Category Archives: Culture

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3 Quarantine Teaching Examples I Will Always Remember; What’s Yours?

What positive memory do you have from quarantine emergency teaching?

For the most part, I look at life’s positive side. It enchants and inspires some and annoys others.

Every teacher on the planet should hold their head high and be proud of how they leveled-up and continued to make a difference while teaching in quarantine, from quarantine, to quarantine, and remote, and every other possible scenario the last couple of years.

Every single example an individual heroic memory. Or at least it should have been. Too often teachers compare themselves to other teachers  and beat themselves up too much about the emergency teaching that had to occur. Everyone did their best and impacted lives. No one was perfect. Everyone tried. We should all be proud.

Still there are three stories I will always remember most from our teaching in quarantine:

  1. Jon Jarc collecting students’ 3-D designs remotely, printing them from his house and shipping them to his students’ homes. Whoa!
  2. Jen Davis, Port Clinton Middle School art teacher, hosting a virtual art show for students in quarantine. Go Jen!
  3. Keven Rinaman 3-D printing medical safety shields for hospitals. (The story is in his new book 3DU: A Guide to 3D Printing in Every Classroom.) Congrats Keven!

It’s unfair for me to name just three. There are hundreds in my own district. There are millions of awesome examples from around the world, but for whatever reason, these three resonate with me and will forever be remembered. I really do hope you will add your memory and example in the comments below so others can see them. Thanks for considering.

~Kelly

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Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 213 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

 

 

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WEP 213: Inspiring Joy an Interview with Jennifer Appel

An Interview with Jennifer Appel

In this 213th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Jennifer Appel. She is an amazing educator, coach, speaker and the author of several books including:  Inspiring JOY:  A Revolutionary Lesson Planning Framework for Teaching the Whole Learner, and picture books: Award Winning Dog and I’M WHO… We talk about Award Winning Culture, her books and how every teacher can make an impact with students in the area of social emotional learning regardless of what grade they teach, or content.

Click here to listen to my interview with Jennifer Appel on The Wired Educator podcast.

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Break. I am thankful for you for listening to The Wired Educator Podcast and the difference you make every day.

Jennifer Appel is an educator, coach, speaker, and writer.  She’s the Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture.  In addition to being the author of the highly anticipated book: “Inspiring JOY:  A Revolutionary Lesson Planning Framework for Teaching the Whole Learner,” she’s the author of a line of picture books focusing on Social Emotional Learning and Character Ed which includes, “Award Winning Dog and I’m WHO.”

Mentioned in this episode: 

Jennifer Appel’s Books: Inspiring JOY, Award Winning Dog and I’M WHO…

Jennifer Appel’s website:  awardwinningculture.com

Jennifer Appel’s twitter and instagram:  @jennifermappel

Sign up for Kelly’s newsletter by clicking here. 

Both of Kelly’s books are 25% off right now and can be purchased by clicking here. 

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Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 212 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

 

 

 

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Boom! Deliver Awesome Feedback, an Interview with Ben Kalb

An Interview with Ben Kalb

This is episode 210 of The Wired Educator Podcast, and I have the privilege to share with you the awesomeness of Ben Kalb.

Ben is an amazing educator and we are both members of The Apple Distinguished Educator Community.

Ben teaches some important things we need to know about delivering awesome feedback. We also have a great conversation about deficit thinking and the power of storytelling in education.

Click here to listen to this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast.

Ben Kalb is the Director of Communication for the Muskegon Area ISD in Muskegon Michigan. As a former classroom teacher he is a passionate advocate for Public Schools. Ben is an Apple Distinguished Educator and was the cohost of another top ranked education podcast. Throughout 4 seasons of Vrain Waves, teachers were informed, inspired, and connected through the advice of giants in education. Although his podcast wasn’t as prolific as this one, over the course of 4 seasons he and his co-host Becky interviewed dozens of New York Times Best selling authors including Dan Heath, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Daniel Pink and more.

Mentioned in this episode: 

I am excited to announce that Wired Educator has published its first book, 3DU: A Guide to 3D Printing in Every Classroom, written by Keven Rinaman.

Join the Wired Educator Squad Wednesdays for a 30-minute Twitter Chat. Follow the hashtag #WiredWednesday

Follow Wired Educator on Facebook and Twitter to join in our LIVE video chats.

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Invite Kelly to be your opening day speaker at your school, lead a leadership workshop, or share his What Everyone Needs to Know About Bullying presentation here. www.kellycroy.com

This link will take you to ALL of Kelly’s social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 210 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

 

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The Courage to Make a Difference, an Interview with Kevin Honeycutt

An Interview with Kevin Honeycutt

In this 209th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, Kevin Honeycutt and I talk about the courage of teachers making a difference, the importance of creativity, why educators must build strong relationships with parents, and so much more. 

Click here to listen to this episode with Kevin. 

Kevin Honeycutt is a technology integrationist, staff developer and keynote speaker  from Colorado Springs. He spent 13 years teaching K-12 art. Since then he’s spent 17+ years becoming a presenter and change maker with worldwide reach. With his live presentations limited by the pandemic, he pivoted and brought his focus to bear largely online. Now he’s back out there and thrilled to be back in the “live” inspiration game. He’s an art teacher, musician, former school board member and published author as well as an an Apple Distinguished Educator who received the Making It Happen Award for his tech leadership in the classroom. Through all of his networks and associations he communicates with over 100,000 people each day.

Mentioned in this interview: 

Join the Wired Educator Squad Wednesdays for a 30-minute Twitter Chat. Follow the hashtag #WiredWednesday

Learn more about Kevin and follow his work with these links:

Invite Kelly to be your opening day speaker at your school, lead a leadership workshop, or share his What Everyone Needs to Know About Bullying presentation here. www.kellycroy.com

This link will take you to ALL of Kelly’s social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 209 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

 

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Vanquish the Myth of The Digital Native Learner

What Every Educator Needs to Know About Teaching and Learning with Technology!

Vanquish the Myth of The Digital Native Learner: What Every Educator Needs to Know About Teaching and Learning with Technology!

In this 208th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I share what every educator needs to know about teaching and learning with technology.

Click here to listen to this episode.

In this episode Kelly presents solutions to many of the challenges and obstacles teachers and school districts face when implementing good instructional practice with technology. Our problems are never really about funding, the number of devices, the WiFi, professional learning, nor the devices themselves, but rather the correct mindset, culture and practice needed.

This episode addresses the following questions: 

What do we do to counter and correct the myth that students know how to use technology to learn?

What kind of environment do we need to create in our classrooms about learning with technology?

What should the culture of our schools be with technology?

What should we really be teaching students do with technology?

How should we approach professional learning?

What can a school learn from a hospital about the use of technology?

What is permanent beta and why should I embrace it as my teaching philosophy?

And more!

You are going to love this episode. Be sure to leave a review and share it out.

A Big Thank-You to our sponsor www.Planbook.com – Enter code “Wired” at sign-up

Planbook has been the established leader in online lesson planning since 2010, offering collaborative lesson sharing, flexible administrator access, and even student view tools for just $15 a year. Using Planbook, educators can build customized school years, classes, and lessons 100% online, directly inputting class materials and up-to-date standards from all over the world. Enter code “Wired” at sign-up to join over 800,000 Planbook teachers today and get your first year for only $5!

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Invite Kelly to be your opening day speaker at your school, lead a leadership workshop, or share his What Everyone Needs to Know About Bullying presentation here. www.kellycroy.com

This link will take you to ALL of Kelly’s social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 207 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

 

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Educational Leadership and Literacy, an Interview with Evan Robb

An Interview with Evan Robb

In this 207th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Evan Robb, the author of The Ten Minute Principal, Team Makers and more! Evan and I talk about literacy, leadership, culture and more. I learned so much and I know you will too.

Click here to listen to my interview with Evan Robb. 

Evan Robb is presently Principal of Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia. He has served for more than twenty years as a building level principal. Prior to being a school principal, he was an English teacher, department chair, and Assistant Principal. Evan is a recipient of the Horace Mann Educator of the Year Award. In addition, the NCTE Commission on Reading selected him to serve on its national board.

A TEDx Speaker, Evan presents inspirational keynotes, workshops, and webinars on leadership, mindset, culture, impactful change, and how to improve literacy in schools. Evan has shared his ideas with thousands of educators at workshops across the United States and in other countries.

His first book, The Principal’s Leadership Sourcebook: Practices, Tools, and Strategies for Building a Thriving School Community was published by Scholastic in the fall of 2007. His next book, The Ten- Minute Principal, was published by Corwin in May 2019. Evan Robb and Laura Robb collaborated with Dave Burgess Publishing to write, Team Makers, published in August of 2019. In addition, Evan partnered with Laura Robb to write, A School Full of Readers, with Benchmark Education, published in January, 2020.

Evan has been named one of the top 25 educational leaders to follow on Twitter. Scholastic EDU also named Evan one of the 10 educators to follow on Twitter. Evan was recently named one of the 10 most inspiring global thought leaders for 2020.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Planbook.com: Our sponsor and the leader in online lesson planning and collaboration. Enter code WIRED for The Wired Educator special discount.

Links to Evan’s websites:

Learn more about Evan: https://about.me/evanrobb

Evan’s website: https://robbcommunications.com/

Evan’s blog: https://therobbreviewblog.com/

Evan’s books: 

A Big Thank-You to our sponsor www.Planbook.com – Enter code “Wired” at sign-up

Planbook has been the established leader in online lesson planning since 2010, offering collaborative lesson sharing, flexible administrator access, and even student view tools for just $15 a year. Using Planbook, educators can build customized school years, classes, and lessons 100% online, directly inputting class materials and up-to-date standards from all over the world. Enter code “Wired” at sign-up to join over 800,000 Planbook teachers today and get your first year for only $5!

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Invite Kelly to be your opening day speaker at your school, lead a leadership workshop, or share his What Everyone Needs to Know About Bullying presentation here. www.kellycroy.com

This link will take you to ALL of Kelly’s social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 207 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

 

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WEP 204: Educate the Heart an Interview with Jennifer Lee Quattrucci

Mommy, Teacher, Fashionista, an Interview with Jennifer Lee Quattrucci

WEP 204: Educate the Heart an Interview with Jennifer Lee Quattrucci

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Jennifer Lee Quattrucci on her passion for books, her path to becoming a principal and the publication of her amazing book, Educate the Heart. Jennifer is the MommyTeacherFashionista on social media, and we talk all about her amazing influence on social media as well. Jennifer is a fun, focused and fantastic educator! She is one of my favorite EDU follows on social media. Her content is always so relevant, helpful and fun. I think she is super cool and inspiring, and I love her book Educate the Heart. You will too. You are going to love this interview. 

Click here to listen to this interview with Jennifer Lee 

Jennifer Lee Quattrucci is an aspiring principal, and a K-12 educator in the inner city of Providence, Rhode Island for the past 26 years. She is a relentless advocate of equity, inclusion, and authenticity being taught at an early age. Jennifer’s passion is seen in her deep commitment to creating, researching, and sharing educational experiences that support the social emotional well-being of children. Jennifer is also the author of the best selling book, Educate the Heart: Screen-Free Activities for Grades PreK-6 to Inspire Authentic Learning available online at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Click here to follow Jennifer on Instagram.
Click here to follow Jennifer on Twitter.
Visit Jennifer’s Link Tree of all her social media links: https://linktr.ee/mommyteacherfashionista
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Invite Kelly to be your opening day speaker at your school, lead a leadership workshop, or share his What Everyone Needs to Know About Bullying presentation here. www.kellycroy.com

This link will take you to ALL of Kelly’s social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 202 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

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WEP 203: Permission to Be Great, an Interview with Dan Butler

Increasing Engagement in Your School

In this episode I have an amazing conversation with Dan Butler about his new book, Permission to be Great, which discusses educator burnout, educator engagement, and successful school cultures. It is one of the best leadership books on improving school culture I have ever read. Dan and I have an incredible conversation. This interview is pure gold.
Click here to listen to this episode with Dan. Listen to learn how you could win a copy of Dan’s book.

Dan Butler serves as the principal of Epworth Elementary School in the Western Dubuque Community School District. Previously, he was the principal of Epworth and Farley Elementary Schools simultaneously for four years focusing on positive relationships with all members of the learning community, high impact instructional techniques, building leadership capacity in others, and establishing successful school cultures. Prior to serving as an administrator, Dan taught third and fifth grades in the Western Dubuque District, as well as serving as a baseball and football coach. In addition to his responsibilities as a building principal, Dan works as an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership department at the University of Northern Iowa where he earned his doctoral degree.

Dan has received numerous awards and most recently was recognized as a finalist for the School Administrators of Iowa Elementary Principal of the year in 2019 and 2020. He received the University of Northern Iowa Educational Leadership Legacy award in 2018 and was a 2017 bizTimes.biz Rising Star in the Dubuque area. For more than six years, Dan served as a co-moderator of Iowa Educational Chat (#IAedchat), a weekly Twitter forum dedicated to the latest trends in education. He recently published his first book, Permission to be Great and has published various articles to Principal Magazine focused on digital leadership, literacy, productivity, and educator engagement. Dan and his wife, Johna reside in Iowa with their sons, Mason and Nolan.

Mentioned in this episode: 
Dan’s website danpbutler.com
Follow him on Twitter: @danpbutler.
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Invite Kelly to be your opening day speaker at your school, lead a leadership workshop, or share his What Everyone Needs to Know About Bullying presentation here. www.kellycroy.com

This link will take you to ALL of Kelly’s social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 202 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

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WEP 202: Let’s Put the ‘C’ in PLC, An Interview with Chad Dumas

An Interview with Chad Dumas on Professional Learning Communities

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Chad Dumas. Chad is the author of an exciting and extremely helpful new book titled Let’s put the C in PLC. It’s all about professional learning communities. This is one of the deepest interviews in content I think I’ve ever had. Chad is absolutely brilliant and he tells you everything you need to know to get started with a professional learning community or take the one you already have to an entirely new level. I’m even going to tell you how you can win a copy of Chad‘s book in this interview.

Click here to listen to this episode.

Chad Dumas, author of Let’s put the C in PLC: A Practical Guide for School Leaders

Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree associate and international educational consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher whose primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. With over two decades of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his new books, Let’s Put the C in PLC and An Action Guide to Put the C in PLC, and consulting that includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills. For more information, or to reach Chad, visit www.NextLearningSolutions.com

Mentioned in this episode: 

Chad’s website: www.NextLearningSolutions.com

Chad’s book: Let’s put the C in PLC: A Practical Guide for School Leaders (affiliate link)

Chad’s book: An Action Guide to Put the C in PLC (affiliate link)

Invite Kelly to be your opening day speaker at your school, lead a leadership workshop, or share his What Everyone Needs to Know About Bullying presentation here. www.kellycroy.com

This link will take you to ALL of Kelly’s social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 202 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

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WEP 201: The Zero Apology Zone, an Interview with Vernon Wright

An Interview with Vernon Wright

In this episode, I interview with Vernon Wright. He’s an educational leader, speaker and entrepreneur.  We Have a great conversation about connection, leadership, and the importance of lifting others up.  I titled this episode the “The Zero Apology Zone because that is one o Vernon’s brands, but also because apologizing is something I personally do too much of. I really enjoyed this conversation with Vernon and I know you will too.

Click here to listen to this episode.

This episode will lift you up and leave you feeling great. Vernon has a wonderful way of connecting with others and making them feel awesome. That’s actually how I found Vernon. Do you know how some people are super stingy with their likes and hearts on social media? Well, not Vernon. He is someone who’s awesome to connect with because he understands the importance I’ve lifting people up. He makes me a better human. I love the wisdom he drops on this episode. I love the way I feel when I talk with him.

Vernon Wright is an entrepreneur, speaker, life coach, and consultant. He has over 15 years of experience in education working in large, urban school districts and has previously served in the roles of teacher, teacher leader, campus leadership team member, and district-level support.

Vernon has shared his experiences as a speaker numerous times over the years at the campus, district, regional, state levels, and beyond garnering acclaim and accolades from recognized industry leaders and colleagues. He has even impacted educators on a global scale with his message reaching people from afar including Croatia, Qatar, India, and Africa through the Global Ed Tech Academy sponsored by Microsoft EDU and CUE Inc.

Vernon has brought his unique style and combination of insight, storytelling, experience, humor, authenticity, and epiphanies to audiences for years.  He knows that real change begins when we’re engaged in learning and within our hearts are committed to creating a vision for future impact.

Vernon has an established presence on Twitter and as well IG, Clubhouse, YouTube, Facebook, Discord, and Xbox Live (@TheWrightLeader), and he unabashedly stands as a voice for the people with zero apologies (ZeroApologyZone.com). He is committed to a life of elevating others with a relentless focus on informing minds and touching hearts around the globe.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit Vernon’s website at: www.ZeroApologyZone.com

Follow Vernon on social media at @TheWrightLeader

Invite Kelly to be your opening day speaker at your school, lead a leadership workshop, or share his What Everyone Needs to Know About Bullying presentation here. www.kellycroy.com

This link will take you to ALL of Kelly’s social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with 200 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram