State of Ed Podcast

A podcast about education inside the classroom and out.

Ep. 82: Human-Centered AI 03/14/2026

Ep. 82: Human-Centered AI In their ongoing series, Nick and Marc sit down with Jeff Piontek, an education leader, author, and international speaker with more than 25 years of experience advancing early literacy, instructional design, and school leadership. Jeff is the former director of instructional and informational technology for the NYCDOE. His work focuses on protecting the human foundations of learning while thoughtfully integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Jeff is also the creator of the AI, EI, O, and You framework, a practical model designed to help educators and leaders balance innovation with well-being, oral language development, and human agency. Find Jeff Piontek: , , Check out . Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's latest book, Click to watch this episode of State of Ed Podcast /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/40458120

Ep. 81: Using AI to Grow MEGA Minds 03/08/2026

Ep. 81: Using AI to Grow MEGA Minds In their ongoing series, Nick and Marc sit down with Austin Levinson, Director of Learning at . They discuss the shifting landscape of edtech and how MegaMinds is leveraging artificial intelligence to create more meaningful learning experiences for students in schools. Follow Austin Levinson on See MegaMinds in . Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's latest book, Click to watch State of Ed Podcast /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/40356335

Ep. 80: Champion of Teachers 02/18/2026

Ep. 80: Champion of Teachers First-timers at the Annual Conference in Orlando, Nick and Marc got to meet many incredible educators from across the country. In this episode, they sit down with the incomparable Barbara Bray, who gushes about her love of teachers and addresses the importance of remembering your "why." Get to know Barbara Bray: , , Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/40153825

Ep. 79: Learning to Captivate 12/01/2025

Ep. 79: Learning to Captivate Nick turns the tables and interviews Marc about his book, Captivate as well as the message he is sharing with educators across the country as a featured speaker at conferences. They discuss challenges faced by today's school leaders, ways to leverage educational technology in the classroom, and how to effectively mentor new teachers. Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's new book, https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990566898 /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/39215240

Ep. 78: Teaching in the Generative Age 11/27/2025

Ep. 78: Teaching in the Generative Age Marc is joined by author, podcaster, speaker, and instructional technology expert, Alana Winnick. Recorded at the School Administrators Association of New York's Annual Conference, amid the picturesque backdrop of Lake George, Marc and Alana discuss the role of AI in today's classrooms, the challenges of implementation, and the incredible opportunity available to our schools and students in this generative age. Find Alana Winnick , , , , and Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's new book, https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990566898 /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/39188100

Ep. 77: Effective School Leadership 11/22/2025

Ep. 77: Effective School Leadership Marc is joined by author, speaker, and former school superintendent, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo. Recorded at the School Administrators Association of New York's Annual Conference, amid the picturesque backdrop of Lake George, Marc and Joe discuss critical elements of district leadership, how to hire, train, and retain the very best people, and ways to shift culture to ensure that learning environments produce the best possible outcomes. Find Dr. Sanfelippo , , , and Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/39133145

Ep. 76: Leading with Respect & Dignity 11/12/2025

Ep. 76: Leading with Respect & Dignity Marc is joined by international consultant, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author, Rosalind Wiseman, whose book Queen Bees & Wannabees inspired the popular film and musical, Mean Girls. They discuss how to foster schools that promote student voice, the differences between respect and dignity, and the challenges facing educators and young people in a social media world. Find Rosalind Wiseman , , , and Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's latest book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/39002425

Ep. 75: Better Blueprints - Improving Lesson Plan Design 06/28/2025

Ep. 75: Better Blueprints - Improving Lesson Plan Design In this conversation, Marc and Nick discuss the intricacies of lesson planning, emphasizing the importance of structured questioning and engagement techniques. They explore how to effectively plan lessons that foster student participation and understanding, while also considering the role of AI in education and the balance between creativity and structure in teaching. Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/37204925

Ep. 74: Chemistry Is For Kids! 06/08/2025

Ep. 74: Chemistry Is For Kids! Marc and Nick sit down with Dr. Colleen Kelley, retired chemistry professor, TEDx speaker, and author of Kids' Chemistry comic books. Dr. Kelley shares how her passion for science has led her on a journey to bring molecular literacy to elementary school students through story telling and fun. Show Notes: Follow Marc on , , , or Check out Marc's new book, /episode/index/show/stateofedpodcast/id/36910005

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

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