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Present at The 2018 CREATE! Conference

2018 CREATE! Conference at Anthony Wayne Schools in Ohio

Please consider attending or presenting atThe 2018 CREATE! Conference at Anthony Wayne Schools hosted by Apple Distinguished Educator, Chris Hamady. Chris is one of the nicest and most brilliant educational leaders I know. You can follow his blog here: http://www.chrishamady.com and on Twitter here: @chamady

I have keynoted, presented, and attended this conference and it is spectacular. If you cannot present or attend, I hope you will share this with your PLN.

Thank you.

Kelly

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Here is everything you need to know about the conference:

CREATE! – June 7, 2018
8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

2018 CREATE! Conference. creativity. technology. education

Anthony Wayne Local Schools, an award winning educational technology program, and Bowling Green State University, are pleased to invite you to take part in the 2018 CREATE! Conference on June 7, 2018.

CREATE! was conceived to provide educators with an opportunity to explore and discover real-world, standards-based lessons that incorporate creativity, technology and 21st century skills. Lessons containing these characteristics result in engaging, inspiring, student-centered learning. Let our presenters show you how they are leading the evolution of teaching and learning in order to more effectively prepare our students for the 21st century and beyond.

There will be 6 session strands at CREATE! 2018:

1. Sessions that focus on the integration of creativity and technology into the classroom.

2. Sessions that focus on Information Technology support of classroom technology integration.

3. Sessions that focus on higher education and its focus on the integration of creativity and technology in the classroom through research and faculty development.

4. Sessions co-presented by students.

5. Sessions focusing on STEM and STEAM related content.

6. Sessions focusing on Personalized Learning.

The 2018 CREATE! Conference call for presenters is now open. You can find a link to submit your presentations, entitled “Presenter Registration,” on the conference web site:

http://createconference.net

Last year’s conference attracted over 170 attendees from all around the state of Ohio. Presenters will receive a stipend of $50.00 per presentation up to a maximum of two presentations, free conference registration, breakfast and lunch. General attendee registration will open up in April.

Thank you very much and we look forward to reading your submissions.

Chris Hamady

Director of Technology
Anthony Wayne Local Schools
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WEP 101: Rigor and Relevance an Interview with Dr. Bill Daggett

An Interview with Dr. Bill Daggett, Founder of the International Center for Leadership in Education

BILL DAGGETT PRESIDENT: INT’L CENTER FOR LEADERS IN ED. USA TODAY EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD APPLICATION MODEL & RIGOR/RELEVANCE FRAMEWORK

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy interviews Dr. Bill Daggett, the Founder of The International Center for Leadership in Education and the creator of The Application Model and Rigor and Relevance Framework.

 Bill Daggett is the Founder and Chairman of the International Center for Leadership in Education, is recognized worldwide for his proven ability to move preK-12 education systems towards more rigorous and relevant skills and knowledge for all students. He has assisted a number of states and hundreds of school districts with their school improvement initiatives. Dr. Daggett has also collaborated with education ministries in several countries and with the Council of Chief State School Officers, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Governors Association, and many other national organizations. He serves on several advisory boards, including:

NASA Education Advisory Board – 2008 to present
USA Today (national newspaper) Education Advisory Board

Before founding the International Center for Leadership in Education in 1991, Dr. Daggett was a teacher and administrator at the secondary and postsecondary levels and a director with the New York State Education Department, where he spearheaded restructuring initiatives to focus the state’s education system on the skills and knowledge students need in a technological, information-based society.

Dr. Daggett is the creator of the Application Model and Rigor/Relevance Framework , a practical planning and instructional tool for determining the relevance of curriculum and assessment to real-world situations. Dr. Daggett’s Rigor/Relevance Framework has become a cornerstone of many school reform efforts throughout the United States.

Dr. Daggett is the author of numerous books about learning and education, textbooks and research studies, reports, and journal articles.

Dr. Daggett has spoken to hundreds of thousands of educators and education stakeholders in all 50 states. His enlightening, entertaining, and motivating messages have helped his listeners to look at education differently by challenging their assumptions about the purposes, benefits, and effectiveness of American schools. Dr. Daggett inspires his audiences both to embrace what is best about our education system and to make the changes necessary to meet the needs of all students in the 21st century.

Dr. Daggett has been recognized as a distinguished alumnus by both Temple University and the State University of New York at Albany.

Dr. Daggett has a special commitment to individuals with disabilities. He and his wife, Bonnie, volunteer their time and lend their support to Wildwood Programs in upstate New York. Wildwood serves the needs of people of all ages who, like their daughter Audrey, have neurological impairments/learning disabilities or autism, by enabling them to become the best that they can be.

Mentioned in the Podcast:

PlanBook: www.Planbook.com The best way to create & share your lesson plans.

Dr. Daggett’s book: Rigor and Relevance from Concept to Reality

Dr. Daggett’s site for: The International Center for Leadership in Education

BookBook iPhone by 12South: A superb wallet/case for your iPhone.

BookBook MacBook by 12South: The greatest case for your MacBook in this Galaxy.

The Principled Principal: 10 Principles for Leading Exceptional Schools: Jeffrey Zoul & Anthony McConnell

Stories from WEBB: The Ideas, Passions, and Convictions of a Principal and His School Family by Todd Nesloney

The Limitless School: Creative Ways to Solve the Culture Puzzle by Abe Here & Adam Dovico

Google Apps for Littles: Believe They Can by Christine Pinto and Alice Keeler

 

 

 

 

 

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WEP 0100: Celebrating 100 Episodes of The Wired Educator Podcast

Who is Episode 100?

Thanks for listening to the Wired Educator Podcast where it really is all about becoming a better educator so you can make a greater impact and live a more dynamic life.

I am so proud to have documented the amazing stories of so many talented educators! Over one hundred hours of tips, tricks, inspiration and more helping teachers in their classrooms to make a difference in the lives of students.

One hundred episodes is a milestone, and I wanted to do something totally different, so… I did.

Buckle-up buttercup, this episode has a few surprises for you! Still, I guarantee you will walk away inspired and with a few new tools to put to use.

Thank you for being a listener. I hope you enjoy this episode. Please send me a message.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller
Along Came a Leader by Kelly Croy
The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly
Kelly’s Moleskine Journal of choice.
Kelly’s favorite pen.
The Google Teacher Tribe Podcast

 

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Swear Jar for Education #SwearJar4EDU

Inspired by the Marvel Superhero Series Luke Cage on Netflix

I created a Go Fund Me Page to encourage people to be better role models and to help two school districts who are being suffering from unfair educational funding practices in the State of Ohio. I hear people on TV using profanity, politicians using profanity, professional athletes using profanity, and more. So, it really shouldn’t be a surprise when we hear kids use profanity.
 I have devoted my life to education as a teacher for 27 years, and now an administrator.
Here are two things that bother me that I am trying to solve:
1) More and more people are using profanity, and children hear it! It’s awful.  Kids model what they hear.

2) Schools are incredibly underfunded. Many educators and classrooms are going without resources and training they want and need.

Let’s get the two together. If you catch someone swearing online, in a podcast, or in a text, in an email, or in person in public, or anywhere… send them the link to this virtual swear jar. Let’s have some fun and hold them accountable.

https://www.gofundme.com/SwearJar4Education

If you see it or hear it… tag it with #SwearJar4EDU and send them the link to to the Go Fund Me page.

Any and all funds collected will go to the teachers where my daughters attend school, Benton Carroll Salem School District, and to teachers where I work at Port Clinton City Schools.

I watched the Netflix Series Luke Cage and the barber shop had a swear jar in it. If anyone used profanity, Pop made them put money in the jar. I loved the idea.

I have been a teacher for 27 years, and now I am an administrator.  I know two things: kids need good role models and schools need money.

I think this is a fun and innovative way to help.

I see the money being used to promote literacy, project based learning and STEAM initiatives at both of the districts.

