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.

Let's Talk Books - Voices of Reason: Lessons from Liberty's Leaders.A Conversation with author Robert Begley Great leaders aren't just good communicators—they're people whose words reflect their character. In this episode, Thomas sits down with communication coach and author Robert Begley to discuss Voices of Reason: Lessons from Liberty's Leaders. Drawing from some of history's most influential speeches, Robert shares practical lessons that can help educators, school leaders, and students become more confident, ethical, and persuasive communicators. Together they explore: Why communication begins with character, not charismaHow great speakers combine credibility, logic, and emotionPractical ways to overcome the fear of speaking in front of othersWhy schools should intentionally teach students how to think, speak, and listen wellHow effective communication builds trust, strengthens leadership, and helps people speak with courage when it matters most Whether you're leading a faculty meeting, teaching a classroom, or helping students find their voice, this conversation offers timeless principles for communicating with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Robert Begley - Most speakers talk. Few connect. Even fewer move people to act. At Speaking With Purpose LLC, I help executives, entrepreneurs, and rising leaders transform their communication so they both inform and influence. Whether you’re in a boardroom, on a stage, or pitching investors, your message needs to land with clarity, stick emotionally, and inspire change. I’ve coached NYPD officers aiming for promotion, immigrants telling their freedom story, and CEOs selling big ideas to tough rooms. In each case, we didn’t just “polish” a talk—we built a message that commands the room and cements leadership as part of their identity. If you’re an expert who’s tired of being overlooked because your message doesn’t come across as confidently as your ideas deserve. Let’s change that. Ready to lead with your voice? Let’s speak with purpose. https://www.speakingwithpurpose.llc/https://rbegley.substack.com/ If you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students. Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team. Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

Many school teams AREN’T actually working on executive functioning when they think they are. As a result, they’re being more flexible and accommodating than ever, giving students a chance to process after behavioral escalations… Yet they’re seeing students continue to be dysregulated. In some cases, it’s getting worse.  The same thing goes for helping kids stay organized and manage work.  Kids refuse to use organizers and lists, forget to use them when it’s relevant, or require a ton of adult prompting when they actually ARE using them. In my free training, I share why these things happen. This free training, which I’ve recently updated, is called “How to Be Evidence-Based and Neurodiversity-Affirming With Executive Functioning Support”. In the training, I cover three common mistakes school teams make when implementing “executive functioning interventions”.  In episode 264 of De Facto Leaders, I share two of those three mistakes.  When you listen to this episode, you’ll discover: ✅ Why students sometimes seem MORE dysregulated when asked to talk about melt downs or why they made a poor choice. ✅ The relationship between executive dysfunction, anxiety, and time perception. ✅ Why students aren’t more organized, even though you’ve giving them organizing tools like lists and planners Plus, I share two case studies, including: ✅ The student who was melting down during passing period, and why giving him more time to process his feelings was the last thing he needed (and how we supported him) ✅ The student who could make himself throw up whenever we asked him to do a non-preferred task who became MORE distrustful of adults the more flexible we were. In this episode, I mentioned my free training where I share three mistakes professionals make when supporting executive functioning (that result in prompt-dependence and dysregulation).  In this training, I cover the following: ✅ Already working on executive functioning, and not seeing results? It could be because you're NOT truly working on executive functioning, even though you think you are. Learn how to make the subtle shifts that make all the difference. ✅ Are severe behaviors preventing ANY true skill development? Learn the common mistakes school teams make (related to executive functioning) that create prompt-dependence and dysregulation, and what to do instead. ✅ Are students struggling with peers, even though you're working on social skills? I'll share why "social skills groups" rarely result in good skill-transfer, and how to shift your service-deliver model to help students self-advocate and form relationships. ✅ Not sure your team will buy-in to supporting executive functioning in classrooms? Learn the 3-part framework I teach SLPs, social workers, psychologists, counselors, and other interventionists that helps them implement building-wide executive functioning intervention, even with a huge caseload. You can sign up for this training here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadership In this episode, I mentioned School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design scalable executive functioning interventions to ensure students get the scaffolding they need across the school day.  You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership