Education moves fast, but the best teachers move faster. Between social-emotional learning and the sudden rise of Artificial Intelligence, teachers are constantly recalibrating how they connect with students. It isn't just about the latest gadget; it's about knowing which tools actually help a student succeed.
Today, we are proud to spotlight Frank Giunta, Department Chair and Teacher of Business Education at Camden Academy Charter High School, as our latest Learning Luminary. Frank’s journey of completing over 42 badges this school year alone, including several specialized AI in Education credentials, shows exactly what happens when a teacher stays curious and isn't afraid to lead by example to improve student outcomes.
The Foundation
Before we look at the tech, we have to look at the human element. Frank recently earned his "SEL Skills: Build Relationships with Students" microcredential through Edge•U. He lives by a simple but powerful rule: students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
By prioritizing SEL, Frank creates a "psychologically safe" and inclusive space. When students see their teachers as active, lifelong learners who are willing to grow alongside them, they feel more comfortable taking risks with their own learning.
The Case for AI in Business Ed
As Frank tracks new shifts in the business world, he’s naturally looking at Artificial Intelligence. Just as interactive tools once changed the way he taught Economics, AI is now offering new ways to bridge the gap between school and the professional world.
Why is AI a priority for Frank?
- Differentiated Learning: AI helps teachers tailor content to specific student needs at scale, making sure no one gets left behind in a tough Economics unit.
- More Time for Mentorship: By streamlining the "busy work" of teaching, AI gives Frank more time to do what he loves: talking to students and helping them plan their futures.
- Future-Proofing Careers: In Business Education, Frank knows his students are graduating into an AI-driven economy. By using these tools now, he’s giving them a massive head start.
Advice for Other Educators
For anyone hesitant about digital microcredentials or AI, Frank’s advice is straightforward: "Just jump into it." He encourages his peers to be reflective and use professional development as a way to sharpen their craft. "Once you start getting your submissions approved, it motivates you to do more!"
Beyond the Classroom
When Frank isn’t in the classroom, he’s a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, cheering for the Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, and Phillies. Whether he’s at home with his wife and two boys or researching the next big trend in business, Frank represents the best of what it means to be an educator today.
Congratulations, Frank, on your incredible work! You are a true example of the power of innovation in education.
Are you ready to start your own journey? Join the Edge•U community today and see how tools like SEL and AI can transform your classroom.
Coaching Research Conversations
Is instructional coaching actually working, or are we just treating symptoms of a broken system? In this episode of the Coaching Research Conversations with Matt Brady, we tackle the identity crisis facing modern coaches. With hundreds of different job titles and a lack of clear metrics, many coaches find themselves stuck in a loop of “yak shaving”—tackling endless, irrelevant tasks to get to the actual work of teaching.
The Coaches Court: March Madness Strategies
Join our coaches Lisa Olidges and Jordan Petri as we explore the “March Madness” coaching cycle—a framework designed to re-energize staff through gamified professional development and high-utility tech tools. From running 4-to-6 week intensive coaching cycles to hosting “Tech Pop-ups” that give teachers their time back, we’re sharing the exact tactics you need to finish the school year strong and build relationships that last into next year
The Impact & Innovation Focus
Instructional coaching isn’t just about the latest tech—it’s about solving problems and seeing the human in front of you. In this episode, Celine and Katie welcome Dr. Kaylah Holland, a Google Certified Innovator and ISTE award winner, to discuss how we can revolutionize Professional Development.
Dr. Holland shares her “non-negotiables” for effective PD and takes us inside the unique world of coaching in juvenile justice facilities. From low-tech engagement strategies like “mood meters” to building trust in high-stress environments, Kaylah explains how consistency and creativity can transform any classroom.
What do you love about coaching?
In this heart-to-heart episode of the Edu Coach Collective, we’re stepping away from the “how-to” and leaning into the “why.” We sat down with several instructional coaches from the Forward Edge team to uncover the special moments that make this job so rewarding.
From the “lightbulb” moments in a classroom to the quiet, breakthrough conversations in a hallway, our coaches share the personal stories and professional wins that keep them inspired. Whether you're a veteran coach looking for a little soul-fuel or a new coach wondering what the journey holds, this episode is a celebration of the impact—both big and small—that happens when we partner with teachers.
A.I. Literacy with Jeffrey Riley
In this episode of the EDU Coach Collective, hosts Celine Thomas and Katie Ritter sit down with Jeffrey Riley, a former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education, now leading a nonprofit initiative at MIT. The conversation shifts from simple AI tools to the broader necessity of AI literacy for students, teachers, and instructional leaders.
The conversation around AI in education has evolved. It is no longer about if AI will impact your classroom, but how you can use it to empower your teaching and engage your students.
With the overwhelming volume of new tools, the real challenge is finding the time to learn what actually works. Edge•U Badges collection of AI badges solves this by turning AI from a mystery into a mastery through targeted, high-impact micro-credentials.
Targeted Learning for Immediate Impact
Forget generic professional development. Edge•U Badges offers a dedicated suite of AI for Education badges that allow you to choose the specific path that fits your needs:
- Productivity: Use AI to automate administrative tasks and regain hours of your week.
- Pedagogy: Learn to leverage AI for lesson planning, creativity, and differentiated instruction.
- Ethics & Leadership: Navigate the "gray areas" of AI and lead your peers in responsible implementation.
Competency-Based Mastery
Unlike simple online certificates, these AI badges are competency-based. You don't just click through a slideshow; you submit evidence of your work to be reviewed by experts. You’ll receive personalized feedback to ensure you aren't just "doing" the work, you are mastering the skills.
Earn Credits While You Learn
Your growth in AI literacy deserves professional recognition. As you complete AI microcredentials, you earn points that can be converted into:
- Contact Hours: Meet state continuing education requirements.
- Graduate Credit: Move up the pay scale by redeeming points for university-recognized credit.
- Campus Leadership: Establish yourself as the "AI Expert" in your district.
Ready To Get Started?
Don’t let the AI wave pass you by. Start your journey toward becoming an AI-certified educator today. Schedule a demo with our team to explore the 'AI in Education' Curated Badge Collection.
New Year, New Us (EDU Coach Collective Podcast Rebrand)
Happy New Year, everyone! You are listening to the very first episode of the year, and if you noticed a new name in your feed, your ears aren't playing tricks on you. Welcome to the EDU Coach Collective!
We are so excited to kick off this season with a fresh look and a renewed mission. We’re still the same team from Forward Edge you know and love—former educators working as instructional coaches right here in the K-12 trenches—but we’ve evolved. This year, it’s all about the Collective.
So, what can you look forward to in this new chapter? We are leveling up our guest list to bring you even more diverse voices from across the country. In the coming weeks, you’re going to hear:
- Deep dives into the latest AI shifts in the classroom.
- Raw stories from coaches on the ground dealing with the same 'Sunday Scaries' as you.
- Expert strategy sessions on how to build teacher buy-in and lead from the middle.
We’ve been where you are, we’re still there with you now, and we’re ready to tackle this year’s challenges together. So, let’s get those headphones on and get inspired.
You’re part of the collective now. Let’s coach fearlessly!
Restart, Recharge, Rebrand!
To all of our valued, loyal listeners, thank you for being the heart of our community!
We are thrilled to officially announce that the Restart Recharge Podcast is leveling up and rebranding to become The EDU Coach Collective! This transition marks an exciting new chapter, and we are gearing up to make 2026 our most impactful year yet.
Finding Your Coaching Persona (Pt. 2)
This two-part series features hosts Jordan and Torie discussing the essential process of developing and resetting their coaching personas, especially when transitioning to a new environment or district.
In Part 2, the conversation likely pivots from sharing initial struggles (like navigating “Coach-ese” jargon and the cultural shock of starting over, which was covered in Part 1) to actionable strategies for earning trust and establishing a successful coaching identity in a new setting