In today’s episode, we sit down with Tom Driscoll, CEO of EdTech Teacher, author, and national keynote speaker, to explore how education can embrace innovation and create learning experiences that are engaging, authentic, and future-ready. Tom shares how approaches like gamification, mastery-based feedback, and skills-based credentialing open new pathways for students to grow with confidence and agency.

Together, we look at how industry partnerships with organizations like IBM and Adobe expand opportunities for schools, why performance-based professional learning helps teachers thrive, and how real-world projects connect students to their communities in powerful ways. Tom’s perspective offers an inspiring roadmap for what’s possible when educators, industry, and communities work together to reimagine learning.

Connect with Tom and explore his work:
EdTech Teacher Website: https://edtechteacher.org/

Becoming Active Citizens: https://www.solutiontree.com/becoming-active-citizens.html

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdriscoll/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TomDriscollEDU

In today's episode, we sit down with Shawn McCusker, Senior Manager at the Bill & Rights Institute and former Senior Director of Professional Learning at EdTechTeacher, to talk about what it really means to prepare students for active citizenship in an AI-driven world. From questioning technology to embracing experiential learning, Shawn shares how civic education and AI education both build the same essential skill: student agency.
Together, we explore the shift from passive content delivery to hands-on learning, the surprising power of cell phones in the classroom, and why teaching students to be skeptical of AI creates the critical thinkers our democracy needs. Shawn's perspective offers a hopeful and practical roadmap for turning today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities.

Connect with Shawn and explore his work:
Website: https://gowhereyougrow.wordpress.com/...
Book: "Becoming Active Citizens" https://www.solutiontree.com/becoming...
LinkedIn: / shawn-mccusker-teacher

Bill & Rights Institute: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/?ga...

EdTech Teacher: https://edtechteacher.org/

In today’s episode, we sit down with Ryan Seely, a former school counselor turned Partner of Industry, to talk about what it really means to prepare students for life after high school. From soft skills to welding certifications, Ryan shares how the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus is helping students take meaningful steps toward both college and career.

Together, we explore the role of community partnerships, the shift toward career-connected learning, and the rising value of experience in today’s job market. Ryan’s perspective is a hopeful and practical roadmap for what’s possible in modern education.

Connect with Ryan and explore his work on the Career Conversations Podcast, on LinkedIn, via email rseely@cherrycreekschools.org and learn more about the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus.