Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Dr. Katherine M. Heavers — a high school biology teacher, evolutionary biologist, and co-author of Transforming Teaching Through Relationship-Building and Self-Reflection: Finding Our Way In — about what it actually takes to build authentic relationships in a classroom. Heavers draws on her doctoral theory of the "telling break" and 12 years of research conducted while teaching full-time to argue that the relational work great teachers do is learnable by anyone.Together, Seth and Kate explore the biology of trust — why authenticity isn't soft or sentimental, but a survival mechanism the mammalian brain has been running for 200,000 years. They talk through Kate's theory of the telling break, the moment a teacher's personal disclosure cracks open a shared space of curiosity in the room, and why that moment is at the center of learning rather than on its margins. Kate makes the case that vulnerability, emotional safety, honest feedback, and the willingness to name your own failures in front of students are all trainable skills — not personality traits — and that any teacher can be brought to them given the right conditions and inner work. The conversation ends with a genuine surprise: after three and a half years of exploring AI tools, Kate recently deleted her ChatGPT account because her teenage niece's ethics teacher changed her mind.Key topics:The telling break — what happens when a teacher steps out of instruction and becomes a person in the roomTeaching as a learnable craft vs. an innate giftThe biology of trust and why authenticity is an evolutionary strategyEmotional safety and productive struggle — how to hold both at onceSelf-reflection and inner work as professional practice, not personal disclosureConfronting bias as an ongoing relational obligationAI, cognitive offloading, and what we give up when we stop thinking for ourselvesLinks & Resources:Transforming Teaching Through Relationship-Building and Self-Reflection: Finding Our Way In — Katherine M. Heavers & Valerie Kearns, Routledge, 2024. https://www.routledge.com/Transforming-Teaching-Through-Relationship-Building-and-Self-Reflection-Finding-Our-Way-In/Heavers-Kearns/p/book/9781032798103Daring Greatly — Brené Brown (mentioned by Kate as essential reading for teachers)The Atlas of the Heart — Brené Brown (mentioned)Adam Grant and Brené Brown's collaborative content - The Curiosity Shop Podcast Grace and Frankie — Netflix series (Kate's media recommendation)"Toward a Theory of the Educational Interruption: A Conceptual Model of the Telling Break" — Katherine M. Heavers, doctoral dissertation, Rutgers University, 2012. https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/37293/Guest Bio: Dr. Katherine M. HeaversDr. Katherine M. Heavers is a high school biology teacher at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South in New Jersey and an adjunct professor in teacher education at Rutgers University and The College of New Jersey. Her work sits at the intersection of evolutionary biology, the philosophy of education, and classroom practice — she spent 12 years earning her EdD in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education at Rutgers while teaching science full-time, developing her theory of the "telling break" along the way. She is co-author, with Valerie Kearns, of Transforming Teaching Through Relationship-Building and Self-Reflection: Finding Our Way In (Routledge, 2024).About the Host:Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores. See https://www.banyangloballearning.com/programs/global-cohorts

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Dr. Maggie Broderick — academic program director of the Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning at National University's Sanford College of Education — about teacher dispositions, the classrooms inside schools where marginalized students find belonging, and what's happening to teacher attrition when emotion labor goes unsupported. Maggie's current qualitative research centers on what she calls "hidden oases" — music rooms, art classrooms, and specialist spaces — and builds on her published work integrating SEL into the formative development of educator dispositions.Together, Seth and Maggie explore why SEL became politicized and why Maggie chose not to rebrand around the backlash, how critical thinking and perspective-taking sit alongside SEL as facets of the same whole-human education, the link between teacher emotion labor and the attrition crisis, and the role of arts and specialist classrooms as belonging infrastructure for students who don't feel at home in the rest of the building. Maggie shares an early finding from her in-progress study: many of the teachers she's interviewed told her no one had ever asked them about the students who came to school primarily because of their music or art class.Key topics"Hidden oases" — specialist classrooms as belonging infrastructureSEL across the full age span, including adult and doctoral learnersTeacher emotion labor and the attrition crisisPerspective-taking and critical thinking as parts of SELEducator dispositions and how they're formedStarting small with vetted SEL resourcesLinks & ResourcesDr. Maggie Broderick — National University faculty page: https://www.nu.edu/degrees/teacher-education/faculty/margaret-broderick/Maggie on ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maggie-BroderickMaggie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-broderick-19321414/International Journal of Online Graduate Education (Maggie, editor): https://joge.scholasticahq.com/Email: [email protected] (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning): https://casel.orgHarmony Academy: https://harmony-academy.orgAmerican Educational Research Association (AERA): https://www.aera.netWorld Savvy (referenced in conversation): https://worldsavvy.orgBroderick, M., & Lyn, A. E. (2022). "Integrating Social Emotional Learning Into the Formative Development of Educator Dispositions," in Dispositional Development and Assessment in Teacher Preparation Programs (S. Clemm von Hohenberg, Ed.). IGI Global. https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/integrating-social-emotional-learning-into-the-formative-development-of-educator-dispositions/308385Broderick, M. "Development and Evolution of Teacher Dispositions Framework and Assessment." IGI Global. https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/development-and-evolution-of-teacher-dispositions-framework-and-assessment/308394Guest Bio: Dr. Maggie BroderickDr. Maggie Broderick is an academic program director and dissertation chair at National University's Sanford College of Education, where she leads the Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning and directs the Advanced Research Center — an online hub supporting faculty and graduate-student scholarship. Her research examines educator dispositions, SEL across the full age span of learners, and the role of specialist classrooms — music, art, theater, language — as "hidden oases" for students who feel marginalized elsewhere in their schools. She holds a Ph.D. in Foreign Language Education from the University of Pittsburgh and is the editor of the International Journal of Online Graduate Education.About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Rushton Hurley — founder of Next Vista for Learning and Director of Innovation at Junipero Serra High School — about the annual showcase that brings student projects from Serra in California together with student projects from Parklands College in Cape Town. Rushton's claim, sharpened over years of running the Creative Solutions for the Global Good class: students aim for "good" when they know other people will see their work, and "good enough" when only the teacher will. The episode works through what changes — in design, in motivation, in resource requirements — when the audience expands.Together, Seth and Rushton explore the design of the Creative Solutions for the Global Good class, the Serra–Parklands College partnership, the iterative storytelling model that replaces the year-end capstone, AI as a tough-questions generator (not a writing tool), and the minimum viable conditions for replicating this kind of work at less-resourced schools. The episode closes with a project from a Parklands student who redesigned the desiccant sachets used in pharmaceutical packaging — the original ones can leak when saturated, and her version changes color when it crosses the threshold.Key topicsAudience as motivator: "good" vs. "good enough"Iterative storytelling as pedagogy, not summative assessmentThe Serra–Parklands College partnership across continentsAI as a tough-questions generatorMinimum viable conditions for project-based learning at any schoolConcrete student projects: Scale Bridge, Fruit Share, the desiccant sachetLinks & ResourcesNext Vista for Learning — https://www.nextvista.orgRotary.cool — http://rotary.cool (Rushton's Rotary club, the connector to many of the showcase's global audience members)Junipero Serra High School — https://www.serrahs.com Parklands College, Cape Town — https://www.parklands.co.za/Kevin Brookhouser, The 20 Time Project — https://www.20time.org/More or Less (BBC) — Rushton's recommendation - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qshdRushton's previous appearance on Make It Mindful: "Education Futurist: Rushton Hurley" — https://makeitmindful.transistor.fm/episodes/40-education-furturist-rushton-hurleyTo request access to the recorded showcase: email [email protected] Bio: Rushton HurleyRushton Hurley is the founder of Next Vista for Learning, a nonprofit video library and student video contest platform he started in 2005, and the Director of Innovation at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California. His work centers on giving students agency over project-based work, building partnerships between schools across continents, and treating storytelling — the act of telling and retelling a project's story to different audiences — as the primary mechanism through which students improve. He previously taught as an assistant language teacher in Japan.About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle, Ed.D. — a middle/high school teacher-turned-author and a primary educator who completed her doctorate studying working memory — about why executive functioning looks fundamentally different in grades K–3 than it does anywhere else in school. Their new co-authored book grew directly out of feedback that K–3 teachers had been handed materials written for older students and told to make them work. The episode makes the case that what happens in the primary years isn't just preparation for real learning — it is real learning, and most schools treat it as invisible.Together, Seth, Mitch, and Sarah explore what the three core executive functions — working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility — actually look like when a child is five versus eight versus twelve, and why the developmental arc across those years matters for how teachers structure everything from transitions to independent work time. Sarah draws on her years teaching emerging readers to describe how cognitive load quietly derails decoding, how visual clutter competes with attention, and why playing music with lyrics during work time is, as she puts it, "really cruel." The conversation gets genuinely interesting when Seth pushes back on inhibition — asking whether what looks like off-task behavior might just be a child doing exactly what they need — and the discussion that follows is one of the more honest treatments of classroom compliance versus developmental reality you'll hear on an education podcast.Key TopicsThe three core executive functions: working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibilityWhy K–3 materials can't simply be adapted from K–12 resourcesCognitive load and how instructional design either protects or depletes itThe developmental arc from preschool through third grade and what changes around grades 3–4Classroom environment design: visuals, acoustics, physical layout, and attentionRoutines as an executive functioning tool, not just a management strategyWhen off-task behavior reflects unmet developmental needs vs. instructional design failuresLinks & Resources'Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom by Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle, Ed.D. (K–3 focus) — https://organizedbinder.com/product/ef-k3-book/ Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom by Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle, Ed.D. (K–3 focus) — https://organizedbinder.com/product/ef-k3-book/ Executive Functions for Every Classroom (Mitch Weathers' first book, grades 3–12) — https://organizedbinder.com/product/executive-functions-for-every-classroom/Mitch Weathers' website: OrganizeBinder — https://organizedbinder.com/Guest BiosMitch Weathers works with educators on applying executive functioning research to classroom practice. His first book focused on grades 3–12 and was widely used in school professional development. His new book, co-authored with Sarah Oberle, extends that work into the primary grades (K–3), an audience he intentionally left out of the first book because, as he says, he's not a primary teacher. He writes and consults under the OrganizeBinder brand.Sarah Oberle, Ed.D. is an early childhood educator who spent years teaching emerging readers before pursuing doctoral research on working memory. Her classroom experience — figuring out through trial and error why some things worked and others didn't — eventually met the research, and the alignment gave her a framework for anticipating where instruction breaks down before it does. She brings that practitioner-to-researcher perspective to the book.About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is a former classroom teacher and the founder of Banyan Global Learning. Make It Mindful explores how people, cultures, technologies, cognitive processes, and school systems shape what happens in classrooms around the world.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Jessica Werner, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Northshore Learning, about why teacher burnout is better understood as a systems problem than a personal one — and what happens when schools try to fix it without addressing the foundations that are already shaky. Jessica draws on her doctoral research in Uganda, where a policy expanding secondary school access flooded classrooms without providing additional support, and connects that experience directly to what she's seeing now in U.S. schools facing school choice expansion, teacher shortages, and the pressure to adopt every new initiative at once.Together, Seth and Jessica explore why measuring teacher wellbeing is so difficult and why qualitative judgment still matters, how cultural context shapes what counts as a behavior problem and what motivates students, what schedules and workloads quietly signal to teachers about how much their effectiveness actually matters, and why adding initiatives on top of weak foundations accelerates burnout rather than solving it. Jessica also shares a specific example from a school in Colombia where an American teacher adapted her math instruction to work with — rather than against — the social, collective culture of her students, offering a concrete picture of what culturally responsive intervention looks like in practice.Key topics:Teacher efficacy as a component of job satisfaction and retentionThe limits of quantitative measurement for wellbeingCultural differences in student motivation: intrinsic vs. extrinsicSchedule design and its unintended impact on teachersAddition without subtraction: the workload problemSchool choice policy and the costs of rapid enrollment growthNeuroscience basics that translate directly into classroom managementSchool-student "match" as a framework for the future of school choiceLinks & Resources:Northshore Learning — coaching, school partnerships, and on-demand courses for educators: northshorelearning.orgJessica Werner on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-werner-ph-d-818032163Northshore Learning YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznAU47jszmmJyFBWd_1LvwHidden Brain podcast with Shankar Vedantam (recommended by Jessica): hiddenbrain.orgJustin Reich, MIT Teaching Systems Lab — referenced by Seth on "addition by subtraction" in schools: https://makeitmindful.transistor.fm/episodes/76-experiment-with-humility-teaching-in-the-ai-evidence-gap-with-justin-reichGuest Bio: Jessica Werner, Ph.D.Jessica Werner is the founder and CEO of Northshore Learning, where she works with schools in the U.S. and internationally to support teacher effectiveness and student behavior through personalized coaching, group training, and on-demand professional development. Her work is grounded in neuroscience and centers on what actually allows teachers to feel effective — and what systematically undermines that feeling over time. Jessica holds a Ph.D. in education, with doctoral research focused on the implementation challenges of Uganda's universal secondary education policy, and has over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, professor of education, and consultant.About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators. See banyangloballearning.com.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer talks with international school consultant Chris O'Shaughnessy about narrative therapy — what it is, why it matters, and how its techniques can quietly transform the way educators approach empathy, resilience, and cross-cultural understanding. What begins as a conversation about storytelling opens into something much bigger: a practical framework for helping students separate fact from interpretation, build emotional muscle in measurable steps, and find common ground even when values genuinely clash.Along the way, Chris draws on everything from gym metaphors to the Enneagram to a sociology study involving voluntary self-electrocution to make the case that the oldest human art form — telling stories — might also be one of the most powerful tools in a teacher's toolkit.Together, Seth and Chris explore the neuroscience of narrative, the taxonomy of resilience, and what it looks like to introduce intentional discomfort into a classroom — including the surprisingly radical act of letting kids be bored.Key Topics Discussed:What narrative therapy actually is — and why it's less about therapy and more about learning to hold your own story at arm's lengthThe description → evaluation → interpretation framework, and how a photograph of a woman in a wedding dress teaches you more about assumptions than any lecture couldWhy our brains prefer a complete story to an accurate one — and what that costs usThe "gym as intentional inefficiency" model: how to introduce beneficial discomfort in measurable, safe stepsDr. Wong's taxonomy of resilience — cognitive, behavioral, emotional, relational, and motivational — and why giving students language for these differences is itself an act of empowermentWhat to do when cross-cultural conflict isn't a misunderstanding — it's a genuine clash of valuesThe Enneagram as a tool for digging beneath belief systems to find the shared motivations underneathWhy boredom might be the most underrated creative catalyst in schools — and the sociology study that proves people would rather electrocute themselves than sit with itAwe as an emerging opportunity in education (Seth's answer to Chris's lightning round question)Guest Bio:Chris O'Shaughnessy is an international school consultant whose work takes him into schools across cultures and contexts around the world. Drawing on a background in sociology, he helps educators build the skills — empathy, resilience, cross-cultural communication — that don't show up on a standardized test but determine everything about how students navigate the world. He is based at chris-o.com.Host Bio:Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of the Make It Mindful podcast. His work focuses on global learning, cultural competency, and the evolving role of technology in education. Through Banyan Global Learning, he develops live virtual learning experiences that connect students to new people, places, and ways of thinking.Episode Links:Chris O'Shaughnessy's website: chris-o.comUnselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World — Michele BorbaSticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy — Emily BazelonProject Hail Mary — Andy WeirThe Homework Machine podcast — Justin Reich, MIT Teaching Systems Lab

