Author: Palmer Media

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Sanjit Sethi, the President of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). Sanjit shares insights from his journey from ceramics to college presidency, emphasizing the importance of creativity and community in leadership. The conversation covers challenges faced during the pandemic and social unrest, the significance of mentorship, diversity, and equity, as well as the impact of AI on creative practice. Sanjit highlights the need for fearless listening and collaborative leadership to navigate the complex educational landscape. He concludes making likening transformational leadership to the expeditionary behavior of NASA…

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In this episode of Trending in Education, Kumar Garg, President of Renaissance Philanthropy, rejoins host Mike Palmer for his second appearance after first appearing in the Spring of 2021. The conversation delves into Garg’s evolution from Schmidt Futures to launching Renaissance Philanthropy, and their work at the intersection of AI and learning science. We discuss the historical underfunding of education R&D compared to other sectors and explore the immense potential of AI in transforming learning experiences. The conversation covers the Learning Engineering Virtual Institute, the importance of interdisciplinary expertise, recent research with the Walton Family Foundation, and future ambitions for…

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In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer interviews Dr. Lindsay Weinberg, a professor at Purdue University and author of Smart University: Student Surveillance in the Digital Age. We discuss Lindsay’s professional journey and the origins of her book, which critically examines the emergence of surveillance technologies in higher education. The conversation highlights issues of data privacy, discrimination, and the implications of these technologies on faculty and student rights. Dr. Weinberg advocates for democratized decision-making in adopting educational technologies and encourages collective resistance to harmful tech practices. The episode closes with insights into the future of higher education and…

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In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Celine Coggins, CEO of The Goodness Web. We discuss Celine’s extensive background in public education and her transition to her current role focused on youth mental health. The conversation touches on the underfunding of youth mental health, the rise of mental health concerns post-pandemic, and the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. Celine shares insights on the initiatives of The Goodness Web, which includes prevention and early intervention strategies, policy advocacy, and improving access to mental health care. We also explore the future of work…

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In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer speaks with Matthew Kennard, CEO of BetterLesson, about the complexities and importance of professional development for teachers. With a career transition from investment banking to edtech, Kennard shares his insights on the evolving landscape of K-12 education. They discuss the traditional and future models of professional learning, emphasizing job-embedded support, continuous improvement, and career pathways for educators. Kennard underscores the crucial role of effective professional development in achieving optimal student outcomes, teacher retention, and overall systemic improvement in education. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.…

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In this episode of Trending in Education, we talk with Dr. Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran and Dr. Terrence J. MacTaggart, co-authors of The New College President: How a Generation of Diverse Leaders is Changing Higher Education. We delve into their respective backgrounds, the challenges faced by college presidents today, and the importance of diversity and resilience in leadership. Eileen and Terry share insights from their extensive research, including seven compelling case studies of university leaders who have thrived amidst adversity. We also discuss the future of higher education, the importance of mission-driven leadership, and how to identify and support potential candidates from…

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Dr. Howard Gardner is one of the leading minds in education and psychology in the last century. In this special episode of Trending in Ed, he joins host Mike Palmer in a wide-ranging conversation about his life’s work that is coinciding with the release of two volumes of his collected writings: The Essential Howard Gardner On Mind and The Essential Howard Gardner On Education. Gardner is a luminary in psychology and a professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Howard shares his journey, including his developmental psychology training and influential mentors like Jean Piaget and Eric Erickson. We discuss his…

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In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Jane Oates, senior policy advisor at Working Nation, for her third (fridge-magnet-earning) appearance on the show. Jane and Mike dive deep into workforce development, education, and the role of technology in shaping the future of work. We discuss Working Nation’s “Breaking Barriers” series, the challenges of implementing new technologies in education and workforce development, and strategies for encouraging employee upskilling and AI literacy. Key takeaways: Employers should provide time and opportunities for employees to explore and learn new technologies, including AI, in the workplace. Diversity in all forms,…

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In this special bonus episode recorded at the HolonIQ Back to School Summit in New York City, we catch up with Sara Leoni, CEO & Founder of Ziplines Education, for a candid hallway conversation. Sara shares her journey from Division I softball player to EdTech entrepreneur, discussing how her athletic background shaped her leadership style and business acumen. We dive into Ziplines Education’s mission to accelerate careers by partnering with higher education institutions to deliver industry-focused certificates. Sara explains how they’re addressing the skills gap for adult learners, particularly in Middle America, by offering programs in digital marketing, business analytics,…

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In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer sits down with Josh Wright, Executive Vice President of Growth, Education and Government for Lightcast, to discuss the future of work and workforce demographic shifts. We dive deep into Lightcast’s report “The Rising Storm: Building a Future Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage.” Josh shares insights on the demographic drought facing the workforce, including accelerated baby boomer retirements, declining birth rates, and decreasing labor force participation. We explore the potential impacts of these trends on various industries and regions, as well as possible solutions such as automation, immigration, and…

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