Leader of Learning

Episode 71 In episode 71, I interviewed Tara Martin (@taramartinedu), an educator, speaker, podcaster, and Director of Public Relations and Communication for Dave Burgess Consulting. We discussed how to maintain an optimistic and growth mindset during school closures and how Tara’s acronym REAL can apply in almost any situation. For full show notes and more information about this episode can be fo...

Episode 70 In episode 70, I interviewed Brian Mendler (@brianmendler), an educator, speaker, podcaster, and author of books such as “That One Kid: Changing Lives One Student at a Time.” We discussed how to maintain relationships with students during school closures and what to do to support students who need extra attention. For full show notes and more information about this episode can be found...

Episode 69 In episode 69, I will take listeners through an understanding of resistance to change, how it impacts teachers, and what educators and leaders can do to reduce it. I discuss how resistance to change is real and research-based, why teachers are resistant to change, what researchers say about the topic, and whether or not resistance to change can be prevented. The full blog post and more...

Episode 68 In episode 68, I interviewed Susan Riley (@educationcloset), former music teacher and founder and CEO of The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM. We discussed the importance of integrating arts into education, moving toward a STEAM model, and how to prepare for the future of education. For full show notes and more information about this episode can be found at https://leaderoflearn...

Episode 67 In episode 67, I interviewed Jorge Valenzuela (@JorgeDoesPBL), author of multiple books including the recent ISTE publication, "Rev Up Robotics", a consultant with Lifelong Learning Defined, LLC, and a member of the Teach Better Speakers Network. We discussed how to "rev up" instruction including backward design, project-based learning, and STEM instruction. For full show notes and more...

Episode 66 In episode 66, I interviewed Dr. Tony Sinanis (@TonySinanis), Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development in Chappaqua, New York, co-author of multiple educational books including "Hacking Leadership," and national speaker and a highly sought after professional developer. We discussed lifelong learning, leadership to empower and inspire others, pushing equity...

Episode 65 In episode 65, I interviewed Teru Clavel (@TeruClavel), a comparative education expert and best-selling author of “World Class.” We discussed the state of U.S. schools versus other nations and what to do to continue to move American education forward into the future, the importance of consistent leadership, and partnering with stakeholders. For full show notes and more information about...

Episode 64 In episode 64, I interviewed Kathy Perret (@kathyperret) and Kenny McKee (@kennycmckee). Kathy is an instructional coaching consultant and co-author of "The Coach Approach to School Leadership." Kenny is a high school literacy and instructional coach. We discussed instructional coaching when faced with barriers and the duo's upcoming ASCD Empower20 pre-conference workshop and book set t...

Episode 63 In episode 63, I interviewed A.J. Bianco (@AJBianco), Supervisor of Instruction and Technology for the East Rutherford School District in New Jersey and co-host of the Podcast PD Podcast. We discussed the transition from being a teacher leader to an administrator, inspiring instructional risk-taking, and making an impact as a new administrator. For full show notes and more information a...

Episode 62 In episode 62, I interviewed Joshua Stamper (@Joshua__Stamper), a middle school assistant principal from texas and host of Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast. In addition to his administrative position, Joshua is a podcaster, blogger, leadership coach, and education presenter. We discussed how to use trauma-informed practices both in leadership and instructionally in the classro...

Episode 61 In episode 61, I interviewed Joe Merrill (@MrMerrillsClass) and Kristin Merrill (@FriendsInFourth), a husband and wife team affectionately known as The Merrills (@TheMerrillsEDU) and co-authors of the new book, The InterACTIVE Class. Joe is a first grade teacher and Kristin is a fourth grade teacher. We discussed how to make teaching and learning highly interactive both using technology...

Episode 60 In episode 60, I interviewed Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas) and Rae Hughart (@RaeHughart) from the Teach Better Team and co-hosts of the Teach Better Talk Podcast. Jeff is a co-founder and COO of the Teach Better Team and Rae is a middle school educator and Director of Training and Development with Teach Better Team. We discussed the TBT podcast and book and inspiring teachers to be better w...

Episode 59 In episode 59, I interviewed Dr. Matthew X. Joseph (@matthewxjoseph), a district administrator from Massachusetts. Matthew is an author and speaker in addition to his role as director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in Leicester Public Schools. We discussed Matthew’s insights on how best to support teaching and learning as well as thoughts from his new book on mentoring. For...

