ChangED

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No one tells the students the prompt. They walk in, meet their team, get the challenge, and then they have to build something that works and explain why it works. That’s the heart of our conversation with Melissa Volcskai, a technology integration specialist at Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit, and it’s also a refreshing picture of what real-world learning can look like inside public education.

We dig into how IU student competitions actually run and why they’re far more than “extra” activities. Melissa breaks dow...

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A sports podcast tradition turned into a surprisingly powerful education move: we’re drafting Mount Rushmores. Four favorites, no ranking, no stress and a whole lot of personality. We start light with snacks, because nothing reveals your inner child faster talking about your snacks.  The laughs are real, but so is the underlying skill: getting people to talk, listen, and connect without the pressure of being “right.”

From there we level up to games and you can hear how the same simple prompt opens the doo...

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Greg Macer is back for his third appearance, and we jump straight into the part educators rarely get to see up close: what happens when you step outside schools and try to build learning with the business and manufacturing world. Greg shares why he left the IU system for a year, what surprised him about working with manufacturers, and how a simple truth kept showing up everywhere. Local industry wants to support students and teachers, but most employers need a bridge, someone who can turn tours...

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A few minutes into this conversation, we realize something: the most eye-opening part of global education is how much of it feels familiar. Dr. Christine Royce, a faculty member at Shippensburg University, joins us fresh off a Fulbright Scholar experience in Cairo, Egypt, where she taught future STEM teachers and worked alongside university faculty in a program built to prepare educators for grades 7 to 12. 

We get specific about what she noticed on the ground. The structure of teacher preparation can look surprisingly similar, but t...

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AI can write code now, so what exactly should computer science class teach next year, or five years from now? We sit down with Jigar Patel, Director of Innovation and Special Projects at Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11, to get practical about what’s changing in K-12 computer science education and what should stay non-negotiable. 

We unpack the big shift happening inside the revised CSTA computer science standards and why the next wave goes beyond block coding. Think machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, systems and net...

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 If "science time" in your self-contained classroom means the same weather chart and life cycle unit on repeat, this one's for you. Educational consultant Karri Kessler joins us to explore what rigorous, accessible science instruction can actually look like for autistic support and intensive support classrooms — and why comfort routines can accidentally replace real learning. We dig into Pennsylvania's alternate assessment (PASA), the DLM system, and the STEELS shift, while keeping the focus on what matters most: scientific practices, questioning, and protecting access for every learner — no ma...

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A kid who barely talks suddenly lights up over a video game and a whole new path opens. We sit down with educator Josh Bound from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, to trace the personal moment that changed how he sees autism, connection, and what students actually need from school to feel safe and known. What starts as a dad trying to reach his son becomes a mission to help the quiet kids in the corner find a place to belong.

We follow the unexpected rise of...

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Jackie Harris has lived science in places most students never see: transfusion medicine in a hospital blood bank, vaccine production at Merck, and then the fast-paced reality of a middle school classroom where your time is never really your own. That journey gives her a grounded take on what students actually need from science education: not a pile of facts, but science literacy they can use for health, public health decisions, and a future shaped by technology and AI.

We dig into STEELS and...

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Ever wish career readiness felt real, local, and within reach for every student? We sit down with Debbie Reynolds, VP of CCA Works at Commonwealth Charter Academy, to unpack how a statewide cyber school built hands‑on pathways that match the economies right outside students’ doors. Debbie’s lived in nineteen homes across multiple states, and those moves shaped a grounded view of what schools share, where they differ, and how to create opportunity that travels well.

We trace the origin of AgWorks in Harris...

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A curling controversy sparks a bigger question: what happens when we borrow the best parts of elite training and bring them to everyday classrooms? We jump from biathlon fandom and “curlgate” to the pressure young athletes face, the startling math of medal payouts, and why access still decides who gets to compete—on the ice and in school.

We don’t shy away from the hard part: cost and equity. Boutique micro-schools can run $40–75k per year, a nonstarter for most families and districts. So we get...

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What if the most important people in your school system are the ones you rarely see? We sit down with Dr. Michael Heater—former teacher and principal, now an IU coordinator—to unpack how behind-the-scenes educators keep districts moving, support leaders under pressure, and build programs that make students want to show up. From realistic planning to social-emotional wellness, this conversation gets honest about what schools need now and how to deliver it without burning people out.

Mike takes us inside the IU’s “many hat...

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What if the real danger of AI isn’t what it can do, but what we stop doing because of it? We sit down with licensed professional counselor, author, and retreat leader Joni Staaf Stanford to unpack how technology is reshaping attention, empathy, and everyday relationships—and how to build a practical antidote that restores depth, presence, and human connection.

Joni introduces the core idea behind her new book, The AI Antidote, our minds are trading contemplation for convenience. We explore how validation-heavy chatbots can...

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What if designing for everyone from the start could raise the floor without lowering the bar? We sit down with two veteran colleagues who live and breathe Universal Design for Learning and unpack how this framework transforms planning, teaching, and professional learning. Rather than chasing the perfect strategy, they show how UDL begins with a mindset: clarify the goal, anticipate barriers, and build options so students choose their best way into rigorous work.

The conversation moves beyond classrooms to the systems that support them...

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What if joy—not drills—was the engine of math learning? We sit down with math leader Rob Bayer to unpack how students become “mathers” when classrooms center belonging, discourse, and sense-making. The conversation moves past slogans and straight into practice: diagnosing root causes behind “kids can’t add,” using manipulatives at every grade to surface thinking, and designing instruction that turns algorithms into outcomes rather than starting points.

We challenge the curriculum pendulum head-on. High-engagement tasks and Building Thinking Classrooms strategies can spark curiosity, but...

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Curiosity thrives when classrooms trade recipes for real experiences. We sit down with Kevin Murphy and Kaity Ferraro from Cheltenham to unpack how a district moves from “follow-the-steps” science to student-driven inquiry under STEELS—without burning teachers out. From the first messy pilot to a sustainable system, they show how small, intentional changes beat heroic sprints every time.

Alignment becomes the multiplier. Administrators get trained on the resource and the pedagogy so walkthroughs recognize productive noise, open questions, and student talk as signs of learni...

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What happens when a celebrated classroom teacher steps onto the policy stage and brings the kids with him? We sit down with Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Leon Smith to trace the arc from daily bell schedules and ninth‑grade basketball practice to Capitol Hill meetings, op‑eds, and concrete fixes that help students and teachers thrive.

Leon teaches AP U.S. History, AP African American Studies, and a pop culture elective, and he brings that breadth to a candid conversation about belief, representation, and...

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Most people never see the machinery that keeps Pennsylvania’s schools running. We pull back the curtain with Dr. Mark Leidy, Executive Director of PAIU, to reveal how Intermediate Units quietly connect state policy to classroom reality for 500 districts—and why that “quiet engine” was straining under the budget impasse that froze both state and federally routed funds.

We trace Mark’s path from middle school science teacher to superintendent to statewide leader and dig into the three pillars that guide IU work: advocacy to secure...

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Ever wondered why kindergartners bubble with questions while high schoolers barely raise their hands? This episode will explore phenomena-based learning.  We'll dive into how educators can reignite student curiosity by starting with observable events that naturally spark questions.

"Phenomena doesn't have to be phenomenal to be something," as Andrew Kuhn wisely puts it. Our conversation reveals how everyday occurrences – from melting ice cubes to America's Got Talent performances – can launch powerful learning journeys. We share practical strategies for implementing this approach without completely reinventing your...

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Think banks have the toughest cyber problems? Our conversation with Shane and Tony from the MCIU tech team flips that assumption fast. K–12 is the most targeted sector in the U.S., and the reasons are both simple and sobering: sprawling device fleets, legacy systems, budget constraints, and a mission that demands access over friction.

The path forward is thoughtful defaults, clear exceptions, and honest communication about why a block exists or a change is required. When people understand the reason, they ad...

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A simple line reframed our whole approach to teaching: prepare students for their future, not our past. Sitting down with Jeff Remington from Penn State’s CSATS, we dig into what that looks like when classrooms connect directly to research, industry, and the realities of Pennsylvania’s evolving economy. Instead of one‑off PDs and “random acts of STEM‑ness,” we talk about sustained, transdisciplinary learning built on real local phenomena—data centers, smart manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences—and the skills students actually use on the job.

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What happens when we move beyond memorizing facts and formulas in science education? This conversation takes a deep dive into the transformative power of three-dimensional learning—a framework that balances knowing (disciplinary core ideas), thinking (cross-cutting concepts), and doing (science and engineering practices).

For generations, science education has overemphasized the "knowing" dimension, leaving students with memorized facts but little understanding. Our hosts share personal experiences with traditional science education—from mindlessly copying answers from the back of physics textbooks to struggling through plant photosynthesis memo...

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How do you react when faced with dramatic change? When podcast host Andrew unveiled his freshly-shaven face after six years with a beard, his co-hosts' contrasting reactions—shock versus casual acceptance—perfectly mirrored how educators respond to implementing the new Steels science standards.

This lighthearted moment opens a thoughtful exploration of educational transformation. Just as Andrew's children barely recognized him without his beard, teachers implementing STEELS standards may find their classrooms looking unfamiliar. The 3-Dimensional approach of Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and...

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The Change Ed journey has taken us to every continent on the planet, evolving from three Pennsylvania educators discussing science education into a global conversation reaching listeners worldwide. Season Two has been transformative, with download numbers growing exponentially and educators launching their own podcasts or revolutionizing professional development in their districts by offering continuing education credits for episode listening and reflection. A true highlight was partnering with the National Science Teaching Association as their official conference podcast, interviewing keynote speakers and connecting with science educators nationwide.<...

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What happens when artificial intelligence stops being a buzzword and becomes an actual classroom partner? The possibilities are both exhilarating and terrifying. In our conversation with educational technology expert Dr. Brian Housand, we explore the transformative potential of AI in education when approached thoughtfully and strategically.

Most educators are stuck in two extremes: either banning AI outright or allowing unchecked use without guidance. Housand offers a refreshing middle path by reframing AI as a "thought partner" rather than just another search tool. This shift...

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Dr. Demetrius Roberts, special consultant for STEM and computer science with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, joins us to share his remarkable educational journey and the powerful lessons it offers for today's educators. Growing up in Philadelphia's diverse urban landscape and attending a Career and Technical Education high school fundamentally shaped Dr. Roberts' approach to teaching. 

This realization sparked a turning point in his teaching philosophy. After discovering his high school students struggling with basic math during a history lesson, he embraced cross-curricular teaching, f...

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While most teachers believe they already implement student-centered practices, Eric Lech and Tracy Rains reveal that genuine student-centered learning requires a deeper philosophical shift beyond simple differentiation. This transformation creates systems where students set meaningful goals, monitor their progress, and develop lifelong learning skills—a crucial change given that Pennsylvania PACE data shows only 30% of students feel engaged or see relevance in their education. The Blueprint breaks down this approach into five essential components with continuums of practice, allowing educators to identify their current position and ch...

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Ever wondered how to make curriculum integration feel natural instead of forced? Meet Scott Oste and Katie Trach from Northampton Area School District, who have mastered what they playfully call "ropifying" - the art of weaving subjects together into a cohesive educational experience.

Their journey began in 2015, well before Pennsylvania adopted the STEELS standards. Rather than waiting for state mandates, they proactively built integration into their district's DNA through gradual, intentional changes. What makes their approach unique is how they've capitalized on connections that...

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Have you ever wondered if there might be a better way to deliver professional learning than the traditional sit-and-get workshop model? The team from Whitehall Coplay School District wondered the same thing—and their solution has transformed how their teachers engage with professional development.

When Dave Stauffer, Andy Fehnel, and Tony Pangaio sat down to brainstorm new professional learning options for their teachers, they landed on a simple yet revolutionary idea: create a district podcast. Their "10 Minutes or So" podcast (originally planned to be un...

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Ever wondered why the business world keeps lamenting graduates' lack of "soft skills"? The answer might lie in how disconnected our educational practices have become from the real-world demands facing our students.

Scott Oste, Curriculum Supervisor at Northampton Area School District, brings a refreshing perspective to this challenge. Having left teaching to work in corporate America before returning to education, Oste has crafted an approach that intentionally breaks down the walls between classrooms and industry. "Do we truly know what's expected of kids? Do...

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Have you ever felt like the education system wasn't designed for the way you learn? You're not alone. In this deeply personal conversation, Logan Garrison of Imagine Learning takes us on a journey from his challenging educational experiences to his mission of transforming how students engage with science.

Curious about seeing these innovative approaches in action? Join us at the third annual STEELS Expo on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, where educators will gather to share best practices and explore the future of science education. The...

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What happens when we prioritize knowing answers over asking questions? How does curiosity shape not just learning, but creativity, cultural competence, and emotional wellbeing? These profound questions drive our fascinating conversation with education expert Genein Letford, who brings her unique journey from special education student with a speech impediment to innovative educator and keynote speaker.

The heart of our discussion centers on curiosity as the foundation for meaningful learning. "If creativity is a driver of innovation, curiosity is a driver of creativity," Letford notes...

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What happens when we stop viewing struggle as a problem and start seeing it as the essence of learning itself? In this thought-provoking conversation with educator and neurodiversity advocate Greg, we unpack the revolutionary idea that our most profound learning emerges not from smooth sailing but from navigating challenges.

Greg opens with a refreshingly honest self-introduction: "I was a student who struggled and I became a teacher who struggled." This vulnerability immediately sets the tone for an authentic exploration of how educational approaches that...

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Project-based learning represents a transformative approach to education, focusing less on test performance and more on creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond school walls. This episodes concludes the conversation of one district's eight-year journey implementing PBL, revealing both challenges and triumphs along the way.

What happens when standardized test scores aren't the primary goal? After years of implementation, the data shows PBL students perform similarly to their traditional counterparts on assessments like the Biology Keystone. This neutrality in test performance...

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When Brian Riley walked into a meeting at Cheltenham School District nine years ago, he had no idea he was about to lead a complete transformation of their educational approach. "We're doing this project-based learning thing," the superintendent announced, and suddenly Brian found himself pioneering a program that didn't yet exist.

This candid conversation reveals the authentic journey of implementing project-based learning (PBL) from the ground up. Brian shares how visits to High Tech High in San Diego shaped their vision, providing teachers with...

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The  IU13 team has pioneered a student-centered learning approach since 2011 that models the same principles in their professional development for teachers. Their innovative conference-style PD offers educators choice through focused workshops on classroom management, engagement, collaboration, differentiation, and AI integration, breaking away from traditional one-and-done models with consecutive scheduling and ongoing classroom coaching.

This initiative has sustained for over a decade by creating systemic alignment through administrator workshops, observation tools, and cross-district collaboration that breaks down educational silos. 

Want to send us a...

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What if storytelling could transform education as we know it? In our 100th episode of Change Ed, Patrice and Andrew sit down with Brandon Langer from Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, who also hosts the MCIU Learns podcast, to explore this intriguing possibility. We promise you'll walk away with fresh insights into the intersection of innovation and education, as we chat about our experiences in gifted education, the evolving STEELS initiative, and our mutual curiosity about emerging trends like AI. We also take a moment to celebrate...

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Colonial SD's own Maria Wileczek shares her remarkable 26-year perspective on Pennsylvania's dramatic shift from standardless science teaching to today's three-dimensional learning approach. Drawing from her experience, Maria offers unique insights into curriculum evolution while exploring practical implementation challenges facing both elementary and secondary teachers—from creating authentic assessments to navigating the tension between specialized expertise and integrated science teaching.

Maria's innovative strategies, including claim-evidence-reasoning frameworks and creative use of Super Bowl commercials as entry points for scientific thinking, demonstrate how educators can make ab...

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The transformation of science education is happening right now in Pennsylvania classrooms, and middle school teacher Tom Leeds is on the frontlines. In this enlightening conversation, Tom pulls back the curtain on the real differences between curriculum that merely displays a STEELS "sticker" versus materials that authentically embody these new science standards.

Tom shares how his classroom dynamics have fundamentally shifted as students move from passive recipients of information to active participants with genuine agency in their learning journey. The results speak volumes – not on...

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Penn State professor Dr. Scott McDonald joins ChangED to reveal how Pennsylvania's STEELS standards are flipping science education on its head! Forget silent classrooms with teachers droning on—Scott's vision has students buzzing with scientific conversations while teachers take a backseat as guides.

"I'd love to see kids talking a lot more in class to each other about science ideas," says Scott, who trains tomorrow's science teachers. The content hasn't changed, but the delivery? Completely transformed!

We explore why veteran teachers might st...

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Join us for an engaging discussion unravels the magic of science education through storytelling and phenomenon-based learning. This episode highlights the significance of cultivating curiosity and how integrating real-world events into the curriculum can transform student engagement. Our hosts share practical strategies for creating effective storylines, emphasizing that students' intellectual resources should not only be acknowledged but actively utilized.

As we navigate through the complexities of teaching younger students, we focus on how to create an environment that welcomes exploration rather than rote memorization...