Couverture de The Bridge

The Bridge

The Bridge

De : Cate Tolnai
Écouter gratuitement

À propos de ce contenu audio

 A growing community of educators, mentors, and lifelong learners who believe in the power of connection, shared stories, and showing up for one another - again and againAlpenspruce Education Solutions, Inc Politique et gouvernement Sciences politiques
Les membres Amazon Prime bénéficient automatiquement de 2 livres audio offerts chez Audible.

Vous êtes membre Amazon Prime ?

Bénéficiez automatiquement de 2 livres audio offerts.
Bonne écoute !
    Épisodes
    • Shift Into the Gray with Lindy Hockenbary

      Shift Into the Gray with Lindy Hockenbary
      Jan 25 2026
      Join host Cate Tolnai for a thought-provoking conversation with Lindy Hockenbary—"the bridge between education and technology"—who argues that AI literacy isn't "one more marble" for teachers, but core learning woven into math, science, and social studies. Lindy shares why engaging critically with technology (not avoiding it) gives educators and students agency to shape its impact. 🌉💡🎯 What You'll Discover:The Overflowing Jar of Marbles Metaphor 🫙Education keeps adding initiatives (AI literacy, digital citizenship, SEL) without removing anything—the jar is overflowingLindy's solution: stop adding marbles, start merging them by integrating new literacies into existing curriculumBreaking marbles into "marble dust" creates space—interdisciplinary learning that makes room for relevance and depthAI Literacy is Core Curriculum, Not Extra 🧮At its foundation, AI is math: patterns, probability, sampling, variables—concepts already in K-12 standardsExample: "Why does your TikTok FYP look different than mine?" connects algorithms to real-world student experienceIntegrate AI literacy into science, social studies, and more—adding relevance while teaching required contentWhen Education Gets Blindsided 🚨Lindy submitted virtual learning proposals years before the pandemic—all rejected, then desperately needed in 2020She was talking about AI integration before ChatGPT launched (Nov 2022)—education was caught off guard againHer advice to 2014 Lindy: push harder, don't get lost in busyness, help education prepare instead of reactDon't Ban Technology—Engage With It Critically 🔍Removing cell phones or blocking AI takes educators and students out of the conversationWhen teachers engage critically with tools, they gain voice to advocate for safer, more purposeful uses"Technology built without us and not for us is technology used on us, not by us"Embrace the Gray (Not Black or White) 🌫️Every technology has good and bad—finding the gray means asking better questions and evaluating thoughtfullyExample: Text-to-video AI enables equity (aspiring filmmakers without expensive equipment) and raises deep fake concernsSitting in discomfort, asking critical questions, and staying engaged gives educators power to shape outcomesBridging Education, EdTech & Families 🌉Lindy helps teachers understand product feedback cycles and UI (user interface) so they can advocate for better toolsShe helps EdTech companies understand classroom realities—"the devils are in the details" that save teachers hoursNow expanding to support families navigating AI, screen time, and digital citizenship with their kidsKey Takeaways:✨ AI literacy isn't extra—it's math, science, and social studies connecting to students' real-world experiences ✨ Stop adding marbles; start merging them—integrate new literacies into existing curriculum with relevance ✨ Education gets blindsided by emerging tech—Lindy's virtual learning proposals were rejected, then desperate in 2020 ✨ Don't ban or avoid technology; engage critically to gain voice in shaping safer, purposeful uses ✨ Embrace the gray—every technology has good and bad; critical engagement gives educators agency ✨ Lindy bridges educators, EdTech companies, and families—grounding conversations in shared responsibility🎯 Perfect For:Educators integrating AI literacy into existing curriculum without adding to already-full platesTeachers seeking relevant, real-world connections for math, science, and social studies standardsLeaders navigating cell phone policies, AI implementation, and digital citizenship initiativesEdTech companies wanting to understand classroom needs and build better productsParents seeking guidance on AI, screen time, and technology use with their childrenAnyone who feels overwhelmed by "one more thing" and needs strategies to merge initiativesResources & Mentions:🌐 Brand New Website - lindyhoc.com 📊 AI Literacy TECH-Tac-Toe resource 📚 AI Literacy in Action: The Core Curriculum Connection 📖 A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning by Lindy Hockenbary 📱 EdWeek Article: "Why a Good Cellphone Policy Is About More Than Just Restrictions" Connect With Lindy Hockenbary:Facebook: @LindyHoc Instagram: @lindyhoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindyhockenbary/ Website: lindyhoc.comAbout Lindy Hockenbary:Lindy Hockenbary—aka "LindyHoc"—is the bridge between education and technology. With experience in instructional technology, professional development, and curriculum design, she helps educators unpack the effects of emerging technologies—especially AI—on curriculum and instruction. Her journey began in a technology-equipped classroom teaching business education and CTE. Since then, she's supported educators worldwide, authored A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning, and collaborated with EdTech companies to ensure tools align with K-12 needs. Named a 2025 Women in AI honoree by ASU+GSV, Lindy's mission is "Make ...
      Afficher plus Afficher moins
      43 min
    • Teachers are the Coolest with Dr. John Eick