Episode 58 In episode 58, I interviewed LaTezeon Humphrey Balentine (@LHBLovedEDU), a secondary English educator from Mississippi. LaTezeon is a children’s book author, blogger, creator of a Mentor Program called Bright Butterfly, LLC, and a mental health advocate. We discussed how she finds the message in the mess, her passion for literacy and motivating students, and her desire to coach and insp...

Episode 57 In episode 57, I interviewed Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy (@microschoolcoal), author of the new book “Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids.” Maureen has an extensive understanding of the components needed to transform the education system. She is the founding director of Leadership Preparatory Academy, a nonprofit progressive micro-school in Washington State. We discussed ho...

Episode 56 In episode 56, I interviewed Robert Kaplinsky (@RobertKaplinsky), author of the new book “Open Middle Math: Problems That Unlock Student Thinking, Grades 6 – 12.” Robert’s experience is as a classroom teacher, teacher specialist, and instructor at UCLA. He is also a speaker and presenter who has a passion for sharing lessons and resources teachers can use with their students to help the...

Episode 55 In episode 55, I interviewed Chrissy Romano Arrabito (@theconnectededu), author of the new book “Quiet Kids Count.” Chrissy is an elementary school teacher from New Jersey who is an expert on supporting introverted students. We discussed how educators can recognize, support, and encourage introverted students. For full show notes and more information about this episode or to catch up on...

Episode 54 In episode 54, I interviewed Tim Cavey (@mistercavey), host of the popular “Teachers On Fire” podcast. Dave is a teacher from Canada who just earned a Master’s degree while researching content consumption through podcasts. We discussed how to be an evidence-informed educator by creating and consuming content. For full show notes and more information about this episode or to catch up on...

Episode 53 In episode 53, I interviewed Dr. Dave Schmittou (@daveschmittou), author of the book, “Bold Humility.” Dave is a former teacher and administrator, speaker, and the author of the book, “It's Like Riding a Bike.” We discussed how to stay humble and use failures and past experiences as motivation for future success. For full show notes and more information about this episode or to catch up...

Episode 52 In episode 52, I interviewed George Couros (@gcouros) and Katie Novak (@katienovakudl), authors of the book, “Innovate Inside the Box.” George is a former teacher and administrator, speaker, and the author of the popular book, “The Innovator’s Mindset.” Katie is an assistant superintendent of schools and internationally recognized expert in universal design. For full show notes and more...

Episode 51 In episode 51, I interviewed Sabba Quidwai (@AskMsQ), a doctoral candidate in USC's Global Executive Doctor of Education program. Sabba is a former social sciences teacher and Director of Innovation at USC, a speaker, and a social influencer. In the episode, we discussed how leadership and social influence have converged and emerged as growing skills for the next generation. For full sh...

Episode 50 In episode 50, I interviewed Danny Bauer, educational leader, podcast host, and author behind the Better Leaders Better Schools brand. Danny is the author of “The Better Leaders Better Schools Roadmap: Small Ideas That Lead to Big Impact.” We discussed how to lead through adversity and how important coaching is in leadership. For more information about this episode or to catch up on pas...

In episode 49, I want to wish all educators a happy new school year. I reflect on something I heard Eric Sheninger say during my district's convocation - take ACTION. Also, I get vulnerable and open up about a difficult situation during my first year as an administrator but I also look ahead to a new beginning in a new role.

Episode 48 In episode 48, I interviewed Dr. Kristyn Klei Borrero (@KKB_CT3), educator, author, CEO and co-founder of CT3. Kristyn is the author of “Every Student, Every Day: A No-Nonsense Nurturer® Approach to Reaching All Learners.” We discussed what it means to be a no-nonsense nurturer, real-time coaching, and coaching with intentionality. For more information about this episode or to catch up...

Episode 47 In episode 47, I interviewed Jonathon Lee (@jleeTechPercent), a School Improvement Consultant for St. Louis RPDC Instructional Specialist for METC, and Don Sturm (@SturmDon), a technology integration specialist for the Morton schools in Illinois. We discussed the upcoming ISTE conference, ISTE certification for teachers, and currents trends in educational technology. For more informatio...