Behind the Bell

Episode 4 Part 1: AI in the Classroom: What it Actually Looks Like Today

In part one of AI in the Classroom, we sat down with Jared Covili, Administrator of Digital Teaching and Learning at Jordan School District in Utah, leader of one of the largest-scale intentional AI implementation efforts in K–12. He grew Jordan School District’s AI initiative from a 100-teacher pilot to adoption by more than 2,000 educators districtwide. Jared shares real classroom examples and how he focuses on how to use AI well: with intention, clear guardrails, and a focus on deepening student thinking rather than replacing it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education 05:22 Jared's Role and Background in AI Implementation 10:06 Real-World Applications of AI in Classrooms 15:47 AI Tools and Platforms Used in Schools 20:06 Teacher Training and Adoption of AI 25:24 Challenges and Opportunities with AI in Education 30:08 Future of AI in Classrooms 38:42 Conclusion and Next Steps This podcast is hosted by School Technology Associates. [https://riverside.com/k12sta.com] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/school_technology_associates/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-technology-associates-inc./posts/] Support the show by leaving a rating & review.

Episode 3: Building Community Through Band

In this episode, we engage in a meaningful conversation with Shannon Curtis, a high school band teacher at Buffalo High School in Minnesota, about the vital role of arts and music programs in K-12 education. Explore how band fosters creativity, connection, and belonging among students, emphasizing the emotional intelligence developed through music education. Shannon shares his experiences, the structure of band programs, and the challenges of funding and access to instruments. Highlighting the importance of advocating for the arts and the long-term benefits of music education for students' personal and academic growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:50 Meet Shannon Curtis: A Band Teacher's Journey 08:00 Emotional Intelligence in Music Education 10:25 The Structure of Band Programs 15:12 Building a Supportive Music Community 19:12 The Role of Band in School Culture 22:40 Advocating for the Arts in Education 29:08 Funding Challenges in Music Programs 34:10 Creative Solutions for Sustaining Arts Programs 39:15 Access Barriers to Band 44:38 What Students Take Away from Band 48:00 The Value of Arts in Education This podcast is hosted by School Technology Associates. [https://k12sta.com/]  Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/school_technology_associates/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-technology-associates-inc./?viewAsMember=true] Support the show by leaving a rating and review!

Episode 2: Cybersecurity 101: Empower, Educate, Secure

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Bianco, Vice President of Information and Data Security at Skyward, and Greg Faas, Information and Data Security Analyst at Skyward to take a look at the most frequent cyber attacks school districts face. From phishing to data breaches, we discuss why schools are increasingly targeted, how human behavior plays a major role in security systems, and what the key vulnerabilities districts need to be aware of are. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity in Education 05:01 Common Types of Cyber Attacks 16:12 DDoS Attacks in K-12 Schools 20:26 Business Email Compromise and Human Element 23:06 Identifying Vulnerabilities in School Districts 26:47 Understanding the Target: Why Schools? 28:30 Keeping Up with Technology: The Upgrade Dilemma 30:21 Prevention and Protection: Strengthening Cybersecurity 33:35 Building a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness 38:03 The Future of Cyber Threats: AI and Personalization 42:45 Actionable Steps for Schools: MFA This podcast is hosted by School Technology Associates. [k12sta.com] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/school_technology_associates/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-technology-associates-inc./posts/] Support the show by leaving a rating & review.

Introduction to Behind the Bell

Welcome to Behind the Bell, a podcast by School Technology Associates where we pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in K‑12 schools. We’ll be diving into hot-button topics like digital dependency, fitness, and classroom culture. We’ll talk about cellphone bans, student engagement, and what schools are trying next. We’re also digging into student absenteeism and learning loss, especially after the pandemic. You’ll hear conversations around AI and generative tools; how students are using them, what it means for learning, and how schools are responding. Plus: cybersecurity, tech integration, and how schools are navigating these changes in real time. We’ll even cover creative ways families can support learning over the summer without turning it into school at home; think real-life learning, curiosity, screen time with purpose, and more. And here’s the part we’re really excited about… our guests! You’ll hear from school administrators, teachers, and tech directors as we explore how these issues show up in real classrooms. We’re bringing in thought leaders, Skyward partners, and change-makers from around the country who are reimagining what school can look like and sharing real stories, not just data. These aren’t just interviews. They’re conversations that get real about what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for K–12 education. This podcast is hosted by School Technology Associates. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/school_technology_associates?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-technology-associates-inc./] Support the show by leaving a rating & review.

Episode 1: Navigating Screen Time in Education

In this inaugural episode of the Behind the Bell podcast, hosts Jessie, Pat, and Adam discuss the critical topic of screen time in education with guest Spencer, a high school Spanish teacher. They explore the impact of technology on learning, the challenges of digital dependency, and the implementation of a new cell phone policy aimed at reducing distractions in the classroom. Spencer shares his insights on effective teaching strategies, the importance of balancing technology use, and the community's response to the policy changes. The conversation emphasizes the need for schools to adapt to the evolving technological landscape while supporting students' well-being and learning outcomes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Screen Time in Education 05:39 Spencer's Journey as an Educator 11:39 Screen-Free Days and Student Engagement 17:19 Balancing Screen Time: Effective Teaching Strategies 23:25 The Necessity of Phones in Education 29:07 Apps Distracting Students 35:29 Advice for Implementing Technology Policies This podcast is hosted by School Technology Associates. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/school_technology_associates?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-technology-associates-inc./] Support the show by leaving a rating & review.