The Wired Educator Podcast

WEP 218 Safe, Seen and Stretched in the Classroom an Interview with Julie Schmidt Hasson In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I interview Julie Schmidt Hasson about her new book Safe, Seen and Stretched in the Classroom. It is all about her research on the impact of teachers. I first interviewed Julie a few years ago for episode 98, and now she is back. What a fun interview. You are going to love her book.  Click here to listen to my interview with Julie.  Julie Schmidt Hasson, Ed.D. is a professor in the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University. Julie’s research on the impact of a teacher is the topic of a TEDx talk and is the focus of her engaging professional development programs. She founded the Chalk and Chances project, a vehicle for elevating and celebrating teachers, in 2017. Julie's latest book, Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom was released in November 2021. Mentioned in this episode:  Julie's book: Safe, Seen and Stretched in the Classroom Julie's website: htt

WEP 217: Creation in Every Classroom, Interview with Scott Nunes This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 217, my interview with Scott Nunes. Scott is an energetic ELA teacher turned and EDU tech coach consultant and now a district engagement advocate for Canva! I love Scott’s work in education and especially in the areas of design, project based learning and all the creative work he’s doing with technology. He’s a podcaster and a promoter of all things positive in education. This interview was so much fun. You’re going to leave this podcast inspired and full of great ideas on how to bring creation into your classroom. Buckle up. Click here to listen to my interview with Scott. Scott Nunes is an energetic ELA Teacher turned Edtech Coach, Consultant, and now district Engagement Advocate for Canva! This aspiring author has zeal for Design, AR/VR, 3D Printing, and PBL. He builds on his 20+ years as a freelance Graphic Designer to bring real world relevance to classrooms around the world. When he isn’t busy pod

In this 216th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I talk about the four relationships that we must strengthen in education.  I love the magic of a new year and any chance to start fresh. I journal. I make resolutions. I set goals.  Helping students, teachers and educational leaders become their best is my passion and mission in life. I love it. I see educators working hard to build strong connections with students not only because it is the right thing to do and fun, but because it really makes a difference in the life of that student, in that classroom and in that teacher. Building good relationships, however, is just the start! There are other relationships that are important to nature and that is what this episode is about.  Building relationships with others isn't easy, but it makes all the difference. It improves our work environment, our day, and our lives. It can even change how we are when we get home! We can't wait for others to start this important work. We must start it and model it.  I had to g

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Keven Rinaman about his new book, 3DU: A Guide to 3D Printing in Every Classroom published by Wired Educator. Keven is an educator, administrator, podcaster, blogger, author and an important voice in education.  You're going to love this episode.  Keven Rinaman is an educator and author. He has taught history, math, and technology at middle and high school grades, and has served as the technology director and Dean of Students for his district. Keven has coached numerous sports including: wrestling, golf, baseball and esports. He is a graduate of Heidelberg University and Western Governors University, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Tiffin University. Keven is the author of 3DU: A Guide to 3D Printing in Every Classroom, the host of an educational podcast titled, Magic Potion EDU, and blogs at TeachersTechToolbox.com. Keven has spoken at numerous national and regional conferences including FE

This is the wired educator podcast episode 214, my interview with Brad Gustafson. Brad is an amazing educational leader, an award winning principal and the author of a fantastic new book titled The Six  Literacy Levers. We talk about literacy leadership, The Swiss-Army Knife of Literacy, Shiny Book Report Syndrome, and so much more!  Brad was on the Wired Educator Podcast way back in episode 121 where we talked about his book Reclaiming Our Calling. Now Brad is back with a brand new book focused on Literacy. Literacy is something I am personally passion about and something I’m professionally working on with my district. I am so excited to share this interview with you. We talk about: Why literacy? Why now? The difference between reading skills and motivation Creating Reading Community It doesn’t matter what you teach. It doesn’t matter what your role is in education. This episode is absolutely for you. But before I share this amazing interview with you there’s something I wanna tell you about. Dr. Brad Gu

In this 213th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Jennifer Appel. She is an amazing educator, coach, speaker and the author of several books including:  Inspiring JOY:  A Revolutionary Lesson Planning Framework for Teaching the Whole Learner, and picture books: Award Winning Dog and I'M WHO... We talk about Award Winning Culture, her books and how every teacher can make an impact with students in the area of social emotional learning regardless of what grade they teach, or content. I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Break. I am thankful for you for listening to The Wired Educator Podcast and the difference you make every day. Jennifer Appel is an educator, coach, speaker, and writer.  She’s the Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture.  In addition to being the author of the highly anticipated book: “Inspiring JOY:  A Revolutionary Lesson Planning Framework for Teaching the Whole Learner,” she’s the author of a line of picture books focusing o

LaTezeon co-hosts the Rising and Inspiring YouTube Channel and is the author of the children's book Fur Friends Forever.   An educator with many years of experience within the classroom. She has taught on the elementary and secondary levels. LaTezeon worked as an education consultant in MS where she assisted several school districts with professional development and education support in the classroom. Her skills vary from communication, computer, and interpersonal.   She is responsible, goal-oriented, and an expeditious learner. LaTezeon enjoys blogging, marketing and building a social media presence. Her ultimate goal is to find a career where she is able to enhance and develop new skills to expand a company and grow as a person. LaTezeon is highly qualified and goal-oriented with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. She is passionate about efforts to create more affirmative, structured, caring, and innovating culture for our youth and community. LHB is a mental health advocate and a literacy

