Happy New Year!

This episode is not an interview with an educational leader. This episode is me reflecting on my year, the impact I made, the setbacks and success I experienced, and the lessons I learned.

One year ago I sat down with my Moleskine Journal and set a bunch of goals for 2023. One of the goals was to keep myself accountable by posting a podcast of me breaking down each goal on how I did. I set over 50 goals for 2023. Find out how I did. Perhaps you will be motivated to set some goals for yourself.

It is always difficult to hit the publish button on a blog, podcast, or post, but I always look at it from the perspective of an educator… to help others. If someone can benefit from my success or setbacks that is yet another benefit.

I do not post this podcast to brag or make excuses. I made it keep myself accountable. The process was actually quite humbling.

One of the goals of Wired Educator is to help people “level up to make a difference.” Perhaps this episode will do that for others.

I tried my best to make this episode fun.

I’m a gig goal setter. I love it. I must admit though, I learned I set way too many goals. I made a ton of progress, but the finish line escaped me for many.

I also tried to share some of the tools and systems I use to set goals. I will post on www.kellycroy.com on that in the next few days.

I do believe I am going to make this an annual event. It was hard to admit that I didn’t make the big three goals I set. That stung. Hopefully that will motivate me.

In this episode:

• I review my major accomplishments.
• I review each goal one by one. Setbacks.
• Lots of unaccomplished goals.
• Progress made.
• I share lessons I learned.
• Also, if you would I’m offering a Limited Coaching Opportunity: Want to start a podcast, speak on stage, publish a book, build a website, start a blog, become a better leader, complete the goal of your dreams? I have helped many educators publish books, start podcasts, and begin their service as keynote speakers and EDU consultants. I haven’t offered this in a while, and I am only going to keep this link open for a short time. I ONLY work with three people a year. If you are serious about moving forward complete the following form. Click here to learn about a paid coaching opportunity with Kelly: https://forms.gle/S3PK5194CyEGqT3o6
• Tools I use: On my iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch I use the following apps to help me stay organized, each of these are awesome and sync with one another:
  • Day One Journal App
  • Good Notes 5
  • Things (to-do list)
  • Drafts

  Moleskine Journal: If it’s worth writing down, put it in your Moleskine. Don’t use napkins, sticky notes, or scraps of paper. Put it where you can find it. This is the exact notebook I use as my day to day journal.  I love absolutely everything about it.  This is where I record my ideas and anything of importance.  If you read my posts and hear me speak, you know how important a journal is to my lifestyle and productivity. I don’t go anywhere without my Moleskine.

————————————————————

Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school.

Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?

Yes! Let’s Make it happen right HERE!

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.

[convertkit form=1190516]

[fusebox_full_player social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

In this episode of the Wired Educator podcast, I interview Stephanie Castle and share her amazing experience as an educator in Shanghai during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, her ability to adapt and innovate with remote learning, and her adventurous travel from location to location amidst this pandemic. We also discuss her successful return to China, where she was just released from a 14-day quarantine. She is healthy, happy and teaching! She has much to teach us about remote instruction and learning as well as the living of life. Stephanie and her colleagues have been instructing remotely longer than any other teachers. Buckle-up, this is the episode you are looking for! 

Stephanie Castle is a good friend of mine and a fellow Apple Distinguished Educator. I’ve had the good pleasure to travel with her to different parts of the world through the Apple Distinguished Educator Program. She’s a wonderful human and an incredible teacher. She is the first person from whom I ever heard of the term, coronavirus, back in January when she was unable to return to her school in China due to the virus. Stephanie shares her amazing story in this episode and she provides a great perspective and insight on remote instruction and remote learning as well. As I mentioned she is a brilliant educator, and she has a lot to offer. 

Stephanie Castle is an IB Biology teacher at Shanghai American School and an Apple Distinguished Educator. Originally from London, she has taught both High School Biology and Chemistry, previously working at the United Nations International School in New York. Stephanie has a passion for technology integration into the teaching and learning of Science, particularly in giving students opportunities to visualize their learning, explain complex scientific processes and engage in problem-solving. She is the creator of a YouTube channel for IB Biology and author of the published iBook “Creative Clips in Science – Stimulating Inquiry and Visualizing Learning”.  You can follow her work on Twitter @castlestephanie.

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. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 150 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 book, Along Came a Leader for a school book study or your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

[convertkit form=1190516]

[fusebox_full_player social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Amy Illingworth, the author of an awesome book from Dave Burgess Consulting, titled The Coach Adventure: Building Powerful Instructional Leadership Skills that Impact Learning. You’re going to need two brains to take in and absorb all of the awesomeness that Amy shares with us in this interview.

Amy Illingworth, EdD, is a lifelong educator, a learner, a coach, and a leader. Her leadership vision is to create equitable learning opportunities where student and adult learners thrive.

She has served as a teacher, literacy coach, an administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and has taught at the graduate school level. She currently serves as the assistant superintendent of educational services in the Encinitas Union School District in California.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Amy’s book: The Coach Adventure: Building Powerful Instructional Leadership Skills that Impact Learning

Amy’s website: blog reflectionsonleadershipandlearning.wordpress.com.

Follow Amy on Twitter at @AmyLIllingworth and with her #CoachADV hashtag.

Amy’s favorite reads: The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation by Elena Aguilar and The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Soultionaries by Zoe Weil

Amy’s favorite purchase under $20 is an essential oil diffuser. Find out why in this episode!

I’m reading The Path to Serendipity: Discover the Gifts Along Life’s Journey by Allyson Apsey.

Win a copy of Amy’s book The Coach ADVenture by Tweeting out that you listen to The Wired Educator Podcast and include the hashtags #Wired2Teach and #CoachADV tag me @wirededucator and @amyLillingworth

Ohio Educational Technology Conference

EDU 2.0 Educational Conference in Monterrey, Mexico

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. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 150 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 book, Along Came a Leader for a school book study or your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram  

[smart_podcast_player social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

In this 145th episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Dr. Courtney Orzel.

Courtney is an amazing educational leader and speaker. It was an honor to present at the same What Great Educators Do Differently Conference in Houston, Texas this past October. One of my favorite lines of the podcast is when Courtney tells me, “the most important job of a superintendent is to create spaces for people to do great things!” I love that, and all that she shares. This is an amazing episode that you will love, and one that I hope you will share and leave a review.

“The most important job of a superintendent is to create spaces for people to do great things!”  Dr. Courtney Orzel

Dr. Courtney Orzel is in her 6th year as a superintendent serving Lemont-Bromberek SD113A.   Prior to that she held positions as middle school principal, assistant principal, and teacher.  Dr. Orzel has been honored with recognition from the AASA as a finalist for the Women in Leadership Award in February of 2019, has helped lead the IASA SuperWomen initiative in support women in leadership, and has led numerous workshops, PD sessions, and podcasts. She has two children, Nolan and Elle, and in her free time serves as a Rotarian and teaches as an adjunct professor for aspiring principals and superintendents.

(affilate link)

Mentioned in this episode:

One of Courtney’s favorite & most inspirational reads: Courageous Leadership for Transforming Schools by Carolyn Shields (affiliate link)

Courtney’s Blog:  courtneyorzel.wordpress.com

SD113A Story:  https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Story.aspx?ItemId=12

You can leave a review for the Wired Educator Podcast here at this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wired-educator-podcast/id974270220

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly talks with Phil Cristofaro, a distinguished educator and coach from Victoria, Australia about coaching, leadership and an amazing #EveryoneCanCreate project his students published. You will love everything about this episode including Phil’s incredible insight into education from 30+ years of service, and his Austrailian perspective and accent. What a great interview.

Phill Cristofaro has thirty years experience as a classroom teacher, Leader and Instructional Coach.  He is an Apple Distinguished Educator and is an accredited Apple Professional Learning Specialist. In 2007, Phill was a finalist in the Herald Sun Teacher of the Year Awards and in 2005 was a finalist in the Outstanding Primary Teacher category of the Education Excellence Awards (Victoria, Australia).

Phill works part-time as a Digital Learning Coach at Mackellar Primary School in Melbourne, Australia. Phill supports schools and education across all levels of the system as a part-time consultant. He has published more than twenty iTunes U courses which showcase his expertise in high-level instructional practice and creativity. Phill recently published a student project in the form of an interactive Apple Book titled, “Convergence: April 13^th, 1945”.

Phil and Kelly discuss: The importance of teaching to the child, not the level, how the interactive book was produced and published, what the project represents in terms of learning, creation and differentiation as well as collaboration, creativity and a strong female role in learning, student agency, and more!

I love hearing Phil say, “Mate” and he explains why his nickname for me is ‘Bear.’