      Teachers are the Coolest with Dr. John Eick
      Jan 18 2026
      ✨ Join host Cate Tolnai for an inspiring conversation with Dr. John Eick, who shares his journey from drama teacher to superintendent and why people—not programs—make schools thrive. John reflects on authentic connection, belonging, and his belief that teachers are already "enough," even on their hardest days. Discover how PLNs, UDL, and human-to-human interaction create the culture that sustains educators. 💚🎯 What You'll Discover:From Drama Teacher to Superintendent 🎭How every role—teacher, principal, director, executive—taught John that people drive success, not programsBuilding school culture in one of California's most diverse districts through connection and belongingWhy leadership is ultimately about seeing, valuing, and supporting the humans in the system"You're Not Gonna Quit on Us Too, Are You?" 💬A former student's question that shaped John's commitment to staying, leading, and showing upThe full-circle moment: decades later, hiring that same student as the drama teacherHow students remember whether adults chose to stay—and what that teaches about mentorshipTeachers Are Already "Enough" 💫John's message for educators on their hardest days: you are enough, exactly as you areWhy affirmation and connection matter more than perfection or having all the answersCreating cultures where educators feel valued for who they are, not just what they produceThe Power of Your PLN (Professional Learning Network) 🤝Surrounding yourself with people who challenge, inspire, and sharpen youBeing intentional about engaging with those who help you growHow John's PLN sustained him through a doctorate during the pandemic while leading a K-12 organizationUDL, Audio Learning & Human Connection 🎧John's passion for Universal Design for Learning and accessible audio-based learningExperimenting with AI-powered reflective tools—and discovering they affirmed human interaction's importanceWhy technology should enhance connection, not replace the irreplaceable human elementBuilding Culture Through Belonging 🏫Culture grows when people feel seen, valued, and supported—not through mandates or programsHow authentic connection between educators creates environments where students thriveThe ripple effect of investing in people: risk-taking, evolution, and sustained commitmentKey Takeaways:✨ People—not programs—are what make schools thrive; invest in human connection first ✨ "You're not gonna quit on us too, are you?"—students remember when adults choose to stay ✨ Teachers are already enough on their hardest days—affirmation matters more than perfection ✨ Build a strong PLN intentionally—surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire growth ✨ Mentorship and belonging are at the heart of career longevity in education ✨ Technology should enhance human connection, never replace it🎯 Perfect For:Educational leaders building authentic school cultures centered on peopleTeachers needing affirmation that they're enough, especially on challenging daysAdministrators navigating diverse communities and seeking connection-driven leadershipEducators interested in UDL, audio learning, and accessible designAnyone building or strengthening their Professional Learning Network (PLN)Leaders exploring how AI and technology can support (not replace) human interactionResources & Mentions:🎙️ Learn with John Eick Podcast Connect With Dr. John Eick:Twitter/X: @JohnEick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johneick/ Website: https://www.learnwithjohneick.com/about About Dr. John Eick:Dr. John Eick has served Sacramento, California education for almost 30 years as teacher, high school principal, Director of Instructional Technology, and Executive Director. He successfully built community and school culture in one of the nation's most diverse districts and was recognized as an early 1:1 innovator and Google Certified Innovator. As Executive Director, he led construction of an 84,000 square foot learning center and launched a new high school in 2021. Honored as Sacramento region administrator of the year and keynote speaker nationally, John was recognized as a pandemic hero in 2021 for leading his K-12 organization through disruption while completing his doctorate at CSU Sacramento.This episode reminds us that education thrives when we invest in people, affirm their worth, and choose connection over programs every single day. 💚#EducationalLeadership #SchoolCulture #UDL #PLN #Mentorship #EdChat #Belonging #TeacherSupport #AuthenticLeadership #PeopleFirst #EdTech #PandemicLeadership #StudentConnection
      Afficher plus Afficher moins
      38 min
    • Take a Breath and Lean In with Kristin Oropeza

