That's the IDEA!

Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Dr. Sawsan Jaber for a powerful conversation about student voice, identity, and what it truly means to create human-centered classrooms. From her journey in education to the ideas behind Pedagogies of Voice, she challenges us to rethink how we build community, honor lived experiences, and use inquiry to transform learning. This is one of those conversations that stays with you.

In this episode, Don Sturm and Stefanie Crawford talk with Stefanie Pitzer, 2025 IDEA Administrator Educator of the Year, about building a culture of readers through simple, powerful moves like lunch read alouds and a virtual family book club. Expect practical takeaways, relationship-driven leadership, the importance of embracing what makes you “extra,” and a few laughs along the way because learning should come with some joy.

Join Don and Stefanie as they welcome high school English teacher Marcus Luther for a lively conversation about what student-centered learning actually looks like in real classrooms. Marcus reflects on the fifth grade teacher who helped shape his path, shares why community is the secret sauce behind meaningful reflection, and offers practical ways to help students build reflective muscles even when they do not know where to start. They also explore thoughtful decision making around technology, including how to stay grounded in core classroom values while everything around us keeps changing. Expect big ideas, usable strategies, a little sports talk, and the kind of educator joy that reminds you why this work still matters.

Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Ted Neitzke, a former social studies teacher turned superintendent and mayor, who brings big energy and a clear message about making improvement actually stick. Ted shares why mindset matters, how every educator leads with influence regardless of job titles, and why reflection can be a daily habit that fuels stronger teams and stronger classrooms. They’ll explore practical ways to build trust, boost engagement, and charge into the storms that show up in education every day.

Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Kunal Dalal, Monday’s IDEAcon keynote speaker. Kunal is a former teacher and principal turned AI thinker and builder. Kunal shares how his work with AI began through parenting, grew through student and district partnerships, and continues to challenge how we think about learning, creativity, and responsibility in a rapidly changing world. This conversation is reflective, practical, and future-focused, and like always, there is curiosity, honesty, and plenty of laughter along the way.

In this episode of That’s the Idea, Don and Stefanie sit down with Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason, the first Indigenous educator named Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year. Wunneanatsu shares her journey from the high school history classroom to Brown University, reflects on the power of local and inclusive history, and challenges us to rethink whose stories get told and how. This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and energizing, with practical ideas for teaching complex history in ways that help every student feel seen, heard, and curious, and like always, there’s no shortage of laughter.

Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Matt Farber, associate professor at the University of Northern Colorado and longtime voice in game-based learning. Matt shares how his path from middle school social studies teacher to researcher led him deeper into play, games, and social emotional learning; explores connections between films, podcasts, books, and student literacy; and gives listeners a preview of what IDEAcon 2026 attendees can expect to learn with him in February.

Join us as we sit down with educator, author, and edtech whisperer Marcus Stein to explore what it really means to make professional learning human. From keeping PD short and authentic to building classrooms that reflect who we are, Marcus shares how to bridge industry and instruction, use AI with intention, and center relationships so teachers and students actually thrive.

Join us as we sit down with educator and creative powerhouse Lisa Mo to explore what it really means to keep people at the center of innovation. From rethinking how we use STEAM and AI to amplifying student voice and teacher agency, Lisa shares how to make learning human again. She reminds us that educators drive the tools, not the other way around, and that every student deserves to feel capable, confident, and seen.

Join us as we sit down with Illinois Teacher of the Year Dr. Rachael Mahmood to explore what it really means to build belonging in schools today. From harnessing student talk and honoring identity to rethinking data meetings and community voice, Rachel shares how educators can spark deep learning while keeping people at the heart of it all.

Join us as we sit down with educator and tech leader David Chan to explore what it really means to be a technology director in 2025. From bridging IT and instruction to navigating AI and ever-changing tools, David shares how schools can stay innovative while keeping people at the heart of it all.

Join us as we sit down with veteran and Do Better creator Anthony Carlyle for a conversation about growth, intention, and resilience. Anthony is not a teacher, yet his story of sobriety, mental health, and simple daily practices offers powerful lessons for educators. From journaling that actually sticks to small actions that spark positivity in schools, this is a candid and hopeful look at how we can all do better, one step at a time.

Join us as we sit down with Ken Shelton for a thoughtful conversation about what AI means for teaching and learning, the opportunities it brings, and the challenges we need to keep in mind. It’s a people-centered look at a fast-changing technology and how schools can navigate it with purpose.The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered The Chat

Join us as we sit down with business owner and lover of fun and community building, Dan Crawford, to discuss how your local businesses can help you build community within your schools.

Join us as we sit down with Mandy Froehlich to discuss the Importance of mental health for educators. Teachers are often expected to push through their struggles, but mental health needs to be prioritized. It's not just about self-care emails or jeans days, but real change.https://www.mandyfroehlich.com

Join us as we sit down with Jed Dearybury to discuss the necessity of playful learning for people of all ages and addresses the assumption that being playful is just for kids.https://www.mrdearybury.comFill out this Google Form for a chance to win a Signed Copy of The Rainbow Tree.

Join us as we sit down with Maria Galanis to discuss how innovation isn’t just for the classroom and to explore how Maria has found ways to provide meaningful connection points with caregivers.

Join us as we sit down with Jennifer Ehehalt from Common Sense Education and Dr. Sonal Patel to discuss AI and how our approach and attitudes toward AI can shape the landscape of AI use in education.

Join us as we sit down with Evo Hannan to discuss the power of an idea and just how much words and autonomy matter.

Take a listen to what's to come from That's the IDEA! This is the official podcast of the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance.