The Wired Educator Podcast

WEP 198: Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices, an Interview with Marisol Rerucha In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Marisol Rerucha, author of the awesome book, Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices, an Interview with Marisol Rerucha. Our powerful conversation will leave you moved and empowered to make an impact. I love how our conversation touches on the present and future of education, while centering around beliefs and ways to connect that are thousands of years old. I find Marisol enlightening. She challenges our choices and encourages each of us to face what is keeping us from becoming the best version of ourselves. She encourages us to be vulnerable and highlights and importance of the circle. Yes the circle. The circle is the key to connect with one another in a very human way and this very well may be the secret to a transformational culture. Learn more about this inside this episode.  Marisol Quevedo Rerucha, author of, Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices

Dr. Basil Marin is an expert in educational leadership, equity and engaging students. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and speaks on many topics including the ABC’s of Equity. He has a passion for improving our educational system and inspiring students to be radical dreamers. He is on a mission. I absolutely love this conversation. Click here to listen to this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast.  Dr. Marin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern Mennonite University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Liberty University. Dr. Marin also holds an Educational Specialist degree in PK-12 Administration and Supervision from Old Dominion University. Additionally, Dr. Marin recently received his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University. Dr. Marin is a humble and down to earth individual who is passionate about creating opportunities for all students to succeed educationally. He has a strong desire to work with at-risk youth. He firmly believe

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I interview Emily Paschall about her new book, Eyes on Culture: Multiply Excellence in Your School. Emily is an amazing educational leader, and we have a lot of fun talking about the importance of improving culture and how to do it.  Emily Paschall, author and education leader, has served as a teacher, district coach, school administrator, professional learning trainer, and motivational speaker. Her passions lie in teaching, learning, and serving others. Emily recently published her first book, Eyes on Culture: Multiply Excellence in Your School. She also leads a nation wide group of administrators through supportive social media sites with shared ideas, information, and motivation. She is best known for founding the ElemAPNetwork where she offers various opportunities for administrators to experience a live exchange of best practices and fresh ideas. Emily's work is recognized around the world from educators who desire to learn how to create a climate and cultu

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Ross Cooper and Erin Murphy about their brand new book titled Project Based Learning: Real Questions. Real Answers. How to Unpack PBL an Inquiry. If there’s one thing that teaching during a pandemic has emphasized it's the need for inquiry and better student involvement. So many teachers have reported lack of engagement in remote learning. I think project-based learning is the future of school and a method of instruction that every educator should explore and apply. No matter where you are on the spectrum with project-based learning, you will appreciate and benefit from hearing from Ross and Erin.  Ross Cooper is currently an administrator in the Chappaqua Central School District. Previously, he was an Elementary School Principal, K-12 curriculum supervisor, Elementary Assistant Principal, and fourth grade teacher. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator and a Google Certified Innovator. As a nationally recognized leader in project based learning, he h

In this episode, I interview Jennifer Gonzalez, the Editor in Chief, Founder, and Host of Cult of Pedagogy. Cult of Pedagogy is one of the most respected and followed educational resources for teachers available. Cult of Pedagogy is more than just the amazingly well written and applicable posts on her blog, it’s more than her incredible podcast; Cult of pedagogy provides books, videos and other amazing resources to help teachers around the globe, but most importantly it is a community for teachers who love teaching and want to become their best.  Jennifer and I have an amazing conversation about how Cult of Pedagogy came to be, how it has been helping teachers during this pandemic, and we look ahead at the future of education. Jennifer is absolutely brilliant, and we have a lot of fun. Buckle-up. Jennifer Gonzalez taught middle school language arts for seven years. Half that time was spent in the greater D.C. area, the other half in southcentral Kentucky. She earned National Board Certification in 2004. Then

In this is the Wired Educator Podcast, I  interview Stephen Cox, the Founder and CEO of the United Kingdom’s leading teacher training provider, Osiris, and host of the World Education Summit. He’s an expert in visible learning and works closely with John Hattie. He will enchant you with his accent, and he will blow you away with all that he’s learned about what really works in education and what outstanding teaching really looks like. He’s got the research, he’s got the data, he’s got the answers. I love this episode. I grew so much talking to Stepher and you will too. Put your headphones on and brace for impact.  Stephen is the host of the World Education Summit which I encourage you to sign up for right now. Here's the link worldedsummit.com.   It is a virtual summit from March 22 to March 25, but you will want to hit that link right now and sign up. It’s that good. John Hattie, author of Visible Learning and one of the most important minds in education is their keynote speaker, and there are over 400 othe

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview one of my all-time favorite writers, podcasters, and thinkers, Seth Godin. Was I starstruck interviewing one of my favorite humans? Absolutely! What was Seth’s reply when I told him? "Now that’s just silly." Seth is the author of over 19 best-selling books, the host of one of the most influential podcasts in the world, and writes what many consider the most successful and influential daily blog of all time. Seth is a teacher and a creator. But what I wanted to talk to Seth most about was his acclaimed manifesto ‘Stop Stealing Dreams’ which became a viral TEDTalk video. Stop Stealing Dreams focuses on educational reform, the future of education, and what we can do about it. It addresses what is really is, should be, and where schools needs to go. Seth Godin is a teacher and a creator of wonderful projects. For over 30 years he’s been inspiring people and teaching them how to level-up. He hosts a daily blog that has been uninterrupted for over a decade.

