Leader of Learning

Episode 91 features Ray Porten (@raymondporten), a school principal, veteran educator, and fellow podcaster. During the episode, we discussed our thoughts on the idea of having an exponential impact, the value of trust in leadership, and the power of small moments. Full show notes and more information about this episode can be found at https://leaderoflearning.com/episode91 . To watch video versio...

Episode 90 features Ken Shelton (@k_shelton), educator, speaker, podcaster, and technology and equity advocate. During the episode, we discussed our thoughts on leadership, whether or not branding has a place in education, and how to stay true to yourself and your why as a content creator and education influencer. Full show notes and more information about this episode can be found at https://lead...

In this episode of the “Devil’s EDvocate” series, co-hosts Dr. Dan Kreiness (@dr_kreiness), Rachelle Dene Poth (@rdene915), and special guest Ken Shelton (@k_shelton) tackle the topic of growth mindset. During the episode, we discuss alternative perspectives on growth mindset and how not to have a deficit mentality, and we back it all up with relevant and timely research and data. For full show no...

In episode 89, I interview Jesse Lubinsky (@jlubinsky), the Chief Learning Officer of Ready Learner One LLC and author of recently published books, “Reality Bytes: Innovative Learning Using Augmented and Virtual Reality” and "The Esports Education Playbook: Empowering Every Learner Through Inclusive Gaming." During the episode, we discussed emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual techn...

In episode 88, I interview Mike Yates (@justmikeyates), an educator, TedX speaker, and the host of the “School Sucks” Podcast. During the episode, we discussed Mike’s podcast and TedX talks, which have inspired his work to transform education, his unique upbringing, equity in education, and whether he is a change agent or a disruptor. Full show notes and more information about this episode can be...

November 2020 In this episode of the “Devil’s EDvocate” series, co-hosts Dr. Dan Kreiness (@dr_kreiness) and Rachelle Dene Poth (@rdene915) tackle the topic of teacher evaluations. During the episode, we discussed whether or not evaluations are effective, which models work best, which are the worst, and we back it all up with relevant and timely research and data. For full show notes and more info...

Episode 87 In episode 87, I interview Alexs Pate (@AlexsPate), author and President and CEO of Innocent Technologies and creator of the Innocent Classroom. During the episode, we discussed Alexs’s book, The Innocent Classroom, and the work he and his organization are doing to confront and eliminate the racial stereotypes that limit the realities of people of color. Full show notes and more informa...

In episode 86, I interview Jake Miller (@JakeMillerTech), a science teacher, technology integration specialist, and host of the Educational Duct Tape Podcast. During the episode, we discussed best practices for instruction in hybrid and virtual environments, how teachers can best connect and build relationships with remote students, and Jake’s “4 MVPs” of current instructional technology tools. Fo...

October 2020 In this episode of the "Devil's EDvocate" series, co-hosts Dr. Dan Kreiness (@dr_kreiness) and Rachelle Dene Poth (@rdene915) tackle the topic of assessment and grading. During the episode, we discussed “toxic” grading practices vs. effective grading practices, evaluative vs. descriptive feedback, and formative vs. summative assessment, and we back it all up with relevant and timely r...

In episode 85, I interview Dr. Stephanie Hinshaw (@stephaniekay22), the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at American College of Education and toxic leadership researcher. During the episode, we discussed what toxic leadership is and what it is not, how to spot toxic leadership and how to avoid it as both a leader and a follower, and the effects toxic leadership can have on people. This ep...

Episode 84 In episode 84, I interview Kurt Bascom (@kbasc118), a middle school social studies teacher and varsity football coach in the Bronx, New York. During the episode, we discussed the importance empathy plays in connecting with students, student engagement through storytelling, using technology, and maintaining a growth mindset when teaching over time despite the challenges. This episode is...

September 2020 In this episode of the "Devil's EDvocate" series, co-hosts Dr. Dan Kreiness (@dr_kreiness) and Rachelle Dene Poth (@rdene915) tackle the topic of educational technology. During the episode, we discussed EdTech in the age of hybrid and distance learning, pros and cons, and instructional best practices, and we back it all up with relevant and timely research and data. This episode is...

In episode 83, I interview Craig Randall (@TrustbasedCraig), a former school counselor and administrator and author of the upcoming book, “Trust-Based Observations: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth.” During the episode, we discussed the importance trust plays in admin/teacher relationships, how to change the way teacher observations are conducted, and how to help teachers adopt growth minds...

In episode 82, I interview Kristina Holzweiss (@lieberrian), a high school librarian and educational technology enrichment specialist and co-author of “Hacking School Libraries: 10 Ways to Incorporate Library Media Centers into Your Learning Community.” During the episode, we discussed the important role librarians play in schools, remaining positive when returning to school, and valuable resource...

August 2020 In this episode of the "Devil's EDvocate" series, co-hosts Dr. Dan Kreiness (@dr_kreiness) and Rachelle Dene Poth (@rdene915) tackle the topic of reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the episode, we discussed stakeholder concerns, various models of what school may look like, what schools are doing well and what they aren’t, and we back it all up with relevant and time...

Episode 81 In episode 81, I interview Mark Jackson (@spotsjaws), a middle school Social Studies teacher, subject area leader, and coach. During the episode, we discussed how to master student engagement and have fun in the classroom, how to build in project-based learning, and how to do it all during distance learning. This episode is sponsored by Midwest Teachers Institute. MTI offers the most af...

Episode 80 In episode 80, I interview Hans Appel (@HansNAppel), a school counselor, podcaster, speaker, and author. Hans is a school counselor in Washington, creator and co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and is now an author of a book by the same title. During the episode, we discussed how education has been impacted by Covid19, building and improving school culture, and how to involve...

Episode 79 In episode 79, I interview Vernon Wright (@thewrightleader), an educator, entrepreneur, and speaker. Vernon is a district administrator in Texas, the founder of ZeroApologyZone.com, and has served in the roles of teacher, teacher leader, campus administrator, and central office leadership. We discussed how education has been impacted by Covid19, issues of equity and inclusion, and how e...

Episode 78 In episode 78, I re-air an interview I conducted with Basil Marin (@basil_marin) for an episode in November of 2018. Basil is a fellow 2017 ASCD Emerging Leader, education administrator, and doctoral candidate. We discussed inspiring lifelong learning, working with at-risk students, and promoting equity in education. This episode is sponsored by Midwest Teachers Institute. MTI offers th...

Episode 77 *This episode re-airs an interview with Dr. Sheldon Eakins (@sheldoneakins) originally published in episode 46 on June 2, 2019. In episode 77, I voice my public statement and concerns regarding the recent tragic events that have shed light on issues of equity and inclusion. I also re-air an interview I conducted with Dr. Sheldon Eakins (@sheldoneakins) for an episode in June of 2019. Dr...

Episode 76 In episode 76, I interviewed Bruce Reicher (@breicher), author, technology teacher, speaker, and board of education member, about media arts in the classroom. We discussed being a connected educator, essential real world-relevant skills for students, bringing media into the classroom, and Bruce’s upcoming book, “Scripted.” For full show notes and more information about this episode can...

Episode 75 In episode 75, I interviewed Sharon Forman (@MahopacMath) and Margaret Fox (@mahopacfox), two amazing educators who just happen to be two of my favorite teachers from when I was a student in middle school. We discussed connecting with students, what it takes to continue to have a growth mindset even towards the end of your career, and of course, what I was like as a student. For full sh...

Episode 74 In episode 74, I interviewed Sherry St. Clair (@Sherrystclair), educator, coach, speaker, and author of the book “Coaching Redefined: A Guide to Leading Meaningful Instructional Growth.” We discussed aspects of Coaching Redefined, instructional coaching, and how good leaders are also good coaches. For full show notes and more information about this episode can be found at https://leader...

Episode 73 In episode 73, I interviewed Kelly Croy (@kellycroy), education administrator, speaker podcaster, and author of books such as “Along Came a Leader: A Personal & Professional Guide to Leadership.” We discussed aspects of no labels leadership, innovation in education, and student creativity. For full show notes and more information about this episode can be found at https://leaderoflearni...

Episode 72 In episode 72, I interviewed Matt Miller (@jmattmiller), an educator, speaker, podcaster, and author of “Ditch That Textbook” and "Ditch That Homework." We discussed how to do distance learning with tech and without tech and Matt’s new book, “Tech Like a Pirate.” For full show notes and more information about this episode can be found at https://leaderoflearning.com/episode72 . To watch...