BE Podcast Network: Podcasts that help you go Beyond Education. 

Latest Episodes

ISTE 2026: Building a Reading Culture with Dr. Erin Bailey

In this episode, Jethro sits down with Dr. Erin Bailey, VP of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading Is Fundamental, to explore two exciting 2026 developments. Erin shares the growth of Skybrary, RIF's e-book app offering 1,000 read-to-me picture books, now with a free tier providing 100 books per household — a number rooted in research linking book access to reading and academic achievement. She also discusses RIF's acquisition of August House Publishing, bringing 185 titles focused on oral storytelling into RIF's mission of book access. The conversation turns to Erin's own podcast, Reading Inspires, covering the realities of podcast production, building thought leadership, and RIF's core belief that reading should above all be joyful.

Designing a Classroom Where Students Can Create, Fail, and Grow with Emily Taylor

In this episode, Craig Randall talks with Emily Taylor, a visual arts teacher at The John Cooper School, about creating a positive classroom where students feel safe experimenting, solving problems, and developing their own ideas. Emily explains how care, clear expectations, and thoughtful questioning shape both student behavior and learning. She shares how her design-based art projects move beyond simply making artwork by asking students to consider audience, function, color, marketing, and product design. She also discusses why she prefers guiding students with questions rather than immediately giving them answers, giving them space to experiment, reflect, and learn from what does not work.

The STUDENTS FIRST Act of 2026: Students Set the Rules for AI in Schools

At America’s Youth AI Festival, 98 students representing all 50 states came together at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute to serve as a mock National AI Student Senate. After debating, negotiating, and finding common ground, they passed the STUDENTS FIRST Act of 2026—a national framework and model student-led policy for the use of AI in K–12 education. Education Talk Radio host David Cicero is joined by Jeffrey Riley, Executive Director of Day of AI, and National AI Student Senators Shamitha Dokki and Nandana Warrier to discuss how the framework came together and what students believe adults are getting wrong about AI in schools.

The Beginning-of-the-Year Energy Trap Danielle

In this episode, Danielle Neufer discusses educator self-care, burnout, and the pressure of the school year’s early pace. She shares a simple approach to staying focused: plan the work, use a timer, and return to what matters. The episode ends with an invitation to try one 30-minute work block and treat teacher well-being as part of school success.

Hosts

Jethro Jones

Jethro Jones

Host of The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education Leaders
Ross Romano

Ross Romano

Host of The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education Leaders
Mike Caldwell

Mike Caldwell

Host of Transformative Principal
Barbara Flowers

Barbara Flowers

Host of Morning Motivation for Educators