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer talks with child development expert and author Deborah Farmer Kris about awe — what it is, why it matters, and why it might be the missing piece at the center of meaningful education. What begins as a conversation about a single emotion opens up into something much bigger: a research-backed framework for understanding how wonder drives curiosity, curiosity drives intrinsic motivation, and motivation unlocks the kind of deep learning that tests can't easily measure. Along the way, Seth reflects on how awe has been quietly powering his own work at Banyan Global Learning all along — he just didn't have a word for it until now.Together, Seth and Deborah explore the neuroscience of wonder, the contagious nature of teacher enthusiasm, and what it means to make your classroom an oasis of awe — even inside a system that doesn't always make space for it.Key Topics Discussed:What awe actually is — and how researchers know when someone is feeling it (hint: it's not just the Grand Canyon)The difference between awe and curiosity, and why they're more intertwined than most educators realizeThe research-backed chain from awe → curiosity → intrinsic motivation → deeper learningHow awe primes the brain for memory — and why starting with wonder, not ending with it, changes everythingCollective effervescence and neurosynchronicity: why learning together in a state of shared wonder produces measurably better outcomesWhy teacher awe is contagious — and what that means for how we think about subject mastery and classroom cultureThe "small self" effect: how awe quiets cognitive chatter, restores perspective, and makes us more likely to help a strangerWhy human kindness and bravery — not nature — turn out to be the most common source of awe across culturesThe tension between awe and the structures of schooling: mystery vs. certainty, slow attention vs. coverage, wonder vs. testingWhy Montessori education may be quietly ahead of the curve as AI reshapes what schools need to doA real conversation about teenagers, art museums, and whether you can — or should — engineer awe for your kidsGuest Bio:Deborah Farmer Kris is a child development expert, educator, and author whose work explores the intersection of social-emotional learning, positive psychology, and how children grow. She writes regularly for PBS Kids and NPR's MindShift, and her Substack, Raising Awe-Seekers, brings the latest research on wonder and well-being directly to parents and educators. Her book on the science of awe and childhood is available now.Host Bio:Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of the Make It Mindful podcast. His work focuses on global learning, cultural competency, and the evolving role of technology in education. Through Banyan Global Learning, he develops live virtual learning experiences that connect students to people, places, and ideas around the world.Episode Links:Deborah Farmer Kris's website and resources: parenthood365.comRaising Awe-Seekers Substack: raisingaweseekers.substack.comDacher Keltner's awe research at UC Berkeley: https://greatergood.berkeley.eduEthan Cross, Author of Chatter and Shift: https://www.ethankross.com/Mary Oliver, "The Summer Day"The Good Whale podcast (New York Times)The Overstory by Richard Powers

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Christian Pinedo of AIEDU to explore what artificial intelligence actually means for the future of education. Rather than focusing on tools or hype, the conversation digs into how AI is exposing deeper challenges in the education system—from outdated assessment models to the need for systemic change. Drawing on his experience at Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered AI and now working directly with educators across the U.S., Pinedo argues that AI should not be treated as a technology problem but as an opportunity to rethink how schools prepare students for a rapidly changing world.Together, Seth and Christian explore how AI became “real” for educators with the arrival of large language models, why concerns about cheating are really conversations about assessment design, and how meaningful change requires both grassroots engagement with teachers and broader policy shifts at the state level. The episode highlights the importance of human-centered thinking, deeper professional learning for teachers, and the role of AI as a catalyst for broader educational transformation.Key Topics Discussed:How Christian Pinedo moved from classroom teaching to working at Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered AI and eventually to AIEDU.Why large language models made AI suddenly real for educators after years of research and speculation.The concept of human-centered AI and why conversations about AI must include educators, policymakers, historians, and communities—not just technologists.Why teacher concerns about AI “cheating” are really conversations about assessment design in a digital world.The limits of focusing on AI tools instead of addressing deeper systemic challenges in education.AIEDU’s AI Readiness Framework, which outlines competencies for students, teachers, school leaders, and districts.Why sustainable education reform requires both grassroots engagement with teachers and grass-tops policy change at the state level.How AIEDU’s Teacher Trailblazers Fellowship creates deeper professional learning through multi-week, collaborative teacher cohorts.Real classroom projects emerging from the fellowship, including:Indigenous students exploring data sovereignty and AIStudents using AI to build a platform encouraging voter registration in rural communitiesThe difference between information and knowledge in the age of AI—and why friction in learning still matters.How international contexts change the conversation around AI in education, especially for English language learners and communities with different assumptions about privacy and data.Guest Bio:Christian Pinedo works with AIEDU to help schools and policymakers navigate the impact of artificial intelligence on education. A former classroom teacher, he previously worked at Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI), where he explored how AI intersects with society, policy, and education. His work now focuses on helping educators and school systems develop the skills, frameworks, and policies needed to prepare students for a future shaped by AI.Host Bio:Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of the Make It Mindful podcast. His work focuses on global learning, cultural competency, and the evolving role of technology in education. Through Banyan Global Learning, he develops live virtual learning experiences that connect students to people, places, and ideas around the world.Episode Links:AIEDU: https://aiedu.orgAIEDU Podcast – Raising Kids in the Age of AIStanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) - https://hai.stanford.edu/World Savvy

Ryan Nuckolls-Rosa, Executive Director of Dramatic Results, joins Seth to talk about what it takes to build classrooms where students feel safe enough to create, collaborate, and think critically. They unpack “art scars,” why belonging is not a “nice-to-have,” and how arts integration and human-centered design can help students see themselves as problem-solvers early—especially in Title I contexts where time, space, and capacity are stretched thin.Along the way, Ryan explains Dramatic Results’ ecosystem approach (artists + community experts), why real STEAM work often requires slowing down, and how long-term partnerships with teachers shift what’s possible in the classroom.What this conversation gets intoAt the center of Ryan’s work is a practical claim: students don’t reliably take creative risks until the room feels emotionally safe—and that safety is built through routines, shared agreements, and adult modeling, not slogans. Seth connects this to his own experience watching a teacher reframe his son’s “mess” as creativity, and to the podcast’s broader focus on wonderment (and awe) as a driver of intrinsic motivation.Ryan also makes the case that design thinking (which Dramatic Results increasingly frames as human-centered design) isn’t just a student activity—it becomes an organizational operating system for identifying real needs, prototyping fast, and iterating without shame.Time-stamped highlights00:00 — Who Ryan is; what Dramatic Results does; what this episode is about 01:58 — Early experiences: growing up in Asheville, identity, and seeking “bigger” worlds 04:14 — What a step team is (and why Ryan joined one) 06:21 — The through-line: belonging, curiosity, and interdisciplinary learning 09:18 — “Art scars”: early shaming moments that shrink creativity 11:41 — The sequencing Ryan believes matters: communication → collaboration → creativity → critical thinking 14:15 — Seth’s story: the art class moment that rewired his parenting assumptions 17:39 — How Dramatic Results supports teachers: modeling, relationship-building, and right-sizing expectations 21:27 — Concrete classroom moves: agenda visibility, shared agreements, co-designing space, and the sacred check-in 24:20 — Seth hears Responsive Classroom; Ryan clarifies STEAM vs arts integration 25:43 — Why true STEAM is hard alone; the ecosystem model and community experts 29:44 — Design thinking as human-centered design; prototyping as an anti-shame practice 33:42 — Lightning round: what Ryan is rethinking (the power of a single moment) 35:46 — Ryan’s media recommendation: Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez 37:54 — Funding uncertainty: could disruption force reinvention? 41:01 — What Ryan hopes educators remember: one person can matter more than they think 42:49 — Where to find Dramatic Results + connect with RyanMentions and references (from the conversation)- Dramatic Results - https://dramaticresults.org/- Power of Moments by Chip Heath - Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men — Caroline Criado Perez- Ryan Nuckolls-Rose on LinkedInGuestRyan Nuckolls-Rosa is the Executive Director of Dramatic Results, an arts education nonprofit based in Southern California. The organization partners with schools (often Title I), teaching artists, and community experts to build student belonging, collaboration, and creativity through arts integration, interdisciplinary learning, and human-centered design.HostSeth Fleischauer is the Founder of Banyan Global Learning—an international education company that designs and delivers live, interactive distance learning programs connecting students with new people, places, and ways of thinking.

Justin Reich (MIT) on “local science,” AI hype cycles, and why schools need to do less.Justin Reich returns to the podcast with an “applied historian” lens: not dismissing generative AI as just another hype cycle, but insisting we treat early classroom uses as experiments—because history says our first instincts about new tech in schools are often wrong.We talk about what Reich learned while making the excellent podcast The Homework Machine (hundreds of teacher conversations, dozens of student interviews), why “policy” isn’t enough without social movements, and what educators can do right now while the research base lags behind practice. The throughline: experiment with humility, collect local evidence, share what you’re learning—and beware the trap of “efficiency” that just increases the amount of work schools try to do.A late pivot goes straight at the emotional core: if Justin had the power to “turn off” AI forever, would he? His answer is less about tools and more about what developing humans most need—time with their own thoughts, and time with each other.Key moments (approx.)00:00 — Back on the show + Seth’s “homework” assignment: The Homework Machine 02:18 — “It is different… they’re all different”: tech revolutions and the education pattern that repeats 06:47 — Tech won’t solve inequality; social movements change norms, politics, and resource distribution 09:05 — The web literacy cautionary tale: 25 years of teaching the wrong methods 11:19 — “Local science”: teach as experimentation, then look hard for evidence it helped 15:11 — When there’s no historical control: talk to students, use “Looking at Student Work” protocols 18:49 — Why “big science” takes so long—and why expert practice has to exist before we can teach it 20:45 — The “copilot” problem: even elite engineers don’t yet know how to train novices well 32:46 — What’s likely to happen: business incentives degrade “consumer” tools schools rely on 35:06 — “Subtraction in Action”: schools are maxed out; improvement often requires doing less 38:57 — Listener question: if he could turn off AI, would he? 40:33 — The case for schools as a refuge from attention-harvesting tech: boredom, thought, and peopleThemes you’ll hear recurReich draws a sharp line between healthy teacher experimentation and premature system-wide adoption. He argues schools can run experiments, but they should label them as experiments, gather some evidence (even simple comparisons), and share results—because otherwise we risk repeating the web-literacy story: good-faith instruction that felt right, wasn’t obviously failing day-to-day, and later turned out to be counterproductive.He also pushes against the fantasy that AI will “solve” structural problems (inequality, overburdened systems, disengagement) without political and social work. And he returns to a point that’s easy to miss in the AI noise: when systems get “more efficient,” they often don’t get simpler—they just try to do more.Links mentionedTeachLab Presents: The Homework Machine (TeachLab) — https://www.teachlabpodcast.com/ MIT Teaching Systems Lab — https://tsl.mit.edu/ A Guide to AI in Schools: Perspectives for the Perplexed (TSL guidebook page) — https://tsl.mit.edu/ai-guidebook/ Teacher Moments (digital clinical simulations) — https://tsl.mit.edu/practice_space/teacher-moments/ National Tutoring Observatory — https://nationaltutoringobservatory.org/ Closing thoughtIf you’re waiting for definitive answers about “best practice,” this episode is a reality check: we’re early, the expert playbooks are still being invented, and schools can’t afford to improvise at scale. But you can run local experiments with honesty, protect what already works, and prioritize the rare thing schools can uniquely give students now: space away from the machines—space for thinking, writing, and relationship.Support for Make It Mindful is brought to you by Banyan Global Learning, creating live, human-centered global learning experiences that help students use language in real contexts—through virtual field trips and international collaborations.

What happens when the “direct service” model—pull-out support, isolated practice, and heroic effort—doesn’t translate into real independence for students in real classrooms?In this episode, Seth Fleischauer is joined again by Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan—speech-language pathologist, executive functioning specialist, and host of the De Facto Leaders podcast—to talk about what breaks down when clinicians become the bottleneck, why generalization fails (especially with EF and social “read the room” skills), and how to build systems that scale beyond one specialist’s calendar.Karen’s core argument is simple: even if schools had more money and more staff, direct sessions alone can’t carry the full weight of the cognitive + language demands students face. The answer isn’t “do more.” It’s design repeatable routines, simplify what works, and make it transferable—first to teachers, then to whole-building practices.We dig into:Why executive functioning doesn’t generalize well from isolated support sessions into classrooms—especially “soft skills” like social executive functioning and real-time feedback loops.The clinical decision-making bottleneck: how highly skilled clinicians unintentionally make themselves irreplaceable (and exhausted) by re-inventing everything.Why burnout often isn’t about being busy—it’s about not feeling effective (and why “self-care as escape” doesn’t fix the core problem).Karen’s idea of “clinical containers”: a way to organize EF and language work so you can iterate without chaos, and document without pretending your system is “finished.”Change management in schools: don’t go nuclear. Build a minimum viable version, pilot with willing partners, and scale through phased rollout.The practical reality: teachers don’t need “one more thing.” They need support that fits existing workflows and solves problems in their language, not yours.Lightning roundKaren shares what she’s rethinking right now: micromanaging vs. scaffolding (when are you over-controlling, and when are you responsibly building capacity?).Her comfort-watch recommendation—surprisingly relevant to public-sector life: Parks and Recreation.We also surface a leadership tool Seth has been leaning on: The Coaching Habit (the “ask more, tell less” approach). (Leadership Foundations)One actionable starting point (Karen’s):If you want to shift from “I can’t possibly do building-wide influence” to actually moving the system: Create a non-negotiable block of weekly time to build the solution. The content of that block can change, but the container has to exist first.Links and resources mentionedDr. Karen Dudek-Brannan — main site + leadership resources (drkarendudekbrannan.com)De Facto Leaders podcast (De Facto Leaders)Dr. Karen Speech — language therapy + “containers” training (Dr. Karen Speech and Language)The Coaching Habit (Michael Bungay Stanier) – 7 questions framework (Leadership Foundations)Prior Make It Mindful context: Episode 50 with Karen (Executive Functioning Part 2) + Part 1 with Mitch Weathers (Organized Binder)Organized Binder (Mitch Weathers) (Organized Binder)GuestDr. Karen Dudek-Brannan is a speech-language pathologist and executive functioning specialist who helps clinicians and school teams build sustainable systems that improve transfer, reduce bottlenecks, and increase impact across the school day. (Dr. Karen Speech and Language)About the sponsorSupport for Make It Mindful is brought to you by Banyan Global Learning, creating live, human-centered global learning experiences that help students use language in real contexts—through virtual field trips and international collaborations.If this episode moved you, share it with a colleague who’s stuck in the “we’re doing so much but nothing is sticking” problem—and leave a rating or review.

In this short bonus episode, Host Seth Fleischauer reflects on a question sparked by a recent conversation with Stephanie Frenel of SchoolOps AI: why do schools so often default to quantitative data and shy away from qualitative insight?Drawing on his own teaching experience and conversations with fellow educators, Seth explores how numbers feel safer, more objective, and easier to defend—while words require judgment, confidence, and accountability. He contrasts traditional grading systems with narrative assessments at The Earth School, where qualitative data demanded deeper observation and, ultimately, better teaching.The episode makes a simple case for mixed methods and for reclaiming qualitative data as a rigorous, human-centered tool—especially in a system that often asks teachers to hide behind numbers.

School leaders are drowning in data—test scores, surveys, observations, behavior reports—but starving for insight.In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer is joined by Stephanie Frenel, founder and CEO of SchoolOps AI, for a deep conversation about what it actually takes to make sense of complexity in schools—and how AI can support that work without stripping out the human judgment that matters most.Stephanie brings a rare combination of experience to this conversation: former principal, instructional coach, systems-level leader, and now founder working at the intersection of school leadership and artificial intelligence. Drawing on her work at Fair Schools, Rocketship Public Schools, and Shusterman Family Philanthropies, she shares why mixed-methods data—quantitative and qualitative—is essential for understanding what’s really happening inside a school.Together, Seth and Stephanie explore how principals can move beyond dashboards and compliance metrics toward tools that surface root causes, support collaborative decision-making, and reduce operational burden—freeing leaders to spend more time with students, families, and teachers.This conversation is not about AI replacing educators. It’s about AI working quietly in the background to help schools become more coherent, more humane, and more responsive.In This Episode, We DiscussWhy school leaders are overwhelmed by data—but still lack actionable insightThe limits of purely quantitative metrics in understanding student learning and school cultureHow qualitative data (observations, interviews, rubrics) can be analyzed responsibly at scaleWhat “mixed-methods” analysis looks like in real school improvement workHow SchoolOps AI integrates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data without compromising privacyFERPA compliance, data security, and why AI shouldn’t retain student-level memoryThe role of AI as a collaborative tool for principals, coaches, and teacher teamsWhy coaching remains essential—and how AI can support, not replace, human relationshipsWhat meaningful impact looks like beyond test scoresA case study where triangulated data revealed student agency—not academics—as the real lever for changeAbout the GuestStephanie Frenel is the founder and CEO of SchoolOps AI, a platform designed to help school leaders make sense of complex data systems through research-backed, human-centered insights.She is a Pahara Institute Fellow and former Teach For America corps member, with degrees from Georgetown University and Stanford University. Her career spans teaching, instructional coaching, school leadership, and system-level philanthropy, including leadership roles at Fair Schools, Rocketship Public Schools, and Shusterman Family Philanthropies.Recommended ListeningStephanie recommends:The Knowledge ProjectThe Diary of a CEOLinks & ResourcesSchoolOps AI: https://schoolops.aiStephanie Frenel on LinkedInMake It Mindful #26 Navigating Change and Ambiguity with World SavvyWorld Savvy - Building future-ready schoolsPahara Institute - Developmental opportunities for educationHost BioSeth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education organization delivering experiential and distance learning programs that build global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth explores how mindful innovation—across psychology, technology, and global learning—can strengthen education systems and support the wellbeing of young people.CreditsHosted, written, and produced by Seth FleischauerEdited by Lucas Salazar

In this episode, Seth speaks with Valérie Besanceney, an international educator, author, former Executive Director of Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN), and current International Advisor on Transitions, Care, and Mobility Services for the Council of International Schools (CIS). Her work focuses on helping globally mobile students—and the educators and institutions that support them—navigate transitions with clarity, care, and a grounded sense of belonging.The conversation traces Valérie’s journey as a third culture kid, her early ease with adapting to new environments, and the later reckoning with identity, rootlessness, and belonging that many cross-cultural students eventually face. She describes how those experiences shaped her writing, her consulting practice Roots with Boots, and her broader mission to ensure schools understand that belonging is not a destination but a lifelong practice.Together, Seth and Valérie explore:Identity formation as a prerequisite for genuine belongingThe distinction between belonging and fitting in, and why the latter often demands self-abandonmentHow cross-cultural mobility affects learning, confidence, and relationshipsWhy help-seeking is an essential skill for all students—not only those who move between countriesThe systems-level work required for schools to create coherent, sustainable transitions-care programsThe role of teachers, counselors, admissions teams, parents, and students in building cultures of careHow intentional schoolwide practices can transform mobility from an isolating experience into one that strengthens self-knowledge and global competenceValérie also discusses her children’s book B at Home: Emma Moves Again and the companion My Moving Booklet, both designed to help young people name emotions, anticipate challenges, and talk openly with adults during relocation. Her core message: even in difficult transitions, you are not alone, and conversation—grounded in honesty and curiosity—is a powerful tool for resilience.A brief lightning round touches on linguistics in the age of AI, books that challenge us to seek out differing perspectives, and the value of connection during personal hardship.Books MentionedThird Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David Pollock, Michael Pollock, & Ruth Van RekenSeek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World by Scott ShigeokaBelonging by Owen EastwoodDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverGuest LinksValérie’s work: https://rootswithboots.com

In this short follow-up episode, Seth revisits a moment from his recent conversation with Karle Delo about student use of AI. While recording that episode, Karle mentioned catching a student actively using AI to cheat on math homework during her workshop—an anecdote that raised a question Seth forgot to ask in the moment: When she paused the workshop and asked students why any of this matters, what did they actually say?So Seth reached out afterward. Karle shared her students’ answers, and Seth decided to run his own tiny, completely unscientific survey by asking kids in his own life—from Gen Alpha to teenagers—how they think about AI, what they use it for, and what worries them. The result is a  snapshot of how young people are forming their early beliefs, habits, and anxieties around AI long before adults have caught up.This episode explores what Karle's students said, what Seth’s informal sample revealed, and what this all means for parents and educators who want to help kids build a healthy relationship with AI rather than default to avoidance, fear, or unchecked dependence.What Karle's Students SaidAI will shape future careers. Students are hearing this in school—even if they can’t yet articulate the implications.Misuse leads to trouble. Kids associate AI with academic integrity issues, even if some (like a student Seth heard from) think, “My work is handwritten, so it doesn’t matter.”AI is a tool they’ll need later. This was the strongest theme, echoed repeatedly by Seth’s sample of students.AI can help, but overuse can stunt learning. Only one student in Seth’s survey—his daughter—expressed this strongly, with a visceral “this feels wrong” reaction.It’s advancing fast, and kids know it. Students feel the need to “keep up,” even if that feeling comes more from cultural osmosis than formal instruction.What Seth Heard from Kids in His LifeKids are already using AI in highly practical ways:A 10-year-old using AI to analyze a story draft, choosing which feedback to accept or reject.A student generating quizzes to help study.Another using it for creative programming.A teen redesigning his bedroom with his mom using AI for visualization.They’re also experimenting:One student making joke assignments with a deepfaked LeBron James.Another generating an image of himself with exaggerated features “for fun.”But beneath the experimentation sits a surprising emotional and moral range:Environmental concerns. Kids who care about climate see AI’s energy use and question whether it’s worth it.Moral boundaries. A young musician is troubled by AI systems that can copy an artist’s voice or style without permission.Therapeutic utility. A student with AuDHD uses character.ai to safely practice social interactions—while simultaneously feeling uneasy about the technology’s footprint.The contrast between moral discomfort and personal utility appears again and again.The Most Consistent Theme: Parents Aren’t Talking About AI.The answer Seth heard most often: “We haven't talked about it at home.”This silence leaves kids without guidance and leaves adults unable to speak from experience when young people ask for support.Seth argues that adults don’t need to love AI—but they do need to engage with it enough to understand their own stance. Otherwise, conversations about learning, opportunity, ethics, creativity, and risk happen without them.What’s Coming Up on Make It MindfulValerie Besonceney on cultural competency and the complexities of student transitions—especially in international school contexts.Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan returns for a new conversation about executive functioning, following one of the podcast’s most popular episodes.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Karle Delo, AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual and one of EdTech Magazine’s Top 30 IT Influencers to Follow in 2023, for a deeply practical conversation about how students actually use AI. With 14 years of experience as a science teacher, tech integration specialist, and curriculum director, Karle brings a grounded, student-centered perspective to AI literacy—one shaped by direct conversations with learners, classroom observations, and her work helping publish Michigan Virtual’s Student Guide to AI.Together, Seth and Karle explore what real AI literacy looks like in classrooms: how students are experimenting, where they’re already sophisticated, and what teachers need to know to prevent cognitive bypass while building authentic agency. The episode highlights the role of intentionality, the power of desirable difficulty, and why students must be positioned as co-designers and leaders in shaping the future of AI in education.Key Topics DiscussedHow students actually experience AI Why the most insightful conversations about AI often come from learners—not adults.Intentionality and the habit of noticing Practical strategies for helping students recognize where AI shows up in daily life—especially in the places they least expect.Preventing cognitive bypass What students lose when AI removes the “desirable difficulty” essential for learning, and how AI can serve as a coach rather than a shortcut.The gym metaphor for AI use Why relying on AI to “lift the weights for you” undermines learning—and how to shift toward AI as a trainer, not a replacement.Sophisticated student use cases From quizzing themselves to vibe-coding entire debate-coaching tools, students are using AI in ways many adults have never considered.AI literacy, privacy, and data awareness Plain-language guidance for students: what’s safe to type, what’s never okay, and how platforms infer far more than we think.Maintaining human relationships at the center of learning Why AI feedback is powerful only when paired with teacher guidance, identity development, and student voice.Creativity, boundaries, and student agency How formulaic assignments—not AI—may be what stifles creativity, and why students must help shape the norms around healthy AI use.Guest BioKarle Delo is an AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual with over 14 years of experience in public education. A former science teacher, technology integration specialist, and curriculum director, Karle was recognized by EdTech Magazine as a Top 30 IT Influencer to Follow in 2023. She recently helped publish Michigan Virtual’s Student Guide to AI and leads statewide work on AI literacy, student voice, and practical implementation strategies for schools. She shares resources and insights at @CoachKarle on social platforms.Host BioSeth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning and a former classroom teacher with extensive experience in global education, digital literacy, and live virtual teaching. He hosts Make It Mindful and Why Distance Learning?, where he explores how emerging technologies and human connection shape modern learning.Episode LinksMichigan Virtual AI Hub: https://michiganvirtual.org/aiMichigan Virtual Student Guide to AI: https://michiganvirtual.org/ai/studentsTheySeeYourPhotos.com - website where you can see what information AI can glean about you just from a photograph.Follow Karle: @CoachKarle on all platforms

In this special bonus episode, host Seth Fleischauer unpacks a surprising insight from his recent conversation with Dr. Chandler Chang of Therapy Lab: an AI “scribe” that listens to therapy sessions and supports teens between appointments. Yes, it raises privacy flags. Yes, it feels futuristic. But if we can suspend disbelief and concerns for a moment, the implications could be huge.Seth explores how this same model could transform coaching, advising, and teaching: - What if an advisor’s best insights were available to students 24/7? - What if overloaded professors or mentor teachers could extend their presence through a trained AI assistant? - What if PLCs, leadership groups, or even families could capture their collective wisdom and make it accessible on demand?He even shares a deeply personal experiment—training an AI on years of emails from his late father to approximate his voice when he needed advice.This episode wrestles with the big tension: Are AI tools expanding our humanity, or eroding it? Helping us connect, or helping us avoid connection?And it sets the stage for the next full conversation with Karle Delo, who brings a ground-level look at how students are actually using AI in classrooms today.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes back to the podcast Dr. Chandler Chang—clinical psychologist, child and adolescent specialist, and founder of Therapy Lab—to explore how young people are navigating mental health, technology, and growing up in an always-on world. With a practice built around time-limited, evidence-based therapy plans (sometimes called “bite-sized therapy”), Chandler shares why shorter, structured interventions can open doors for people who might otherwise avoid or disengage from traditional therapy.The episode offers a grounded, human perspective on how therapy, technology, and education overlap—and how mindful design can keep young people at the center.Key Topics DiscussedWhy “bite-sized therapy” works for many people and how brief interventions are backed by researchWhat the rise of “cringe” reveals about self-reflection, social anxiety, and cognitive biasesHow discomfort and exposure can build adolescent resilienceThe emotional load teachers carry and the role of boundaries in creating safetyInside Therapy Lab’s new AI companion: scribing sessions, personalized reminders, and closed-loop privacyHallucinations, safety escalations, and keeping AI therapeutically groundedAnthropomorphizing AI: risks, developmental considerations, and responsible use with teensHow teens experience online vs. offline communication—and why emotional check-ins matterShort-form media, dopamine, and helping young people recognize their own internal statesGuest BioDr. Chandler Chang is a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent mental health and the founder of Therapy Lab, a practice built around time-limited, evidence-based therapeutic plans. She leads a team integrating clinically-trained AI companions into therapy to expand access, enhance continuity of care, and support teens between sessions. Chandler holds advanced training in brief interventions and is committed to helping families navigate the intersection of mental health and modern technology.Host BioSeth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education organization delivering experiential and distance learning programs that build global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth explores how mindful innovation—across psychology, technology, and global learning—can strengthen education systems and support the wellbeing of young people.Episode LinksTherapy Lab — therapylab.comEmail Chandler — [email protected] Therapy Lab — [email protected]

In this rewind episode of Make It Mindful, we revisit one of our most popular episodes. Host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, a speech pathologist and educational consultant, to delve into supporting executive functioning. Building on the previous conversation with Mitch Weathers in episode #49, this episode explores how executive functioning challenges impact social, academic, and functional life skills and discusses practical strategies for supporting students beyond the classroom.Dr. Karen will be returning to the show in a few episodes. If you'd like specific topics covered in that episode, please DM host Seth Fleischauer on LinkedIn.Key Topics Discussed:Understanding executive functioning as a set of cognitive processes like time perception, self-talk, and future pacing.How Tier 1 interventions can support students across all tiers by creating a collaborative, scaffolded environment.The importance of visual supports, episodic memory, and modeling self-talk for building executive functioning skills.Balancing standardized assessments with dynamic, portfolio-based approaches to better diagnose and support students.Strategies for addressing common challenges, like resistance to new tasks, and teaching students to develop self-motivation and planning skills.Guest Bio:Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan is a speech pathologist with over 14 years of experience in schools. She specializes in supporting related service providers, special education teams, and educators in fostering executive functioning, language, and literacy skills. She is the host of the De Facto Leaders podcast and the creator of resources at Dr. Karen Speech and Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan.Episode Links:Explore resources on executive functioning at Dr. Karen Speech.Listen to Dr. Karen’s podcast, De Facto Leaders, at drkarendudekbrannan.com/de-facto-leaders-podcast/Sign up for the Executive Functioning training at drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadershipDownload Dr. Karen's Executive Functioning Implementation Guide for School Teams at drkarendudekbrannan.com/efguideHost Bio:Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education company delivering experiential learning that builds global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth is passionate about exploring how global learning and mindful innovation can transform education.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review and share it with a friend. As always, thank you to our editor, Lucas Salazar.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Greg Kessler, Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University, to explore the evolving intersection of language education, technology, and cultural context. Drawing on more than two decades of international consulting—with the U.S. Department of State among many partners, alongside universities, ministries of education, and NGOs worldwide—Greg shares how teachers can integrate new tools without losing the human and cultural heart of learning.They trace the evolution of educational technology—from pre-internet classrooms and early chatbots like ELIZA to today’s AI-driven tools—revealing how innovation often cycles back with new accessibility and scale. The conversation centers on teacher and learner autonomy, authentic technology use, and how educators worldwide can adapt tools to fit their cultural contexts. Greg’s reflections highlight a timeless principle: technology should amplify learning, not replace it.Key Topics Discussed:The early roots of AI in language education and what’s truly new about today’s toolsHow to identify technology that adds authentic value versus “digital noise”Using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for meaningful language practiceTeacher and learner autonomy across different cultural settingsAvoiding “cognitive bypass” when using AI in EFL and language learningThe promise of virtual and augmented reality for global collaborationInnovation as a mindset: turning educational challenges into opportunitiesGuest Bio: Greg Kessler is Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University. He has worked with educators across more than 40 countries to promote meaningful technology integration in English language teaching. His research focuses on teacher autonomy, AI, and the evolution of computer-assisted language learning.Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education company delivering experiential learning that builds global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth is passionate about exploring how global learning and mindful innovation can transform education.Episode Links:Greg Kessler on LinkedInGreg Kessler’s Google SiteOur Next Reality: How the AI-powered Metaverse Will Reshape the World by Alvin Wang Graylin and Louis Rosenberg

Guest: Chris Brida, District Administrator, Career & Technical Education (CTE), Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate at Portland (OR) Public Schools. A returning guest, Chris is building systems-level, boundary-spanning partnerships that tie K–12 CTE to real pathways in higher ed, industry, and community—while bringing AI into both the classroom and the collaboration process.Episode Summary: CTE isn’t “shop class” anymore. Chris Brida returns to map how AI is reshaping CTE on two fronts: AI in CTE (a cross-cutting skill every pathway needs) and AI for CTE (a co-pilot for partnership design and management). He explains “boundary spanning leadership”—innovation that happens in the gray space between systems—and shows it in action through the Albina D-Lab, a seven-year pipeline linking Portland Public Schools and Portland State Engineering to community partners serving Black student excellence. We also dig into student aptitudes, why literacy looks different in CTE (think schematics and blueprints), and why deeper, interdisciplinary learning is the antidote to anxiety about a fast-changing world.Key Topics:AI in CTE vs. AI for CTE—and why both matter nowBoundary spanning leadership as a template for real partnershipsThe Albina D-Lab: a systems-level model for equity and engineering pathwaysStudent aptitudes, durable skills, and invention educationDeeper learning and the end of siloed “90 minutes of math”Resources Mentioned:Advance CTE (national career clusters; AI as cross-cutting)Oregon Clean Energy Workforce Coalition (statewide clean energy pathway)Albina Vision TrustPortland State University — College of EngineeringMESA (engineering, human-centered design)The Lemelson Foundation (invention education)PPS Center for Black Student ExcellenceConnect with Chris Brida:LinkedInConnect with Banyan Global Learning:banyangloballearning.com If this conversation sparked a new way of thinking, share it with a colleague or leave a review—more educators will find what’s possible when learning goes global.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes back Aaron Baughman—AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual—to explore what’s changed in K–12 AI and what’s working in real classrooms. With clear, passionate urgency, Aaron makes the equity-centered case that AI can fix what’s broken in K-12 schools—if we do it right: use tools and policies that protect students, empower teachers, and unlock truly personalized, student-paced learning.Key Topics DiscussedEquity First: Why AI can level the playing field for under-resourced schools if implemented thoughtfully.Personalized, Student-Paced Learning: Moving beyond static lesson plans to interest-aligned tasks and dynamic scaffolds.Cognitive Bypass, Prevented: Designing AI-supported tasks that keep students thinking, drafting, revising, and reflecting.Data Into Action: Turning chat logs and interactions into real-time grouping, targeted re-teaching, and MTSS support.New Classroom Capabilities: Safe simulations (e.g., CTE scenarios) that create high-feedback, low-risk practice.Policies That Enable Innovation: Keep board policy nimble; set local procedures; vet vendors; minimize data.PD That Sticks: Building teacher capacity from AI-curious to AI-confident with practical, classroom-first coaching.Digital Citizenship 2.0: Teaching skepticism and verification in the era of deepfakes and multimodal AI.Guest BioAaron Baughman is AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual. On loan from his position as Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services at Northville Public Schools, he now supports districts statewide in implementing safe, effective AI practices that center equity, privacy, and pedagogy.Host BioSeth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global, digital, and cultural competencies in education. Through live virtual programs and thought leadership, he helps students and educators explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems.Episode LinksMichigan Virtual AI Lab (educator, student/parent, and admin guides)Tools Mentioned: SchoolAI, Brisk Teaching, Curipod, SnorklPrevious Conversation with Aaron (earlier Make It Mindful episode)Conversation with Aaron's colleague on Seth's other podcast, Why Distance Learning?: #63 The Human Side of Systems Change with Dr. Tovah Sheldon Host LinksBanyan Global Learning — meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes back to the podcast Dr. Trevor Soponis—educator, researcher, and founder of the Sustainable Learning Projects—to explore how to make professional development more impactful for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Drawing on years of observation and coaching across continents, Trevor shares how he helps teachers in Taiwan increase student speaking opportunities while balancing progressive and traditional approaches. The conversation highlights what sustainable teacher support looks like in cross-cultural contexts and why teacher-driven strategies create lasting change.Key Topics Discussed:How Trevor’s classroom observations in Taiwan reshaped assumptions about classroom management and student readiness to learnWhy teachers often overestimate student talk time—and strategies to shift the balance toward more student speakingThe cultural contrasts between U.S. progressive pedagogy and traditional Asian classroom normsUsing structured professional development to surface teacher-driven strategies, including deeper explorations of “turn and talk”Practical tools like whiteboards, open-ended questions, and accountability systems that foster authentic language useThe power of the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle for teacher-led continuous improvementLessons learned about providing hybrid and remote coaching support across time zonesWhy sustainable teacher coaching is a “hill to die on” for Trevor, and how it combats burnout and turnoverGuest Bio: Dr. Trevor Soponis is an educator, researcher, and founder of the Sustainable Learning Projects. With a background spanning classroom teaching, university partnerships, and district-level leadership, Trevor now supports schools around the world with professional learning that is teacher-centered, sustainable, and transformative. He is a longtime collaborator with Banyan Global Learning, supporting teachers both in-person and remotely. Trevor is most active on LinkedIn..Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global, digital, and cultural competencies in education. Through live virtual programs and thought leadership, he helps students and educators explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems.Episode Links:Sustainable Learning ProjectsPrevious episode with Dr. Trevor Soponis (Episode 13 of Make It Mindful)Host Links: Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer takes us on the origin story of Learning Live—his scrappy, video-conferencing English program that began in 2007 with one camera and 42 fifth-graders in Taipei. Through candid student testimonials (from reporting on Ukraine news to college-application interviews) and Seth’s own memories of adapting progressive pedagogy to a Taiwanese context, we explore how this live virtual learning program evolved from a novel experiment into a model of cultural fluency, confidence, and connection that’s now reached over 5,000 students on three continents.Key ThemesFrom Drill to Dialogue: How shifting away from grammar drills toward real-world communication transformed English learning.Context and Courage: Student stories of stepping out of comfort zones—using English to cover international news, interview professors, and tackle college applications.Blended Beginnings: The humble roots of Learning Live—borrowing teleconferencing gear after teaching in New York and pitching a bridge-across-the-world model to Tsai Hsing School in Taipei.Cultural Adaptation: Lessons in moving slowly, celebrating mistakes, and balancing collectivist expectations with a global mindset.Authentic Connection: Why imperfect, “messy” live virtual field trips—from Starbucks lines in L.A. to Christmas traditions—became powerful windows into everyday life around the world.Enduring Impact: How graduates carry forward confidence, critical thinking, and cultural fluency long after their time with the program ends.Student Voices“Because of this program, I had the courage to jump out of my comfort zone.”“Learning Live felt like a break from regular class—it was unforgettable.”“I use English now to report on international events and interview people for college applications.”“Those field trips—when the video shook or the audio crackled—it felt real, and that authenticity taught me more than any textbook.”Host & Guest Bios - Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and the architect of Learning Live. After experimenting with contextualized English lessons in Taipei, he pioneered daily, live virtual classes that blend quality pedagogy with cross-cultural exchange. Over 17 years, his program has helped thousands of students build language skills, confidence, and global citizenship.- Featured Alumni include:Jasper, current Boston University finance studentAlicia, reporter at Taiwan’s news stationEmily, Ariel, and Ian - 12th graders at Tsai Hsing High SchoolEpisode LinksBanyan Global Learning: https://www.banyangloballearning.comLearn more about Learning Live: https://banyangloballearning.com/learning-live-2/

How can schools use AI thoughtfully to help educators reclaim time, reduce burnout, and stay focused on teaching?In this condensed episode of Make It Mindful, EdTech expert Lindy Hockenbary joins us to unpack what practical, human-first AI-powered professional development really looks like for teachers today. We dig into:Where AI makes the biggest difference (and where it doesn’t)How to help teachers start using AI without adding overwhelmWhy mindful, teacher-first PD matters now more than ever👉 Want to bring AI into your school with confidence and clarity? Download our free AI PD Starter Kit — a quick-start guide to help educators use AI as a tool to enhance learning.📥 Download the Starter Kit

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Chris O’Shaughnessy, international speaker, author, and advocate for third culture kids (TCKs) - children who grow up in a culture different from their parents’ or passport country and who often attend international schools. The episode explores how the TCK experience is becoming increasingly relevant for students everywhere. Chris and Seth discuss how growing up with multiple cultural inputs and frequent transitions shapes identity, empathy, conflict resolution, and resilience—and why these same themes are essential in today’s rapidly changing world. The episode highlights how we can build the small “weights” of resilience into classrooms and homes, helping students better navigate discomfort, conflict, and complexity.Key Topics Discussed:What defines a third culture kid and why their experiences matter beyond international schoolsIdentity formation and the challenge of answering “Where are you from?” in a globalized worldHow relational resilience is undermined by both transience and technologyThe cost of avoidance and the rise of “relationship disposability”Why adaptability is a critical life skill and how to help students build itThe need for intentional inefficiencies to build resilience in the age of convenienceHow rethinking culture as a non-zero-sum game creates more compassionate global citizensGuest Bio: Chris O’Shaughnessy is a speaker, author, and passionate advocate for international and third culture kid communities. With a background in both performance and global education, Chris brings humor and insight to topics like identity, cross-cultural communication, and resilience. He has worked with international schools, diplomatic organizations, and corporate groups around the world.Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global, digital, and cultural competencies in education. Through live virtual programs and thought leadership, he helps students and educators explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems.Episode Links:Chris O’s website: www.chris-o.comChris’s podcast Diesel & Clooney Unpack the WorldBook: Arrivals, Departures, and the Adventures In-Between by Chris O’ShaughnessyHost Links:Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Chris Brida, district administrator at Portland Public Schools, to explore how career and technical education (CTE) can transform K-12 learning. They discuss the urgent need for public-private partnerships and the role of cross-functional teams in driving educational systems change. The episode highlights how aligning education with workforce needs can empower students with durable, transferable skills—without sacrificing choice or creativity.Key Topics Discussed:The evolution of CTE: from vocational stigma to future-ready pathwaysWhy CTE must start before high school: awareness, exploration, and preparationBuilding public-private partnerships to align K-12 with workforce needsHow to design systems that are nimble, sustainable, and equitableThe power of cross-functional teams to solve educational problemsWhy K-12 must stop working in isolation—and what happens when it doesn'tHow bringing in outside expertise can solve internal challenges (like teacher burnout)Guest Bio: Chris Brida is a district administrator for Portland Public Schools, overseeing Career and Technical Education (CTE), Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. He is also a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky, where his research focuses on the role of public-private partnerships in education systems change.Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global education. He leads conversations with forward-thinking educators who are shaping the future of learning by connecting people, cultures, and systems.Episode Links:Connect with Chris Brida on LinkedInLearn more about Portland Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education programsHost Links:Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Chris Balme, educator, author, and founder of Hakuba International School and Millennium School, to explore how middle school can be redesigned to better support adolescent development. They discuss how current structures often fail kids during this crucial time—and how identity, social belonging, and real-world engagement can drive meaningful transformation. The episode highlights the importance of brave spaces, authentic adult role models, and trusting students to lead.Key Topics Discussed:Why middle school “doesn’t have to suck”—and how to redesign itThree developmental drivers in early adolescence: identity, social belonging, and contributionThe role of advisory in creating safe and brave spaces for meaning-makingHow weird (authentic) adults help model real growth for studentsThe power of apprenticeships and real-world learning experiencesNavigating cultural authenticity in American and Japanese school contextsHow distance learning can level access to global ideas and connectionsGuest Bio: Chris Balme is an internationally recognized educator, school founder, and author of Finding the Magic in Middle School. He founded Millennium School in San Francisco and Hakuba International School in Japan, both designed around the developmental needs of adolescents. Chris is also the creator of Spark, a nonprofit that has facilitated over 17,000 apprenticeships for middle schoolers. His newsletter, Growing Wiser, shares ongoing insights on adolescent learning.Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for teaching digital and cultural competencies through a global lens.Episode Links:Chris Balme’s book: Finding the Magic in Middle School – https://www.findingthemagicinmiddleschool.comGrowing Wiser Newsletter – https://chrisbalme.substack.comHakuba International School – https://www.hakuba-is.jpMillennium School – https://millenniumschool.org

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Dr. Hayley Watson, clinical psychologist and founder of Open Parachute, to explore how schools can meaningfully address student mental health without overburdening teachers. They unpack the developmental science behind peer-based mental health education and discuss how a preventative, skill-based approach can empower both students and educators.Key Topics Discussed:Why traditional therapy alone can’t meet the scale of the youth mental health crisis.How peer-driven, documentary-style lessons create authentic, relatable entry points for mental health discussions.The power of practicing emotional regulation, communication, and critical thinking in a classroom setting.Why teachers don’t need to be mental health experts to facilitate meaningful conversations.The developmental need for adolescents to learn from peers rather than adult authority figures.How Open Parachute equips educators with ready-to-use, non-clinical mental health lessons.What happens when we avoid the “can of worms” — and why we must open it with care and structure.Building a culture of self-reflection in schools to shape future generations of emotionally aware adults.Guest Bio: Dr. Hayley Watson is a clinical psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health and the founder of Open Parachute. Her organization provides documentary-based mental health education programs for schools globally, helping students build emotional resilience and social-emotional skills through authentic peer storytelling.Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global competence, digital literacy, and education reform. As a former classroom teacher, he brings deep experience and thoughtful insight to conversations that bridge practice and possibility in today’s schools.Episode Links:Try Open Parachute for free: https://openparachuteschools.comConnect with Hayley on LinkedIn: Dr. Hayley Watson

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Steve Ventura, educator, author, and founder of the Achievement Teams model. They explore how reflective teaching, collective efficacy, and purposeful collaboration can transform both teacher culture and student outcomes.Ventura shares why traditional PLCs often fall short—and how his framework, rooted in evidence and emotional intelligence, gives teachers the tools to improve practice without fear. The conversation highlights the emotional challenges of teacher self-assessment, the power of root cause analysis, and the global applications of culturally responsive collaboration.Pain Point: Teachers are expected to constantly improve—but often lack the time, structure, and emotional safety to do so effectively.Solution: Achievement Teams provide a collaborative framework that supports honest reflection, shared responsibility, and mid-course corrections grounded in student data—not blame.Action: Start small. Identify one meaningful learning target, build a short-cycle assessment, and focus on what you can control. From there, build trust and clarity within your team before scaling up.Episode Links:Steve Ventura’s WebsiteAchievement Teams book on AmazonHost Links:Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Many educators assume online education is inherently inferior to in-person learning—especially when it comes to student agency, academic rigor, and building a real sense of community. Teachers worry students will fall behind, become socially isolated, or struggle to self-motivate in virtual settings.Heather Rhodes, founder of Highgrove Education and former leader of Harrow School Online, proves otherwise. Her students consistently outperform their in-person peers while becoming confident, globally-minded adults. In this episode, Heather shares the key structures behind that success:• Flipped learning models that promote deeper understanding.• Cultural collaboration and rituals that foster true connection.• Executive functioning skill-building baked into the curriculum.• A values-based culture of shared academic goals and high expectations.Listen in to learn how online educators—and brick-and-mortar schools too—can build learner autonomy, nurture global citizenship, and deliver world-class academic outcomes. Plus, Heather shares how conflict transformation, small-group work, and personalized coaching create a safe and rigorous environment where students thrive.Key Topics Discussed:• How to build community in an international online school• Fostering learner autonomy and executive functioning• The flipped classroom model done right• Turning cultural differences into shared values• Why online learning might actually reduce social conflict• What kind of adults online education can uniquely produceGuest Bio:Heather Rhodes is the founder of Highgrove Education and the former leader of Harrow School Online. With over a decade of experience at the forefront of online international education, she’s known for designing high-impact models that combine academic excellence with global citizenship.Host Bio:Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.Episode Links:1. Highgrove Education 2. Highgrove Speaker Series – A public-facing program of expert-led talks that anyone can attend, not just enrolled students.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Miles Madison, an expert in literacy, SEL, and character education, to tackle a universal teacher struggle: the feeling of never having enough time.Pain Point:Teachers everywhere say, “There’s just not enough time.” But what if the issue isn’t time itself, but how it’s structured, prioritized, and used? Too many educators are caught in cycles of inefficiency—over-planning, managing classroom disruptions, or doing tasks for students that could be built into routines. Without strong organizational systems, clear routines, and structured collaboration, learning time gets lost.Solution:Miles introduces a three-pillar framework that reclaims time without sacrificing engagement: 1. Organizational Management – Optimize classroom space and daily schedules for smoother transitions and fewer distractions. 2. Routines & Rituals – Automate repetitive tasks so students can self-manage, freeing teachers to focus on deeper instruction. 3. Collaborative Learning – Teach explicit teamwork skills to reduce student dependence on teacher intervention.Actionable Takeaways: • Instead of saying “I don’t have time,” ask: “What am I prioritizing?” • Invest time upfront in systems and routines that save time later. • Recognize that SEL, literacy, and global learning aren’t “extras”—they integrate naturally when systems are in place.Episode Links: • EffectiveClassrooms.org • Erin Kent Consulting: https://erinkentconsulting.com/Host Links: • Follow Make It Mindful for more episodes. • Learn more about global learning with Banyan Global Learning.If you’re ready to take back control of your teaching time, this episode is packed with practical, real-world strategies you can apply today!

Bridging AI & Education: Insights from a Live Panel DiscussionThis week on Make It Mindful, we’re bringing you a special crossover episode with AI Portland, diving into one of the most pressing conversations in education today: How should AI be integrated into teaching and learning?At a packed AI Portland event, host Seth Fleischauer moderated a panel featuring four educators with diverse perspectives on AI, from deep skepticism to full adoption. This episode captures the key insights, tensions, and takeaways from that conversation—plus reflections on what made this event such a must-attend moment for the education and AI communities.👉 The Big Debate: Is AI a threat to foundational learning, or a tool for building student agency?🎧 Inside this special episode:✅ Why educators are grappling with AI’s role in critical thinking, ethics, and skill-building✅ How different schools are approaching AI policy—from cautious restriction to full integration✅ The tension between AI’s potential for equity vs. its environmental and ethical concerns✅ What last night’s event revealed about the urgency and passion behind this conversationSharing the conversation with Seth are the founders of AI Portland, Nicole Mors and Megan Notarte.🔥 Panelists discussed in this episode: • Dr. Isabelle Boleyn (Associate Professor) – Highlights the risks of AI, from bias to environmental impact • John Down (University of Portland Professor) – Predicts AI will radically transform education in the next five years • Chris Brita (Portland Public Schools CTE, AP & IB Leader) – Advocates for AI as a tool for equity and access • Marty Sampson (High School English Teacher) – Shares a pragmatic approach to AI policies in the classroomWhy this episode matters:“You don’t have to love AI. But you do need to engage with it—because your students already are.” – Eric HudsonThis conversation makes one thing clear: The future of education is not about banning or blindly adopting AI—it’s about building ‘wide walls, not narrow hallways’ for students to explore their learning with agency and ethical awareness.Visit https://www.aipdx.info/ for more information about Megan and Nicole's project, AI Portland.

🎙 SPECIAL EPISODE!This week, we’re crossposting a must-hear episode from Why Distance Learning?, featuring a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Williams, a global leader in educational technology, climate action, and social impact. Virtual learning has the power to connect classrooms across continents—but how do we ensure these connections lead to meaningful, real-world change?👉 Today’s Big Question: Can EdTech Drive Global Action, Not Just Global Connection?🎧 Global educators face these key challenges:• “How do I move beyond ‘awareness’ and turn global learning into real action?”• “What tools and frameworks actually work for integrating climate education into my curriculum?”• “How do I foster authentic collaboration across cultures, rather than just surface-level exchanges?”🔥 Our guest:🔹 Dr. Jennifer Williams (Founder, Teach SDGs & Co-Founder, Take Action Global), an EdTech thought leader who helps educators harness technology to drive social impact, equity, and climate action.🔹 Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring discuss how virtual learning can go beyond content delivery to inspire students to become active global citizens.Key Takeaways:✅ How Take Action Global (TAG) connects teachers and students in over 160 countries to tackle climate challenges together✅ Why educational technology is a catalyst for real-world impact—not just an engagement tool✅ The power of community-driven initiatives like Climate Action Day in fostering global citizenship✅ How to design cross-cultural virtual learning experiences that build identity, empathy, and agency✅ Practical resources and programs that help educators integrate climate education into any subject areaLearn More:🔗 Visit Take Action Global to explore the organization’s programs: takeactionglobal.org🌎 Explore the Climate Action Project: takeactionglobal.org/climate-action-project📲 Check out The Earth Project App (Available on App Store & Google Play)📚 Read Teach Boldly: Using EdTech for Social Good by Dr. Jennifer Williams (Available on Amazon)🎉 Build the Change (Lego Group Partnership): lego.com/en-us/sustainability/build-the-changeHost links:1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

AI is reshaping education—but how do we ensure it enhances learning without eroding foundational skills, student agency, or global competence?Pain Points: • “How do we balance AI-assisted learning with essential human skills?” • “What’s the role of teachers in an AI-driven future?” • “How do we ensure AI is a tool for agency, not a crutch?”🔥 Our guest, Eric Hudson, is an expert in learner-centered education, AI literacy, and global learning. As a former Director at Global Online Academy, he’s seen firsthand how digital tools can empower students—when used with intention.🎤 Key Topics Discussed: • The balance between foundational skills and AI-powered learning • Why decision-making & agency are the most important AI-era skills • The vulnerability spectrum: Knowing when AI should—or shouldn’t—step in • AI’s impact on global learning and cross-cultural education • Lessons from Global Online Academy: How passion-based, tech-enabled learning worksGuest Links:📍 Eric Hudson’s Substack: Learning on PurposeReferences & External Mentions: • Global Online Academy (GOA) – globalonlineacademy.org • Scratch (MIT Media Lab’s Lifelong Kindergarten Group) – scratch.mit.edu • UNESCO AI & Education Guidelines – UNESCO • International Baccalaureate (IB) AI Guidance – ibo.orgHost Links: Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

🎙 SPECIAL EPISODE! This week, we’re crossposting a must-hear episode from Why Distance Learning? where we explore how immersive global connections can transform education. Virtual learning can open the world to students—but how do we ensure these experiences feel real, engaging, and deeply impactful?👉 Today’s Big Question: Can Virtual Learning Build Real-World Global Competencies?🎧 Global educators face these key challenges:• “How do I create genuine, meaningful student connections across cultures?”• “Can technology foster empathy and understanding, not just content delivery?”• “What if cross-cultural conversations go wrong?”🔥 Our guests: • Dr. Brandon Ferderer (Head of Programming, Shared Studios) reveals how immersive portals create face-to-face, full-body interactions that foster authentic global dialogues. • Ross Phillips (Social Studies Teacher, Winnacunnet High School) shares how he uses this technology to prepare students for global conversations that deepen their understanding of history, culture, and world issues.Key Takeaways:✅ Why screen-based interactions often fall short in creating true connection—and how immersive experiences change the game✅ How to prepare students for respectful, deep cross-cultural discussions✅ The role of facilitators in guiding meaningful, bias-free global conversations✅ Real-life student success stories from transformative global learning momentsGuest Links:Shared Studios: https://www.sharedstudios.com/Host links: 1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

🚨 “AI won’t replace teachers, but it will change what great teaching looks like.” 🚨Educators are being pushed to adopt AI—but is it actually making teaching better? Too often, AI in education is used for efficiency rather than transformation, leaving teachers feeling like they’re just automating tasks instead of improving learning.🎧 In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer sits down with Vriti Saraf, founder of Ed3 DAO, to tackle the real impact of AI on teaching and learning. Instead of using AI to churn out generic lesson plans, how can educators harness it to deepen student engagement, critical thinking, and global collaboration?Key Takeaways:✅ AI should enhance great pedagogy, not just automate bad teaching.✅ The danger of cognitive offloading—how relying on AI too early can weaken essential teaching and learning skills.✅ Why first-year teachers shouldn’t start with AI-generated lesson plans—and how to integrate AI thoughtfully instead.✅ The “City of Learning” vision: What if an entire city became a classroom, powered by AI-driven learning experiences?✅ The Portrait of a Teacher project: How AI might redefine who teaches and how we measure great teaching.💡 PROBLEM → SOLUTION → ACTIONAI can be an incredible tool—but only if it’s used with intention. If you’re an educator wondering how to prepare students for a world where AI is everywhere, this episode is for you.About Today’s Guest:Vriti Saraf is the founder of Ed3 DAO and K20 Educators, pioneering the integration of AI, digital identity, and Web3 into global education. She works at the intersection of pedagogy and emerging technology, helping schools worldwide reimagine how learning happens.Episode Links: • Ed3DAO • Vriti’s Substack • Vriti Saraf on LinkedInHost Links: Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

SPECIAL EPISODE! In this episode of Make It Mindful, we are crossposting a stellar episode from host Seth Fleischauer's other podcast, Why Distance Learning? In this episode, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Noam Gerstein, CEO of the Bina School and a leading expert in precision education. Noam shares her journey of creating a global, digitally native school that reimagines how education serves young learners, blending emotional connection, cultural diversity, and innovative uses of live virtual learning. The episode explores Bina School’s unique approach to play-based, personalized learning for students aged 4 to 12, with a focus on fostering global awareness and nurturing emotionally safe, collaborative learning environments.Key Topics Discussed:The importance of emotionally held learning spaces in live virtual education.How Bina School uses thematic biomes and SDG projects to create meaningful learning experiences.The role of adaptive content generation in balancing personalization and standardization.Building a global community for young learners and redefining what a school can be.Guest Bio: Noam Gerstein is the CEO of the Bina School, a pioneer in precision education and a thought leader in the field. With a background in history, technology, and social innovation, Noam has spent years researching global education systems and building solutions to meet the needs of Gen Alpha learners. She is a frequent speaker at education conferences and a passionate advocate for blending cultural diversity with cutting-edge technology.Host Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.Episode Links:Bina School - thebinaschool.comContact Noam Gerstein: [email protected]

In this episode of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Michael Davis, founder of Mindful Bytes and Merek Security Solutions, to explore how mindfulness and cybersecurity intersect in education. They dive into the transformative potential of teaching digital citizenship through mindfulness practices to young learners, focusing on how educators can help students develop a healthier relationship with technology. Michael shares insights from his innovative pilot program, which empowers students to build digital agency and emotional awareness while navigating the digital world.Key Topics Discussed: • Michael’s career journey from Navy cybersecurity expert to mindfulness educator. • The importance of understanding the “space between you and the device.” • Strategies for fostering mindfulness in children aged 6-10 to develop healthy tech habits. • Role-playing exercises that help kids recognize and regulate emotions in digital spaces. • The responsibility of schools in teaching digital citizenship and creating mindful technology users. • Early results from the pilot program, including increased family discussions about technology use. • How Mindful Bytes is addressing the emotional and psychological challenges of the digital age.Guest Bio:Michael Davis is the founder of Mindful Bytes, a platform that integrates mindfulness into digital citizenship education, and Merek Security Solutions, a cybersecurity consulting firm. A Navy veteran with over 20 years in cybersecurity, Michael’s passion for exploring the human side of technology has led him to pioneer innovative approaches to education. His work focuses on equipping young learners with the tools to navigate the digital world with awareness, courage, and emotional intelligence.Host Bio:Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning, specializing in teaching digital, linguistic, and cultural competencies through live global learning experiences. A former classroom teacher, Seth brings a thoughtful approach to exploring how education can adapt to an ever-changing world.Episode Links: • Mindful Bytes: mindfulbytes.io • Merek Security Solutions: merrick.io • Connect with Michael Davis on LinkedIn: Michael Davis LinkedIn

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes James Anderson, author of Learnership, to explore how educators can cultivate a mindset of continuous growth in students. Anderson introduces the concept of learnership, a framework that emphasizes teaching students how to learn, not just what to learn. The episode unpacks strategies to empower students to take charge of their learning, embrace struggle, and thrive in an ever-changing world.Key Topics Discussed:The Learnership Framework: A step-by-step guide to developing students' learning skills, from non-learners to agile learners.The Role of the Teacher: How educators can adapt their style—ranging from benevolent dictator to mentor—to meet students where they are and guide them to higher levels of learning.The Nuance of Mistakes: Differentiating between helpful and unhelpful mistakes to reframe the learning process.Building a Culture of Learning: Shifting from a performance-driven model to one centered on growth and skillful learning.Guest Bio: James Anderson is an educator, consultant, and author specializing in cultivating growth mindsets and learning strategies in schools. His work integrates research from Carol Dweck, Anders Ericsson, and other thought leaders to create actionable frameworks for improving student outcomes.Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.Episode Links:Learn more about James Anderson’s work and resources: jamesanderson.com.auPurchase Learnership and access the diagnostic tool to assess learning behaviors in your school.Follow up on related frameworks by Carol Dweck (Mindset), Art Costa and Bena Kalik (Habits of Mind) Anders Ericsson (the "10,000 hour rule"), Nassim Nicholas Taleb (Antifragile), John Hattie (Visible Learning), Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins (Understanding by Design), and Adam Grant (Hidden Potential).

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, a speech pathologist and educational consultant, to delve into supporting executive functioning in students who require Tier 2 and 3 interventions. Building on the previous conversation with Mitch Weathers in episode #49, this episode explores how executive functioning challenges impact social, academic, and functional life skills and discusses practical strategies for supporting students beyond the classroom.Key Topics Discussed:Understanding executive functioning as a set of cognitive processes like time perception, self-talk, and future pacing.How Tier 1 interventions can support students across all tiers by creating a collaborative, scaffolded environment.The importance of visual supports, episodic memory, and modeling self-talk for building executive functioning skills.Balancing standardized assessments with dynamic, portfolio-based approaches to better diagnose and support students.Strategies for addressing common challenges, like resistance to new tasks, and teaching students to develop self-motivation and planning skills.Guest Bio:Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan is a speech pathologist with over 14 years of experience in schools. She specializes in supporting related service providers, special education teams, and educators in fostering executive functioning, language, and literacy skills. She is the host of the De Facto Leaders podcast and the creator of resources at Dr. Karen Speech and Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan.Episode Links:Explore resources on executive functioning at Dr. Karen Speech.Listen to Dr. Karen’s podcast, De Facto Leaders, at drkarendudekbrannan.com/de-facto-leaders-podcast/Sign up for the Executive Functioning training at drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadershipDownload Dr. Karen's Executive Functioning Implementation Guide for School Teams at drkarendudekbrannan.com/efguideHost Bio:Seth Fleischauer is a former classroom teacher and founder of Banyan Global Learning, specializing in teaching digital, linguistic, and cultural competencies through live, interactive learning experiences. See banyangloballearning.com.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review and share it with a friend. As always, thank you to our editor, Lucas Salazar.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer kicks off the first in a two-part series on executive functioning by welcoming Mitch Weathers, founder of Organized Binder and author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom. They explore how routines, modeling, and accountability can help students develop critical executive functioning skills in a way that integrates seamlessly into daily classroom life. Mitch also shares practical strategies and insights that teachers can implement immediately, alongside a deeper dive into his program, Organized Binder.Key Topics Discussed:The six key executive functioning skills that empower students: goal setting, work flexing, planning, organizational skills, self-regulation, and accountability.How Organized Binder provides a structured routine to model and practice executive functioning daily.The role of predictability and repetition in fostering motivation and reducing cognitive load.Strategies for integrating time management and goal setting into classroom practices.Insights into student accountability and its dual role in teacher-student relationships.How routines and clarity can transform classroom culture, supporting all students in developing "student-ness."Guest Bio: Mitch Weathers is a former high school science teacher and founder of Organized Binder, a program designed to help students develop executive functioning skills through structured classroom routines. He is the author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom and a sought-after trainer and speaker, working with K-12 schools and colleges globally to enhance teaching and learning.Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning, with live virtual programs that teach digital and cultural competencies. Through Make It Mindful, Seth explores transformative solutions that align teaching with the challenges of the modern world.Episode Links:Learn more about Organized Binder: OrganizedBinder.comMitch’s book: Executive Functions for Every ClassroomStay tuned for Part Two of this executive functioning series, featuring Karen Dudek-Brannan, who delves into Tier 2 interventions and individualized strategies for student support.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Dr. Jordan Smith, a retired Marine Corps Major, secondary math teacher, and author. They explore fostering resilience, addressing the belief gap in education, and creating personal connections to empower students. Dr. Smith shares strategies for engaging students through culturally responsive teaching and motivating them with growth mindset practices.Key Topics Discussed:Building resilience and addressing systemic barriers in education.The belief gap: fostering optimism and confidence in students.Culturally responsive teaching and personalizing lessons.Strategies for teaching growth mindset and fostering intrinsic motivation.Guest Bio: Dr. Jordan Smith is a retired Marine Corps Major turned secondary math teacher and author of Against the Odds: Chronicles of Resilience. He advocates for empowering educators to foster resilience and confidence in students through innovative, culturally responsive teaching strategies.Episode Links:Get Dr. Smith’s book 11 Effective Strategies for Teaching Math at teachleadandinspire.com.Host Info: Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning uses technology to enhance digital and cultural competence in teachers and students.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer sits down with Marina Badillo-Diaz, known as the "AI Social Worker," to discuss how artificial intelligence can support social work within schools. They explore the ethical concerns and transformative potential of AI tools in enhancing efficiency for social workers and educators alike, especially when faced with the post-pandemic mental health crisis. Marina shares practical examples, from using AI to streamline IEP goals to supporting administrative tasks, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards while integrating technology into social work.Key Topics Discussed:The intersection of social work and AI: ethics, efficiency, and innovation.AI applications for school social workers, including IEP refinement and event planning.The significance of relationship-building and mindfulness in student mental health.Emerging tech solutions like VR role-playing to prepare new social work practitioners.Strategies to support overburdened social workers and teachers in post-pandemic schools.Guest Bio: Marina Badillo-Diaz, also known as the AI Social Worker, is a school social worker and consultant focused on leveraging technology responsibly to support social work practices. She advocates for ethical AI use in education and provides resources for social workers to integrate tech effectively.Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and a dedicated advocate for teaching digital and cultural competencies through a global lens to foster meaningful educational change.Episode Links:Marina’s Guidebook on AI Prompting for Social Work Practice: mabdconsulting.com

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Nancy Weinstein, founder of MindPrint Learning, to explore how cognitive science can transform education. They discuss how MindPrint’s unique cognitive assessments help schools understand students' learning profiles and adapt instruction to fit each student's strengths and weaknesses. Nancy shares insights into the impact of the pandemic on students’ memory skills and practical strategies for teachers to address these challenges. The episode highlights how using data-driven approaches can lead to greater student success.Key Topics Discussed:Nancy Weinstein's journey from bioengineering to founding MindPrint Learning.How cognitive assessments create personalized learning strategies.The role of memory in post-pandemic learning challenges.Practical tips for integrating MindPrint data into busy classrooms.How cognitive tools can increase student retention and engagement.Guest Bio:Nancy Weinstein is the founder and CEO of MindPrint Learning. With a background in bioengineering, she’s dedicated to helping educators better understand how their students learn using cognitive assessments.Host Bio:Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and a passionate advocate for teaching digital and cultural competencies through a global lens to create meaningful educational change.Episode Links:MindPrint Learning: www.mindprintlearning.com

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes two experts in metacognition: Kayla Morehead, a researcher at Denver Public Schools, and Emily Murphy, the Senior Professional Development Lead at Nord Anglia Education. Together, they discuss the role of metacognition in education and how it can empower both students and educators to take control of their learning process.Key Topics Discussed:Understanding Metacognition: Kayla explains metacognition as thinking about one’s thinking, reflecting on cognitive processes, and taking actionable steps based on that reflection. She emphasizes how this skill allows students to evaluate their learning accurately and adjust their strategies.Cultural Perspectives on Metacognition: Emily shares insights from her work with international schools, noting that students in different cultures, such as in the East versus the West, often exhibit varied levels of confidence in their learning abilities. She highlights how these cultural differences impact their use of metacognitive skills.Metacognition and Lifelong Learning: Both guests explore how metacognition supports students in becoming lifelong learners by fostering curiosity, creativity, and self-awareness. Emily explains Nord Anglia’s learner portfolio tool, which encourages students to document their reflective thinking and growth over time.Call to Action:Metacognition is a powerful, high-impact approach that equips students with the tools to assess their own learning and become independent, motivated learners. Explore how you can integrate metacognitive practices into your teaching, and visit the Nord Anglia and Learning Design Principles resources to dive deeper into the science behind learning.Guest Bios:Kayla Morehead: A researcher specializing in metacognition and self-regulated learning, Kayla works for Denver Public Schools and contributes to learning science through publications and collaborations.Emily Murphy: As the Senior Professional Development Lead at Nord Anglia Education, Emily focuses on metacognitive projects to enhance 21st-century skills and learner autonomy across international schools.Episode Links:Nord Anglia Education: For more information about the work Emily Murphy and Nord Anglia are doing with metacognition and the learner portfolio tool.https://www.nordangliaeducation.comLearning Explorations Podcast: Emily Murphy's podcast discussing innovations in education and metacognition.Available on major podcast platforms.The Learning Design Principles: A free resource that includes chapters on metacognition and self-regulated learning, co-authored by Kayla Morehead.https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/global-store/global/resources/efficacy/evidence-about-learning/Pearson-Learning-Design-Principles-Authentic-Learning-summary.pdf Harvard Project Zero's Thinking Routines Toolbox: https://pz.harvard.edu/thinking-routinesHost Bio:Seth Fleischauer, founder of Banyan Global Learning, brings decades of experience in educational innovation to the Make It Mindful podcast. His work focuses on providing educational solutions for digital and cultural competencies through a global lens.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer sits down with author, actress, and producer Sheetal Sheth. They explore the impact of Sheth's children's books, including her Anjali series and Raashi's Rakhis, and discuss how her stories highlight cultural competence and representation for young readers.Key Topics Discussed:Sheth’s journey from acting to writing children's literature.The importance of diverse representation in children's books.How storytelling can foster empathy and understanding in classrooms.Approaching sensitive topics in children's literature without shying away from tough conversations.Tips for teachers on incorporating diverse stories into classroom settings.Call to Action:Listen to this episode to learn how to use diverse stories to enrich classroom experiences and teach cultural competence.Episode Links:Sheetal Sheth's Website – www.sheetalsheth.comSheetal Sheth's Instagram – @beneaththesheetzReading is Fundamental (RIF) – www.rif.orgBe Podcast Network – www.BePodcast.networkGuest Bio:Sheetal Sheth is an actress, producer, and the author of the Anjali series, the first children's book series featuring a South Asian hero. Her latest book, Raashi's Rakhis, continues her mission of creating engaging, inclusive stories for children.Host Bio:Seth Fleischauer: Learn more about Seth’s work at Banyan Global Learning, where he helps educators bring cultural and digital competence and transformative learning into classrooms worldwide.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer dives into the intersection of literacy, family engagement, and cultural responsiveness with Judy Paulick, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Virginia. As part of the 2024 National Literacy Month and in partnership with Reading Is Fundamental, Judy shares how to create transformative educational experiences by understanding and leveraging the cultural and literacy assets of students' families. She explores how home visits, family engagement, and asset-based approaches can reshape literacy instruction to meet the needs of all learners.Key Topics Discussed:The importance of asset-based home visits and how they can deepen teacher-student-family connections.How family engagement enriches literacy practices by incorporating storytelling, cultural values, and everyday literacy activities from home.Strategies for teachers who may not have access to home visits but still want to leverage family assets in the classroom.Using culturally responsive teaching techniques to create a classroom environment where every student sees themselves in the curriculum.The challenges and opportunities AI presents in education, particularly around culturally relevant pedagogy and differentiation.Call to Action:For more practical, transformative solutions to teaching that emphasize mindfulness and cultural competence, be sure to listen to the full episode! Learn about the tools and strategies Judy Paulick shares that can help educators build stronger connections with their students and communities.Guest Bio:Judy Paulick is an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Virginia. She specializes in language arts instruction and family engagement, with a focus on equity and culturally responsive teaching. Judy's work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging family and community assets to enrich classroom learning.Episode Links:Reading Is Fundamental (RIF): www.rif.orgParent Teacher Home Visits: pthvp.orgChimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk on the Single Story: Watch hereHost Links:Seth Fleischauer: Learn more about Seth’s work at Banyan Global Learning, where he helps educators bring cultural and digital competence and transformative learning into classrooms worldwide.

Leigh Anne Scherer, Technology Director at North Clackamas School District, navigated the unprecedented challenges of transitioning to online learning during the pandemic, offering key insights into the role of technology in education.In this episode, Leigh Anne and Seth discuss:The rapid shift to virtual learning in 2020 and the lessons learned from navigating this transformation.The importance of ensuring data privacy and security in the adoption of digital curriculum and AI tools.How accessibility features in digital tools can enhance learning for all students, with a focus on English learners.The experimental approach Leigh Anne's district is taking towards AI, allowing teachers to explore tools while maintaining a cautious stance on student-facing AI applications.The parallels between how large language models and humans learn language, and the implications for language learners in the classroom.The potential and pitfalls of using AI in education, particularly the risks of relying too heavily on translation tools for English learners.Subscribe to Make It Mindful to explore more deep-dive conversations about transformative solutions in education, available wherever you get your podcasts.About today’s guestLeigh Anne Scherer is the Technology Director for North Clackamas School District in Oregon, where she brings her extensive experience as an English learner educator and school administrator to the role. With a focus on accessibility, data privacy, and innovative uses of technology, Leigh Anne plays a crucial role in guiding her district's approach to digital learning and AI integration.About your hostSeth Fleischauer is the host of the Make It Mindful podcast and the founder of Banyan Global Learning. With a psychology degree from Princeton and a background in elementary education, Seth's work bridges technology, education, and human connection. His company, Banyan Global Learning, has delivered over 40,000 program hours across four continents, focusing on curricula that emphasize cultural competence.

Summary:In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Lindy Hockenberry, a seasoned educator and technology integration specialist, to discuss the mindful adoption of technology in education. Lindy shares her journey from teaching in a rural Montana school to becoming a technology consultant, helping schools and educators effectively integrate technology into the classroom.Key topics discussed include:Mindful Technology Integration: Lindy emphasizes the importance of using technology as a tool, not just for the sake of it, but to enhance learning outcomes. She compares technology to a "teacher toolbox," where each tool should be selected based on the specific learning objective and the needs of the students.Balancing Art and Science in Teaching: Lindy discusses how teaching is both an art and a science, requiring educators to make real-time decisions based on student needs and the evolving nature of technology.AI Literacy in Education: With AI becoming increasingly prevalent, Lindy stresses the importance of AI literacy as an extension of digital citizenship. She discusses the need for students to understand, use, and evaluate AI responsibly, starting from a young age.Process Over Product: Lindy argues that focusing on the process of learning, particularly in writing, is essential in an era where AI can easily produce text. She advocates for teaching students how to collaborate with AI effectively, rather than battling against it.This episode provides valuable insights for educators on how to thoughtfully integrate technology into their teaching practices, ensuring it serves to enhance, not hinder, student learning.For more insights and practical advice, tune into this episode and explore Lindy Hockenberry's work. You can find her on social media and through the links in the show notes.About today’s guest: Lindy Hockenberry is a lifelong educator and technology consultant who helps schools and teachers navigate the complexities of educational technology. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, professional development, and the integration of AI in education. Find her work at https://www.intechgratedpd.org/meetlindy.About the host: Seth Fleischauer is the host of Make It Mindful, a podcast that explores mindfulness in education. Connect with Seth on LinkedIn and follow the podcast for the latest episodes and updates. Find his work at banyangloballearning.com.Support the Podcast: Follow, rate, and review Make It Mindful on your favorite podcast platform. Share the podcast with friends and colleagues to help spread the word. Thank you to our editor, Lucas Salazar, and advisor, Deirdre Marlowe, for their contributions to the show.