RethinkingEDU

Ep38-Perspectives-Jenny Finn, H Leopold, Sarah Merfeld, Springhouse Learning Community and Vitality-Centered Education

August 3, 2021

Located in a small town in rural Appalachia, Springhouse Learning Community was founded by Jenny Finn and an amazing team of educators to center vitality in the educational experience of young people and adults. Since its founding, Springhouse has pushed underlying assumptions around what school should and could be all about for its learners and community. Centering ideas such as vulnerability, connection, and resiliency, the community is leading the way in generating school that is responsive and meaningful for students. This episode also features H Leopold and Sarah Merfeld, two of the community's dynamic team, who lend important depth and dynamic to the conversation. Plugs include The Body Is Not An Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor, Monoculture by F.S. Michaels, The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin, Letters To A Young Poet: A New Translation, and Heat Wave by Glass Animals. Music by Ketsa.

Ep37-Perspectives-Gary Schoeniger and Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Schools

July 20, 2021

Gary Schoeniger has been working to build entrepreneurial mindsets in schools for more than 15 years. He is an international speaker, author, founder of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Institute (ELI). In this conversation, our co-host team dives into what it means to be an entrepreneur and what implications this has for schools. We talk with Gary about ELI, his book Who Owns The Ice House: Eight Life Lessons From An Unlikely Entrepreneur, and ELI's initiative Icehouse. Plugs include Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman and the Entrepreneurial Mindset Imperative. Music by Ketsa.

Ep36-Perspectives-Matt McQuillen, Jeff Harris, and College and Career Readiness

July 6, 2021

Canada-based Xello was founded over 25 years ago by entrepreneurs Matt McQuillen and Jeff Harris. They saw the need for a unified approach to consistent college and career readiness curricula in schools and developed a CD-ROM (say whaaa?!?) as an initial solution. From this early effort, has blossomed a comprehensive platform that helps schools engage students in purposeful thought activities around their futures. But is the secret sauce really in the platform? Listen up as Matt and Jeff share their insights. Plugs include Blaze's Party Rentals and Bovine Math. Music by Ketsa.

Ep35-Dissertations in Practice-Researcher Spotlight Feat. Mike Dunn, Julie Cook, Jeannine Dunn, and Matt Downing

June 22, 2021

In our final episode of our DiP series, our co-hosts interview one another about their research projects. From a technology professional development cohort, to collaborative leadership, to personalized learning, to an examination of change agents, this episode features a wide range of topics. We also explore some tips for those considering pursuing a doctorate while still maintaining full-time employment. We hope you loved this DiP series as much as we did! Music by Ketsa.

Ep34-Dissertations in Practice-Researcher Spotlight Feat. Dana Huff and Amanda Wild

June 8, 2021

In the next installment of our dissertations in practice series the co-hosts launch into the episode with a conversation about how to balance the work of being a scholar practitioner with their day jobs, family lives, and personal time. We then hear from researchers Dana Huff and Amanda Wild, colleagues of our co-hosts at Northeastern University, as they talk about the challenges they face as an English department chair, and as a special education teacher. Considering entering a doctoral program? Email us for a conversation. We'd love to chat. Music by Ketsa.

Ep33-Dissertations in Practice-Researcher Spotlight Feat. Laura Walker-Andrews, Jeff Cheng, and Katelyn Goodington

May 25, 2021

In our second installment of the DiP series, we sit down with Laura Walker-Andrews, Jeff Cheng, and Katelyn Goodington, three of our amazing colleagues from Northeastern University. Laura and Jeff talk about some of the challenges they experience working with community college students, and Katelyn talks about how her work has been supporting teachers of some of our youngest students. All of the researchers share some of their implications for scholar practitioners. The co-hosts talk about what a dissertation in practice is all about. Music by Ketsa.

Ep32-Dissertations in Practice-Researcher Spotlight Feat. Nicole Willard, Rebecca Murphy, and Kathy Dilks

May 11, 2021

As our co-hosts move toward the completion of their own dissertations, we are using our platform to feature other researchers in our cohort and the amazing work they are doing. In this first episode of our DiP mini-series we are highlighting the work of Nicole Willard, Rebecca Murphy, and Kathy Dilks who are doing great things in the fields of early childhood education, international credential evaluation, and higher education. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Music by Ketsa.

Ep31-Perspectives-Penn Pritchard and DEI Work In Schools

April 13, 2021

Penn Pritchard is the Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at AIM Academy and has been working on centering traditionally minoritized voices in curricula, helping teachers build their capacity to make classrooms more equitable and inclusive, and constructing spaces that allow student voice to be heard and valued for more than a decade. In this conversation we chat with Penn about experiencing change as a teacher, crucible moments, and inclusivity in schools. Plugs include André Robert Lee's film Equity in Action Grant: Pushing for Progress in Our Communities, Outwrite, Threadit, Releasing the Imagination by Maxine Greene, We Will Not Cancel Us by Adrienne Maree Brown, and the Your Body Is Not an Apology Workbook by Sonya Renee Taylor. Music by Ketsa.

Ep30-Perspectives-Emily Liebtag (feat. Chris Unger) and Difference Making in Schools

March 30, 2021

Author and consultant Emily Liebtag has been working in education for more than a decade supporting schools, teachers, and education leaders to unleash the potential of young people around the world. In this conversation we talk about Emily's recent book and how building connections with others can be a way for teachers to get support for the efforts they're trying to make in their everyday classrooms. We are also joined by special guest Chris Unger. Plugs include Difference Making at the Heart of Learning by Emily and Tom Vander Ark, Sankofa Farms, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, What School Could Be the app, Welcoming the Unwelcome by Pema Chodron, and the One tablet by Wacom. Music by Ketsa.

Ep29-Perspectives-Terwill Tomino, Maria Gallastegui, and Bilingual Education

March 16, 2021

In this episode our co-hosts chat with Terwill Tomino and Maria Gallastegui, two amazing bilingual educators who have spent their entire career promoting the value of language-learning, literacy, and dual language schools. We explore the topics of language immersion, the impact of growing up in a bilingual household, and why everyone should drop what they're doing, put on a Selena song, and dance for 3 minutes everyday. Plugs include Señorita Spanish, Later by Stephen King, and Braver Angels. Music by Ketsa.

Ep28-Perspectives-100 Days of Conversations About School

February 25, 2021

In this special episode, Mike sits down with 5 students and fellow educator Jane Shore to explore opportunity in this moment of challenge and division. Part of the 100 Days of Conversations About School, this episode seeks to add to the national dialogue around what school could be. Visit the 100 Days website for more details about how to set up your very own community conversation. Music by Ketsa.

Ep27-Perspectives-Sarah Pazur and Supporting Project-based Authentic Learning

February 16, 2021

As educators, we often push for teaching and learning to happen in engaging, 21st century ways. Dr. Sarah Pazur's work with CS Partners and FlexTech Education around the state of Michigan supports educators and schools as they transition to more authentic, project-based classrooms. With a fascinating background in progressive teaching and leadership, Sarah offers a terrific perspective on what opportunities and challenges exist for schools as they emerge from the pandemic. Plugs include How to Citizen with Baratunde, 100 Days of Conversations About School, the Human Restoration Project, and Real School Budapest. Music by Ketsa.

Ep26-Perspectives-Jen McGovern and Higher Education

February 2, 2021

Sociology professor Jen McGovern has been working with students at the higher ed level for more than 20 years. With roots in student affairs, and a deep appreciation for the value of sports in the lives of young people, Jen gives her perspective on the challenges and opportunities for K12 institutions from her unique position. Jeannine, Julie, Matt, and Mike ask Jen about cultivating curiosity, promoting self-directed learning, and the personalization of curriculum at all levels of education. Plugs include three other awesome podcasts: Nice White Parents, Heavy Medals, and Forward Progress. Music by Ketsa.

Ep25-Perspectives-Justin Menda and Rocket Prep

January 18, 2021

Our newest series is called Perspectives and in it we have conversations with individuals who might not always be at the center of the education dialogue. In this episode we talk with entrepreneur, standardized test prep expert, and dynamic thinker Justin Menda of the company Rocket Prep. Justin talks about his experiences with test preparation and his work to empower students to set goals and make decisions in their lives. He also illuminates some aspects of education that he sees as requiring change, particularly as we approach a post-pandemic work. Music by Ketsa.

Ep24-COVID Reboot-We’re back!

January 5, 2021

After a brief fall / winter hiatus, the team is back in action with some intriguing insights into their experiences this fall. Jeannine talks about curriculum changes in the virtual classroom. Julie elaborates on the recent declaration of future DOE nominee Miguel Cardona. Mike shares his insights into the impending teacher shortage. No plugs this week as we get back into the swing of things, but check out our upcoming episodes for some interesting guests and thoughtful dialogue. Music by Ketsa.

Ep23-Knowledge Drop-Elizabeth Hamblet and Executive Functioning

September 19, 2020

Executive Functioning (EF) has quickly become a buzzword in the educational landscape over the past five years. Elizabeth Hamblet has been doing work with college-aged students to address EF skill deficits and help these young people find success at what can be a particularly tumultuous time. In this Knowledge Drop episode, Mike chats with Elizabeth about EF, her book about transitioning to college, and what implications a focus on EF could have for K12 educators and schools. Plugs include Elizabeth's website LDAdvisory.com and her book From High School to College: Steps to Success for Students With Disabilities. Be sure to used the code RETHINKINGEDU for a special discount on Elizabeth's book. Music by Scott Holmes.

Ep22-Networks-Ulcca Joshi Hansen and Series Final Thoughts

August 25, 2020

Ulcca Joshi Hansen is an educator, consultant, and mom who has dedicated her entire career to understanding the intricacies of what hinders and supports school change. In this episode, we unpack Ulcca's three buckets of schools idea, talk about how we have set up an educational system that we could actually change, and get some insight about her upcoming book. Check out Ulcca's consultancy at Educating Potential. Plugs include A Revolution in Education, Mark the Shark, SoundTrap, The Divided Brain, and "College-Educated Professionals Are Capitalism’s Useful Idiots". Music by Ketsa.

Ep21-Networks-Kelly Young, Grace Kiboko, Education Reimagined, and SparkHouse

August 18, 2020

The learner-centered movement is pushing the boundaries of what school should be for so many young people. It's fundamentally asking teachers, administrators, parents, and student to rethink what might be possible in school. In this episode, we explore some of these ideas with Kelly Young, the President of Education Reimagined, and Grace Kiboko, a recent graduate of Iowa BIG and a participant in SparkHouse, a learner-centered convening of Education Reimagined. Plugs include New Ed Tech Classroom, Rich Blocks Poor Blocks, Community Share, Canva, Procreate, and @SoYouWantToTalkAbout. Music by Ketsa.

Ep20-COVID-19-The Politicization Of Reopening Schools

August 11, 2020

With some schools already back in session, and many reopening task-forces looking at Labor Day in the not too distant future, the daunting task of reopening schools is upon us. Join our co-hosts as we break down some of the fundamental issues surrounding the reopening of schools. We talk about mask wearing, CDC guidelines, our system's complicated relationship with childcare, and much more. Plugs include the Multitude podcast collective, Great Battles For Boys (but, really, anyone) by Joe Giorello, Nepris, and Full Focus planner. Music by Ketsa.

Ep19-Knowledge Drop-Jenny Delacruz and Sharing Time With Our Children

August 4, 2020

Jenny Delacruz is an author, publishing company CEO, YouTube channel star, and counselor. Her Philadelphia-based publishing company, Cobbs Creek Publishing, specializes in children's books that "promote emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills." In this episode, co-host Matt Downing talks with Jenny about her work and how things have changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation touches on Jenny's newest book: Momma, Can I Sleep with You Tonight? Helping Children Cope with the Impact of COVID-19, her Story Time With Ms Melange YouTube channel, and how being of Haitian descent launched her work as an author and storyteller. Music by Scott Holmes.

Ep18-Knowledge Drop-Henry Fairfax and The Revolution School

July 28, 2020

Listen as co-host Mike Dunn sits down with Henry Fairfax, the Head of School at the Revolution School in Philadelphia, PA. Revolution is a boutique school serving a diverse group of Philly-based students. It was founded as a way to radically transform education. With this goal in mind, Henry and his team have showcased what's possible with a nimble, thoughtful approach to rethinking eduction. Plugs include Most Likely To Succeed by Tony Wagner and Ted Dintersmith, Range by David Epstein, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds, and your local bikeshop like Keswick Cycles. Music by Scott Holmes.

Ep17-Networks-Eva Mejia, Zelia Gonzales, and Big Picture Learning

July 21, 2020

Listen in as our co-hosts have a conversation with Eva Mejia, the Chief Program and Strategy Officer at Big Picture Learning, and Zelia Gonzales, a recent graduate of the Met Sacramento and a current Cornell University student. Our conversation uncovers some of the power of Big Picture for young people like Zelia, how BP students students are known, given opportunities to connect learning to their interests, and set on a future trajectory that is unique and bountiful. Plugs include Big Bang Summer Fest, Books With Brothers, Rebel Ventures Network, The Body Is Not An Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor, Education Elements, and Atomic Habits by James Clear. Music by Ketsa.

Ep16-Networks-Rural School Collaboration and Action

July 18, 2020

In this episode, our co-hosts sit down with three amazing guests doing great work with rural schools, teachers, and policy. We talk with Gary Funk of the Rural Schools Collaborative, Allen Pratt of the National Rural Education Association, and Hailey Winkelman of the I Am A Rural Teacher Campaign. Listen in as we uncover some of the work the groups are taking on to address the issues rural teachers face, while also bringing to light countless success stories. Plugs include American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins, Bandlab, Common Sense Media, National Novel Writing Month, Pleistocene Park, Audible, and Defunctland. Music by Ketsa.

Ep15-COVID-19-Reopening Schools

July 7, 2020

As we approach mid-summer, talk across the country has focused on the logistics and inner-workings of reopening schools amidst a pandemic. In this episode our co-hosts talk about some of the conversations we've been part of and how we are all trying to wrap our brains around the intricacies of reopening in the next couple of months. Plugs include Headrush Learning, the Black Scholars Podcast, Equity by Design, and Rewiring Education by John D. Couch. Music by Ketsa.

Ep14-Networks-Stephanie Howell, Lance Key, and Finding Resonate People

June 30, 2020

As an educator, finding people that you resonate with is critical to your mental health and ongoing efforts. On a long walk in Australia, Stephanie Howell and Lance Key decided that a collaboration would be fruitful endeavor and haven't looked back since. Stephanie and Lance are Google Certified Innovators, Tech coaches, and hosts of the podcast Get Inspired and Innovate. In this episode, we talk with Stephanie and Lance about engaging with like minded educators and the importance of building one's network to continue to inspire and innovate in your work. Plugs include Kiva.org, TED's podcast Pindrop, CK12.org, Global Dignity, myViewBoard, Edulastic, Global Google Educator Group, and Fairtest.org. Music by Ketsa.

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