In this episode, host Sarvesh Bhardwaj sits down with Karen Oliver, Chief Academic Officer at Options Schools in Indiana. With decades of experience spanning classroom teaching, instructional coaching, and district leadership, Karen shares her journey from journalism student to educational leader dedicated to alternative education.

Together, they explore how Options Schools are supporting teachers through professional development, building community across multiple school sites, and leveraging innovative tools, especially AI to improve teaching, learning, and student outcomes. Karen also reflects on leadership, teacher retention, and the future of education as technology reshapes classrooms.

Timestamps

00:45 Karen’s Journey: From Journalism to Education Leadership
03:23 Building Connected Professional Development
05:30 Strategies for Teacher Retention and Balance
07:36 Managing PD Across Brick-and-Mortar, ABA, and Virtual Schools
11:37 Using Data to Identify Instructional Gaps
13:49 Coaching vs. Evaluation: Strengthening Teacher Feedback
14:59 Universal Design for Learning & Project-Based Approaches
16:59 Observational Assessments and New Tools for Student Data
18:45 Magic Bus, AI Scavenger Hunts, and Teacher PD Engagement
21:03 Addressing Teacher Perspectives on AI Adoption
25:04 Peer-Led Learning and Evaluating New Tools
27:56 Higher Education’s Slow Catch-Up with AI

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re a school leader, teacher, or anyone passionate about alternative education and instructional innovation, this conversation with Karen Oliver is a must-listen. Karen shares practical strategies for supporting teachers, creating balance in professional development, and experimenting with AI tools like Magic Bus, ChatGPT, and Gemini to reduce workload and spark creativity. You’ll walk away with insight into how collaborative leadership and thoughtful innovation can empower educators and help students thrive.

Connect with Karen Oliver

Website: https://optionsschools.org/team/

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• Sarvesh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarveshbhardwaj
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• Magna Website: https://magnaeducation.ai/
  
  

About the Podcast

Magna AI is the show where we sit down with school leaders and instructional innovators to explore how bold ideas and smart tools are shaping the future of learning. Each episode unpacks how supporting teachers unlock what’s possible for every student.

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