The School Leadership Show

In this episode of the School Leadership Show, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Bickerstaff, co-founder of AI for Education. We delved into Amanda's rich background in education and her pioneering work with AI. Amanda shared her journey from teaching high school biology in New York City to founding AI for Education, a platform dedicated to promoting AI literacy among educators and students.
This conversation was recorded in partnership with NYSCOSS, as Amanda is a featured speaker at their pre-institute session before the Winter Institute conference in Albany. We discussed her upcoming pre-conference workshop at the NYSCOSS Winter Institute, focusing on the crucial roles of AI literacy, effective change management, and ensuring equitable access to AI tools in the education sector.
For more information about the NYSCOSS Winter Institute and the pre-institute session, visit: https://na.eventscloud.com/website/91519/education/


If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders you can email me at [email protected].
I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues.
If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected].
Stay connected with me here:
Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org
YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow
Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow
Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow


Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:46 Amanda Bickerstaff's Background and Journey
03:15 Founding AI for Education
06:19 Early Work and Evolution
10:01 Challenges and Best Practices in AI Adoption
18:02 Equity and Access in AI
25:05 Future of EdTech and Practical Tips
32:14 Pre-conference workshop

In this episode, I, Mike Doughty facilitates a conversation with cabinet level leaders sponsored by the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS). The group talked about strategies for finding the joy in work, cultivating positive culture in the workplace, and striving for work-life balance. If you're a cabinet level leader in New York State and would like to join future conversation like this, please visit the NYSCOSS website at https://www.nyscoss.org/
Grab your coffee and join us as we hear from veteran and emerging leaders about sustaining the passion for this work and modeling healthy boundaries for the next generation of educators.
If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders you can email me at [email protected].
I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues.
If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected].
Stay connected with me here:
Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org
YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow
Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow
Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow

In this special episode from the NYSCATE Conference, I, Mike Doughty, and Christy Bezrutczyk discuss the influence of technology and AI on the developing student brain. 
We examine recent findings in neuroscience, the impact of screen time and blue light on learning and behavior, and the evolving role of AI in education. Our conversation stresses the importance of balanced technology integration, human connection, and systemic changes needed to enhance educational outcomes. 
Tune in to learn how we can leverage technology purposefully to support holistic student development.
If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders you can email me at [email protected].
I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues.
If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected].
Stay connected with me here:
Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org
YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow
Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow
Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow

I am excited to share a conversation I had recently with the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) on The President's Gavel podcast. This episode, based on a popular session from this year's Leadership in Education Event, explores media literacy and why it is arguably the most crucial skill set we need to teach students today.
Join us as we delve into the challenges of the modern information ecosystem and explore how educators can empower students to become savvy thinkers, rather than merely "endless scrollers".
Host: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA
Guest: Dr. Mike Doughty, Assistant Superintendent, Northeastern Regional Information Center, Capital Region BOCES (Previously joined the podcast for Episode 39: What's So Scary About AI? in 2023).
Guest: Katherine Hamill, Director, Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center, Ulster BOCES
Want to learn more about today's topic? Additional resources can be found in the original show notes for this episode. https://soundcloud.com/thepresidentsgavel/empowering-critical-thinking-through-media-literacy
If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders you can email me at [email protected].
I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues.
If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected].
Stay connected with me here:
Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org

YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow

Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow

Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow

How important is it to stay in touch with pop culture as a school leader?
In this episode, I chat with Brooke Hammerling, the host of "Pop Culture Mondays… on Thursdays" podcast and the author of the widely read Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter. We dive into Brooke's unique journey from PR and communications to becoming a vital source of pop culture knowledge, especially for a gen Xer like me.
Brooke shares how staying current with the latest trends can help educators connect better with their students, and the challenges and benefits of balancing communication in today's fast-paced, digital world. We also discuss the resurgence of 90s culture, iconic school movies, and why media literacy is crucial for today's students.
 
If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders you can email me at [email protected].
I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues.
If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected].
Stay connected with me here:
Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org
YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow
Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow
Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow
 Connect with Brooke Hammerling and explore her insights:
Podcast: Pop Culture Mondays… on Thursdays
Newsletter: popculturemondays.com
Instagram: instagram.com/brooke

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Brooke's Background and Podcast
02:22 The Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter
05:25 Impact of Pop Culture on Schools
07:54 Communication Challenges in Modern Education
28:51 The Impact of Misinformation in Schools
29:55 Pop Culture's Reflection on Education
34:18 Favorite School-Centric Movies
41:30 The '90s Revival