

Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools
Mark Taylor
Do you feel the education system is sucking the life out of you and the pupils you serve? I think many of us wish we could click our fingers and make it fit for purpose. A place of growth with shared learning that empowers pupils to be their best selves, so they can create a world they want to inhabit now and in the future.
While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced.
Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you.
‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’
While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced.
Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you.
‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 18, 2024 • 1h
387: Own Your Work Journey with Edward D. Hess
Professor Edward D. Hess discusses the intersection of technology and humanity in fulfilling work. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning for success in the digital age. The podcast highlights the transformative power of mentors, emotional management, and feedback on personal growth.

Mar 11, 2024 • 56min
386: Strengthening Executive Function Skills for Children with Dr. Lynne Kenney
Dr. Lynne Kenney, leading pediatric psychologist, discusses executive function skills for children. Topics include using music to enhance cognitive functions, drumming for skill development, and the benefits of rhythm and musicality in education for children with learning challenges.

Mar 4, 2024 • 31min
385: A Gobblegark's Guide To Your Brilliant Neurodivergent Brain with Suzanne Robertshaw
Suzanne Robertshaw, author and experienced teacher, discusses the positive aspects of being neurodivergent in her book 'A Gobblegark's Guide To Your Brilliant Neurodivergent Brain'. She encourages self-discovery through challenges, highlighting the strengths of the brain. The podcast explores embracing neurodiversity in education, creating supportive classroom environments, and resilience in unexpected circumstances.

Feb 26, 2024 • 52min
384: A new innovation to support your college searching journey with Troove
Dave, an innovator behind Troove, shares how his kids' college journey inspired him to create a platform using AI to help students find the right fit. They discuss the challenges in college searching, the importance of cultural fit, and the role of technology in enhancing the enrollment process.

Feb 19, 2024 • 41min
383: No child too hungry to learn with Magic Breakfast
Magic Breakfast is a registered charity providing healthy breakfasts to children and young people in the UK who arrive at school too hungry to learn, and expert support to their schools. Over 200,000 children and young people are on roll at Primary, Secondary, ASL / Special Educational Needs Schools and Pupil Referral Units that the charity works with, in disadvantaged areas of Scotland and England. Providing breakfast ensures that children start their school day with the energy and nutrition they need to be able to make the most of their morning lessons. Magic Breakfast also undertakes research, and campaigns for long-term solutions to end hunger as a barrier to learning. Websitewww.magicbreakfast.comSocial Media InformationInsta: @magicbrekyFB: @magicbreakfastukTwitter: @magic_breakfastLinkedIn: @ Magic BreakfastFollow us, tag us and use the hashtag #NoChildTooHungryToLearnResources MentionedRye LaneShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://nape.org.uk/SEND Conference Friday 26th April – Hybrid eventLondon School of Public Relations – www.lspr-education.com/podcasting-course/Delivered by Mark Taylor.The 1-day Essentials of Podcasting Certificated short course is highly practical and packed full of useful information to get you on the road to producing your own professional podcasts. The Podcasting course will help you to create, edit, deliver and promote your podcast. The course also provides useful tips and tricks from industry experts on producing professional and effective results.Support the show at www.educationonfire.com/supportHave you seen our live shows on YouTube? www.EducationOnFire.com/youtubeMentioned in this episode:London School of Public Relations - Podcasting Course with Mark TaylorThe 1-day Essentials of Podcasting Certificated short course is highly practical and packed full of useful information to get you on the road to producing your own professional podcasts. The Podcasting course will help you to create, edit, deliver and promote your podcast. The course also provides useful tips and tricks from industry experts on producing professional and effective results.LSPR

Feb 12, 2024 • 56min
382: NASA STEM educator Jason Dietrich
Jason Dietrich is a highly motivated, certified NASA STEM educator with more than four years of teaching experience seeking to influence and engage students to participate in STEM career pathways. He is interested in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM as well as building a solid foundation for STEM literacy. In this technology-based society, he seeks to build computational literacy and develop critical thinkers capable of analyzing and integrating data to formulate solutions to complex real-world problems through the use of innovative and differentiated instructional methods. Jason is experienced in training and professional development, global education policy and methods, statistical analysis, curriculum development, and assessment strategies. In addition, he has been mentored by a current Virginia Space Flight Academy (VASFA) STEM Engagement Specialist and has authored a NASA application design to identify hidden barriers to STEM engagement. Jason is eager to promote and use STEM engagement activities through NASA’s missions to inspire a diverse future STEM workforce.Websitehttps://www.vasfa.orgSocial Media Informationwww.facebook.com/VaSpaceFlightAcademywww.instagram.com/vaspaceflightacademy/Twitter: @VaSpaceAcademyResources MentionedWhite Flag - DidoShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://nape.org.uk/SEND Conference Friday 26th April – Hybrid eventLondon School of Public Relations – www.lspr-education.com/podcasting-course/Delivered by Mark Taylor.The 1-day Essentials of Podcasting Certificated short course is highly practical and packed full of useful information to get you on the road to producing your own professional podcasts. The Podcasting course will help you to create, edit, deliver and promote your podcast. The course also provides useful tips and tricks from industry experts on producing professional and effective results.https://www.educationonfire.com/Mentioned in this episode:London School of Public Relations - Podcasting Course with Mark TaylorThe 1-day Essentials of Podcasting Certificated short course is highly practical and packed full of useful information to get you on the road to producing your own professional podcasts. The Podcasting course will help you to create, edit, deliver and promote your podcast. The course also provides useful tips and tricks from industry experts on producing professional and effective results.LSPR

Feb 5, 2024 • 45min
381: Teachers with Boundaries - Gemma Drinkall
Gemma Drinkall, an educational wellbeing coach, shares insights on establishing boundaries for teachers to switch off from work and focus on their personal lives. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, reducing overwhelm, and increasing happiness. Gemma's journey from teacher to coach highlights the challenges faced by educators and the need for support in creating a healthy work-life balance.

Jan 29, 2024 • 49min
380: Dr Terrance Ruth NCSU Professor
Dr. Terrance Ruth received his PhD in Public Affairs from the University of Central Florida. He received his master's in education from Nova Southeastern University and his BA from Oglethorpe University. Dr. Ruth completed a national fellowship through Boston College with a certification in nonprofit leadership.Dr. Ruth is an advocate for public education, once serving as a teacher, principal and the parent of a son who attends public schools in Wake County. As a former Administrator for Wake County Public Schools who now serves as an Education Consultant to numerous nonprofits. Dr. Ruth sits on several statewide boards.Dr. Ruth led social justice organizations at the national, state, and local levels with a reputation for being the implementation expert. He served as the NC NAACP Executive Director under Dr. Barber and Dr. Spearman and has served as National Director of Programming for the Repairers of the Breach. Recently he partnered with United Way of the Triangle to launch a community investment fund for local community organizers.Dr. Ruth has work in K-12 schools across Florida and in Wake County. Currently, Terrance is a Professor at NCSU and is the former President of the Justice Love Foundation. He is deeply engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion work across the city of Raleigh and the Triangle. You can find more information at TruthforRaleigh.com. Dr. Ruth was a Raleigh Mayoral Candidate for November 2022.Dr. Ruth is leading a coalition of leaders to engage in local solutions through impact investing, design thinking, and creative collaborations. Right now, he is facilitating a process to increase the use of faith-based assets in improving the affordable housing stock. He is also working with United Way of the Triangle to offer a human centered design lens to the philanthropic network in the Triangle.Websitewww.truth4raleigh.comSocial Media InformationInstagram - @drterranceruth & @truth4raleighFacebook - drterranceruth & truthforfraleighTwitter - Truth4raleigh & drterranceruthShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://nape.org.uk/SEND Conference Friday 26th April – Hybrid eventLondon School of Public Relations – www.lspr-education.com/podcasting-course/Delivered by Mark Taylor.The 1-day Essentials of Podcasting Certificated short course is highly practical and packed full of useful information to get you on the road to producing your own professional podcasts. The Podcasting course will help you to create, edit, deliver and promote your podcast. The course also provides useful tips and tricks from industry experts on producing professional and effective results.Watch the Education on Fire Live Show every Tuesday www.educationonfire.com/youtube

Jan 22, 2024 • 59min
379: The Leader's Algorithm with Pablo Muñoz
Pablo Muñoz is the Managing Director of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization. He has 30 years of public education experience as a teacher and administrator and was a superintendent of schools for 16 years. Pablo was recognized as the 2008 Union County School Superintendent of the Year by the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce in New Jersey and named as one of the George Lucas Educational Foundation’s 2008 Daring Dozen – a prestigious group of twelve educators “who are reshaping the future of education.” In addition, Pablo is a leadership coach, teacher, trainer, and speaker with the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team; an Adjunct Professor at Lehigh University; a member of the Forbes Coaches Council; and the author of The Leader’s Algorithm. Pablo graduated from Yale University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Ivy League pitching honors. A lifelong athlete and sports fan, he has coached baseball at all levels from little league to professional, having been a minor league pitching coach with the Chicago Cubs. After Yale, Pablo continued his education at Teachers College, Columbia University where he earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration in 1996.When there are systemic problems, effective leaders must make systemic changes. In The Leader’s Algorithm, Pablo Muñoz outlines a strategic framework for developing a viable, personal Theory of Action to transform your organization, work, and relationships while positively impacting those who need you most.Websitewww.themunozcompany.comResources Mentionedwww.themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithmMaxwell LeadershipThe Broad CenterShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://nape.org.uk/SEND Conference Friday 26th April – Hybrid eventLondon School of Public Relations – www.lspr-education.com/podcasting-course/Delivered by Mark Taylor.The 1-day Essentials of Podcasting Certificated short course is highly practical and packed full of useful information to get you on the road to producing your own professional podcasts. The Podcasting course will help you to create, edit, deliver and promote your podcast. The course also provides useful tips and tricks from industry experts on producing professional and effective results.Watch the Education on Fire Live Show every Tuesday www.educationonfire.com/youtubeMentioned in this episode:London School of Public Relations - Podcasting Course with Mark TaylorThe 1-day Essentials of Podcasting Certificated short course is highly practical and packed full of useful information to get you on the road to producing your own professional podcasts. The Podcasting course will help you to create, edit, deliver and promote your podcast. The course also provides useful tips and tricks from industry experts on producing professional and effective results.LSPR

Jan 15, 2024 • 40min
378: The Kid Across the Hall with Reid Saaris
Reid’s story begins at his own high school, where his life began to diverge from that of his best friend Jamie as soon as he enrolled in advanced classes across the hall. After graduation, the gap widened as Reid pursued an elite degree studying educational opportunity in America. In an attempt to close the opportunity gap between students like him and Jamie, Reid took a job as a teacher at Battery Creek High, a severely under-resourced school in South Carolina where students were flunking out of their classes not because they were incapable, but because the coursework was too easy. Reid and a team of teachers and students rallied to increase enrollment in the advanced track for those who didn’t fit the honor student mold. In one year, the program doubled to become the largest provider in the state, and performance on the college-level tests increased by 20%.Wanting to effect change on a larger scale, Reid founded Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) to find and help students all over the country who have been overlooked, discouraged, or are otherwise missing from higher-level learning opportunities.Backed by new research and original survey data of millions of teachers and students across the country, his forthcoming book THE KID ACROSS THE HALL: The Fight for Opportunity in Our Schools (Redwood Press/Stanford University Press; September 5) vividly chronicles Reid’s triumphs, setbacks, and insights as he learned firsthand that the hard task of educational reform will take much more than the Hollywood myth of the well-intentioned teacher who saves the day.Websitewww.reid4waschools.comTHE KID ACROSS THE HALL: The Fight for Opportunity in Our SchoolsSocial Media Informationhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/reid-saarishttps://www.facebook.com/reid4waschools?mibextid=ZbWKwLShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) https://nape.org.uk/SEND Conference Friday 26th April - Hybrid eventLondon School of Public Relations - www.lspr-education.com/podcasting-course/Delivered by Mark Taylor. The 1-day Essentials of Podcasting Certificated short course is highly practical and packed full of useful information to get you on the road to producing your own professional podcasts. The Podcasting course will help you to create, edit, deliver and promote your podcast. The course also provides useful tips and tricks from industry experts on producing professional and effective results. Watch the Education on Fire Live Show every Tuesday www.educationonfire.com/youtube Mentioned in this episode:London School of Public Relations - Podcasting Course with Mark TaylorThe 1-day Essentials of Podcasting Certificated short course is highly practical and packed full of useful information to get you on the road to producing your own professional podcasts. The Podcasting course will help you to create, edit, deliver and promote your podcast. The course also provides useful tips and tricks from industry experts on producing professional and effective results.LSPR