Episode 395

full
Published on:

30th Apr 2025

Implementing Technology in Education Deliberately in the Heart of Silicon Valley - One Principal’s Story

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Kip Glazer, Principal of Mountain View High School in Silicon Valley, as they discuss how thoughtful, student-driven technology leadership is shaping the future of public education. This conversation highlights Dr. Glazer’s “go slow to go fast” approach, her creation of student advisory and tech internship programs, and how students are leading real-world projects like drafting AI policies for schools. Discover how Mountain View High balances innovation, wellness, and inclusivity to prepare students for a rapidly changing world

Key Takeaways:

  • Intentional Technology Leadership: Dr. Glazer emphasizes a “go slow to go fast” philosophy, encouraging staff and students to thoughtfully implement and reflect on technology use rather than rushing to adopt every new tool.
  • Student Agency and Voice: She has established student-led groups, including a Principal’s Advisory Council and a Technology Internship Program, empowering students to co-design solutions, provide feedback, and even create technology resources and tutorials for the school community.
  • Real-World, Student-Driven Projects: Students in the tech internship program work on authentic projects such as developing an AI policy generator for schools and organizing events like an AI Play Lab for National AI Literacy Day, demonstrating the power of hands-on, relevant learning experiences.
  • Community and Industry Partnerships: The school leverages its location in Silicon Valley by collaborating with local tech companies, community colleges, and organizations like Google, providing students with unique opportunities and resources.
  • Balanced School Culture: While technology and innovation are central, Mountain View High School maintains a comprehensive approach, supporting athletics, arts, and wellness initiatives to ensure all students are engaged and cared for.
  • Equity and Access: As an immigrant and former English learner, Dr. Glazer is committed to leveraging technology to ensure universal access and inclusion for all students, regardless of background.
  • Educator and Thought Leader: Dr. Glazer is nationally recognized for her expertise in learning technologies, game-based learning, and AI ethics in education, and regularly presents on these topics at major conferences.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction & Dr. Glazer’s Background

2:00 Mountain View High School and Silicon Valley Community

4:30 Philosophy: “Go Slow to Go Fast” with Technology

7:00 Student Voice: Advisory Council & Tech Internship Program

10:00 Real-World Projects: AI Policy Tool & AI Literacy Events

13:00 Community Partnerships & Google Innovator Project

15:00 Internship Program Structure & Student Involvement

17:00 Comprehensive School: Athletics, Arts, and More

19:00 Closing Reflections on Leadership and Opportunity

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Kip Glazer: linkedin.com/in/kip-glazer-09a26933

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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About the Podcast

Principal Office Hours
Real principals. Real talk. No hall passes required.
Finally—a podcast that proves school principals have personalities (and killer insights, too). Every week, join us for candid conversations with K-12 principals who are navigating the beautiful chaos of educational leadership without losing their minds or sense of humor.

Each 40-minute episode features real principals sharing what actually works in school leadership—from handling helicopter parents and budget nightmares to building school culture that doesn't make everyone roll their eyes. Consider this your professional development that doesn't feel like professional development.

Our guests aren't afraid to share their epic fails alongside their victories. They'll tell you about the initiative that spectacularly bombed during assembly, right before revealing how they turned their school's reading scores around. It's educational leadership with the BS filter turned off.

Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention.

Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

About your hosts

Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.