Catching Up: Student Influencers, AI's Mirror Problem & The Power of Early Work Experience

Catching Up: Student Influencers, AI's Mirror Problem & The Power of Early Work Experience

In this episode of Catching Up, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore the ideas shaping the future of learning and work—from the link between school innovation and enrollment demand to the rise of student influencers as a new form of district storytelling. They also dig into AI's growing role in education, including bias in feedback systems, the homogenizing effect of generative tools, and how AI may free teachers to spend more time on uniquely human work. The conversation also highlights the importance of agency, internships, and real-world learning, while ending with reflections on poetry, humility, and the power of noticing the world around us. Outline * (0:00) Intro & Episode Preview * (10:14) Student Influencers * (12:51) AI Bias & Homogenization * (27:01) Deep Dive: Agency & AI's Role in Education * (50:17) What's That Song? Links * Watch the full video here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdO0h_To9z8] * Read the full blog here [https://www.gettingsmart.com/podcast/catching-up-student-influencers-ais-mirror-problem-the-power-of-early-work-experience/] * Can Student Influencers Help This District Rebuild Enrollment? [https://www.edweek.org/leadership/can-student-influencers-help-this-district-rebuild-enrollment/2026/04?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Personalized Bias in AI Writing Feedback [https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3785022.3785113?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Percentage of High School and College Students Ages 16 Through 24 Who Were Employed [https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d21/tables/dt21_503.10.asp?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Shut Out: High School Students Learn About Careers but Can't Try One That Pays [https://www.the74million.org/article/shut-out-high-school-students-learn-about-careers-but-cant-try-one-that-pays/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Student Agency Boosts Engagement and Readiness [https://news.gallup.com/poll/660503/student-agency-boost-engagement-readiness.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Agency in America [https://www.archbridgeinstitute.org/agency-in-america/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * We're About to Get Agency Wrong [https://bseducation.substack.com/p/were-about-to-get-agency-wrong-the?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

How Do We Teach Conversation? | Liza Garonzik

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen talks with Liza Garoznik, founder and CEO of Real Discussion, about one of the biggest questions in education today: how do we teach and assess durable skills like communication, listening, and collaboration? Framed by the rise of AI and growing concern about a "conversation crisis," the discussion explores why authentic interaction must be developed alongside artificial intelligence. Liza shares the origin story behind Real Discussion, explains the REAL framework—Relate, Excerpt, Ask, Listen—and offers practical insight into how schools can embed conversation skills into core academics while also measuring student growth, belonging, and engagement. Outline * (0:00) Introduction & Durable Skills Framework * (3:40) Liza's Story & Real Discussion Origins * (11:23) The Conversation Crisis & Authentic Interaction * (21:36) The REAL Framework & Teaching Discussion Skills * (26:22) Assessment & Measuring Student Growth * (34:19) Practical Tools & Future of Real Discussion Links * Watch the full blog here [https://www.gettingsmart.com/podcast/liza-garonzik-on/] * Watch the full video here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ChB95c5H5g] * LinkedIn [https://me.sh/profile/liza-cowan-garonzik] * R.E.A.L. Discussion [https://realdiscussion.org/] * Liza Garonzik on Teaching Tomorrow's Human Skills [https://realdiscussion.org/liza-garonzik-on-teaching-tomorrows-human-skills-in-todays-classrooms/] * Grade Discussion Skills, Not Discussions [https://intrepidednews.com/grade-discussion-skills-not-discussions/]

How Does Roadtrip Nation Help It's Students Find Passion? | Road Trip Nation Students

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia sits down with Joana Ponce and Catherine Alves, featured in Roadtrip Nation's Explore Your Interests, for a thoughtful conversation about passion, purpose, and the messy reality of career exploration. Together, they reflect on how exposure to new people and possibilities helped them rethink the idea of a single "right" path, and why learning to navigate uncertainty may be one of the most important skills young people can build. From journalism and activism to climate work and community-based learning, this episode is a powerful reminder that fulfilling futures are rarely linear—and that sometimes the most important step is simply staying open to what comes next. Outline * (0:00) Introduction & Poetry * (2:10) Non-Linear Career Paths * (5:14) What Is Roadtrip Nation? * (22:09) Passion, Purpose & Career Advice * (29:11) What's Next Links * Watch the full video here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHJmNAz1fAU] * Read the full blog here [https://www.gettingsmart.com/podcast/road-trip-nation-students-on/] * Roadtrippers' Journeys [https://roadtripnation.com/roadtrip/explore-your-interests] * Roadtrip Nation [https://roadtripnation.com/about]

How Can We Lead Away From Fragmentation and Towards Coherence? | Adel DiOrio

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen sits down with Dr. Adel DiOrio to explore how school leaders can move from fragmented initiatives to real coherence through knowledge management, transformational leadership, and coaching. Drawing on her research in rural school systems and insights from The Coach's Playbook, Adel shares why documenting what works, building strong relationships, and leading with intention are essential to sustaining improvement over time. From the power of "if you think it, ink it" to the life-changing influence of coaches and leaders, this conversation offers practical wisdom for principals, superintendents, teachers, and anyone working to build stronger, more human-centered schools. Outline * (0:00) Introduction & Guest Welcome * (5:56) Adel's Background & Career Path * (12:05) Leadership & Building Cohesive Teams * (19:07) Knowledge Management Research * (24:08) Dissertation Findings & Practical Takeaways * (37:51) The Coach's Playbook * (47:06) Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways Links * Watch the full video here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJgoXJ5AV-A] * Read the full blog here [https://www.gettingsmart.com/podcast/adel-diorio-on-leading-away-from-fragmentation-and-towards-coherence/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adel-diorio-ed-d-4813a456/]

How Do Schools Turn Innovation Into Systemic Change? | Rebecca Wolfe

Why do so many promising ideas in education stay stuck in individual classrooms? In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen talks with Rebecca Wolfe about what it takes to turn innovation into lasting system change. From teacher agency and school leadership to accountability and knowledge-sharing, they explore how schools can create the conditions for ideas to spread, scale, and ultimately support learner thriving. Outline * (00:00) Intro & The Problem * (12:46) Learning From AVID * (24:42) School Leadership & Culture * (34:15) The Macro Challenge * (41:40) Hope & A Bias Toward Action Links * Read the full blog here [https://www.gettingsmart.com/podcast/rebecca-wolfe-on-the-when-of-transformation/] * Watch the full video here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTZY6Ll7n0s] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaewolfe/]