Teaching Learning Leading K-12

Miriam Plotinsky - Lead Like a Teacher: How to Elevate Experience in Your School. This is episode 578 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Miriam Plotinsky is an author and instructional specialist who addresses challenges in both teaching and leading across schools with a wide range of differentiated needs. A strong advocate for student-centered learning, she provides coaching and professional development for teachers and administrators. Her first book, Teach More, Hover Less: How to Stop Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom (W.W. Norton & Company, 2022), is a practical guide to a student-centered instructional approach that removes the necessity of teacher micromanagement. Her second book, Lead Like a Teacher: How to Elevate Expertise in Your School (W.W. Norton & Company, 2023) addresses how to close the “empathy gap” between administrators and teachers by bringing forth the instructional expertise and perspectives of teachers.  Her third book, Writing Their Future Selves: Instru

  Dr. Frederick Buskey: Strategic Leadership Consulting, LLC, Assistant Principals, and The Assistant Principal Podcast. This is episode 577 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Dr Frederick Buskey is the founder and lead consultant of Strategic Leadership Consulting, LLC. His mission is to help busy leaders learn to act strategically each day. He notes, “One of the big ironies of leadership is that while we look to leaders for vision and inspiration, most are too busy managing day-to-day operations to actually move the organization towards the vision.” After observing the same situation with leaders in organizations across multiple industries, he decided to tackle this issue head on and, in July 2018, founded Strategic Leadership Consulting, LLC. Dr. Buskey has been a teacher, coach, and change agent for over 30 years. Most recently, he invested 13 years developing and coordinating training programs for aspiring school leaders at Clemson University (2013-2019) and Western Carolina University

Manuj Aggarwal: Artificial Intelligence and Our World. This is episode 576 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Manuj went from a low-wage worker in India earning just $2 a day working for his father in warehouses to working with the top companies in the world. He shook off limiting beliefs and created his own path as a thought leader in Artificial Intelligence over the past two decades. Recently, he spoke alongside the Nobel Prize Winner at the United Nations. Manuj is the author of two best-selling books, and the host of the podcast - Bootstrapping Your Dreams, where he helps entrepreneurs live their dreams. Right now, the podcast is listed in the top 0.1% worldwide according to Listen to Notes for podcasts related to entrepreneurship. He says, “If you want to finally rise above your past limiting beliefs, family philosophies, and upbringing, I can help.” Manuj knows what it takes to remove your poorly functioning operating system and replace it with a new mindset made to hold all your drea

  Suzanne Sprague of Virtual Science Teachers Interviews Steve Miletto, the host of Teaching Learning Leading K12, about his career path, assisting others, and podcasting. This is episode 575 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Suzanne Sprague of Virtual Science Teachers talked with me on episode 560. This time she is interviewing me. We talk about my career path in public education (after all I am in my 37th year now), assisting others and the many forms that it takes, and a little bit about learning to podcast and the different lessons that I have learned over the years.  Had a great time talking with Suzanne. This was fun to be the one being interviewed. Hope you like it. 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 t

Patty Mechael - The Antidotes: Pollution Solution. This is episode 574 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Dr. Patricia (Patty) Mechael is an award-winning, internationally recognized digital health specialist of three decades. Her work has been honored by the John Hopkins University Knowledge for the World Distinguished Alumnus Award, the British Council UK Education Social Impact Award, and the Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Resident Fellowship. On top of being a public health specialist, Patty is also a mom and author, who combines her passions for technology and innovation, science, women's rights, and the environment to inspire kids and adults through her writing.  Drawing on her career in global health, Patty's works wrestle with the toughest public health and societal issues of our time, including the environment, pandemic preparedness, responsible technology and AI, and mental health. She is recognized as a pioneer in the use of mobile and other technologies for health.   In addit

Kevin Paul Scott - Inspired Every Day: Three Indispensable Ingredients to Connect with Your Passion. This is episode 573 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Kevin Paul Scott has traveled to six continents and spoken to leaders from more than 100 countries. Kevin is the co-founder of ADDO, a leadership consultancy based in Atlanta, Georgia. ADDO exists to inspire people today to impact tomorrow. In addition to working with businesses and brands, ADDO has developed the national Chick-fil-A Leader Academy program, the Atlanta Braves Leadership Institute, and other leadership programs from cradle-through-career. Prior to founding ADDO, Kevin’s background included non-profit charitable work, business ventures, and politics. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Kevin served on a presidential campaign team and then worked as a representative for a United States Congressman. Kevin is the author of four books, including his latest Inspired Every Day: Three Indispensable Ingredients to Con

  Andrea Gribble - Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies and Ideas to Celebrate Your Students and Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity. This is episode 572 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Andrea’s passion is helping schools recognize their daily awesomeness and sharing that story with the world. To date, she has trained more than 3,000 school communicators through webinars, workshops, and in-person speaking events.  She is a frequent presenter at the annual NSPRA seminar and appears at state chapters and other school marketing associations throughout the year. She’s built a team that celebrates hundreds of schools across the country!  #SocialSchool4EDU provides full social media management and runs a vibrant online community that provides ongoing professional development for school social media champions. She also hosts a weekly podcast, “Mastering Social Media for Schools”, and is the author of the book “Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Idea

A.J. Crabill - Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective. This is episode 571 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Improving student outcomes is Airick Journey (A.J.) Crabill’s relentless focus. He currently serves as the Conservator at DeSoto, Texas, Independent School District. During his guidance, DeSoto made double digit literacy gains and improved from having F ratings in areas of academics, finance, and governance to the district earning B ratings. He’s also Faculty at the Leadership Institution of Nevada; Collaborator with the Effective School Boards Initiative; and National Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools in Washington, DC. He served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency, and he spearheaded reforms as board chair of Kansas City (MO) Public Schools that doubled the percentage of students who are literate and numerate and eventually led KCPS to full accreditation for the first time in decades. Crabill rec

Kristy Topalovich & Scott Sevey: Roosevelt Community Education Center, Project Based Learning, and the Vernier Science Education 40th Anniversary Grant. This is episode 570 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Kristy Topalovich is a science teacher and science Curriculum Implementation Leader at Roosevelt Community Education Center in Rockford, IL. With 14 years of experience in education, Kristy has worked as a science teacher in a traditional secondary education setting, community college setting, and an alternative education setting.  Having a background in chemistry and having worked in industry and different levels of education, gives Kristy a unique perspective on making connections between traditional science skill development, lifelong learning skills, and a mastery-learning experience for her students. In her current role at Roosevelt, Kristy is focusing on the use of Project-Based learning and hands-on learning experiences to teach important concepts with a lens of relevance to

Jann Freed, PhD - Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering. This is episode 569 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Jann Freed, PhD is author of the new book "Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering," just published by Routledge. Based on in-depth interviews with leaders in business and non-business areas, Jann's book serves as a guide to leaving "a trail of meaning throughout your life and career." Its inspirational and practical stories highlight how to live a life worth remembering. Reviewers so far have applauded both its accessible writing style and insightful revelations. A leading development consultant and previously published author, Jann helps engage her client companies' employees as well as develop their leaders so as to support achievement of individual potential on a daily basis. Like a human GPS, Jann helps organizations and individuals get from where they are to today where they want to be in the future, at every age and st

Eric Beans: CEO of HAPPHI - A.I., Technology, and Being an Entrepreneur. This is episode 568 of Teaching Learning Leading k12, an audio podcast. Eric Beans is the former CEO of Texting Base and current CEO of HAPPhi (pronounce any way you want). Eric has been in tech since 1996 and an entrepreneur since 2005. Outside of business, Eric is an author, a music producer, an inventor with multiple patents, and a proud husband and father.   This was fun! So much to learn and 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 - click so that you are on the main page with a listing of the episodes for my podcast and scroll to the bottom. There you will see a place to rate and review. Could you review me? That would be so cool. Thank you! Hey, I've got

Katherine Marsh - The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine. This is episode 567 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.  Katherine Marsh is an award-winning author of novels for middle-grade readers including The Lost Year; Nowhere Boy, winner of the Middle East Book Award; The Night Tourist, winner of the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery; Jepp, Who Defied the Stars, a New York Times Notable; and The Door By The Staircase, a Junior Library Guild selection. Katherine grew up in Yonkers, New York in the home of her Ukrainian grandma who taught her to love stories and borscht. A former journalist and managing editor of The New Republic, Katherine lives in Washington, DC with her husband, two children and an astonishing array of pets. Awesome talk! Lots to learn... 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

Joe Dockery: Arts & Media Educator - Real World Projects Through Community Partnerships. This is episode 566 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. A frontline classroom arts and media educator. A professional development leader. An author and frequent conference presenter. Joe Dockery makes sure his students work on real world projects through partnerships he's developed with local businesses and organizations throughout the Snoqualmie Valley in Washington state. He's an Adobe Education Leader and has inspired educators coast to coast as they integrate technology tools and resources into the arts and media curriculum. He's received the Washington State Golden Apple Award, Radio Shack's Technology Teacher of the Year Award, both the "Best of the Best' and "Making IT Happen" awards from ISTE, and the Adobe Education Leader "Impact" Award. What a cool discussion! Lots to learn... Before you go... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open

Jimmy Casas - Recalibrate the Culture: Our Work - Our Why - Our Values. This is episode 565 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Jimmy Casas has been an educator for over 30 years, serving twenty-two years as a school leader, including fourteen years as Principal at Bettendorf High School. Under his leadership, Bettendorf was named one of the Best High Schools in the country three times by Newsweek and US News & World Report. Jimmy was named the 2012 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year and was selected as runner-up NASSP 2013 National Secondary Principal of the Year. In 2014, Jimmy was invited to the White House to speak on the Future Ready Schools pledge. Jimmy is also the author of nine books, including the best-selling books Culturize: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes, Live Your Excellence: Bring Your Best Self to School Every Day, and Handle with Care: Managing Difficult Situations in Schools with Dignity and Respect. Jimmy’s newest release, Recalibrate the Culture, is alr

Chad Lewis - Director of Technology at Tampa Preparatory School: VR, AR, Spatial Computing, and Technology in Kids' Lives. This is episode 564 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Chad Lewis has been the Director of Technology at Tampa Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida since August 2010.  He oversees all facets of technology at the school, from network infrastructure and security to educational technology and training.  Lewis was also responsible for the school’s 1:1 iPad initiative; he designed and supervised the implementation of Tampa Prep’s Active Learning Environment (ALEs) classroom design; and he created the IDEA (Innovate, Design, Explore, Apply) Lab, which was one of the first secondary VR creation labs in the nation.  In 2016, Lewis won the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Nonprofit CIO of the Year Award and the Tampa Bay Technology Forum’s Industry Achievement Award for Technologist of the Year. Tampa Prep was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for two consecutive years unde

Brenden Kumarasamy: MasterTalk - Becoming a Better Communicator. This is episode 563 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Brenden is the founder of MasterTalk, he coaches ambitious executives & entrepreneurs to become top 1% communicators in their industry. He also has a popular YouTube channel called MasterTalk, with the goal of providing free access to communication tools for everyone in the world. So much to learn. You will love this 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 main page with a listing of the episodes for my podcast and scroll to the bottom. There you will see a place to rate and review. Could you review me? That would be so cool. Thank you! Hey, I've got another fav

    Todd Whitaker: Educator, Speaker, Author, & Idea Generator - Climate, Culture, Motivation, AI, & More. This is episode 562 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world.  Todd is a professor of educational leadership at the University of Missouri and professor emeritus at Indiana State University. He has spent his life pursuing his love of education by researching and studying effective teachers and principals. Prior to moving into higher education he was a math teacher and basketball coach in Missouri. Todd then served as a principal at the middle school, junior high, and high school levels. He was also a middle school coordinator in charge of staffing, curriculum, and technology for the opening of new middle schools. One of the n

ST Rappaport: Rewire You're Brain to be More Effective and Efficient. This is episode 561 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.   ST Rappaport is a brain coach. When she was in 5th grade she still couldn't read properly.  After endless hours of tutors that left nothing but high bills, it was time to take another approach. She found and focused on the core issue. As a result, her life improved. Her confidence skyrocketed. She grew her business and now saves 10+ hours every week. Our focus will be “Rewire your brain to be more efficient and effective.” We have so much to talk about. So much to learn. 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 main page with a listing of the episodes for my podcast and scr

Suzanne Sprague and Virtual Science Teachers - Providing Free Science Learning Resources. This is episode 560 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Suzanne is passionate about teaching and firmly believes in the transformative power of education to unlock people’s potential.  She has a background teaching in-person high school physics and chemistry and online middle school science.  To make her online teaching more effective and enjoyable for both her and her students, Suzanne developed skills as an online content creator.  When Covid-19 dramatically increased the need for online resources for teachers everywhere, Suzanne used her background in science education and love for online content creation to create and share resources that could be used during distance learning.    Teacher feedback and increased use of the online resources, even after a return to in-class instruction, made it clear that Virtual Science Teachers was meeting a need.  Suzanne realized that, thanks to dramatic increase i

Danielle Sullivan: National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates - Middle School Leadership and Thriving in the School. This is episode 559 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Danielle Sullivan brings 10 years of teaching experience to her role as a national director of content and implementation at Curriculum Associates. She specializes in establishing and strengthening middle school classroom strategies with an emphasis on student engagement and motivation. Her popular webinars, presentations, and professional development training sessions have established her as a thought leader in educator well-being, personal development, self-care, and community building. She is known for her humor and energetic personality, as well as the practical advice and strategies she shares with educators. Today, Danielle is going to focus on middle school leadership and to provide a few thoughts about thriving in the school. What a fun conversation! So much to learn! Before you go...