Design Cast

Introduction : Rita Bateson shares her educational journey, highlighting her American-Irish background and experiences teaching in various countries. Career Path : Transition from teaching in Ireland to the UK, then Switzerland, Bermuda, and finally back to Dublin. Involvement with the International Baccalaureate (IB) and curriculum development. Current Projects : Focus on AI in education, explori...

In this episode of Design Cast, Jason chats with Dan Thomas, a dedicated STEM teacher from Jamestown, New York. They discuss the value of play-based learning (PBL), the importance of creativity in the classroom, and Dan's upcoming projects. Dan's Background : ·      33 years of teaching experience. ·      Currently teaches 7th grade STEM, covering robotics, coding, woodshop, metal shop, an...

In this episode of the Design Cast Podcast, host Jason welcomes Stephanie Simoes, a critical-thinking educator and founder of Critikid.com. Stephanie shares her journey into critical-thinking education and discusses the importance of teaching these skills to students, especially in the age of social media. She highlights the lack of critical thinking training in traditional education and the need...

Hey everyone! I’m Jason Reagin, your host, and I’m thrilled to be back with a brand-new season of DesignCast after a year-long break. In this episode, I’ll share what I’ve been up to, why I took some time off, and what’s next for the podcast. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the show, thank you for tuning in! --- In This Episode: - What I’ve Been Up To : I’ve been busy with various pr...

On this episode of #DesignCast, I was joined by Darrin Peppard.  Darrin is a “Leadership Coach, Speaker, Author, & Publisher” and has a website named ‘Road to Awesome.’ He and I talk about the ups and downs of leading in today’s educational environment. I am certain you will find some joy and knowledge through listening to this episode! Connect with Darrin through his website: https://roadtoaw...

On this episode of #DesignCast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lindsay Lyons.  Lindsay calls herself an ‘Educational Justice Coach’ and when you listen to this episode you can see why!  What an amazing journey she has been on for many years as she has worked with all kinds of organizations regarding #Equity #Inclusion #SocialJustice #Diversity.  She describes her work as ‘co-creating’ lessons...

On this episode of Design Cast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Adam Morris.  Adam is the “Schools Technology & Integrations Director” at Faria Education Group.  We talk all things EdTech and listening to his perspective about using a Professional Network Model to improve platforms and systems is interesting and refreshing! You can connect with Adam through his LinkedIn profile:  https://www...

I had the privilege of speaking with Claudio Zavala Jr. for this episode of Design Cast. Claudio is a true Renaissance man with many talents and interests. He is an educator, photographer, YouTuber & videographer. We have an awesome chat about where he finds inspiration for his videos and how he gets to help students around the world with Adobe Express.  I know that you will find so much value...

For this episode of​ Design Cast, I spoke to AJ Crabill.  Improving student outcomes is AJ Crabill’s focus. He serves as Conservator at DeSoto, Texas ISD. During his guidance, DeSoto improved from F ratings in academics, finance, and governance to B ratings. He’s also Faculty at the Leadership Institute of Nevada and Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. He served as Dep...

For this episode of Design Cast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jill DuBois! Jill is a veteran elementary teacher and owns her own publishing imprint where she shares her stories of inspiration and helps others tell their stories!  She is creating content full-time for her own website and for her podcast, in addition to the professional development provider that she works with.  Our conversat...

For this episode of Design Cast I sat down with James Abela. James has such a diverse background and touches on some of those experiences during our conversation.  He has a passion for making learning fun by adding an element of playfulness and gamification to his lesson.  James is the author of several books including ‘The Gamified Classroom!’. I know that you will enjoy our conversatio...

On this episode of Design Cast I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with my long-time friend Sara Candela.  Sara is leading community development at Focusable.  She is an educator by trade and EdTech community champion by passion!  You will not be disappointed by our discussion and constant shenanigans.  Please comment on your favorite part of the show by tagging us both and...

For this episode of Design Cast, I was so pleased to have the opportunity to talk with Jeff Imrich.  Jeff is the co-founder of Rock By Rock. He believes that kids benefit academically from real-world, project-based learning and that it can ignite a passion for learning. Our world requires kids to solve meaty problems, innovate, and come up with creative solutions. Kids need to be learners for...

For this episode of Design Cast, I had the pleasure of connecting with Christin Mohammed King.  Christin is a former colleague with so much value to add to any organization.  Her perspective on her recent experience in an all-boys school is incredibly insightful.  We discussed her experience working with boys in several different contexts and what she learned from them. I do want to...

On this episode of #DesignCast I had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Chris Allen.  Chris currently serves as ‘coordinating principal’ for an international secondary school in Surabaya, Indonesia.  He has loads to share about his experiences in international education so far and how his current school is inviting students to engage in entrepreneurship opportunities!  I know that you...

On this episode of #DesignCast I had the pleasure of speaking to Rezuan Chowdhury.  He is based in Bangladesh and is currently a PYP coordinator.  Rezuan is a researcher, author, and educator, but actually started his career in business administration!  He has several interesting insights into his career so far.  I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy this chat with Rezuan C...

On this episode of Design Cast I had the incredible experience of talking to Dianne Blackburn.  Dianne is an independent Educational Consultant working with international schools globally. She has many years of consultancy experience in pedagogical leadership, change management, and educator training solutions. Dianne has worked extensively with large groups of schools in the Middle East and...

On this episode of Design Cast, I had the terrific honor of speaking to Ryan Ford.  Ryan is a 25-year veteran of digital design. He has been fortunate enough to lead design at some of the internet’s most interesting destinations: DeviantArt, Crunchyroll, chime, vida health, and now Crackle & Redbox (where he is working to revitalize these brands). His background in the industry motivated...

On this episode of Design Cast I had the pleasure of chatting with my longtime friend and colleague Dr. Barbara Wrightson.  Spanning more than 25 years in the field of education, Barb's career has encompassed a myriad of roles in PK-12 schooling, ranging from a teacher (of multiple Secondary subjects) to Curriculum Coordinator to Administrator. Additionally, she teaches and trains teachers at...

On this episode of Design Cast, I was fortunate enough to chat with Fonz Mendoza. Fonz is the charismatic host of the popular podcast “My EdTech Life”. He currently serves as an Instructional Software Specialist at a public school district in south Texas.  A student himself, Fonz has been able to see first-hand how technology can be used to create positive change in the education system and h...

Levi Allison grew up in a small town in Kansas with dreams of traveling the world. He attended the University of Kansas and obtained a BA in Music Education. His love of music inspired him to join the Marching Jayhawks, the school marching band, during his 4 years at KU. Immediately after university, Levi took a leap (or a plane) and began his international teaching career in Kuwait. An upbeat and...

Are you ready for the new season of #DesignCast?!  New episodes are available in January 2023!!!

On this episode of #DesignCast I had the pleasure of speaking to Jonathan Nalder and Damien Aldridge from STEM Punks!  It was a great conversation and we talked about how STEM Punks are using Minecraft to create healthy competition in schools with #InnovationSports!  I know that you will really enjoy this chat!  Connect with Jonathan and Damien through the links in the show notes! J...

On this episode of #DesignCast, I share my thoughts about the gamification of learning and eSports in schools.  There is a need for new and innovative ways to explore healthy competition.  Please join the discussion on all of my social media channels: Twitter: @diskon4no IG: @discon4no LinkedIn: wjreagin TikTok: @discon4no

On this episode of #DesignCast I was so lucky to chat with Anna McMahon.  She is a well-being expert that specializes in working with schools and educators!  We talk about how the current situation in schools is having a lasting effect on teachers and students! I know that our discussion will be among the best thing you will hear today! Anna is offering a special discount for her service...