The Good Life EDU Podcast

Artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a pace that challenges educators and leaders to think not only about what AI means today, but where it may take us in the years ahead. In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, host Andrew Easton sits down with Matt Winters, Artificial Intelligence Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education, to explore how futures thinking can help education systems prepare for the opportunities and risks emerging alongside AI. Their conversation spans everything from the rapid evolution of generative AI tools to the deeper questions about learning, assessment, and the balance between process and product in the classroom. Matt also shares insights from national collaborations examining how AI may shape education over the next three to five years—and why thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and policy work will be essential as schools navigate both the promise and the “big scary” implications of this technology. Whether you're a classroom educator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how we can work together to navigate the changing landscape of AI in education. Resources & Links Referenced in the Episode AI 2027 Future Scenario: ai-2027.com (opens the site in a new window) Beyond the Inflection Point Report: https://www.beyondtheaiinflectionpoint.com/ (opens the site in a new window) AI for Education: https://aiforeducation.io (opens the site in a new window) Future Ready Nebraska Conference – June 1–2: nefutureready.com (opens the site in a new window)

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome back Nebraska native Trevor Goertzen, Regional Vice President at SchoolAI and former teacher and principal, for an honest and practical conversation about artificial intelligence in schools. Two years after our first discussion, Andrew and Trevor reconnect to explore how the national conversation around screen time, technology rollback, and AI integration has evolved and what that means for educators today. Rather than chasing headlines or hype, this conversation focuses on: What intentional technology use actually looks like in classrooms Why AI should be viewed as a tool to get to the thing, not the thing itself How AI can support differentiation, MTSS, and Tier 2 interventions The importance of teacher-designed, teacher-controlled AI learning environments Why good pedagogy still matters more than any platform How leaders can thoughtfully introduce AI into their districts The power of AI as a thought partner for administrators and educators Trevor shares practical classroom examples — from structured learning “agenda steps” to multilingual support and small-group differentiation — demonstrating how AI can expand what’s possible without replacing the human relationships at the heart of teaching.

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by Tony Frontier, author of AI With Intention and director of the AI Center for Effective Teaching and Learning. Rather than approaching artificial intelligence as a technical problem to solve, this conversation grounds AI in what educators already know to be true about effective teaching and learning. Tony shares why AI represents an inflection point for the profession—and why this moment demands greater intentionality, not abandonment of core instructional practices. Together, Andrew and Tony explore how AI can either undermine or strengthen learning depending on how it’s used, the importance of productive struggle, and what it means to prepare students to use AI as a thinking partner rather than a shortcut. The episode also digs into practical guidance for schools and districts around transparency, explainability, integrity, and creating shared expectations for both teachers and students. Referenced Links & Resources Access Tony's book, AI With Intention: https://www.amazon.com/AI-Intention-Principles-Teachers-Leaders/dp/1416633626 Contact Tony Frontier: [email protected] Access the AI Center for Effective Teaching and Learning https://firsteducation-us.com/ai-center

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Nick Ziegler for a conversation on the current state of language education in Nebraska and the power of intentional collaboration across the state. Dr. Ziegler shares updates on the Seal of Biliteracy, competency-based credit, and how districts can leverage Title III funds to expand opportunities for English learners and world language students. We also explore the evolving role of the Nebraska Languages Association (NEBLA), upcoming World Language Week activities, and a preview of a statewide, hybrid language education conference planned for October 2026. The episode highlights how high-quality, live distance learning is helping address teacher shortages while increasing access to world language instruction, and why language learning remains essential even as AI-powered translation tools continue to advance. To learn more about the ESU 5 World Languages Program, visit https://www.esu5.org/about/news/esu-5s-world-language-department-best-nebraska To learn more about the Nebraska Languages Association and related events and opportunities, visit https://www.nebla.org/ To access the new Distance Learning Teacher Support Series as a YouTube playlist, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJpETmv954jNB7fLD5G-V-gQYiCP28-ko

Inclusive education doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intentional systems, shared mindsets, and sustained collaboration. In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, host Andrew Easton is joined by Allison Kelberlau (Assistant Director of Student Services, ESU 3), Eileen Heller (Education Consultant, Professional Learning, ESU 3), and Jill Guenther (Nebraska MTSS Regional Support Lead, Region 2) to unpack the story and impact of ESU 3’s Inclusive Practices Academy (IPA). The conversation traces the origins of the IPA from statewide coherence efforts led by the Nebraska Department of Education’s Office of Special Education, through its design and implementation, and into what the work looks like now in year two. Together, the group explores how mindset, systems and structures, and instructional practices intersect to support meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities—and how ESUs can model the very collaboration they hope to see in schools. Listeners will hear how the academy brings general education teachers, special educators, related service providers, and building leaders together around: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a foundational framework Co-planning and co-teaching as levers for inclusive practice Data-informed decision-making tied directly to classroom instruction Action planning that bridges professional learning and daily practice The critical role of building leadership in sustaining inclusive systems The episode also highlights what the ESU 3 team learned themselves through cross-department collaboration—and why inclusive professional learning must be designed with the same care and flexibility we expect in classrooms. Whether you work in a service agency, district leadership role, or classroom, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical entry points for advancing inclusive education—starting wherever you are.

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore Nebraska 250—the state’s effort to commemorate the nation’s upcoming semi-quincentennial through learning, creativity, and community connection.We're joined by Bre Wilton, Social Studies Content Specialist at the Nebraska Department of Education; Cody Talarico, Arts Education Specialist at NDE; and Anne Alston, Arts Education Program Specialist at the Nebraska Arts Council. Together, they unpack how a cross-agency collaboration led to the My Nebraska, Our America Public Art Design Challenge, a statewide opportunity for students to explore history, civic identity, and sense of place through public art. The conversation highlights how educators—across grade levels, content areas, and learning environments—can use a flexible, standards-aligned toolkit to help students design public art that reflects both local stories and national ideals. Listeners will also learn how student artwork can be submitted for a statewide exhibition, including a traveling display at the Nebraska State Capitol, the Museum of Nebraska Art, and the Nebraska Department of Education. Referenced Links & Resources Nebraska 250 Art Challenge website: http://www.ne250artchallenege.com/ Contact email: [email protected]

Nebraska is exploring a new approach to addressing teacher shortages—one that invites experienced professionals to bring their real-world expertise directly into the classroom. In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we’re joined by State Senator Kathleen Kauth, who shares the story behind Nebraska’s new Pathway to Educator (P2E) program. Senator Kauth unpacks how this initiative came to life, why the timing and collaboration were right for this effort, and how school districts and ESUs across the state may choose to implement flexible, locally designed pathways into teaching. From workforce development to mentorship models—and from policy nuance to practical classroom realities—this conversation offers valuable insight for school leaders, educators, and anyone interested in innovative solutions that strengthen Nebraska’s education system without relying on new legislation. For more information, please reach out to Dr. Larianne Polk with the ESU Coordinating Council via ESUCC.org.