edWebcasts

edWeb

Award-winning professional learning podcasts that serve the global education community.

Play

Open in

46 episodes
Avg 56 min
English

Episodes 46

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Yesterday · 58 min
Current Education Technology Hurdles, Accelerators, and Enablers: CoSN’s 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report
Presented by Dr. Doug Brubaker, Superintendent, Chesapeake Public Schools (VA); Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent, Durango School District (CO); Glenn Robbins, Superintendent, Brigantine Public School District (NJ); and Laura Geringer, Project Director, Driving K-12 Innovation, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) This edWeb podcast is presented by CoSN and AASA and sponsored by ClassLink. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. CoSN’s 2026 annual Driving K-12 Innovation Report is based on the collaborative work of an international advisory board of over 130 educators and technology experts. Together, the group evaluated the current state of technology in education. Through the published report, readers are provided with “A Roadmap for What’s Next." This edWeb podcast provides an overview of the CoSN 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report, which includes the Hurdles (obstacles), Accelerators (mega-trends), and Technology Enablers (tools) that were identified by the international advisory board and published in the 2026 report. The superintendent panelists share how each of those three topics plays out in their school districts. CoSN’s Project Director for the Driving K-12 Innovation Initiative and EdTech Innovation Committee join the superintendents and share the process behind the development of the report. She will also share the plans for the upcoming K-12 Innovation in Action Report. This edWeb podcast is of high value to K-12 educators in both leadership and classroom roles. The broader school community will also benefit as, together, the panelists explore both the current state and the future of technology for teaching and learning and the best strategies for success. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
Tuesday · 59 min
School Improvement: From Plans to Performance Across K-12 Districts
Presented by Hillary Rinaldi, Vice President, Whiteboard Advisors; Jill Owens, District Instructional Technology Coach, Clarendon County School District (SC); and Will Krebs, Former Educator, Current Vice President, Government Relations, Edmentum Moderated by Ross Romano, Director, Strategic Communications, Edmentum This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Edmentum. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. Leaders whose schools were designated for improvement this year likely have access to critical funding they haven’t yet tapped—and a shrinking window to use it. Every fall, states designate a new cohort of schools as low-performing, opening eligibility for federal Title dollars, including Title I School Improvement funds. Most leaders know the money exists, but what matters most is accessing it quickly, allocating it with a purpose, and driving meaningful local results. School-level leaders and district administrators overseeing improvement plans, funding allocation, and instructional strategy will gain valuable insights from this edWeb podcast. Gain perspectives from experts who track funding policy, help districts translate policy into funding strategy, and have led implementation at the district level. The panelists move past a basic overview of the funds and resources available, instead delivering practical guidance for leaders. They also highlight the common places where districts get stuck and what separates a plan that stays on paper from one that changes outcomes. Three takeaways: Which funding streams to target and when—A clear picture of the dollars available to designated schools and the fall timeline for securing them before they expire How to translate funding into instructional strategy—Practical guidance on aligning improvement dollars with initiatives like targeted intervention and personalized learning, rather than treating funding and instruction as separate tracks A real district's playbook—A firsthand account from Clarendon County School District on the actions that have enabled measurable academic gains This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
Sunday · 48 min
Keeping Schools and Libraries Connected: Why E-Rate Matters
Presented by John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning; Megan Sutherland, Chief Operating Officer, Prince George's County Memorial Library System; Dr. LaTonya Goffney, AASA President, Superintendent, Aldine Independent School District (TX); Jon Bernstein, President and Founder/Co-Chair, Bernstein Strategy Group/EdLiNC; and Joseph Wender, Executive Director, Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB) Moderated by Noelle Ellerson Ng, Chief Advocacy & Governance Officer, AASA This podcast is hosted by edWeb.net. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. For nearly 30 years, E-Rate has made broadband affordable for schools and libraries. This year, the FCC is asking whether it still should. On June 25, 2026, the Commission adopted a top-to-bottom review of the program (FCC 26-41, WC Docket No. 26-133). Among the questions on the table: whether E-Rate should be narrowed, reoriented, or limited to rural communities only; which services should remain eligible, including internal connections and special construction; how CIPA should be interpreted; and new conditions on how students use funded networks. Nothing has been decided. What the FCC hears from the field this fall is what shapes the rules that follow. Listen to advocates and experts already engaged in this proceeding in a working session on what the FCC actually asked, what each scenario would mean for your connectivity and your budget, and how to get your district's experience into the federal record. Comments are due October 13, 2026, with reply comments due November 12. Listeners will leave this edWeb podcast able to explain the proceeding to a board or cabinet, identify which line items in their own budget are exposed, and file or support a comment before the window closes. This edWeb podcast is important for any educator who is concerned about funding and maintaining internet connectivity for schools and libraries. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
October 7 · 1 hr 1 min
Real-World Connections: Instructional Strategies for Using Industry Voices to Deepen Career Exploration
Presented by Jonathan Wren, Director of Magnet Schools, Metro Nashville Public Schools (TN); Giselle Harper, Magnet Schools Assistance Program Curriculum Specialist, Richard Dinkins Early College Magnet Middle School (TN); Allison Karandikar, Magnet Schools Assistance Program Curriculum Specialist, Isaac Litton STEM Magnet Middle School (TN); and Monica Cougan, Global Education Leader This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. The webinar recording can be accessed here. This edWeb podcast focuses on how authentic industry stories can transform career exploration and help students build meaningful connections between classroom learning and the world of work. In this second session of Future-Ready Pathways Series: Connecting Students to Careers, explore instructional strategies that leverage industry professionals—whether through virtual guest speakers, volunteer videos, career spotlights, or platforms like Career Connect—to expand students’ understanding of future pathways. What educators learn: How real-world stories build relevance by showing students how academic concepts appear in actual jobs Ways industry voices support identity development as students imagine themselves in future roles Workforce skills students can recognize through employee narratives—problem solving, collaboration, adaptability How exposure to diverse professionals expands career awareness beyond familiar or traditional pathways Methods for highlighting multiple entry points into STEM, biotech, AI, and emerging industries This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school counselors, career coordinators, curriculum and instruction coordinators, school and district leaders, and education technology leaders. This edWeb podcast is part of Future-Ready Pathways Series: Connecting Students to Careers. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
October 7 · 58 min
AI Literacy for K–12 Teaching and Learning: Ask Us Anything
Presented by Dr. Patricia Dennis, Director and Instructor, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Learning: School Library Media Program, William Paterson University; Dr. Pati Ruiz, Experienced Educator, Director of Learning Technology Research, Digital Promise; and Dr. Kelly McNeil, Experienced Educator, Senior Learning Experience Designer, Digital Promise This edWeb podcast is sponsored by HP and hosted by Digital Promise. The webinar recording can be accessed here. Generative AI tools are becoming a fixture in schools, but for many educators, the challenge has evolved from initial exploration to sustained, meaningful integration. How do we ensure these tools support—rather than replace—essential human elements like curiosity, agency, and critical thinking? Listen to an exclusive "Ask Me Anything" edWeb podcast driven by your priorities and featuring experts from Digital Promise—Dr. Kelly McNeil and Dr. Pati Ruiz—alongside library media specialist and Fulbright Scholar Dr. Patt Dennis. We structured this time as an open forum dedicated to your most pressing, unresolved questions about AI in education. While we look forward to sharing insights from the HP AI Teacher Academy’s newest modules—which may include discussions around fostering "AI literacy," designing assignments that prioritize process over product, or navigating complex issues around ethics and student data privacy—the conversation was ultimately be led by you. Whether you are seeking practical advice for your specific grade level, searching for strategies to maintain student agency, or wrestling with the ethics of AI integration, we invite you to bring your real-world scenarios to the table. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
October 6 · 59 min
From Engagement to Academic Impact: Turning Family Partnerships Into Action
Presented by Dr. Cristina Melendez, Former Deputy Chancellor of Family, Community, and Student Empowerment, New York City Department of Education; Windy Lopez-Aflitto, Senior Vice President of Professional Learning, Learning Heroes; and Samantha Fils-Aimé, Assistant Vice President, Curriculum and Instruction, Springboard Collaborative Moderated by Keo Chea-Young, Ed.D., Academic Success Partner, Springboard Collaborative This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Springboard Collaborative. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. Families want to support their children’s learning. Yet many do not have access to clear information about how their children are doing academically or what they can do to support progress. Educators value strong family partnerships but may lack the time, training, tools, and systems needed to build them consistently. In this edWeb podcast, Dr. Cristina Melendez, former Deputy Chancellor of Family, Community, and Student Empowerment at New York City Public Schools, shares lessons from leading family partnership work across a large, diverse school system. Learning Heroes shares insights from its just-published national parent research, including what families understand about their children’s academic progress, how they want to support learning, and where opportunities remain to better connect families with actionable information and support. Building on these findings, Dr. Keo Chea-Young and Samantha Fils-Aimé of Springboard Collaborative introduce the Family Enablement Domains, Essential Pathways, and Standards (DEPS) Framework, an open-source, evidence-informed framework that focuses on the conditions that help families build the knowledge, confidence, tools, and agency to support learning. Samantha is a former District of Columbia Public Schools literacy leader, bringing additional practitioner and system-level perspectives to the conversation. Listeners will: Examine what national parent research reveals about families’ experiences, needs, and desire to support their children’s learning Identify the conditions that help effective family engagement build families’ knowledge, confidence, capacity, and agency to support learning Consider how schools and systems can build educator capacity and create structures that support strong family-educator partnerships Hear lessons about building trust, addressing mindsets and beliefs about families, and sustaining authentic family partnerships Identify ways to make information about student learning more understandable and actionable for families Listeners will leave with research, a ready-to-use practical framework, and actionable strategies for strengthening family-educator partnerships in support of student learning. This edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK-12 teachers, school and district leaders, instructional leaders, and family engagement leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
October 6 · 56 min
Building a Comprehensive Assessment System: Overcoming Key Challenges
Presented by Dr. Gene Kerns, Former Educator, Current Chief Academic Officer, Renaissance; and Dr. Julie Vogel, Former Superintendent, Current National Education Officer, Renaissance This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Renaissance. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. Assessment answers essential questions about student learning. But too often, teachers aren’t sure which assessment to choose for which purpose. Or they ask leaders to provide a single assessment tool that does it all, leading to fruitless searches and needless frustration. How can leaders best respond to these challenges? Listen to this edWeb podcast for the answers, as two experts show you how to create a comprehensive (and cohesive) assessment system with the right tools to address your educators’ needs. You’ll explore: The types of assessment to include, and the purposes of each Key considerations related to testing time and acting on the resulting data Advantages and disadvantages of different types of assessment Ensuring coherence, with each assessment contributing to a full picture of student achievement This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 assessment directors, curriculum directors, MTSS directors, and principals. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 27 · 57 min
Policy Into Practice: State Literacy Leadership
Presented by Bobbie Burnham, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Teaching and Learning, Minnesota Department of Education; Dr. Claudia Ladd, Literacy and Early Childhood Division Administrator, CLSD Language and Literacy Director, and Education Innovation Research Grant Director, Wyoming Department of Education; and Maya Valencia Goodall, Chief Impact Officer, CORE Learning This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning. The webinar recording can be accessed here. This third edWeb podcast of Structured Language & Literacy Week for Leaders gives district and state leaders a clear look at how literacy legislation becomes literacy practice. The panelists share how state leadership interprets policy and the decisions that shape how it moves forward across districts. Key topics covered include: From Legislation to Action: How state leaders interpret literacy policy and translate it into practice Lessons Learned: Course corrections made along the way, and what they would do differently Constraints and Directives: What state leaders wish districts understood about the pressures they navigate Building Coherence: How shared understanding between state and district leaders supports smoother implementation Accelerating Progress: What has worked well enough that other states could learn from it directly, rather than starting from the beginning By the conclusion of the session, listeners are able to: Understand how legislation moves from policy into practice at the state level Identify constraints and directives that shape state-level decision making Apply lessons learned from other states to accelerate their own progress Listeners walk away with a clearer picture of the state-level view, along with practical insight they can use to build coherence and accelerate their own progress. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 state leaders, district leaders, and policymakers. This edWeb podcast is part of Structured Language & Literacy Week for Leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 26 · 57 min
Strengthen MTSS Through Peer-Led Prevention: Reaching Every Student
Presented by Tiffany Sommerfeld, Director of Academic Advising & Counseling, Belton Independent School District (TX); Shannon Toney, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Stop School Violence Grant Coordinator, Billings Public Schools (MT); and Dr. Gregory Hudnall, Experienced Educator, Founder, Hope Squad This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Hope Squad. The webinar recording can be accessed here. Every district is working to build a stronger Multi-Tiered System of Supports. But MTSS is only as strong as what happens between the tiers. This edWeb podcast looks at how peer-led prevention is enabling districts to strengthen MTSS from the inside by identifying students earlier, connecting them to help faster, and shifting school culture so support reaches every student. Dr. Gregory Hudnall, Founder of Hope Squad, joins district leaders Tiffany Sommerfeld, Director of Academic Advising & Counseling at Belton Independent School District (TX), and Shannon Toney, BJA Stop School Violence Grant Coordinator at Billings Public Schools (MT), to discuss how a peer-nomination model puts trained students and accountable adults inside every level of MTSS, from universal Tier 1 prevention to more targeted support, and how that structure changes the culture of a school over time. Listeners hear directly from two districts that have built peer-led prevention into their MTSS frameworks, including what changed and what it took to get there. They leave with a clearer picture of how peer leadership strengthens tiered support systems in practice and how to make the case for it within their own district. This edWeb podcast is designed for elementary through high school district and school leaders evaluating how to strengthen and close gaps within their district’s MTSS strategy. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 26 · 58 min
District Actions for Systemwide Literacy Impact
Presented by Laura Mendes, M.Ed., Director of Literacy, Springfield Public Schools (MA); Gabi Bell Jiménez, Ph.D., Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Milwaukee Public Schools (WI); and Maya Valencia Goodall, Chief Impact Officer, CORE Learning This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning. The webinar recording can be accessed here. This second edWeb podcast of Structured Language & Literacy Week for Leaders gives district leaders a practical, real-world look at how to move a literacy system from where it stands today toward a clear, shared vision. The panelists have done exactly that and walk through the concrete steps behind their districts’ progress. Key topics covered include: Assessing the Starting Point: How to take an honest look at where a district’s literacy system currently stands Setting a North Star: How to define a clear, shared vision for systemwide literacy impact Practical Implementation Steps: The concrete actions districts take to move from vision toward reality Measuring Progress: The data and markers districts use to know they are moving in the right direction Lessons Learned: The course corrections districts have made along the way, and what they would do differently By the conclusion of the session, listeners are able to: Apply a framework for assessing their own district’s current literacy starting point Draft or refine a North Star vision for systemwide literacy impact Identify practical, sequenced steps for moving their own district forward Select meaningful data points to track progress along the way Listeners walk away with a roadmap, not just a vision, that they can begin applying in their own district right away. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 district leaders, instructional leaders, and school administrators. This edWeb podcast is part of Structured Language & Literacy Week for Leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 24 · 56 min
Leading Literacy: Perspectives From the Field’s Most Influential Voices
Presented by Marisa Ramirez Stukey, Ph.D., Chief Academic Officer, The Reading League; Danielle (Nell) Thompson, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, The Transformative Reading Teacher Group and The Big Sky Literacy Summit; and Dale Webster, Ph.D., President, CORE Learning This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning. The webinar recording can be accessed here. This first edWeb podcast of Structured Language & Literacy Week for Leaders gives district and school leaders a balcony view of how literacy professional learning is being built and sustained across the country. The panelists work directly with districts nationwide, giving them a rare vantage point on what is working and where systems are still catching up. Key topics covered include: Teacher Knowledge in Practice: How strong professional learning builds and sustains deep content knowledge for teachers of reading and writing Coaching and Implementation: What effective, ongoing coaching looks like once initial training ends Leadership Development: Why training school and district leaders is just as critical as training teachers By the conclusion of the session, listeners are able to: Identify patterns in how districts nationally are building literacy professional learning systems, not just one-time trainings Connect teacher knowledge, coaching, and instructional materials into one coherent system Apply a broader, national perspective to their own professional learning planning Listeners walk away with a wider view of what strong literacy professional learning looks like across the country, along with ideas they can bring directly into their own systems. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, and professional learning coordinators. This edWeb podcast is part of Structured Language & Literacy Week for Leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 21 · 1 hr 11 min
Leading and Sustaining Technology Innovations in Today’s School District Settings
