Navigating Education - The Podcast

In Episode 72 of the podcast, we will dive deep into the concept of belonging in the educational space with Dr. Ilene Winokur. Navigating between two homes, Buffalo, NY, and Yarmouk, Kuwait, Dr. Winokur unearthed profound insights about belonging that are intricately tied to learning and well-being. Through her personal journey and rich experiences, she has unveiled layers of belonging - from the self, to personal, to the professional realms. Her book, "Journey to Belonging: Pathways to Well-Being," not only chronicles her own discoveries but offers educators a map to decipher their own sense of belonging. Together, we'll explore the pivotal connection between belonging and the educational journey, and how, as educators, we can leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Guest Bio

Dr. Illene Winokur is an international educator located in Kuwait. She has had experience teaching and leading secondary schools and universities. Her journey began over thirty-five years ago when she moved to Kuwait from Buffalo, NY, and culminated with her retirement in 2019 as Director of the Foundation Program Unit (Math and English) at Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). Early in her career, she served as a teacher and administrator for early childhood and elementary levels, in addition to teaching intensive English in private institutions in Kuwait for twenty-five years.

Currently, she is an avid blogger, sharing insights from her life in Kuwait and supporting refugee teachers globally. Her podcast, Journeys to Belonging, features guests discussing their personal sense of belonging. She recently authored a book, "Journey to Belonging: Pathways to Well-Being," available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Over the years, she has presented workshops at conferences worldwide, with topics ranging from Kuwaiti culture to visionary leadership and inclusive teaching practices. She's passionate about asset-based teaching approaches that foster a sense of belonging for all students. As a mentor, she guides struggling teachers and budding administrators, often nurturing their leadership potentials.

She values her memberships in educational communities that connect her with other educators. Notably, she's a Wakelet Ambassador and has held leadership positions at ISTE Global Collaboration Network and the TESOL International Refugee Concerns interest section (RCIS). She warmly invites others to expand her professional learning network (PLN) by following her on social media (@IleneWinokur).

A true advocate for continuous learning, she was awarded a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University in 2013, possesses an MBA from the University of Miami, Florida (1979), and completed her ESL certification at the College of New Jersey (2000). Her academic interests span topics like psychological safety, belonging, social-emotional learning, project-based learning, and professional development.

Guest Social Media

@ilenewinokur

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In Episode 71 of the podcast, we will be diving deep into the world of Informal Learning Environments, with a special emphasis on Libraries. You know, those serene havens of knowledge that many of us grew up cherishing. But in today's digitized age, how have these spaces adapted, and what roles do they play in fostering learning outside the conventional classroom? To shed light on this, we've invited an exceptional guest, an expert and a beacon in the realm of modern librarianship – Dr. Zachary Stier. He will be discussing how we can utilize these spaces to support student learning in our ever-changing world.

Guest Bio

Guest Social Media

Episode 70 of Navigating Education - The Podcast is a special episode, as we commemorate a year since the release of "Instruction Without Boundaries". Join us as Dr. Matt Rhoads and his co-authors take a trip down memory lane, recounting the journey of their groundbreaking book. But that's not all! We'll also delve deep into the evolving landscape of education in the US, particularly focusing on how EdTech integration is revolutionizing classrooms. How close are we to truly achieving classrooms without instructional boundaries? Tune in to find out, as our experts discuss challenges, triumphs, and the road ahead. Whether you're an educator, an EdTtech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of learning, this episode promises rich insights for all. Don't miss it!

Guest Bios

Jannelle McLaughlin is a national consultant who works with teachers and school leaders related to instruction, leadership, EdTech integration, and school improvement.

Shannon Moore is an instructional coach at a high school in Central California. She is an EdTech integrator who focuses on creativity, innovation, and supporting teachers in their instruction.

Guest Social Media

@ms_mac4 - Janelle McLaughlin

aka.smoore - Shannon Moore

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In episode 68 of the podcast, we delve into the world of international education leadership with the insightful Nick DeForest, founder of Globetrottin'ADs and author of "A Global Playbook: How Every International School Can Raise Its Game". Coming to us from the American International School Vienna, Nick brings years of experience and a Masters in Athletic Administration and Coaching. He passionately believes in the power of athletics programs to shape the culture of an entire school community and to prepare students for life beyond school, rather than merely the next level of athletics. Join us as we discuss the six crucial elements needed for international schools to excel and how educators can raise their game. Whether you're a director, principal, teacher, or coach, this episode promises insights and practical advice to uplift your school community.

Guest Bio:

Nick DeForest (@Nick_GTADs) has been at AIS Vienna since 2003 and is the Assistant Director of the Events Office. Originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Nick who is a CMAA, calls Korneuburg, Austria home together with his wife and two children

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @nick_GTADS

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Scott Petri will join us to discuss EduProtools as instructional strategies that can help students engage and learn in a variety of different content and skill areas. Dr. Petri utilizes EduProtocols in his history classes at the high school level. He will outline how he uses them on a daily basis to support student learning and make learning social studies and history fun!
Guest Bio: Scott Petri has taught social studies at the middle and high school level since 2003. He has also served as a coordinator and small school principal in LAUSD. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in educational administration from California State University Northridge, and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of San Diego. Dr. Petri was named the 2021 Outstanding California Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the California Council for the Social Studies and has twice been a finalist for the CUE Leroy's Big Idea contest.

Guest Social Media: @Scottmpetri (Twitter, Instagram)

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In this episode, we delve into the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI in education and discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating these technologies into educational contexts. Our guest, Alfonso Mendoza, provides valuable insights on the definition of AI and Generative AI, successful implementations, ethical considerations, personalization of learning experiences, limitations, inclusivity, professional development for educators, promoting digital literacy, and emerging research areas. We explore how educators can navigate the complexities of AI in education and ensure responsible and inclusive use of these technologies for the benefit of all learners. Join us as we navigate the fascinating world of AI in education and its implications for the future of learning.

Guest Bio: Alfonso Mendoza is an Instructional Technologist & Google Innovator from South Texas, U.S.A. with 15 years of experience in education. He is a K-12 Instructional Technologist. He also has a Masters in Educational Technology along with a graduate certificate in E-Learning and a graduate certificate in Technology Leadership in Education. He is a servant leader and am always looking for ways to help my learning community use the power of technology.

Guest Social Media: @myedtechlife (Twitter, Instagram)

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 In the final episode of Season 2 of Navigating Education - The Podcast, guests Nancy and Elizabeth Jorgensen will join the podcast to outline how teaching about heroes in classrooms can have positive outcomes for our students. They will outline how they've used the story of their sister, Gwen Jorgensen, who is an Olympic Gold Medalist in the triathlon at Rio 2016 as an example to illustrate the humanity of our heroes as well as outline how heroes are a gateway to finding mentors. This will be a great podcast to inspire educators and to think of ways to bring our student's heroes and their stories into the classroom to learn more about their journey's to build important lifelong learning skills.

Guest Bios:

Elizabeth Jorgensen is a high school writing teacher from Wisconsin. She focuses on process-based assessment that provides students with feedback throughout their time with her in their class. An advocate and practitioner of a gradeless class, she prides herself on giving students opportunities for authentic learning experiences.

Nancy Jorgensen earned a Bachelor of Music from Alverno College and a Master of Music from the University of Wisconsin. She taught high school choir and music theater for many years in Wisconsin. In 2009, her production of CATS was named best high school musical by USA Today. Her choir program of 400 students appeared frequently with the Wisconsin Philharmonic Orchestra, Present Music, and at Holy Hill Basilica in Hubertus, Wisconsin. Nancy conducted biannual student tours of New York City, and presented multiple times at the Wisconsin Music Educators' Conference. She served as both conductor and accompanist for her choirs and directed the pit orchestra for musical theater productions. 

Since 2015, Nancy has been a writer, concentrating on book-length memoir and short creative nonfiction. She is also a collaborative pianist, partnering with instrumentalists for recitals and programs.

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @lyzaJo @nancyjorgensen

In this episode, Dr. Mariah Mayer joins the podcast and outlines her research on gratitude and SEL in addition to providing insight as to how she implements these strategies in her work in the classroom. Additionally, we will discuss a number of strategies for teachers to incorporate these practices every day in their classrooms to support SEL and build positive classroom communities.

Guest Bio: Dr. Mariah Mayer is a Concordia University professor in the teaching preparation program and a Bernice Ayer Middle School 6th and 7th grade Social studies teacher as well as a PAL (Peer Assisted Leadership) Advisor. Her research expertise in gratitude and implementing it within classrooms. 

In this episode, Dr. Nathan Lang Raad will discuss how we can teach critical thinking and asking questions. In a world full of misinformation and challenges that require problem-solving and asking questions, building our student's abilities to ask questions and critically think is more important than ever before. We will provide a discussion on strategies that can be implemented within classrooms. Last, Dr. Lang-Raad will discuss his new upcoming book Never Stop Asking. This is an episode you will not want to miss out on!