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Johnathan Alsheimer. Jonathan is a passionate educator and  the author of an an awesome new book titled Next Level Teaching: Empowering Students and Transforming Culture. Jonathan and I have some great laughs and a fantastic conversation about what it truly means to level-up, make a difference in the lives of students, and how to deliver 'next level teaching.'  We talk student engagement, student motivation, and building relationships to enhance the classroom and school culture, and so much more.  Jonathan Alsheimer is a champion fighting for the limitless possibilities of teachers as a driving force for infectious classrooms and positive school culture. Jonathan Alsheimer is the unorthodox, energetic, and entertaining middle school teacher who refuses to live a life of limitations and works with UFC Fighters, Celebrities, and Clothing Brands. Jonathan is the author of "NEXT LEVEL TEACHING" published by Dave Burgess Consulting and can be found on Am

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I Interview Samantha Wheeler. A typical Wired Educator Podcast guest is someone who’s written books, speaks from the stage, or earned multiple recognitions and awards for education, my guest today is wonderful and awesome, but for none of those reasons; Samantha is a senior in college rocking it as a student-teacher in one of the most challenging times in education. I wanted a fresh perspective on teaching and learning and Sami delivered. She is brilliant. I learned so much from this interview and you will too.  Samantha Wheeler, or Sami as she goes by, is a current senior in college at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. She is pursuing a dual degree in secondary education and mathematics. So far, she has completed an educational technology certification as well as a Google Level 1 Educator certification.She is also a part of the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program which seeks to place teachers with strong STEM content knowledge into high-need school dist

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Dr. Jill Siler, Texas superintendent, and author of Thrive Through the Five: Practical Truths to Powerfully Lead Through Challenging Times.  In her first months as a superintendent, Jill faced financial crisis along with many other challenges that leadership brings. In 2015, her school board was named a TASA Honor Board as one of the top 5 school boards in the state and one of her campuses was named a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School. Jill is the Chair of the Future-Ready Superintendent Leadership Network (FRSLN) Design Team through the Texas Association of school Administrators (TASA) where innovative leaders from across the state gather to learn, share and grow together. Jill has a passion for helping others reach their goals and is the leader of TASA’s Aspiring Superintendent Academy, and a frequent speaker at Texas’ First-Time Superintendent Academy as well as other leadership and education conferences. Her writing can be found on her website, jil

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Mike Yates. Mike is without a doubt one of the most innovative Educators I believe I have ever interviewed. He has an unbelievably unique perspective on education that you absolutely need to hear. This is not a typical wired educator podcast. Mike and I have an incredible authentic discussion on the challenges and opportunities for education. We talk about what it really takes to create change, and we have an awesome conversation on race and equity in education as well. I’m so happy you chose this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast. Buckle up. Lean in. It's time to level up I love this interview! Mike Yates is working to reinvent the school system. Every single day. THAT is what gets him up in the morning. He is the Senior Managing Director of Network Strategies of the TFA Reinvention Lab. He's looking to find, connect, and add value to people doing the real work of school reinvention at the intersection of equity and innovation. When he's not work

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I interviewed Chad lagoon about his new book Discomfort by Design and why educators should be getting excited about getting uncomfortable. Chad and I have an awesome conversation about his book, being part of a Personal Learning Community or an EDU team, how to engage students, and so much more. You are going to love this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast.  Having dedicated 18 years to educating middle and high school students, Chad LeDune is passionate about fostering life skills, problem solving, and critical thinking through design learning and STEM education. His dedication to his personal message and title of his book of Discomfort by Design has afforded him the opportunity to write curriculum for the state of Indiana, create and coordinate Wabash Valley STEM Fest, coordinate and instruct STEM teams for educational exchange programs with China, speak to members of the Chinese Department of Education, coordinate online curriculum for Dolphin STEM Academy,

In this episode the Wired Educator Podcast I talk 3D printing in education with the founder of MakerGear, Rick Pollack. You're going to love it regardless of what grade or content you teach. 3D printing is fun, engaging, and brings creation to ANY classroom.    Rick Pollack is the founder and owner of MakerGear LLC. MakerGear designs, engineers and manufactures desktop and benchtop 3d printers. Rick started MakerGear in his Cleveland, Ohio garage in 2009. MakerGear was one of the first companies in desktop 3d printing and helped to bring 3d printers to the masses. Prior to MakerGear, Rick worked as a software developer for many years and for a variety of companies, large and small. He was a principal in a very early online CRM startup for the automobile industry and that company was acquired in 2000. Rick has a BS in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati. You can often find Rick hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Mentioned in this Episode: Visit the MakerGear website at: www.makerge

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Chey and Pav, two energetic and fun educators who host one of my favorite podcasts, The Staff Room Podcast. You're going to love listening to this interview. I encourage you to subscribe to their podcast and follow them on Twitter and Instagram. They are amazing.  Chey and Pav, two experienced middle school teachers from the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada, take listeners through the in’s and out’s of the field of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. Through their anecdotal, yet often comedic banter, laced with caring insightfulness, they take their audience into a conversation that is surely eye-opening and entertaining, while tackling some of the real, and ever-changing issues that exist in Education. Come join Chey and Pav; partake in the Staff Room chatter that all teachers and educators can connect with. Mentioned in this episode:  Follow The Staff Room Podcast on Instagram. Click here.  Follow The Staff Room Podcast on Twitter. Click her

This episode of The Wired Educator Podcast is an awesome interview with Erik Youngman on homework, assessment and growth mindset. Erik is brilliant. I am so proud to share his story and work with you! Erik Youngman is an education leader who is passionate about topics such as homework, grading, leadership, and growth mindset.  He recently began his twentieth year in educational leadership.  Erik is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Libertyville District 70 in Libertyville, Illinois.  Previous education experiences include being a principal in Libertyville as well as an assistant principal and teacher in Gurnee, Illinois. Erik earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Education Specialist Degree, and Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College.  Erik is the author of Deliberate Homework. Learn how to assign homework that truly enhances learning and isn't just busywork. This important book defines what deliberate h

In this 183rd episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Rachelle Dene Poth.    Rachelle Dene Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle teaches Spanish and STEAM: What’s nExT in Emerging Technology at Riverview Junior Senior High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. She is a Consultant and Speaker, owner of ThriveinEDU LLC Consulting. She serves as the past-president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network and serves on the Leadership team of the Mobile Learning Network. At ISTE19, she received the Making IT Happen Award and a Presidential Gold Award for volunteer service to education. She is also a Buncee Ambassador, Nearpod PioNear and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. Rachelle is the author of four books, ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU” (EduMatch) and “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,”

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Hans Appel.  Hans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child.  He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community.  Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture.  He’s worked as a counselor in the Richland School District for the past 19 years and at Enterprise Middle School since it opened.  He’s passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness.  In 2018, EMS was awarded the ASCD Whole Child Award for the State of Washington and the Global “Class Act Award” for creating a culture of excellence through kindness, service, and empathy.  Additionally, they were selected as a finalist in the 2019 PBIS Film Festival and took top prize in the Community, Parents, and Staff category.   In 2018, Hans la

In this interview with Josh Stamper, Josh and I talk about trained trauma-informed practices as well as restorative practices. We also talked a great deal about student choice. I explore Josh's work with The Teach Better Team, his Aspire Podcast, and leadership. You are going to love this episode. Joshua Stamper is a middle school Assistant Principal for a North Texas School District, where he's had the amazing opportunity to work at four campuses in two districts as an art teacher, athletic coach, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal. He is the host of The Aspire Leadership Podcast, a podcast designed to help others become better leaders.  Joshua is married with five kids. Joshua and his wife, Leslie, became foster parents in 2011, and had the privilege of adopting three of their children from foster care. Joshua is trained in trauma-informed practices for meeting the emotional, social, and behavioral needs of children who have been through adverse childhood experiences, which Joshua also applies to his

In this episode Knikole Taylor and I talk about personalized professional learning, giving teachers a voice, meeting with every teacher, becoming a barrier remover for teachers, and getting excited about the lessons that you’re planning and how you will teach it! Nichole Taylor encourages the use of badging for professional learning and we have some powerful conversations about the state of education in these challenging times. As a director of innovation and instruction for my school, I am always looking for ways to help educators but I don’t want to interfere with all the work they’re trying to do. Sometimes it’s like walking a tight rope between professional learning and the work they have to do each and every day. I want to support them and help them, but sometimes it is difficult to find a way into a teacher's busy day, and the last thing I want to do is create more work for them. Well, Knikole gave me some great ideas on how to personalize professional learning for teachers in my district. I think it’s

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Educator, International Trainer, Keynote Speaker & Bestselling Author, Ca In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Educator, International Trainer, Keynote Speaker & Bestselling Author, Catlin Tucker. Catlin Tucker is amazing. We have a wonderful conversation about how to help teachers right now in education's greatest challenge as educators face the multitude of remote, hybrid, and in-person instruction. Catlin offers genuine examples and help. This an extremely helpful interview for all educators right now feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.  Click here to listen to this interview. Dr. Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author, international trainer, and keynote speaker. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2010 in Sonoma County, where she taught for 16 years. Catlin earned her doctorate in learning technologies at Pepperdine University. Currently, Catlin is working as a blended learning coach and education consultant. Catlin h