Teaching Learning Leading K-12

Mediocrity - Part 4: Not in These Classes. This is episode 788 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Mediocrity creeps into being when something should have been done but wasn't. Ignored or the thought that somehow the issue would fix itself or go away allows mediocrity to cement itself to the school or organization. It becomes accepted as how we do things here. A shrug and a comment, "It's just life in our building. You get used to it." The great thing is that not every teacher or administrator is swayed by the trap of "it's ok." There are educators who probably come to mind that are far from mediocre, matter of fact they are incredible examples of what life in classrooms and schools should be like. I have been in public education for 39 years. Over those years I have had the good fortune of working with some amazing educators. (I have previously shared some of the memories of the ones who weren't good.) Now it is time to share some thoughts about a few of the educators I have had the good fortune of calling teammates or supervisors. I learned and experienced much over the years. I always wanted to be surrounded by colleagues who didn't try to be mediocre. I wanted to work with those peers who wanted to make a difference and spent the time and energy on trying to do just that. In this episode I share some stories about amazing educators who I worked with. They were educators who understood that to make a difference you had to know what you were trying to accomplish. They knew that you had to be purposeful about what you needed to do. They figured out that to make a difference you had to commit to the time it required, make plans, collaborate with others, and be prepared to fail and learn from the failure. There was not mediocrity their classes. So much to think about! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Length - 18:58

Mediocrity: Could I Have Done More? This is episode 787 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.  Mediocrity creeps into being when something should have been done but wasn't. Ignored or the thought that somehow the issue would fix itself or go away allows mediocrity to cement itself to the school or organization. It becomes accepted as how we do things here. A shrug and a comment, "It's just life in our building. You get used to it."  What is going on in your building where mediocrity has been able to foment? In this episode I share some specific examples of mediocrity that was allowed to be the norm, the status quo, the way they did things in a few schools. Was there someone there asking - "Could I have done more?" Could I have done something to set the organization on the correct path and pushed the accepted meh practices out? Could I have replaced the bad practices with something better that focused the school on working together?  Hope that while you listen that you think about what accepted aspects of your work environment should be identified as a waste of time, eliminated, and replaced with practices that encourage collaboration and assist with accomplishing the mission of the organization, building, or school. So much to think about! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Length - 33:36

Mediocrity: Settling for OK. This is episode 786 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.  Mediocrity can find its place in your building by you not paying attention to what is going on in your setting. It can manifest by allowing things to go unaddressed. There are challenges in our schools where situations can arise that are going to take time and require our full attention. Unfortunately, that time commitment can cause some to ignore and move on. In other words, the leader puts a blind fold to his eyes and covers his ears and says, "I see nothing, I hear nothing." By doing this the climate will be adequate. It will be just ok. Mediocrity will settle in for a long time. So much to think about! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME!   Length - 24:14

Mediocrity: How Does It Appear in Your School or School System? This is episode 785 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. This is a short introduction to what mediocrity is and why it is important to identify it. I share some thoughts from my friend Mark Wilson that he discussed in his workshop - From Getting by to Getting Better. This is an introduction to a series of episodes that is focused on exposing your mediocrity and sharing some ideas to overcome it. So much to think about! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Learn more about Mark Wilson: https://principal-matters.com https://stevenmiletto.com/581 What They Didn't Teach You In Fancy Leadership School: A Guide for Successful School Leadership: Wilson, Dr. Mark D: 9798988457107: Amazon.com: Books Honda Commercial: Honda - OK Factory (2003, UK) Length - 14:37

Annalies Corbin, PhD - The PAST Foundation: Access Through Innovation. This is episode 784 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Dr. Annalies Corbin is the Chief Goddess, President & CEO of the PAST Foundation. In 2000, Dr. Corbin founded the PAST Foundation, an organization she envisioned could lead the way to connecting scientific research with classrooms, schools and communities.  From a single school partnership in 2006, Annalies has grown PAST’s supporters across the nation, building a reputation for both transforming teaching and learning by understanding tomorrow’s education needs. In 2015, Annalies’ commitment to transforming schools led to the development of PAST Innovation Lab. Connecting directly with teachers through online professional development courses, MAEd program and on-site workshops, PAST Innovation Lab impacts more classrooms and expands learning opportunities for teachers and students everywhere.  In 25 years, PAST has impacted more than 3.2 million students, over 25,000 teachers across 42 states, hosting nearly 20,000 visitors and building hundreds of partnerships. In 2019, Annalies and PAST launched Learning Unboxed. This podcast series highlights industry experts and students talking about the changing needs in the world of teaching, learning and the future of work. Rather than trying to fix a system that is working exactly as it was designed, this series challenges listeners to join the conversation of how we “unbox” education and create innovative solutions to better meet workforce needs.  Our focus today is ... The PAST Foundation and Learning Unboxed. Great conversation! So much to think about! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: www.pastfoundation.org annalies@pastfoundation.org https://www.facebook.com/PastFoundation https://x.com/pastfoundation https://x.com/AnnaliesCorbin https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalies-corbin-4016121/ Length - 47:32

Brandy Samuell - Student Needs for Mental Well-Being, Dangers Associated with AI for Mental Care, and the Role that Technology Can Play in Supporting Student Mental Health When It Supports Human Connection. This is episode 783 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Brandy Samuell, M. Ed., is a seasoned educator with an impressive 32-year career dedicated to public education. Her extensive experience encompasses roles ranging from classroom teacher to assistant superintendent, covering various educational settings, including charter, rural, suburban, urban, and virtual schools.  Brandy’s expertise spans general education, special education, mental health support, and school turnaround. Currently serving as the Director of Mental Health and Related Services at eLuma, Brandy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration in Marketing from Texas Tech University (1989) and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Texas Christian University (2002). Complementing her educational background, Brandy has completed post-Master’s work in Educational Diagnostics and Educational Leadership from the University of the Southwest.   Certified in Critical Incident Stress Management, she has successfully managed multiple school-related crises and provided crisis management and response training for school staff and community-based first responders. While Brandy possesses a broad scope of knowledge and interests, most of her career has been dedicated to supporting students’ emotional and behavioral needs and managing, coaching, and developing staff.   Beyond her professional commitments, Brandy finds solace in outdoor activities, spending time with her animals, and tending to her yard during her leisure time. Our focus today is talking about Student Needs for Mental Well Being, Dangers Associated with AI for Mental Health Care, and the Role that Technology can Play in Supporting Student Mental Health When It Supports Human Connection. Awesome discussion! So much to learn and think about! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: https://eluma.com/ https://www.facebook.com/elumatherapy/ https://x.com/eLumatherapy https://www.linkedin.com/company/elumatherapy/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHurmK6cjNlpwp_hr48VDwQ BSamuell@elumatherapy.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-samuell-m-ed-98b52a73/ Length - 54:23

Dr. Nakia Cotton-Smith: Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders. This is episode 782 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. With twenty-nine years of leadership and educational experience, Dr. Cotton-Smith has held various district and school-level leadership positions in the two largest districts in Georgia. She has also served as a Director of Special Programs at Florida State University School, Adjunct Professor at Tallahassee Community College, and an educator in various Florida school districts. In these roles, she has supported school and district leaders, diverse learner populations, and different educational programs. Dr. Cotton-Smith is a wife and a proud mother of two sons, whom she considers her most outstanding achievement. She is also the owner and CEO of Edufaith Educational Services, a self-published author of Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders, Essential Tips for Section 504 Coordinators, Essential Tips for Parents of Students with Disabilities, and Essential Tips for Educators (Amazon), and a podcaster (Edufaith Essentials). Dr. Cotton-Smith is a full-time instructor at Clark Atlanta University and a part-time instructor at Kennesaw State University. She knows that education unlocks doors to vast opportunities and positively shapes society. Our focus today is Nakia’s book - Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders. So much to learn and think about! Great conversation! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: http://www.edufaithconsulting.com edufaith4all@gmail.com https://youtube.com/@edufaithessentialsandknowledge?si=2bqfBGycsOhp0KLx https://x.com/EdufaithS?s=20 https://www.instagram.com/edufaith2021?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufaith-educational-services/ Length - 59:14

Denise Haynes Talks About Her Novel - Talent Show, Growing Up in a Large Family, and Asks, "Do We Know and Understand Our Parents?" This is episode 781 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Denise Theresa Haynes has had several different careers, ranging from a flight attendant for British West Indian Airways and an advertising clerk for a newspaper, (Trinidad Guardian), to being a tutor, teaching assistant, and college lecturer for a decade, and a Spanish interpreter for Court of Appeals in Bridgetown, Barbados for seven years. Her longest career was as a lawyer in private practice for 16 years in Barbados, from which she mostly retired in 2021. But perhaps her biggest talent is only sprouting now, as a writer and storyteller. Haynes’ debut novel, Talent Show, has been well-received by book reviewers, and so she plans to continue writing. Signs of her writing talents appeared in 1999 when she was a runner-up in the Commonwealth Bureau’s Short Story Competition. She has also had articles published in magazines and journals. Born and raised in Trinidad, the youngest of her 10, she is married for many years and has two adult children. She resides in St. Peter, Barbados. Our focus today is Denise’s book - Talent Show. Awesome story!!! Great conversation! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: https://www.denisehaynesauthor.com/ https://www.facebook.com/denise.haynes.120336/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205255833-talent-show Length - 33:57

Dana Sutton Shares Her Latest Children's Book: Maddie Finds Her Place. This is episode 780 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Dana Sutton is a tutor, coach, and parent with decades of experience working with children (biological, adopted, and stepchildren) and young adults. She had also worked in preschool, and as a substitute teacher. She is now inspiring young minds with an empowering series of children’s books that includes You Can Do Hard Things and Maddie Finds Her Place.  A keen athlete while growing up, she enjoyed playing fastball, ringette, volleyball, hockey, martial arts and skiing (both in water and downhill). While raising her children, she spent evenings tutoring students from primary school to first- and second year post-secondary school, as well as coaching and instructing various sports teams and athletes, including hockey, fastball, slow-pitch softball, martial arts, power skating, and ringette.  She has owned her own business for the past decade, providing consulting, payroll and accounting services for businesses in the Okanagan, Canada.  Sutton earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary. Born in Ontario, and raised in Calgary, she has spent most of her adult life in Kelowna, British Columbia.  These days, when she isn’t busy with work or grandchildren, Sutton can be found reading a book or riding her motorcycle (an Indian Scout) throughout the Okanagan, where she lives with her husband, Ray and their two Old English Sheepdogs, Guinness and Misty. Guinness, Misty and Bailey (Misty's predecessor) can be found as background characters in many of her children’s book stories. Our focus today is Dana’s book Maddie Finds Her Place. Amazing conversation! So much to learn! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: http://www.danasuttonbooks.com/ https://facebook.com/100092374490621 www.Instagram.com/danasuttonbooks  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-sutton-85819088?trk=universal-search-cluster Length - 43:44

Steve Haberlin, PhD - Demystifying Meditation Practice for Educators. This is episode 779 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Steve Haberlin, PhD, is an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida.  Dr. Haberlin’s research focuses on the implementation of mind-body practices, including mindfulness, meditation interventions to address mental health concerns in educational settings and help students unfold their potential.  His research involves studying the impact of brief meditation, including the use of technology-assisted devices, to improve focus and reduce stress and anxiety. A life-long meditator, with more than 25 years’ experience, his work involves facilitating meditation professional development training and workshops for faculty.  Dr. Haberlin is the author of Meditation in the College Classroom: A Pedagogical Tool to Help Students De-Stress, Focus, and Connect, Awakening to Educational Leadership: A Mindfulness-Based Approach to Supporting and Coaching Teachers, and Calming Student Stress: Mindfulness, Meditation, and Other Strategies to Reduce Anxiety and Enhance Learning in K-12 Classrooms, which was released earlier this year. Our focus today is on Demystifying Meditation Practice for Educators. So much to learn! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... Check out these workshops offered by Steve Haberlin. Click link  Mind-Body Practice Workshops for Teachers and Students   (De-stress, Focus, and Energize!)  Also, you could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: Don't forget to check out Steve's workshops: Mind-Body Practice Workshops for Teachers and Students   (De-stress, Focus, and Energize!)  http://facebook.com/steve.haberlin/ steve.haberlin@ucf.edu https://www.amazon.com/Calming-Student-Stress-Mindfulness-Meditation/dp/147587300X https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781475873016/Calming-Student-Stress-Mindfulness-Meditation-and-Other-Strategies-to-Reduce-Anxiety-and-Enhance-Learning-in-K-12-Classrooms https://TeachingLearningLeadingK12.podbean.com/e/steve-haberlin-calming-student-stress-mindfulness-meditation-and-other-strategies-to-reduce-anxiety-and-enhance-learning-in-k-12-classrooms-760/ Length - 47:52