Presented by Dr. Teresa Brown, Superintendent, Madison Consolidated Schools (IN); Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar, Superintendent, Desert Sands Unified School District (CA); Dr. Nick Polyak, Superintendent, Leyden High School District 212 (IL); and Paula Maylahn, Education Industry Consultant, Project Director, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) This edWeb podcast is presented by CoSN and AASA and sponsored by ClassLink. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. Each year, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) conducts a national survey among education technology leaders to assess the current state of technology innovation across multiple school systems. Season 9 of the CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendent edWeb podcast Series opens with an overview of CoSN’s U.S. State of EdTech 2026 survey. Four specific key findings in leading technology innovations identified in the survey results will be included in the panel discussion: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Procurement Teaching & Learning Access to the free full report of CoSN’s U.S. State of EdTech 2026 survey, along with multiple online resources that address the key findings listed above, are shared. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 district leaders, school leaders, education technology leaders, superintendent association leaders, teachers, and librarians. View all of the recent EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panels. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 19 · 55 min
AI Literacy for Learners: High-Level Strategies for Preparing Students for a Digital Workforce
Presented by Meenoo Rami, AI and EdTech Product Leader, Author, and Ex-Microsoft; and Monica Cougan, Global Education Leader This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. The webinar recording can be accessed here. This edWeb podcast explores how foundational AI literacy prepares students for a rapidly evolving digital workforce and supports broader career-connected learning across STEM, CTE, and cross-curricular instruction. In this third session of Future-Ready Pathways Series: Connecting Students to Careers, educators examine high-level strategies for helping students understand what AI is, how it shapes modern industries, and why responsible use matters for all learners—not just those pursuing technical fields. We highlight how educator resources can support this work by providing accessible explainers, hands-on activities, and real-world examples that help students build confidence and curiosity around AI. The session emphasizes instructional approaches that make AI literacy meaningful, relevant, and developmentally appropriate across grade bands. What educators learn: Why foundational AI literacy matters for all students as they navigate an increasingly digital world High-level strategies for teaching core AI concepts without requiring technical expertise or coding backgrounds Ways AI resources support cross-curricular instruction in STEM, computer science, humanities, and career exploration Approaches to responsible and ethical AI use that build critical thinking, digital citizenship, and media literacy Techniques for sparking curiosity through inquiry-based, hands-on activities that demystify AI Methods for connecting AI skills to future careers across industries such as healthcare, engineering, business, creative arts, and public service This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school counselors, career coordinators, curriculum and instruction coordinators, school and district leaders, and education technology leaders. This edWeb podcast is part of Future-Ready Pathways Series: Connecting Students to Careers. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 19 · 59 min
Future-Ready STEM Pathways: Bringing Real-World Careers Into Everyday Instruction
Presented by Joshua Doty, Field Talent Partner, Swinerton; and Monica Cougan, Global Education Leader This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Discovery Education. The webinar recording can be accessed here. In this edWeb podcast, explore how STEM Careers Coalition’s (SCC) free resources can help students connect classroom learning to real-world STEM opportunities. This first session of Future-Ready Pathways Series: Connecting Students to Careers highlights high-demand career pathways, turnkey classroom resources, and strategies for embedding career-connected learning into core science instruction. Listeners learn how to use SCC videos, career profiles, and hands-on activities to spark student curiosity, deepen engagement, and build workforce-ready skills. Educators leave with a ready-to-implement STEM career exploration toolkit and practical ideas for integrating career awareness throughout the school year. What educators learn: How real-world STEM careers build relevance and help students see the purpose behind academic concepts Ways to integrate SCC resources into daily instruction without adding teacher burden Strategies for highlighting high-demand STEM pathways through videos, profiles, and hands-on activities Techniques for sparking student curiosity using authentic industry stories Approaches to building workforce-ready skills through inquiry, collaboration, and problem solving Methods for embedding career awareness throughout the school year in science and STEM classrooms This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school counselors, career coordinators, curriculum and instruction coordinators, school and district leaders, and education technology leaders. This edWeb podcast is part of Future-Ready Pathways Series: Connecting Students to Careers. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 11 · 58 min
NYC & LA Just Banned AI in Schools: What Does It Mean for Your School?
Presented by Robbie Torney, Head of AI & Digital Assessments, Common Sense Media Youth AI Safety Institute; Eisha Buch, Head of Teaching & Learning, Common Sense Media; Laura Zimmermann, Ph.D., Director of Youth AI Research, Common Sense Media; and Geoffrey A. Fowler, Head of Public Outreach, Common Sense Media This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Common Sense Education. The webinar recording can be accessed here. As New York City and Los Angeles, two of the nation’s largest districts, announce they are banning AI in K-8 (NYC) and in K-12 (LA), districts across the country are facing a question that is becoming impossible to ignore: Are we next? AI conversation doesn’t have to be a choice between banning technology and embracing it without limits. Join Geoffrey A. Fowler, Head of Public Engagement at Common Sense Media, for a timely edWeb podcast conversation examining what schools need to know as they navigate the rapidly changing AI landscape. Laura Zimmermann, Ph.D., Director of Youth AI Research, shares the research and help administrators and educators understand what the evidence tells us about how tweens and teens are using AI today—both at home and for school. Robbie Torney, Head of AI & Digital Assessments, examines AI risk, offering a practical lens for understanding and assessing risks and benefits related to student age, context, privacy, and safety. Eisha Buch, Head of Teaching and Learning, introduces an Age & Stage Guide, a developmentally appropriate framework for the gradual use of AI that helps schools move beyond an all-or-nothing approach and toward intentional, age-appropriate implementation. Rather than asking simply, “Should schools ban AI?” we explore a more productive question: “How can schools introduce AI in ways that protect what matters most about learning—human connection, curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking?” The conversation culminates in a practical Age & Stage Guide for the Gradual Use of AI, offering a proactive framework for administrators, educators, students, and families to understand what responsible AI use can look like across K–12. Listeners leave with: Research-informed context for understanding the rapidly changing K–12 AI landscape A practical way to think about AI risk beyond an all-or-nothing approach Considerations for balancing policy decisions with the realities of classroom teaching and learning Developmentally appropriate guidance for introducing AI gradually across grade levels Concrete resources and next steps for administrators, educators, students, and families This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 educators, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 11 · 50 min
The Literacy Crisis: If It’s a Right, Why Is It Still a Privilege?
Presented by Octavia Gray-Essex, Ed.D., Former Educator, Current Senior Education Advisor, Lexia; Caresa Dodson, Ph.D., LETRS Professional Learning Customer Success Manager, Lexia; Carly Waters, Ph.D., LETRS Dedicated District Success Manager, Lexia; and Jessica Stroven, LETRS Professional Learning Customer Success Manager, Lexia This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Lexia. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. If literacy is a right, why do opportunity and outcomes remain so unequal? In this edWeb podcast, leaders from Lexia examine the systems, structures, and instructional realities that determine who gains access to literacy and who is left behind. Through the lens of equity, implementation, and the Science of Reading, school and district leaders explore what it takes to build the conditions for literacy success for every student. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 10 · 59 min
Improving Literacy Outcomes with AI: Lessons from Schools Around the World
Presented by Dr. Sherri N. Wilson, Former Director of Innovative Learning, Current Principal, William Dandy Middle School, Broward County Public Schools (FL); Dr. Geri Gillespy, Experienced Education Leader, Director, Industry Advisor, Microsoft Elevate in the Americas; Leigh Williams, Information and Technology Executive, Brisbane Catholic Education; and Allie Thompson, Former Special Education Teacher, Current Senior Marketing Manager, Microsoft Education This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Microsoft Education. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. Literacy is the foundation for student success, yet many schools face growing challenges in providing personalized reading support while meeting increasing academic expectations. On World Literacy Day, join education leaders for an edWeb podcast discussion on how schools and systems are using AI to strengthen existing literacy instruction, support educators, and improve student outcomes. Hear real-world perspectives from practitioners and education leaders from Broward County Public Schools, Brisbane Catholic Education, and across the globe as they share how AI-powered tools, including the free Microsoft Reading Progress, are helping educators expand reading practice, provide timely feedback, identify learning needs earlier, and deliver more targeted interventions. These tools can meet schools where they are—supporting and extending the curriculum, instructional practices, and literacy resources already in place. Panelists discuss strategies for supporting multilingual learners, scaling literacy initiatives across schools, and using meaningful data to inform instruction and school improvement efforts. This edWeb podcast draws on experiences from school systems that have seen measurable improvements in reading achievement through the thoughtful integration of AI and evidence-based literacy practices. Whether you are an elementary through high school district leader, curriculum director, literacy specialist, principal, or classroom educator, you leave with practical insights and examples that can help build more effective, equitable, and sustainable literacy programs for all learners. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 8 · 56 min
