{"podcast":{"title":"Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators","slug":"shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439","podcast_index_feed_id":721439,"rss_url":"https://shiftingourschools.libsyn.com/rss","website_url":"http://www.shiftingschools.com","image_url":"https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/1/2/2/b/122be1b60ba51c69d959afa2a1bf1c87/shifting.png","author":"Jeff Utecht","episode_count":300,"summary":"Shifting Schools is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the latest trends, strategies, and tools in K-12 education. Hosted by educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, the podcast provides a platform for teachers, administrators, and education thought leaders to share their experiences and insights on how to improve teaching and learning. From innovative approaches in classroom management to leveraging technology for personalized learning, Shifting Schools tackles the most pressing issues facing K12 educators today. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a new educator, this podcast will inspire you to think outside the box and shift your educational approach. Tune in to Shifting Schools to gain new perspectives, share ideas, and join a community of passionate educators who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of their students. Follow us at @shiftingschools on Twitter and @shiftingschoolspod on Instagram and Tiktok","last_synced_at":"2026-07-19T14:21:10.479438+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439"},"episode":{"title":"How Puzzles Build Confidence, Community, and Curiosity","slug":"how-puzzles-build-confidence-community-and-curiosity","published_at":"2026-01-27T14:53:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439/how-puzzles-build-confidence-community-and-curiosity","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439","url":"https://pod.shiftingschools.com/","audio_url":"https://pdrl.fm/f0d9c7/pdcn.co/e/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shiftingourschools/jan_28_mixdown.mp3?dest-id=621226","summary":"What do puzzles teach us about being human. In this episode, Tricia talks with Allison Kane, Head of Puzzle Innovation at Highlights, about why puzzling matters far beyond entertainment. From Hidden Pictures and Wordle to classroom design and family learning, this conversation explores how puzzles build confidence, perseverance, and joyful learning across ages. Learn more: https://parents.highlights.com/printable-puzzles-and-mazes-puzzle-day-challenge Allison shares her origin story as a lifelong puzzler, explains the idea of the satisfaction of the solve, and offers practical advice for educators and families who want to integrate puzzles into learning spaces. The conversation also looks at puzzle design, community building, and what adults model for young people when they choose curiosity over avoidance. Topics covered Allison Kane's path from Highlights intern to Head of Puzzle Innovation Why puzzles support perseverance, confidence, and joyful learning The satisfaction of the solve and why payoff matters Puzzles as community builders in classrooms and families Designing puzzles that challenge without frustrating How educators can bring puzzles into classrooms easily What adults model for kids through playful intellectual challenge National Puzzle Day and the rise of puzzle communities Puzzles are not just activities. They are invitations to practice thinking, persistence, and joy. When adults model engagement with challenge, they show young people that learning can feel good.","meta_description":"What do puzzles teach us about being human. In this episode, Tricia talks with Allison Kane, Head of Puzzle Innovation at Highlights, about why puzzling m…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":944,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439/episodes/how-puzzles-build-confidence-community-and-curiosity/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/shifting-schools-conversations-for-k12-educators-721439/how-puzzles-build-confidence-community-and-curiosity.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}