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Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

By: Palmer Media
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 At the intersection of learning, media, and the future of work, join us each week as we sense and discover where the future of education is heading. Join host Mike Palmer, the Founder of Palmer Media, as he engages with thought leaders, pioneers, and entrepreneurs exploring the cutting edge of learning in these tumultuous times.Copyright Palmer Media 2025. All Rights Reserved. Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Empowering Teachers as Climate Leaders with Margaret Wang-Aghania from Subsc

    Empowering Teachers as Climate Leaders with Margaret Wang-Aghania from Subsc
    Jun 26 2025
    On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer is joined by Margaret Wang-Aghania, co-founder and executive director of Subject to Climate, to discuss the integration of climate education into K-12 schooling. We explore how Subject to Climate empowers educators to teach about climate change, action, and justice across all grade levels and subjects. Key Takeaways: Margaret shares her origin story as a high school social studies teacher and how her experiences led to the founding of Subject to Climate. We learn about Subject to Climate's mission to make climate education "easy and effective" for K-12 teachers by providing vetted, standards-aligned resources and training. The conversation highlights the interdisciplinary nature of climate change, emphasizing that it's not just a science issue, but also involves social studies, English language arts, and more. We dive into the "gorillas in the room" – AI and the culture wars – discussing how climate literacy can be embedded within AI literacy initiatives in schools. Margaret provides a fantastic example of an English language arts lesson plan where students analyze poetry about climate change and even draft their school's generative AI policy. We explore the role of policy in system-wide change, citing examples like Maine's legislation for professional development funds for climate education. The discussion touches on foundational components of climate education, including systems thinking and problem-based learning, drawing on Christina Kwauk's work on skills for green jobs, green life skills, and transformative capacities. We address the challenge of "doom scrolling" and climate anxiety, emphasizing the importance of climate action and collective effort to foster hope and agency in students. Margaret shares how Subject to Climate's partners page and their news articles from The Juice (with a "Climate Solutions" filter) can help individuals connect with the broader climate education movement and find hopeful stories. Looking ahead, Margaret discusses how Subject to Climate is adapting to the increasing use of AI tools by teachers to ensure environmental concepts are still embedded in the learning process. Why You Should Listen: This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of education and our planet. Margaret Wang-Aghania provides inspiring insights into how we can empower the next generation to understand and address climate change. We discuss practical strategies for integrating climate education into existing curricula, leveraging emerging technologies like AI responsibly, and fostering hope and agency in students. If you believe in the transformative power of education to solve complex global challenges, this conversation will resonate deeply. Don't miss this engaging discussion! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts.
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    33 mins
  • Quantum Insights and the Future of Deep Tech with Charles Beyrouthy, Managing Partner at Forma Prime

