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Season 10 of How We Teach This has a wide range of guests and topics - Listen to stories from the National Teachers Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Kansas Master Teachers, get ideas about project-based learning and how counseling impacts education.
Season 10, Episode 15- April 9, 2025
Technology with Purpose: Tools That Make a Difference
Technology with Purpose: Tools That Make a Difference
We’re joined once again by Amanda Young, principal at Education Imagine Academy, a Microsoft Showcase School known for its forward-thinking approach to teaching and learning. In this follow-up conversation, she is joined by educators LaKeshia Brooks and Robert Black, who share how they are using technology to design engaging, personalized learning experiences.
Microsoft Reflect, for example, can provide valuable feedback on the emotional state of both students and staff, supporting well-being across the school community. The conversation also explores how teachers are navigating student use of generative AI and turning those moments into meaningful learning opportunities. This episode offers practical insights into how purposeful technology integration can enhance learning in any classroom.
About Our Guests:
About Our Guests:
Amanda Young
Amanda Young
LaKeshia Brooks
LaKeshia Brooks
Robert Black
Robert Black
Amanda Young
Amanda Young
Principal, Education Imagine Academy
Wichita Public Schools
Amanda Young is an experienced leader in educational transformation, specializing in virtual learning environments and innovative instructional design. With over a decade of experience in leadership and education, she has a proven track record of driving growth, improving learning outcomes, and enhancing engagement. As the leader of Education Imagine Academy, Amanda spearheaded a comprehensive redesign of the Wichita Virtual School, leading to significant improvements in enrollment, graduation rates, and student/family satisfaction.
Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to equity and access, recognized as the recipient of the National Microsoft Community Influencer of the Year Award (2021) for her advocacy for inclusive technology. A Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Canva for Education Advisory Board member, Amanda brings expertise in leveraging technology to create impactful learning experiences. As an ambassador for both Diffit! and CommonSense Media, Amanda represents public schools in her service and advocacy on Digital Citizenship and Literacy.
Amanda’s work has earned her several prestigious nominations, including Kansas Teacher of the Year and Kansas Master Teacher of the Year, and her early career innovations in peer mentoring and service learning earned her national accolades. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Instructional Design & Performance Technology, Amanda continues to focus on creating equitable, accessible learning environments while supporting the professional growth of her teams and driving strategic initiatives.
LaKeshia Brooks
LaKeshia Brooks
Secondary Math/Digital Literacy Virtual Teacher, Education Imagine Academy
Wichita Public Schools
LaKeshia Brooks holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Southwestern College and a graduate certificate in Instructional Technology from Northwest Missouri State University. As an ISTE Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and Microsoft Certified Educator she is passionate about equipping students and educators with the tools to thrive in the digital age. Trained as a Modern Classroom Project Educator, she currently serves as an Edpuzzle Ambassador, Common Sense Education Ambassador, and Canvassador for Canva, focusing on integrating technology, fostering digital citizenship, and creating engaging, impactful learning experiences.
Robert Black
Robert Black
6-8 Virtual Social Studies Teacher , Education Imagine Academy
Wichita Public Schools
Robert Black, a graduate from Emporia State University with a Bachelors in Secondary Education with a focus on Social Studies has 6 years of teaching experience. He is a Microsoft Certified Educator who seeks to utilize technology to develop skills to prepare students for the future.
Resources:
Resources:
“This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Emporia State University or the Teachers College. Any mention of products, individuals, or organizations within this podcast does not constitute an endorsement. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on information provided in this podcast.”
Want to be a guest on our show? Contact us at email: HWTT@emporia.edu
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