Category Archives: SEL

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Overcoming Adversity: A Story of a Resilient Student and The Power of Relationships

Overcoming Adversity: A Story of a Resilient Student and The Power of Relationships

A Guest Post by Heather Loomis

“According to the American Psychological Association, 17% of teenagers engage in self-harm. This staggering statistic reflects the silent struggles many of our students face, often unnoticed.

Image created using Chat GPT 4.0 based on this post’s content and prompts.

One such student in my class taught me an invaluable lesson about resilience and the power of relationships.” When we encounter these students we need to assume that no one is checking in on them, that they are not receiving support, or that they are continuing with the things they need to do to stay mentally well.  They are middle school students who don’t necessarily have the skills to navigate difficult roads and can take care of themselves.  As teachers and human beings, it is our responsibility to be kind and open the door for those students to walk into and help when we can.  

One year, a new student, taught me a powerful lesson about relationships and the ability to bounce back. She was a very beautiful girl who was quiet and had a kind heart.  She started at the middle school as a new student, knowing no one, had no friends, and was so shy that I was truly worried about her both socially and academically.  

I looked out for her throughout the year.  I spoke with her daily and checked in just to see how she was doing.  We both got to know each other and she would tell me things about her life at school and home.  She was split between her parents because they were divorced.  Which is difficult for both her and her parents and the relationships seem rocky at best.

As the year went on she started to blossom.  She gained friends, started to smile, and actually sat with other students at lunch.  Her grades were stellar and she was academically ahead of most of the students in that class.  I still checked in with her and saw the counselor regularly and all seemed well in her world.  

Then the tears started.  Her grades were still good, but she started missing school.  She still had friends and even a boyfriend, but she was turning inward and just wasn’t herself.  I wasn’t quite sure what was going on.  There was no new information or concerns, but something was definitely off.  I’m always careful not to push or ask too many questions.  If a student wants to share most of the time they will.  She wasn’t, tears in her eyes, I finally asked, “What’s going on?”  She claimed she was fine, but I told her that if she needed to talk we could or I could get the counselor.  She stood there with tears in her eyes and told me her story.  There were more issues with the family and now the courts were involved. She was devastated and didn’t feel heard by either side.  They never asked her what she wanted.  She felt alone and powerless.

After listening and supporting I asked if there was anything I could do to help her.  She said, “I’m 14 days clean”.  Completely thrown off I said, “That’s great, what are you clean from?  She said, “cutting”.  I looked at her and told her how proud I was of her and that just because she was having a bad day was no need to break her 14-day streak.  She agreed and went on to her next class.  I immediately contacted the counselor and let her know everything. She needed help and more than I could give her. The counselor contacted the student’s mother and let her know what we had learned.  At that time I had no idea how things were going with the family.  Hoping she is okay and that whatever happens, she will be able to work through it all.  Feeling powerless but knowing I did the right thing in getting her help and having the counselor contact her mom was best.

Relationships are everything!  Between the counselor and my care for her,  we had at least been able to intervene and get her some help and support along this journey.  We only had a short time left in that school year.  My hopes were that there would be support in place before all was said and done.  God Willing!

Before that year ended I received a note from this beautiful young woman.  Thanking me for being there and listening.  She was back on her streak of days not cutting and was smiling again.  That year it was hard to say goodbye.  I still have her note in my box of special things and I will treasure it always.

What are some things I have learned from this experience?  Put building relationships above everything else!  Always be willing to listen and sometimes you need to ask if they need help.  Some students just can’t verbalize what they are going through. Students are resilient and can bounce back once they have the support they need. 

Last, but certainly not least make sure that either you or the school counselor are in touch with the parents.  Communication with home is key.  If you don’t have that then nothing can get better.

~ Heather Loomis

Follow Heather on Twitter (X) at: Loomis_h

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Thank you, Heather, for another wonderful post. The power of building authentic relationships can never be underestimated. Heaather’s approach to take on the genuine and tough situations that occur every day in our schools is to be commended, and the advice she is offering current and future educators should be valued and applied. This particular situation is one I personally would have had great difficulty facing. Heather’s courage and experience is incredibly helpful and appreciated.

Kelly

If you’d like to blog for Wired Educator, please send us a short bio and writing sample/idea for consideration. Include your role in education, school and the driving purpose behind your post. Thank you for supporting educators. 

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

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Behavior, What Does it Really Mean?

Challenging Students and What Drives Their Behavior. A Guest Post by Heather Loomis

As adults, educators, and parents, we navigate countless challenges daily. According to busyteacher.org, we make on average 1,500 decisions a day.  That’s four decisions every minute of our six to seven-hour day.  WOW!  So the big question is how do we cope? How do we manage all these challenges while still balancing other aspects of our lives? For some, it’s about unwinding with exercise, a hot bath, a good book, or simply enjoying a moment of silence.

Being an adult we find ways to relax and deal with the stress of the day and keep moving forward, but what about our students?  Do they have that skill set?  Do they know how to problem-solve issues that arise with their peers, home, and school?  Depends on the district and the students. At the middle school where I teach, we serve a highly diverse and economically disadvantaged community. All our students receive free breakfast and lunch.  A lot of my students have very limited coping abilities to handle what’s going on in their homes let alone school and their peers.  I affectionately refer to my students, who bravely face tough challenges while learning to navigate life’s difficulties, as ‘The Tough Ones.’ This term is used with the utmost respect and care. One of my goals is to write a book titled “The Tough Ones” to support myself and other educators in helping our most at-risk children.

One of my “Tough Ones” was recently being particularly strong-willed. I’m usually very patient, but on this particular day, I was exhausted and not at my absoulte best. The student had been particularly challenging recently. We always pick our students up from lunch and he was the last one there, hood up, and refused to leave with everyone else.  I fussed at him and told him to take his hood down, get up, and get to class. He completely ignored me. I asked again in a not-so-nice voice.  He refused. One of the administrators was there and I let them take care of him and continued on my way to class. Normally, I handle situations like this with passion and ease, but on this particular day, it was especially challenging. As I was leaving the cafeteria two girls from our team told me I shouldn’t talk to him that way, that he was being bullied.  Confused, I asked the girls to clarify and explain to me what was going on.  I have often found that when students are defending someone there is a reason. They are not always so willing to report the issue, but in this case, they knew I would listen and that I would help.  Turns out that someone had access to his social media account and had posted some very negative and inappropriate information about him.  The posts were very damaging.  So what does my “Tough One” do?  He shuts down, becomes defiant, and is now more vulnerable and likely to get into trouble.

Most often the “Tough Ones” behavior is a way of communicating.  When things get difficult and you don’t have the strategies or skills to problem-solve you are going to see less than awesome. True for students and teachers alike.  I was wrong for being short-tempered and impatient.  I didn’t ask what was wrong, if there was something he needed help with, or if he’d like to talk to a counselor.  I just reacted to his defiance because I wasn’t in the mood to deal with it.  That happens too.  We do get tired and some days are just tougher than others. 

Takeaway: As educators, we need to stop, reflect, and think about what’s happening with our students. Each and every time. We may not catch everything, we can’t, but when we do we need to make sure that our students are taken care of and get the help they need.  Not just for our “Tough Ones” but for ALL.

~ Heather Loomis

Follow Heather on Twitter (X) at: Loomis_h

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Thank you, Heather, for this wonderful post. A great opportunity for all of us to reflect on and grow as educators. I love your passion and vulnerability; I admire your willingness to grow and try new ways to make a difference in the lives of students!

Kelly

If you’d like to blog for Wired Educator, please send us a short bio and writing sample/idea for consideration. Include your role in education, school and the driving purpose behind your post. Thank you for supporting educators. 

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?
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WEP 236: Legacy of Learning, an Interview with Meghan Lawson

Learn About Meghan's New Book and Hear Joe Miller, Ohio TOY Finalist, Joins Me as Co-Host

The Wired Educator Podcast kicks off 2024 with an interview with Meghan Lawson, author of the new EDU best seller, Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact.

My colleague at Port Clinton City Schools, Joe Miller, an amazing high school English teacher and Ohio
Teacher of the Year Finalist, joins me on this episode as cohost.

We talk with Megan about her book, social, emotional learning, strategies for making a lasting impact, and creating awesome spaces to teach and learn. You’re going to love this episode.