    Quantum Insights and the Future of Deep Tech with Charles Beyrouthy, Managing Partner at Forma Prime
    Jun 23 2025
    In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer hosts Charles Beyrouthy, Managing Partner at Forma Prime, a venture capital firm, to explore the exciting intersection of deep technology and the future of education. We dive into the profound shifts happening in our world, from the cutting-edge advancements in quantum computing, new sensor technologies, and cybersecurity, as well as the impact of generative AI on all of this. Key Takeaways: Charles Beyrouthy's Journey: Charles shares his fascinating career path, from studying chemical engineering and biochemistry at UMass Amherst to accidentally falling into chemical engineering, working in microfluidics research, and eventually transitioning into oil and natural gas consulting before founding a lab software startup called LabCloud. The Boston Biotech Ecosystem: We discuss Boston's rise as a biotech hub, examining how VC firms like Flagship and Polaris provided not just funding but also operational support, placing executives and consultants to bridge the gap between IP-centric research and commercialization. This transformation was fueled by institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Boston University, and supported by a robust supplier base. Deep Tech Investment Landscape: Charles explains Forma Prime's focus on deep tech, particularly semiconductors, and why this sector sits uniquely between SaaS (low IP moat, high market following) and biotech (high IP moat, long regulatory cycles). Semiconductors offer a high IP moat, a low regulatory environment, and massive implementation potential. Quantum Technology & Its Applications: We delve into quantum computing, moving beyond the theoretical to discuss real-world applications like quantum GPS that don't rely on satellites and the system on the International Space Station which uses room-temperature neutral atom technology developed by Infleqtion. We also touch upon other use cases like quantum radio frequency technology and quantum GPS timekeeping for synchronization. Q Day and Cybersecurity: We also explore the concept of "Q Day" – the hypothetical point where quantum computers could break conventional encryption. While Charles believes conventional encryption standards like RSA 256 are still robust, he acknowledges the need for continued research and government support for quantum encryption. Gradient Technologies, a Forma Prime portfolio company, is pioneering hardware-authenticated access to enhance cybersecurity. Challenges in Academia and Industry Alignment: A critical theme is the disconnect between academia and entrepreneurial activity in the private sector. Charles advocates for better alignment in curricula, teaching styles, and practicums to ensure graduates emerge work-ready. He also emphasizes the need for professors to upskill in emerging technologies and for academia to prioritize practical application and societal value over purely academic pursuits. The Semiconductor Workforce Crisis: Charles issues a powerful call to action regarding the urgent need for skilled technicians and engineers in the US semiconductor industry. He highlights that we need at least 35,000 technicians for new fabs and urges educators to step forward to develop practical training programs to address this. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the bleeding edge of technology and its implications for our future. We unpack complex topics like quantum computing and its real-world applications, offering a clear and accessible overview. We also engage in a timely discussion about the critical role of education in preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving technological landscape, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry. Don't miss it! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Video versions are available on YouTube and Spotify.
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    53 mins
  • Empathy, Leadership, and Collective Action in Higher Ed with Dr. Terri Givens

    Empathy, Leadership, and Collective Action in Higher Ed with Dr. Terri Givens
    Jun 19 2025
    Dr. Terri Givens is a regular "Friend of the Show" on Trending in Ed and a professor of political science at the University of British Columbia and author of Radical Empathy. She joins host Mike Palmer to discuss the current challenges facing higher education and academic associations, the importance of collaboration, and how individuals can take action in a chaotic world. Key Takeaways: Higher education faces significant disruptions, including declining enrollment, reduced research funding, and a shift towards an adjunct-focused model. Academic associations are crucial for faculty development and networking but struggle with declining membership and funding. There's a growing demand for academic associations to take political stances, which is challenging for their 501(c)(3) status. Collaboration and strategic planning are essential for academic associations and universities to navigate current challenges. The current political landscape highlights systemic issues like racism and discrimination, underscoring the need for mutual aid and community involvement. Empathy and taking action are vital in addressing societal and educational challenges, as discussed in Dr. Givens' upcoming book, Reckoning. It's crucial for higher education to better articulate its value, especially that of a liberal education, beyond just job prospects. The politicization of higher education is a concern, but it also presents an opportunity for institutions to unite and promote their positive impact. A historical and global perspective helps us understand and navigate current challenges, recognizing that societies have overcome major hurdles before. Why You Should Listen: Gain insights into the significant challenges and disruptions impacting higher education and academic associations today. Learn about the critical role of academic associations and why their struggles have a "domino effect" on the broader academic landscape. Understand the call for greater collaboration and strategic foresight within higher education to address current and future crises. Hear Dr. Givens' perspective on how individuals can find agency and make an impact in a chaotic world, emphasizing local action and mutual aid. Explore the intersection of politics and education, and why staying politically involved is essential for everyone. Discover why higher education needs to re-articulate its value and address issues like declining male enrollment. Tune in to hear Dr. Terri Givens share her extensive experience and sharp analysis on the state of higher education, the role of academic associations, and the power of empathy and action in these turbulent times. Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation!
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    37 mins

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