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In today’s episode, we’re joined by the vibrant and insightful Maisha Wilder, an educator who’s spent her career helping students—of every age—find their voice and thrive. Maisha offers a fresh, grounded perspective on the role of technology in education, urging teachers to treat it not as the star of the show, but as the costume that supports the performance.

From working with elementary students to guiding college transfer hopefuls, Maisha shares practical tools, creative analogies, and a heartfelt reminder that the most essential element in the classroom isn’t a device—it’s the teacher. Whether you’re struggling with tech integration or looking for a way to deepen digital citizenship in your classroom, this conversation is for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Tech as a tool, not the teacher: Why technology should support, not replace, human connection in the classroom.

• Digital safety & stewardship: How to guide students toward mindful, ethical tech usage—starting in elementary school.

• Accessible innovation: Strategies for making classroom tech inclusive and equitable for all learners.

• Digital dilemmas: Creative ways to engage students in conversations about online behavior and real-world consequences.

• Authentic Intelligence > Artificial Intelligence: A new definition of AI that centers the educator’s unique influence and style.

🚀 Welcome to the School on a Mission Podcast! 🎙️

Hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, this podcast is for educators, school leaders, and change-makers who believe in building schools where leadership, character, and social-emotional growth matter just as much as academics. If you believe education should inspire, equip, and empower the next generation—you’re in the right place!

Each episode features engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you create a school culture where students thrive. From leadership principles and community engagement to AI in education and social media strategy, we tackle the most pressing topics in modern education.

🎧 New episodes drop regularly—don’t miss out!

💡 Connect with us at schoolonamissionpodcast.com

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🔹 The School on a Mission Podcast is produced by Growing Leaders, powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.