At ISTE 2026, Jethro Jones sits down with Mike Anderson to discuss his new book, Hugging Porcupines: Practical Strategies for Supporting Kids Who Struggle with Behavior in School. They explore why some students disengage, resist connection, and act out — and how teachers can respond with strategies built on the "three-legged stool" of academic engagement, respectful discipline, and positive relationships. The conversation covers building classroom rules collaboratively, the difference between consequences and punishments, and why problem-solving conferences (not just sending kids to the office) are key to real behavior change.

What was the grand bargain of 1738 that birthed religious liberty in small Shenandoah Valley town?  

Most educators and tech enthusiasts overlook the hidden chaos brewing behind the scenes of our schools — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. From AI missteps to robot classroom aides gone wrong, this episode pulls back the curtain on the wild, unpredictable future of education technology. If you think the classroom chaos of today is intense, wait until you hear about the bizarre AI failures, educator burnout, and state-level battles over robotic teachers that could redefine how our kids learn — or fail to learn — in the coming years. In this episode, we uncover the latest buzz on AI policies sweeping across states like Ohio, where mandates force districts to develop formal AI guidelines. We explore shocking real-world AI mishaps, like students accidentally generating inappropriate images using school software, and discuss whether these are teachable moments or just headlines begging for regulation. You'll discover how the push for robotic tutors, like the humanoid avatars slated for high schools, is meeting fierce public and political pushback, revealing a deep unease with relying on machines for human interaction. But it’s not just about the tech — we break down the burnout epidemic racing through your schools, fueled by endless demands, staffing shortages, and the overwhelming responsibilities placed on teachers. You'll learn why districts are juggling special needs students without adequate support, why educator disillusionment is soaring, and what it all means for the future of classroom learning. Plus, get insights on how social media hashtags reveal a clear snapshot of the real trending issues—teacher burnout, AI missteps, and the ever-present fight over funding. Why does this matter? Because ignoring these warning signs risks creating a generation of students disconnected from their teachers, while over-reliance on AI and robots could erode the core human relationship integral to education. The broader landscape is shifting rapidly, with regulations, budgets, and tech innovations all vying for control. If you’re an educator, parent, or policymaker, understanding these behind-the-scenes threats and opportunities is your best shot at shaping a smarter, safer future for learning. This episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about education’s future—whether you’re in the classroom, a district leader, or simply curious about how technology will shape our schools. Join us as we explore the chaos, challenges, and opportunities lurking just beneath the surface of today’s education system. Don't miss the insights that could help you navigate, and perhaps even influence, the next era of teaching and learning. Visit: EduTechGuys.com

What if the greatest obstacle to your leadership isn't a lack of knowledge or experience—but the mask you've learned to wear? In this episode of The Humility Advantage Podcast, we explore Chapter 2: The Cost of the Mask from Dr. J. Alexander's book, The Humility Advantage. Together, we examine why so many capable leaders feel the pressure to appear strong, flawless, and always in control, and how that constant performance can quietly undermine trust, connection, and personal growth. Join us as we discuss the hidden cost of self-protection, the impact of imposter syndrome, and why authentic leadership begins when we have the courage to let go of perfection and lead with humility. Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, educator, or emerging leader, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what true leadership looks like—and inspire you to lead with greater authenticity, confidence, and purpose. 📖 Ready to go deeper? Get your copy of The Humility Advantage at www.excelerateyoucoaching.com and continue your journey toward becoming the kind of leader people trust, respect, and choose to follow.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Dede, Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, challenges one of the most common assumptions schools make when evaluating educational technology. Rather than starting with AI or the latest product, he argues that leaders should first identify the learning experiences they want students to have—and only then determine whether technology has a meaningful role to play.  The conversation explores why so many edtech implementations fall short, how learning science should guide technology decisions, what it means to use technology to "do better things" rather than simply do existing things more efficiently, and how school leaders can build a more thoughtful framework for choosing and implementing educational technology.