In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Mike Yates. Mike is without a doubt one of the most innovative educators I believe I have ever interviewed. He has an unbelievably unique perspective on education that you absolutely need to hear. Mike and I have an incredible authentic discussion on the challenges and opportunities for education. We talk about what it really takes to create change, and we have an awesome conversation on race and equity in education as well.
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I’m so happy you chose this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast. Buckle up. Lean in. It’s time to level up.
I love this interview!
Mike Yates is working to reinvent the school system. Every single day. THAT is what gets him up in the morning.
He is the Senior Managing Director of Network Strategies of the TFA Reinvention Lab. He’s looking to find, connect, and add value to people doing the real work of school reinvention at the intersection of equity and innovation.
When he’s not working in the lab he coaches public speakers, advises education startups, and hosts a podcast called Schoolish.
Mentioned in this episode:
Listen to Mike’s podcast: https://anchor.fm/schoolish
Visit Mike’s website at: https://www.yatesmike.com/
Follow Mike on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/justmikeyates
Mike’s choice of most inspirational book: The New White Nationalism in America: Its Challenge to Integration (affiliate link) by Cambridge Press.
One of Mike’s favorite listens: Stupid Deep
One of Mike’s favorite things: Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug (affiliate link)
This episode of The Wired Educator Podcast is sponsored by the book Along Came a Leader: A Personal and Professional Guide to Leadership.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.