Teaching Matters

Karen Borchert of Alpaca explains what teachers say they need to succeed and what school leaders can do about it. Karen Borchert is the founder and CEO of Alpaca, which was founded in Omaha in 2022 and publishes the School Culture Report 2026. She has a degree in education and started her career there. Karen describes how Alpaca began with listening: she asked an educator if she could bring her coffee after school and hear about her job. As she puts it, “We thought that this was gonna be a subscription box company with a little tiny survey, and it turns out it’s a survey platform with some care packages on the side.” The conversation covers what the School Culture Report found about teacher health, what teachers mean when they ask for time, and how leaders can listen and respond. Scott asks what a principal should do first thing on Monday, and Karen’s answer is an activity called Start Stop Continue. Each teacher writes one thing they want their leader to start, one to stop and one to continue. Karen says,…

Roughly four in ten American high school students report not feeling connected to anyone at their school. Host Scott Titsworth talks with Dr. Dominique Smith — principal of Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego and co-author of the new second edition of Belonging in School: Creating a Place Where Kids Want to Learn and Teachers Want to Stay — about why the effort students spend trying to fit in is the very thing that pulls them away from learning. Smith came to school leadership by an unusual route, holding a master’s degree in social work alongside a doctorate in educational leadership, and he is a national trainer for the International Institute for Restorative Practices. In this conversation he breaks belonging into eleven distinct dimensions, makes the case that it functions as the gatekeeper for learning, and describes what a teacher can actually do on a Monday morning with no budget and nobody’s permission. Belonging in School, second edition (Corwin):…

On this episode of Teaching Matters, host Scott Titsworth talks with Zaretta Hammond, a teacher educator and the author of Rebuilding Students’ Learning Power: Teaching for Instructional Equity and Cognitive Justice. Hammond argues that teaching strategies are not the same as learning: teachers can cover the content, model each step, and supply every scaffold, and the student still has to do the thinking, which is why she describes over-scaffolding as the teacher doing too much of the cognitive work. She is not against scaffolding; she says teachers have to know how to best create true learning opportunities. The conversation covers cognitive redlining, a term she borrows from redlining in real estate, and the signs she looks for when she walks into a school; the five learn-to-learn moves she wants teachers to hand over to students; the idea of the first pancake and a classroom culture of errors; and why cognitive friction, the confusion and productive struggle she says all learning starts with, is what AI…

Most districts are still arguing about whether to ban artificial intelligence or allow it. Alex Bronson thinks both sides of that argument are losing. In this episode, host Scott Titsworth talks with Bronson, Director of K-8 Science at Uncommon Schools, about why prompt engineering is not the same thing as literacy, and why she believes the work of preparing students for an AI-saturated world starts in kindergarten with computational thinking rather than in high school with chatbots. They discuss the K-8 sequence she has built, the ethical and equity stakes for students in underresourced communities, and what schools owe teachers who are being asked to teach something they never trained for. Learn more by visiting https://uncommonschools.org/

In this episode of Teaching Matters, host Scott Titsworth talks with Sabine Wallis, General Manager of NWEA, about where K-12 assessment is headed as districts navigate academic recovery, growing skepticism about testing, and the arrival of AI in classroom tools. Wallis, who joined NWEA in December 2025 after product leadership roles at Renaissance Learning and Illuminate Education, argues that the real opportunity isn’t more assessment but better use of the data schools already collect. The conversation covers her path into K-12 education, how assessment providers can build trust through transparency, why research needs to aim beyond simply validating a product, and what genuine integration looks like from a classroom’s point of view. Learn more by visiting NWEA: https://www.nwea.org/

Earlier this year, Teaching Matters talked with the founders of Abre about making school data meaningful. This episode is the other half of that story. Host Scott Titsworth talks with Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent of Durango School District in southwest Colorado and the 2025 EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year, about what happens when a district actually puts that kind of system to work. They discuss Durango’s community-created Portrait of a Graduate, the challenge of gathering actionable evidence from students, and what the data has revealed for Durango Schools. https://www.durangoschools.org/

Host Scott Titsworth talks with Natalie Campana, the 2025-2026 National Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering Teacher of the Year, and her former student Sarah Ostovich, now an aviation major at Ohio University. A follow-up to Teaching Matters’ July 2026 conversation with PLTW’s Katie Minihan, this episode traces the mentorship that connected a Steubenville High School teacher and her student, the hands-on PLTW curriculum and dual-enrollment coursework that let Sarah arrive at college with more than ninety credit hours already earned, and what it takes to build a career in a field where women remain underrepresented. Project Lead The Way: https://www.pltw.org

Only one state has recovered its pre-pandemic 4th grade reading scores, and roughly 70% of 4th and 8th graders nationally are not reading proficiently. On this episode, host Scott Titsworth talks with Louise Baigelman, founder and CEO of Storyshares, about building a public benefit corporation focused on older striving readers in grades 3-12. Baigelman, a former middle school teacher, discusses why Storyshares chose a hybrid business model over a traditional nonprofit, what makes its decodable, age-appropriate books work for teenage readers, and what the evidence shows about closing the literacy gap after 3rd grade. Storyshares: https://www.storyshares.org/

In this episode of Teaching Matters, host Scott Titsworth talks with Dr. Tara Valoczki, Assistant Vice President of Education and Student Life at Milton Hershey School, a tuition-free boarding school for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr. Valoczki describes her path from elementary principal to systemwide leader, and explains why her office oversees academics, health services, and residential care as a single integrated system rather than separate departments. The narrative threading through this discussion focuses on the ways in which student support can be thought of in a holistic, comprehensive way to promote lifelong success. Milton Hershey School: https://www.mhskids.org

Host Scott Titsworth talks with Ali Arsan, Founder and CEO of Edlio, the K-12 communications platform used by more than 19,000 schools across North America. After 25-plus years in education technology, Arsan argues that most EdTech has prioritized its own growth over the needs of educators and families, leaving schools juggling disconnected platforms while families get lost in the middle. The conversation covers the roots of platform fragmentation, what a real school-family partnership requires, and where Arsan believes AI can genuinely help improve communication and information flow. https://www.edlio.com

In this episode of the Teaching Matters podcast, host Scott Titsworth talks with Auditi Chakravarty, President and CEO of the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), about her path from high school English teacher to leading a national education R&D fund. The conversation centers on AERDF's “Advanced Inclusive R&D” model and the organization’s recent initiative putting teachers at the center of designing AI approaches in the classroom. Learn more about AERDF's programs at: https://aerdf.org

Dr. Kara Stern returns to the Teaching Matters Podcast to discuss new data on the topic of absenteeism. She highlights two recent reports from SchoolStatus. Dr. Stern is the Director of Education and Engagement at SchoolStatus. During our discussion Dr. Stern provided mid-year updates on attendance from the 2025-2026 school year and discussed how intentional strategies by districts, particularly for younger students, can have a substantial positive impact on attendance. SchoolStatus Website: https://www.schoolstatus.com Additional Content! The NEW report referenced in the discussion is now released: https://www.schoolstatus.com/resource/2026-attendance-trends-report?utm_source=press_release&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=schoolstatus_26q3_cd_report_2025-26_attendance_trends

As families gear up for a school year that will cost them close to $1,000 in supplies, Scott talks with Frank Cullen, Executive Director of the Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP), about the counterfeit goods flooding online marketplaces each fall. Cullen, whose career has spanned from Hollywood to Capitol Hill, explains why U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than $7 billion in fake goods last year, what the pending SHOP SAFE Act would change about marketplace liability, and the practical steps parents can take to avoid counterfeit school supplies and electronics this back-to-school season. https://c4ip.org/shop-safe/

This episode of Teaching Matters introduces audience members to Project Lead the Way through a discussion with Dr. Katie Minihan, Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. The conversation examines the connection between student engagement, experiential learning, and community partners particularly in STEM education. Katie discusses the importance broader definitions of success beyond standardized testing, highlighting the significance of student engagement and social-emotional learning. Minihan shares insights on the importance of empowering students to solve real-world problems in their communities. Project Lead the Way: https://www.pltw.org/

Alyssa Tormala, Head of School at Laurel Springs School, shares insights on online education, mastery-based learning, community building, and the role of technology like AI in modern schooling. Laurel Springs is a fully accredited online school. In our discussion, Alyssa discusses trends in online education as well as ways in which online educators adapt practices to help students grow. Laurel Springs School: https://laurelsprings.com/

This episode explores the effectiveness of professional development in K-12 education, featuring insights from Jim Hall, CEO of the K12 Coalition. Topics include strategies for impactful teacher training, the role of evidence-based practices, and the future of education with AI and other innovations. K12 Coalition: https://k12coalition.com

Natural disasters pose risks for schools that exceed typical planning efforts. When such disruptions occur, districts with mature and scalable plans are able to return to some sense of normalcy more quickly. Megan Kuhfeld, Director of Growth Modeling and Analytics with NWEA discusses a recently released research brief from NWEA discussing factors that should be considered when developing a mature action plan for natural disasters. NWEA Report: https://www.nwea.org/uploads/lessons-in-resilience-a-playbook-for-recovery-from-natural-disasters_NWEA_rresearchBrief.pdf

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth interviews Juliana Worrell, Chief Schools Officer for Uncommon Schools, about the challenges and strategies in fostering reading habits among students. They discuss the alarming statistics regarding Gen Z's reading preferences, the importance of engaging students with relevant texts, and the role of technology in education. Juliana’s comments emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to literacy that includes professional development for educators and active parental involvement. Uncommon Schools: https://uncommonschools.org YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/_yiLn_hIcRU?si=RFzFsUnehxYE106E

Lindsay Burns and Chelsea Herbert, Gifted intervention Coordinators at Chillicothe (OH) City Schools, discuss creation of the Excite Lab and its role in providing opportunities for gifted students. The discussion highlights the personal journeys of the educators involved, the community context of Chillicothe, and the integration of STEM and arts in education to fulfill the district’s objective of supporting students who seek advanced instruction in STEM and arts-related topics, including the Igloo project, which aims to enhance immersive learning experiences for students. The speakers also address the importance of communication and collaboration in gifted education, as well as the challenges faced in teaching gifted students. Chillicothe City Schools: https://www.ccsd.us/page/gifted-services-and-talent-development YouTube: https://youtu.be/5drymyZN_Ks

This episode introduces listeners to Lumos Learning, an online platform that helps students build confidence and success on state standardized tests. Mukunda Krishnaswamy, founder and CEO, and Rich Katz, Senior Superintendent in Residence at Lumos, discuss the evolving landscape of education, particularly focusing on the integration of AI in learning environments, strategies for improving student test scores, and the importance of data-driven insights for schools. They emphasize the need for personalized learning experiences and empathy for students as they prepare for success on state tests. Lumos Learning: https://www.lumoslearning.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/tT7JVg06gPM

Brittanie Bates is the Senior Vice President and Principal of Crimson Global Academy, an internationally accredited online school. In this episode, Scott and Brittanie discuss the evolution of online education, Brittany's journey from traditional teaching to online education, the skills necessary for effective online teaching, and the importance of community building in virtual classrooms. The conversation also touches on the social interactions of students in online settings, the challenges of parenting an online student, and the significance of in-person meetups for fostering community. Crimson Global Academy: https://www.crimsonglobalacademy.school YouTube: https://youtu.be/OuRFUNRYnpY

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Shail Silver discuss the prevalence of speech disorders in children and the innovative solutions provided by Speech LP, an AI-driven platform designed to enhance speech therapy. Shail shares his personal journey into the ed-tech space, the development of the app, its features, and how it integrates with professional speech therapy. Speech LP is currently free and is available in the App Store. Speech LP: https://speechlp.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/oClWwe39F1U

Tom Livezey is the superintendent of Oak Ridge Public Schools in Muskegon, Michigan. In this episode, Tom discusses the evolution of communication between schools and parents, the importance of parent engagement, and innovative strategies to improve student attendance. Livezey shares insights from his extensive experience in education, emphasizing the need for community understanding and trust to foster effective partnerships. The conversation also touches on the future of parent-teacher conferences and the impact of technology on communication in education. Oakridge Public Schools: https://oakridgeschools.org YouTube: https://youtu.be/dn1_mLOl1gQ

This episode of Teaching Matters features Alix Guerrier, CEO of Donors Choose. Donors Choose is a nonprofit platform that matches teachers’ projects and needs with donors. Alix discusses the 25-year history of Donors Choose as well as recurring and emerging trends in what teachers are seeking to fund. Donors Choose: https://www.donorschoose.org YouTube: https://youtu.be/l-TACQgVs2Y

