Student Voices, Part Two: The Middle School Maker

From Fortnite to Future Careers - Esports with Dr. Katrina Lewis

Academic esports is often dismissed as "just playing video games," but teams and coaches around the nations are using esports as an ecosystem for career exploration. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Katrina Lewis, founder of TAEL, who’s helping schools turn gaming into something much bigger—like real pathways into careers in tech, media, and leadership. We talk about what it actually looks like to start an esports team (without it feeling overwhelming), and why the magic isn’t just in the games—it’s in how teams are designed. Dr. Lewis shares how getting students to rely on each other in meaningful ways can build communication skills, responsibility, and even ethical decision-making. If you’ve ever been curious about esports—or maybe a little skeptical—this episode might change how you see it. And if you’re ready to try something new with your students, you’ll walk away with ideas you can actually use. Find Dr. Lewis on LinkedIn [www.linkedin.com/in/drkatniss] Check out her upcoming book [www.thepurposefulpathedu.com⁠] View this episode's transcript [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mpH-LbpcTYLDhMoPg4U_62dO0rClHG8o/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106574838625581400572&rtpof=true&sd=true⁠]

Student Voices, Part Two: The Middle School Maker

What happens when a broken shoe strap turns into a thriving small business? Instead of waiting for the future, today's students are using technology to build their own opportunities right now. In the concluding half of our special student-voices edition of the One-to-One Podcast, we shift our focus to the entrepreneurial side of student tech. In this episode, you'll hear from eighth-grader Blake about launching his Etsy shop, Blake's Thingamajigs, and helping lead his school’s weekly PantherCast broadcast club. Join us as we explore how students are using technology to connect with their communities and turn what they love into something that matters. A special thank you to Blake, his family, and Ms. Katie Dollahon for sharing their story and inspiring the next generation of creators. Learn more about 72 Acts of Kindness: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575722702000 Learn more about Blake's Thingamajigs: blakesthingamajigs.com/ View this episode’s transcript: docs.google.com/document/d/1icm9hW5J4eU3obS2mdZ5X0j4745cyug7/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106574838625581400572&rtpof=true&sd=true

Student Voices, Part One: Young Designers at Work

What happens when you give a student a computer, a 3D printer, and the permission to build? Once, a classroom was a place for quiet rows and worksheets, but today, it is becoming a workshop. In this special student-voices edition of the One-to-One Podcast, we travel to classrooms across Illinois to hear directly from the next generation of makers, designers, and young entrepreneurs. In this episode, you'll hear from 3rd graders using TinkerCAD to design highly detailed miniature worlds and 4th graders engineering adaptive and assistive devices to help individuals with disabilities navigate daily life. Join us as we explore how technology is shifting students from passive consumers of media into active, empathetic architects of their own imaginations. A special thank you to Christy McGraw, her students, and her district for giving us their time -- and inspiring us one print at a time. View the transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yiTKZO5QiAqizhJj1kaiwsT17yvEv8tc/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106574838625581400572&rtpof=true&sd=true

Tech Directors Need Mentors Too - with Justin Morgan & Featured Mentees

It’s one of education’s quiet ironies: the people responsible for keeping everyone connected are often the most isolated. In this episode, we sit down with Justin Morgan to explore how mentorship can support IT directors and tech teams as they navigate the unique pressures of their roles. Justin shares his journey from first-year tech director to seasoned mentor—and now leader of the LTC’s Technology Leader Mentorship Program. He’s joined by two current IT directors—one a recent program graduate and the other an active participant—for an honest look at the steep learning curve of school tech leadership. Together, they unpack the realities behind the title: the late-night network outages, the high-stakes policy decisions, and the quiet weight of being the go-to problem solver. Mentorship offers more than technical advice. It provides a helping hand and a listening ear when challenges hit hardest. Whether you’re a new director carrying the department on your shoulders or a veteran ready to pay it forward, this episode is a reminder that the most critical infrastructure in any school isn’t just the network—it’s the people. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about building a stronger, more connected future for those who keep our schools running. Explore the LTC's Tech Leader Mentor Program: https://www.ltcillinois.org/services/techmentor/ View this episode's news article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-europe-countries-move-curb-childrens-social-media-access-2025-12-09/ [https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-europe-countries-move-curb-childrens-social-media-access-2025-12-09/]

What’s Happening to the Department of Education? Featuring Mindy Fiscus

There’s been a lot of noise lately about the Department of Education—what’s changing, what isn’t, and what it all might mean for schools. In this episode, we slow things down with the LTC's Mindy Fiscus, walking through the conversation in a simple, accessible way for educators and school leaders. We start with an overview of what people mean when they talk about the “redistribution” of the Department of Education, and why moving responsibilities around is not the same as eliminating the department altogether. Along the way, we clear up some common misconceptions, including where education funding actually comes from and what’s happening (and not happening) to federal education dollars. We also zoom out to talk about what may happen next and how districts are navigating uncertainty. That includes quick updates on E-Rate, the ongoing ESSER funding cliff, broadband investments, and more. If you’ve been feeling confused, concerned, or just tired of trying to decode education news, this episode is here to help you make sense of what we know right now—and how to move forward in uncertain times. Connect with Mindy by visiting ltcillinois.org/about/staff Learn more about ERate support: ltc.site/erate