Episode 97 features Maria Montroni-Currais (@MrsMCEDU), Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for a PreK-8 school district in New Jersey and a popular education blogger. During the episode, we discussed how to build and maintain a positive climate…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
October 2020
In this Devil’s EDvocate series episode, 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…
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…
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,…
September 2020
In this Devil’s EDvocate series episode, 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…
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…
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…
August 2020
In this Devil’s EDvocate series episode, 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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.”…
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…
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…
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…
Episode 46
In episode 46, I interviewed Dr. Sheldon Eakins (@sheldoneakins). Dr. Eakins is the host of the Leading Equity podcast and an educational administrator in Fort Hall, Idaho. We discussed issues related to equity in education, including…
Episode 45
In episode 45, I welcomed Dr. Will Deyamport (@iamDrWill) back on the show as a return guest. Dr. Will is a blended learning specialist, fellow podcast host, and documentary filmmaker. We discussed educators carving paths as…
Episode 44
In the third episode in a three-part mini series on Social Emotional Learning, I interviewed Elizabeth Merce (@EMercedLearning), a kindergarten teacher and adjunct professor, about student discipline as it relates to social emotional…
Episode 43
In the second episode in a three-part mini series on Social Emotional Learning, I interviewed Brian Kulak (@bkulak11), a K-5 principal, speaker, and author of “Level Up Leadership: Advance Your EduGame.” We discussed social emotional…
Episode 42
In the first episode in a three-part mini series on Social Emotional Learning, I interviewed Krista Leh (@krista_leh), an educator, former administrator, adjunct professor, and educational consultant specializing in SEL. We discussed what…
Episode 41
In this episode, I interviewed Alyssa Gallagher (@am_gallagher), an educator, administrator, educational consultant, and author of Design Thinking for School Leaders: Five Roles and Mindsets That Ignite Positive Change, published by ASCD….
Episode 40
In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Rick Jetter (@rickjetter), an educator, author, speaker, trainer, and education consultant. We discussed Rick’s career journey that has led him back to the classroom, his successes as a consultant and…
Episode 39
In this episode, I interviewed Mark Barnes (@markbarnes19), an educator, speaker, and best-selling author and publisher. We discussed connecting and engaging in education spaces on social media, writing and publishing content, the success…
Episode 38
In this episode, I interviewed Ashley Bendiksen (@AshleyBendiksen), a national speaker, activist, and advocate. Ashley speaks about abusive and unhealthy relationships. We discussed recognizing signs and symptoms of these relationships,…
Episode 37
In this episode, I interviewed Ryan McHale (@pondereducation), an English teacher from Massachusetts. Ryan and the host of the Pondering Education podcast. We discuss supporting preservice teachers, equity in education, and other things we…
Episode 36
In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Sam Fecich (@SFecich). We discuss Dr. Fecich’s book, “EduMagic, her work at the higher education level with pre-service teachers, and the state of teacher induction programs.
For more information about…
Episode 35
In this episode, I recap the year, speak to the great success the podcast experienced in 2018, and discuss the important balance between short-term and long-term goal setting.
For more information about this episode or to catch up on past…
In this episode, I spoke with Basil Marin (@basil_marin), a fellow ASCD Emerging Leader and education administrator, about inspiring lifelong learning, working with at-risk students, and promoting equity in education.
For more information about this…
In this episode, I spoke with Elizabeth Shaw (@davineoptimism), a member of the team behind Davine Optimism, about building a culture of optimism, strategies to combat pessimism, and how optimism relates to growth mindset.
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In this episode, I spoke with Brad Shreffler (@BradShreffler), host of the Planning Period podcast, about asking important questions about flaws in education and ways to take action to improve education.
For more information about this episode or to…
In this episode, I spoke with Kyle Hamstra (@kylehamstra) about the importance of STEM education, leadership, and his work with networking educators and sharing educational resources.
For more information about this episode or to catch up on past…
In this episode, I spoke with Chris Nesi (@mrnesi) about educational podcasting, professional development and educational technology. I also thank him for his help and support for everything he has done to contribute to the success of this podcast….
This episode is part three of a three-part summer mini series on educational leadership strategies. In the third episode in the series, I go over ways to follow through on ideas, goals, and visions. I also tie together parts one and two in the series,…
This episode is part two of a four-part summer mini series on educational leadership strategies. In the second episode in the series, I go over ways to inspire and empower others through leadership. I also discuss the differences between being a…
This episode is part one of a four-part summer mini series on educational leadership strategies. In the first episode in the series, I discuss how to “find your why” and create your personal vision for education. I also share my own personal vision…
In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Nathan Lang-Raad @drlangraad about his role at WeVideo, student content creation, his book, “Everyday Instructional Coaching,” and his upcoming book he is co-authoring with Dr. Robert Marzano.
For more information…
In this episode, I spoke with Rabbi Michael Cohen (@TheTechRabbi), designer and technologist, about design and branding, his upcoming book, and his work as The Tech Rabbi and his “Educated By Design” brand.
For more information about this episode…
In this episode, I spoke with Don Wettrick, high school teacher and entrepreneur, about innovation and entrepreneurship, his book, “Pure Genius,” and his work with StartEdUp Innovation, LLC and the StartEdUp Foundation.
For more information about…
In this episode, I spoke with Sean Gaillard (@smgaillard), a middle school principal, about his leadership with spreading positivity among educators and students and the book he is writing called “The Pepper Effect.”
For more information about this…
In this episode, I spoke with Brian Costello (@btcostello05), digital innovation specialist, author of the upcoming book, “The Teacher’s Journey,” and podcast host, about mentorship and professional growth among teachers. Brian shared some of what he…
In this episode, I spoke with Jon Harper, assistant principal and host of the “My Bad” podcast, about embracing vulnerability. Jon shared why it’s important for people to learn from their mistakes, explained some of his findings from interviewing…
In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Marialice Curran and her son Curran Dee, otherwise known as Curran Central. This mother-son team from Connecticut is the brains behind the operations at DigCit Kids and are leading the way when it comes to educating…
Episode 19
In this episode, I talk to educator and soon-to-be-author Dene Gainey about his upcoming book, “Journey to the Y in YOU.” The book is about finding your Y (“why”). Dene also discussed his exciting opportunity to take part in the Tanzania…
Episode 18
In this episode, I talk to award-winning educator Rachelle Dene Poth about leading the student-centered classroom. We talk about blended and flipped learning and allowing for more student voice and choice in the classroom.
For more…
In this episode, I talk to instructional technology coordinator Claudio Zavala about leveraging educational technology, whether or not students are creating enough content in school, and his success with his popular Flipgrid grids such as #singasong,…
In this episode, I talk to principal and host of the Transformative Principal podcast Jethro Jones and talk to him about making the transition into the role of a school administrator, how to create buy-in with followers, and how to empower others….
In this episode, I interview Starr Sackstein, a district-level administrator, author and blogger, speaker, and fellow ASCD Emerging Leader about her thoughts about topics such as “playing the game of school,” going gradeless, and, of course,…
In this episode, I interview Tara Martin, a district-level administrator, creator of #booksnaps, blogger, speaker, and soon-to-be-published author about her thoughts about being R.E.A.L. as an educator and the success and purpose of #booksnaps.
For…
In this episode, I interview Raye Wood, a national board certified teacher and doctoral candidate, about her thoughts on building and maintaining strong relationships with students and other educators.
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Dr. Will Deyamport III, host of the Dr. Will Show and educational technology specialist, joins me to discuss his show and podcast, getting connected with other educators to share content and ideas, and to spread his message, “Invest in you, EDU!”…
Don Sturm, technology integration specialist in Illinois, joins me to discuss how to stay ahead of the curve on new trends in instructional technology and how to adapt to such rapid advancements.
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Valerie Lewis, an award-winning educator and leader, discusses teacher leadership, what it means to be a teacherpreneur, and her involvement in educational movements such as #passthescopeedu and EdObstacles.
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Matt Miller, author of “Ditch That Textbook” and “Ditch That Homework” discusses risk-taking, making the switch from serving only students to helping grow teachers, his work with the Google Teacher Tribe, and of course the upcoming, 2nd annual digital…
Educational leadership expert, coach, and fellow podcaster Danny Sunshine Bauer discusses his work helping leaders grow through masterminds, his podcast and brand, “Better Leaders Better Schools”, and his insights about inspiration and motivation….
In this episode, I share my thoughts on this message: Sometimes pushing your students means pushing yourself first. I encourage you, the listener, to raise the bar on your own learning and find new ways to grow yourself as an educator and leader…
Mark Crowley, the author of Lead From The Heart, joined me to discuss his experiences as a leader, his views on transformational leadership, and, of course, how to lead from the heart.
For more information, visit http://leaderoflearning.com/episode6
Gabriel Carillio, Educational Technology Specialist in San Antonio, Texas, discusses his role as a technology leader and how he has seen educational leadership from a variety of roles and positions, and pitches his own podcast, EdTech Bites, which…
Josh Tappan, Customer Advocacy Manager at Nearpod, responds to criticism of teacher ambassador programs and discusses how Nearpod handles their PioNear program to support teacher leaders.
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Jaime Donally discusses opportunities for global collaboration, advancing education, and shares her passion for immersive technologies such as augmented, virtual and mixed reality.
For more information, visit http://leaderoflearning.com/episode3
Dr. Josue Falaise discusses his experience quickly turning around underperforming schools, provides advice on how to lead from any role, and describes his new educational leadership consulting business.
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Sarah Thomas, the founder of Edumatch©, tells us how connecting and collaborating can help educators move education forward.
For more information, visit http://leaderoflearning.com/episode1