The Wired Educator Podcast

This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 238 my interview with Michael Hernandez, Apple Distinguished Educator, and author of the new education bestseller Storytelling with Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity. Acclaimed documentary film director Ken Burns says this about Michael's book, “Teaching is the most important profession in any democracy. Michael Hernandez has written a wonderful book that anchors storytelling in the classroom and provides a highly readable and hugely helpful guide for teachers, who each day are taking students on an intellectual journey that is critical to the well-being of our country." Wow! Now, that’s a book endorsement! In this episode, Michael and I will talk about how storytelling is perfect for your classroom despite what grade you teach and what content you teach. Storytelling is for all classrooms! You’re going to love this episode! Michael Hernandez is an international speaker, author, curriculum designer, and award-winning educator who helps individuals

This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 237, Teach Like a Pirate Revisited, my interview with Dave Burgess. I had the good fortune of interviewing Dave on episode 10, 227 episodes ago! Dave is the author of Teach Like a Pirate and the president and found of DBC with over 200 EDU speakers and authors. Amazing!  I worked for Dave for 4 years doing website design, maintenance, marketing, narration of a couple books, designing author pages and more. So cool to have Dave back and talk about how relevant and important his Teach Like a Pirate book still is, the impact he has had on education and more! Beautiful episode, with a beautiful human. Love Dave’s positive influence on all things EDU and how he keeps the narrative on EDU super positive and awesome. You’re going to love our interview. I am excited to share “The” Dave Burgess‘s journey with you! We are going to talk about deeply about how some of the core components of his book, Teach Like a Pirate, are not only still relevant in classrooms today, but how t

The Wired Educator Podcast kicks off 2024 with an interview with Meghan Lawson, author of the new EDU best seller, Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact. My colleague at Port Clinton City Schools, Joe Miller, an amazing high school English teacher and Ohio Teacher of the Year Finalist, joins me on this episode as cohost. We talk with Megan about her book, social, emotional learning, strategies for making a lasting impact, and creating awesome spaces to teach and learn. You’re going to love this episode. Meghan is a thought leader who studies and implements the conditions and systems needed for transformational change. She is the author of Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact. A lover of learning who believes in the goodness of people, Meghan works to cultivate spaces that honor the humanity of all people. She promotes storytelling, the exchange of ideas, and risk-taking. She is passionate about disrupting the status quo and creating kinder, forward-thinking communities of action. Meghan i

Happy New Year! This episode is not an interview with an educational leader. This episode is me reflecting on my year, the impact I made, the setbacks and success I experienced, and the lessons I learned.  One year ago I sat down with my Moleskine Journal and set a bunch of goals for 2023. One of the goals was to keep myself accountable by posting a podcast of me breaking down each goal on how I did. I set over 50 goals for 2023. Find out how I did. Perhaps you will be motivated to set some goals for yourself.  It is always difficult to hit the publish button on a blog, podcast, or post, but I always look at it from the perspective of an educator... to help others. If someone can benefit from my success or setbacks that is yet another benefit.  I do not post this podcast to brag or make excuses. I made it keep myself accountable. The process was actually quite humbling.  One of the goals of Wired Educator is to help people "level up to make a difference." Perhaps this episode will do that for others.  I tried

This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 234, an  interview with West Virginia Educator of the Year and Apple Distinguished Educator, Brian Casto. We focus on making class time and content engaging as well as the opportunities and challenges that arise in being recognized for our work in education. Brian Casto is an amazing educator whom I had the pleasure to meet. He is so humble and kind, but his inspiration and passion for all things education will inspire all of us. you are going to love this episode. Brian has impacted lives for more than fifteen years in education. His dedication to preserving West Virginia's history and culture has earned him accolades, including the Honorary Golden Horseshoe Award. Recently accepted into the Apple Distinguished Educator program, Brian's story is one of passion and impact. I love the animated videos he created to help his students learn about and have respect for their state. Amazing work. Brian Casto has been in the education field for fifteen years and holds a bach

This is the Wired Educator Podcast episode 233, my interview with Kristen Brooks. Kristin is an Apple Distinguished Educator and an education leader that’s making a difference in the lives of others. She helps me and my district with adding creation to our learning, especially with iPads. I’m excited to share her story and message with you and the impact that she’s making around the world. You’re going to love this interview. It is all about rocking iPads in any classroom and putting creation over consumption with devices.  Kristen is so, very, very kind. She is the type of educator, leader and friend. She is the type of person who checks in on others and she did that with me recently and it really helped. What a genuine, compassionate educator and difference maker! (Click here to play from your email.) Kristen Brooks is an amazing force for all things good in education. She is an innovator. She is a leader. She is an inspiration to all. Kristen is an Apple Distingued educator of whom I have traveled the worl

WEP 232: Recalibrate Your Culture, An Interview with Jimmy Casas Focus: Building a Positive School Culture: Insights from Jimmy Casas' New Book As the Wired Educator podcast reaches its 232nd episode, host Kelly Croy welcomes a special guest, Jimmy Casas, a renowned educator, speaker, and author of the newly-released book, Recalibrate the Culture. In their conversation, Jimmy discusses the importance of school culture in shaping the success of both students and staff and shares practical strategies for building a positive culture in any school setting. If you're a school leader or educator who wants to create a positive school culture and improve your leadership skills, be sure to listen to Kelly Croy's interview of Jimmy Casas on The Wired Educator Podcast. You'll be inspired by Casas's passion and wisdom, and you'll come away with practical strategies that you can use to make a difference in your school. Creating a positive school culture is more important than ever in today's educational climate, and Jimmy

This is the Wired Educator Podcast episode 231. My interview with the authors of the book, 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders, authors Connie Hamilton, Dr. Joseph Jones, and Dr. TJ Vari. This episode will challenge your thinking and provide you with the tools you need to look at challenges in education in new ways and find better solutions. Buckle up. You are going to love this episode. Connie Hamilton has served the field of education as a teacher, instructional coach, elementary and secondary principal, and district curriculum director. She is the author of five books for teachers and school leaders. Connie is known for hands-on, practical approaches to solving instructional snafus. Educators love how she offers specific strategies that actually work and can be used immediately. Often referred to as “The Questioning Guru”, Connie has a unique ability to coach administrators and teachers and guide them through reflection and professional discovery for amazing PD experiences. Dr. Joseph Jones is the Superintende

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast Episode, I interview Mike Johnston, educator, author, and poet. Mike is the author of You Are Poetry: How to See and Grow the Poet in Your Students and Yourself. This is an enchanting, beautiful and helpful conversation for all educators in any grade and in any content area to take students learning and work to the highest level of understanding and expression possible. This interview is awesome and it’s just what you need. Click here to listen to my interview with Mike. Mike and I talk about: What He believes poetry is and why he believes everyone is a poet. The value of poetry as emotional literacy. His book and how  it can be used. Poetry in all content and grades. And more! Mike Johnston is a Metis middle school educator, champion slam poet, spoken word artist, poetry educator and and land-based learning specialist. He was named a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow and is the author of You Are Poetry; an educational resource book that guides educat

In this 229th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing an amazing educational leader named Chris Jones. Chris is the author of a really powerful, leadership book titled Seeing to Lead. I had so much fun talking with Christ and I learned a ton. He delivers actionable steps to help anyone improve and I love his authenticity and fun spirit. This is a great interview for anyone in education that wants a bit of refreshing inspiration, encouragement and some golden nuggets to level up and make a difference.  Dr. Chris Jones has been an educator in Massachusetts for 22 years. His experience in the classroom ranged from 8th - 11th grade working in an urban setting. A portion of this was spent opening a high school division for an expanding charter school. He has just finished his 14th year as a building administrator. Chris is also the Vice President of the Massachusetts State Administrators Association (MSAA). True to his "why" of improving the educational experience for as many peo

This is Episode 228 of The Wired Educator Podcast. I interview Zac Bauermaster about leadership, serving in every level of education, and his new book, Leading with a Humble Heart. This is a great interview for all. Enjoy Click here to listen to Episode 228 of The Wired Educator Podcast. Zac Bauermaster is an educational leader and author passionate about people. Zac’s mission field is public education. One of his main tag lines is, “It’s all about people.” His leadership style exemplifies a people-first approach as he seeks to glorify God in all he does. Zac has gained humble confidence through his daily pattern of prayer and reading scripture that he aims to share with others to advance God’s kingdom. Zac released a devotional leadership book in July of 2022 titled, Leading with a Humble Heart: A 40 Day Devotional for Leaders.  Zac currently serves as principal at Kissel Hill Elementary School, located in the Warwick School District in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Zac has the tremendous opportunity to

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast I interview Dominic Helmstetter. He shares how he connects with students, makes his class relevant and engaging, and how EduProtocols helps him to make a difference as educator. This is a fun episode. You can hear and feel Dominic's passion for teaching. You will also leave with actionable takeaways you could put to use immediately in your classroom. Click here to listen to episode 227. Dominic Helmstetter has taught Middle and High School for 16 years.  He holds a BA in Integrated Social Studies, an MA in Curriculum and Instruction as well as an MED in Education Leadership.  He began his teaching career in a diverse high needs community before later serving as Dean of Students and Principal.  He later returned to the classroom to teach Junior High before being hired to teach at Perrysburg High School, where he is part of a teaching team that regularly helps students earn among the highest passing rates in Ohio state testing.  His instruction focuses on providing

Welcome to the eighth season of The Wired Educator Podcast! In this 226th episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Karen Robey. Karen is an amazing educational leader and innovator. She is one of my immediate go-to's when I need help, inspiration, an innovative perspective or honest feedback. She is a brilliant and kind. I am so excited to share her message with you! In this episode Karen refers to curriculum as a bridge. Wait until you hear it and what it means. I love this metaphor! Karen Robey is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Gibsonburg Schools and brings over two decades of educational experience in Ohio public schools. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Early Childhood Education as well as a Master of Educational Administration. She is passionate about creating a culture of collaborative learning and growth and enjoys planning meaningful professional learning. One accomplishment she is most proud of was being a member of a district team who led a professional learning session hosted

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview school psychologist, and SEL expert, Jillian McFarlan.  You are going to love and laugh at the backstory of how this interview came about. It's hilarious.  Click here to listen to my interview with Jillian McFarlan.  We talk about: What really is SEL? Is it real? How do we do it? Why? What in the world is 'trauma informed education'? Why do we need it? What difference does it make. Jillian is a fantastic resource who takes simplifies these concepts and shows us what they really are, how they matter, and what we can do. You are going to love this authentic and helpful conversation. You are going to leave this podcast a better educator. This is one of my favorites. There’s a lot of talk right now about social emotional learning and trauma informed education, but I  think few people really know what they’re talking about. Jillian sets the record straight,  Jillian McFarlan, school psychologist, Circleville City Schools School psychologist Jillian McFarla

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I talk with the legend Ken Williams about Equity, What makes a successful PLC, the misconceptions and dangers of ability groupings, reaching the disengaged, and his new book Ruthless Equity. I love this interview and you will too. Kenneth C. Williams shares his experience and expertise as a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, coach and consultant in leadership and school culture. A practitioner for nearly three decades, Ken led the improvement efforts at two schools by leveraging the Professional Learning Communities at Work process. Skilled in joining the why of the work to the how of the work, Ken is known for his powerful and engaging combinations of “heart, humor, and hammer.” He is an expert at helping schools build capacity in the collective commitments required of learning for all cultures. Ken is the former principal of The Learning Academy at E. J. Swint in Jonesboro, Georgia, and Damascus Elementary School in Damascus, Maryland. His firsthand experie

In this 223rd episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I interview Dawn Harris about her new book, Plan Like a Pirate. I absolutely love our conversation on designing meaningful experience for students, curriculum, fitting everything needed into education, what CRT is and isn't, and most importantly how to impact the lives of students. Dawn is brilliant and this episode will inspire and enchant you to become your personal best and deliver to students. I love it and you will too. Order a copy of her book: Dawn's Book: Plan Like a Pirate: Designing Extraordinary Learning Journeys for Every Student Dawn Harris is a passionate and energetic educator who lives by the motto, “Relationships First.” Her enthusiasm for creating connections is infectious and she thrives on the opportunity to learn about the things that motivate and inspire teachers and students alike. In her roles as a secondary English Language Arts Educator, Gifted and Talented Teacher, and Associate Professor of Teacher Education, Dawn continually stri

In this episode Rich Czyz and I talk about getting creative with professional learning opportunities, how to make professional learning not be too much on teacher's plates, and most importantly how to be a Rogue Leader in your district. Rich is amazing and I am so proud of all that we discuss to keep education fun and meaningful. Rich's insight to professional learning is second to none. This is an amazing listen.   Rich Czyz is an author, educator, and speaker. He started his career as a fifth grade teacher, has served as a Basic Skills teacher, instructional coach, elementary supervisor and Director of Curriculum & Instruction. Rich is currently the Proud Principal of the Yardville Elementary School in NJ and Co-Founder of FourOClockFaculty.com, as well as author of several books including The Four O’Clock Faculty, The Secret Sauce, and his newest book, ROGUE Leader: Make the Rules, Inspire Others, and Take Control of Your Own Professional Development Destiny. Rich is passionate about engaging all stake

In this 221st episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Bryon Carpenter, an amazing educator, podcaster and thinker. I love Bryon's positivity and intentional reflection on what he is learning. His ability to reflect, apply and share fascinates me. I am enchanted by his ability to wake early, get walking, learn from podcasts, reflect and share with the world. You will love Bryon too. He is a wonderful, authentic educator and human.  We talk about: Creativity and how students can express themselves through Media Design Why he started the Fresh Air At Five podcast.  How sharing reflections affect his PLN. and more! Bryon currently serves as a secondary math, science, and technology teacher at the Abbotsford Virtual School since 2010, in Abbotsford, BC, Canada. He took a leave from AVS in 2015-16 to serve the Abbotsford School District as a Helping Teacher for Technology.   During that time he became a Google Certified Educator and met EdTech Team which inspired him want to bring their Google Summit t

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Frustrated? Is your district enduring initiative fatigue? My two guests today are from Hawaii and the Netherlands, and they co-authored a book titled The Minimalist Teacher which can help all of us create a better work environment no matter what our role is an education may be. You are going to love We talk about: Why minimalism is needed in our educational lives and school culture. The benefits of minimalism, and why it’s necessary, and how to employ these techniques. How to advocate for this minimalist approach? I hosted the podcast in Ohio and Tami joined us from Hawaii and Christine from the Netherlands so in this recording we literally span across the planet. Pretty cool. We had a lot of fun.  I can’t wait for you to hear how this episode is going to change your life. Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman is the founder of and professional learning facilitator at Plan Z Professional Learning Services, an elementary teacher, and ASCD author. She has experience teaching and leading in Hawai

This is the wired educator podcast episode 219. My interview with Amanda Fox and her books Teachingland: A Teachers Survival Guide to the Classroom Apocalypse and MarkerTown, an awesome children’s book. We talk about Canva, virtual reality, augmented reality,  book publishing, creation in the classroom and her amazing story of becoming an educator and more. Get ready to be inspired and learn in this awesome interview. Click here to listen to my interview with Amanda Fox.  Amanda is the author of several books including: Teachingland: A Teachers Survival Guide to the Classroom Apocalypseand MarkerTown. Amanda Fox, is an educator, author, and technology enthusiast currently living in Louisville, Kentucky. She is the Director of Education for QuiverVision, and the founder of Metainkbooks, a publishing company that leverages augmented reality to improve literacy. She has taught English Language Arts, Social Studies, Film, Journalism, and enjoys writing, illustrating, and cooking in her free time. Recipient of t