Vetted by Mark Vetter
Join host Mark Vetter on this exciting new podcast, your go-to resource for all things education and technology. With a rich background in the education sector, Mark brings a wealth of experience from his 9 years of classroom teaching to 31 years of leadership in junior high schools. His journey didn't stop there; he transitioned into district curriculum leadership and eventually into a technology leadership role, where he discovered his passion for educational technology.
In each episode, Mark dives into the dynamic world of digital learning and student safety, sharing insights and innovative approaches to revolutionize education. Now with Microk12, he...
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All Episodes
Beyond the Display: Samsung's Vision for AI in Education
In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Dr. Micah Shippee, Director of Education at Samsung, former classroom teacher, researcher in innovation adoption, and futurist. The conversation goes far beyond hardware. Together, they explore how schools can move from simply integrating technology to truly adopting innovation in ways that improve teaching and learning. Dr. Shippee shares his journey from 22 years in the classroom to leading education strategy at Samsung, and explains why the most important question about any technology is not what it does today, but where it is going next. The discussion covers AI in education, digital safety, FERPA and COPPA considerations, screen-time concerns, collaborative learning spaces, and Samsung’s vision for interactive displays that amplify teachers’ existing workflows rather than forcing schools into a closed ecosystem. You’ll also hear practical examples of how AI-powered features such as live transcription, lesson summaries, formative assessment tools, and searchable notes can support accessibility, IEP accommodations, and student understanding. Whether you’re a superintendent, principal, technology director, instructional coach, or classroom teacher, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the future of educational technology and the human decisions that will shape it.
Inside Washington's Cyber Incident Response Team (CERT)
Cyber threats facing K–12 schools are growing more sophisticated every year, but districts don't have to face them alone. In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Bre Urness-Straight (OSPI), Garren Shannon, and April Mardock to discuss the development of the Washington Cyber Incident Response Team (CERT). Together, they explain how this statewide volunteer initiative will provide trained cybersecurity professionals to help schools, municipalities, and tribal agencies prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents. The conversation explores why proactive cybersecurity hygiene matters, what happens when a district experiences an attack, how CERT volunteers are trained and vetted, and why collaboration across education and government is critical to protecting student data and public services. Whether you're a technology director, district administrator, or simply interested in the future of cybersecurity in education, this episode offers an inside look at one of Washington's most important new initiatives.
Leading Through Crisis
In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Teshon Christie, Chief Digital Transformation and Information Officer at Highline School District and a self-described culture-building innovator. Teshon shares his journey from early days at AOL and network engineering to leading large-scale digital transformation in K–12 education. The conversation dives deep into what leadership really looks like when it matters most during a crisis. After navigating a major cyber incident, Teshon reflects on the realities of incident response, the importance of team cohesion under pressure, and how strong leadership can turn disruption into opportunity. He unpacks concepts like technical debt in simple terms, explains why curiosity is a critical leadership skill, and shares how asking better questions can transform team performance. The episode also explores the human side of leadership, including how to support teams through long hours, stress, and uncertainty without burning them out, and why trust and psychological safety are essential before a crisis ever happens. Whether you are a CIO, educator, or leader in any field, this conversation offers practical insights on building resilient teams, leading with intention, and coming out stronger on the other side of adversity.
From Cameras to Classrooms
Technology in the classroom has evolved far beyond textbooks and projectors. In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Cindel Green, Public Sector Account Manager at Logitech, to explore how modern classroom technology is changing the way students learn, create, and demonstrate what they know. From high-quality webcams and microphones to esports equipment and hybrid learning solutions, Logitech tools are helping schools unlock new opportunities for student creativity, collaboration, and access to education. Mark and Cindel discuss how video and audio technologies allow students to present their learning in new ways, how rural districts are expanding learning through hybrid classrooms, and why content creation is becoming an essential student skill. They also explore emerging trends in esports, the growing importance of flexible technology that works across platforms, and how sustainability is shaping the future of classroom hardware. Whether you're a district technology leader, educator, or education innovator, this conversation highlights how the right tools can empower students to communicate, collaborate, and succeed in a rapidly changing digital world..png)