In this episode of Integrate This! EdTech Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Steven Baule, Associate Professor of Leadership Education and Director of K–12 Administrative Licensure and Doctorate Programs at Winona State University. With over two decades in district and building leadership, Dr. Ball shares powerful insights on:

• What truly makes a strong school leader
• The changing landscape of K–12 licensure and how it aligns with modern educational demands
• Lessons from his journey from social studies teacher to system-level administrator
• How school systems can support teacher leaders and build leadership capacity from within
• The intersection of edtech and leadership training in today’s programs
• Advice for educators considering a leap into administration

🎙️ Whether you're a teacher thinking about leadership, an administrator navigating policy changes, or a district leader mentoring future principals, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom.

Connect with Dr. Baule & Winona State’s Leadership Programs → Winona State Ed.D. Program → K–12 Licensure Pathways

College of Education | Winona State University

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In this episode of Integrate This!, we sit down with Stevie Frank, a dynamic digital learning coach from Zionsville, Indiana, recently named one of EdTech Magazine’s 30 K–12 IT Influencers to Follow in 2025. Stevie brings 15 years of classroom and coaching experience and shares how literacy, pedagogy, and relationships anchor her approach to educational technology.

We dive into:

• Her transition from classroom teacher to district EdTech leader
• How she builds trust and relationships with teachers
• The importance of pedagogy-first PD and practical tools like the SAMR model
• How her district navigated the rollout of AI, including MagicSchool AI
• Empowering students through podcasting and creative projects
• Her take on the AI Literacy Framework and what’s next for EdTech

Whether you're an instructional coach, classroom teacher, or tech administrator, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

🔗 Resources from Stevie Frank:

• Website: https://www.steviefrank.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steviefrank
• Twitter/X: @steviefrank23
• BlueSky: steviefrank.bsky.social

In this follow-up to our conversation with Leon Furze, we explore what it looks like when AI guidance turns into real action. Jen Hegna, Director of Technology at Byron Public Schools, joins us to talk about how her team is building meaningful AI integration across the district.

Jen shares how Byron has adopted elements of Leon’s AI Assessment Scale to shape its own district-wide AI plan — including the development of AI literacy and skills in alignment with their Profile of a Graduate. From professional development to policy-making, she offers a practical, leader-level perspective on where AI belongs in schools today.

🎓 Topics: AI guidance, AI literacy, Profile of a Graduate, tech leadership, district planning 📍 Guest: Jen Hegna | Byron Public Schools 🎤 Recorded live at the Minnesota Thought Leaders AI Summit

Join hosts David Berner and Jeremy Mikla on Integrate This! as they welcome Leon Furze, Australian-based consultant, best-selling author, and PhD researcher. With over 15 years’ experience teaching English and drama across secondary and tertiary levels, Leon dives into his work on the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) and discusses how generative AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Leon's Website: www.leonfurze.com Leon's Blog Cast leonfurze.com/blog AI Assessment Scale and Research: aiassessmentscale.com Books: https://a.co/d/3K5zHX3 https://a.co/d/740j3U8 In this episode, we explore: Leon's journey from UK-trained English teacher to PhD candidate studying AI’s impact on writing instruction. Classroom tensions—teachers banning tools versus embracing AI as a tool for feedback, brainstorming, and revision. The origins of AIAS (launched Feb/March 2023) as a middle-ground alternative to outright bans or unlimited use. How the scale evolved from a “traffic light” system to a flexible, circular framework—designed to spark conversations, not enforce rules. The importance of disciplinary context: tailoring AI policies to subject areas like math, science, and English. The need for structural + discursive approaches: balancing formal assessment design with open, ongoing dialogue. Challenges around integrity, access, student motivation, and balancing multi-modal AI’s role in writing versus broader learning goals. Concrete strategies for schools: “attack your assessments,” identify potential AI vulnerabilities, and determine where AI adds value or poses risks. Leon’s emphasis on respect, teacher expertise, and educational curiosity as the foundation for sustainable AI integration. ➡️ Perfect for educators, school leaders, and EdTech innovators looking to thoughtfully integrate generative AI into classrooms. Tune in for practical frameworks and a powerful case for teacher-led, adaptive AI policy.

