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Listen "Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap: Teacher Ed, AI, & Future of Special Education w/Dr. Jennifer Sears"
Episode Synopsis
Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap: Teacher Ed, AI, and the Future of Special Education with Dr. Jennifer Sears
Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️
Dr. Jennifer Sears, Associate Professor
Department of Elementary and Special Education, University of North Georgia
with host Richard Capone
Episode P1E9, Oct 3, 2025
Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Sears shares her journey into special education, highlighting the importance of advocacy and the evolution of educational practices. She discusses the innovative teacher education program at the University of North Georgia, which prepares students for diverse classroom environments. The conversation also addresses challenges in teacher retention, the role of technology in education, and the importance of embracing new tools and ideas in special education. Dr. Sears emphasizes the need for open-mindedness among special education directors and the value of insights from new teachers.
Takeaways
—Dr. Sears' journey into special education was influenced by her family's advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
—The IDEA legislation was significantly impacted by early advocates like Dr. Sears' grandparents.
—Dr. Sears emphasizes the importance of practical experience in teacher education programs.
—The University of North Georgia's program uniquely certifies students in both elementary and special education.
—Teacher retention is a significant challenge, with many new teachers leaving the profession within five years.
—Dr. Sears encourages students to remember their 'why' in teaching to combat burnout.
—Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for educators.
—Technology can enhance teaching practices, but it requires proper training and integration.
—New teachers often bring fresh ideas and technological skills that can benefit experienced educators.
—Collaboration between new and experienced teachers can lead to innovative solutions in education.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Special Education Journey
03:11 Family Legacy and Advocacy in Special Education
05:08 Teacher Education Program Structure
12:10 Challenges in Teacher Retention
17:15 The Role of Technology in Education
24:59 Embracing New Tools in Special Education
#SpecialEducation, #TeacherTraining, #TeacherEd, #IDEA, #EdTech, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #AIinEducation, #TeacherRetention, #DataDrivenInstruction, #LetsGoLearn
Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️
Dr. Jennifer Sears, Associate Professor
Department of Elementary and Special Education, University of North Georgia
with host Richard Capone
Episode P1E9, Oct 3, 2025
Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Sears shares her journey into special education, highlighting the importance of advocacy and the evolution of educational practices. She discusses the innovative teacher education program at the University of North Georgia, which prepares students for diverse classroom environments. The conversation also addresses challenges in teacher retention, the role of technology in education, and the importance of embracing new tools and ideas in special education. Dr. Sears emphasizes the need for open-mindedness among special education directors and the value of insights from new teachers.
Takeaways
—Dr. Sears' journey into special education was influenced by her family's advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
—The IDEA legislation was significantly impacted by early advocates like Dr. Sears' grandparents.
—Dr. Sears emphasizes the importance of practical experience in teacher education programs.
—The University of North Georgia's program uniquely certifies students in both elementary and special education.
—Teacher retention is a significant challenge, with many new teachers leaving the profession within five years.
—Dr. Sears encourages students to remember their 'why' in teaching to combat burnout.
—Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for educators.
—Technology can enhance teaching practices, but it requires proper training and integration.
—New teachers often bring fresh ideas and technological skills that can benefit experienced educators.
—Collaboration between new and experienced teachers can lead to innovative solutions in education.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Special Education Journey
03:11 Family Legacy and Advocacy in Special Education
05:08 Teacher Education Program Structure
12:10 Challenges in Teacher Retention
17:15 The Role of Technology in Education
24:59 Embracing New Tools in Special Education
#SpecialEducation, #TeacherTraining, #TeacherEd, #IDEA, #EdTech, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #AIinEducation, #TeacherRetention, #DataDrivenInstruction, #LetsGoLearn
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