Guest Bio:

Dr. Nathan D. Lang-Raad is an educator, speaker, and author. He is the Vice President of Strategy at Savvas Learning. Throughout his career, he has served as a teacher, elementary administrator,  high school administrator, and university adjunct professor. He was the Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, as well as education supervisor at NASA's Johnson Space Center. He was also the Chief Education Officer at WeVideo. He serves as the US State Ambassador for the Climate Action Project, a collaboration between the United Nations, World Wildlife Fund, NASA, and the Jane Goodall Institute, and an advisor for TAG (Take Action Global).

Nathan is the author of:
Everyday Instructional Coaching
The New Art and Science of Teaching Mathematics, co-authored with Dr. Robert Marzano

WeVideo Every Day
Mathematics Unit Planning in a PLC at Work
The Teachers of Oz, co-authored with Herbie Raad
The Boundless Classroom, co-authored with Dr. James Witty
Instructional Coaching Connection
Never Stop Asking

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @drlangraad

Website: https://www.drlangraad.com/about

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In this episode, Dr. Schembari and Dr. Rhoads will discuss what instructional and skill gaps coaches and leaders need to help support teachers in building in 2023. We will outline what has happened over the past school year in 2022 to frame our conversation. This is a great opportunity for coaches, leaders, and teacher leaders to listen as they may learn about resources that may support them in amplifying teaching and learning in their schools and districts.

Guest Bio:

Dr. John Schembari is an Improvement Coach through which he supports teachers and school leaders by performing on-site evaluations, identifying data-informed trends, reviewing curriculum/assessment materials, creating improvement plans, coaching individuals one-on-one, developing and delivering group trainings to educators, and implementing evidence-based instructional strategies that improve teaching practices and increase student learning.

Guest Social Media

LinkedIn: John Schembari

In this episode, we will be discussing with our guest and expert in AR and VR, Rachelle Dene Poth, on how schools and teachers can implement augmented and virtual reality tools to support and amplify student learning. From the types of tools available and purchasing decisions, to implementing them into our classroom instruction, we will be covering these important topics. Our goal will be to outline steps to support making AR and VR a reality in our K-20 classrooms.

Guest Bio:

I am an educator, consultant, author, attorney and keynote speaker. I love the work that I do as a Consultant and  as a Spanish and STEAM: What’s nExT in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview Junior Senior High School in Oakmont, PA. I earned my Juris Doctor Degree from Duquesne University School of Law and have a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in instructional technology.

I  have presented at the state, national and international level. I have spoken at conferences including ASCD, BETT, CUE, FETC, Future Ready Nebraska, ICE, iNACOL, ISTE, MASS CUE, Microsoft E2, PETE&C, PSMLA, Southern Oregon EdTech Conference, Spring CUE, USM Summer Spark, and TETC on topics such as assessments, SEL, emerging technology (AI, AR/VR), blockchain, metaverse, innovation, STEM and technology integration.

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @Rdene915

In this episode, we will discuss teacher happiness. In our current climate, teachers have ever-increasing demands and stresses. How can we improve this to help teachers who want to come to work every day to be their best selves and practitioners as possible? Our guest, Robert Dunlop, an expert in teacher happiness, will provide insights and tips to help teachers and schools create environments for themselves to put themselves into positions where they have opportunities to be happy!

Guest Bio

In this episode of the podcast, we will discuss the leadership behind instructional design that propels students to deeper learning. Joined by an expert in educational leadership and instructional design, Dr. Scott McLeod will outline how leaders can support teachers in implementing research-based instructional design into their courses. Additionally, the conversation will also focus on leadership dispositions and skills related to their ability to be instructional leaders and coaches.

Guest Bio

In this episode, guest Stacey Roshan will discuss strategies and EdTech tools to create accessibility within our classroom for all learners. She focuses her work on making learning accessible to students who may be introverted in how they socially interact with others. Listeners will have a toolkit of strategies to utilize in their classrooms regardless of the content they teach and the age of their students!

In this episode, our guest Alex Isaacs will discuss how he app-smashes various EdTech tools to create engaging and accessible classrooms. Additionally, he will outline how he uses these various app smashes to personalize learning and build relationships not only with students but with their families and the local community. Listeners of this episode will come away with strategies on how to app-smash multiple readily available EdTech tools to create multi-modality learning environments to amplify student learning and community!

Guest Bio: Alex Isaacs is a Middle School Math Teacher from Red Banks, New Jersey. He has experimented with virtual classrooms where he app-smashes accessibility and content curation tools to provide multiple modalities for students to have access to his math curriculum. Additionally, he provides outlets to amplify student voices not only in his school community but connecting with other schools and educators around the world!

Twitter: mr_isaacs_math

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In this episode of the podcast, we will focus on process-based assessment and student study habits. The topic of grades will be discussed and how to use assessment as a mechanism to support learning versus grades. Elizabeth provides us with concrete examples of how to not use grades in a writing class as well as how this can transform the student experience to take more risks and have more authentic learning experiences. We will also have a brief conversation about why Elizabeth formulated these ideas into a book called "Hacking Student Study Habits."

Guest Bio:

Elizabeth Jorgensen is a high school writing teacher from Wisconsin. She focuses on process-based assessment that provides students with feedback throughout their time with her in their class. An advocate and practitioner of a gradeless class, she prides herself on giving students opportunities for authentic learning experiences. For more information about Elizabeth and her work, check out www.lizjorgensen.weebly.com. 

Guest Social Media

Twitter - @LyzaJo

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As we begin the school year, all educators within all contexts work with students who have experienced trauma as well as experience trauma within classrooms and schools. In this episode, Joshua Stamper joins the podcast to discuss Trauma-Informed Practices. The goal is to illustrate a number of strategies for how educators can navigate trauma within classrooms and schools to support their students and themselves.

Guest Bio: 

Joshua Stamper initially used his artistic talent, creativity and original ideas as a professional graphic designer. He then transitioned to inspiring students to utilize their imagination and creative expression in public education. Being unsuccessful as a student growing up, Joshua never expected to be back in the classroom as a teacher, athletic coach or administrator. His struggles as a student spawned a passion to change the education model, push the boundaries of traditional learning, and explore new innovative ideas. Joshua has been a middle school Assistant Principal in North Texas for the past eight years, where he's served at four campuses in two school districts.

Guest Social Media

Twitter & Instagram - Joshua_Stamper

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In episode 53, Erin Kiger will discuss with Dr. Rhoads how storytelling and collaboration can help us navigate challenges and celebrations as well as #jugglethestruggleedu. This conversation is geared towards supporting educators as we begin the upcoming school year as we want to provide a toolkit of how we can juggle the year's challenges and be sustainable in our practice.

Guest Bio

Erin Kiger has worked in education for 17 years. I began working as a classroom teacher in 2004 and have taught K, 1st, 4th, 5th, and technology. After earning my MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Technology Integration, I left the classroom to support teachers with technology integration. Since 2012, I have been working with teachers as both a technology and an instructional coach. I have also been responsible for data collection and testing coordination.

Guest Social Media

Twitter and Instagram: @EBGTech

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In this episode, teacher and consultant Bonnie Nieves will discuss with Dr. Rhoads strategies to build relationships and community within our classrooms and schools. As this episode airs as we begin the 22-23 school year, the strategies outlined will help teachers and school leaders set up the routines needed to begin building relationships with students. Building relationships and community are important factors related to student learning, which should be established and reinforced continually throughout the school year. Our goal is to address this and support educators in implementing them as they begin their school year.

Guest Bio

Bonnie Nieves is a high school Biology teacher with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Leadership and a member of the MassCUE board of directors. She is passionate about creating immersive, authentic experiences that fuel curiosity and creating student-centered, culturally responsive learning spaces that promote equity and inclusion. Bonnie is also a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science (TIES), and National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). She encourages you to connect with her on Twitter @biologygoddess, Instagram @beawesomeonpurpose, and LinkedIn.

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In this episode, teacher and technology coach Renee Dawson discusses the Technology Integration Matrix as well as how she utilizes it to coach teachers on integrating technology and pedagogy to amplify student learning. We outline what the TIM is and how we can integrate it into our coaching to build capacity in using instructional strategies with technology. Many practical applications are outlined to assess teacher progress and implementing the matrix within coaching cycles. Also, various resources are discussed to help coaches, schools, and districts implement the matrix. 

Guest Bio

Renee Dawson is an Educational Technology Specialist, Verizon Innovative Learning Coach, and Verizon Innovation Lab Mentor from Atlanta, Georgia working at the middle school level. Before moving into her current role, she spent 14 years in Special Education, working with students from Pre-K to Adult Transition in self-contained physical disabilities, co-teaching, resource, and Reintegration for Juvenile Delinquents

Supplemental Documents/Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Rhoads had a solo monologue discussing some of the major themes encompassing all 50 episodes of the podcast to help educators navigate the present and future of education. The themes discussed will include relationships first, Maslow before below, educator autonomy, professional development pathways, feedback over grading, encouraging gratitude, risk-taking, and innovation, and being prepared to teach within any classroom setting.

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In this episode, we will be discussing how gratitude can not only affect us on a personal basis but also transform our classrooms and schools. Our guest for this episode, Lainie Rowell, author of the book Evolving with Gratitude, provides strategies and ideas to help our own personal gratitude practices as well as transfer them to our classrooms and schools. By the end of this show, you will have a toolkit of strategies to amplify your gratitude practices as well as how you can teach them within your classroom and schools.

Guest Bio

Lainie Rowell is an Educational Consultant who has experience as a classroom teacher, teacher leader, and district leader. She enjoys utilizing technology to help optimize learning for students in addition to sharing with teachers those very strategies to amplify instruction and student learning. Lainie is the author of two books, which include Evolving Learner and Evolving with Gratitude. 

Guest Social Media

Twitter & Instagram: @LainieRowell

Website: https://www.lainierowell.com/

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In this episode of the podcast, we will be discussing instructional models we see in our schools. Currently, there have been pockets of instructional innovation as well as a pushback to traditional instructional models. Our guest, Nate Ridgway has developed a multitude of different strategies and EdTech integrations to try to break away from the traditional educational instructional models we see in schools that are not meeting our student's learning needs. We will discuss our current instructional paradigm as well as future instructional models that can best fit where our learners are going as they move through their educational journey. Join us as we delve into each of these fascinating topics!

Guest Bio

Nate Ridgway is a History Teacher, Author, Speaker, and Consultant from Indianapolis. He teaches history at the secondary level and also has experience teaching Special Education. Nate enjoys researching and tinkering with instructional models and strategies that make learning engaging and equitable for students. He enjoys creating content for his students to amplify their voices in addition to establishing classrooms that provide 24/7 instruction. He is the author of two books, Don't Ditch that Tech and Breaking the Blockbuster Model. 

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @teachfromridge

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Rebecca Rolland discusses her work related to how to communicate with children, including examples from her book The Art of Talking with Children. In an ever-changing world, educators and families need to build a toolkit of communication skills to meet children where they are at as well as help build their communication and emotional intelligence skills. Our hope for this episode is to provide a number of examples of how to further communicate with children to add to your toolkit.

Guest Bio

Rebecca Rolland, Ed.D. is a Speech Pathologist, Harvard Professor, Author, and Consultant who focuses on communication with children. In her book, The Art of Talking with Children, she provides a step-by-step framework and examples of how to create rich conversations with children and dialogue with them to build relationships deeper relationships with them. 

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @rolland_ug

In this episode of Navigating Education - The Podcast, Dr. Rhoads will discuss with Tech Coach Ainsley Hill coaching trends from the 2021-2022 school year, planning for next year, and how to best meet teachers where they are at in relation to the technology integration and instructional capacities. We will outline tips and strategies to help tech coaches, instructional coaches, and instructional leaders on how to meet the needs of teachers and support them in our ever-changing times in education.

Guest Bio

Ainsley Hill is an Elementary Instructional Technology Facilitator out of Memphis Tennessee. She has classroom experience teaching Special Education to students who were deaf/hard of hearing. In her work, she enjoys working and coaching teachers in technology to amplify student learning as well as building relationships with her staff. 

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @mrshillteaches

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In this episode of Navigating Education - The Podcast, our guests Drs. Richard Bernato and Al Pisano, will outline "The Collective Mindset" as an organizational, future-w/  based, and innovative framework to help schools, districts, and organizations navigate the present and future.  Additionally, in this episode, our guests will provide leadership and teaching insight throughout the episode as they have their hands both in K-12 and Higher Education and have held many leadership positions within educational organizations.

Guest Bios:

Richard Bernato’s over fifty years of experience and innovative contributions to all levels of education include simulation design and curriculum development, and creative leadership initiatives. He is especially committed to school restructuring by embedding a futures -based change leadership model into twenty first century needs best exemplified by his 2017 book of the same name.

Al Pisano, EdD, Neoteric Thought Leader, Speaker, Author, Educator, Entrepreneur, Futurist

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @dralpisano, @richDis48

In this episode, we will discuss the "Expert Effect" and how that can amplify student learning by bringing in an expert from the field to discuss and support what students are learning. We will discuss strategies on how to implement this within K-16 classrooms and how it aligns with project-based learning. Last, we will dive into the Expert Expedition to learn more about how we can use various texts and curricula to implement and amplify the Expert Effect strategy for our classrooms and students.

Guest Bios: Together, Zach Rondot and Grayson McKinney are 4th and 5th-grade teachers from Michigan and the authors of the recently published book, The Expert Effect: A Three-Part System to Break Down the Walls of Your Classroom and Connect your Students to the World, which was released by Edumatch Publishing in May of 2021, as well as the upcoming classroom companion picture book, The Expert Expedition. They are both experts in project-based learning, co-teaching, and EdTech integration. They are also well-known for recruiting experts from the field to come into their classrooms to amplify their curriculum for their students. 

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @MrRondot

Instagram: ZachRondot

Twitter: @GMcKinney2

Instragram: experteffectedu

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In this episode of Navigating Education - The Podcast, Paul Emerich France will discuss his sustainable teaching project and the major themes he has uncovered. In this same light, we will also discuss various systemic and personal and individualized solutions to help make teaching more of a sustainable career and practice. Additionally, we will focus on personalized learning and Paul's ideas relating to humanizing it as well as practices on implementing it within classrooms and schools for students and teachers alike to amplify instruction and learning.

Guest Bio:

Paul is a consultant, writer, podcaster, Adjunct Professor, Keynote Speaker, and National Board Certified Teacher. He has published two books on Personalized Learning and is working on a new book project on Sustainable Teaching. He has also published with EL Magazine, EdSurge, Edutopia, and ASCD. 

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @PaulEmerich

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In this episode, we will be meeting with Laura Boyd, a middle school Spanish teacher, who uses engaging strategies to create classrooms that are student-driven. Additionally, we will have a conversation about how she uses EdTech to amplify the strategies she utilizes. Last, we will discuss how she develops student community and uses social-emotional learning as a basis for doing so.

Guest Bio: Laura Boyd is a Middle School Spanish teacher from Franklin Tennessee who is an expert on integrating instructional strategies with EdTech tools to amplify language instruction. She has written for Edutopia and has been featured by Teach for America. 

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @TechnologyLaura

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In this episode of the podcast, we will be discussing how we can use technology to help amplify and support students become multilingual. We will be joined by Language Consultant Joe Dale, who is an expert in using tech-infused pedagogy to teach languages to students. Throughout this episode, we will focus on how we can teach languages to students within any setting using the best tech-infused strategies.

Guest Bio: Joe Dale is a well-acclaimed Language Consultant out of the United Kingdom who has taught in primary and secondary settings over his career. His expertise is infusing tech with instructional strategies to amplify language classrooms teaching a wide array of languages. 

Guest Social Media

Twitter: @JoeDale

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In this episode, we will be discussing the similarities and differences of Adult Education in the US and UK. We will have three guests from the UK, Dr. Lou MyCroft, Jo FletcherSaxon, and Mel Lenehen. They all have leadership positions in Adult Schools in the UK, which will give us insight as to how Adult Schools are organized and what programs they offer. A must listen to learn more about Adult Education and how it can be a game-changer for communities, businesses, and students as an opportunity to grow. 

Guest Bios: All three of our guests, Dr. Lou Mycroft, Mel Lenehan, and Jo Fletcher Saxon, have worked or are working in Adult Education in the UK. They have held my roles, including teacher, Assistant Principal, and consultant while working in Adult Education. Ms. Fletcher Saxon is also the podcast host for FE Research Podcast. 

Guest Social Media

Dr. Lou Mycroft - @loumycroft

Mel Lenehan - @mellenenhan

Jo Fletcher Saxon - @jfletchersaxon

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In this episode of Navigating Education - The Podcast, we will be discussing school finance with Dr. Larry Dake who is an Assistant Superintendant for Budget and Instruction from New York. An important topic that is not discussed enough. We can't wait to share his insights to help educators from all areas within the school community navigate school finance as important stakeholders in the budgeting process.

Guest Bio: Dr. Larry Dake is an Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Budget for Binghamption CSD. He was originally a social studies teacher who has held almost every position within a school and central office. He is faculty at Binghamton University within their educational leadership department. Last, he has several publications related to educational leadership with a new release of a book coming out in May 2022 on forming positive habits for school leaders. 

Social Media:

Twitter: @larrydake

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In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the topic of data literacy with Kyle Holder who is the CEO of IoN Software Group. Mr. Holder is an expert in education data consolidation and creating reports for schools utilizing a wide variety of metrics. Throughout this episode we discussed how data is being collected and utilized around the K-12 landscape. Additionally, we outlined data literacy skills every educator should know about and implement into their practice. Then, we spoke about the importance of having data consolidation tools in our current education world. Overall, you'll enjoy learning about data literacy, data consolidation, and how data impacts our decision-making in K-12 education. 

Guest Bio: Kyle Holder is the CEO of the IoN Software Group. He has worked in K-12 education system for most of his career creating software solutions for districts. He lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin. You can follow him on Twitter at ion_k12

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In this episode, Ms. Timmerberg defines and discusses community schooling and how it differs from K-12 neighborhood schools. She outlines the various programs, collaborations, and events community-based schools provide that go above and beyond what traditional school districts provide. For those who do not know about community schooling, this is an episode that will help build foundational knowledge on the concept and how they are on the rise in urban areas. 

Guest Bio: Danielle Timmerberg is a School Counselor and doctoral student in Urban Education. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky and works in a Community Based School.

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As the first season of Navigating Education - The Podcast comes to a close, Dr. Rhoads discusses his reflections and summarizes some of the major themes outlined in the first season of the podcast. From coaching, leadership, instruction, and more, Dr. Rhoads discusses how building relationships is a catalyst to navigating the present and future of education. In addition, he describes a number of episode themes and content that can be reviewed that can help any educator navigate our present as well as the future. Thank you to all of the amazing guests and contributors to season one of the podcast. We can't wait until the next season begins in early 2022!

In this episode, Dr. Rhoads outlines his top three themes from the six-part Education Coaching series. Throughout this episode, he reflects on how building relationships, having a coaching mindset of less is more, and being a reflective and connected coach are important facets in navigating the present and future of education as a coach and instructional leader. In less than fifteen minutes, listen to each of these themes and nuggets provided by the six episodes from educators across North America. 

In this final episode of the Education Coaching Series, Dr. Rhoads sat down with Jake Miller to discuss coaching with the EdTech Integrationists mindset. Our conversation focused on several strategies to help teachers utilize technology in classrooms. We outlined steps to how to select EdTech tools to meet a teacher's needs. Additionally, we had a conversation about our goal as coaches is to make a teacher's life more efficient and to align the tools we want to use with their instructional goals. Part of our conversation was on Jake Miller's new book, "Educational Ductape: An EdTech Integration Mindset," which provides a very detailed outlook towards the technology that's available, how to best implement it, and how we can focus our instruction with EdTech present in our classrooms. Finally, as the episode ended, we discussed Mr. Miller's EdTech conference persona's that he sees, which aligns directly to coaching as some teachers may be overly enthusiastic or pessimistic when it comes to utilizing new EdTech in their classroom. 

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In this episode, Dr. Rhoads interviews Janelle McLaughlin in Part 5 of the Coaching Series, which focuses on Coaching Educational Leaders. Throughout the episode, we discuss how coaching school and district leaders can lead to transformational effects on teachers and students. One of the themes expressed throughout the episode is building trust and the relationship with the coach to ensure that accountability is established and maintained. Additionally, we outline how it's important that everyone regardless of their position within an organization should have a coach as there are many benefits professionally and personally that can be yielded from these experiences. This was further discussed when Janelle provided a short summary of her new book on leadership, which outlines five qualities that can create effective leadership for classroom, school, and district leaders. Last, Janelle provided a few quick coaching tips to help amplify your coaching practice!

On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Rhoads sits down with his high school AAU basketball coach Todd Malecki. Coach Malecki has been a mentor of mine over the course of my playing career as well as throughout my life. I wanted to have Coach Malecki on the podcast for this series as he's been the most instrumental coach I have ever had. As a result, I wanted to pick his brain to learn many important nuggets on how to motivate, evolve over time, and constantly learn to become a better coach. Coach Malecki provides numerous examples of this throughout the episode, which can be applied to coaching in any domain; especially within education. You'll see how basketball is used as a vehicle to talk about coaching, but the lessons learned can apply to whatever you may be coaching in your life. This is truly an episode you will not want to miss out on as its entertaining and insightful to help anyone wanting to expand their coaching capacity.

Twitter: @mattrhoads1990

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Website: www.matthewrhoads.com 

Guest Bio: Coach Todd Malecki has been coaching basketball for 29 years. He has coached NCAA Division 2, Summer NBA Free Agenda, Youth, Junior College, and AAU. Throughout his career, he has helped over 168 players get placed in college basketball through Icemen Basketball, his AAU basketball club. Besides coaching club basketball, Coach Malecki hosts events to showcase player talents. Additionally, he founded the Desert Valley All-Star Games in 2007 to showcase the top senior in Riverside County. Coach Malecki has over 75 recommendations from high school, college, and pro players who he has made an impact on through his coaching. 

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Twitter: @toddmalecki

Instagram: moddtalecki

Facebook and Linkedin: Todd Malecki

In the 30th episode of Navigating Education - The Podcast, Dr. Rhoads discussed the topic of Education Futuring with Dr. Richard Bernato. We outlined several important definitions and background of futuring and how it can help schools and districts navigate and prepare for the future in our ever-changing world. From curriculum, EdTech integration, to organizational planning and changing laws and demographics, education futuring is an immensely important skill all educators need to take time to develop in their capacity as educators. Dr. Bernato outlines how we future all of the time in our daily lives. Dr. Bernato discusses how futuring needs to be a focus of educational organizations so they can plan for future trends and variables like climate change, changing laws and funding, and future pandemics may bring. This is an episode you will not want to miss out on as Dr. Bernato is a wealth of knowledge experience as you will see in this conversation!

Twitter: @mattrhoads1990

In this episode, Dr. Rhoads interviews Dr. Samantha Fecich on coaching and supervising pre-service teachers. Our conversation outlines relationship building with these students as they experience student teaching. Additionally, we focus on providing feedback and crafting mindsets that focus on the small wins each day that add up over time. Our discussion also touches on a number of coaching tips to keeping organized, providing feedback, and helping the student-teacher navigate this experience. If you are an educator at the university level who coaches and supervises pre-service teachers, this is an episode for you as well as teachers who help coach and mentor teachers as they are clearing their credentials. 

Twitter: @mattrhoads1990

Instagram: @DrRhoadsEDU

Website: www.matthewrhoads.com

Guest Bio: Dr. Samantha Fecich has been a Professor of Education for over 7 years.  Some days she's in my office at Grove City College, working with students and teaching preservice teachers about educational technology or Special Education. Other days she's working on consulting projects. She has published two books for new and pre-service teachers, which are called EduMagic and EduShine. Additionally, she has a podcast for new and pre-service teachers as the targeted audience. 

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Twitter and Instagram: @Sfecich

In this episode, Dr. Rhoads interviews CEO and Found of GotLearning, Mike Rutherford, on the topic of qualitative data as an opportunity to measure student progress and growth. Mr. Rutherford has had a long experience in and out of K-12 education in both the classroom setting and in the EdTech industry. He and his team developed a tool that provides opportunities for teachers to consolidate qualitative data generated from students and provide feedback to students that is actionable. Our conversation outlines the power of qualitative data as an indicator of growth and ensuring we keep track of it longitudinally. Additionally, this discussion went hand in hand with a short conversation on actionable formative feedback, which is now one of the major foundations of instruction and learning within our classrooms. By the end of this episode, you will see how there's an opportunity for a paradigm shift from quantitative measures of student growth to more qualitative and longitudinal data samples exemplifying student growth and development that can be stored in one place to demonstrate learning. 

Twitter: @mattrhoads1990

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Rhoads interviewed Samantha Shaffner and discussed digital assessment tools. Ms. Shaffner has utilized assessment EdTech tools inside and outside the classroom in her various roles in her career. Our conversation focused on a number of assessment tools ranging from Pear Deck, Edulastic, Wakelet, Quizzizz, and Buncee and how to effectively use them for formative assessment to then collect data to drive our instruction. Overall, if you are a teacher or school leader looking for a few new instructional practices to be used with assessment tools, this is an episode you will definitely want to tune into!

In this episode, Dr. Rhoads interviews David Frangiosa, who is the author of Going Gradeless for Corwin Press, discusses how to take classes from a traditional grade-based classroom to a gradeless classroom. Throughout this discussion, we outline the why, mindset, and then how it can be done in your classroom. From setting up the gradeless classroom to providing student feedback after assessments, this episode is thought-provoking and can help any teacher or school leader curious about going gradeless to begin implementing it in their classrooms and schools.