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Jeff Utecht

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Our special guest today:

Dr. Tony Walker serves on the executive team of The Jed Foundation (“JED”) – a national nonprofit that serves as a thought leader on school mental health and youth suicide prevention. JED works within Higher Education Institutions and PK-12 schools and districts to help leaders build systems that promote more positive mental health outcomes for youth. In his role, Dr. Walker leads JED’s Academic Programs team, supporting the implementation of JED’s programs and best practices of comprehensive school mental health and suicide prevention programming across our nation’s education landscape.

Previously, Dr. Walker worked in multiple roles in public education, including as a teacher, school counselor and most recently serving as an executive district leader over Student Support Services at Uplift Education, a high performing network of schools dedicated to providing excellent educational opportunities to more than 23,000 students in North Texas. Founding this work at Uplift in 2011, he established and supervised five large departments servicing 44 schools, including Counseling Services, Social Emotional Learning, Student Discipline and Restorative Practices, Prevention Programs, and Strategic Community Partnerships. Under his decade of leadership, Uplift developed and implemented one of the largest school-based mental health systems in Texas, allowing students and families direct access to licensed mental health clinicians in every school, robust SEL experiences, in-district family therapy services, and a full array of other wraparound programs and supports.

Further this conversation with the following links:

https://jedfoundation.org/

X (formerly Twitter) – https://twitter.com/jedfoundation

 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JedFoundation

 Instagram – https://instagram.com/jedfoundation/

This episode is sponsored by our partner at Money Pickle!

Discover the key to unlocking your financial success by scheduling a complimentary call with one of Money Pickle’s trusted, third-party financial advisors.

With Money Pickle taking care of the matchmaking process and the advisor covering the cost of the call, all you need to do is share the topic of discussion and attend the meeting at a time that best suits you.

In this invaluable video chat session, you’ll have the chance to delve into your financial aspirations, investment strategies, and retirement plans, propelling you further towards attaining true financial independence.

Now, here’s even more good news for you: while there’s no obligation, you have a unique opportunity to start an ongoing relationship with your matched advisor. They can offer you additional personalized services and the invaluable support you need throughout your investment journey.

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I am proud to announce the first of many documents being released by the @waospi on guidance for K12 educators in the state of Washington. 

Of course this type of guidance starts with state level leadership and Chris Reykdal has set the bar high for the state of Washington educators and students.

This is just the first of many documents that will be coming from the AI Committee that I am honored to be co-facilitating in doing this work. I wanted to point out some of my favorite parts of the document as it is now.  

All of the guidance that is coming out at the state and national levels is going to be pretty similar. We’re all using the same research from UNESCO, the Dept. of Education, and Teachai just to name a few. What is going to be different however, is the tone behind the guidance. Which states and nations are willing to take this new technology head-on and which are going to be more cautious in their recommendations. When you have leadership at the state level that puts out statements such as:

“This is our moment, Washingtonians, to lead the country and to lead the globe,” Reykdal said. “Washington is home to some of our most cutting-edge technologies and innovations, and it’s only fitting that our students will be on the forefront of the implementation of artificial intelligence for learning, creativity, and production.”

Chris Reykdal – Superintendent of Public Instruction

It sets the tone for the guidance that will continue to roll out moving forward. 

Some of my favorite parts about our vision and guidance in this document are as follows: 

  • Taking a human centric approach: With our H – AI – H approach or Human Inquiry – AI usage – Human Empowerment we set a framework for how AI should be used within the educational setting (and I would argue outside it as well). The forthcoming resources will expand on this idea and guide educators in using AI in a way that empowers them as educators and students as learners within the learning process.
  • On page 11 of the guidance are two of my favorite bullet points that I’m not sure I’ve seen in other state guidance so far. I mean I like them all, but these two: 
  • Avoiding sole reliance on the use of “AI detection” tools in checking for student plagiarism. These tools often use data that is biased against students who are multilingual/English language learners.
  • Prepare students for jobs of the future, including those in career and technical education (CTE) programs, by partnering with industry to update and integrate learning standards.

are my two favorites. I get asked A LOT in trainings about AI detection tools and I am glad that we’re following the lead of universities in not recommending its use in the classroom. Rather than rely on these tools we need to rethink the process and what we ask students to produce. Within the time frame of one full day of training, I can get teachers to think about assessing prompts over products. Which is a start to the shift that is needed. 

CTE programs hold a special place in my heart. My dad being a CTE teacher for most of his career teaching FFA, Welding, Greenhouse management, and the likes probably has something to do with that. Growing up on a farm, having a brother who still farms and owning a real estate investing company also probably has something to do with it. So I’m excited to see CTE programs specifically called out in the documents. To learn more on how AI can be leveraged in CTE courses check out this webinar I did for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools in support of CTE educators. 

Another bullet point I am happy to see made it into this round of guidance is under the PD section: 

  • Empower teachers to generate curriculum using open educational resources provided by OSPI (Washington OER Hub)

We already have school districts in Washington State who are looking at replacing purchasing curriculum resources with custom GPTs trained specifically on that district’s approach to learning. At a training I was doing for district leaders, we were just 3 hours in when the Director of Teaching and Learning came up to me and asked: 

“Why am I about to drop $1.7 million on a new ELA curriculum that our teachers are not excited about, when we could create a GPT that is trained on OUR power standards, a UDL approach, and state OER resources that are customized specifically to our wants and needs as a district?” 

With the announcement of ChatGPT Teams this week…that idea is quickly becoming a reality.

This guidance is just the beginning. In the coming weeks will be a checklist for school leaders to use to start thinking about what policies need to be updated and what conversations need to start happening within schools if they aren’t already. Also coming is a FAQ document that answers some of the most pressing questions from school leaders and IT directors. We’re already hard at work also on guidance for classroom and student learning that will take this H – AI – H approach and start breaking it down into what conversations we can have with students and how to frame the use of AI so that we take a human-centered approach to learning. 

Stay tuned for more and in the meantime feedback welcomed!


Our special guest today:

Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth (she/they), MD, MA, is the Chief Medical Officer for The Jed Foundation (JED), a national nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults. Laura has provided thousands of patients with crisis intervention and mental health support in over ten different emergency rooms in New York City. Much of her career has focused on LGBTQ mental health, and she continues to see clients at the Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQIA+ Youth. 

We talk about the connection between media literacy and mental health.

Further this conversation with the following links:

https://jedfoundation.org/jed-storytelling/

https://mentalhealthmediaguide.com/ 

https://seizetheawkward.org/

This episode is sponsored by our partner at Money Pickle!

Discover the key to unlocking your financial success by scheduling a complimentary call with one of Money Pickle’s trusted, third-party financial advisors.

With Money Pickle taking care of the matchmaking process and the advisor covering the cost of the call, all you need to do is share the topic of discussion and attend the meeting at a time that best suits you.

In this invaluable video chat session, you’ll have the chance to delve into your financial aspirations, investment strategies, and retirement plans, propelling you further towards attaining true financial independence.

Now, here’s even more good news for you: while there’s no obligation, you have a unique opportunity to start an ongoing relationship with your matched advisor. They can offer you additional personalized services and the invaluable support you need throughout your investment journey.

Connect with them this year:

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools?mc_cid=982e825316&mc_eid=a5d8879dfc

 

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


Our mental health series continues with Dr. Rina Bajaj. This conversation brings us great ways to reframe our inner monologue and strategies to refresh our approach to caring for self and combatting burnout.

This series is sponsored by Money Pickle, learn more about ways to connect with an advisor today: https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

Learn more about our guest:

Dr Rina Bajaj is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with over 17 years of experience within the field of mental health. In 2017, she founded her private consultancy, Rina Bajaj Ltd, which offers a specialist therapeutic service for adults and young people providing therapy, business consultation and coaching. She has worked with many international corporate companies providing workshops and training on areas including staff well-being, mental health awareness, mindfulness, creating a positive mindset, motivation, habit building and stress management.

