Warning: This episode contains discussion of mental illness, self-harm, and suicide, and may not be suitable for all audiences. Nothing contained in the podcast should be interpreted as medical or mental health treatment or advice. Please follow your medical provider's advice and direction. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Listener discretion is advised.    What is an ally?  You may relate the term to countries that have formed military relationships to fight together against their enemies. When one country in the alliance goes ..read more

Warning: This episode contains discussion of mental illness, self-harm, and suicide, and may not be suitable for all audiences. Nothing contained in the podcast should be interpreted as medical or mental health treatment or advice. Please follow your medical provider's advice and direction. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Listener discretion is advised.   “A safe and welcoming school environment is essential for student success. Educators are a critical component in creating an environment that enables all students to thrive!” – Lily Eskelsen ..read more

In 1930, one phrase – “I think I can.” – uttered by a train taught millions of people about courage, perseverance, positive thinking, and self-determination.   Unlike that little train, every day educators see students quit something before they even start because they fear failure. It’s easy to assume this is a self-confidence issue but it’s more than that – this is a self-efficacy issue. Self-efficacy is the overall belief in our ability to succeed in a specific situation.   An important part of developing inclusive learni ..read more

“It is not beyond our power to create a world in which all children have access to a good education.” – Nelson Mandela  What is education equity? Merriam-Webster defines equity as “justice according to natural law or right; freedom from bias or favoritism.” Recent events have brought out many different perspectives on equity in education and raises the question, what can we do to ensure every student receives a quality education that prepares them for the future.   In this first episode of our special ser ..read more

Eunice Health is one of our country’s top STEM professionals, working for one of the world’s largest STEM companies, and she sees firsthand just how important it is for all of today’s students to be developing STEM knowledge and skills to help meet the challenges our growing world population. From increasing diversity to teaching ethics, our classrooms today are truly the front lines for solving the world’s future challenges. For more InspirED, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!   Follow links: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube Subscribe links: iTunes, Google Play, Spo ..read more

When he looked around his classroom and saw unused manufacturing equipment, PLTW instructor Chris Townsend had an idea. Why not put it to use year-round through a student-run manufacturing business? Two years later, Eagle Manufacturing is helping high school students develop real-world skills and cut their teeth in real-world jobs, right in their high school. Instructor Chris Townsend and student manager Caleb Doss break talk about its beginnings, successes, and challenges. For more InspirED, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Subscribe links: iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stit ..read more

Nick Ragone: An Employer’s Perspective on Preparing for High-Demand Careers Healthcare is the fastest-growing industry in the United States, with more than 2.4 million new professionals needed by 2026. Nick Ragone from Ascension, the nation’s largest nonprofit health system, talks about the need they’re facing and what students and teachers can do today to prepare for those careers. For more InspirED, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Follow links: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube Subscribe links: iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, Feedback or suggestions: Email us a ..read more

Rural school districts often have their own set of unique challenges that can make starting or sustaining a STEM program difficult. But in Lapeer, Michigan, the district has found success with a formula of engagement, funding, and yes, duct tape. Listen as District STEM Coordinator Jaime Ratliff shares their keys to success. For more InspirED, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Follow links: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube Subscribe links: iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, Feedback or suggestions: Email us at podcast@pltw.org.   GUEST: Jaime Ratliff – Twitter ..read more

Kate Kreamer: Building High-Quality CTE Programs Career and Technical Education programs today are not the programs of the 1980s and 90s. Hear from Advance CTE as deputy executive director Kate Kreamer shares the benefits for all students and how your district can raise the bar on programs that prepare students for career success. For more InspirED, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! PLTW Perkins Funding paper: [insert link] Follow links: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube Subscribe links: iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, Feedback or suggestions: Email us at podcast@p ..read more

Students often do as they're told or follow the “normal” path throughout PreK-12 education, missing vital opportunities to develop skills and have experiences that would further their career goals. Not Letizia Moro. She’s a high school senior in Boise, Idaho, who has never followed a straight line when it comes to her PreK-12 education. Listen as she shares how her unique experiences have led to innovation and entrepreneurship, and her advice to other students who have big ideas they want to pursue. For more InspirED, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!   Follow links: Twit ..read more