In this episode, host Sarvesh Bhardwaj sits down with Kelly Cota, a lifelong educator and the K-12 Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator for Cedar Falls Community School District in Iowa. With over 26 years of experience, Kelly shares her journey through the education system, from classroom teaching to state-level consulting.
Together, they explore the evolving challenges of curriculum alignment, student engagement, and the pivotal role of high-quality instructional materials. Kelly discusses the district’s approach to professional development, the importance of supporting teachers through change, and the ways AI tools, like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Notebook LM, are being integrated to enhance both teaching and learning.
Timestamps
04:29 "Education: Consistency and Depth"
09:10 Educational AI: Excitement and Concerns
12:52 Enhancing Teacher Support and Partnerships
14:48 Balancing Creativity and Educational Goals
17:50 Empower Authentic Teacher Leadership
22:11 Embrace Continuous Learning in Education
24:14 AI Information: Credibility and Critical Thinking
29:32 Teachers' Perspectives on AI Tools
30:37 Evaluating Educational Tools
35:14 AI: Efficiency vs. Human Balance
36:55 "Diverse Learning Pathways Offered"
42:58 AI-Enhanced Student Feedback
46:12 "Exploring Fisher and Fry's Playbooks"
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you're an educator, instructional leader, or anyone invested in the future of teaching and learning, this episode with Kelly Cota is a must-listen. With over 25 years in education, Kelly brings both depth and heart to a timely conversation about how AI is supporting great instruction. From real talk about AI in the classroom to strategies for professional development and student equity, this episode offers a thoughtful, grounded look at what’s possible when innovation meets empathy in education.
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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 unlocks what’s possible for every student.
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