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In this episode, Laura Jean Penrod, an award-winning educator and advocate, shares insights on how personalized, competency-based learning (CBL) and technology can transform education. She emphasizes that instead of adhering to rigid pacing guides, educators should focus on meeting students where they are, allowing them to learn at their own pace while mastering the necessary skills. This approach, combined with thoughtful integration of technology like AI tools, can help reduce the workload on teachers and enhance the learning experience for students by providing more tailored support.

The conversation also highlights the importance of critical thinking and digital citizenship in today’s educational landscape. Teachers play a crucial role not just as instructors but as guides who inspire curiosity and model ethical use of information. Penrod encourages educators to prioritize both their well-being and that of their students, fostering environments where learning is engaging, inclusive, and student-centered. Ultimately, her message is one of hope and progress: with the right tools, mindset, and collaboration, teachers can be agents of meaningful change in education.

About Jeannie

Laura Jeanne ("Jeannie") Penrod's journey as a high school educator has spanned 18 years in the Clark County School District. She facilitates meaningful learning experiences with students using project-based learning (PBL) and social-emotional learning (SEL) to foster student reflection and advocacy. She is passionate about teacher leadership and has engaged in local, statewide, national, and global fellowships. She is the 2024 Nevada State Teacher of the Year and the recipient of the 2024-25 NASDTEC Forward Fund for the country's western region.


Where Listeners Can Find Laura Jeanne Penrod:

• On Instagram 
• Her Website
• On LinkedIn 
• On X

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus