Fueling Creativity in Education

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. Cindy Burnett continue their Winter 2025 Listen and Learn Series by revisiting a compelling conversation with Dr. Marta Ockluy. Known for her groundbreaking work on redefining creativity, Dr. Ockluy shares a human-centered perspective on creativity and contrasts it with computational creativity, a timely topic in the age of generative AI. Episode Highlights: Dr. Marta Ockluy’s human-centered definition of creativity: "Creativity is the person-centered process of imagining possibilities and taking embodied expressive action that makes your ideas real." The role of openness, curiosity, and authenticity in creative thinking. How computational creativity challenges traditional views of human creativity. Actionable prompts to facilitate meaningful discussions about creativity in schools and professional learning communities (PLCs). Key Discussion Questions for PLCs: How do you define creativity in your classroom or school community? What does creativity “look like” and “sound like” in your teaching environment? How can openness and curiosity foster creativity among students and educators? What role does computational creativity and generative AI play in reshaping our understanding of creativity? How do shared definitions of creativity help build a supportive and innovative school culture? Resources Mentioned: Downloadable Discussion Questions for PLCs Join the Conversation: Don’t have a professional learning community? Join the Curiosity to Connect Network for monthly webinars, creative lesson plans, and a supportive community of like-minded educators. Learn more here. Subscribe and Stay Connected: Subscribe to Fueling Creativity in Education on your favorite podcast platform and follow us for updates, discussions, and resources to inspire creativity in your teaching.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!  Download the Discussion Questions In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett kick off their Winter 2025 Listen and Learn Series with a deep dive into the role of joy in creative teaching. Drawing inspiration from their interview with Dr. Susan Keller-Mathers, the conversation explores how teachers can rekindle joy, overcome burnout, and design flexible, engaging learning experiences for their students. Episode Highlights: Why joy is a key ingredient in creative teaching. Strategies for navigating burnout and reigniting passion for teaching. The importance of flexibility in lesson planning and adapting to challenges. Practical questions for professional learning communities (PLCs) to discuss and reflect on their practices. Key Quote from Dr. Susan Keller-Mathers: "Creative teaching is about your craft. It is about you as a teacher becoming more creative. And what that looks like is you are bringing more joy, more motivating activities, more curiosity to your own thinking about your lessons. It can lead a teacher on the path to burnout, to rejuvenating who they are and why they came into the profession." Discussion Questions for PLCs: When have you experienced joy in your teaching, and what contributed to it? What barriers do you encounter that hinder joy in your classroom? How do you intentionally incorporate joy and creativity into your lessons? What strategies can you use to rekindle joy when burnout occurs? Join the Conversation: Don’t have a professional learning community? Join the Curiosity to Connect Network for webinars, lesson plans, and a supportive community of creative educators. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org 

Please complete our short 2024 survey to help us build season ten! In this special New Year's episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett take a reflective look back on their goals and achievements from 2024 while setting new objectives for 2025. With an air of playful banter, they celebrate their successes, such as updating the podcast's cover art, launching a comprehensive website with organized collections of episodes, and reaching the milestone of 193 episodes with 100 guest appearances. They also delve into the partial completion of their anticipated book and their exciting foray into live episode recordings and professional presentations, emphasizing that goals sometimes require flexibility and adaptability. As they turn their focus to 2025, Matthew and Cyndi articulate their ambitious plans, which include finishing their book manuscript and enhancing professional learning through the podcast. They introduce episodes highlighting key moments from seasons one and two, designed to support educators' professional development. The hosts also invite listeners to engage by filling out a quick survey to help shape the future content of the podcast, with opportunities to win books and prizes. Listeners are encouraged to form professional learning communities, either in person or through online platforms like LinkedIn, to foster a collaborative environment centered on creativity in education. Happy New Year from the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast team! Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. 

How can brainwriting transform divergent thinking sessions? Please complete our short 2024 survey to help us build season ten! In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett chat with emerging scholar Jimmy Wilson about the connections between creativity research and education. They dive into the growing use of brainwriting in creative thinking sessions, explaining how it benefits different types of learners. Cyndi shares her experiences and research, emphasizing the value of teaching students how to think creatively by delaying judgment and encouraging originality and fluency. Jimmy highlights a study involving Italian elementary students and refugees, suggesting that college admissions should consider creativity to reflect diverse backgrounds. Together, they explore a fun exercise where participants take on different personas to think more creatively and brainstorm new uses for everyday objects. They also discuss how varying the timing of feedback can enhance the creative process and share practical examples, like Neil Bergenroth’s use of rowing machines to teach STEM concepts. The conversation touches on equity in creativity, pointing out how cultural sensitivity and diverse environments can inspire new ideas. The hosts stress the importance of flexible and inclusive teaching methods to meet the needs of all learners. Wrapping up, they reflect on how creativity can drive positive change and help address challenges in education. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  Check out our new website at FuelingCreativitypodcast.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Are you looking for more Creativity and Education Resources, Check out CreativityandEducation.com Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Please complete our short survey to help us prepare for Season Ten of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast! In this final Season Nine debrief of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett celebrate the contributions of season nine's guests, including Colin Seale, Dr. Talia Goldstein, and Dr. Robert Sternberg, whose insights have enriched conversations on creativity in education.  Cyndi and Matthew underscore the value of viewing the world through multiple perspectives, using theater education as a compelling example. They illustrate how theater fosters creativity by encouraging students to fill in gaps, embrace ambiguity, and empathize with diverse viewpoints. They also draw connections between theater and the field of law, highlighting the essential skill of embodying multiple perspectives as a critical competency. The conversation expands to explore the role of creative intelligence in education. Matthew emphasizes the importance of creative thinking in generating, refining, and applying ideas, noting that non-conformity often plays a pivotal role in nurturing creativity. This perspective is contrasted with the social pressures children face to conform, prompting a thought-provoking discussion about balancing adherence to norms with the courage to challenge them. Cyndi shares her personal experiences as a self-identified rule-follower, emphasizing the need to navigate this balance thoughtfully in different contexts. Together, the hosts delve into the environments where breaking rules may be more appropriate and how education can equip students to make informed decisions about when to push boundaries. Drawing on Sternberg's research, they explore the connection between creativity and academic success, particularly in helping students adapt to new life stages, such as the transition from high school to college. Check out our new website- Fueling Creativity in Education! Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Dr. Robert Sternberg, a leading creativity scholar from Cornell University, explores transformational creativity and its vital role in education. He critiques how standardized testing stifles genuine creativity and promotes a self-serving leadership model he calls 'pseudo transformational creativity.' Sternberg emphasizes the need to integrate moral values into education and warns against the overreliance on AI, which risks eroding critical thinking. He shares insights on the historical decline of civic education and offers practical approaches to nurture impactful creativity in classrooms.

Dr. Robert Sternberg, a leading psychologist at Cornell University and an influential researcher on intelligence, dives into the essence of creativity and education. He discusses his innovative Rainbow Project, which showcases how creativity tests can enhance college admissions. Sternberg emphasizes the importance of persistence in overcoming rejection, defying societal norms for true innovation, and the integral link between practical and creative intelligence. He passionately advocates for valuing curiosity and resilience to foster a more dynamic educational landscape.

Why does theatre education matter? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood engage with Dr. Thalia Goldstein to explore the enriching world of theater education. Dr. Goldstein begins with the concept of a "consequence-free environment" in theater classrooms, where playfulness and the freedom to make mistakes foster both intra- and interpersonal skills that students can carry into various areas of their lives. Highlighting her three-year qualitative research, Dr. Goldstein introduces listeners to the "Acting Habits of Mind," vital psychological skills cultivated through theater, such as body awareness, emotional regulation, releasing inhibitions, and developing empathy. Through anecdotes and practical tips, she emphasizes the importance of incorporating physical activity, role play, and constructive peer critique in classroom settings to boost engagement and metacognitive thinking. Dr. Goldstein shares the adaptability of theater education across developmental stages, from creative play in young children to complex role exploration in high school, underscoring the necessity of informed guidance from teachers. This episode serves as a compelling testament to theater's expansive role in fostering lifelong creative and critical thinking abilities. About Dr. Thalia Goldstein: Dr. Thalia Goldstein is an associate professor and director of the applied developmental psychology program at George Mason University, where she directs the Play, Learning, Arts, and Youth Lab, and co-directs the Mason Arts Research Center (a National Endowment for the Arts Lab). She is the co-editor of the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts, and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association. Her research focuses on children’s and adolescent’s creative, social, and emotional development through engagement with pretend play and the arts. Goldstein’s academic work has been published in more than 75 articles, and funded by The National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The John Templeton Foundation. She earned her BA from Cornell University, her MA and PhD from Boston College and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University. Her most recent book is “Why Theatre Education Matters: Understanding its Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Benefits”. Check out our new website: FuelingCreativityPodcast.com Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!    

A Special Thanksgiving Episode: Creativity, Community, and Gratitude In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood visit Dedham, Massachusetts, just outside Boston, to record live from the newly opened TLC Studios. TLC, short for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity, is the inspired creation of authors and educators Peter and Paul Reynolds, along with their sister Jane. This episode is a celebration of creative learning, featuring guest Donna Luther, a Montessori school principal, and highlighting the exciting Big Noise Summit. Together, the group reflects on the importance of gathering in person to discuss how creative learning spaces can transform education. They emphasize the power of community and the innovative approaches that reimagine what classrooms can be. Peter and Paul Reynolds share the vision behind TLC Studios: a vibrant, flexible space designed to spark collaboration and creativity. Unlike traditional classrooms, TLC Studios features modular, interactive areas filled with color and possibility. The conversation also highlights the crucial role parents play in fostering creativity and encourages educators to build strong connections with their communities. The episode ends on a high note—literally—with a symbolic “big noise,” representing the collective energy and commitment to spreading creativity in education. Full of heartfelt gratitude, this episode invites listeners to embrace creativity in their teaching and to cherish the community bonds that make education thrive. Tune in to be inspired to transform your own learning spaces! TLC- Teaching, Learning and Creativity Studios Our Guests: Donna Luther: An arts and creativity educator, Donna Luther is currently Head of Inly School, an all-gender independent, Montessori based day school in Massachusetts for students ages 2 – 14. She is a member of the Leadership Development faculty for the Creative Education Foundation, where she teaches Creativity in the 21st Century Classroom, Advanced Strategies for Educators, Facilitation through the Arts, and Integrating Creativity and Leadership to educators and business professionals worldwide. As an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University, she has taught in the national and international M.Ed. program for Creative Arts in Learning. She has presented at conferences throughout the United States and in Brazil, China, South Africa and Israel. Donna is founding director of Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts. Peter H. Reynolds Peter H. Reynolds is a renowned author, illustrator, and creativity advocate, celebrated for beloved books such as The Dot, Ish, Happy Dreamer, and The Word Collector. His collaborations include Someday with Alisan McGhee, the Judy Moody series with Megan McDonald, Going Places with his twin brother Paul, and the I AM series with Susan Verde. As the founder of FableVision, a Boston-based children’s media company, Peter is dedicated to crafting "stories that matter, stories that move." Through FableVision Learning, he develops creativity tools that inspire educators and students to embrace imagination and innovation in the classroom. Deeply committed to fostering community and creativity, Peter co-founded The Blue Bunny, an independent bookshop in Dedham Square, MA, alongside his twin brother, Paul. Through his work, Peter continues to empower people of all ages to find their voice, make their mark, and share their unique stories with the world. Learn more at www.bluebunnybooks.com. Paul Reynolds: Paul is the CEO and Co-Founder of Boston-based FableVision, which creates and distributes educational media, mobile games, and apps aimed at improving the world. Under his leadership, FableVision has become a multimillion-dollar, internationally recognized multimedia developer and publisher with partnerships across various industries, including broadcast, museums, education, and technology. Paul also oversees FableVision Learning, the company's K12 edtech publishing group, and The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity. He has collaborated with numerous organizations such as PBS KIDS, National Academy of Sciences, The Jim Henson Company, MIT Education Arcade, CDC, New York Hall of Science, and Carnegie Hall to inspire lifelong learning. In addition to his role at FableVision, Paul teaches digital media production at Boston College, where he has been adjunct faculty for over two decades. He is also a children's book author, collaborating with his twin brother, Peter H. Reynolds, on books such as "Going Places" and the "Sydney & Simon: Full STEAM Ahead!" series. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

How might we infuse critical thinking into the classroom? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood welcome Colin Seale, a seasoned educator, attorney, and the founder of Think Law. Colin delves into how educators can ignite creative thinking in their classrooms through open-ended questions, fostering student creativity, and navigating existing educational systems while pushing for change. He emphasizes the need to maintain and nurture the innate curiosity each student possesses, challenging the conventional educational structures that often stifle imagination and innovative thinking. With captivating examples from his book "Thinking Like a Lawyer," Colin illustrates how everyday scenarios, such as questioning the value of traditions or analyzing courtroom cases, can develop critical and creative thinking skills in students of all backgrounds. The discussion further explores the profound connection between creativity, educational equity, and the necessary visionary goals to tackle systemic issues like redlining and underinvestment in education. Seale underscores the importance of empowering students to visualize and work toward what "ought to be," fostering a sense of agency and problem-solving. From an inspiring classroom activity in Louisville to a teacher in Dayton ingeniously utilizing storytelling to teach historical events, Colin's insights provide a practical and transformative framework for educators. Colin also tackles the significance of mistake analysis and how understanding students' reasoning can enhance creative thinking. About Colin Seale: Colin Seale was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where struggles in his upbringing gave birth to his passion for educational equity. Tracked early into gifted and talented programs, Colin was afforded opportunities his neighborhood peers were not. Using lessons from his experience as a math teacher, later as an attorney, and now as a keynote speaker, contributor to Forbes, The 74, Edutopia and Education Post and author of Thinking Like a Lawyer: A Framework for Teaching Critical Thinking to All Students (Prufrock Press, 2020) and Tangible Equity: A Guide for Leveraging Student Identity, Culture, and Power to Unlock Excellence In and Beyond the Classroom (Routledge, 2022), Colin founded thinkLaw, a multi-award-winning organization to help educators leverage inquiry-based instructional strategies to close the critical thinking gap and ensure they teach and reach all students, regardless of race, zip code or what side of the poverty line they are born into. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!