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Susan Riley explore the importance of creativity in education, particularly through arts integration and the challenges teachers face in fostering a creative environment. They discuss the impact of AI on creativity, the barriers posed by standardized testing, and the potential of leveraging students' unique experiences as resources for creative problem-solving. Susan emphasizes the need for educators to cultivate creativity in their classrooms and personal lives, while also addressing the evolving role of AI as a tool for enhancing creativity rather than replacing it. Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM: https://artsintegration.com Susan Riley: https://susanmriley.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/65shdGVeLg8

In this conversation, Carmelo Piazza, the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Preschool of Science, discusses the importance of early childhood education, particularly through inquiry-based learning and STEAM concepts. He shares his journey into education, the philosophy behind his preschool, and the significance of creating a stimulating, screen-free learning environment for young children. The discussion emphasizes hands-on learning techniques and the need for structured learning to prepare children for a future in a digital world. Brooklyn Preschool of Science: https://brooklynpreschoolofscience.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/XEh8TAuWmiA

This conversation explores the evolution of data usage in education, the founding of the Abre platform by Zach Vanderveen and Chris Rose, and how it addresses the challenges educators face with data management. The discussion highlights the importance of user experience, the role of AI in education, and ways in which data-driven platforms can assist districts in achieving a wide range of goals in addition to academic achievement. Zach and Chris emphasize the need to support educators and students through fostering meaningful relationships focused on improving educational outcomes. Link to Abre: https://abre.com YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/PX4qZycklog

In this episode of the Teaching Matters podcast, host Scott Titsworth engages with Aubrey Francisco and Michelle Tiu, co-executive directors of AERDF's EF+Math program, to discuss the critical role of executive function skills in enhancing math education. The discussion in this episode centers on evidence-based practices focused on improving math learning by strengthening students' executive functioning skills. The EF+Math program recently released a new digital library of resources, which can be found at: https://efmathprogram.org YouTube: https://youtu.be/0_yv6n2WF-4

In this episode, Scott Titsworth and Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer of the 95 Percent Group, discuss the current challenges in literacy education, particularly the alarming decline in reading scores among students. They explore the importance of the science of reading, the need for effective teaching practices, and the role of data in driving instructional decisions. Laura emphasizes the necessity of aligning resources and training for teachers to ensure all students receive the support they need. The conversation also touches on legislative actions aimed at improving literacy education and the collaborative efforts required to create lasting change. YouTube: https://youtu.be/b82wj-2Z--8

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth speaks with Catherine Townsend and Jeremy Goldstein about the National Mall's significance, its historical context, and the educational opportunities it presents. They discuss the Trust for the National Mall's initiatives, including preparations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, the launch of the National Mall Gateway, and the importance of civic learning. The conversation highlights the rich history of the Mall, the stories behind its monuments, and how individuals can engage with the Trust to support its mission. Trust Website: https://nationalmall.org Trust 250th Celebration Site: https://www.nationalmall250.org YouTube: https://youtu.be/CCZsA5w6fl4

Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase, the superintendent of the Westbury Union Free School District, discusses the critical role of communication in ensuring school safety. She emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of safety within schools, integrating various safety measures, and maintaining open lines of communication with parents and the community. Dr. Chase shares insights on the implementation of technology in safety protocols, the significance of trust, and the ongoing evaluation of safety measures through audits. The discussion highlights the multifaceted approach needed to foster a safe and supportive educational environment for students and staff. Dr. Dupree Chase: https://www.tahiradupreechase.com/ Centegix: https://www.centegix.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/mX-14B8A7fc

This conversation explores the critical issue of chronic absenteeism in schools, highlighting the findings from a comprehensive report by SchoolStatus. The discussion covers the importance of attendance, the data methodology used, and the patterns observed in absenteeism across different grade levels. Dr. Kara Stern emphasizes the significance of early interventions, effective communication strategies with families, and the need for a systematic approach to improve student attendance. The conversation also addresses the unique challenges faced by middle school students and the role of parents in identifying early warning signs of disengagement. Report Link: https://www.schoolstatus.com/wp-content/uploads/SchoolStatus_2024-2025-Attendance-Trends-Report.pdf

In this episode, Scott Titsworth and Shawn Young discuss the critical role of student engagement in education, exploring Shawn's journey from physics teacher to Chief Platform Officer at HMH. They delve into the importance of gamification in the classroom, the integration of AI in education, and the need for meaningful learning experiences. The conversation highlights the impact of great teachers, the onboarding process for new educational platforms, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in education. They conclude with thoughts on the future of teaching and the importance of building relationships in the classroom. https://youtu.be/wfipL8BRZO4

Reading is a fundamental skill for students; unfortunately, reading comprehension is diminishing for students nationally. Rebecca Kockler is the Executive Director for Reading Reimagined, a program with the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (https://aerdf.org/programs/reading-reimagined/). In our conversation we explore the challenges faced by students in reading comprehension, the concept of the decoding threshold, and the need for ongoing support in reading skills. Rebecca shares insights from her work with Reading Reimagined, emphasizing the necessity of tailored interventions and the role of technology in enhancing reading education. The discussion highlights the goal of eradicating illiteracy and ensuring that all students can access and engage with complex texts, ultimately allowing them to focus on more enriching educational experiences.

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Jason McKenna discuss the challenges and opportunities in STEM education, particularly focusing on the integration of robotics in the classroom. They explore the importance of early engagement in STEM, the role of creativity in motivating students, and the need for effective professional development for teachers. McKenna shares his journey from teaching to working with VEX Robotics and emphasizes the significance of providing students with hands-on learning experiences that foster collaboration and problem-solving skills. VEX Robotics: https://www.vexrobotics.com/ Jason McKenna: https://www.jmckenna.org/

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth interviews Dr. David Lawrence, the superintendent of Dayton Public School District, discussing the challenges of teacher shortages, the innovative use of remote teachers, and the importance of a strong educational culture. Dr. Lawrence shares insights on the five C's approach, his journey into education, and the impact of technology on learning environments. The conversation also explores the future of education in light of technological advancements and the evolving needs of students.

Scott Titsworth and Stephanie Hickman Boyse discuss the psychological stress faced by college students and the importance of career guidance. Stephanie shares her personal journey from being a college student to becoming the co-founder and CEO of Jebbee, a free AI-driven platform that helps students explore career options and connect with professionals. Stephanie describes features of Jebbee and how it differentiates itself from other platforms. The discussion also covers how schools and companies can get involved with Jebbee and the positive impact it has had on students' career paths. Link to Jebbee: https://about.jebbee.com

This is the second of a two-part series exploring the use of aptitude testing to help students envision career goals. In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth engages with Koree Hodgkinson and Victoria Hegsted from Danbury Local Schools in Ohio to discuss the implementation of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), a platform designed to assist students in understanding career pathways. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by a small school district, the importance of career readiness, and how data from Youth Science informs curriculum development and student support. The guests share insights on engaging parents, collaborating with local businesses, and the transformative impact of career assessments on students' futures.

This conversation explores how YouScience is being used to assist teachers, staff, students, and families reduce the awareness gap for possible career paths. Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), shares the company's origin story and the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry. Candice Sears, from the Montgomery County Educational Services Center in Ohio, discusses how the Montgomery County ESC is leveraging the partnership with YouScience to enhance student readiness for the future. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding students' aptitudes and interests to create meaningful career pathways and community engagement. This is the first of a two-part series exploring ways in which schools are using YouScience to spark understanding and discussion of career readiness.

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth speaks with Danna Okuyama, founder and CEO of Urban Sandbox, a platform designed to enhance student wellbeing through creative expression and peer interaction. They discuss statistics surrounding student mental health, the origin of Urban Sandbox, and how it aims to provide a safe, engaging environment for K-12 students. Danna shares insights on the importance of creativity in fostering wellbeing, the platform's safety protocols, and the newly launched Wellbeing Program that offers tiered support for families. The conversation emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to student support and the role of parents and educators in nurturing student growth. Link to Urban Sandbox: https://www.urban-sandbox.com

The Alliance for Decision Education is a national nonprofit organization that provides resources to help students develop skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Adriana Masarra and Ali Stumacher, both from the Alliance, discuss the alliance’s mission and the benefits of adopting intentional decision education into students’ experiences. Link to Alliance for Decision Education: https://alliancefordecisioneducation.org

Tara Bonner, Chief Neuroeducation Officer for the Arrowsmith Program, discusses the concept of neuroplasticity as it relates to students’ growth. The neuroplasticity perspective assumes that our cognitive functions can grow and change as a result of learning experiences. Tara discusses classroom techniques that stimulate such growth, including techniques employed by the Arrowsmith Program Link to the Arrowsmith Program: https://www.arrowsmith.ca

Dr. Jonah Schenker, Superintendent of Ulster BOCES in New Paltz, NY, discusses the concept of deeper learning and its implementation at Ulster BOCES. He emphasizes the importance of leadership in fostering an environment conducive to deeper learning and the skills necessary for students to thrive in the future. The discussion also highlights the recent Deeper Learning Conference and its innovative approach to fostering Deeper Leadership among educators. The discussion also addresses the challenges of translating big ideas into actionable steps and the importance of preparing for future challenges in the educational landscape. The upcoming 2025 Leading for Deeper Learning Conference (https://www.ulsterboces.org/educator-edge-home/educator-professional-development/for-school-district-leaders/dlny) is scheduled for July 15 & 16, 2025.

In the February 12, 2024, episode, listeners learned about the use of Writable by Galveston ISD in Texas. In this episode you will meet Andrew Goldman, co-founder of Writable (https://www.writable.com) and Executive Vice President of HMH Labs. Andrew discusses the origin story of Writable as well as the emerging role of artificial intelligence as a tool for teachers. Goldman suggests that AI may help teachers re-allocate time from tedious tasks so that they can provide meaningful feedback and establish authentic connections with students.

Nigel Nisbet, Vice President of Content Creation at the MIND Education, discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, particularly in mathematics. The conversation explores how neuroscience can inform teaching methods including the integration of experiential learning to help students make connections while learning mathematical concepts. MIND Education (https://www.mindeducation.org) enables students to experience math the way the brain learns, ensuring that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Dr. Temple Lovelace discuss the evolving landscape of educational assessment, focusing on the mission of Assessment for Good (https://aerdf.org/programs/assessment-for-good/). Assessment for good is a program funded by the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to unlocking scientific breakthroughs to solve teaching and learning challenges in PK-12 settings. They explore the importance of formative assessment, the implications of high-stakes testing, and innovative approaches to assessment that prioritize learner-centered practices. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in enhancing assessment tools and the future vision for assessment practices that are more experiential and authentic.

Aptitude Testing and Career Readiness in Danbury Local Schools This is the second of a two-part series exploring the use of aptitude testing to help students envision career goals. In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth engages with Koree Hodgkinson and Victoria Hegsted from Danbury Local Schools in Ohio to discuss the implementation of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), a platform designed to assist students in understanding career pathways. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by a small school district, the importance of career readiness, and how data from Youth Science informs curriculum development and student support. The guests share insights on engaging parents, collaborating with local businesses, and the transformative impact of career assessments on students' futures.

Sparking Discussion of Career Readiness through Aptitude Testing This conversation explores how YouScience is being used to assist teachers, staff, students, and families reduce the awareness gap for possible career paths. Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), shares the company's origin story and the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry. Candice Sears, from the Montgomery County Educational Services Center in Ohio, discusses how the Montgomery County ESC is leveraging the partnership with YouScience to enhance student readiness for the future. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding students' aptitudes and interests to create meaningful career pathways and community engagement. This is the first of a two-part series exploring ways in which schools are using YouScience to spark understanding and discussion of career readiness.

In this episode of Teaching Matters, you will meet Aja Cormier and Katie Assad, both with Galveston ISD, Galveston, TX. Katie is an instructional coach working in an elementary school and Aja is a 9th grade English teacher. Our discussion centers on how the technology tool, Writable, is being used in Galveston ISD to improve student writing. In addition to offering teachers a more efficient way to grade and provide feedback, Writable embeds AI tools that coaches students on writing, suggests prompts for scaffolded lessons, and other processes to help students and teachers.

In this episode, listeners meet Lori Alhadeff, founder of Make Our Schools Safe, and Will Fullerton, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs at CENTEGIX (https://www.centegix.com). Lori discusses how the Parkland, Florida, school shooting resulted in the death of her daughter and led to the founding of Make Schools Safe. The organization promotes safety cultures in schools and advocates for Alyssa’s Law to be passed in each state. Will discusses the effectiveness of wearable “panic buttons” for teachers and school staff as well as the status of Alyssa’s Law nationwide. You can learn more information about Make our Schools Safe at: https://makeourschoolssafe.org