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K-12 Episodes

173
Aug. 13, 2025

173: Stop Selling Yourself Short: Quantify Your Impact and Land Your Next Role with Josh Czupryk

In this episode of Ed Up L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Josh Czupryk, the creator of the K-12 job board blast. They discuss Josh's journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, the challenges educators face when transitioning careers, and the importance of quantifying experiences in resumes. Josh shares insights on the current education landscape, opportunities for teachers in L&D and EdTech, and practical advice for job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs. Resources mentioned in this episode: JO...
Guest: Josh Czupryk
163
July 9, 2025

163: Transforming Doubt into Drive: Whitney Kilgore’s Path from Educator to Entrepreneur

In this episode, Whitney Kilgore shares her inspiring journey from being a first-grade teacher to co-founding iDesign, a leading organization in instructional design. She discusses the importance of recognizing educators' skills, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the evolution of online education, especially during the pandemic. Whitney emphasizes the need for continuous learning, networking, and adapting to new technologies in the education sector. She also provides valuable advice for transiti...
158
April 9, 2025

158: Empowering Yourself: The Importance of Knowing Your Worth

Summary In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens dives into the critical topic of salary transparency, discussing its importance in the job market and how it affects individuals in learning and development. She shares personal experiences and actionable tips on negotiating salaries, advocating for fair compensation, and fostering open conversations about money. The episode emphasizes the need for transparency in job postings and the impact it has on equity in the workplace, encouraging listeners...
Guest: Holly Owens
150
Sept. 10, 2024

150: Learning & Development Demystified: L&D Across Sectors and Contexts

Some might ask... What is L&D? In this episode, hosts Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson discuss their experiences and expertise in the field of learning and development (L&D). They share their personal journeys from teaching to instructional design and highlight the transferable skills that teachers possess. The hosts emphasize the importance of creativity and dynamic approaches in education and discuss the evolution of instructional design. They define learning and development as a broad field tha...
Guest: Holly Owens
148
Aug. 15, 2024

148: It's Not Just One Thing - Tips for Navigating the L&D Job Market with Our Very Own Holly Owens

Summary In this episode, Holly Owens covers navigating the learning and development job market, emphasizing networking, authentic connections, and the skills needed for success as an instructional designer. She advises job seekers to be selective and find their niche. Holly also compares instructional design in corporate vs. educational settings, noting differences in innovation pace and audience. She offers guidance on the value of a master's degree or certificate, suggests relevant programs,...
Guest: Holly Owens
145
July 22, 2024

145: The Concept of Powerful Learning with Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO and President of Digital Promise

Summary In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Jean-Claude Brizard, the CEO and President of Digital Promise. They discuss Brizard's journey in education and his role at Digital Promise. They also explore the challenges facing educators today, such as teacher shortages and the need for support and career growth opportunities. Brizard offers advice for teachers who are considering leaving the profession and emphasizes the importance of creating a career ladder in education. The...
137
April 17, 2024

137: Starting Your Career Transition: Taking the First Step to a Career in L&D - Part 1 of 3

In this episode, Holly discusses the topic of transitioning into a career in learning and development (L&D), specifically in instructional design. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being intentional and strategic in the career transition process. She suggests five key steps to take before applying for roles in the L&D industry: 1) identify what you want in a role, 2) determine which sector of L&D you want to work in (e.g., education, corporate, government, freelance, etc.), 3) conduct re...
Guest: Holly Owens
135
March 21, 2024

135: TechTalent: Navigating Recruitment in Ed Tech with Former Educator Spencer Sharp

In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, we interviewed Spencer Sharp, a Talent Specialist at Field Pros Inc., who specializes in recruiting for the ed tech industry. Sharp shares his journey from being a STEM teacher to entering the ed tech industry and eventually becoming a recruiter. He discusses the qualities he looks for in candidates, including the ability to pivot, confidence, and soft skills. Sharp also emphasizes the importance of understanding the recruiting process and the challenges that com...
Guest: Spencer Sharp
134
March 11, 2024

134: Unlocking Literacy: A Deep Dive into Plabook's AI-Powered Education Revolution with Dr. Phil Hickman

In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, hosts Holly Owens and DaNadia Johnson interview Dr. Phil Hickman, the CEO and founder of Plabook, an innovative reading technology that uses artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and speech recognition to help children learn how to read. Dr. Phil shares his extensive background in education, from being a teacher, counselor, school psychologist, assistant principal, principal, to superintendent in some of the largest school districts in the nation...
129
Feb. 20, 2024

129: From Student to CEO- Transforming Education with Schoolconomy

In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, hosts Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Regnault Sanders, the founder and CEO of Schoolconomy. Sanders shares his journey from being a student to becoming the founder of an EdTech company. He explains that School Economy is a student success software that rewards students for positive behavior, which has led to increased engagement and a decrease in behavioral referrals. The platform also involves parents by notifying them when their child has done somethi...