From Curiosity to Career Pathways: Inside the KY Virtual Academy Project and More from GW PRO with Dmitry Goldfinch

Live at NSTA: Student Centered Education with Peggy

In this live interview recorded at the NSTA conference, host Shannon chats with Peggy, a high school science teacher with 16+ years of experience, about her innovative and student-centered approach to education.

The Work No One Sees: The Reality of Classified Staff With Tracy Scott

Shannon welcomes Tracy Scott, a second-grade instructional assistant with 23 years of experience in Jefferson County Public Schools, to discuss the often-overlooked role of classified school staff. Tracy shares what instructional assistants actually do—far beyond the common misconception of just "taking kids to the bathroom"—including leading intervention groups, providing emotional support, managing behavior, and building lasting relationships with students. Key topics include the persistent class divide between certified teachers and assistants, how assistants are frequently given the most challenging students and behavior situations without recognition, and the need for mutual respect within school communities. Tracy emphasizes that kids primarily need love, attention, and "their person" to confide in—something she's provided for two decades, maintaining relationships with former students well into their twenties. Links: Putman XR Consulting [https://putmanxrconsulting.com/] LinkedIn: Shannon Putman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shannon-putman-03b06516/]

Reimagining Communication Practice Through Virtual Reality With VIZQ

Shannon welcomes Benjamin Albaum (CEO/Founder) and John Mina (CIO/Founder) of VIZQ to discuss their revolutionary speech therapy technology. Key Topics: * The Generalization Problem: John explains how students master skills in therapy but struggle to transfer them to real-world settings—the core problem Viscu aims to solve. * What is VIZQ?: A VR-based digital extension of speech therapy that collects real-time data and personalizes treatment, creating continuity of care between therapy, home, and school. * Speech Therapy Scope: John clarifies that SLPs work on far more than lisps—including speech sounds, fluency, voice, and the critical area of language (expressive, receptive, and pragmatic/social skills). * Why Toothbrushing?: The team chose this as their first activity because it incorporates receptive language, cognition, sequencing, and behavior—all foundational skills wrapped in one essential daily task. * Research-Based Approach: VIZQ uses systematic prompting and evidence-based special education practices, making it adaptable for any learner, not just those with disabilities. * Real Results: Deployed in 10+ Kentucky schools across 5 counties, students are requesting to use VIZQ, cheering each other on, and—most importantly—10 of 11 kids in a study showed independent toothbrushing at 1 and 3-month follow-ups. * Future Vision: Expanding to life skills like laundry and coffee-making that double as job skills, with the ultimate goal of creating "a therapist in your pocket" for lifelong independence.

From Curiosity to Career Pathways: Inside the KY Virtual Academy Project and More from GW PRO with Dmitry Goldfinch

Returning guest Dmitry Goldfinch from GW Pro discusses their VR training platform's latest developments: 25 modules with multiplayer capability, new non-VR options for Chromebooks and basic laptops, and a teacher-focused educator guide aligned with national CTE standards. He spotlights their partnership with Kentucky Virtual Academy's 250-headset remote learning program and preview upcoming soft skills training that adds workplace communication scenarios to practical modules. Guest Links: LinkedIn: GW Pro [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwpro/posts/?feedView=all] Dmitry Goldfinch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmitry-goldfinch-b275a03b/] Website: gwpro.io [https://gwpro.io/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PZ+VR+Training+0924&utm_id=092401&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21753159977&gbraid=0AAAAA-OtJhvedoOvN8v8R0Z8KAYlrCT2-&gclid=CjwKCAiAkvDMBhBMEiwAnUA9Bbq7mpoOdyCFByKGpQ4FAa0-40dX8ASMXTS1hF5lJ1z4fxO9-VXVLRoC6CoQAvD_BwE] Get in touch with Shannon: Putman XR Consulting [https://putmanxrconsulting.com/] LinkedIn: Dr. Shannon Putman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shannon-putman-03b06516/]

Who Gets Access to the Future? With Caroline Sanchez Crozier

In this epsiode, Shannon welcomes Caroline Sanchez Crozier, a pioneering entrepreneur celebrating 38 years of leadership with CSC Consulting Group. Caroline shares her journey from corporate CPA to tech entrepreneur, including her groundbreaking work with Apple Computer bringing technology to Chicago Public Schools in the 1990s. She discusses the persistent challenges of equitable tech access—from infrastructure and teacher training to mindset shifts—issues that remain relevant today whether implementing VR, AI, or any emerging technology. Now leading the nonprofit Digital Leaders Now, Caroline introduces the concept of "ganas" (grit and resilience) and the Ganas Tech Expo, an annual event bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders to co-create solutions for real-world community challenges. The conversation explores mission-driven entrepreneurship, the power of diversity of thought, breaking down silos between education and industry, and staying resilient through challenging times. Join the movement at the Ganas Tech Expo on April 22, 2026 at Roosevelt University. Learn more at GanasTech.org [https://www.ganastech.org/]. Get in touch with Caroline: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinesanchezcrozier/] Digital Leaders Now [https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalleadersnow/posts/?feedView=all] Get in touch with Shannon: Putman XR Consulting [https://putmanxrconsulting.com/] LinkedIn: Dr. Shannon Putman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shannon-putman-03b06516/]