Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

Send us a textIn today’s episode, well-known consultant and author, Kath Murdoch, shares her journey in education over the past 33 years and what has driven her towards striving for both personal and professional excellence in her life. Although Kath’s expertise is related to inquiry-based teaching, she discusses other important factors that she believes are necessary to put into action in order to create the best learning environments possible for our students. The buillding blocks to creating a warm, nurturing, and supportive learning envionment must include strong elements of teacher well-being and setting up our schools in a way that motivates and inspires teachers to be at their very best day in and day out. In this episode, Kath discusses specfiic strategies and approaches that she puts into practice with many of the schools and teachers that she works with around the world. Whether you are an administrator or a teacher, you are sure to find a lot of takeaway value in this Kath Murdoch podcast. ABOUT KATHKath Murdoch is an experienced teacher, author, university lecturer and popular consultant who has worked for many years in schools throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, America, and Europe. She is widely respected for her work in the field of inquiry-based learning and integrative curriculum in which she has taught, researched and published for well over 20 years.Kath began her professional life as a classroom teacher in Melbourne. Her fascination in how students’ constructed their understandings - and her interest in the way questions and big ideas could drive curriculum soon lead to a passion for integrative and inquiry-based methodologies. This passion has become a career-long focus for teaching, research and writing and the methodologies in which Kath specializes are now central to curriculum frameworks in many parts of the world – including the popular International Baccalaureate, PYP program. Critical to Kath’s success is her continued involvement in classroom teaching. Whether it is to demonstrate techniques, coach teachers or build her own repertoire of practices, Kath is committed to regular and ongoing work with students. Her classroom work and research feeds a dynamic and ever-evolving expertise in the area of integrative and inquiry-based learning. Kath’s professional development offerings are diverse. They range from intensive partnerships with schools to develop inquiry programs and practices over several years through to one-day workshops for beginning or experienced inquiry teachers. Whether in her hometown of Melbourne or on the other side of the world, working with a team or speaking to a packed auditorium Kath’s style is refreshingly practical, inclusive and always connected to the real world of teaching.Connect with KathTwitter: @kjinquiryWebsite: http://www.kathmurdoch.com.au/Themes Discussed:What is inquiry?Mindset and MotivationThe Role of Direct instructionStudent-Teacher RelationshipsBrene Brown’s WorkThe Power of Inquiry (Kath’s most recent book)Teacher and Student Well-Being

Send us a textMindfulness is a buzz word being passed around educational circles at the moment. Despite there being a mountain of research to support the power of mindfulness in enhancing student and teacher well-being, there are still many misconceptions about what it actually means. In today’s episode, Neila Steele, discusses specific strategies and approaches that she puts into practice across all grade levels and how she strives to develop a mindful mindset with both teachers and students alike.Neila also dives into the power of visualization and yoga as being critical components to any mindful practice being delivered in schools and provides examples of how this can be done. Being a mindful educator allows teachers to make use of specific strategies that help to better deal with the daily stressors that can pile up in their lives. In this episode, Neila shares multiple ‘go to’ resources that have had a profound impact on her teaching practice helping to shape how she integrates mindfulness in every aspect of her work in education. BioNeila Steele graduated from the University of Windsor in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree which led her to accepting a position working in the orthopedic ward of a private hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She had the opportunity to take time away from nursing to travel and work in Hiroshima, Japan in 1997. Many doors continued to open for Neila which resulted in her finding her place in the international schooling system as a school nurse and ESL teacher. She worked at the Hiroshima International School until 2007 before moving on to fully authorized IB schools in Baku, Azerbaijan, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and currently Nanjing, China. Neila is a certified English language teacher and has additional elementary teaching qualifications through the University of Southern Queensland in Australia. She has been a certified yoga instructor since 2005 having completed an intense teacher training program in Ubud, Bali. Her path in yoga eventually led her to finding and connecting with the art of mindfulness which she now integrates into many aspects of her personal and professional life. Neila continues to bring mindfulness to the teaching faculty and the students at the Nanjing International School community in China. She has presented mindfulness in Europe, Asia, and North America over the past couple of years. Her goal is to continue to share the positive effects of mindfulness through presenting, speaking, and running workshops worldwide. Connect With NeilaTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comMajor Themes ExploredWhat is mindfulness?Specific mindfulness strategiesThe power of visualizationTeacher and student well beingThe importance of breath awarenessMindfulness resourcesMeditiaton

Send us a textBioAaron Beighle holds a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology from Texas Christian University and Ph.D. from Arizona State University in Curriculum and Instruction – Physical Education. Prior to these degrees, Dr. Beighle worked in the fitness and recreation industry throughout the United States. Currently, he specializes in the areas of physical education and physical activity for youth. He is a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky where he trains future physical educators and works to promote physical activity for youth. Dr. Beighle has consulted with school districts, recreation programs, and youth sport organizations across the country in their efforts to maximize physical activity experiences and promote youth to be physically active for a lifetime. This has included trainings for physical education faculty, after-school staff, early child care staff, and youth sport coaches, in addition to presentations to parents regarding the importance of physical activity. He is the author and co-author of 75+ research-based and practical articles pertaining to school-based physical activity promotion and physical education. In addition, he is a co-author on several national documents including the CDC’s Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool and NASPE’s  original Comprehensive School Physical Activity Promotion: A position statement. Beighle is also a co-author of six books (Promoting Physical Activity and Health in the Classroom, Pedometer Power, Pedometer Power 2nd ed., Dynamic Physical Education for Elementary School Children 16e, 17e, 18e.). Most recently he has served on the National Physical Activity Plan Education Sector Committee and the Let’s Move ActiveSchools Physical Activity Leader Training and Train the Trainer Workshop. Connect with Beighle  Twitter :@AaronBeighle @dynamicphysed Voxer: aaronbeighle

Send us a textOrlando Bowen is the founder and Executive Director of One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization, a non-profit youth leadership development organization that uses sport and community awareness to teach leadership and life skills to young people. Although a former professional football player, Orlando prides himself more in his relentless pursuit of helping to empower other people to overcome adversity, find their passion, and use their gifts to serve others.In this episode, Orlando opens up about a life changing experience that caused a profound shift within himself. Even though he had already committed himself to community service before this experience, the ordeal helped Orlando gain a deeper understanding of his purpose and intensified his desire to work with disadvanteged youth, teaching them how to take action to be their very best within the communities that they live. In this podcast, Orlando shares his S.W.O.L.E model which emphasizes the values of Self-respect, Work ethic, Overcoming adversity, Leading by example, and Excellence. He has brought this model to over 300,000 people over the past 9 years through his training and leadership programs. You are sure to find valuable takeaway in our discussion. BioOrlando Bowen holds a Master of Science degree in the Management of Information Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Northern Illinois University. He is former linebacker and co-captain at NIU and spent fours seasons in the Canadian Football League. His mission is to inspire people to be GameChangers in the lives of others. GameChangers influence the path, perspective or possibilities for others and inspire people to see beyond their circumstances as they pursue excellence. Orlando has been motivating youth and corporate audiences for years through keynotes and through his role of founder and Executive Director of One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization. Orlando empowers people to serve through their passions and he created the “S.W.O.L.E.” Leadership Development Program. Orlando has been recognized for his work by; Being many awards including a 2013 QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL, a national 2014 HARRY JEROME AWARD for community service and a 2015 National Youth Empowerment Award. Connect with Orlando Twitter: @orlandobowen Website: www.orlandobowen.comMajor Themes Discussed Teaching Excellence Resilience Teacher/Student Relationships Leadership Mentoring Harvard Graduate School study on teacher/student connectedness Ted Radio Hour: The Meaning of Work

Send us a textThe meaning of quality physical education has been continually discussed around the globe by researchers and practitioners alike. Is there one definition that succinctly sums up what a quality physical education program looks like? I’m not sure if there is a definitive answer, but there are certain factors that we must put into practice to help ensure that we are providing authentic opportunities for a quality physical education experience for our students. When designing our curriculums we need to be aware of what these factors are in order maximize the impact of our programs on our students.In this episode Dr. Trent Brown, from the Monash University shares what he feels to be the essential components needed to better engage students and to give them more opportunities to take action in their own lives in regards to being physically active.The influential work of Dr. Peter Arnold and his three dimensions of movement are explored in this episode with Trent giving his own interpretation of what they mean in a student’s physical education experience.Connect with TrentTwitter: @DrTrentBrownEmail: trent.brown@monash.eduBioTrent D. Brown is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Education in the Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. His work to date has focussed on curriculum and pedagogy in physical education, most particularly in Senior Secondary/Examination Physical Education.He has written widely in the field via academic and professional publications with a focus on policy and practice of Physical Education, the lived experiences and meaning-making of participants, curriculum development and pedagogy (Foundation to Year 12) and professional learning.Over the past 10 years Trent has been involved in the professional association as board member and past president (2011-2014). He was made a Fellow of the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) in 2014 for his scholarly and professional contribution over the past 20 years.Themes for the podcastQuality Physical EducationJoy and Love of MovementPeter Arnold: 3 Dimensions of MovementThe Reflective Learner

Send us a textTeaching over the long haul can be an extremely demanding job, but to be our very best, we need to be switched on and ready to go each and every day. In today’s episode, my guest, Frank Stepnowski, shares his wisdom and insight based on over 25 years of experience in the profession. He has worked in some very challenging conditions throughout his career, but has never used this as an excuse for not giving it his all.We dive into the 3 books that Frank has written about education, the main themes in these books, and the reasons for writing them. Frank shares his honest thoughts about the ups and downs of teaching and discusses specific strategies that he continually puts into practice in order to get through to his students to help them achieve success both in and out of school. Frank will challenge you to think about your own practice and identify what it takes within yourself to pursue excellence in both your personal and professional life. Connect with FrankTwitter: @Frankstep1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frank.stepnowski.3?fref=tsHis interesting bio!!Frank Stepnowski began life as an ungrateful child and a tyrannical older brother, eventually evolving into aforgettable boyfriend, and then into a pedestrian husband and dictatorial father. Along the way he managed to trick people into employing him as a teacher, bartender, club manager, martial arts instructor, coach and writer, all of which he performed with intensity and a stunningly consistent lack of proficiency. He has been a teacher for twenty five years, despite thousands of letters and Emails from students, parents, lawyers, school board members, and his sister to have him psychologically evaluated and imprisoned.He lives in New Jersey with his wife, three children, his in-laws, a dog and a fish, none of whom deserve to be imprisoned under the same roof with him.Major Themes Discussed Teacher Motivation System Flaws Self-Improvement Book#1: Why Are All the Good Teachers Crazy Book#2: S.C.R.E.W.E.D: An Educational Fairytale Book#3: Teaching Sucks! But We Love it Anyways What Embracing Physical Activity Means Defining Your Purpose Harvard Longitudinal Study into Happiness

Send us a textDefining the genuine purpose of physical education is never an easy thing to do BUT necessary if we are to have the impact that we desire on student learning in our programs. Being willing to take risk and deliver our programs differently to reflect the relevant needs of young people can help to increase levels of engagement and lead to more healthy lifestyles.In this episode, Dr. Justen O’Connor discusses his views on what quality physical education means. He also shares an amazing research project that he was involved in a few years back that made a difference by giving young people in a small community a voice in a very important issue related to physical activity. Well worth the listen to hear about this initiative.Connect with Justin Twitter: @justenoconnor Website: https://culturalpolicyreform.wordpress.com/category/justin-oconnor/BioJusten has research experience that utilises systems thinking, strengths-based approaches to explore curriculum and pedagogy associated with health, physical education, sport and lifetime physical activity.Major Themes Discussed Quality Physical Education Reporting Community-based initiatives Relevance in PE

Send us a textThe journey of an educator is defined by both high and low moments. There are times when we are left in doubt as to next moves in our career. Taking charge and believing in our purpose is an extremely important thing to do in order to take the necessary action to following our dreams and goals.A willingness to learn and to be of service to others is what being an educator is all about. In today's episode, I speak with Aaron Hart about his journey over the past 20 years in education,the valuable lessons that he has learned, and how he is trying to make a difference within thePhysical Education community worldwide.Connect with Aaron Twitter: @nyaaronhart Website: openphysed.orgBioAaron is the creator of OPEN and the Director of Educational Programs for US Games. He has co-authored several nationally recognized physical education curriculum projects and specializes in web-based content delivery. Aaron’s passion for equity of access and community empowerment began 20 years ago and has continued to guide his professional journey. He began his teaching career as a New York City public school teacher and is currently a part-time faculty member in SUNY Cortland’s Physical Education Department. The vision for OPEN began as a crazy conversation between Aaron and his long-time friend, Nick Kline. US Games and BSN Sports believed that Aaron’s crazy vision was the right thing to do for teachers and for the kids that they serve. Aaron joined the US Games family in 2014 and the OPEN movement was born.Themes Discussed Quality Physical Education 9-11 Valuable lessons learned Open Physical Education Making a Difference

Send us a textOvercoming adversity and obstacles in our lives can be very difficult at times, especially when faced with serious injuries or illness. There is a certain kind of strength that is accessible to all of us when we focus on the things that matter most and gain a clearer vision of our purpose. One of the most gruelling challenges that a person can take on is to train for and run ultra-marathons and other long distance race events. Today’s guest, Allison Tai, discusses a near-death accident that she endured back in 2006 and the obstacles that she had to overcome on her journey towards competing in the World’s Tough Mudder Competition in 2014 in Las Vegas where she finished 2nd place. Lots of valuable lessons were shared by Allison in this episode including how we need to re-shift our focus when it comes to defining what being fit and healthy means. Lots of takeaway for educators. Connect With Allison Twitter: @allisontai Website: allisontai.comBioAllison Tai was a competitive runner and Ironman triathlete before getting hit by a truck in 2006 and breaking her back, pelvis and arm. She also suffered nerve damage and soft tissue injury. After a half a year in a full body cast, not able to roll herself over in bed, Allison fought her way back onto the podium in running and obstacle course racing events. Now a mom of two, Allison feels blessed to be able to share her passion for life and fitness with othersThemes Discussed Ironman Canada World’s Tough Mudder Obstacle Course Racing Re-shifting Defining What Fit and Healthy MeansPhysical Activity Setting the Bar High