The Education Innovators Podcast

Tools by Teachers: An Accidental Entrepreneur
 
James Myklebust-Hampshire is a teacher and didn’t set out to become an EdTech founder. He built a tool during naps when he was on parental leave and that tool is now being used by over 20,000 teachers. During his next parental leave he built a second product, a niche project management tool designed specifically for schools doing project-based learning. Still a teacher at heart he is now a full time entrepreneur.
 
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
 
 
Links:
 
James Myklebust-Hampshire:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-myklebust-hampshire-13193847/
https://open.substack.com/pub/thejamesmh
 
Sembl:
https://sembl.app
XFocus:
https://pyp.xfocus.app
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com
 

Why schools resist change
This is a short solo episode where Eric Byron talks about the challenges with getting teachers, who thrived as students in the current system, to help innovate and change the system they are so comfortable with.
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
 
Links:
 
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com

EdTech Evidence Crisis
 
Natalia Kucirkova is a Professor of Early Childhood and Development at the University of Stavanger and Executive Director of the International Centre for EdTech Impact. She leads global initiatives to improve education through applied research, strategic advisory, and capacity building, particularly in underserved communities. With 15+ years in education policy, her work integrates the Science of Learning and robust impact measurement to guide EdTech policy and practice. Natalia has advised UNICEF, UNESCO, and over 40 EdTech organizations on scaling technologies, refining impact strategies, and developing KPI frameworks. She also guides education initiatives within the Impact-Linked Finance Fund, supporting outcome-based funding models. Across 30+ countries, she champions evidence-based, inclusive EdTech ecosystems that connect research with real-world application, driving scalable and equitable learning outcomes.
 
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
 
Links:
 
Natalia Kucirkova:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-kucirkova/
 
EduEvidence:
https://eduevidence.org/
 
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com
 

This is a short reflection on the importance of experiential learning as a component of education. Eric shares some of his recent experience visiting Iceland and encourages teachers to get their students out of the classroom.
 
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
 
Links:
 
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com
 

Experiential Learning – The Intimacy of Service
 
Kimberly Haley-Coleman is the founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, a US & Canada based nonprofit that leads and mobilizes volunteers for short-term service projects in over 25 countries (since the year 2000). With a background in international business development and finance, she previously held leadership roles at global firms including CNBC.com, Space Services International, and Investtools.
 
Kimberly holds an MBA in International Business, an MA in Art History, and a BA from Emory University. A multiple patent holder, SMU Guest Lecturer, and recipient of the Texas Business Hall of Fame Award and long-time Hall of Fame member, Chairman of the Executive Board for the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) and actively engaged with organizations like the Building Bridges Coalition and United Nations ESOC Consultative Status Committee and variety of other nonprofit boards focused on international service, community development, and environmental improvement.
 
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
 
Links:
 
Kimberely Haley-Coleman:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyglobeaware/
 
GlobeAware:
https://www.globeaware.org/
 
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com

Writing Skills Still Matter
 
This is a short solo episode where Eric questions why writing skills still matter and then gives his two cents worth about why writing skills are critical for cognitive development, especially in an age of AI.
 
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
 
Links:
 
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com
 

This is a special edition of the Education Innovators Podcast for Podcasthon featuring Crossroads Foundation. Crossroads is a charitable organization. Crossroads Foundation is a Hong Kong based, non-profit organization serving global need. We believe that, in a broken world that sees too much suffering, we should do all we can to link those who are in need with those who can provide help. So, we provide an intersection, literally a crossroads, to bring both together. 
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
Links:
Podcasthon:
https://podcasthon.org/
 
Crossroads Foundation:
https://www.crossroads.org.hk/
 
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com
 

Firm goals, Flexible means: Designing learning that works for all students
 
Katie Novak, Ed.D., is a force of nature - part educational powerhouse, part motivational coach, part witty storyteller. With 25 years of experience in education, a doctorate degree, and real-world experience as a former teacher, curriculum coordinator, and assistant superintendent of schools, she brings unmatched credibility and passion to everything she does. She's the go-to expert for making Universal Design for Learning (UDL), MTSS, and inclusive education not just accessible, but engaging.
 
An instructor at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of 16 books, with over 320,000 copies sold worldwide, Katie doesn’t just write about change; she leads it. Whether she’s consulting with districts, crafting PD that actually sticks, or running 50-mile races (yes, really), Katie lives by one rule: Do it with purpose, do it with heart, and make it fun along the way. 
 
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
 
Links:
 
Katie Novak:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katienovakudl/
 
Novak Education:
https://www.novakeducation.com/
 
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com

From Charter School Rock Star to EdTech Entrepreneur
 
In 1999, Dacia became the founding principal of Amistad Academy in New Haven, CT, which went on to post the greatest achievement gains of any middle school in the state. Dacia then co-founded and co-led Achievement First (AF), which became one of the nation's leading charter school networks with 41 schools across the Northeast and college graduation rates that were five times peer averages. Dacia left Achievement First in July 2021 to launch Coursemojo. Dacia is a founder and current board chair of Relay Graduate School of Education. Dacia received a BA from UNC-Chapel Hill, an MA from Oxford University, and a JD and teaching certification from Yale University.
 
Coursemojo is a curriculum-aligned, AI-powered teaching assistant that is leading to impressive gains in ELA achievement and teacher satisfaction. Mojo aligns to the texts, questions, and writing assignments from many of the top-rated ELA curricula (HQIM) and creates highly-interactive, differentiated experiences for students (“It’s like the handout is talking to me.”).
 
Mojo provides each student (students with IEPs, advanced students, struggling readers, MLL students with 60+ home languages) with targeted, Socratic, one-on-one and small group support. For teachers, Mojo provides real-time data visibility, trends in student misconception, suggested discussion questions, and grading support.
 
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
 
Links:
 
Dacia Toll:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daciatoll/
 
Coursemojo:
https://coursemojo.com/
 
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com
 

Support Your Local Schools
This is a short solo episode where Eric talks about the importance of communities and reflects on all of the guests on the show who have raised this topic. Learning is a social activity, with the best results happening in a safe and supportive environment.
The Education Innovators Podcast is a set of conversations between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.
 
Links:
The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742
 
The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3
 
The Human Intelligence movement:
https://www.humanintelligencemovement.org/
 
This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.
You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com