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Planbook.com is the sponsor of this podcast. It’s the best way to plan and share your lessons.
•  Ask Kelly: This is a new feature for all listeners! Listeners can now ask a question about education that can be shared on the podcast. One click from any device and you can record and send Kelly your audio question about education. Say your name, where you’re from and your question. Kelly will choose from the questions to share on the podcast. I hope you’ll give this a try. Thank you.
• The Future Focused Podcast: This is my other podcast for those interested in leveling up their leadership and designing a dynamic life.
• Phil’s favorite book: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink
• Phil is excited about Augmented Reality Apps for iOS.
• Phil’s favorite app is Keynote by Apple.
• Everyone Can Create by Apple: Bring creative expression to every subject!
• 

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. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 115 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 book, Along Came a Leader for a school book study or your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

[smart_podcast_player social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_gplus=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

I may have not known a lot about teaching that first year, but I did have a couple of things going for me: I was extremely passionate about being a teacher, and I knew bad advice when I heard it.

I remember being told by a veteran teacher, “Don’t let them see you smile until after Christmas.”

I know the intention was meant well and to be helpful. Apparently this was to help me with my classroom management. The teacher cautioned me about “having fun” in class with the students. Whoa!

I looked really young and there really wasn’t much of an age difference with the students, and the teacher thought if I was tough in the class the students would behave.

Luckily, I knew this wasn’t going to work for me. I liked to have fun and wanted the students to like my class. Through conversations, journal entries, writing assignments, and even surveys, I learned the interests of my students and created a good rapport with the kids. They liked coming to my class, and I believe because they liked the class, they worked hard, had some fun, and learned a lot.

I had a lot to learn as a teacher, but ‘not smiling’ to Christmas was really bad advice for me that I’m glad I did not follow.

More often than not, I found that my students mirrored my attitude in my class. How I acted in the classroom really set the tone for most of the class. My smiles were most often mirrored by smiles. If I was excited with a lesson, so seemingly was the majority of my class. My attitude was seemingly contagious.

Not only was ‘not smiling until Christmas’ bad advice, I believe smiling is probably one of the best things a teacher can do:

• Smiling can improve attendance. Smiling welcomes student to the building, your classroom, and to the day.
• Smiling can increase participation. “I can trust this teacher. This teacher is kind and nonjudgmental.
• Smiling can improve performance. I like this class; I want to work hard in here.
• Smiling makes you a better teacher. Smiling is the first step to being a kind teacher, and if you can be nothing else as a teacher, be kind. Being kind is the most important quality a teacher can possess.
• Smiling can reduce discipline problems. Smiling is contagious and sets the tone for a positive learning environment. Smiling in times of discipline says, “this is not personal; these are simply the rules we must follow.”
• Smiling can increase rapport and engagement.
• Smiling has many health benefits including reducing stress and anxiety.
• Smiling builds self esteem. 

I have received a lot of recognition for my work as a teacher, and I am thankful for that, but the most meaningful measure of my work is when I reconnect with a former student and they thank me for my kindness in how I worked with them. That is what I am most proud.

The best advice I can offer any educator is: be kind. Be kind to your students, your colleagues, your administrators, and to yourself. Your smile, attitude and kindness is contagious and a gift to all. And… they’re free.

Wishing all listeners of the Wired Educator Podcast and readers of the Wired Educator Blog, Happy Holidays.

Kelly

————————————————————————————————–

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. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 115 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 book, Along Came a Leader for a school book study or your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly interviews Dr. Jo Boaler about her amazing book Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages, and Innovative Teaching.

Dr Jo Boaler is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University and co-founder of www.youcubed.org. Formerly the Marie Curie Professor of Mathematics Education for England, a mathematics teacher in London comprehensive schools and a researcher at King’s College, London. She is the author of eight books including What’s Math Got To Do With It? (2015) and Mathematical Mindsets (2016). She is the recipient of the NCSM award for equity, the author of the first MOOC on mathematics learning for teachers and parents, a White House presenter and an advisor to the PISA team at the OECD.

Mentioned in this episode:

Help your students become published authors in any grade in any subject; Book Creator is one of my favorite apps for any device! www.BookCreator.com

Jo Boaler’s book: Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages, and Innovative Teaching.

Here is a list of all of Jo’s books!

One of Jo’s favorite mathematicians is Maryam Mirzakhani: Here she is in a 6 Set of Prints from NASA: Mighty Women in Science Poster Set.

Two more of Jo’s favorite mathematicians include: Steve Strogatz: Here is a list of his books. and Keith Devlin and his works.

Jo used math counting sticks like these as a child and recommends similar to parents: Educational Math Counting Sticks.

Jo cofounded: www.Youcubed.org a resource to inspire, educate and empower teachers of mathematics to transform their classroom.

How to Learn Math: A free course for students by Jo Boaler.

Leave a review for the Wired Educator Podcast here.

Kelly has a new podcast title The Future Focused Podcast. Please give it a listen!

Ask your superintendent to visit www.KellyCroy.com and request Kelly to be your opening day speaker.

[smart_podcast_player social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_gplus=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]