Imagineering Education

In this episode of the Ten Minute Mindshift, we explore one of the most iconic moments from  The Fellowship of the Ring --when Frodo confides in Gandalf, wishing the weight of the world hadn't fallen on his shoulders. Gandalf's timeless reply offers us a lifeline in our own moments of struggle:  "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." If you're walking through a tough...

What if your classroom felt more like a theme park than a textbook? What if your students didn’t just learn about history—they lived it, decoding secret messages during the American Revolution or solving mysteries in a rainforest canopy? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on a bold new vision for education: one where creativity, storytelling, and immersive design transform the way we...

In this episode, we reflect on a powerful thought: "Where you are is not who you are." Drawing inspiration from this statement and a memorable moment from The Lion King, we explore how current circumstances don’t define your identity or potential. It's easy to let discouragement or doubt distract you from your dreams, but you’re called for a purpose. Tune in for an encouraging reminder to reconnec...

Life’s race often mirrors a marathon—long, grueling, and filled with moments where it’s easy to fall in step with those around us. But what happens when going with the flow leads us off course? Drawing from the personal experience of a misstep in the Nashville Marathon, this episode explores the dangers of complacency and the importance of staying focused and aware of our surroundings. We’ll refle...

In a world where everyone has a platform, does the ability to speak equate to wisdom or intelligence? Drawing inspiration from Qui-Gon Jinn’s sharp yet insightful remark to Jar Jar Binks in The Phantom Menace, this episode delves into the importance of thoughtful communication in an age dominated by social media and rapid-fire opinions. We explore the difference between speaking from a place of au...

In this episode, we explore the importance of critical thinking, unbiased research, and the pursuit of truth in an age of convenience and conformity. Drawing from lessons learned as a history teacher and student, we reflect on how examining evidence, questioning narratives, and understanding multiple perspectives lead to informed decision-making. From the dangers of indoctrination to the transform...

Are your dreams gathering dust on a shelf? In this episode, we guide you through a simple process to bring your aspirations to life. From writing down your dreams and creating actionable steps to finding daily inspiration and taking meaningful action, we’ll explore practical ways to move closer to your goals. Whether you’re dreaming of a more engaging classroom, launching a new school program, or...

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the timeless themes of choice, truth, and perception as inspired by The Matrix. Neo's journey to uncover the truth challenges us to reflect on our own daily decisions: Do we accept the status quo, blissfully ignorant, or dare to question and seek the truth, no matter the cost? Drawing parallels between Neo's choice of the red or blue pill and the choic...

Does life have you feeling less like Yoda and more like Vader? Then join us for an inspiring conversation about the importance of mindfulness with Star Wars author Amy Ratcliffe as we discuss her newest book, The Jedi Mind: Secrets from the Force for Balance and Peace and examine how practices inspired by characters from that galaxy far, far away can help you gain, and maintain, a balanced life.

Author and Ed Tech leader Jesse Lubinsky leads us through an exploration of the benefits of incorporating augmented and virtual reality into the classroom, as well as explaining the rise in popularity of bringing eSports into schools to reach a diverse cross-section of students.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Family and Consumer Sciences educator Joyce Krebs as she shares how she has “re-imagineered” her hands-on classes during the time of Covid, while modeling valuable skills such as resiliency and grit for her students and fellow teachers alike.

Author and Instructional Designer Angela Stockman joins us for an inspiring conversation about the powerful role of play and creativity within the learning process and how to encourage reluctant writers to develop and express their ideas through a host of non-traditional means.

Join us for a conversation with veteran middle school ELA teacher Craig Dickinson as he explains the importance of teaching with stories and provides examples from some of his most popular lessons, including how he teaches the “Hero’s Journey” with Star Wars.

When middle school STEM teacher Devan Lewis’ principal, Jessica Schenck, announced to the staff that they could design and teach their own elective course, Devan chose a subject near and dear to her heart: the work of Disney’s Imagineers. In this episode, we chat with Devan and Jessica about her Imagineering class, the idea behind the school-wide initiative, as well as the importance of allowing s...

Many years ago, Steven Covey noted that one of the habits of highly effective people was the ability to “begin with the end in mind.” In Part Two of our conversation with middle school principal Jeff Jenkins, we discuss ways in which leaders can leave a powerful legacy for the future through the actions they intentionally plan for today.

In Part One of our conversation with veteran middle school principal Jeff Jenkins, we examine how strong leaders impact organizations through setting a vision, empowering others and creating a culture that encourages the success of all.

The stories of Shakespeare and Star Wars take center stage as we explore the similarities found between these timeless tales and others with authors S.T. Bende (Star Wars 5-Minute Stories Strike Back, Star Wars Galactic Adventures) and Ian Doescher (William Shakespeare’s Star Wars Series).

Ready to get curious? In this episode, we chat with veteran educator and author, Matt Murrie, Executive Director and Chief Curiosity Curator for What If…? Curiosity, about the power of curiosity and how having a curious mindset can unleash the creative potential found within your students and yourself.

In this episode, we catch up with Adam Bray, the USA Today and Amazon Best-Selling author of nearly 20 official Star Wars, Marvel and LEGO books as well as nearly 40 books on travel in Southeast Asia. During our discussion about the importance of stories and their ability to motivate, inspire, and educate, we touch on some of the many adventures that led to CNN naming Adam a “Modern Indiana Jones,...

We continue our conversation with award-winning educators Chris Beyerle and Ken Morrill as they provide examples from their classrooms of ways in which problem-based and community-focused learning experiences can inspire students to grow their creative capacity.

Imagination and creativity are valued mindsets in the workplace and in our lives, but what place does they currently have in our schools? Join us as we chat with innovative educators Chris Beyerle and Ken Morrill on this topic and more for the premier episode of The Imagineering Education Podcast.

Join Thomas and Wes for a trip down memory lane as they reflect on the origins of their innovative teaching initiative, Adventures in Learning with Indiana Jones and discover how incorporating George Lucas’ groundbreaking series, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, into their classrooms not only influenced their careers, but also impacted the lives of the students they’ve taught for nearly 30 year...

"Adventures in Learning with Indiana Jones"​ Join Thomas and Wes for a trip down memory lane as they reflect on the origins of their innovative teaching initiative, Adventures in Learning with Indiana Jones and discover how incorporating George Lucas’ groundbreaking series, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, into their classrooms not only influenced their careers, but also impacted the lives of t...

Join us for inspiring conversations held at the crossroads of learning and design as we provide pertinent commentary on relevant issues and informative interviews with leaders and practitioners from the fields of education, entertainment, technology and more.