This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 238 my interview with Michael Hernandez, Apple Distinguished Educator, and author of the new education bestseller Storytelling with Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity.

Click here to listen to my interview with Michael.

Acclaimed documentary film director Ken Burns says this about Michael’s book, “Teaching is the most important profession in any democracy. Michael Hernandez has written a wonderful book that anchors storytelling in the classroom and provides a highly readable and hugely helpful guide for teachers, who each day are taking students on an intellectual journey that is critical to the well-being of our country.”

Wow! Now, that’s a book endorsement! In this episode, Michael and I will talk about how storytelling is perfect for your classroom despite what grade you teach and what content you teach. Storytelling is for all classrooms! You’re going to love this episode!

Michael Hernandez is an international speaker, author, curriculum designer, and award-winning educator who helps individuals and organizations discover and share authentic stories that matter. I’ve been featured in Forbes, Edutopia, PBS, NPR, and #SXSWEDU.

As a trusted consultant and community manager, he helps tech startups, non-profits, and corporations develop their brand and engage their stakeholders. Clients include Apple, Adobe, Google, and National Geographic. His monthly newsletter, Change The Narrative, shares resources and inspiration around innovation, tech, education, and leadership.

Michael is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Adobe Education Leader, PBS Digital Innovator, and Lindblad/National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow.

We talk about how his book helps with: 

• Uncheatable Assessments
• How to use storytelling projects for assessment
• How digital story projects support literacy, civics
• How non-fiction storytelling projects are like science and design thinking.
• How story projects leverage student passion and curiosity to increase engagement

Award-winning educator and speaker Michael Hernandez brings together over 20 years of in-the-classroom experience to help solve some of our most existential challenges in education today: artificial intelligence, steep declines in student engagement, and the need for authentic learning experiences. The solution: digital storytelling as a framework for learning.

Rather than viewing storytelling as a nice-to-have reward for students after their ‘real work’ has been completed, this book shows educators how to use story projects–from data visualizations to social media posts, to podcasts and video documentaries– as the scaffold upon which we can position our curricular skills and knowledge. The process helps students make interdisciplinary connections, activates higher level thinking and critical analysis skills, and provides multimodal learning opportunities for all students.

This book is perfect for learning coaches, classroom teachers, and education leaders seeking practical ways to elevate teaching and learning in every grade level and subject area. The book focuses on student-centered, project-based learning experiences that use digital tools to:

• Create uncheatable, authentic assessments
• Leverage curiosity as the engine for learning
• Provide purpose for the skills and knowledge central to our curriculum
• Develop a mindset of collaboration, mental agility and resilience
• Cultivate digital literacy skills and ethical mindsets
• Bring purpose and joy back to learning

With practical advice, case studies, and examples of how to plan, create, publish and assess student stories, this book offers a fresh approach to digital storytelling. And it includes guidance on how to provide students with the tools and structure they need to develop a mindset of curiosity, agency and purpose.

More than a practical edtech guide, this book explores the why behind digital storytelling as much as the how. Educators will learn how to help students explore cultural and historical context, develop social emotional resiliency, and develop the skills they need to become engaged global citizens.

Originally determined to become a filmmaker, Michael quickly realized the power that narrative has to change minds, and the potential it has to make a positive impact on the world. Right out of film school, he took a job teaching journalism and film production, making it his five year plan before he returned to a ‘real job’ in filmmaking. He quickly fell in love with teaching, and embraced the noble work of helping young people find their voice to tell stories that make a difference.

Since taking the leap into education, Michael has become an award-winning teacher, international speaker, author, and curriculum designer who helps individuals and organizations discover and share authentic stories that matter. He has been featured in Forbes, Edutopia, PBS, NPR, and SXSW EDU. Some of his most memorable teaching experiences include moderating conversations with Ken Burns, Dolores Huerta, and teaching his daughter Maya, who was one of his high school journalism students.

As a trusted expert, he has worked with schools, tech startups, non-profits, and corporations to develop their brand and engage their stakeholders. Clients include Apple, Adobe, Google, and National Geographic. His podcast and monthly newsletter, Change The Narrative, has a global audience of thousands.

Michael is an Apple Distinguished Educator, PBS Digital Innovator, and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. Follow him on these social platforms:

Mentioned in this Episode:

Kelly’s two books:

• Along Came a Leader: A Personal and Professional Guide to Leadership
• Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness & Anxiety

Michael’s book: Storytelling with Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity

Follow Michael on: 

Instagram: @Changing.The.Narrative

Change The Narrative Newsletter

www.michael-hernandez.net

Twitter: @cinehead 

Linked In: https://bit.ly/MichaelHernandezLinkedIn

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day and week to listen to the Wired Educator podcast to level up and make a difference in the lives of others.

Always forward,

Kelly

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Scott is an energetic ELA teacher turned and EDU tech coach consultant and now a district engagement advocate for Canva! I love Scott’s work in education and especially in the areas of design, project based learning and all the creative work he’s doing with technology. He’s a podcaster and a promoter of all things positive in education. This interview was so much fun. You’re going to leave this podcast inspired and full of great ideas on how to bring creation into your classroom. Buckle up.

Click here to listen to my interview with Scott.

Scott Nunes is an energetic ELA Teacher turned Edtech Coach, Consultant, and now district Engagement Advocate for Canva! This aspiring author has zeal for Design, AR/VR, 3D Printing, and PBL. He builds on his 20+ years as a freelance Graphic Designer to bring real world relevance to classrooms around the world. When he isn’t busy podcasting (Education Today) he can be found sharing on Social media (@MrNunesTeach). Scott is all about building relationships and uplifting teacher and student voices while advocating for belonging, choice, and creating positive work cultures that empower stakeholders to achieve a unifying vision.

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow Scott Nunes on Twitter at @MrNunesTeach

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In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I have the privilege of interviewing one of my all-time educational heroes, Rick Wormeli. He’s the Mick Jagger of Education. He tackles the big questions in education and explores every strategy and method and puts it to the test. He will make you laugh. He will make you think. He will challenge the way teach. He’ll inspire you in so many ways! Rick isn’t just a legend, he’s one of the most authentic voices in education. We dive in so many areas including assessments, grading, rubrics, literacy, preparing for the new year, starting new initiatives and more.  I think think this may be the greatest interview with Rick ever recorded but I am biased. Buckle up.

Click here to listen to this interview with Rick Wormeli on The Wired Educator Podcast. 

One of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, Rick brings innovation, energy, validity and high standards to both his presentations and his instructional practice, which include 39 years teaching math, science, English, physical education, health, and history, as well as coaching teachers and principals. Rick’s work has been reported in numerous media, including ABC’s Good Morning America, Hardball with Chris Matthews, National Geographic and Good Housekeeping magazines, What Matters Most: Teaching for the 21st Century, and the Washington Post. He is a columnist for AMLE Magazine and a frequent contributor to ASCD’s Education Leadership magazine. He is the author of the award-winning book Meet Me in the Middle as well as the best-selling books Day One and Beyond, Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom (Second Edition), Differentiation: From Planning to Practice and Metaphors & Analogies: Power Tools for Teaching any Subject, all five from Stenhouse Publishers, as well as Summarization in any Subject: 60 Innovative and Tech-Infused Strategies for Deeper Student Learning (releasing in fall 2018) published by ASCD.  His book, The Collected Writings (So Far) of Rick Wormeli: Crazy Good Stuff I Learned about Teaching Along the Way, is collection of his published articles, guest blogs and more through 2013. His classroom practice is a showcase for ASCD’s best-selling series, At Work in the Differentiated Classroom.

With his substantive presentations, sense of humor and unconventional approaches, he has been asked to present to teachers and administrators in all 50 states, Canada, China, Europe, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Australia the Middle East, and at the White House. He is a seasoned veteran of many international webcasts, and he is Disney’s American Teacher Awards 1996 Outstanding English Teacher of the Nation. He won the 2008 James P. Garvin award from the New England League of Middle Schools for Teaching Excellence, Service and Leadership, and he has been a consultant for National Public Radio, USA Today, Court TV and the Smithsonian Institution’s Natural Partners Program and their search for the giant squid. Rick lives in Herndon, Virginia, with his wife, Kelly, and both are proud of recently launching the last of their children into adulthood. With the kids’ college years now behind them, Rick and Kelly are now eagerly spending their childrens’ inheritance while Rick works on his first young adult fiction novel and a new book on changing the culture of a school for ethical grading practices.

Mentioned in this episode:

Please support our sponsor: www.PlanBook.com

Rick’s website: www.rockwormeli.com

Some of my favorite Rick Wormeli book:

Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom

The Collected Writings (so far): Crazy Good Stuff I’ve Learned About Teaching Along the Way of Rick Wormeli

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!

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Zach Rondot and Grayson McKinney about their brand new book, The Expert Effect: A Three-Part System to Break Down the Walls of Your Classroom and Connect Your Students to the World.

I love this book. The Expert Effect includes practical teaching strategies and QR code links to resources and templates that make it easy to integrate this system into your curriculum. Regardless of the grade level you teach, you’ll find inspiration and ideas that will help you engage your students in an unforgettable way. Listen to this episode to learn how YOU can win a copy of this book and some Wired Educator Stickers!

Click here to listen to this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast with Zach and Grayson.

Zach Rondot is a passionate fourth-grade teacher in Troy, Michigan. His mission is to teach students the 21st-century skills, mindsets, and attributes that will help them succeed long after they leave his classroom.

In 2019, Zach was named the Troy School District Elementary Teacher of the Year and the Oakland County Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Zach is an instructor in the Master’s program of Learning, Design, and Technology at Central Michigan University. He utilizes technology to create learning opportunities that otherwise would not be possible. 

Grayson McKinney is a fifth-grade teacher from Michigan and a leader in the area of innovative teaching and learning. He has worked with learners at all levels of school from K-6 as a teacher, technology facilitator, and as a program administrator. He is a student podcaster, educational writer, and speaker on the topic of 21st-century student learning and engagement.

Together, Zach and Grayson are the authors of the newly released book, The Expert Effect: A Three-Part System to Break Down the Walls of your Classroom and Connect your Students to the World which was recently released by Edumatch Publishing.

Here is what people are saying about the book:

“This book is full of big ideas with detailed ways to achieve them. Zach and Grayson share how to design authentic learning, connect with professionals, take learning outside of the classroom, empower students, and develop the mindset in students that they are capable of dynamic and expert-level work.”

–Trevor Muir, Educator at Grand Valley State University and Author of The Collaborative Classroom

“In this book, Grayson and Zach lay the groundwork regarding “schooling vs. learning” and generously share their experiences as classroom teachers using project-based learning as part of their delivery system. The book is steeped with concrete examples and tools that will validate, extend, and challenge us as educators to continue to strive to reach all students.”

–Larry Thomas, Educational Consultant

“I met Grayson McKinney’s Grade 4 students several years ago when they were the “experts” during a presentation I was giving. They exhibited confidence and poise speaking to an audience of adults! The Expert Effect blends research, classroom experiences, and best practices to inspire and guide you in your own journey to amplify the voices of your own students by connecting them to experts.”

–Jennifer Casa-Todd, Educator-Librarian at Cardinal Carter Catholic High School and Author of Social LEADia

“The Expert Effect paints a compelling picture of what joyful learning can look like in the classroom. Grayson and Zach offer teachers practical tips for designing learning experiences that foster a learning culture by prioritizing authenticity and student voice and choice. If you are looking for ways to empower your students to thrive in a complex world, this book has the answer!”

–Jennifer Gottlieb, Executive Director for District & School Services at Oakland County Intermediate School District, MI

Mentioned in this episode: 

Grab a copy of Zach and Grayson’s book here: The Expert Effect: A Three-Part System to Break Down the Walls of your Classroom and Connect your Students to the World

Follow Zach on Twitter here: @MrRondot, on Instagram here: @ZachRondot, and read his blog here: zachrondot.com

Follow Grayson on Twitter here: @Gmckinney2, on Instagram here @ExpertEffectEDU, and read his blog here: Innovation4education.wordpress.com

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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 over 195 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 

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In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Ross Cooper and Erin Murphy about their brand new book titled Project Based Learning: Real Questions. Real Answers. How to Unpack PBL an Inquiry. If there’s one thing that teaching during a pandemic has emphasized it’s the need for inquiry and better student involvement. So many teachers have reported lack of engagement in remote learning. I think project-based learning is the future of school and a method of instruction that every educator should explore and apply. No matter where you are on the spectrum with project-based learning, you will appreciate and benefit from hearing from Ross and Erin.

Click here to listen to Episode 195 of The Wired Educator Podcast.

Ross Cooper is currently an administrator in the Chappaqua Central School District. Previously, he was an Elementary School Principal, K-12 curriculum supervisor, Elementary Assistant Principal, and fourth grade teacher. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator and a Google Certified Innovator. As a nationally recognized leader in project based learning, he has worked with thousands of educators across the country to implement PBL, and in 2016 he coauthored Hacking Project Based Learning: 10 Easy Steps to PBL and Inquiry in the Classroom. While his day job is his first professional priority, he finds time to conduct workshops and speak on project based learning, inquiry-based learning, student-centered learning, instructional leadership, his professional experiences, and more. When he is not working, he enjoys eating steak and pizza and provoking his four beautiful nephews and niece. He blogs at rosscoop31.com, and you can connect with him via email, RossCoops31@gmail.com, and on Twitter @RossCoops31.

Erin Murphy currently has the pleasure of serving as the Supervisor of Teaching & Learning for the Humanities subjects in the East Penn School District. She spent four years as a Middle School Assistant Principal and has classroom experiences ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade. She is a proud graduate of Penn State University’s Professional Development School, where she was trained in inquiry-based instructional approaches. Erin is coauthor of Hacking Project Based Learning: 10 Easy Steps to PBL and Inquiry in the Classroom (2016), and she consults internationally with leaders and learners regarding literacy, learning, and leadership. Erin, her husband, and her two daughters reside in Pennsylvania, and the family enjoys spending time gardening, watching football, and playing board games. You can connect with Erin through her blog, psumurphette.com, via email at psumurphette@gmail.com, and on Twitter @MurphysMusings5.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Ross and Erin’s book: Project Based Learning: Real Questions. Real Answers.

Follow Erin and Ross on Twitter @MurphysMusings5  and @RossCoops31.

Invite Kelly to be your school districts opening day speaker. www.kellycroy.com

Record a message and send it to Kelly by clicking on this link: https://wirededucator.com/ask-kelly/ As we move forward through this pandemic, what have you and your district decided to keep or do away with? Recored a short message and I may use it in a future episode.

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 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. • Listen to Kelly’s other podcast, The Future Focused Podcast, and subscribe to the more than 42 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 195 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 

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