The K-12 Tech Podcast

Hosted by K-12 Tech

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Real experiences, real challenges, and real conversations with the educators and technology leaders shaping the K-12 community.

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48 recent

October 26, 2026Episode 3853 min

From the Classroom to the School Board

Educators see firsthand the challenges schools face every day. But what happens when they take their experience beyond the classroom and into school board leadership? In this episode, host Dr. Chantell Manahan talks with Danielle (Danni) Tymitz of Learn21, a recently elected school board member, and Dr. Adam Phyall of All4Ed, a current school board candidate, about their journeys into local education leadership. From what inspired them to run and the realities of building a campaign to connecting with their communities, Danni and Adam share lessons learned along the way. Hear what surprised them about the process, what school boards actually do, and why bringing an educator's perspective to the table matters. Want to learn more about our guests? Visit their websites: Danni Tymitz: tymitz4mcs.com Adam Phyall: drphyallford5.com Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/5TSUhu1pMHjCbki56 Want to join us on the podcast? If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We'd love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/GiEaekMhGmw3UHLi7

October 12, 2026Episode 3733 min

Handing Over the Keys: Trust, Troubleshooting, and Student Agency

What if your students could solve some of your school’s biggest challenges? In this episode, host Dr. Chantell Manahan talks with Jeremy Hill and members of the Richmond High School Tech Team about what happens when educators hand students the keys and trust them to take the lead. From presenting at ISTE and creating personalized AI chatbots to solving real community problems, this tech team goes far beyond typical tech support. Hear how Jeremy is giving students real responsibility and what he’s learned from 11 years of building a student tech team. Learn more about the Richmond High School Tech Team and explore their projects: https://rhstechteam.my.canva.site Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/W5vWazsUWgYyNNoS6 Want to join us on the podcast? If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We’d love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/QwLEgzEgsoo1He9t6

September 28, 2026Episode 2944 min

Save Our E-Rate: What Schools Stand to Lose

E-Rate does more than just keep students online. It supports nearly every part of the modern school day. So what happens if the program is limited or eliminated? In this episode, host Dr. Chantell Manahan talks with Dr. Sheryl Abshire, EdTech Specialist, author, and former CTO of Calcasieu Parish School District, and John Harrington, CEO of Funds for Learning. They explain why E-Rate funding is so critical to communities, how the program actually works, and what we all stand to lose if that support is limited. Make your voice heard! FCC comments are due October 13. Visit Save Our E-Rate to learn how to submit a comment and contact your representatives: Saveourerate.com Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/UV78xNPNBVndhZbd8 Want to join us on the podcast? If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We’d love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/xRu7S4nitNxZbcbR8

September 14, 2026Episode 3546 min

Passing the Torch: A New Chapter for the K-12 Tech Podcast

The K-12 Tech Podcast is back with a new host and a new chapter. In this episode, Zach Marvel passes the torch to Dr. Chantell Manahan as they look back at where their partnership began, Chantell’s transition from 20 years in education to joining K-12 Tech, and what truly separates a vendor from a partner. They also share what’s ahead for the podcast, with more conversations focused on the real challenges, changes, and experiences shaping K-12 education. Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/E6yDhKEvRMEAGmBw9 Want to join us on the podcast? If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We’d love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/t5MNvVrbnqsgR8fN8

September 11, 2025Episode 3441 min

Building Curriculum That Challenges Critical Thinking with Angela Hardin

In this episode, we talk with Angela Hardin (KySTE Impact Teacher of the Year winner) from Model Laboratory School about how her school’s unique format allows her to teach a ninth-grade Media & Information Literacy class that puts critical thinking at the center. Angela shares how her curriculum goes beyond traditional English instruction, and helps students analyze bias, practice digital literacy, and navigate the ethical use of AI through real-world projects. Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/E6yDhKEvRMEAGmBw9 Read more about Angela’s KySTE award at: https://www.model.eku.edu/article/210... Visit Model Laboratory School’s website: https://www.model.eku.edu Want to join us on the podcast? If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We’d love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/t5MNvVrbnqsgR8fN8

April 4, 2024Episode 3347 min

From Challenges to Change with Hope Davis

Hope Davis, MA, CHC takes us on a journey from personal challenges to leading educational innovation at Teach Tech U. Discover how her experiences fueled a passion for transformative technology in education, shaping the future with Project LEAR. An inspiring conversation for anyone intrigued by the power of tech to change lives. Tune in to explore the potential of education reimagined. Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/E6yDhKEvRMEAGmBw9 Want to join us on the podcast? If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We’d love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/t5MNvVrbnqsgR8fN8

January 31, 2024Episode 3252 min

AI in Education - Bridging the Digital Divide with Marsha Maxwell

With guest speaker Marsha Maxwell, PhD, CETL, join us for a reflective journey on the advancements of AI through the years, focusing on how we can further develop these technologies to bridge educational divides. Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/E6yDhKEvRMEAGmBw9 Want to join us on the podcast?If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We’d love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/t5MNvVrbnqsgR8fN8

January 17, 2024Episode 3132 min

Professional Learning - Blending Tech and Teaching with Lana Nguyen

In this engaging episode of The K12 Tech Podcast, host Zachary Marvel is joined by Lana Nguyen, Director of EdTech at Capistrano Unified in Orange County. Lana shares her inspiring journey and deep dive into professional learning, highlighting how it's revolutionizing teacher development and student engagement in today's tech-driven classrooms. From her experiences in integrating technology across diverse educational landscapes to embracing AI's emerging role, Lana offers invaluable insights. This episode is a must-listen for educators and tech enthusiasts eager to understand the transformative power of professional learning in education technology. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on empowering teachers and students in the digital age! Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/E6yDhKEvRMEAGmBw9 Want to join us on the podcast? If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We’d love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/t5MNvVrbnqsgR8fN8

January 3, 2024Episode 3036 min

Desired Outcomes - Planning with Purpose w/ Colleen Flannery

In this episode of the K-12 Tech Podcast, host Zachary Marvel welcomes Colleen Flannery, Chief Technology Officer at Chandler Unified School District. Colleen discusses her journey from educator to tech leader, focusing on the importance of desired outcomes in educational technology. She shares insights on developing Student Information Systems and the critical role of strategic planning in technology decision-making, especially during the transformative period of COVID-19. This conversation offers valuable perspectives for tech directors and CTOs on aligning tech initiatives with overarching educational goals. Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/E6yDhKEvRMEAGmBw9 Want to join us on the podcast? If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We’d love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/t5MNvVrbnqsgR8fN8

December 20, 2023Episode 620 min

Origins Series Ep. 6 Pt. 2 "Personal Development Through Education Technology"

On part two of this episode, Host Zachary Marvel continues his conversation with Chris Larsen about the transformative journey of integrating personal development and technology in education. Chris shares his innovative strategies for fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth among teachers and administrators, driven by a comprehensive framework involving coaching, incentives, and targeted professional development. Discover how Granite School District is redefining educational success through a meticulous blend of technology and personalized learning, ensuring that every student is prepared for the real world. This episode is a deep dive into the power of incremental change and the impact of visionary leadership in education. Earn 1 Professional Growth Point for this episode! Complete this reflection form to receive your official certificate: https://forms.gle/E6yDhKEvRMEAGmBw9 Want to join us on the podcast? If you have a story, experience, or perspective to share, fill out our guest form. We’d love to hear from you: https://forms.gle/t5MNvVrbnqsgR8fN8