In this 211th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I interview Todd Stanley on how we can best teach students, especially gifted students.   Todd Stanley is a National Board teacher and the author of many teacher-education books including Project-Based Learning for Gifted Students (2nd edition), Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning, and his latest How the Hell Do We Motivate Theses Kids? from First Educational Resources. He served as a classroom teacher for 18 years where he worked with all grade levels in all subject areas in all types of service. He is currently the gifted services coordinator for Pickerington Local Schools in Ohio where he lives with his wife and two daughters. You can follow him on Twitter @the_gifted_guy or visit his website at thegiftedguy.com where you can access blogs, resources, and view presentations he has given.   Topics: Student motivation, gifted, authentic learning strategies, project-based learning   Mentioned in this episode:   Sign-up for Kelly's newsletter here

This is episode 210 of The Wired Educator Podcast, and I have the privilege to share with you the awesomeness of Ben Kalb. Ben is an amazing educator and we are both members of The Apple Distinguished Educator Community.  Ben teaches some important things we need to know about delivering awesome feedback. We also have a great conversation about deficit thinking and the power of storytelling in education.  Ben Kalb is the Director of Communication for the Muskegon Area ISD in Muskegon Michigan. As a former classroom teacher he is a passionate advocate for Public Schools. Ben is an Apple Distinguished Educator and was the cohost of another top ranked education podcast. Throughout 4 seasons of Vrain Waves, teachers were informed, inspired, and connected through the advice of giants in education. Although his podcast wasn't as prolific as this one, over the course of 4 seasons he and his co-host Becky interviewed dozens of New York Times Best selling authors including Dan Heath, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Daniel Pink

In this 209th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, Kevin Honeycutt and I talk about the courage of teachers making a difference, the importance of creativity, why educators must build strong relationships with parents, and so much more. Kevin Honeycutt is a technology integrationist, staff developer and keynote speaker  from Colorado Springs. He spent 13 years teaching K-12 art. Since then he’s spent 17+ years becoming a presenter and change maker with worldwide reach. With his live presentations limited by the pandemic, he pivoted and brought his focus to bear largely online. Now he's back out there and thrilled to be back in the “live” inspiration game. He's an art teacher, musician, former school board member and published author as well as an an Apple Distinguished Educator who received the Making It Happen Award for his tech leadership in the classroom. Through all of his networks and associations he communicates with over 100,000 people each day. Mentioned in this interview:  Join the Wired Educator S

Vanquish the Myth of The Digital Native Learner: What Every Educator Needs to Know About Teaching and Learning with Technology! In this 208th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I share what every educator needs to know about teaching and learning with technology.  Click here to listen to this episode.  In this episode Kelly presents solutions to many of the challenges and obstacles teachers and school districts face when implementing good instructional practice with technology. Our problems are never really about funding, the number of devices, the WiFi, professional learning, nor the devices themselves, but rather the correct mindset, culture and practice needed.  This episode addresses the following questions:  What do we do to counter and correct the myth that students know how to use technology to learn? What kind of environment do we need to create in our classrooms about learning with technology? What should the culture of our schools be with technology? What should we really be teaching students do

In this 207th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Evan Robb, the author of The Ten Minute Principal, Team Makers and more! Evan and I talk about literacy, leadership, culture and more. I learned so much and I know you will too.  Click here to listen to my interview with Evan Robb.  Evan Robb is presently Principal of Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia. He has served for more than twenty years as a building level principal. Prior to being a school principal, he was an English teacher, department chair, and Assistant Principal. Evan is a recipient of the Horace Mann Educator of the Year Award. In addition, the NCTE Commission on Reading selected him to serve on its national board. A TEDx Speaker, Evan presents inspirational keynotes, workshops, and webinars on leadership, mindset, culture, impactful change, and how to improve literacy in schools. Evan has shared his ideas with thousands of educators at workshops across the United States and in other countries. His first book

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I have the privilege of interviewing one of my all-time educational heroes, Rick Wormeli. He's the Mick Jagger of Education. He tackles the big questions in education and explores every strategy and method and puts it to the test. He will make you laugh. He will make you think. He will challenge the way teach. He'll inspire you in so many ways! Rick isn't just a legend, he's one of the most authentic voices in education. We dive in so many areas including assessments, grading, rubrics, literacy, preparing for the new year, starting new initiatives and more.  I think think this may be the greatest interview with Rick ever recorded but I am biased. Buckle up. Click here to listen to this interview with Rick Wormeli on The Wired Educator Podcast.  One of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, Rick brings innovation, energy, validity and high standards to both his presentations and his instructional practice, which include 39 years teaching math, s

