🌈 Everyone is welcome to join our virtual learning sessions called ʻAha Kūkā (in Hawaiian, "to gather and talk seriously"). This program began in September, 2024. Every other month topics are chosen by leaders at public, private and charter schools in Hawaii. Topics covered thus far include standardized assessments and AI in education. A blend of webinar and open discussion styles, the purpose of these sessions is to provide timely information on the chosen topic. Once a topic is chosen the ʻAha Kūkā team finds the best possible speaker or speakers to discuss that topic. 

This month's topic is social media in education, perhaps one of the thorniest issues school leaders and educators are dealing with 25 years in the 21st century. Host, Evan Beachy will have two guests on this topic: Stephanie Malia Krauss and Aaron Schorn. 

From Stephanie Malia's site: "I am an educator, social worker, and mom. Through my experiences teaching and running a school, I know that getting young people to succeed academically does not always mean they are thriving or ready for adulthood. This was true in my own life. As a high school dropout, I needed people and opportunities within and beyond school to help me succeed. Today, I work with leaders in education, youth development, workforce development, and human services to develop and implement holistic and humane solutions that enable young people and their families to build livable, lovable lives. I am the founder and principal consultant of First Quarter Strategies LLC, a senior fellow at the Boston University School of Social Work, a senior advisor for Youth-Nex Whole Child, Whole Lat University of Virginia and Children's Funding Project, and a staff consultant for the Youth Transition Funders Group. I have written two books: Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Live, Learn, and Thrive and Making It: What Today's Kids Need for Tomorrow's World. My work has been featured on NPR, PBS, US News, EdSurge, Scary Mommy, and more." 

Aaron Schorn is the Head of Growth and Community at Unrulr, Program Director at the Nalukai Foundation, and former K-12 Capstone Coordinator at Hawai’i Preparatory Academy. Follow him on Twitter: @aaronschorn. He is a craftsman and a storyteller. He is an educator and entrepreneur who co-designs learning programs centered in youth agency, authenticity, and storytelling. 🦋