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.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Wendy Merchant, founder and executive director of STEM Blazers, to discuss the importance of representation and inclusion for women in the STEM world. Wendy shares her journey from mechanical consulting engineer to leading an organization dedicated to inspiring young women to enter the STEM fields. Together, we dive deep into the challenges women face, the power of mentorship, and the hands-on experiences that make STEM Blazers a game-changer for its participants. Wendy also reflects on the transformative power of community collaboration and why diverse perspectives are key to driving innovation forward.

Wendy’s insights are a powerful reminder that mentorship and access to opportunity can change lives. Tune in to hear her inspiring stories of young women overcoming barriers and carving their own paths in the world of STEM.

Connect with Wendy and STEM Blazers on LinkedIn, STEMblazers.org and STEMblazers Podcast.

Ep. 1 — Reimagining Education with Kellie Lauth

We’re kicking off our brand-new podcast series with a powerhouse guest: Kellie Lauth, CEO of MindSpark Learning! In this inaugural episode, Kellie unpacks how we can flip the script in education by challenging outdated norms, championing educators, and building resilient systems that adapt—not react.

In this episode:

• Why teachers matter more than ever in the age of AI and innovation.
• How industry and education must collaborate to solve real-world problems.
• What it means to build systems of resilience over reactivity.
• A bold look at starting one of the first K–8 STEM schools and its lasting impact.
• Kellie’s personal leadership lessons on navigating resistance with grit and grace.

Final Spark: “We should invest in teachers like we invest in tech.” Let that challenge guide your day.

Connect with Kellie and MindSpark Learning at

Website: mindspark.org

LinkedIn (Kellie): Kellie Lauth

LinkedIn (MindSpark): MindSpark

Instagram: @mymindspark

Facebook: MindSpark

YouTube: MindSpark Learning

X: @mymindspark