Épisodes

  • Differentiation at Scale: How AI Can Strengthen MTSS and Student Engagement

    Differentiation at Scale: How AI Can Strengthen MTSS and Student Engagement
    Feb 20 2026
    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome back Nebraska native Trevor Goertzen, Regional Vice President at SchoolAI and former teacher and principal, for an honest and practical conversation about artificial intelligence in schools. Two years after our first discussion, Andrew and Trevor reconnect to explore how the national conversation around screen time, technology rollback, and AI integration has evolved and what that means for educators today. Rather than chasing headlines or hype, this conversation focuses on: What intentional technology use actually looks like in classrooms Why AI should be viewed as a tool to get to the thing, not the thing itself How AI can support differentiation, MTSS, and Tier 2 interventions The importance of teacher-designed, teacher-controlled AI learning environments Why good pedagogy still matters more than any platform How leaders can thoughtfully introduce AI into their districts The power of AI as a thought partner for administrators and educators Trevor shares practical classroom examples — from structured learning “agenda steps” to multilingual support and small-group differentiation — demonstrating how AI can expand what’s possible without replacing the human relationships at the heart of teaching.
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    34 min
  • AI With Intention: What Teaching, Learning, and Integrity Require Next

    AI With Intention: What Teaching, Learning, and Integrity Require Next
    Feb 6 2026
    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by Tony Frontier, author of AI With Intention and director of the AI Center for Effective Teaching and Learning. Rather than approaching artificial intelligence as a technical problem to solve, this conversation grounds AI in what educators already know to be true about effective teaching and learning. Tony shares why AI represents an inflection point for the profession—and why this moment demands greater intentionality, not abandonment of core instructional practices. Together, Andrew and Tony explore how AI can either undermine or strengthen learning depending on how it’s used, the importance of productive struggle, and what it means to prepare students to use AI as a thinking partner rather than a shortcut. The episode also digs into practical guidance for schools and districts around transparency, explainability, integrity, and creating shared expectations for both teachers and students. Referenced Links & Resources Access Tony's book, AI With Intention: https://www.amazon.com/AI-Intention-Principles-Teachers-Leaders/dp/1416633626 Contact Tony Frontier: tonyfrontier@gmail.com Access the AI Center for Effective Teaching and Learning https://firsteducation-us.com/ai-center
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    45 min
  • The State of Language Education in Nebraska: Collaboration, Bilingualism, and Opportunity

    The State of Language Education in Nebraska: Collaboration, Bilingualism, and Opportunity
    Jan 30 2026
    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Nick Ziegler for a conversation on the current state of language education in Nebraska and the power of intentional collaboration across the state. Dr. Ziegler shares updates on the Seal of Biliteracy, competency-based credit, and how districts can leverage Title III funds to expand opportunities for English learners and world language students. We also explore the evolving role of the Nebraska Languages Association (NEBLA), upcoming World Language Week activities, and a preview of a statewide, hybrid language education conference planned for October 2026. The episode highlights how high-quality, live distance learning is helping address teacher shortages while increasing access to world language instruction, and why language learning remains essential even as AI-powered translation tools continue to advance. To learn more about the ESU 5 World Languages Program, visit https://www.esu5.org/about/news/esu-5s-world-language-department-best-nebraska To learn more about the Nebraska Languages Association and related events and opportunities, visit https://www.nebla.org/ To access the new Distance Learning Teacher Support Series as a YouTube playlist, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJpETmv954jNB7fLD5G-V-gQYiCP28-ko
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    36 min
  • Coherence in Action: Building Inclusive Systems Through ESU 3’s Inclusive Practices Academy

    Coherence in Action: Building Inclusive Systems Through ESU 3’s Inclusive Practices Academy
    Jan 24 2026
    Inclusive education doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intentional systems, shared mindsets, and sustained collaboration. In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, host Andrew Easton is joined by Allison Kelberlau (Assistant Director of Student Services, ESU 3), Eileen Heller (Education Consultant, Professional Learning, ESU 3), and Jill Guenther (Nebraska MTSS Regional Support Lead, Region 2) to unpack the story and impact of ESU 3’s Inclusive Practices Academy (IPA). The conversation traces the origins of the IPA from statewide coherence efforts led by the Nebraska Department of Education’s Office of Special Education, through its design and implementation, and into what the work looks like now in year two. Together, the group explores how mindset, systems and structures, and instructional practices intersect to support meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities—and how ESUs can model the very collaboration they hope to see in schools. Listeners will hear how the academy brings general education teachers, special educators, related service providers, and building leaders together around: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a foundational framework Co-planning and co-teaching as levers for inclusive practice Data-informed decision-making tied directly to classroom instruction Action planning that bridges professional learning and daily practice The critical role of building leadership in sustaining inclusive systems The episode also highlights what the ESU 3 team learned themselves through cross-department collaboration—and why inclusive professional learning must be designed with the same care and flexibility we expect in classrooms. Whether you work in a service agency, district leadership role, or classroom, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical entry points for advancing inclusive education—starting wherever you are.
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    41 min
  • My Nebraska, Our America: Students, Public Art, and the Story of Nebraska 250