In this episode of Integrate This!, we welcome EdTech pioneer and Ctrl Alt Achieve creator Eric Curts for a lively conversation about technology, AI, and empowering educators. Eric shares stories from his 30+ years in education, the inspiration behind his blog, and how AI tools can act as teaching assistants—not replacements.

You’ll hear:

• Creative ways to use Google tools beyond their traditional roles
• Eric’s philosophy on AI, student struggle, and lifelong learning
• Guidance for teachers navigating tech fatigue and staying current
• How NotebookLM helps analyze AI guidance docs
• Why Gemini is Eric’s go-to AI tool for schools
• His top tips for using AI ethically and effectively in education

Eric also spotlights upcoming events and invites educators to connect at ISTE—including his now-legendary board game meetup!

📍 Visit: ctrlaltachieve.com 📬 Join his newsletter: ctrlaltachieve.com/p/newsletter.html

This episode features our full presentation from the A.I.D.E. Symposium on building AI literacy in education. Learn how educators can responsibly integrate AI, develop essential skills, and use practical frameworks to lead with confidence in the AI era.

If you want to catch up on all of the recordings from our great speakers and access the resources click here: 2025 Artificial Intelligence in Education Symposium on-demand - SWWC Service Cooperative

The Full Symposium Lineup:

Tomorrow Glasses: Matt Miller Discover what AI literacy means and why it matters for both today’s classrooms and tomorrow’s world. This session explores foundational concepts, ethical considerations, and practical ways to embed GenAI across grade levels.

AI Guidance Panel: Rising to the Challenge of AI Join a panel of leaders as they share practical strategies, challenges, and solutions around AI adoption, tool evaluation, staff training, and student integration. This conversation offers real-world insights from schools leading the way.

Deceiving by Design: Fake Emotions, Real Consequences Explore how AI creates the illusion of emotion, growth, and self-awareness. This session reveals how these convincing simulations work, the risks of emotional attachment, and maintaining healthy boundaries with increasingly human-like AI.

AI Literacy with the Integrate This! Podcast Join the Integrate This! podcast for a lively discussion on why AI literacy is a foundational skill for today’s educators and students. Learn how building GenAI capacity can empower schools to navigate the future with confidence.

Privacy-First AI: Vetting Tools to Protect Students As AI becomes more embedded in education, concerns about student data privacy are rising. This session unpacks how AI tools use student data, the risks involved, and the legal and ethical responsibilities schools must consider.

AI Tools Built for Schools Get a quick, practical look at three AI tools you can start using today: Diffit, Magic School AI, and School AI. This fast-paced session will highlight key features, classroom applications, and time-saving tips for immediate impact.

Check out the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sPUQeOWE5Jk

Sketchnote artist Manuel Herrera joins us for an inspiring conversation on creativity, visual thinking, and the power of sketchnoting in education. Perfect for teachers, students, and creative minds, this episode blends artistic tips with classroom-ready strategies.

In this episode, we cover:

• Manuel’s journey as an educator and illustrator
• Practical tips for introducing sketchnoting to your students
• Live sketch note demonstrations and techniques
• His creative influences—and love for making tacos 🌮

Whether you're a visual learner, teacher, or just curious about the sketchnote movement, you’ll walk away with ideas to bring creativity into your classroom.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GHoUJU6WLSg?feature=shared

🎨 Explore more of Manuel’s work at manueldraws.com

Special thanks to Instructure for hosting the Minnesota Canvas Caravan in St. Paul on April 23!

This engaging afternoon event featured insightful presentations from: Amanda Bickerstaff, The Digital Learning Specialist Team from Bloomington Public Schools, and the latest AI-powered updates from Instructure for the Canvas LMS.

In this video, David and Jeremy break down their 5 Key Takeaways from the event, sharing highlights, reflections, and resources you can use right away.

Resources Mentioned:

AI for Education Website: https://www.aiforeducation.io/

Bloomington Public Schools "AI in Action" Presentation: Google Slides

Watch YouTube Episode: https://youtube.com/live/FeLdFYh52L4