Click here to listen to my interview with Meghan.

Meghan is a thought leader who studies and implements the conditions and systems needed for transformational change. She is the author of Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact. A lover of learning who believes in the goodness of people, Meghan works to cultivate spaces that honor the humanity of all people. She promotes storytelling, the exchange of ideas, and risk-taking. She is passionate about disrupting the status quo and creating kinder, forward-thinking communities of action. Meghan is also intensely curious about how to enhance the customer experience in schools. Meghan began her career in the English Language Arts classroom. So, inevitably, her mantra is “Words matter”. She has worked in all levels of K–12 education as a teacher, school administrator, district administrator, and educational consultant.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Meghan Lawson’s website: https://meghanlawson.com/

Order a copy of Meghan’s book: Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact.

Joe Miller, finalist for Ohio Teacher of the Year. Read about Joe’s accomplishment here: https://hs.pccsd.net/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=860338&id=0

Check out last week’s Wired Educator Episode 235: My Reflection and Review of My Personal and Professional Goals for 2023. This was my last episode where I hold myself accountable on how I did in 2023. Now, I will soon be publishing an episode on the goals I am setting for 2023. I hope you will check it out and set some goals of your own.

I was on George Couros’s Podcast: Watch it on YouTube. • Listen to it on Apple Podcasts. • Listen to it on Spotify. I made it on his highlights of 2023 episode too! Very cool. Thank you, George.

Find Your Joy! Thinking of asking my youngest, Jillyan to assemble a BIG Lego set like this one or a big car or something like it in 2024. Anyone know anything about Lego kits like this? Give me your expert opinion. Having some stick shock to be honest. I am trying to find a project with her that we can get lost in and have some fun.

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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Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school.
Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

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WEP 225: What is SEL and Trauma Informed Education, an Interview with Jillian McFarlan

An Interview with Jillian McFarlan


In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview school psychologist, and SEL expert, Jillian McFarlan.

You are going to love and laugh at the backstory of how this interview came about. It’s hilarious.

Click here to listen to my interview with Jillian McFarlan.

We talk about: What really is SEL? Is it real? How do we do it? Why? What in the world is ‘trauma informed education’? Why do we need it? What difference does it make. Jillian is a fantastic resource who takes simplifies these concepts and shows us what they really are, how they matter, and what we can do. You are going to love this authentic and helpful conversation. You are going to leave this podcast a better educator. This is one of my favorites.

There’s a lot of talk right now about social emotional learning and trauma informed education, but I  think few people really know what they’re talking about. Jillian sets the record straight,

Jillian McFarlan, school psychologist, Circleville City Schools

School psychologist Jillian McFarlan is in her seventh year at Circleville City Schools overseeing an array of student testing, social-emotional/mental health supports, and continuity of care needs. Ms McFarlan has a graduate degree (Ed. S) in School Psychology (University of Florida, 2015) and holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences (Ohio State University, 2012). In addition to her psychology background, Ms McFarlan is currently in Ohio University’s Educational Leadership in Administration cohort to further her studies of helping students and families through this additional Master of Arts degree and principal licensure program. Additionally, she has been an assistant varsity basketball coach for the girl’s program at Circleville. She enjoys reading books, connecting with students, and spending time with family and friends.

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Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school.
Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?

Join our #WiredWednesday 30-Minute Twitter chats on Wednesdays at 9PM Eastern. They are awesome and fun.

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

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WEP 224 Ruthless Equity an Interview with Ken Williams

An Interview with Ken Williams

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I talk with the legend Ken Williams about Equity, What makes a successful PLC, the misconceptions and dangers of ability groupings, reaching the disengaged, and his new book Ruthless Equity. I love this interview and you will too.

Click here to listen to my interview with Ken Williams.

Kenneth C. Williams shares his experience and expertise as a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, coach and consultant in leadership and school culture. A practitioner for nearly three decades, Ken led the improvement efforts at two schools by leveraging the Professional Learning Communities at Work process. Skilled in joining the why of the work to the how of the work, Ken is known for his powerful and engaging combinations of “heart, humor, and hammer.” He is an expert at helping schools build capacity in the collective commitments required of learning for all cultures.

Ken is the former principal of The Learning Academy at E. J. Swint in Jonesboro, Georgia, and Damascus Elementary School in Damascus, Maryland. His firsthand experience with transforming challenged schools translates into action-oriented presentations that inspire hope, create a clear vision, and offer practical strategies to those overwhelmed by challenges.

Ken earned a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, and a Master of Science from the University of Bridgeport. He is the co-author of the bestseller, Starting A Movement: Building Culture from the Inside-Out in Professional Learning Communities, Creating Physical and Emotional Safety In Schools, and a contributing author of Beyond Conversations About Race.

Mentioned in this podcast: 

Ken’s new book: Ruthless Equity <Coming soon to Amazon in May>

 visit Ken’s website: Unfold The Soul online at www.unfoldthesoul.com

@unfoldthesoul on Twitter

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Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school.
Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?

Join our #WiredWednesday 30-Minute Twitter chats on Wednesdays at 9PM Eastern. They are awesome and fun.

Invite Kelly to be your keynote speaker at your school.

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

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WEP 223: Plan Like a Pirate an Interview with Dawn Harris

An Interview with Dawn Harris

In this 223rd episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I interview Dawn Harris about her new book, Plan Like a Pirate.

Click here to listen to my interview with Dawn. 

I absolutely love our conversation on designing meaningful experience for students, curriculum, fitting everything needed into education, what CRT is and isn’t, and most importantly how to impact the lives of students. Dawn is brilliant and this episode will inspire and enchant you to become your personal best and deliver to students. I love it and you will too. Order a copy of her book: Dawn’s Book: Plan Like a Pirate: Designing Extraordinary Learning Journeys for Every Student

Dawn Harris is a passionate and energetic educator who lives by the motto, “Relationships First.” Her enthusiasm for creating connections is infectious and she thrives on the opportunity to learn about the things that motivate and inspire teachers and students alike.

In her roles as a secondary English Language Arts Educator, Gifted and Talented Teacher, and Associate Professor of Teacher Education, Dawn continually strives to bring authentic and engaging learning experiences to students of all ages.

Throughout her career as an educator, Dawn has taught in urban, rural, and suburban districts meeting the needs of children from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. In addition to general ELA coursework, Dawn’s classroom teaching experience also includes teaching English as a second language, creative writing, film studies, and response to intervention instruction. Dawn’s professional teaching experiences have been showcased in scholarly journals and at local, regional, national, and international conferences.

Prior to becoming an educator, Dawn spent more than 10 years in marketing and publishing in the private sector. This experience has given Dawn insight into the skills and knowledge students need in order to be prepared to enter into a competitive, global workforce or into college once they leave high school. This insight helps to support Dawn’s work in developing veteran, novice, and pre-service teachers as they seek to educate students for tomorrow’s work today.

As a licensed Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development Specialist, Dawn’s primary goal in all things is to support educators with planning learning that ignites curiosity and that engages and inspires students in a way that impacts their growth and achievement every single day.

About Dawn’s Book:

How do good teachers become great? How do you create magical learning experiences your students will never forget? In Plan Like a PIRATE, you’ll learn that sailing on to greatness starts with vision, intention, and design—planning—inside and outside of the classroom, far beyond any single lesson.

This practical, comprehensive guide is packed with proven strategies for captivating students’ imaginations and interest, leading readers through what it takes to engage and nurture learners with rigorous, equitable differentiated lessons. Designed to launch readers on a journey from “seeing it” to “being it”—and all points in between—Plan Like a PIRATE shows teachers how to harness their passion to create and implement innovative, relevant, student-centered learning opportunities and to  build a detailed, intentional, future-focused plan to attain their dream career. This book will help educators deepen the impact of their teaching practice and power up their professionalism, allowing them to chart a course for themselves and their students to a better, more equitable world.

Endorsements

“Get ready to set sail for an incredible adventure with Dawn Harris!” —Tisha Richmond, student engagement specialist, PD specialist, and author of Make Learning Magical 

“A master teacher herself, Dawn Harris shares stories from the trenches and weaves in practical strategies and frameworks to help make learning accessible and meaningful for students. This is a must-read for all educators!” —Jill Siler, EdD, deputy executive director, Texas Association of School Administrators, and author of Thrive Through the Five: Practical Truths to Powerfully Lead Through Challenging Times

Topics
Antiracism Education
Cultivating Belonging at School
Essential 8 Framework
Gifted Education
Teacher Evaluation Process

Professional Learning Networks

Links

Website: www.educationundone.com

Twitter: @DHarrisEdS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dharriseds/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnmharris/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmharrris/

Other: Education Undone Educator Network (Facebook Group)

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If you like what you’ve heard, please share-out with our friends on social media and tag me. Don’t forget the #LeadEveryDay  #WiredEducator and #wiredwednesday hashtag. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

Join our #WiredWednesday 30-Minute Twitter chats on Wednesdays at 9PM Eastern. They are awesome and fun.

Invite Kelly to be your keynote speaker at your school.

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leaderand Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

If you liked what you heard or read, please share-out with our friends on social media!
Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school.
Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

Sign-up for my newsletter here:

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WEP 216: The Four Relationships We Must Strengthen in Education

Episode 216 of The Wired Educator Podcast

In this 216th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I talk about the four relationships that we must strengthen in education.

I love the magic of a new year and any chance to start fresh. I journal. I make resolutions. I set goals.

Click here to listen to this episode.

Helping students, teachers and educational leaders become their best is my passion and mission in life. I love it.

I see educators working hard to build strong connections with students not only because it is the right thing to do and fun, but because it really makes a difference in the life of that student, in that classroom and in that teacher. Building good relationships, however, is just the start! There are other relationships that are important to nature and that is what this episode is about.

Building relationships with others isn’t easy, but it makes all the difference. It improves our work environment, our day, and our lives. It can even change how we are when we get home! We can’t wait for others to start this important work. We must start it and model it.

I had to get a little courageous in this episode. This is not an interview. This is me opening up and sharing what I believe we all need to do. It’s not easy nor comfortable but it will make a lasting difference in everyone.

I hope you enjoy this podcast as I reach out and share from my heart at what I hope we all can find the strength to put into action.

Please send me your thoughts on this episode.

~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 215 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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WEP 206: Crazy Good Stuff About Teaching an Interview with Rick Wormeli

An Interview with Rick Wormeli

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!

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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 198: Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices, an Interview with Marisol Rerucha

An Interview with Marisol Rerucha

WEP 198: Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices, an Interview with Marisol Rerucha

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Marisol Rerucha, author of the awesome book, Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices, an Interview with Marisol Rerucha. Our powerful conversation will leave you moved and empowered to make an impact. 

Click here to listen to this episode. Or play on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are curated. The Wired Educator Podcast is everywhere.

I love how our conversation touches on the present and future of education, while centering around beliefs and ways to connect that are thousands of years old. I find Marisol enlightening. She challenges our choices and encourages each of us to face what is keeping us from becoming the best version of ourselves. She encourages us to be vulnerable and highlights and importance of the circle. Yes the circle. The circle is the key to connect with one another in a very human way and this very well may be the secret to a transformational culture. Learn more about this inside this episode.

Marisol Quevedo Rerucha, author of, Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices: Building an Organizational Culture of Equity, Connection and Healing, is a proven leader who doesn’t just talk about healing, equity, social justice, and disrupting generational trauma; she has both lived experience and a proven record of doing this work while leading change in education and non-profit systems. As a former teacher, principal, district leader and non-profit leader she uses her voice to challenge systems of oppression and more importantly amplifies the voices of others. The impact of her passion, experience, work, and voice is felt beyond her own community as she serves as: Chief of Strategy and Partnerships for the National Parents Union;  Director of Culture and Community for DBC Inc; Chair of UnidosUS National Institute for Latino School Leaders alumni council; Board Member of Youth Empowerments Finest; host of the Facebook Live, “Restorative Check In”; and as a partner with organizations (nonprofit and for profit business) to provide comprehensive strategic action planning and restorative practices.

Mentioned in this episode:

Marisol’s book: Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices: Building an Organizational Culture of Equity, Connection and Healing

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMeoTE9V-rbZgSENDrJBa9A

Marisol’s website: https://marisolrerucha.com/

Twitter: @marisolrerucha

Instagram: @marisolrerucha

Invite Kelly to be your school district’s 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