    My Nebraska, Our America: Students, Public Art, and the Story of Nebraska 250
    Jan 18 2026
    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore Nebraska 250—the state’s effort to commemorate the nation’s upcoming semi-quincentennial through learning, creativity, and community connection.We're joined by Bre Wilton, Social Studies Content Specialist at the Nebraska Department of Education; Cody Talarico, Arts Education Specialist at NDE; and Anne Alston, Arts Education Program Specialist at the Nebraska Arts Council. Together, they unpack how a cross-agency collaboration led to the My Nebraska, Our America Public Art Design Challenge, a statewide opportunity for students to explore history, civic identity, and sense of place through public art. The conversation highlights how educators—across grade levels, content areas, and learning environments—can use a flexible, standards-aligned toolkit to help students design public art that reflects both local stories and national ideals. Listeners will also learn how student artwork can be submitted for a statewide exhibition, including a traveling display at the Nebraska State Capitol, the Museum of Nebraska Art, and the Nebraska Department of Education. Referenced Links & Resources Nebraska 250 Art Challenge website: http://www.ne250artchallenege.com/ Contact email: neartschallenge@gmail.com
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    26 min
  • A New Avenue to Impact: How Nebraska Is Opening Pathways for Professionals to Become Educators

    A New Avenue to Impact: How Nebraska Is Opening Pathways for Professionals to Become Educators
    Dec 31 2025
    Nebraska is exploring a new approach to addressing teacher shortages—one that invites experienced professionals to bring their real-world expertise directly into the classroom. In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we’re joined by State Senator Kathleen Kauth, who shares the story behind Nebraska’s new Pathway to Educator (P2E) program. Senator Kauth unpacks how this initiative came to life, why the timing and collaboration were right for this effort, and how school districts and ESUs across the state may choose to implement flexible, locally designed pathways into teaching. From workforce development to mentorship models—and from policy nuance to practical classroom realities—this conversation offers valuable insight for school leaders, educators, and anyone interested in innovative solutions that strengthen Nebraska’s education system without relying on new legislation. For more information, please reach out to Dr. Larianne Polk with the ESU Coordinating Council via ESUCC.org.
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    30 min
  • Four Years In: What One District Learned by Treating AI as an Instructional Shift, Not a Tech Trend

    Four Years In: What One District Learned by Treating AI as an Instructional Shift, Not a Tech Trend
    Dec 23 2025
    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by Kris Hagel, Chief Information Officer of Peninsula School District. Peninsula has been thoughtfully implementing artificial intelligence in K–12 education since early 2023. Now in their fourth year of AI work, Peninsula offers an honest look at what it takes to move beyond one-off trainings and instead build a sustainable, values-driven approach to AI adoption. Chris shares how early collaboration between instructional leaders and technology teams shaped the district’s direction, why universal design for learning (UDL) remained non-negotiable, and how teachers—especially in English and social studies—have reimagined assessment by focusing on student process rather than just final products. The conversation also explores practical system-level considerations, including data privacy, vetted tools, local AI models, and the realities districts face when balancing innovation with responsibility. As the episode closes, Andrew and Chris wrestle with one of the most pressing and unresolved questions in education today: students’ growing use of AI for companionship, mental health support, and social connection. Whether your district is just beginning its AI journey or refining systems already in place, this episode offers grounded insight, cautionary wisdom, and a reminder that meaningful change takes time, trust, and intentional leadership. To learn more about the tremendous work being done with AI in Peninsula Schools, visit https://psd401.ai/ to access all the resources discussed in this episode.
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    Moins d'une minute
  • Moving Past the Hype: Becky Keene on What AI Can Really Do for Teaching & Learning

    Moving Past the Hype: Becky Keene on What AI Can Really Do for Teaching & Learning
    Dec 10 2025
    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by Becky Keene, CEO of Phygital Labs and author of AI Optimism: A Guide to Redefining Artificial Intelligence in Education. Drawing from 25 years in public education and a decade of global consulting work, Becky shares why she chooses to lead with possibility over fear in the age of generative AI. Together, Andrew and Becky explore what AI optimism really means for K–12 systems, how educators can move beyond simple substitution toward meaningful redefinition and transformation, and why human-centered practices like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking matter more than ever. Becky introduces her AI Optimism Framework, unpacks the role of praxis, privacy, and prompting, and offers practical examples of how AI can elevate—not replace—great teaching. This conversation challenges leaders and educators to rethink not just how they use AI, but why they use it, and how small, intentional shifts can shape powerful learning experiences for students. Connect with Becky Keene: Website: https://beckykeene.com/ Social Media: @beckykeeneedu Daily AI reflections and practical examples via TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
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    40 min