Fueling Creativity in Education

Can teachers truly be creative if they’re told exactly what tools to use—and how to use them? In this thought-provoking episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood welcome Dr. Punya Mishra, Associate Dean of Scholarship and Innovation at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Dr. Mishra delves deep into the concept of “teachers as designers,” drawing on the foundational design theories of Herb Simon and his own background in engineering and design. He explains how teachers, much like designers, operate in complex, ambiguous environments where creativity, improvisation, and reflection in action are essential. Dr. Mishra introduces listeners to the TPACK framework, highlighting the intersections between content, pedagogy, technology, and context, and discusses how educators can transform everyday tools—from textbooks to cell phones—into powerful vehicles for creative learning. The conversation expands into the pressing challenges and opportunities presented by technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in today’s classrooms. Dr. Mishra shares both his excitement and concerns about AI, emphasizing the importance of teacher agency, the risks of top-down, one-size-fits-all edtech solutions, and the need to recognize the implicit learning theories embedded in every technology. He offers examples of AI as a creative partner in both the classroom and his personal creative pursuits, while also warning about issues like bias and over-reliance on technology-generated content. The episode closes with Dr. Mishra’s personal reflections on transformative learning experiences, the vital role of teacher creativity, and a call to retain a critical, questioning stance as technology continues to reshape education.   Guest Bio Dr. Punya Mishra is Associate Dean of Scholarship and Innovation at Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. He wears many hats—learning engineer, professor, researcher, author, artist, and designer—and his research explores how creativity, design, and technology intersect to transform education. Known for his engaging talks and prolific scholarship, Punya inspires educators to embrace innovation while staying firmly rooted in the art and science of teaching. He believes in empowering teachers as creative professionals and gives voice to the importance of context, flexibility, and genuine care in shaping meaningful learning experiences.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett sit down with Dr. Catherine Little, Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut and President of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). Catherine reflects on how the field of gifted education has evolved—where meaningful progress has been made and where key challenges still persist, especially in ensuring all students have opportunities to engage in deeper, more creative thinking. Drawing from her extensive research, she shares practical strategies for integrating gifted education into the everyday curriculum, highlighting the power of facilitating student conversations around open-ended questions to promote curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. This episode offers rich insights for teachers, gifted coordinators, and education leaders seeking new approaches to creative teaching, teaching creativity, and supporting creativity in education through inclusive and inquiry-driven practices. Plus, a special shout-out to the upcoming National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—a must-attend event for anyone passionate about gifted and creative education!   About the Guest Dr. Catherine Little is a professor at the University of Connecticut specializing in giftedness, creativity, and talent development. Her research focuses on professional learning, differentiated instruction, and questioning practices for advanced learners. She has led several national initiatives, including Project Spark, Project LIFT, and Project Focus, aimed at recognizing and responding to academic potential, especially in elementary students from underserved populations. Dr. Little currently serves as the president of the Board of Directors for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), supporting educators in developing resources and strategies for nurturing the talents of all students. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

Are serendipitous surprises the secret ingredient to sparking creativity in your classroom? In this lively debrief episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cindy Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood reflect on the past three episodes by digging into the stories, experiments, and aha moments that emerged around micro schools, creativity assessments, and the value of surprise in the classroom. Matt kicks things off with a humorous and messy retelling of his Marshmallow Challenge without masking tape, sparking a discussion about embracing serendipity and disruption to foster authentic creativity among students. Cyndi and Matt build on this idea by recalling insights from guests like Jason Blair, who advocated for serendipitous moments and playful engagement, and Dr. Wendy Ross, who highlighted the magic of unexpected classroom surprises. The conversation then pivots to the world of micro schools, inspired by David Richards’ episode, where Matt proposes an innovative idea for teacher training programs to establish their own experimental micro schools. Cyndi weighs in on how such flexible environments can inspire both pre-service teachers and lifelong learners. The episode wraps up with a hands-on demo of Dr. Selcuk Acar’s new open-source creativity assessment tool, MOTES, as Matt takes the test on-air and they discuss practical ways educators can use such tools to track and nurture originality in students. The hosts encourage embracing the unexpected, prototyping new approaches to education, and continually creating opportunities for creative growth both in schools and beyond.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

What happens when you mix creativity with the freedom and flexibility of micro schools?   In this enlightening episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett dive into the world of micro schools with special guest David Richards, founder and CEO of ChangeMakeredU. David breaks down what micro schools are—intimate learning environments with 5 to 150 students—and explains how their structure harkens back to the one-room schoolhouse model. He discusses the rapid growth of micro schools in response to rising parental demand for flexible, creativity-driven education, highlighting that 60% of micro schools use self-directed learning models. Throughout the episode, David shares real-world examples of micro schools focused on the arts, STEAM, neuroscience, and social-emotional learning, illustrating how these small, community-centered schools empower teachers to build the creative learning experiences they've always dreamed of.   Listeners will gain insights into launching a micro school, including the business and operational steps, potential funding models, and the importance of tailoring offerings to the needs and values of local communities. David details how the micro school model creates space for true creativity, collaborative multi-age learning, and active parent involvement—environments that traditional schools often struggle to provide. The hosts express their excitement about the potential of micro schools to usher in a revolution in education, and David shares his most creative educational experience—designing a new school model with students using design thinking principles. If you're an educator, parent, or community leader interested in fostering creativity and reimagining learning, this episode offers a roadmap to getting started and highlights the resources available through ChangeMakeredU.   About the Guest David Richards is the founder and CEO of ChangeMakeredU, an innovative national network of affiliate micro schools and an incubator supporting aspiring school founders. With over 25 years of leadership in education reform—as a teacher, principal, executive, and board member—David has opened multiple charter and micro schools across the United States. Known for his expertise in launching educational ventures, David is passionate about transforming learning environments to center creativity, student empowerment, and community-driven values. Through ChangeMakeredU, he aims to catalyze a new paradigm for education, helping teachers and families break free from the constraints of traditional schooling and design learning spaces that truly reflect their visions and needs.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

Selcuk Acar is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of North Texas, specializing in creativity assessment and AI integration. He delves into the challenges of measuring creativity in classrooms, advocating for open-ended questions to spark innovative thinking. Acar discusses his MOtES creativity measurement tool, which utilizes AI for efficient scoring. He also highlights how AI can serve as a creativity companion for students, enhancing their learning experiences and fostering original thought, while reflecting on transformative moments from his own educational journey.

In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood sit down with innovative art educator Jason Blair to explore the often overlooked discomfort adults feel around "real creativity"—something Jason dubs "inconvenient creativity." Jason shares powerful personal stories, from creative chaos in his daughter's room to spontaneous, student-driven art projects in his classroom, illustrating how true creativity frequently emerges in unexpected moments that disrupt the status quo. He explains why adults and educators can be unsettled by these uncontrollable, messy instances and emphasizes the importance of leaning into these opportunities instead of suppressing them.   The conversation delves into strategies for infusing creativity across all classrooms, not just the arts, with Jason offering practical ideas for sparking student imagination and engagement in any subject area. The hosts and Jason also explore the need for an educational revolution, not just evolution, highlighting the urgency to shift focus from content and efficiency to nurturing the dispositions and mindsets that help students thrive in a rapidly changing world. The episode wraps with a memorable account of a cross-age, student-led project that encapsulates authentic learning, collaboration, and the joy of creating for others, leaving listeners inspired to invite more serendipity and creativity into their own teaching practice.   About the Guest Jason Blair is an art educator dedicated to the belief that creativity is more than a skill—it’s a way of seeing, thinking, and being. With over two decades of classroom experience, Jason is passionate about empowering both students and educators to embrace imagination as a lever for transformation. He artfully blends the worlds of art, empathy, and innovation, creating environments where curiosity is cultivated and every voice matters. Jason is known for pushing beyond the traditional limits of education and modeling the courage to lean into the messy, beautiful moments of authentic, meaningful learning.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

Is it time to completely tear down the education system and start over if we truly want creativity to thrive in our schools?   In the first debrief episode of Season 11, hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood take a reflective dive into insights from their most recent three guests on the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast. The discussion begins with Dr. Henry Smith from Johns Hopkins University, who explored the intersection of creativity and education policy, notably discussing the controversial topic of school vouchers and advocating for a revolutionary approach to education reform—“tearing down the house” to build a truly creative system from the ground up. Cyndi and Matt examine both the promise and concerns of vouchers, especially their impact on equity, and tease an upcoming episode on micro-schools that further expands the conversation. The hosts then turn to classroom creativity with Emily Jamison, an elementary teacher known for fostering a family-like atmosphere and utilizing clever, agency-giving feedback strategies to empower students. They reflect on the importance of playful, positive feedback—even down to students choosing the color of their feedback pen—and discuss how creating a safe, supportive environment nurtures creative expression at any grade level. Wrapping up, Cyndi and Matt share their takeaways from an interview with renowned creativity researcher Dr. Keith Sawyer, unpacking ideas from his latest book, "Learning to See." They discuss the importance of perspective in creativity, the value of “studio talk” for reflection and creative growth, and creative exercises—like photographic challenges—that can deepen both student engagement and teacher understanding. The episode closes with personal stories, anticipatory teasers for future guests, and a fun nod to trying new things—even learning to “shuffle” on YouTube!   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

What if creativity doesn’t start with inventing new things, but with learning to see and interpret the world differently?   In this engaging episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood sit down with Dr. Keith Sawyer, a leading creativity researcher, jazz pianist, and professor at UNC Chapel Hill. The conversation centers on Sawyer’s new book, Learning to See, which explores the idea that true creativity begins with learning to notice, perceive, and interpret the world—and oneself—in new ways. Together, they unpack how artistic and design educators approach fostering creativity, often avoiding the very word itself, instead focusing on guiding students through iterative processes that develop their ability to “see” and think critically. Keith shares insights from more than a decade of interviews with art and design professors, highlighting the deliberate, teachable practices and mindsets that underpin creative achievement.   The discussion broadens to consider how these principles translate across disciplines, from the arts to the sciences and humanities. The hosts and Keith emphasize the importance of process over outcome—encouraging experimentation, feedback, and reflection as keys to creative growth. The episode also delves into the concept of “studio talk,” where educators model their own thinking and decision-making out loud, providing students with a window into expert creative processes. Listeners will come away inspired to infuse their teaching with opportunities for personal transformation, risk-taking, and iterative exploration, regardless of subject area. Plus, Keith offers a preview of his upcoming book focused on personal creative transformation, making this episode a must-listen for educators and creativity enthusiasts alike.   About the Guest Dr. Keith Sawyer is the Morgan Distinguished Professor of Educational Innovations at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A globally respected scholar, he has authored more than a dozen books on creativity, learning, and innovation, with work featured in Time, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. His research bridges the arts, education, and the science of creativity, drawing on his unique experience as a jazz pianist and improviser. Dr. Sawyer’s passion is helping educators, organizations, and individuals unlock creative potential by rethinking not just what we make, but how we see. His latest book, Learning to See, explores teaching and learning inside top art and design schools—and the lessons we can apply across all disciplines. He also hosts The Science of Creativity podcast.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

How can an elementary classroom feel more like a family than a traditional learning space—and why does that matter for creativity and learning?   In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett sit down with Emily Jamieson, an elementary school teacher renowned for creating classroom communities that feel more like families. Emily, currently preparing to teach second grade at St. Gregory the Great School in Connecticut, shares her journey from aspiring landscape designer to passionate educator. She discusses how formative experiences working in a children's garden ignited her love for connecting students with nature and hands-on learning, and reveals how those early lessons continue to influence her classroom approach today. The conversation delves into the value of integrating outdoor experiences, like field trips and Earth Day activities, to build curiosity and stewardship in young learners. Throughout the episode, Emily emphasizes the importance of nurturing students’ interests and adapting assignments to individual needs, particularly in developing writing skills and encouraging creative expression. She explains her unique strategies for providing feedback in supportive and empowering ways, fostering an environment where children are not only unafraid to make mistakes but also eager to share their authentic selves. The hosts and Emily also explore the challenges and rewards of building a classroom culture rooted in psychological safety, trust, and mutual respect, allowing every child’s strengths and personality to shine. The episode wraps up with Emily reflecting on her own most memorable creative learning experience—a collaborative video project about the Oregon Trail—which inspired her belief in making education personal, meaningful, and joyfully creative.   About the Guest Emily Jamison is a passionate elementary school teacher entering her seventh year in education, currently preparing to teach second grade at St. Gregory the Great School in Connecticut. With a background in landscape design and a master’s degree in education from Sacred Heart University, Emily believes that love and connection are the cornerstones of meaningful learning. She is devoted to building strong relationships with her students, adapting her teaching to honor their unique strengths and interests, and helping each child become the best version of themselves. For Emily, teaching isn’t just a job—it’s a heartfelt calling to make a real difference in children’s lives.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

What can the challenges of the public schooling system teach us about re-prioritizing creativity in education? Season 11 of Fueling Creativity in Education launches with Dr. Henry M. Smith, EdD, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education under President Clinton. Co-hosts Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett dive into the realities of America’s public schooling system—its entrenched challenges, how those challenges influence what we prioritize in classrooms, and the consequences for creative teaching and teaching creativity. Together, they consider why creativity so often feels absent from the system itself and explore whether alternative models, such as school vouchers and independent schools, might offer more fertile ground for innovation. At the same time, they grapple with the tough equity questions these alternatives raise, asking how educators and policymakers can support creativity without widening existing gaps. About the Guest  Dr. Henry M. Smith is a professor of education policy and leadership at the Johns Hopkins School of Education. With a diverse background spanning university administration at Tufts and Johns Hopkins, consulting for NGOs, and significant governmental roles—including mayor of Dover, NH, state director of public transit, and Assistant Secretary of Education in the Clinton administration—Dr. Smith brings unique insight into the intersection of policy and practice. His multi-disciplinary approach to education research and leadership, coupled with decades of firsthand experience, positions him as an influential voice on how policy can drive or stifle creativity within educational systems.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.