In this episode, we are joined by four different educators from across our ESU network as they share about the work they do on behalf of the students and school systems that they serve in our state. The pod opens with a conversation about paraprofessionals with ESU 9’s Joe Haney. Part two of the pod takes us to the ESU 4 region where Sally Schreiner explains the unique partnership between ESU 4 and NDE that supports the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Part three features Jean Anderson of ESU 10 and Brittany Shackleton of ESU 2 as they explain Part C services, Part B services, and the supports that the ESU special services provide learners with special needs from birth to age 21.

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In this episode, Kellen Conroy of ESU 1, Marci Ostmeyer of ESU 7, and Alison Smith of ESU 16 share about the work being done by the ESU staff development affiliate in our state. The pod begins with Kellen explaining what SDA is and how it functions as an intermediary between the Nebraska Department of Education and the local districts. Marci Ostmeyer then joins us for part two of the episode to discuss the ESU SIMPL process, which is instrumental in helping districts self-assess, identify, and then address (with ESU support) the needs in their respective systems. Finally, Alison Smith goes into further detail regarding the day-to-day life of an SDA member in support of the diverse needs of the numerous districts her ESU supports.

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This episode is the first in a series of pods dedicated to highlighting the local and collective efforts the Nebraska ESUs are making in service to education in Nebraska. Each week, we will focus on a topic and showcase the current conversations and work being done in that area. Episode 1 takes a look at ed-tech and the breadth of the ESUs statewide support, ranging from pairing tech integration with instructional best practices (Dr. Lynne Herr, of ESU 6 – 0:00) to the Canvas Consortium and districtwide LMS implementation (Shara Johnson of ESU 2 – 22:00) and the latest on Cyber Security in Nebraska schools (Bill Pulte of ESU3 – 35:40). We hope you enjoy this pod and the entire series!

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Laurie Smith, 4th-grade teacher at Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Elementary, was recently recognized by the National Rural Education Association as the National Rural Teacher of the Year. In this episode, Jack Moles, the executive director of NRCSA (the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association) joins Laurie for an insightful conversation about teaching, leading, and fostering relationships in the rural school setting.

Learn more about NRCSA on their website NRCSA.net.

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In this episode, Peg Coover of ESU 10 joins us to share the ESUPDO TLT Digital Citizenship work group’s efforts to take what was once their in-person Digital Citizenship Symposium online. In the spring of 2021, their number of participants multiplied by nine times to involve 2,000+ Nebraska students on this important topic. In the pod, you will learn more about how students can access this year’s DigCit content and get involved in the statewide competitions. For more information, listen to this conversation and then visit bit.ly/NEdigcit.

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In this episode, we are joined by Andi McNair, author of Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry — and — A Meaningful Mess: A Teacher’s Guide to Student-Driven Classrooms, Authentic Learning, Student Empowerment, and Keeping it All Together without Losing Your Mind. Andi shares on the topic of interventions, looking specifically at the strategies, voice, and motivation being utilized when a learner is struggling to grasp a concept. This pod shares a great reframing of the approach to intervention along with strategies for how to practically make those adjustments in the classroom.

Mentioned in this episode…

Daniel Pink’s Ted Talk, The Puzzle of Motivation

Follow and Connect with Andi McNair Through Her Blog

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In this episode, CEO and co-founder of Peekapak, Ami Shah, shares her backstory and the formation of her ed-tech company. Peekapak provides CASEL-aligned stories, lessons, and learning games that help keep social-emotional learning (SEL) engaging wherever learning happens. For information on Peekapak, visit their website at peekapak.com to learn more about the work that they do in support of SEL for students.

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In this episode, Tisha Richmond, author of Make Learning Magical, joins us for a conversation on the M in her M.A.G.I.C.A.L. acronym, Meaningful Beginnings. Tisha shares about ideas for how to build culture and community at the start of the school year.

To connect with Tisha via her website at https://www.tisharichmond.com/

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In this episode, professional learning specialists Amy Schultz and Kristen Slechta of ESU 9 join us for an energetic and practical conversation about supporting new-to-the-profession teachers. Join us to learn more about everything from relationship building strategies to routines and procedures, and we enjoy as we have some karaoke fun along the way!

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