 Rina is a regular contributor to national and international media and her recent media contribitions can be viewed via: linkt.ree/drrinabajaj Rina has worked with many interesting clients over the years including celebrities, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, musicians and artists. Rina is trained in a range of therapeutic approaches and believes in matching the therapy to the client, rather than the other way around. Her areas of speciality include relationships, anxiety and trauma. In May 2023, she released an Amazon best-selling self-empowerment book called “The Magic in Me”. Broken down into three main sections; the relationship with the self, relationships with others and connecting with individuals’ own identity, wants and needs; the book offers readers daily exercises designed to help them strengthen their connection to their true authentic self. Spanning a recommended thirty days, with journaling space provided within the pages, readers will be encouraged to make time for reflection to boost their inner confidence, self-worth and purpose.

www.RinaBajaj.com

Instagram @DrRinaBajaj

 tiktok @drrina8

recent media contribitions can be viewed via: linkt.ree/drrinabajaj

 

Want to tell us more about how your school will action ideas from this episode?

Reach out to Jeff and Tricia at info@shiftingschools.com

Learn more about our work and opportunities to learn with us at www.shiftingschools.com

Thanks again to our series sponsor Money Pickle for supporting our entire series on mental health!

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


Our first episode in our brand new mental health series kicks off with Dr. Deborah Offner.

This series is sponsored by Money Pickle, learn more about ways to connect with an advisor today: https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

Our special guest Dr. Offner is here to help us think more specifically about ways to support the mental health of our school community. We also explore her brand new book:

Educators as First Responders: A Teacher’s Guide to Adolescent Development and Mental Health, Grades 6-12

Ready to learn more about Dr. Offner?

Dr. Deborah Offner is an adolescent psychologist with twenty-five years of experience working in schools, colleges, and clinical practice. She is Consulting Psychologist at an innovative school in Boston that prepares students from communities with limited resources to attend competitive private high schools. She works with adolescents, young adults and their families in her private practice and consults to middle and secondary schools about student mental health. 

https://www.deborahoffnerphd.com/

Want to tell us more about how your school will action ideas from this episode?

Reach out to Jeff and Tricia at info@shiftingschools.com

Learn more about our work and opportunities to learn with us at www.shiftingschools.com

Thanks again to our series sponsor Money Pickle for supporting our entire series on mental health!

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

 

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


How is Minecraft a powerful tool for building community, fostering inclusion, and engaging learners?

This week’s amazing guest Mashfiq Ahmed has an answer for that question and tons of wisdom to share.

Meet this week’s special guest:

?? Mashfiq Ahmed (he/him) is a high school chemistry teacher at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, New York. He has been playing video games ever since he was 4-years-old and they have positively shaped him into the person that he is today. As a teacher, Mashfiq utilizes classroom gamification tools in order to support all of his students and make science more engaging. When the 2020-2021 virtual school year started, Mashfiq created an after school Minecraft Club in order for students to have a place to relax and de-stress through gaming during the pandemic. Since then, the club has grown to become something so much bigger than he could have possibly imagined. For example, Mashfiq’s Minecraft Club participates in esports building competitions with designs that promote equity, accessibility, and sustainability in New York City. Mashfiq strives to create a safe space for all, especially neurodivergent, people of color, and LGBTQ+ students, to express themselves through Minecraft and gaming. His Minecraft Club members are also Minecraft Student Ambassadors who have provided Minecraft training for other teachers and have showcased their work globally, such as at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference. Mashfiq hopes that the future of gaming continues to be more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Additionally, he is also a certified Minecraft educator and a global Minecraft mentor. Due to Mashfiq’s efforts he was recently inducted into The Game Awards Future Class of 2022, which honors inspiring individuals who represent the bright, bold, and inclusive future of video games. 

???? Ready to connect with Mashfiq?

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrAhmedGaming

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MrAhmedGaming

Minecraft Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdhsminecraftclub/

 Minecraft Club Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MinecraftClub

Leave a review of our podcast a win a free seat to the February AI cohort!

Learn more:

www.shiftingschools.com

email info@shiftingschools.com

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


In this episode, Jeff and Tricia discuss their favorite holiday food, introduce a new free guide on experimenting with AI for families, announce an upcoming series on mental health, promote an AI literacy cohort for PLCs and committees, highlight Jeff’s work on Washington State guidelines and policies, mention upcoming conferences, discuss the link between AI literacy and DEIJ/media literacy, and tease the upcoming 2024 Protocols Free Guide.

Takeaways

Experimenting with AI can be a fun and educational activity for families, and a new free guide provides three ways to get started.

The next series on the podcast will focus on mental health, covering topics such as the mental health of educators and students.

An AI literacy cohort is available for PLCs and committees looking to develop AI literacy in their schools.

Links:

Get the Three AI Literacy Experiments for the Family:

https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/three-ways-for-families-to-experiment-with-ai/

Learn more about our upcoming cohort:

www.shiftingschools.com 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Food
04:38 New Free Guide: Three Ways for Families to Experiment with AI
13:49 Upcoming Series on Mental Health
17:11 AI Literacy Cohort for PLCs and Committees
20:27 Jeff’s Work with Washington State Guidelines and Policies
22:35 Upcoming Conferences: NCCE, IDEO, CESA
24:32 Linking AI Literacy to DEIJ and Media Literacy
30:34 Upcoming 2024 Protocols Free Guide
33:14 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


Join us for this bonus episode where Tricia is a guest on the BFIS ‘The Future is Now Podcast.’

Ready to follow that show?

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-benjamin-franklin-international-school-podcast/id1714268067

 

Find all of the resources mentioned here.

Listener Challenge:
– Be the first to review from your state and win access to our AI course bundle. Leave a review on any podcast platform and email us at info@shiftingschools.com.

How to Connect:
– Follow us on everywhere: @shiftingschools and @shiftingschoolspod
– Visit our website: https://www.shiftingschools.com
– Email: info@shiftingschools.com

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


Episode Description:
Join us for this bonus episode were host Jeff Utecht becomes the interviewee on the Have A Life Teaching Podcast. You can subscribe to the Have A Life Teaching Podcast here: https://pod.link/1702975996

Episode Highlights:
1. Shout-out to Listeners: A special thanks to our listeners in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and France for your wonderful ratings and reviews! Remember, the first reviewer from each state gets access to our exclusive AI course bundle.
2. Jeff Utecht – A Brief Introduction: Get to know our guest, Jeff Utecht, a leader in educational technology and innovation.
3. Key Discussion Points:
   – The Role of Technology in Education: Insights into how technology is reshaping teaching and learning practices.
   – Digital Tools in the Classroom: Strategies for integrating technology to enhance learning experiences.
   – Preparing for a Tech-Forward Future: Discussion on future trends and preparing students for a changing world.

Listener Challenge:
– Be the first to review from your state and win access to our AI course bundle. Leave a review on any podcast platform and email us at info@shiftingschools.com.

How to Connect:
– Follow us on everywhere: @shiftingschools and @shiftingschoolspod
– Visit our website: https://www.shiftingschools.com
– Email: info@shiftingschools.com

 

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


On today we speak with Dr. Peter Stiepleman, 2021 Missouri Superintendent of the Year.

We explore keys to a human-centered leadership approach.

Ready to meet our guest?

Peter Stiepleman, EdD. Author, Leadership Coach, and Inspirational Speaker Dr. Peter Stiepleman is a locally, regionally, and nationally recognized leader who uses the power of storytelling to help leaders design better systems and help make complex concepts easier to understand. Peter is a self-starting, creative leader with experience engaging with diverse communities, from the United States Embassy in Madrid, Spain, to corporate insurance offices in San Francisco, to the multilingual, multicultural schools in Oakland, California, to the rapidly growing City of Columbia, Missouri.

 

In 2021, Peter was awarded the Missouri Superintendent of the Year from the Missouri Association of School Administrators. Now living in Washington State, Peter consults and coaches aspiring and established leaders on how to make more predictably successful decisions. Additionally, Peter is the author of An Imperfect Leader: Human-Centered Leadership in (After) Action which introduces a human-centered leadership model and system-thinking tools to readers. He is also the host of a weekly podcast with the same name, An Imperfect Leader. In each episode, leaders from all across the nation reflect on decisions they made and the lessons they learned. Peter hopes his transition from superintendent to coach will improve leader longevity for superintendents and school leaders nationwide.

Ready to connect with Peter?

Twitter – @pstieple and @imperfectleadr1

Instagram – @animperfectleader

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a

Learn more with Shifting Schools in 2024:

https://www.shiftingschools.com/

 

 

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools