WEP 187: Discomfort by Design, an Interview with Chad LeDune

An Interview with Chad LeDune

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interviewed Chad lagoon about his new book Discomfort by Design and why educators should be getting excited about getting uncomfortable. Chad and I have an awesome conversation about his book, being part of a Personal Learning Community or an EDU team, how to engage students, and so much more. You are going to love this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast.

Click here to listen to this episode.

Having dedicated 18 years to educating middle and high school students, Chad LeDune is passionate about fostering life skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking through design learning and STEM education. His dedication to his personal message and title of his book of Discomfort by Design has afforded him the opportunity to write curriculum for the state of Indiana, create and coordinate Wabash Valley STEM Fest, coordinate and instruct STEM teams for educational exchange programs with China, speak to members of the Chinese Department of Education, coordinate online curriculum for Dolphin STEM Academy, found his own consulting service, Variables of Education, and share his message of innovation to educators at over 30 educational conferences, both internationally and in the US. LeDune has a BS in Education, a MA Certification in STEM Education, a National Institute of STEM Education Certification, a MA in STEM Leadership, and is pursuing his doctorate in Instructional Technology.

Chad is a frequent presenter, and recent engagements include AdvancEd, ICE, HECC, Purdue 2018 Educator STEM Conference, Matt Miller’s Ditch that Conference, and Spotlight Speaker for Zhejiang Provincial DOE 2018. Chad is also the founder of Wabash Valley Maker’s Fest which is a STEM conference for students and educators in my area of the state.

Mentioned in this Episode

Order a copy of Chad’s book Discomfort by Design:An Inspirational Guide to Fostering Critical Thinking, Life Skills,and Problem Solving, Both in the Classroom and In The Real World 

Follow Chad on Twitter at @Mr_LeDune and @DiscomfortBook

Order a copy of Kelly’s book, Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness

Sign-up for Kelly Croy’s Newsletter: Just click this link: https://chipper-teacher-8587.ck.page

Complete this form if you would like to receive a free FREE Wired Educator Podcast Sticker: https://forms.gle/RsEBuVwkapeGTc9D6

This link will take you to ALL of my 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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 41 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 186 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 Leader and 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 

 

 

 

WEP 186: 3D Printing An Interview with Rick Pollack

In this episode the Wired Educator Podcast I talk 3D printing in education with the founder of MakerGear, Rick Pollack. You’re going to love it regardless of what grade or content you teach. 3D printing is fun, engaging, and brings creation to ANY classroom.

Click here to listen to this episode.

Rick Pollack is the founder and owner of MakerGear LLC. MakerGear designs, engineers and manufactures desktop and benchtop 3d printers. Rick started MakerGear in his Cleveland, Ohio garage in 2009. MakerGear was one of the first companies in desktop 3d printing and helped to bring 3d printers to the masses.

Prior to MakerGear, Rick worked as a software developer for many years and for a variety of companies, large and small. He was a principal in a very early online CRM startup for the automobile industry and that company was acquired in 2000.

Rick has a BS in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati. You can often find Rick hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Visit the MakerGear website at: www.makergear.com

Sign-up for Kelly Croy’s Newsletter: Just click this link: https://chipper-teacher-8587.ck.page

Complete this form if you would like to receive a free FREE Wired Educator Podcast Sticker: https://forms.gle/RsEBuVwkapeGTc9D6

This link will take you to ALL of my 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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 41 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 186 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 Leader and 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 

WEP 185: Inside The Staff Room Podcast, an Interview with Chey and Pav

An Interview with Chey and Pav, hosts of The Staff Room Podcast

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Chey and Pav, two energetic and fun educators who host one of my favorite podcasts, The Staff Room Podcast. You’re going to love listening to this interview. I encourage you to subscribe to their podcast and follow them on Twitter and Instagram. They are amazing.

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

Chey and Pav, two experienced middle school teachers from the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada, take listeners through the in’s and out’s of the field of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership.

Through their anecdotal, yet often comedic banter, laced with caring insightfulness, they take their audience into a conversation that is surely eye-opening and entertaining, while tackling some of the real, and ever-changing issues that exist in Education. Come join Chey and Pav; partake in the Staff Room chatter that all teachers and educators can connect with.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Follow The Staff Room Podcast on Instagram. Click here.

Follow The Staff Room Podcast on Twitter. Click here.

Listen to Chey and Pav’s awesome podcast: The Staff Room Podcast. Click here to listen to their podcast.

Sign-up for Kelly Croy’s Newsletter: Just click this link: https://chipper-teacher-8587.ck.page

Complete this form if you would like to receive a free FREE Wired Educator Podcast Sticker: https://forms.gle/RsEBuVwkapeGTc9D6

Complete this Kelly’s My Coach: Application Form if you are interested in having Kelly coach you : https://forms.gle/NNo6KUHqu9NBUNM47

This link will take you to ALL of my social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy (I love Link Tree.)

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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 41 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 184 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 Leader and 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 

 

WEP 184: Deliberate Homework, an Interview with Dr. Erik Youngman

This episode of The Wired Educator Podcast is an awesome interview with Erik Youngman on homework, assessment and growth mindset. Erik is a brilliant. I am so proud to share his story and work with you!

Click here to listen to this episode. 

Erik Youngman is an education leader who is passionate about topics such as homework, grading, leadership, and growth mindset.  He recently began his twentieth year in educational leadership.  Erik is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Libertyville District 70 in Libertyville, Illinois.  Previous education experiences include being a principal in Libertyville as well as an assistant principal and teacher in Gurnee, Illinois.

Erik earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Education Specialist Degree, and Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College.  

Erik is the author of Deliberate Homework. Learn how to assign homework that truly enhances learning and isn’t just busywork. This important book defines what deliberate homework looks like and provides relevant, actionable suggestions to guide your homework decisions. You’ll uncover how to think through these 12 characteristics of homework:

• reasonable completion time

• the right level of complexity

• appropriate frequency

• serves a specific purpose

• aligns with learning targets

• guided by a learning mindset

• contains a thoughtful format

• fits the learning sequence

• communicated clearly

• followed by feedback

• uses grades to guide progress

• implementation is consistent

For each feature, the author includes strategies and tools appropriate for all grade levels. The book also includes self-assessments and reflective questions so you can work on the book independently or with colleagues in professional development sessions. Please follow and contact Erik via Twitter.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Erik’s book, 12 Chacteristics of Deliberate Homework.

Follow Erik on Twitter: @Erik_Youngman

Sign-up for Kelly Croy’s Newsletter: Just click this link: https://chipper-teacher-8587.ck.page

Complete this form if you would like to receive a free FREE Wired Educator Podcast Sticker: https://forms.gle/RsEBuVwkapeGTc9D6

Complete this Kelly’s My Coach: Application Form if you are interested in having Kelly coach you : https://forms.gle/NNo6KUHqu9NBUNM47

This link will take you to ALL of my social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy (I love Link Tree.)

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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 41 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 184 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 Leader and 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 

 

WEP 183: Thrive in EDU, an Interview with Rachelle Dene Poth

In this 183rd episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Rachelle Dene Poth.

Rachelle Dene Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle teaches Spanish and STEAM: What’s nExT in Emerging Technology at Riverview Junior Senior High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. She is a Consultant and Speaker, owner of ThriveinEDU LLC Consulting. She serves as the past-president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network and serves on the Leadership team of the Mobile Learning Network. At ISTE19, she received the Making IT Happen Award and a Presidential Gold Award for volunteer service to education. She is also a Buncee Ambassador, Nearpod PioNear and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert.

Rachelle is the author of four books, ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU” (EduMatch) and “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” Rachelle Dene’s latest book is with ISTE “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World.” Rachelle is a blogger for Getting  Smart, Defined Learning, District Administration, NEO LMS, and the  STEM Informer with Newsweek.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Order a copy of Kelly’s book: Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness

Complete this form if you would like to order a customized, signed copy of Kelly’s book: https://forms.gle/oq6iizcP2XoL6BQA7

Complete this form if you would like to receive a free Wired Educator Podcast sticker: https://forms.gle/RsEBuVwkapeGTc9D6

Follow Rachelle on Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915
Her books are available at bit.ly/Pothbooks
She has a weekly show on LearningRevolution.com, ThriveinEDU
Here is the link to my THRIVEinEDU Facebook Community  https://www.facebook.com/groups/THRIVEinEDU
Rachelle’s website: www.Rdene915.com and her podcast: on Apple podcasts:

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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 40 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 180 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 Leader and 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 

WEP 181: Trauma Informed and Restorative Practices, an Interview with Josh Stamper

An Interview with Josh Stamper

In this interview with Josh Stamper, Josh and I talk about trained trauma-informed practices as well as restorative practices. We also talked a great deal about student choice. I explore Josh’s work with The Teach Better Team, his Aspire Podcast, and leadership. You are going to love this episode.

Click this link to listen to my interview with Josh.

Joshua Stamper is a middle school Assistant Principal for a North Texas School District, where he’s had the amazing opportunity to work at four campuses in two districts as an art teacher, athletic coach, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal. He is the host of The Aspire Leadership Podcast, a podcast designed to help others become better leaders. 

Joshua is married with five kids. Joshua and his wife, Leslie, became foster parents in 2011, and had the privilege of adopting three of their children from foster care. Joshua is trained in trauma-informed practices for meeting the emotional, social, and behavioral needs of children who have been through adverse childhood experiences, which Joshua also applies to his role as an administrator. 

In addition to his administrative position, Joshua is a podcaster, author, leadership coach, and education presenter.

Mentioned in this podcast: 

Order a copy of Kelly’s book: Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness

Complete this form if you would like to order a customized, signed copy of Kelly’s book: https://forms.gle/oq6iizcP2XoL6BQA7

Complete this form if you would like to receive a free Wired Educator Podcast sticker: https://forms.gle/RsEBuVwkapeGTc9D6

Follow Josh Stamper on:

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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 40 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 180 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 Leader and 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 

 

WEP 180: Personalized Professional Learning, an Interview with Knikole Taylor

In this episode Knikole Taylor and I talk about personalized professional learning, giving teachers a voice, meeting with every teacher, becoming a barrier remover for teachers, and getting excited about the lessons that you’re planning and how you will teach it! Nichole Taylor encourages the use of badging for professional learning and we have some powerful conversations about the state of education in these challenging times.

Click this link to listen to my interview with Knikole.

As the Director of Innovation and Instruction for my school district, I am always looking for ways to help educators but I don’t want to interfere with all the work they’re trying to do. Sometimes it’s like walking a tight rope between professional learning and the work they have to do each and every day. I want to support them and help them, but sometimes it is difficult to find a way into a teacher’s busy day, and the last thing I want to do is create more work for them. Well, Knikole gave me some great ideas on how to personalize professional learning for teachers in my district. I think it’s something that you’ll be able to use too. We go to many important areas in education. As well. You’re gonna love this interview,

It was a great week to be the wired educator! I have two other great interviews coming at you. I have an interview with Josh Stamper from the Teach Better Team. We have an incredible conversation about trauma-informed practices in education as well as restorative practices, I also had a great interview with Hines Apple and his new book titled Award-Winning Culture. These two interviews will be coming to you soon.

Knikole Taylor serves as the Instructional Technology Coordinator for a school district in Texas.  In this role, she supports the growth and development of teachers and students through the seamless integration of innovative technology usage. Through personalized support, Mrs. Taylor works with teachers and teacher leaders to craft professional goals to extend their scope of instruction and meet the needs of all learners.

Knikole is a professional development trainer, curriculum developer, author, and speaker, who has been privileged to travel the world to speak and work with other educators at conferences, campuses, and district-wide events.  It is her firm belief that anyone can succeed with tailored support. Knikole works with 12 educators in being their best for the students and teachers they serve each day.

Knikole also holds many industry designations including Google Certified Trainer, Google Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and she serves as co-leader of GEG North Texas.  She received her bachelor’s from Texas A&M-Commerce and her Masters of Education in Administration from Lamar University.  Knikole is currently a doctoral student at Dallas Baptist University pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

Mentioned in this Podcast: 

Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness, written and illustrated by Kelly Croy

Website:  www.KnikoleTaylor.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/knikole

Facebook: www.facebook.com/knikole

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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 40 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 180 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 Leader and 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 

WEP 179: Balance With Blended Learning, an Interview with Catlin Tucker

An Interview with Catlin Tucker

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Educator, International Trainer, Keynote Speaker & Bestselling Author, Catlin Tucker.

Catlin Tucker is amazing. We have a wonderful conversation about how to help teachers right now in education’s greatest challenge as educators face the multitude of remote, hybrid, and in-person instruction. Catlin offers genuine examples and help. This an extremely helpful interview for all educators right now feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

Click here to listen to this interview.

Dr. Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author, international trainer, and keynote speaker. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2010 in Sonoma County, where she taught for 16 years. Catlin earned her doctorate in learning technologies at Pepperdine University. Currently, Catlin is working as a blended learning coach and education consultant. Catlin has written a series of bestselling books on blended learning, which include Balance With Blended Learning, Blended Learning In Action, Power Up Blended Learning, and Blended Learning In Grades 4-12. She is active on Twitter @Catlin_Tucker and writes an internationally ranked blog at CatlinTucker.com.

Mentioned in this Podcast: 

My new book: Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness, written and illustrated by Kelly Croy

Follow Catlin on Twitter: @Catlin_Tucker

Visit Catlin’s website: www.catlintucker.com

Check out Catlin’s online course: Blended and Online Learning Course

Catlin’s books: 

Balance with Blended Learning

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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 39 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 179 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 Leader and 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 

 

WEP 178: Teachers on Fire, an Interview with Tim Cavey

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Tim Cavey. Tim is the host of an amazing podcast titled, Teachers on Fire. If you are a listener of my podcast, you will love Tim’s. It is awesome. Tim is an educator and educational leader from Vancouver Canada. The two of us have an amazing conversation about content creation, podcasting, the future of education, leadership, and instruction during this pandemic.

This episode is so much fun and has so many takeaways, you’re going to need an extra suitcase.

Click here to listen to this episode.

Tim Cavey is a husband, stepfather of two, 8th grade teacher, and assistant principal in Vancouver, Canada. In 2019, he completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership degree that re-ignited his fire for teaching and put him on a new path of growth, professional reflection, and content creation. Tim’s a firm believer in the growth mindset and advocates often for the kinds of informal professional learning that can be found on social media and in blogs, vlogs, or podcasts. When he’s not creating content or spending time with his family, you’ll find Tim hiking, flying his drone, or paddleboarding in the chilly waters of the Pacific northwest.

Mentioned in this Podcast: 
My new book: Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness, written and illustrated by Kelly Croy

Follow Tim on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeachersOnFire

Follow Tim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachersonfire/

Connect with Tim on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teachersonfire

Check Tim out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TeachersOnFire

Visit Tim’s Website: https://teachersonfire.net/

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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 39 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 178 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 Leader and 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 

 

WEP 177: Changing Hearts, Minds, and Lives, an Interview with Traci Browder

Traci Browder is a Brilliant Educator, Podcast and Speaker

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Traci Browder. Traci is an amazing educator that can help all of us make the greatest impact on students’ lives through the challenges of teaching in a pandemic. She is an expert in remote instruction, creating and curating incredibly helpful content for teachers in this time of need. She was named teacher of the year her first year teaching, and once again in another district. She hosts the amazing Intelligogy Podcast. She leads important chats and discussions ranging from leadership, instruction, curriculum, and race. She produces content for educators six days a week. In short, Traci is amazing, and I am so proud to share her with you in this episode. She has helped me so much personally and professionally. This is a powerful episode. You will leave feeling awesome about yourself, your impact, and you will have a guide of where you need to go. I love this episode and you will too.

Click here to listen to our interview.

Traci Browder is a trailblazer in education inspiring and mentoring teachers and changing the lives of children for more than 16 years.  She was Teacher of the Year her very first year of teaching and was chosen as Teacher of the Year a few years later in her current district.

Mentoring new teachers, helps them understand the importance of building and sustaining relationships critical for student success. Veteran teachers who are perpetual learners also find Browder to be a vital asset while in pursuit of refining their craft.

Browder is known best for her innovative, out of the box teaching style with a mixture of Montessori, gifted/talented, and special services all rolled into one classroom environment.

Establishing a family in her classroom is the pillar of her classroom success and has been well-received by parents.  She finds focusing on social and emotional needs in the beginning and throughout the school year creates a safe and trusting environment.  Students feel comfortable and soon become eager to take risks.  She teaches children not just academics, she teaches them how to be successful and contributing members of society.

Her classroom is a live learning lab in which teachers in her school district have come to observe her unique style of teaching as well as teachers on her campus.  She has created a professional learning community in which all teachers on her grade level now go in and out of each other’s classrooms – with their students in tow.  Teachers teach side by side or are observing and dialoguing in real-time. This powerful method of sharing students and best practices is transforming the classroom experience for the students and teachers at her school.

Technology has been a central point of connecting her classroom to parents.  She initiated working closely with district tech support to use Twitter, a private YouTube channel, and a blog before they were commonplace in her district.  Through this partnership, parent consent forms were designed with approval from the district’s technology department.

The initiatives were so successful that she was invited to design a course to present at her school district’s curriculum conference under Alan November’s technology strand.  Mr. November invited her on stage after she initiated a conversation with him on a break during his speaking engagement to share what she had done during the school year and he told everyone this would be the session not to miss!

Browder possesses a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Dallas Baptist University and is a former reading specialist and instructional coach.  She has served as part of curriculum writing teams in each of the three districts in which she has worked.    She’s written ELA, Social Studies, and Math curriculum and has served on multiple textbook adoption committees.  Browder has a long list of trainings and professional development in each school district in which she’s worked.

Traci Browder is many things to many people.  Wife to her best friend, Quinton.  Mom to her amazing sons, Donovan & Quinton.  She enjoys reading, writing, painting, and spending time with her family.

Mentioned in this Podcast: 
Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness, written and illustrated by Kelly Croy

Traci Browder’s Blog & Website: https://tracibrowder.com/
Traci Browder’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intelligogy/id1493409417
Intelligogy The Podcast
An exciting weekly format giving listeners content ranging from COVID-19
considerations, remote learning, anti-racism, self care, deep thinking and
exploration, celebrating students, connecting with my own children, and
creativity and innovation in teaching. In partnership with VoicEd Radio.
Antiracism Series – #LeadLAP Chat
https://leadlikeapirate.net/blog/page/2/https://leadlikeapirate.net/blog/

NBC Operation Teacher Relief
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/teacher-hopes-youtube-lessons-help-others-if-class-time-is-lost-over-coronavirus/2327512/?_osource=db_npd_nbc_kxas_eml_shrTexans Giving Back Documentary

https://twitter.com/castleviewatx/status/1250545088524148741?s=21

Fostering my son’s giftedness and servant’s heart
Teen Makes Wishes Come True for Family Who Lost Father
<https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/teen-makes-wishes-come-true-for-family-who-lost-father/2274161/>

Hurricane Harvey Christmas Buddy
Mansfield boy collecting donations for Hurricane Harvey victims | FOX 4
News Dallas-Fort Worth
<https://www.fox4news.com/news/mansfield-boy-collecting-donations-for-hurricane-harvey-victims>

MISD Link
https://www.facebook.com/285747135552/posts/10162977280985553?vh=e&d=n&sfns=moSchool Rubric
Write articles for School Rubric on current topics, passions and best
practices in education.https://www.schoolrubric.com/its-ok-to-not-be-ok/

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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast and subscribe to the more than 39 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 177 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 Leader and 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