In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we spotlight the JAG Nebraska (Jobs for America’s Graduates) effort and its mission to prepare students for the future. We’re joined by Jessica Hedlund, JAG Nebraska’s Senior Expansion and Onboarding Manager, and Brock Paul, a JAG student leader at Tekamah-Herman Community Schools and the Nebraska State Vice President, to discuss how this transformative program is equipping students with the skills and leadership experiences needed for lifelong success.

Jessi and Brock share insights into the program’s trauma-informed approach, project-based learning curriculum, and employer engagement initiatives, which are driving workforce readiness and leadership development in the JAG students. From fostering communication and soft skills to creating real-world connections with employers, this conversation highlights the statewide impact of JAG.

To learn more about JAG Nebraska, visit, JAG Homepage

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore Nebraska’s newly revised 2024 Science Standards with Kellen Conroy of ESU 1 and Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10, co-leads of the ESU Science Cadre. Kellen and Dianah provide insights into the collaborative process behind updating the standards and the focus on supporting teachers statewide with resources and professional development.

Together, we dive into the evolution of science education in Nebraska, from the 2017 shift to three-dimensional standards to the current updates emphasizing scientific literacy, cross-curricular connections, and equity in instructional support. This conversation highlights how these standards prepare students to think critically and engage as future scientists, engineers, and informed citizens.

Whether you’re a science educator or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes efforts driving educational progress, this episode offers a deep dive into the exciting advancements shaping Nebraska’s classrooms.

Resources:

Access the Nebraska Dept of Education’s science page for more information and resources: Science Education – Nebraska Department of Education

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In this episode, we take on the critical issue of school safety, featuring insights from Jay Martin, School Safety and Security Director at the Nebraska Department of Education, and Dr. Mike Lucas, Superintendent at Westside Community Schools. Together, we explore how Nebraska schools are enhancing safety through practical measures like secure vestibules and advanced technologies such as ZeroEyes, an AI-based weapon detection system.

From prevention and preparedness to response and recovery, this episode breaks down the key elements driving school safety initiatives across the state.

To access the NDE page on School Safety and Security, visit Nebraska School Safety & Security – Nebraska Department of Education

To access the NDE School Safety and Security Playlist on YouTube, visit NDE School Safety – YouTube

To learn more about ZeroEyes AI security, visit AI Gun Detection Technology: Enhancing Security and Safety | ZeroEyes

To learn more about the I Love You Guys Foundation, visit The “I Love U Guys” Foundation

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit, we explore how the Omaha Tribe Head Start program is transforming early childhood education through the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We are joined by Merissa Cruye and Shelsea Bia, who share their inspiring journey of bringing systems-level change to their Head Start program, serving children from six weeks to five years old across four townships on the Omaha Tribe reservation in Nebraska.

Merissa and Shelsea detail how the pandemic revealed gaps in early intervention services and led to a bold commitment to improving outcomes for the children in their program (and their families). They discuss the challenges and successes of integrating MTSS into their support at Omaha Tribe Head Start, including the use of data-driven practices, professional development, and building a foundation of collaboration through tools like CliftonStrengths.

This episode offers a powerful look at how systemic change and a dedicated team can create meaningful improvements for young learners!

To learn more about the Omaha Tribe Head Start Program, visit: Omaha Tribe Head Start | Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

To learn more about Nebraska’s MTSS efforts, visit: NeMTSS Framework | NDE

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit, we sit down with leaders from Ainsworth Community Schools to discuss their six-year journey of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We welcomed Ben Wright (K-6 Principal), Steven Dike (7-12 Principal), Heather Lutter (Middle School ELA Teacher and PBIS Team Leader), and Scott Steinhauser (School Psychologist and SPED Coordinator) to share their experiences fostering a culture of collaboration and student growth through effective interventions and enrichment opportunities.

From reshaping the schedule to accommodate intervention periods to focusing on reading as a foundational skill across all subjects, the Ainsworth team highlights the importance of breaking down silos and building systems that address the whole student. With personal stories of student success and reflections on professional growth, this episode provides valuable insights for educators and administrators looking to implement MTSS in their own districts.

To learn more about the NeMTSS effort in our state, visit NeMTSS Framework | Nebraska Department of Education – Nebraska MTSS

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This special three-part episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast was recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit. It’s the first in a series we are doing to highlight the transformative work happening in Nebraska schools through the lens of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). In part one, Amy Rhone, Nebraska’s State Director with the Office of Special Education, and Casey Hurner, the Nebraska MTSS State Coordinator, discuss the importance of building cohesive systems that remove barriers to learning.

Part two features Chris Blecha from Brady Public Schools, as he shares his summit experience and how all stakeholder groups at Brady Schools have coalesced around their shared values and brought that emphasis into how they gather and support kids.

The third and final part of the episode welcomes Teresa Casart, Director of Learning at Louisville Public Schools, for insights into her conference experience and how Louisville’s Language Lab is broadening their ability to meet secondary learners where they are with their literacy skills.

This episode captures the excitement from the summit, featuring stories from educators on the front lines implementing MTSS to support students across the state. Listen in to hear how Nebraska schools are fostering inclusive practices and developing frameworks that empower every student to succeed.

To learn more about Nebraska MTSS, visit https://nemtss.unl.edu/

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into how Elm Creek Elementary is using High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) to transform the learning experience in science for their students. Elm Creek Elementary principal Terah Williams and 4th-6th grade science teacher Katie Holland join Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10 to share their journey with implementing PhD Science. Throughout the episode, listeners will learn how hands-on learning, inquiry-based models, and innovative teaching practices are engaging students in authentic scientific thinking.

Whether you’re an educator looking to enhance your science instruction or are simply curious about new teaching methods, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways.

To learn more about PhD Science, visit PhD Science® – Elementary Science Curriculum | Great Minds

To access the Nebraska Department of Education’s repository of formative tasks for grades 5-8, visit the Science Classroom Formative Task Repository. This is password protected repository, contact NDE for access information.

To learn more about the science support and upcoming science-related events hosted by ESU 10, reach out to ESU 10: Dianah Steinbrink

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by national keynote speaker and restorative practices expert Ali Hearn, alongside Scott Eckman of Nebraska MTSS, to explore how restorative practices can transform school culture — and to promote the upcoming NeMTSS Summit! Ali shares her experience working with schools nationwide to help students and staff foster connections, build trust, and create safe spaces for students, educators, and learning. The conversation delves into the proactive strategies of restorative practices, the importance of embedding them into multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and how schools can shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. Scott provides valuable insights into Nebraska’s implementation of these practices and the ongoing efforts to build sustainable systems across the state. We hope you enjoy this thoughtful discussion on reshaping education through restorative practices and creating environments where every student and staff member feels they belong.

Learn more about the Nebraska MTSS efforts and Summit at https://nemtss.unl.edu/

To connect with Ali and learn more about her work, visit https://heyalihearn.com/

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