The TechEd Clubhouse

In this episode, I’m joined by Peter Hoststrasser and Alli Dahl from the Disrupt Education Podcast to talk about shaking up the traditional education system. Peter and Alli have been leading conversations around innovation, student voice, and breaking away from outdated methods in the classroom. We dive into overcoming fear in education, embracing change, and the power of play in learning. We also explore how rural and local communities can be the real drivers of educational transformation—and why failure should be something students experience more often, not less.

What We Talked About:

✔ Why so many teachers fear change—and how to move past it
✔ The outdated mindset that’s still holding education back
✔ How failure and iteration help students build resilience
✔ Why real change in education happens at the local level
✔ The power of play in learning—yes, even in middle and high school!
✔ Why we need to involve students in solving real-world problems

Meet My Guests:🎙️ Peter Hoststrasser – 23-year educator, CTE/business teacher, internship coordinator, and co-host of the Disrupt Education Podcast. He’s passionate about hands-on learning and connecting students with real-world experiences.

🎙️ Alli Dahl – Former chemistry teacher turned skydiving instructor (yes, really!). She brings a fresh perspective on overcoming fear, rethinking education, and getting students to push beyond their comfort zones.

🖥️ Check Out the Disrupt Education Podcast:
🌍 DisruptEducation Podcast
🔗 Follow Peter & Alli on LinkedIn:

• Peter Hoststrasser
• Alli Dahl

Where to Find Me📲 Twitter/X: @CoachThomasTech
🎧 Subscribe to The Tech Ed Clubhouse Podcast: [Your Podcast Link]
🔗 Website & Blog: CoachThomasTech.com

Join the Conversation!

🚀 How are YOU disrupting education? Tag me @CoachThomasTech and use #TechEdClubhouse & #DisruptEducation to share your thoughts!

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In this international edition of the Tech Ed Clubhouse, I amjoined by Jason Reagin, an experienced educator currently teaching in Beijing, China. From his roots in Georgia to international classrooms across Korea, Bermuda, and China, Jason shares his journey through design, technology, andthe evolving world of education.

With over two decades of experience in international IBschools, Jason dives deep into the power of inquiry-based learning, the flexibility and challenges of teaching in diverse global classrooms, and the importance of building soft skills and student agency through design tech education.

🔍 Topics Covered:

Jason’s global teaching journey: From Atlanta to China viaKorea and Bermuda

Transition from Industrial Arts to Design Tech

Inside look at the IB framework and what makes it unique

Why student voice and choice matter more than ever

How international schools handle assessment, project-based learning, and soft skills

The rising trend of gap years and what it means for student wellness

Candid thoughts on student mental health post-COVIDlockdowns

Embracing discomfort, cultural collisions, and growth indiverse classrooms

The importance of teacher-student relationships inthe AI era

Using LinkedIn and podcasting to connect with educatorsglobally

🎯 Jason’s Takeaways for Educators:

• Provide Student Choice: Let students show what theyknow in a way that suits them—video, presentation, debate, or design project.
• Shift the Role: Move from deliverer of content tofacilitator of inquiry. Ask more, tell less.
• Know Your Students: Especially in the age of AI,relationships are your best detection tool.
• Look Beyond Grades: Focus on growth,performance-based tasks, and holistic assessment.

📚 Resources & Links:

🎧 Jason’s Podcast: Design Cast

🔗 Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: Jason Reagin

📖 Jason’s Book: The Future of Learning – Designing Innovation Spaces that Transform Schools & Inspire Tomorrow’s Leaders

💬 Quote of the Episode:

“Inquiry-based teaching is in my DNA—but helping othersget comfortable with controlled chaos is where the real work begins.” – Jason Reagin

🚀 Connect with Us:

🎙️ Host: Dan Thomas – @CoachThomasTech

💻 Website: coachthomastech.com

📣 Hashtag: #TechEdClubhouse

👀 Like this episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your fellow educators. Let’s reimagine education—one conversation at a time.

💡 How do we turn classrooms into innovation hubs? Liz Gallo, founder of Whymaker, joins us to share how she’s transforming education by making hands-on, minds-on learning the norm—and how schools can partner with businesses to better prepare students for the future.

In This Episode:

• ✅ How Whymaker helps teachers bring playful, project-based learning to every classroom
  ✅ The power of school-business partnerships in shaping career-ready students
  ✅ Real-world workforce development projects that connect education with industry
  ✅ Why CTE & STEM programs are more than just technical skills—they teach essential workplace skills
  ✅ How any educator can start collaborating with local businesses today

Game Changing Takeaways

• 💡 Hands-on learning isn’t optional—it’s essential for real-world success.
• 💡 Workplace skills (like collaboration & problem-solving) are just as critical as technical skills.
• 💡 Local businesses WANT to support education—you just need to ask!

Resouces and Links

🌐 Visit Whymaker:Whymaker.com

Check out the NYS Clean Energy for Educators Workshops. Sign up for one near you!!!

📢 Follow Liz & Whymaker: @Whymaker on all social platforms

🎯 Your Challenge:
What’s one way you can bring real-world industry connections into your classroom? 💬 Tag us with #TechEdClubhouse & share your ideas!

STEM isn’t just about science, technology, engineering, and math—it’s about building futures. In this episode, we’re breaking down how STEM education equips students with the skills to thrive in college and the workplace. From hands-on learning to real-world problem-solving, discover how STEM classrooms are shaping the next generation of innovators, leaders, and creators. Tune in for inspiration, practical insights, and maybe a few surprises along the way! 🚀

Episode Summary:

In this episode ofThe TechEd Clubhouse Podcast, I sit down with Larisa Black, a seasoned virtual educator and AI Literacy Coordinator, to discuss the evolving role of AI in education, building an AI club for teachers and students, and the power of community in professional learning. As one of the founding members of the EduGuardians, Larisa shares insights on the accidental origins of the movement and how it has grown into a thriving global network of educators.

✅ Larisa’s background in virtual education and AI literacy✅ The development of the AI Club for educators and students✅ How AI tools like ChatGPT and SchoolAI support personalized learning✅ Overcoming AI skepticism among educators✅ The power of community-driven professional learning with EduGuardians✅ Reflections on FETC and upcoming events like MACUL 2025✅ How educators can get involved with AI in the classroom

🗨️“AI isn’t replacing teachers—it’s a thought partner.” – Larisa Black

🗨️“When students engage with AI chatbots, it provides valuable insights into their learning gaps.” – Larisa Black

🗨️“The EduGuardians started as an accident, but it turned into a global community.” – Larisa Black

🔗Connect with Larisa Black

🔗https://www.teachwiseai.com/📧 Email:[email protected]
🔗 LinkedIn:Larisa Black

🔗EduGuardians: A group of educators who connect, share ideas, and engage in community building. All educators are invited to become a member! Sign up here: https://www.eduguardian5.com/

🔗South Carolina Connections Academy: A virtual charter school (K-12th grades) available to students in the state of South Carolina. Larisa has been a Science teacher here for the past 9 years. https://learn.connectionsacademy.com/south-carolina-combo/

🔗Recommended AI Tools for Educators:
🛠️SchoolAI – AI-powered chatbots for student engagement
🛠️Curipod – Interactive learning with AI feedback
🛠️Diffit – AI for differentiation in instruction

🎤MACUL 2025 – March 19-21, Detroit, MI
📅 EduGuardians will be hosting multiple sessions, including the closing keynote!
📌 Interested in meeting up? Sign up atEduGuardians5.com to join the community.