IEP Systems That Work: Balancing Compliance and Instruction
Presented by Pamela Wimbish, Experienced Educator, Director of Special Education, Birmingham City Schools (AL) Moderated by Evan Spellman, Former Educator, Current Product Director, Level Data This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Level Data. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. At the heart of every Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are educators working hard to provide the instruction, intervention, and support a student needs to thrive in school. Documentation and compliance matter, but they can’t come at the expense of the instruction and intervention that drive student outcomes. Finding the right balance between the two is one of the biggest challenges special education leaders face. During this edWeb podcast, Pamela Wimbish, Director of Special Education for Birmingham City Schools (AL), shares how her district built sustainable systems and processes to strengthen IEP compliance and simplify documentation, freeing up more time and attention for instruction, intervention, and student growth. You learn: Key steps and decision points for building systems that support both compliance and targeted intervention How to build staff buy-in for standardizing service tracking and progress monitoring across a district How to leverage technology to create sustainable practices that reduce compliance risk while keeping the focus on instruction How to strike a sustainable balance between compliance and instruction as a district evolves Listeners leave this session with a practical framework for strengthening IEP documentation and tracking, closing compliance gaps, and keeping instruction and intervention at the center of the work. This edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK-12 school and district leaders, special education leaders, MTSS/RTI leaders, intervention specialists, and education technology leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 3 · 58 min
Building Workforce-Ready Cybersecurity Skills in the Classroom
Presented by Ronald Adams, Experienced Educator, Instructional Leader, Cyber Intelligence Academy at Park Crossing High School, Montgomery Public Schools (AL); Rashad Robinson, Experienced Educator, Tech Coordinator and Cyber Teacher, Cyber Intelligence Academy at Park Crossing High School, Montgomery Public Schools (AL); and Jessica S. Tickle, Experienced Educator, Instructor, PLTW Engineering and Cybersecurity, Center for Academic Achievement, Shawnee Mission School District (KS) Moderated by Derek Babb, Experienced Educator, Cyber Security Lecturer, University of Nebraska at Omaha This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Project Lead The Way. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. As cyber threats continue to impact businesses, governments, schools, and communities, cybersecurity has become essential to economic security, national security, and workforce readiness. Schools play a critical role in helping students navigate the digital world while preparing them for high-demand careers that increasingly require cybersecurity knowledge and skills. In this edWeb podcast, educators discuss why cybersecurity education matters now more than ever and how their schools are successfully integrating cybersecurity concepts into existing courses and programs. Learn how students engage in hands-on, real-world experiences that challenge them to investigate digital threats, analyze cyber incidents, protect sensitive information, and develop critical-thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Discover practical strategies for creating meaningful cybersecurity learning opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, military service, and beyond. Learning Objectives: Understand the growing importance of cybersecurity education and its connection to student opportunity, workforce readiness, economic security, and community resilience Explore classroom and program models that provide students with authentic, hands-on cybersecurity experiences aligned to real-world challenges and career pathways Identify practical strategies for integrating cybersecurity concepts, digital citizenship, and career exploration into existing courses and educational programs This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
September 2 · 25 min
Personalized Professional Growth: Building District Microcredential Pathways in a Private PLC
A conversation hosted by Lisa Schmucki, Founder and CEO of edWeb.net, with Kimberly Agnor, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Danville Public Schools (VA) This podcast is hosted by edWeb.net. The interview recording can be accessed here. In an era where traditional professional development often falls short of meeting individual teacher needs, school districts are turning to personalized, flexible solutions that honor educator voice and growth. Join us for an insightful session on how one forward-thinking school district leveraged a private professional learning community (PLC) on edWeb.net to build scalable, high-impact microcredential pathways for their instructional staff. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Showing 1–20 of 46 episodes