The Power of Partnership: Advancing Student Literacy Through Nebraska’s CLSD Grant
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Jamie Cook, Literacy Officer at the Nebraska Department of Education, joins the pod to explore the future of literacy in Nebraska and the exciting opportunities ahead with the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant.
Jamie shares her journey as a teacher, coach, and principal, and how those experiences ground her leadership in this new role. Together, we unpack why third grade is such a pivotal moment for reading, the role of the science of reading in shaping high-quality instruction, and how Nebraska’s literacy journey builds on years of strong statewide work.
Listeners will learn:
Why the CLSD grant is a powerful accelerant for Nebraska’s literacy efforts.
How high-quality instructional materials and curriculum-based professional learning empower teachers.
The importance of coaching, family engagement, and alignment across districts and ESUs.
Nebraska’s measurable goals for literacy and the collective responsibility it will take to achieve them.
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, coach, administrator, or policymaker, this conversation highlights the thoughtful, research-based approach Nebraska is taking to ensure every child becomes a confident and capable reader.
To learn more about this literacy effort in Nebraska, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/clsd-2/
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What We Learned This Summer: Recapping Growth, Grit, and Great Ideas with Otis Pierce
In this reflective and wide-ranging conversation, longtime collaborator and Good Life EDU Podcast guest Otis Pierce of ESU 7 joins the pod to unpack some key takeaways from a summer of professional learning. From AI integration and academic integrity to distance learning innovations, digital citizenship initiatives, and math instruction practices, Otis and Andrew explore what’s new, what’s next, and what's front-of-mind as Nebraska educators head into a new school year.
This episode highlights the spirit of statewide collaboration across Nebraska’s ESUs and the Department of Education, while also celebrating the continuous growth mindset educators embody year-round.
Whether you're starting the year with fresh energy or looking for meaningful insights to elevate your practice, this episode offers inspiration and resources to support your journey.
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Formative Assessment, AI, and the Future of Teaching: A Conversation with Dr. Dylan Wiliam
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, we close out the summer by welcoming internationally renowned education expert Dr. Dylan Wiliam to the show for a timely conversation at the intersection of formative assessment, teacher growth, and artificial intelligence in education.
As AI tools become more accessible in schools, this discussion explores how educators can respond thoughtfully, leveraging technology to enhance instruction while staying grounded in proven practices that support deep learning.
Dr. Wiliam shares insights from decades of research, addresses the limitations of AI in feedback and assessment, and offers practical ideas for how teachers and school leaders can begin to navigate this emerging era. Whether you’re curious about AI’s role in instructional coaching, redesigning assessment, or creating space for meaningful professional growth, this episode provides a powerful and thought-provoking perspective from one of education’s leading voices.
Where to find the book Making Room for Impact: https://www.corwin.com/books/room-for-impact-284976?srsltid=AfmBOoqkoq2ZtYt0kKWhbVCcmHaS7C7-j5lyzoCjcQ0tHqfusVUhVKXB
Connect with Dr. Dylan Wiliam at https://www.dylanwiliam.org/Dylan_Wiliams_website/Welcome.html
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Conducting a Culture of Care: How One Principal Leads with Heart at West Dodge Station
What happens when a school leader brings a coach’s mindset, a heart for people, and a relentless commitment to culture into their role as principal? In this episode, West Dodge Station Principal Benji Hoegh joins The Good Life EDU to reflect on the systems, habits, and heart behind building a thriving school culture. From his “TRAIN” acronym that powers the school’s values to his commitment to daily visibility and over 200 personal phone calls home, Benji shares practical strategies that promote connection, consistency, and care.
Whether you're an aspiring leader or a veteran administrator, this episode offers energizing insights for creating a school where students, staff, and families all feel seen, supported, and inspired.
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Reinventing Project-Based Learning with AI: The PBL Future Labs Vision for Authentic, AI-Enhanced Learning
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Phillip Alcock (CEO and Co-Founder) and Thom Markham (Creative Director) of PBL Future Labs join the show to share how they’re fusing the best of project-based learning (PBL) with the transformative possibilities of AI.
With decades of experience in PBL design, coaching, and implementation, Phil and Tom reflect on PBL’s origins, the challenges that have limited its widespread adoption, and how AI can break down those barriers—saving teachers time, elevating student voice, and unlocking more authentic, community-connected learning.
They share real examples of “learning missions” that help schools move beyond static standards and worksheets, using AI to co-create meaningful projects and connect students’ learning to real-world impact in the students' local community. This conversation is an inspiring look at how educators can tap AI as a partner to reignite student engagement and prepare learners to solve the complex problems of tomorrow.
Learn more about PBL Future Labs, visit pblfuturelabs.com.
The Good Life EDU Podcast is dedicated to discussing all things education in the state of Nebraska and across the US. This program is presented by the Nebraska Educational Service Unit's Coordinating Council.
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