We bring together the greatest minds for the use of technology in education to understand what has worked for them and what can enable your students and educators to fulfill the promise of learning through technology
More Than a Name Change – Christine Feenstra on Leading Innovation Through Change
Technology and education evolve together, but leading change within a legacy organization is not a small task. In this episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, Alex sits down with Christine Feenstra, Executive Director of calie (formerly CUE), to talk about what it really means to reimagine an education organization for the current era. Christine shares how her team guided a year-long transformation that went far beyond a new name or logo. She discusses redefining purpose, engaging communities, and why embracing technology and AI is now essential for every educator. his conversation highlights how calie is shaping the future of K–12 learning.
Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:
• The story behind CUE’s transformation into calie
• What it takes to lead meaningful organizational change
• How community voice and collaboration drive innovation
• Why educators can no longer “opt out” of technology
• The importance of rebranding with purpose and clarity
• New benefits and professional learning opportunities for calie members
We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at podcast@stsed.com
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
24 Sept 2025
Building AI Guardrails and Future-Proofing Tech in K12 with Bo Charlton
In today’s episode, we’re excited to bring you a unique perspective from Bo Charlton, the business manager at Cashmere School District in Washington State, a close-knit community known for its agriculture and student-centered focus. In the first conversation with a business manager, co-hosts Alex and Bob dive into everything from district operations and technology initiatives to the ever-evolving role of AI in K-12 education.
Bo shares his journey into school finance, influenced by his educator parents and a passion for making a difference in students’ lives. He talks about the district’s successes, challenges, and what it takes to support student achievement, from innovative uses of ESSER funds for technology to new AI policies setting the standard for responsible, practical adoption.
Key Moments
04:33 Cashmere Schools' Caring Community Impact
07:26 Cashmere Administrative Structure Overview
11:18 Future Device Planning Strategy
15:41 Evolving AI Policy in Education
16:33 AI Policy Challenges in Fast-Paced Field
20:19 AI: Enhancing, Not Replacing, Thought
24:06 "Exploring Budget-Friendly Education Platform"
28:18 "Inspirational Coach and Mentor"
31:58 Policy vs. Practice Understanding
Why You’ll Love This Episode
This episode shines a spotlight on a role that rarely gets center stage in K–12 conversations. Bo Charlton brings a refreshing mix of financial acumen, small-town perspective, and a deep commitment to student success. He talks candidly about sustaining technology investments after ESSER funding, building AI policies with guardrails, and balancing innovation with practicality in a rural setting. This episode offers a refreshingly candid look behind the scenes, complete with real talk about budgets, policy writing, and those memorable teachers who shape who we become.
Connect with Guest – Bo Charlton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-charlton-a16794159 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-charlton-a16794159)
Website: https://www.cashmere.wednet.edu/cashmeresd (https://www.cashmere.wednet.edu/cashmeresd)
Connect with Hosts – Alex Inman & Bob Cireddu
LinkedIn – Alex Inman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexinman/
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexinman/)LinkedIn – Bob Cireddu: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobcireddu/)https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-cireddu
Subscribe to Learning Through Technology for more conversations with the innovators shaping K-12 education.
3 Sept 2025
Small School, Big Impact: Eric Bonniksen Shares Community-Centered Leadership Strategies
In this episode of Learning Through Technology, hosts Alex and Bob talk with Eric Bonniksen, superintendent of Placerville Union School District in California and president of the Small School District Association. With 14 years of leadership in the same district—a rare feat—Eric shares how building trust, fostering relationships, and prioritizing “students first” has created a culture where both staff and families feel valued. From introducing a dual immersion program shaped by parent input to structuring a unique technology bond that keeps classrooms up-to-date without overburdening taxpayers, Eric explains how small schools can innovate while staying deeply connected to their communities.
The conversation doesn’t shy away from challenges either. Eric candidly discusses the staffing crisis—bus drivers to teachers—and the difficulty of competing with outside industries for talent. Yet, he shows how culture, personal connection, and genuine customer service can make schools places where people want to work and stay. His reflections on leadership, relationships, and the influence of his educator parents add a personal dimension to this practical, hopeful discussion.
Key Moments
04:20 Building Trust Through Relationships
08:00 Integrating Technology in Classrooms
11:00 Infrastructure Update & Classroom Technology
15:11 Staffing Challenges in Rural Education
17:44 Hiring Challenges in Education Technology
22:20 Valuing Staff Contributions
25:06 Workplace Culture's Impact on Retention
27:55 Customer Service Culture in Education
30:30 Parental Influence in Education
33:23 Small School, Big Opportunities
Why You’ll Love This Episode
This episode is a masterclass in small-school leadership. Whether you’re a superintendent, educator, or community member, you’ll be inspired by Eric’s creative solutions for funding technology, his philosophy of putting relationships first, and his belief that culture drives everything. If you’ve ever wondered how small districts can thrive despite limited resources, or what it takes to sustain leadership in one place for more than a decade, this conversation offers both answers and inspiration.
Connect with Guest – Eric Bonniksen
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-bonniksen-3b530b16
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-bonniksen-3b530b16)
Connect with Hosts – Alex Inman & Bob Cireddu
LinkedIn – Alex Inman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexinman/
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexinman/)LinkedIn – Bob Cireddu: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobcireddu/)https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-cireddu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-cireddu)
Subscribe to Learning Through Technology for more conversations with the innovators shaping K-12 education.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
172,729
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
17 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
20 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 72 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
78
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
77
Contact Learning Through Technology
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Learning Through Technology?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
