Teaching Learning Leading K-12

Jason McKenna - What STEM Can Do for Your Classroom: Improving Student Problem Solving, Collaboration, and Engagement. This is episode 638 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. In the book What STEM Can Do for Your Classroom: Improving Student Problem Solving, Collaboration, and Engagement, author and educator Jason McKenna describes how teaching STEM education in his elementary school changed his classroom and his life, improving his students’ and his own approaches to problem-solving, collaboration, and general motivation to learn. Offering examples, tried and tested classroom projects, and collaborative strategies, this innovative resource opens up STEM education in K–6 classrooms in exciting and expansive new ways. Awesome conversation! So much to learn and use in your classroom! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by g

Sydney Lea - A Pulitzer Finalist in Poetry; Vermont's Poet Laureate from 2011 to 2015; Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts 2021 - Shares his Latest Poetry Collection "What Shines". This is episode 637 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.  A former Pulitzer finalist in poetry, Sydney Lea served as founding editor of New England Review and was Vermont’s Poet Laureate from 2011 to 2015.  In 2021, he was presented with his home state’s Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.  He has published twenty-four books: a novel, five volumes of personal and three of critical essays, and sixteen poetry collections, most recently What Shines (Four Way Books, NYC, 2023).  His sixth book of personal essays, Such Dancing as We Can, is due in early 2024, and his second novel, Now Look, in spring. Our focus today is on poetry, writing, and his work - What Shines. This is an awesome conversation! Enjoy! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me

Jason Dietrich - Certified NASA STEM Educator: Hyperlexia, Building STEM Participation, the Virginia Space Flight Academy, and SSAI (Science Systems and Applications, Inc.). This is episode 636 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Jason is a highly motivated, certified NASA STEM educator with more than four years of teaching experience seeking to influence and engage students to participate in STEM career pathways. Jason has Hyperlexia, which is a form of autism. Even though he struggled with reading comprehension, he never gave up. He is interested in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM as well as building a solid foundation for STEM literacy. In this technology-based society, he seeks to build computational literacy and develop critical thinkers capable of analyzing and integrating data to formulate solutions to complex real-world problems through the use of innovative and differentiated instructional methods.  He is experienced in training and professional development, glob

Amy M. Pollack - Coming of Age Book Series by a Retired Teacher and Grandparent: The Adventures of Jelly Bean & The Further Adventures of Jelly Bean. This is episode 635 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Amy Meislin Pollack was a teacher for over four decades, raised three children, and loves to play with her seven grandchildren. From her own childhood to the classroom and as a parent and grandparent, she is perfectly positioned to pen her coming-of-age book series. The Adventures of Jelly Bean, followed by The Further Adventures of Jelly Bean, first came into being when the author's fourth-grade teacher used to ask her to get up in front of the class and tell the stories about this character she would make up as she went along.  Several years later she started writing these stories down and would work on them periodically in any free time she had during her teaching career and raising her three children.  Now retired from a 40-year career in teaching - spanning a wide range of subjec

Ryan Ross - Founder & CEO - Olivia Technologies: Providing Digital Access for All Students. This is episode 634 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Ryan Ross is a determined, innovative, and productive professional with a proven track record in Edtech, emerging Fintech and WiFi edge technologies, as well as early-stage sales and business development. With his impressive skills and experience, Ryan has also secured a patent in his field. He is highly motivated by new and emerging technologies and stays ahead of the curve in his field. Ryan's in-depth knowledge of go-to-market strategies is impressive. He has extensive experience in IoT edge content, advertising, and services for transit, retail, and enterprise solutions, as well as payment transactions and point-of-sale infrastructure. Ryan is also well-versed in biometric payments, recurring payments, B2B commerce, and consumer e-commerce services. His exceptional knowledge and ability to deliver revenue and customers make him a valuable

Dave Wakefield - Founder & CEO of Sibme - A.I., Professional Learning, Coaching, and Feedback. This is episode 633 of Teaching Learning Leading K12. David Wakefield is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sibme. A former educator, Dave believes that with the right support and tools, teachers and school administrators can collaborate with each other to solve their own problems organically.  Sibme is a professional learning and coaching platform. Lots to learn as we talk about A.I., professional learning, coaching, and feedback. So much to learn. Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking a

Julie Silverbrook - Senior Director of Partnerships and Constitutional Scholar in Residence at iCivics - Talks with Us about iCivics, the Importance of Civics Education, & National Civics Day. This is episode 632 of Teaching Learning Leading K12. Julie serves as Senior Director of Partnerships and Constitutional Scholar in Residence at iCivics. She served as Executive Director of The Constitutional Sources Project (ConSource) in Washington, DC, from 2012-2020. She regularly writes and lectures on the United States Constitution and its history, and the importance of civic education to the health of the American republic. Julie has nearly a decade of experience in growth projects for non-profit organizations, cultivating partnerships, fundraising, coalition-building, and business development and management. She holds a J.D. from the William & Mary Law School, where she received the National Association of Women Lawyers Award and the Thurgood Marshall Award and served as a Senior Articles Editor on the

Fusion Academy - Joie Laykoff - Senior Director of Instruction and Student Programs at Fusion Academy talks with me about the school and its programs. This is episode 631 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Joie LayKoff - Senior Director of Instruction and Student Programs at Fusion Academy - leads initiatives across the organization that strengthen campus’ instructional leadership, classroom application of pedagogy and student programming. Her ISP team creates development opportunities for teachers and leaders that serve to improve educational expertise, and programs for students that inspire connection and engagement. So much to learn. Awesome conversation! Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open the podcast app that you are listening to me on, and would you rate and review the podcast? That would be so cool. Thanks! If you are listening on Apple Podcasts on your phone, go to the logo - click so that you are on the

On February 1st of 2022, I reported to a local hospital at 5:15AM for surgery to remove a tumor from my brain. The surgery took 10 hours. The two surgeons - a neurologist and an inner ear specialist worked together to remove the growing obstruction in my brain. The tumor was not cancer it is something known by multiple names - but was referred to as an acoustic neuroma or a vestibular schwannoma. After experiencing issues of sudden dizziness and a strange feeling of being off-balance as well as I thought that I had swimmer's ear... I was having a hard time hearing in my right ear, and it felt like when you have been swimming, and you get water in your ear - I finally went to see a doctor. This led to a couple of MRIs and numerous doctor visits with specialists and the diagnosis of a tumor.  When I first looked at the tumor in an MRI, it looked like a small marble, 6 months later on a new MRI it looked like a small mushroom. The tumor was growing on the nerve that controls hearing and balance on my right sid

Angela Glaser Bowers, PhD - Therapy and How it Can Help & a Look at her Book - Overcoming: The Remarkable Story of One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma. This is episode 629 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Dr. Angela Glaser Bowers has been in private practice as a licensed psychologist for over three decades in Scottsdale, Arizona, helping thousands of individuals and couples to heal, grow, and live vibrant lives. She is the author of the book, Overcoming. Dr. Bowers received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Prior to this, she earned a master's degree in clinical/ Community Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. She taught courses in behavior modification and abnormal psychology at California State University while working on her Ph.D. She was also a licensed marriage and family counselor at the time.  Dr. Bowers has received advanced training in clinical hypnosis and has produced several CDs for anxiety

Alan Gayton: Technology Director, Sci-Fi Enthusiast, and Barbecue Competitor. This is episode 628 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Alan Gayton is a 51-year-old IT geek who has been playing with computers since he was a kid stealing software on a Commodore 64. He started his career as the first Technology Specialist for Gordon County Schools, where he had the dubious honor of fixing the computers and switches that always broke down. He then became an Instructional Technology Specialist, where he had to deal with endless questions such as “What does ‘click here’ mean?” He is now the Director of Technology for the North Georgia RESA, where he has the daunting task of managing the technology needs and issues of the RESA and its 5-member school districts. When he is not glued to his screen or phone, Alan likes to pretend that he is a pitmaster and a martial arts expert. He competes in competition BBQ as one half of team Q-Inator!, which is a clever name that he came up with after watching too

Dennis A. Feece may not sound like your typical novelist who crafted a murder mystery, but he calls upon a variety of experiences, hobbies, and schooling to create the realism in his newest book, Love, Pride, & Murder. The former motorcycle rider and sports car driver has lived a life of exploration, marrying, divorcing and chasing after understanding. For three decades, he engaged in a career of book manufacturing, serving from frontline supervisor to vice president of operations. He worked for several companies, including Bertelsmann, Maple-Vail Book Manufacturing, and RR Donnelley. He then became a pastoral associate at a local church and served a decade as the religious education teacher, social concerns, administrative, confirmation coordinator, adult education facilitator, and RCIA coordinator. Feece earned a B.S. majoring in Psychology and minoring in Religious Studies from College Misericordia in PA. He also spent four years in Deaconate Formation at St. Pius X, in PA. He earned an MA in Theolog

Dr. Elsa Friis & Jay Goyal discuss - Alongside: A.I. Helping Students with Their Mental Health Needs. This is episode 626 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. A report by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 69% of schools report an increase in students seeking mental health services, while only 13% can effectively meet those needs. Alongside, an AI-powered chatbot, provides every student the 24/7, tier 1 mental health support they urgently want and can’t get from overburdened counselors. The app is designed for middle and high school students.  Dr. Elsa Friis is Head of Mental Health at Alongside and Jay Goyal is the CEO at Alongside.  So much to learn and discover. Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open the podcast app that you are listening to me on, and would you rate and review the podcast? That would be so cool. Thanks! If you are listening on Apple Podcasts on your phone, go to the log

Amanda Chay is an author, entrepreneur, and lifelong health nut who has helped countless businesses and individuals put their health first. With a master's degree in counseling and as the owner of a stress reduction and mindfulness training company, Amanda brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She is a member of the University of North Carolina Lupus Stakeholder Advisory Board and is a Lupus Foundation of American external affairs committee member for NC. When she’s not planning her next travel adventure with her daughters and husband, she’s drinking jasmine tea, teaching yoga, and giving book suggestions to anyone willing to listen.  Inspiring discussion! Amazing story! So much to think about! Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open the podcast app that you are listening to me on, and would you rate and review the podcast? That would be so cool. Thanks! If you are listening on Apple Podcasts on your phone, go to the logo - clic

N.L. Holmes - Flowers of Evil: Hani's Daughter Mystery Series Book 1.  This is episode 624 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. N.L. Holmes is a prolific novelist embarking on another significant career phase. Prior to taking up the power of writing and using this pen name, she was an accomplished archaeologist and teacher for 25 years. Early in her career she served as a nun for two decades. In between she was an artist and antiques dealer. Yes, she has lived an interesting life, and the sum of her experiences informs and inspires her writings today. Holmes, who earned her doctorate in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology Studies from Bryn Mawr College despite an offer to attend Princeton, has excavated in Greece and Israel, and taught ancient history and humanities at Stockton University in N.J. and University of South Florida for many years. She also did archaeological artwork for excavations from Lebanon. With 11 published novels, Holmes is the creator of The Lord Hani Mysteries. The in

Steve Stockman - Producer, Writer, and Director - How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro. This is episode 623 of Teaching Learning Leading K12. Steve Stockman is president of LA-based Custom Productions, Inc. and a producer, writer and director of over 200 commercials, web series, films, music videos and TV shows.  He wrote, produced and directed the award-winning MGM feature film Two Weeks with Sally Field, Glenn Howerton, Ben Chaplin and Julianne Nicholson; he created and ran series like BrewDogs for NBC/U, $24 in 24 for Food Network, Devil’s Ride for Discovery and Gnaria for Comedy Central.  His commercial clients include Breville, Microsoft, Saatva, Disney and more.  Steve is also the author of the world's best-selling video how-to book, How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck:  Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro which is available in 9 languages worldwide and taught in schools from middle school to grad level.  So much to learn today! Awesome talk! Before

Barbara R. Blackburn - Rigor in Your Classroom: A Toolkit for Teachers, 2nd Edition. This is episode 622 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Ranked in the Top 10 Global Gurus in Education, Barbara has dedicated her life to raising the level of rigor and motivation for professional educators and students alike. What differentiates Barbara’s over 30 books are her easily executable concrete examples based on decades of experience as a teacher, professor, and consultant. Barbara’s dedication to education was inspired in her early years by her parents, Bob and Rose. Her father’s doctorate and lifetime career as a professor taught her the importance of professional training. Her mother’s career as school secretary shaped Barbara’s appreciation of the effort all staff play in the education of every child. Barbara has taught early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students and has served as an educational consultant for three publishing companies. She holds a master’s degree in school a

Scott M. Hoffman - Discusses His Thriller - Inside: A Fictional Account of a Member of an Organized Crime Family - 621 Scott M. Hoffman was a witness to historical events concerning major mob families. He learned the inner workings from his dad, who loyally served The Outfit for over 55 years – never spending a day in prison. Now 74, he is a native of Chicago. He is a graduate of Long Island University-Brooklyn with a B.A. in Journalism. For 35 years he worked for the City of Chicago in the Departments of Purchasing and Finance. Inside is his first published book. Scott Hoffman is not a name that is listed in any court records or historical documents about the Mafia. But he was in the room when meetings took place, he saw street enforcers and juice collectors deal out punishment, and he interacted with the real Goodfellas and Godfathers, including notorious gangsters Henry Hill, Tony Accardo, and Sam Giancana.  Inside begins in 1956 with Jimmy Williams, a 47-year-old man with two families-his wife and two c

    Sharon Seivert - CEO & Founder - CORE Coaching and Consulting, LLC: Guiding Teachers, Administrators, Leaders, and Business Owners to Grow Without Burning Out. This is episode 620 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Today I’m talking with Sharon Seivert, CEO & Founder of CORE Coaching and Consulting, LLC. We guide business owners and leaders to grow their companies without burning out or losing their relationships & health in the process. Sharon Seivert is the leader of Core Coaching & Consulting (CCC). Prior to launching CCC, Seivert served as the CEO of a Group Health Plan that established an industry record for earliest-ever break-even.  Seivert authored "The Balancing Act", the foundational book that first outlined the 6-point system CCC uses for all its work.  As both a US and EU citizen, Sharon loves few things more than spending time with her international family, friends, colleagues, and clients. She lives on the North Shore of Boston where she enjoys spending he

Ken Rusk Revisits His Book - Blue Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life. This is episode 619 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Ken Rusk is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and blue-collar advocate showing that there’s no degree required for comfort, peace, and freedom. Ken spent his younger years digging ditches and working in construction. He never went to college. Instead, he made goals, planned, and worked hard for thirty years. Now, Ken is a very successful entrepreneur with multiple businesses and revenue streams. Ken Rusk specializes in mentoring and has coached hundreds of young people in areas such as short-, mid-, and long-term goal setting, life visualization, career paths, and sound financial planning. He is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams regardless of their educational background or past. We talked last on November 30th, 2021. That was episode 433. It’s going to be great to catch up with Ken. We are focused on Ken