In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Kallie Moore. Kallie Moore manages the paleontology collection at the University of Montana and co-host the YouTube channel PBS Eons. She has also consulted for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park on renovations to the DINOSAUR ride, as well as hosted a livestream for the newly opened Deep Time Hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Kallie's debut nonfiction book, Tales of the Prehistoric World: Adventures from the Land of the Dinosaurs, released this fall from Neon Squid books.CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREPower of story and throughlines to makes sense of the worldHow did Kallie find her way to being a fossil librarian?How does inquiry and curiosity drive her work?How did her quality teams form and come to fruition?The importance of understanding your audienceProcess of writing the bookYOUR CHALLENGECheck out her website to learn not just more about the book, but her course and neuroscience for change.Buy and read the book!Watch PBS EonsListen with intention and capture your questions and wonderingsProvide space for the provocations that arise from the ideas and share with us for contiued conversationReach out via social media and share your answer to your listening of the episode! What resonated with you? Share with me @aaronmaureredu and KallieBook WebsiteTwitterInstagramLinkedIn   

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Tammy Watchorn and her latest book and work real truth about understand and creating change. In particular her book, Change Ninja Handbook, places the reader in an interactive approach that will appeal particularly to non-linear thinkers and those who learn best through action and application. It’s pragmatic, focusing on tips for getting people on board and on identifying small, doable ‘ninja moves’ that gain traction and build momentum by stealth.Dr Tammy Watchorn trained as a scientist before moving into the complex landscape of healthcare to lead change.After some slow starts she began to realise that her hard-won accreditation in the process of change leadership was meaningless: the only way to achieve success was to focus on people. By understanding those involved in change as individuals, not ‘stakeholders’, she developed a pragmatic way of making progress by stealth using ‘ninja’ moves. Her own neuro-atypical approach allows her to see things differently, to look at the whole rather than the parts, and to help others to see things differently too. There’s no accreditation or one-size-fits-all process for Change Ninjas but there is now, at least, a handbook.Tammy shares her stories and her approach to leading change widely on social media and in national media and industry publications. She’s also a regular keynote at conferences.CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Tammy Watchorn?Based on neuroscience has change been harder than ever before despire the opportunity to pivot with COVIDDifference between define our why vs. identifying problem to solveCase study example: synced medical recordsHow to handle difficult conversations - separating emotions from thinkingInvisible rules or systems that stagnate changeDifference between communication and engagementYOUR CHALLENGECheck out her website to learn not just more about the book, but her course and neuroscience for change.Buy and read the book!Listen with intention and capture your questions and wonderingsProvide space for the provocations that arise from the ideas and share with us for contiued conversationReach out via social media and share your answer to your listening of the episode! What resonated with you? Share with me @aaronmaureredu and Tammy @tamwatchornwww.tammy.watchorn.comwww.change-ninja.comwww.qube.ccTammy Watchorn | LinkedIn 

TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Jessica Vance?How can we consider what is happening in our practice and connect with others?The issue of disconnect that happens between leaders and staff.How do we recalibrate our brain to support the work we know is best for kidsThe difficulty of letting go and truly listen to where to go next.The power of community and not going alone in the ambiguity of inquiry.Inquiry can be profound in moments of quiet, pause, and reflection.Set an intention to listen, notice, and observe. Be present.How do we begin with inquiry?How can we be intentional with listening? What is something I am working on or challenged by?What do your actions say about your values?I notice that some of you are sharing.....I notice that some of you have noticed......What are your learners telling you?Jessica on InstagramJessica on TwitterYOUR CHALLENGECheck out the Leading With Inquiry websiteBuy and read the book!Listen with intention when we ask questions of our learnersProvide space for the provocations that arise from the questionsReach out via social media and share your answer to your listening of the episode! What resonated with you? Share with me @aaronmaureredu and Jessica @jess_vanceEDU

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with two of the most wonderful people I know, Robyn Hrivnatz from Microsoft and Scott Bricker, a Director of Educational Technology & Innovation for district in California. This conversation was part of the Microsoft  EDU Live. Join @RobynHrivnatz and @ScottBrickerEDU as our friend Aaron Maurer joins #USMicrosoftEDULive to talk about how building community can transform your approach to learning. An author and host of the successful blog & podcast, "Coffee for the Brain," Aaron will also share about his current project with NASA and how you and your school can get involved. Join at https://aka.ms/usmicrosoftedulive #MicrosoftEDU #MIEExpertPermission was granted to share the conversation via my podcast. The original conversation was hosted September 13th at 5 PM PacificCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREIt's time to step up and rethink how things should be in educationHow do we keep the nimbleness and innovation of COVID and continue to drive forward?Importance of community and not doing work alonePower of sharing our giftsOur communities of learning or communities we live in need to have various voices and embrace all peopleWhy do people think it is easier to do things outside the box when we associate this type of learning with STEM?VIDEO VERSIONhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpFmS7_HAG8

In this episode, Aaron Maurer (Coffee For The Brain, Smart Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor), Beth Campbell (teacher-librarian, Forest Grove Elementary), and Sarah Vice (6th grade educator, Forest Grove Elementary) discussion how education is hard. Rebalancing our mindset and learning space can be even harder when so much is swirling in the realms of chaos. Let's take a breath and explore how a year of pushing our growth edges in authentic learning and project based learning transformed learning for students and educators. Come discover what happens when we give ourselves permission to draw on our courage to navigate ambiguity!  Beth CampbellBeth Campbell is currently the teacher librarian at Forest Grove Elementary School in Bettendorf, IA and an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa in the Library and Information Science Department.  During her lengthy career in education, she has advocated for the school experience to be relevant, authentic and meaningful,  while also elevating opportunities for student voice.Her  innovative work with students’ podcasting can be found on iTunes, Voiced.Ca and other hosting platforms. She co-designed the instructional frame of Design.Drive.Do with Sarah Vice.  She has co-authored an article on Student Voice with Allison Zmuda, which was published in School Library Connection.  Creating a #CultureOfReaders has been at the foundation of her work in and out of the library.  Sarah ViceSarah Vice has taught a plethora of grade levels and is currently a sixth grade teacher at Forest Grove Elementary School in Bettendorf, IA.  She has a Masters’ Degree in Educational Administration. She has helped open two elementary buildings within the Pleasant Valley School District.  As a National Geography certified educator, she shares her leadership and vision with others as the district’s grade level lead teacher.  Sarah also co-designed the instructional framework of Design.Drive.Do with Beth Campbell to help equip teachers and students. She believes in being courageous, taking risks and being an advocate for her students to empower them  to see the possibilities all around them.Permission was granted to share the conversation via my podcast. The original conversation was hosted July 6th, 2022 by What Schools Could BeCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWeaving all the learning togetherGrappling with thick questionsHow do we layer this learning and type of learning space of student ownership within the classroom?Learning how to have an organic conversations with adults vs. reading from a script is one of the most valuable life skills.How do you deal with students who are rather shy and quiet?Power of expertsFocus on undoing the school part of the thinking students have that limit their boundaries of new thoughtJust be a normal human being. You can't script everything.Most Likely To SucceedYOUR CHALLENGEExplore the classroom project from this past school yearIf interested in learning how to do this work or possibly join this project this year, then head hereLeave a comment and let’s engage in conversation around the ideas shared, what further questions you have, or what you want to know more about for your own learning journey.Join a community of deep thinkers around education at What Schools Could Be CommunityVIDEO VERSIONhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xppCYnrBYc8

In this episode, Aaron Maurer (Coffee For The Brain, Smart Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor), Beth Campbell (teacher-librarian, Forest Grove Elementary), and Sarah Vice (6th grade educator, Forest Grove Elementary) share many ideas to enhance authentic learning for students. This is not a list of apps or tools, but examples of teachers who have crafted quality projects, authentic learning opportunities, and the space to learn deeply to take learning to the next level by empowering students to take the driver seat in learning.This conversation was first published by Comic Con  in January of 2022, but was recorded prior while in the middle of what would soon become this  powerful classroom project that you can find here Permission was granted to share the conversation via my podcastCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWhat does it actually mean for authentic learning experiences where students own their learning journey?Prioritize the need to create the culture before layering anything else into the learningHow does a teacher weave all the content into a cohesive story/throughlineCo-learners and co-teachers need to be co-responsible for learning and teaching in the culture of the classroomIs your space a playground or playpen(Marina Bers)?Celebrate the good, the mistakes, the moments in the process, permission to resetYOUR CHALLENGEExplore the classroom project from this past school yearIf interested in learning how to do this work or possibly join this project this year, then head hereLeave a comment and let’s engage in conversation around the ideas shared, what further questions you have, or what you want to know more about for your own learning journey.VIDEO VERSIONhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2ZmY2gRMiU 

In this episode, I speak with Steven C. Smith is the Education Specialist for NASA’s Educator Professional Development Collaborative at the Johnson Space Center. Steven helps to develop, package, and deliver professional development and STEM Engagement opportunities that translate the work and discoveries of NASA for use in the classroom. His work allows students to participate directly in NASA’s missions, and helps teachers make content more accessible for all their students. Steven has the great privilege of working with educators all over the country, helping them create culturally responsive lessons that will engage students that have previously felt left out of the amazing work NASA is doing.He holds degrees from the University of Washington, Brigham Young University, Georgia College and State University, and Middle Georgia State University. Prior to his work with NASA, Steven spent 20 years in K-12 education coaching educators and teaching special education, regular education, honors, and AP students in Georgia, Washington State, and New Jersey.This was recorded back in February of 2022 after completing a powerful classroom project that you can find hereCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Exponential growth of technology and the change that comes with it are happening in space also2. Technology and innovative discoveries for space can have huge benefits for us on Earth3. Learning the importance of failure and ideas not working4. What is NASA looking for when hiring or working for them to design solutions?5. Failure is where growth livesYOUR CHALLENGEExplore the classroom project from this past school yearFollow the Artemis Project on NASANASA Artemis Project NASA SpinoffNASA First Woman Graphic NovelLeave a comment and let’s engage in conversationVIDEO VERSIONNo video provided for this session

In this episode, I speak with Jeff Robin, a former art teacher at High Tech High and one of the original founders of the campus. Jeff has a long career of doing what is needed most for education and not being afraid to disrupt the system that does not work. It is a complete honor to have a chance to talk with him for an hour to learn more about the keys to learning and education. This is my second time having him on the show. This was recorded back in April of 2022 after we connected in person at the Deeper Learning Conference at High Tech High.Direct Link: Episode:CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Do the project first as the educaor2. Document everything in the process3. Everything is about communication4. Screw test scores…. They just show how successful teachers were to get everyone to think alike.5. IF you don’t see work up in the school and hallways, then we know real work is not being done. If things are not hanging up, then it means there are not things being done worth hanging up.6. Do the project firstAnd so much more that you will have to listen to.YOUR CHALLENGEListen to previous conversation from 202 - 081: Jeff Robin & Why You Need To Do The Work https://coffeeforthebrain.com/081/Website: http://www.jeffrobin.com/ AND read the books listed on his site!Changing the Subject book websiteLeave a comment and let's engage in conversationVIDEO VERSIONIf you would rather watch the video version, then you can access that version here 

Topics We Explore1:20 - Who is Jacqueline Russell2:00 - Exploring MakeCode4:30 - micro:bit update to hardware coming November5:00 - Using micro:bit in remote environments8:30 - What is difference between micro:bit and Raspberry Pi and Arduino?11:47 - Going through the updates of new micro:bit18:45 - How to access block coding, Javascript, and Python19:30 - More features of the micro:bit28:30 - Using the micro:bit simulator for remote and hybrid teaching31:30 - Connecting micro:bit with arcade shield to use as game cartridgeYour challengeComplete the Learning Pathway – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/stem-cs-makerspace/the-new-microbit

Topics We Explore1:40 - Who is Mark Sparvell?3:49 - What is some of current research and ideas in the field of SEL across the globe?10:30 - What can we do for the legit concern of educator burnout with all the pressures in schools?18:00 - How do we integrate SEL that does not feel fake or forced?25:40 - The importance of collective efficacy, isolation, and trying to find ways to come together.33:15 - How does one get started to create legitimate changes or improvements in SEL?40:36 - How do we produce first class humans and not second class robots?Your challengeComplete the Learning Pathway – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-5/sel-with-mark-sparvell