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Jeff Utecht

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In this episode Dr. Kraft shatters misconceptions and reveals the power of gaming for building social-emotional skills. How can educators effectively integrate gaming into their SEL programs? 

Are You Ready To Unlock the Power of Gaming?
The power of gaming can be harnessed to forge strong peer connections among students. By instilling the elements of gaming in social-emotional learning, students can be encouraged to reflect on their emotions and reactions in gaming scenarios, apply insights to real-life contexts, and foster belonging within their peer groups. Thus, far from being a mere recreational activity, gaming can be a potent tool for facilitating improved student well-being and social-emotional growth.

Learn more about our amazing guest:

Dr. Kristen Craft has served as a teacher, principal, and district administrator in public education for the past 27 years. A champion of students, Dr. Craft is currently the Scholastic Esports Specialist for Generation Esports. She helps normalize esports in education by supporting schools and districts to create a scholastic esports pipeline. 

Mentoring educational leaders, teaching aspiring principals at the university level, presenting at multiple conferences, and connecting with leaders across the country, Kristen knows the impact leaders can have on a school or district. The culmination of her time in administration at both levels represents a lifetime of love spent in the greatest profession.  

She is the Gaming Concepts Podcast host and has been featured in several ed leadership podcasts and publications. 

Kristen was named the 2021 Kansas Principal of the Year.

Twitter – @KristenEsports @GamingConceptsU @JoinGenEsports @HSELesports  
LinkedIn – KristenEsports, Generation Esports

Links explored in this episode

?LGBTQ Students Finding Hope in Declining Mental Health via Esports in Schools

https://www.gamingconcepts.gg/

Huge thanks to our amazing Sponsor for this episode!

Mackin

For highlights from this conversation:

00:06:52 – Gaming as a Tool for Connection and Belonging 
Dr. Kraft explains how gaming at school provides an opportunity for students to find their peer group, build friendships across different social circles, and strengthen connections, ultimately promoting a sense of belonging.

00:09:31 – Rethinking Social Emotional Learning (SEL) 
Dr. Kraft reflects on traditional approaches to SEL and suggests that incorporating gaming into SEL programs can make them more authentic and relevant to students. By addressing real-life challenges and experiences in gaming, students can develop skills like anger management and empathy.

00:11:08 – Using Gaming to Teach Emotional Regulation 
Dr. Kraft shares an example of using gaming to teach emotional regulation. By discussing instances of toxic behavior and anger in gaming, students can learn how to manage their emotions and react appropriately, not only within gaming but also in other aspects of life.

00:15:34 – The Stigma of Video Games 
The guest discusses the common misconception and stigma surrounding video games, particularly among parents. She shares her own experience of labeling her son as a “loser” for playing games and emphasizes the need to normalize esports in schools.

00:17:21 – Esports and Marginalized Populations 
The guest highlights the positive impact of esports on marginalized populations, specifically LGBTQ+ students. She mentions a study that showed significant growth in self-esteem among students who had mental health moments integrated into their gaming concepts curriculum.

00:18:13 – Rapid Transformation with Esports 
The guest discusses the transformative effects of implementing esports in schools. She shares the results of a study where students showed tremendous gains in self-esteem within just ten weeks. Esports provides a sense of community and inclusivity for students who may feel marginalized.

00:22:12 – Leadership Skills and Career Opportunities 
The guest emphasizes that esports develops leadership skills and opens up career opportunities in a rapidly growing industry. She mentions the diverse range of professions related to gaming, such as chiropractors, accountants, and lawyers. Esports prepares students for the future and helps them become successful adults.

00:25:50 – Getting Started with Esports 
The guest encourages educators to reach out for support in getting started with esports. She assures that starting is not as difficult as it may seem and that they can provide guidance and solutions for challenges related to attendance, grades, student engagement, and mental health.

00:30:25 – Combatting Pushback 
Dr. Kraft discusses the importance of being prepared to combat pushback when championing initiatives for students, such as Esports. Leaders in education may face resistance, but pushing past it can make a tremendous difference in the lives of students.

00:31:16 – Creating a Welcoming Culture 
Dr. Kraft emphasizes that adding initiatives like Esports can create an inclusive and welcoming culture in schools. It is essential for educational leaders to see and fight for all students, rather than discounting or shaming them.

00:31:52 – The Role of Educational Leaders 
Dr. Kraft reminds leaders that their focus should be on the students, not themselves. Turning a blind eye to the needs of students is not who educational leaders should be. They should actively advocate for and support all students.

00:32:15 – Ending on a Powerful Note 
Tricia thanks Dr. Kraft for sharing her expertise and passion. The conversation serves as a reminder that it is ultimately about the kids and their well-being. Dr. Kraft’s insights provide inspiration for educational leaders to prioritize the needs of students.

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, you’ll join Tricia and Jeff as they dive into their recent experiences and reflections on AI and education. They’re excited to share the consulting work they’ve been doing and the innovative ways they’re incorporating AI into the classroom. Tricia discusses her passion for teaching creative writing and how she’s been using AI-generated art to fuel students’ creativity. Jeff, on the other hand, shares his experiences working with school leaders and presenting at conferences, highlighting the importance of teaching AI as an equity issue. They also discuss AI literacy and the need for everyone to advocate for fair and just AI systems. Throughout the conversation, Tricia and Jeff emphasize the transformative potential of AI in education and the importance of educators being actively engaged in the conversation. 

 

Tricia and Jeff unveil their new offering, the Shifting Schools cohort, a three-week transformative program for educators. With access to live webinars, generative AI resources, and a supportive online community, this cohort promises to revolutionize the way educators integrate technology. 

 

Interested in learning more about our team discount for the 3 Week Cohort?

Email info (at) shiftingschools.com

 

Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:18 – Introduction
Tricia and the host catch up and discuss their recent work in education consulting, including using AI-generated art in creative writing and exploring the potential of AI art in the business world.

00:02:01 – AI and Equity
The host shares his experience of presenting on AI to school leaders and how they are embracing it as an equity conversation. They discuss the importance of AI literacy and its potential to be used for good in transformative ways.

00:04:57 – AI in Healthcare and Education
The host mentions Google’s partnership with hospitals to use AI in the healthcare industry, as well as the potential for AI to assist with administrative tasks in education. They highlight the early days of AI and the exciting possibilities it offers.

00:06:34 – AI for Good
The conversation focuses on the ways AI can be used for good, such as the app “Be My Eyes” that helps blind or vision-impaired individuals by describing images and offering cooking suggestions. They emphasize the importance of understanding both the positive and negative aspects of AI.

00:09:47 – The Shifting Schools Cohort
The hosts discuss the success of their cohort model in building a community of educators interested in AI. They highlight the benefits of diverse participation and the opportunity for rich dialogue and personalized support.

00:14:23 – The Power of Collaboration in Education
The speaker discusses the importance of having a community to bounce ideas off and how technology can support educators in their work.

00:15:27 – New Offering for Winter Break
The speaker announces a three-week cohort starting in November for educators who want to experiment with technology in their classrooms.

00:16:16 – Tailoring Content to Educators’ Needs
The speaker highlights the benefit of gathering feedback from participants to create relevant and engaging webinars that meet the needs of educators.

00:18:24 – Three-Week Cohort Overview
The speaker outlines the structure of the three-week cohort, including live webinars, generative AI resources, weekly challenges, and a supportive online community.

00:19:25 – Team Discount and Limited Spots
The speaker offers a team discount for schools that sign up with ten or more participants and emphasizes the limited availability of spots in the cohort.

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


SWAPNA KRISHNA writes about space, science, and technology. You can find her at the YouTube channel Ad Astra, and her work has been published at outlets such as Wired, Engadget, The Verge, NPR, and Slate.

Her new book provides a novel approach to mindfulness while learning more about science and history.

Pocket Nature: Stargazing: Contemplate the Cosmos to Find Inner Peace

Part of the Pocket Nature series, this petite volume features helpful tips for stargazing, plus thoughtful meditations related to stars, space, and the universe.
In a cool palette with celestial illustrations, Stargazing is a must-have companion for amateur astronomers, space enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to slow down and find time for contemplation.
In these pages, learn about features of the night sky, from the Milky Way to moon craters to the planets in our solar system; read a brief history of stargazing in cultures around the world; and discover seventeen notable constellations to observe in the northern hemisphere throughout the year. With ruminative meditations on the universe, moonlight, stardust, and more, this pocket-size guide to the cosmos has everything you need to better understand and appreciate the night sky.

 

Learn more with Shifting Schools this year:

https://www.shiftingschools.com/

 

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor: Mackin

https://home.mackin.com/

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


For nearly thirty years, Jennifer Miller has worked with educators and families to help them become more effective with children through social and emotional learning (SEL). She authored and illustrated the book “Confident Parents, Confident Kids: Raising Emotional Intelligence In Ourselves and Our Kids” and founded the organization by the same name ten years ago growing an international platform through her blog with more than 23,000 followers in 152 countries world-wide. She has served as a regular expert contributor to NBC’s TODAY Parenting, PBS WNET and Parent Magazine. She conducted and published original peer-reviewed research on parenting with SEL.” She co-founded SEL for Ohio, a statewide network to champion social and emotional learning and serves on the SEL for U.S. Leadership Council. She consults with schools, conducts research and offers webinars on parenting and SEL with partners in Ohio and nationally. She has her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership with a focus on social and emotional development and lives with her husband and fifteen-year-old son in Columbus, Ohio.

 

In this episode we dig into her research and her book Confident Parents, Confident Kids: Raising Emotional Intelligence in Ourselves and Our Kids–From Toddlers to Teenagers

Explore your copy soon

Connect with Jennifer Miller online:

https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org

 https://twitter.com/JenniferSMiller

 https://www.facebook.com/confidentparentsconfidentkids

 https://www.instagram.com/jennifersmithmiller1/

We are so grateful to our amazing sponsor: Mackin

They have made our special mini series on SEL possible. Please be sure to learn more about their resources:

https://home.mackin.com/

 

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


On this week…

We were so excited to have a conversation with Dr. Charles A. Barrett to dive deeper into his book:

Social Justice in Schools
A Framework for Equity in Education

Our conversation explores:

  • Ensuring equitable access to key opportunities
  • Centering Relationships
  • Reflecting on how to build community

Find your copy:

Via this link

Learn about our special guest

Charles A. Barrett, PhD, NCSP, a district-level administrator in Virginia, practiced as a school psychologist for 13 years at the elementary and secondary levels. He serves as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, where he is actively involved in the training and development of future school psychologists. Dr. Barrett was named a School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists. His past leadership positions within the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) include co-chair of the Social Justice Task Force and African American Subcommittee, chair of the Multicultural Affairs and Social Justice Committees, and Virginia Delegate to the NASP Leadership Assembly. Dr. Barrett serves on the editorial boards of School Psychology Review and School Psychology. He is a frequent speaker and workshop presenter for educators, families, and community organizations.

His website is www.charlesbarrett.org

 

We are so grateful to the team at Mackin for sponsoring this episode and the full SEL series.

Learn more about them:

Mackin 

Want to discuss your thoughts on this episode?

send us an email info (at) shiftingschools.com or catch us at camp: camp.shiftingschools.com

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


On this week…

We were so excited to have a conversation with Dr. Novak and Dr. Rodriguez about their latest book

In Support of Students: A Leader’s Guide to Equitable MTSS

Our conversation explores:

  • How to make change happen
  • What schools can do to better support ALL students
  • How leaders can upskill in order to foster inclusion in schools

Find your copy:

On Sale Now via Bookshop

Check out their special book group guide

Learn about our special guests

https://www.novakeducation.com/

https://kristanrodriguezcc.wixsite.com/ccapr

We are so grateful to the team at Mackin for sponsoring this episode and the full SEL series.

Learn more about them:

Mackin 

Want to discuss your thoughts on this episode?

send us an email info (at) shiftingschools.com or catch us at camp: camp.shiftingschools.com

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


Jessica Lahey is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed and The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Jess was awarded the Research Society on Alcohol’s Media Award for “outstanding journalistic efforts of writers who cover empirical research on alcohol” […] “for her book The Addiction Inoculation and advocacy for the recovery community.” Over twenty years, Jess has taught every grade from sixth to twelfth in both public and private schools, and spent five years teaching in a drug and alcohol rehab for adolescents in Vermont, and serves as a prevention and recovery coach at Sana, a medical detox and recovery center in Stowe, Vermont. She has written about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and her biweekly column “The Parent Teacher Conference” ran for three years at the New York Times. She designed and wrote the educational curriculum for Amazon Kids’ award-winning animated series The Stinky and Dirty Show, and was a 2019 Pushcart Prize nominee. Jess holds the dubious honor of having written an article that was later adapted as a writing prompt for the 2018 SAT. She co-hosts the #AmWriting podcast from her empty nest in Vermont.

This week as Jeff and Tricia launch the new Social Emotional Learning series they talk with Jessica specifically about her book The Gift of Failure.

Find your copy:

On Sale Now via Bookshop

Learn about Jessica Lahey’s other work:

https://www.jessicalahey.com/

We are so grateful to the team at Mackin for sponsoring this episode and the full SEL series.

Learn more about them:

Mackin 

Want to discuss your thoughts on this episode?

Join us at our camp!

camp.shiftingschools.com

Continue your learning with Jeff and Tricia

Learn how

www.shiftingschools.com

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


Jeff begins by emphasizing how ChatGPT enable educators to offer tailored content and support to a diverse range of students, meeting them at their individual learning levels. He cites examples of how this AI-driven technology can adapt lessons, provide personalized feedback, and assist students with varying needs, making the learning experience more inclusive and engaging. Tricia further expands on this by discussing how ChatGPT can help educators save time and energy when it comes to fostering relationships with the parent and caretakers at their school.

Together, they explore how ChatGPT serves as an invaluable tool for educators seeking to provide customized learning experiences that empower every student to thrive academically and personally. Jeff and Tricia’s conversation highlights big questions to ask when it comes to engaging with  ChatGPT as a “differentiation machine” in the realm of student learning, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible education landscape.

Check out the report mentioned in the episode:

https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/research/future-of-work-report-ai

Wanna grab one of the last seats remaining for their 3 Month Generative AI Cohort?

https://www.shiftingschools.com/learn

We loved getting to spotlight LeeAnne Lavendar’s reflection, learn more about her work:

https://www.leeannelavender.com/

Share your thoughts with us on anything discussed here in our Shifting Schools Camp:

camp.shiftingschools.com

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


:studio_microphone: In this episode of the Shifting Schools Podcast, Jeff Utecht sits down with Elliot Mack, the co-founder of Daigon Esports, our generous sponsor for the esports mini-series.
:joystick: What do we discuss?
  • The educational benefits of esports
  • How Daigon Esports is shaping the future of educational technology
  • Ways to integrate esports into your classroom curriculum
:mag: What do we investigate?
  • Educational Technology
  • Esports in Education
  • Classroom Integration
:white_check_mark: Why Listen?
If you’re an educator, administrator, or simply interested in the intersection of esports and educational technology, this episode is a must-watch. Learn how to bring the competitive, collaborative, and strategic world of esports into your educational setting.
 
:link: Links

 

 

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools


Join us as we unravel the stories that emerge when esports and gaming becomes a lifelong compass for learning. This week’s guest is thought leader Janey Laney, a content creator and podcaster bridging the gap between education, gaming & tech.

Our guest takes us on a journey where gaming serves as a conduit for boundless education. Janey uncovers the profound community dynamics that power the world of gaming, weaving networks and inspiration together into a seamless fabric of connectivity. Delve into the unexplored corners of education, technology, and empowerment, and glimpse a future where gaming becomes a portal to careers and community and more.

Ready to connect with this week’s amazing guest?

https://linktr.ee/JaneyLaney

Ready to learn more about our sponsor?

https://www.daigonesports.com/

Learn more with Jeff and Tricia this year:

https://www.shiftingschools.com/

Check out this episode of Shifting Our Schools