Many parents raised in traditional classrooms see tests and assessments as the benchmark of education. But when they witness a different kind of learning — one that’s less about scores and more about growth — their perspective changes.

Parents move from asking about grades to asking how they can become partners in the learning process. That’s when classrooms open up, not just for students, but for families too.

???? From the Stay in the Gray podcast — real conversations about education, culture, and what learning can look like.

#EducationReform #ParentEngagement #StudentCenteredLearning #FutureOfLearning #StayInTheGray

In this episode of the Shifting Schools Podcast, host Tricia Friedman speaks with educator and service learning expert LeeAnne Lavender about how schools can prepare students for the future through real-world, community-driven learning.

Together, they explore why service learning is more relevant than ever, how it equips students with career-ready skills, and what steps teachers can take to bring hands-on, impactful learning into their classrooms. LeeAnne also introduces her new course designed to help educators reimagine their teaching practices and engage students in meaningful ways.

???? Key Takeaways:

Why service learning matters in today’s world

Practical strategies to implement in any classroom

The power of community engagement and deep listening

Preparing students with skills that last beyond school

If you’re ready to rethink education and help students thrive in the real world, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

???? Subscribe for more future-focused conversations on education: [link]

???? Join us:

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Visit Our Website :
https://pod.shiftingschools.com/

connect with LeeAnne Lavendar: https://www.leeannelavender.com/

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor: Alongside (https://www.alongside.care/shifting?utm_campaign=Shifting)

Time stamps
00:00 Introduction to Shifting Schools Podcast
00:37 Welcome and Introduction of Guest
01:50 Sponsor Message: Alongside AI Tool
03:45 Deep Dive into Service Learning
04:21 Future of Service Learning
10:06 Examples of Service Learning in Action
19:24 Community Engagement and Its Impact
24:03 Leanne Lavender’s New Course
30:06 Closing Remarks and Newsletter Pitch

#ServiceLearning #Education #FutureReady #ShiftingSchools

In this video, we dive into the hidden trade-offs of AI memory—what you gain, what you lose, and how it connects to human cognitive biases.
? Why turning memory ON boosts continuity and personalization—but risks anchoring and echo chambers.
? Why turning memory OFF protects privacy and sparks fresh thinking
? Practical insights for students, educators, and everyday users who want to use AI wisely.

This isn’t just about settings—it’s about AI literacy, digital rights, and understanding your own mind.

#ChatGPT #AIliteracy #DigitalHumanities #CognitiveBias #ArtificialIntelligence #TechEthics #FutureofAI

Misinformation and news avoidance aren’t just about “bad reporting.” The reality? There’s more high-quality info out there than ever.

The problem is the pipeline.
?? Old-school journalism = fact-checking, editors, corrections.
?? Today’s “editors” = TikTok & Instagram algorithms.

That shift changes how people consume news — and why traditional outlets are losing. It’s not a content problem. It’s a product problem.

???? From the Stay in the Gray podcast — real talk on media, culture, and the future of news.
Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/stayinthegraypodcast

#FutureOfMedia #NewsLiteracy #Misinformation #JournalismMatters

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and LeeAnne Lavendar (https://www.leeannelavender.com/) discuss the evolving landscape of service learning and education. They explore the importance of experiential learning, community engagement, and the need for transformative teaching practices that resonate with students. LeeAnne shares practical examples and insights on how educators can adapt their approaches to foster curiosity, joy, and meaningful connections in the classroom. The discussion also touches on the significance of future-proofing education by equipping students with essential skills for the complexities of the modern world.

Chapters

00:00 The Future of Service Learning 05:52 Transformative Learning Experiences 11:33 Future-Proofing Education 14:30 Community Engagement in Education 19:16 Practical Approaches to Curriculum Design 22:39 Embracing Change in Education

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor: Alongside (https://www.alongside.care/shifting?utm_campaign=Shifting)

Schools, libraries, and families are searching for ways to introduce kids to news without overwhelming them.

Here’s how structured news tools can help:
?? Teachers can assign it in literacy or civics classes.
?? Libraries can offer it as a trusted news source for families.
?? Parents can use it as a healthier alternative to the endless scroll.

The goal? Teaching not just news literacy, but media wellness — because as soon as students leave the classroom, they’re pummeled with content from TikTok and social media.

???? From the Stay in the Gray podcast — honest takes on media, education, and the future of learning.

#NewsLiteracy #EducationTools #DigitalWellness #FutureOfLearning

Consumer Trust Gap (2025)

Stat: 90% of business executives believe customers highly trust their companies, but only 30% of consumers actually do.

Source: PwC “Trust in Business Survey,” March 12, 2024.
https://www.pwc.com/us/en/library/trust-in-business-survey.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Global Appliance Recalls (2024)

Stat: Companies recalled close to 3?million appliances in 2024 due to dangerous defects, including fires and injuries.

Source: ConsumerAffairs, posted December 27, 2024
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/the-biggest-appliance-recalls-of-2024-122724.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

No student is sitting down to watch Cronkite at 6:30. Their “news” comes in 15-second bursts on TikTok — now the #1 search engine for kids.

The challenge?
? Misinformation spreads fast.
? Adults don’t see what kids are being fed.
? Viral headlines replace real reporting.

If we want to prepare students for the real world, we need to teach them how to question what they see online — not just hope they figure it out on their own.

???? From the Stay in the Gray podcast — honest talk on education, media, and culture.
Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/stayinthegraypodcast

#NewsLiteracy #TikTokGeneration #MediaEducation #DigitalWellness #StayInTheGray

Schools across the country are debating phone bans. But the real challenge isn’t just about screen time — it’s about how students use their phones once they leave the classroom.

From middle school on, kids are pummeled with headlines, memes, and “news” on social media. That means they need two educations:
1?? News literacy — knowing what’s credible.
2?? Digital literacy — building a healthy relationship with their devices.

???? From the Stay in the Gray podcast — where we tackle education, culture, and the media students grow up with.
Subscribe for more: https://linktr.ee/stayinthegraypodcast

#NewsLiteracy #DigitalWellness #MediaEducation #StudentsAndPhones #FutureOfLearning

In this episode of Shifting Schools, host Jeff Uick sits down with Jack Brewster, former Forbes journalist and founder of Newsreel.co, to discuss the urgent challenge of misinformation in schools. With fake news spreading faster than facts on platforms like TikTok, students are often left vulnerable. Jack shares how the Newsreel app is helping teachers and parents guide the next generation toward stronger media literacy and healthier relationships with the news.

You’ll learn about:

Why misinformation spreads so quickly among students

How AI is reshaping journalism (and what that means for educators)

Innovative ways schools are teaching critical thinking with Newsreel

The role of authenticity and future skills in modern journalism

If you’re an educator, parent, or concerned citizen, this conversation offers practical insights on how we can better prepare young people to spot misinformation and engage responsibly with the media.

???? Learn more about Newsreel: https://newsreel.co

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Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to News Literacy and Healthy Phone Use
00:41 Welcome and Episode Overview
00:57 Introducing Jack Brewster and Newsreel.co
03:24 Jack Brewster’s Background and Career
05:21 How Newsreel.co is Used in Schools
06:57 The Role of Social Media in News Consumption
11:53 The Future of Journalism and AI
15:25 How Newsreel.co Ensures Quality and Engagement
26:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

#FakeNews #NewsLiteracy #MediaLiteracy #EducationPodcast #CriticalThinking #DigitalCitizenship #AIandJournalism #Misinformation #SocialMediaEducation #ShiftingSchools #JackBrewster #Newsreel #EducationTechnology #FutureOfJournalism #TeachersOfYouTube