Personal Leadership an interview with President Jim Tressel. This is the Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 205 "Personal Leadership" an Interview with President Jim Tressel. Jim Tressel is one of my all-time heroes. I admire him for his faith, his character, his success on the football field as a coach, and as an academic leader as President of Youngstown State University. In this episode we focus primarily on academics. (I snuck in a couple football questions. They're good ones.) I really want to focus on what is it what it takes to be a great educational leader, especially a college president, how can we help students better prepare for college, his advice to teachers, students and administrators as we head back to school, and of course how we can each become better leaders. Jim’s character and Integrity shines through as always. I love this interview. You will too.  Click here to listen to Episode 205 "Personal Leadership" an Interview with President Jim Tressel on The Wired Educator Podcast. James P. Tresse

WEP 204: Educate the Heart an Interview with Jennifer Lee Quattrucci In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Jennifer Lee Quattrucci on her passion for books, her path to becoming a principal and the publication of her amazing book, Educate the Heart. Jennifer is the MommyTeacherFashionista on social media, and we talk all about her amazing influence on social media as well. Jennifer is a fun, focused and fantastic educator! She is one of my favorite EDU follows on social media. Her content is always so relevant, helpful and fun. I think she is super cool and inspiring, and I love her book Educate the Heart. You will too. You are going to love this interview. Jennifer Lee Quattrucci is an aspiring principal, and a K-12 educator in the inner city of Providence, Rhode Island for the past 26 years. She is a relentless advocate of equity, inclusion, and authenticity being taught at an early age. Jennifer’s passion is seen in her deep commitment to creating, researching, and sharing education

In this episode I have an amazing conversation with Dan Butler about his new book, Permission to be Great, which discusses educator burnout, educator engagement, and successful school cultures. It is one of the best leadership books on improving school culture I have ever read. Dan and I have an incredible conversation. This interview is pure gold.   Click here to listen to this episode with Dan. Listen to learn how you could win a copy of Dan's book.   Dan Butler serves as the principal of Epworth Elementary School in the Western Dubuque Community School District. Previously, he was the principal of Epworth and Farley Elementary Schools simultaneously for four years focusing on positive relationships with all members of the learning community, high impact instructional techniques, building leadership capacity in others, and establishing successful school cultures. Prior to serving as an administrator, Dan taught third and fifth grades in the Western Dubuque District, as well as serving as a baseball and f

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Chad Dumas. Chad is the author of an exciting and extremely helpful new book titled Let’s put the C in PLC. It’s all about professional learning communities. This is one of the deepest interviews in content I think I’ve ever had. Chad is absolutely brilliant and he tells you everything you need to know to get started with a professional learning community or take the one you already have to an entirely new level. I’m even going to tell you how you can win a copy of Chad‘s book in this interview. Chad Dumas, author of Let’s put the C in PLC: A Practical Guide for School Leaders Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree associate and international educational consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher whose primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. With over two decades of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his new

In this episode, I interview with Vernon Wright. He's an educational leader, speaker and entrepreneur.  We Have a great conversation about connection, leadership, and the importance of lifting others up.  I titled this episode the "The Zero Apology Zone because that is one o Vernon’s brands, but also because apologizing is something I personally do too much of. I really enjoyed this conversation with Vernon and I know you will too. This episode will lift you up and leave you feeling great. Vernon has a wonderful way of connecting with others and making them feel awesome. That’s actually how I found Vernon. Do you know how some people are super stingy with their likes and hearts on social media? Well, not Vernon. He is someone who’s awesome to connect with because he understands the importance I’ve lifting people up. He makes me a better human. I love the wisdom he drops on this episode. I love the way I feel when I talk with him. Vernon Wright is an entrepreneur, speaker, life coach, and consultant. He has ov

This is the 200th Episode of The Wired Educator Podcast! To celebrate the 200th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview my wife, Lorrain Croy, an amazing mother of four wonderful daughters, an accomplished magistrate, and a super-cool wife that supports all of my projects. Lorrain is quite simply the most awesome person I know, and I am excited to share her story with you! Lorrain Croy serves as a magistrate in the Sandusky County Juvenile Probate Court. She prosecuted for over twenty years, and has served the State of Ohio as an accomplished attorney for the past 26 years. She was featured on Court TV as she successfully prosecuted a high profile murder on the waters of Lake Erie. She ran one of most exciting political campaigns in American history. Lorrain is the mother of four wonderful daughters and the wife of the host of Wired Educator Podcast. When not actively serving the public in the court room, Lorrain enjoys helping people transform their bodies and lives as a premiere health coach. Lor

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Zach Rondot and Grayson McKinney about their brand new book, The Expert Effect: A Three-Part System to Break Down the Walls of Your Classroom and Connect Your Students to the World. I love this book. The Expert Effect includes practical teaching strategies and QR code links to resources and templates that make it easy to integrate this system into your curriculum. Regardless of the grade level you teach, you'll find inspiration and ideas that will help you engage your students in an unforgettable way. Listen to this episode to learn how YOU can win a copy of this book and some Wired Educator Stickers! Click here to listen to this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast with Zach and Grayson. Zach Rondot is a passionate fourth-grade teacher in Troy, Michigan. His mission is to teach students the 21st-century skills, mindsets, and attributes that will help them succeed long after they leave his classroom. In 2019, Zach was named the Troy School District