Eastern Standard - Learning Curve with Gill Hunter & Brigitte Blom

Gill Hunter & Brigitte Blom: Education

In this series co-hosted by Gill Hunter, Interim Dean of Education at EKU, and Brigitte Blom, Executive Director of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, we explore and amplify the many issues facing Kentucky educators, students and parents.

Kentucky has nearly 650,000 children attending pre-school through high schools in 172 school districts. 42,000 teachers and 54,000 administrators and support staff are working in the 1,466 public schools across the state. Added together, 17% of the state’s population, almost 1/5, attend or work for public schools in Kentucky.

Many of the issues facing public schools, teachers, students, and their families are national trends - a growing shortage of teachers, funding, student performance, issues related to diversity, and school safety. Other issues are unique to Kentucky such as high rates of poverty, lack of internet access and technology in schools and the homes of students, or funding for transportation.

The Interviews

August 17, 2023 - There’s a new kid in class. Goes by the initials “A.I.” How classroom teachers are preparing for the influence of artificial intelligence on the real thing. Education series co-host Gil Hunter talks with Dr. John Nash, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Studies and director of the Laboratory on Design Thinking at the University of Kentucky.

June 29, 2023 - "Durable Skills" - those we use to share what we know such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, as well as the character skills fortitude and leadership, are the focus of Learning Curve series host Brigitte Blom in this interview with American Succeeds co-founder and president Tim Taylor. LISTEN

November 10, 2022 - The connection between education and economic well-being is explored with Vicki Phillips of the National Center for Education and the Economy. Brigitte Blom, host.

September 8, 2022 - Gill Hunter's guest is Brooke Gill, Senior Director for Family Engagement Policy and Practice with the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. They discuss an effort to bring parents, teachers and businesses onto the same wavelength to strengthen public education.

August 18, 2022 - As classes get underway Kentucky, like much of the country, searches for qualified teachers. Brigitte Blom discusses the teacher shortage with Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass

July 28, 2022 - Out with standardized testing, in with Deeper Learning. Gill Hunter gets details from KY Board of Education chair Lu Young.

TEACHING IN A PANDEMIC

July 9, 2020 - Cynthia Resor with Mica Fawns, Montgomery County special education and Math teacher

July 16, 2020 - Cynthia Resor with Clay County Math teacher Aaron Asher

July 23, 2020 - Cynthia Resor with Leslie County math and social studies teacher Rhonda Gross

August 6, 2020 - Cynthia Resor with Rockcastle County social studies teacher Holly Robinson