhammad online: /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/29995848

Ep. 57: Curing Busy Brain 12/03/2022

Ep. 57: Curing Busy Brain Marc and guest co-host, Alex Andrade, sit down with Dr. Romie to discuss how educators can cure "busy brain." Dr. Romie is a board-certified physician, award-winning wellness speaker, and the founder of “brainSHIFT at Work.” She brings together over 20 years of authority in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness to not just deliver programs, but create cultural change. Dr. Romie is on a mission to transform mental health and wellness in the workplace and currently works with Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, & global associations. She is also the Chief Wellness Officer for Evolution Hospitality, where she scaled a mindfulness & wellness program to over 7000 employees. Her expertise is featured in the national media such as NPR, NBC, TED talks, and Forbes. Find the cure for your busy brain at or on social media. Dr. Romie's socials: /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/25209840

Ep. 56: Tales of a PBL Diva 11/16/2022

Ep. 56: Tales of a PBL Diva In his final conversation from AMLE 22, Marc sits down with the PBL Diva herself, Dr. Simone T. Lewis. They discuss all things PBL, gamification, sources of creative inspiration, and, of course, footwear! Follow Marc on Twitter or online: Guest: Dr. Simone T. Lewis For more on Dr. Lewis: /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/25029636

Ep. 55: Rethinking Grading 11/09/2022

Ep. 55: Rethinking Grading In Part 2 of this conversation from AMLE 22, Rick Wormeli, acclaimed educator, speaker, and author, takes a deep dive into the legitimacy and ethics of grading. Follow Marc on Twitter or online: Guest: Rick Wormeli Ways to find/contact Rick: /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/24949836

Ep. 54: Rethinking Homework 11/07/2022

Ep. 54: Rethinking Homework Marc is joined by the one-and-only Rick Wormeli, acclaimed educator, speaker, and author of nine books. In Part I of this conversation, Rick discusses strategies for schools to rethink homework and cease using it in ways that are punitive or dissuade student interest and engagement in learning. Follow Marc on Twitter or online: Guest: Rick Wormeli Ways to find/contact Rick: /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/24928056

Ep. 53: Pathways to Hope 11/06/2022

Ep. 53: Pathways to Hope Marc is joined by Cathleen Beachboard, educator, author, and missionary of hope. Cathleen shares the importance of building hope in our students and ourselves. She also provides strategies to measure hope and teaches the pathways that help it blossom. Follow Marc on Twitter or online: Guest: Cathleen Beachboard Website: /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/24919767

Ep. 52: Against the Grain (Part II) 07/09/2021

Ep. 52: Against the Grain (Part II) Nick and Marc are joined by Dr. Mike Brown, school leader and founder of EdRevolution. In this two-part discussion, they discuss the importance of establishing rich relationships, expanding the lens through which we view history, and building connectedness in communities in order to shape the schools our students need right now. /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/19758122

Ep. 51: Against the Grain (Part I) 07/09/2021

Ep. 51: Against the Grain (Part I) Nick and Marc are joined by Dr. Mike Brown, school leader and founder of EdRevolution. In this two-part discussion, they discuss the importance of establishing rich relationships, expanding the lens through which we view history, and building connectedness in communities in order to shape the schools our students need right now. /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/19758110

Ep. 50: Unfinished Business 05/01/2021

Ep. 50: Unfinished Business Nick and Marc celebrate their 50th episode of the podcast! They are joined by Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent of North Shore District 112, in Illinois, and co-author of The Unfinished Leader. Discussion topics include: characteristics of great leaders, the importance of empathy, and how to improve your organization through effective hiring practices. /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/18936407

Ep. 49: Closing the Math Gap 01/17/2021

Ep. 49: Closing the Math Gap Nick and Marc welcome Dr. Aditya Nagrath, Founder and CEO of Elephant Learning, to the podcast. They discuss strategies to increase math literacy and close the skills gap that plagues millions of students in schoolhouses across the country. /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/17578127

Ep. 48: Humanizing Everybody 10/18/2020

Ep. 48: Humanizing Everybody Nick and Marc welcome back Dr. Tracey Benson to the podcast to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, racial literacy, activism in the NBA and the role of schools in the ongoing march toward social justice. /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/16441955

Ep. 47: Creating Spaces 08/11/2020

Ep. 47: Creating Spaces Nick and Marc are pleased to welcome Nadirah Simmons to the podcast. As both Social Media Manager at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the founder of hip-hop social club, The Gumbo, Nadirah weaves her creative energy into producing exciting content. She shares the recipe for how schools can succeed in turning out students who thrive academically and professionally in an unchartered 21st century landscape. /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/15562082

Ep. 46: Reality... Check 07/07/2020

Ep. 46: Reality... Check Nick and Marc welcome two incredible champions of AR and VR in education, Jaime Donally and David Lockett. They share the secrets of incorporating these fast-growing technologies into meaningful learning opportunities for students of all ages. /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/15119726

Ep. 45: Ryan's Return 06/17/2020

Ep. 45: Ryan's Return Nick and Marc welcome back EdTech guru, Ryan Krakofsky, to discuss what lessons can be learned from Hong Kong's re-opening of school. Plus, game-changing instructional technology that educators everywhere should become familiar with, as well as the importance of leading from the heart, with or without a pandemic. /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/14804126

Ep. 44: So... What Now? 06/11/2020

Ep. 44: So... What Now? On this supersized episode, Nick and Marc are joined by rockstar leaders from across the nation to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education. Topics include the pros and cons of remote learning, best online practices, strategies for re-entry and most importantly... where do we go from here? /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/14792450

State of Ed Podcast

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