Fueling Creativity in Education

Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett are joined by Santosh Zachariah, an educator with a rich background in STEM fields and a passion for fostering creativity in his students. Santosh shares insights from his journey from civil engineering and software development to teaching and educational technology coordination. He underscores the importance of intrinsic motivation and the power of removing grades to cultivate meaningful learning experiences. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of creating grade-free environments, emphasizing student reflection and metacognition as tools to fuel curiosity and creativity. Santosh offers practical examples from his experience at the Evergreen School, where intrinsic motivation is prioritized to help students explore their interests and develop skills rather than simply achieving grades. The episode explores broader themes around how educators can nurture creativity by promoting metacognitive strategies and fostering engagement through meaning-driven tasks. Santosh reflects on the challenges of assessing process over product and the importance of scaffolding learning to support creativity in any content area. The discussion touches on examples of real-world creativity, such as the innovative responses of teachers during the pandemic and the impact of a professional development experience at Western Kentucky University that emphasized creativity in teaching. Santosh's insights highlight the ongoing need for educators to adapt their approaches to inspire meaningful learning and creativity in the classroom. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how these strategies might be applied in their own educational settings to enrich teaching and learning experiences. About Santosh Zachariah: Santosh Zachariah has happily found himself in late elementary and middle school STEM classrooms at The Evergreen School for the past 15 years, having first meandered from Civil Engineering to clincal Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to Biomechanics research to software engineering. At The Evergreen School, he is involved in their Strategic Growth Initiative whose goal is "To educate students to develop the competence of Creativity."  Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect! Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education! For more information on Creativity in Education, check out: Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! In this insightful episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett engage with Amanda Bickerstaff, the co-founder and CEO of AI for Education. With her extensive background as a high school biology teacher and EdTech executive, Amanda provides a nuanced perspective on the transformative role of AI in education. She emphasizes the importance of AI literacy, urging schools to integrate comprehensive AI literacy programs. Amanda highlights the necessity for educators, leaders, students, and community members to gain a robust understanding of generative AI to effectively navigate its challenges and opportunities. The discussion explores how AI can enhance creativity, personalize learning, and address digital equity, while Amanda reassures educators that AI is here to augment rather than replace their invaluable roles. Throughout the episode, Amanda discusses the rapid adoption of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and the potential disconnect between students and these tools as they integrate into everyday life. She underscores the need for responsible guidelines and the development of durable skills such as creativity and critical thinking. Amanda envisions a future where educators and students collaborate with AI to enhance educational experiences rather than viewing it as a threat. The episode serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing evolution in education technology and the importance of a proactive approach to responsibly integrating AI into teaching and learning processes. The conversation is filled with practical insights and suggestions for educators eager to embrace this technological shift. About Amanda Bickerstaff: Amanda is the Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school biology teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect! Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education! For more information on Creativity in Education, check out: Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! In this engaging episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Miriam Scott, the Director of Youth and Educator Engagement at Creative Visions, to discuss the transformative power of creative expression in education. Miriam outlines the work of Creative Visions, particularly focusing on their Creative Change Makers program, which empowers students by allowing them to explore issues within their communities and choose how they can creatively express their concerns. This approach, she explains, is designed to grant students a sense of agency and ensure their voices are heard. Miriam shares diverse stories from students who have used their skills in filmmaking, visual arts, poetry, and other creative mediums to raise awareness and instigate change in their communities, highlighting the potential impact of integrating creative methods into educational settings. Further emphasizing the importance of creativity, Miriam discusses the educational resources available through Creative Visions that are designed to help teachers and students engage with social and environmental issues. She also talks about the broader application of their work, linking it to universal topics like mental health and global citizenship. The hosts and Miriam explore the intersection of creativity, education, and agency, urging educators to incorporate these elements into teaching to foster both personal and community transformation. Additionally, Miriam shares her personal experience growing up with limited resources but a rich exposure to the arts, illustrating the lasting impact of creativity in her life. Listeners are encouraged to access Creative Visions' tools and methodologies to deepen students’ engagement with their work and passions, driving both localized and global change. About Miriam Scott: Miriam was born in Germany and moved to the United States during her teenage years. She received her BA in English from Northern Arizona University. While completing her MFA in creative writing, Miriam stumbled upon teaching. What began as a means to pay the bills, became a lifelong passion. In the last twenty years, she has taught a variety of English classes, including AP literature and creative writing, in middle school and high school classrooms. While teaching, she realized the importance of incorporating both visual and performing arts into the academic classroom, as well as teaching students how to find their voices and their places in their communities and in the world at large. Miriam has been an adjunct composition and literature instructor at numerous colleges and universities, including Northern Virginia Community Colleges and the City University of New York. She has also, in the last decade, created curricula for several organizations, such as Pearson and Arizona State University Digital Prep, exploring and developing innovative and effective methods of digital teaching that meet the needs of a wide and diverse body of teachers and students. As the Director of Youth and Educator Engagement, Miriam is thrilled to combine her experience in curriculum development with her love of teaching and art to help young creative activists achieve their goals.  Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect! Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education! For more information on Creativity in Education, check out: Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Check out all of our episodes related to Creativity and Gifted Education! Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett provide a comprehensive debrief of Season 10’s special mini-series on gifted education and creativity. The hosts reflect on their experiences attending the National Association for Gifted and Talented conference in Seattle, where they conducted insightful interviews with three experts in the field. The guests included Dr. Jeb Puryear, who discussed creativity, metacognition, and gifted education; Dr. Austina De Bonte, who explored creativity and twice-exceptional students; and Dr. Erinn F. Floyd, who emphasized diversity and equity within gifted education. The hosts share their key takeaways, including the importance of assessing giftedness through multiple measures, understanding twice-exceptional learners, and the need for more robust training for educators in identifying gifted students. Throughout the episode, Matthew and Cyndi underscore the necessity of national mandates and better policies to support gifted education while also highlighting the role biases and stereotypes play in how we perceive gifted students. They stress the importance of making creativity accessible to all students and the significance of reducing barriers in identifying and nurturing gifted learners. The hosts encourage educators and parents to challenge their preconceptions and actively engage in conversations with gifted coordinators in schools. Listeners are invited to delve deeper into the podcast’s collection of episodes on gifted education available on their website, providing a pathway to expand knowledge and improve practices in supporting gifted and highly capable students in educational environments. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect! Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education! For more information on Creativity in Education, check out: Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! How can teachers move from a "deficit mindset" to a "dynamic mindset" when recognizing creativity and intelligence in diverse learners? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood engage in a rich dialogue with Dr. Erin F. Floyd, a renowned scholar specializing in gifted education, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Dr. Floyd, who serves as the Director of Training and Partnership Development for the Consortium for Inclusion of Underrepresented Racial Groups in gifted education, discusses the historical and ongoing challenges of identifying and supporting gifted students, particularly those from underrepresented populations. Drawing from her own personal journey and extensive professional experience, Dr. Floyd explores how systemic changes and a more inclusive approach can enhance the identification process and lead to greater racial equity within gifted education. The conversation takes a deep dive into the importance of moving from deficit thinking towards dynamic thinking, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders to ensure that all high-ability students receive appropriate educational opportunities. Throughout the episode, Dr. Floyd highlights various strategies for educators to more effectively recognize and nurture giftedness in students from diverse backgrounds. She shares insights into the historical context of gifted education, including the impact of the eugenics movement and the importance of multiple criteria in identifying gifted students. With a focus on real-world application, Dr. Floyd discusses her development of online learning modules designed to train educators on recognizing gifted behaviors among minority students. As the conversation wraps up, Dr. Floyd shares her vision for the future of gifted education, calling for a more uniform, equitable policy across the nation and the inclusion of gifted education training in teacher preparation programs. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the intrinsic value of inclusivity in education and be empowered to advocate for necessary changes that uphold the diverse needs of gifted students. About Dr. Erinn F. Floyd: Founder/CEO of Equity and Excellence in Education, LLC, provides culturally relevant professional learning and advocacy for educators, organizations, parents, and students. Special Populations in Gifted Education and Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading are online badging courses for educators of all content areas/levels. Dr. Floyd many roles over 32 years include classroom teacher, Gifted and School Improvement Specialist, District Gifted Education Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Director of Professional Learning for NAGC, and State Director of Gifted Education for the Alabama Department of Education. She has served as lecturer and professor at Texas State University, The University of Maryland, The University of Georgia, and Alabama State University. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect! Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education! For more information on Creativity in Education, check out: Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! In this episode of the "Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast," hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Austina De Bonte, an expert in gifted education. Austina who transitioned from a successful career in technology at Microsoft to pursue her passion for gifted education, shares her multifaceted experiences and research. She highlights the challenges and strategies associated with equitable identification of gifted students, particularly focusing on twice exceptional students—those who are both gifted and have a learning difference or disability. Dr. De Bonte emphasizes the importance of using methods such as local norms and or-based rules in testing to provide a more inclusive and accurate identification process. She also addresses the stereotypes and assumptions associated with giftedness and the need for a broader understanding of the complexities involved. Throughout the episode, Dr. De Bonte explores the significance of re-evaluating the terminology used in gifted education, supporting the shift from "gifted" to "highly capable" to mitigate misconceptions. Additionally, she offers valuable insights for parents navigating the educational system with twice exceptional children, encouraging a deeper exploration of underlying issues that may affect a child's performance. Listeners will gain an understanding of how Austina's approach intertwines creative educational experiences with systematic solutions, ultimately advocating for a more comprehensive and equitable gifted education landscape. The episode provides valuable perspectives for educators, parents, and administrators seeking to enhance their understanding of gifted education and foster creativity in the classroom. About Dr. Austina De Bonte: Dr. Austina De Bonte is President of WA Coalition for Gifted Education, Past President of NW Gifted Child Association, Advisor to The G Word documentary, and a consultant at Smart is not Easy. She specializes in helping families get to the root cause(s) of their kids’ twice exceptional challenges. Her signature style combines her experience as a parent of grown 2e students and family consultant along with synthesized research, current district practices across Washington State, and cutting-edge neuroscience. She has a Masters degree from MIT (1998), and an Ed.D. from Bridges Graduate School (2024), where her dissertation was titled “Beyond Universal Screening: Practices and Attitudes that Promote Equity in an Accelerated Program.” Learn more about her at Smart is Not Easy. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect! Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education! For more information on Creativity in Education, check out: Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education    

Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! Welcome to an exciting new episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast as we kick off season 10 with a compelling mini-series on diversity, creativity and gifted education, recorded live at the 2024 National Association for Gifted and Talented Conference in Seattle, Washington. In this episode, our hosts, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood sit down with Dr. Jeb Puryear, an associate professor at the University of Montana. Dr. Puryear imparts his extensive knowledge on the intersection of creativity, talent development, and education. They delve into how creativity research can help address systemic inequities in education and explore intriguing topics such as divergent thinking and creative metacognition, providing invaluable insights for teachers endeavoring to integrate creativity into their classrooms effectively. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of ways to contextualize creative assignments for students, linking them to real-world problems and encouraging students to develop a capacity for evaluating ideas critically. The conversation also covers the challenges of equitable education for gifted students and explores intervention strategies rather than relying solely on identification practices. Dr. Puryear emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing creativity in students and teachers alike, and presents an array of strategies to empower educators in fostering a more inclusive and innovative learning environment. Tune in to explore these pivotal themes and to glean inspiration from Dr. Puryear’s creative educational experiences and insights, aimed at transforming how we approach gifted education and creativity in K-12 settings. About Dr. Jeb Puryear: Dr.Jeb Puryear is an Associate Professor of Gifted Education at the University of Montana and a former Research Associate at the National Center for Research on Gifted Education. Additionally, he has spent two decades as a teacher and educational administrator. Jeb is an active member of NAGC networks, current chair-elect of the Research & Evaluation network, and routinely serves the gifted education community through editorial work for journals and as a conference proposal reviewer. Jeb has had his work published across top outlets in both the gifted education and creativity fields. His research interests center on creativity, underserved populations in gifted education, and the psychology of talent development. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect! Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education! For more information on Creativity in Education, check out: Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom

Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! We are back for Season 10 of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast! In this episode, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood announce a unique and exciting start with episodes recorded on location at the National Association for Gifted and Talented Conference in Seattle. This season also features a special miniseries that explores gifted education alongside diversity, equity, and inclusion topics, kicking off with three insightful episodes.  The episode also highlights several developments aimed at amplifying the podcast's reach and resources. Cyndi shares her endeavor to launch a weekly newsletter featuring episodes and updates from past guests, labeled as "extra fuel." Meanwhile, Matthew discusses the extensive redesign and organization of their website, which now hosts over 200 episodes sorted into collections like STEM, theater education, and creativity research. Additionally, they introduce Jimmy Wilson, an emerging scholar who will contribute cutting-edge research insights, and Katherine Fu, their new creative producer. The hosts conclude with an appetizer of what’s to come, including a new concluding question for guests about creative educational experiences, setting the stage for an engaging and resourceful season. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect! Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education! For more information on Creativity in Education, check out: Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Download the Debrief Handout to this episode here! In this final episode of the Winter 2025 Listen and Learn Series of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett delve into the concept of uncertainty in the learning process. Revisiting a profound conversation with renowned creativity expert Dr. Ron Beghetto, they explore how embracing uncertainty and acknowledging negative emotions can enhance creativity and learning outcomes in the classroom. Episode Highlights: Understanding Productive Uncertainty: How uncertainty can be a catalyst for creativity and deeper learning. Embracing Negative Emotions: The importance of recognizing and supporting students through feelings of anger, frustration, and doubt. "My Favorite Failure" Project: Dr. Beghetto's approach to reframing failure as a positive learning experience. Strategies for Educators: Practical ways teachers can create environments that allow students to navigate uncertainty and develop resilience. Key Quote from Dr. Ron Beghetto: "Why isn't it okay for young people to have negative emotions in school when they're really doing difficult work? Why isn't it okay for them to get angry and frustrated? I think it's okay to recognize it. And in fact, it's supportive to let a teacher say... 'I see that you're angry. I can understand that you're angry. Do you need help? Can we support you in kind of working through this?'" Discussion Questions for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Navigating Uncertainty: Reflect on a time when uncertainty in your classroom led to productive learning. What factors contributed to this positive outcome? How can you intentionally incorporate uncertainty to foster creativity and problem-solving skills? Supporting Negative Emotions: How do you currently respond when students express frustration or anger during challenging tasks? What strategies can you implement to validate these emotions and guide students through them? Differentiating Uncertainty: How can you distinguish between productive and unproductive uncertainty in your teaching practices? What steps can you take to minimize unnecessary frustration while still challenging your students? Tools and Strategies: What tools can you provide students to help them navigate uncertainty and failure? How can you model resilience and a growth mindset in the face of challenges? Reflecting on Practice: How might acknowledging and discussing your own failures benefit your students? In what ways can sharing stories of overcoming obstacles inspire and motivate learners? Resources Mentioned: Curiosity to Create Network: A nonprofit organization offering professional development, online courses, and a creative thinking network for educators. Website: https://curiositytocreate.org Fueling Creativity Podcast Website: Access all episodes and resources. Website: https://fuelingcreativitypodcast.com Join the Conversation: Don't have a professional learning community? Join the Curiosity to Connect Network to participate in monthly webinars, access creative lesson plans, and be part of a supportive community focused on fostering creativity in education Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Downloadable Discussion Questions for PLCs. In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett highlight insights from their interview with Dr. Kulvarn Atwal, an innovative headteacher and thought leader in education. Together, they explore the transformative power of questioning assumptions and aligning classroom practices with core values to foster creativity and flexibility in schools. Episode Highlights: Real-world examples of how questioning classroom norms can unlock dialogue and creativity. The role of teacher autonomy and flexibility in promoting student engagement. Actionable strategies for creating shared values and expectations with students. Key Quote from Dr. Kulvarn Atwal: "I went into the second school, and the culture was: 'Everybody has to do the same thing because that's what they think consistency is.' That is not consistency. Consistency is consistency of values, consistency of expectations, consistency of aspirations—not consistency of doing the same thing. You're not going to get the outcomes for the children if everyone is doing the same thing." Discussion Questions for PLCs: What values guide your teaching practice, and how do they manifest in your classroom? Are there any routines or assumptions in your school that could benefit from being questioned? How can autonomy and flexibility inspire both educators and students? How do you define "consistency" in your school or classroom? How does this definition impact creativity? What strategies can you use to collaboratively set expectations and values with students at the start of the year? Resources Mentioned: YouTube Video on Crafting Classroom Contracts by Dr. Cyndi Burnett Downloadable Discussion Questions for PLCs. Join the Conversation: Don’t have a professional learning community? Join the Curiosity to Connect Network for resources, webinars, and a supportive community of creative educators. Learn more here. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org