      Take a Breath and Lean In with Kristin Oropeza
      Jan 11 2026
      Join host Cate Tolnai for a heartfelt reunion with longtime friend Kristin Oropeza, who shares her journey returning to the special education classroom after years away—and why it felt like "coming home." Kristin reflects on UDL as equity in action, using AI as a creative thought partner, and the importance of empathy, flexibility, and mental health in today's classrooms. 💚✨🎯 What You'll Discover:Coming Home to Special Education 🏠• Why returning to the classroom after years as a Technology TOSA felt like rediscovering her purpose• How Kristin's work as mentor, advocate, and mother deepened her commitment to equity and UDL• The evolution from tech coach back to Education Specialist supporting diverse learnersUDL is Equity in Action ♿• Universal Design for Learning isn't something extra—it's what makes learning possible for every student• How UDL provides flexible pathways that honor different ways of learning, expressing, and engaging• Why designing for accessibility from the start benefits all learners, not just someAI as Creative Thought Partner 🤖• Using AI tools to support writers and educators while maintaining authenticity and voice• How technology can enhance creativity without replacing the human element• Balancing innovation with intentionality in teaching and learningA Full-Circle Mentorship Moment 🔄• Kristin reconnects with a former kindergarten student—now a high schooler—while observing a new teacher• Why these moments remind us that mentorship and relationships compound over time• How experienced educators nurture the next generation through empathy and reflectionSupporting Students & Families With Diverse Needs 💫• Kristin's daughter's learning journey and how it shaped her advocacy for accessibility• The importance of listening to families and honoring their knowledge of their children• Creating classrooms where empathy, flexibility, and mental health are prioritizedAdvice for New Teachers: Take a Breath 🌬️• "Take a breath, listen, and lean on your people"—building authentic relationships is the foundation• Why finding your educator community sustains you through challenges• Leading with heart, reflection, and lifelong growthKey Takeaways:✨ UDL is equity in action—it's not extra work, it's designing learning that works for everyone✨ Returning to the classroom after coaching can feel like coming home with renewed purpose✨ AI can be a creative thought partner when used intentionally without replacing authentic voice✨ Full-circle moments—like reconnecting with former students—remind us why mentorship matters✨ Take a breath, listen, and lean on your people—relationships are the foundation of great teaching✨ Experienced educators nurture the next generation by modeling empathy, reflection, and growth🎯 Perfect For:• Special education teachers and advocates for diverse learners• Educators interested in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility• Teachers exploring AI as a creative tool while maintaining authenticity• Mentors working with intern teachers and newly credentialed educators• Anyone navigating the balance between innovation and student-centered practice• New teachers seeking advice on building relationships and finding communityResources & Mentions:♿ Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework🎓 LA County Office of Education - Practicum Supervision and Induction Mentoring🏫 Brea Olinda Unified School District🎤 Kristin's conference presentations: Spring & Fall CUE, ISTE, CA STEAM Symposium📚 CA State Certificates in Educational Technology and Online & Blended Learning (Krause Innovation Center, Foothill College)Connect With Kristin Oropeza:Twitter/X: @KristinOropezaInstagram: @kristinoropezaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinoropeza/About Kristin Oropeza:Kristin Oropeza has spent 14 years in public education as a special education teacher and Technology TOSA, advocating for educational technology and diverse learners. She currently works as an Education Specialist (RSP Teacher) for Brea Olinda Unified School District and part-time for LA County Office of Education as Practicum Supervisor and Induction Mentor. A champion for Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Kristin advocates for creative, thoughtful, and innovative use of technology to ensure equitable access for all. She holds a Master's from CSU Long Beach and California State Certificates in Educational Technology and Online & Blended Learning. She has presented at CUE, ISTE, and CA STEAM Symposium.This episode reminds us that coming home to teaching—whether physically or philosophically—can deepen our purpose and renew our commitment to equity, empathy, and lifelong growth. 💚#udlap #SpecialEducation #EdTech #UniversalDesign #EquityInEducation #Mentorship #AIinEducation #EdChat #DiverseLearners #TeacherSupport #Accessibility #NewTeachers #InductionMentoring
      Afficher plus Afficher moins
      43 min
    Aucun commentaire pour le moment