Due to recent deregulation of a nuclear power plant, both schools are suffering  incredibly high losses in unrecoverable tax revenue. PC’s loss is incredibly damaging, and BCS’s loss is catastrophic:

https://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/story/news/local/2018/01/25/officials-grapple-6-7-m-loss-davis-besse-devaluation/1064779001/

Please use and share this swear jar.

Thanks,

Kelly Croy

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WEP 0099: Educational Leadership, An Interview with Richard Baird

An Interview with Superintendent, Richard Baird

In this 99th episode Kelly interviews superintendent Richard Baird about the roles of superintendent. Everyone in education will benefit from Rich’s unique perspective in education and the amazing innovative initiatives he has led. This is a fantastic interview with an amazing educational leader.
Richard Baird is in his third year as superintendent of a rural district about 35 miles northwest of Columbus, Ohio.  District enrollment is just over 1500 students, and the district employs about 200.  Rich is in his 29th year as an educator serving as a superintendent, middle school principal and assistant principal, middle school and high school English teacher, and athletic coach in both rural and suburban school districts.  Rich is known by his colleagues for his compassionate student-centered approach, passion for student learning, and building teams based on trust.  Rich has served the profession as principal mentor, on state level legislative committees, on local family first and drug and alcohol prevention boards, and as an adjunct instructor on the university level.  Rich and his wife, Kristin, have four grown children and three grandchildren.
Mentioned in this interview: 
Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc: Providing Powerful, Inspirational and Innovative Books, Keynote Speakers and Professional Development. A Team of over 27 speakers and 38 books organized by the author of Teach Like a Pirate, Dave Burgess, and his wife, co-author of Lead Like a Pirate, Shelley Burgess.
One of Richard’s favorite books: Above the Line by Urban Meyer
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WEP 0098: Mathematical Mindsets, an Interview with Dr. Jo Boaler

An Interview with Dr. Jo Boaler

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.

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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 
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WEP 0097: EduGifs An Interview with Jake Miller

In this 97th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly interviews Jake Miller.

Jake is an authorized Google Apps for Education Trainer and is currently the Technology Integration Specialist for Brady Middle School in the Orange City School District in Ohio. At Brady, Jake helps manage the implementation of Google Apps, 1:1 Chromebooks and Schoology, while working with a team to envision the building’s future integration of STEM, Project Based Learning and the school’s new Fab Lab. He previously taught STEM, math & science in the Stow-Munroe Falls School District. Prior to that he taught 9 years of math and science in various grades. In his free time, Jake is passionate about sharing ideas, tips and support for educators through his website, Twitter account and the #EduGIFs that he creates.

Kelly and Jake talk about makerspaces, Fab Labs, Chromebooks, Google Apps for Education, Productivity Tips, Screencast, and so much more. Get your notebooks ready because your brain is about to get full of knowledge. This is a fantastic discussion on education and technology.

Mentioned in this interview: 

Potato Pirates: A Card Game that teaches you programming. Great for classroom, family and friends.

Jake’s favorite book: DRIVE by Daniel H. Pink.

Jake’s website: www.JakeMiller.net

Camtasia screencast application.

FAB Central: MIT’s Fab Lab site.

TIES: Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM

#EduGifs: A huge collection of Jake’s micro PD Gifs. They are awesome!

 

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Why Amazon Should Choose Ottawa County, Ohio for Second Headquarters

An Open Letter to Jeff Bezos and The World

An Open Letter to Jeff Bezos:

Top Reasons Amazon Should Choose Ottawa County, Ohio for their Second Headquarters

Amazon is about to choose where to locate their second headquarters. Amazon has found success time and time again by making bold moves and taking risks. I have outlined below why Amazon should shock the world and choose Ottawa County, Ohio for the location of Amazon HQ2.

Dear Amazon,

Here are the top reasons Amazon should choose Ottawa County, Ohio:

  • Superior Transportation Access: Need convenient and quick access for transportation via land, air, and sea? Ottawa County, Ohio has you covered. Ottawa County is intersected by an incredible highway system. The Ohio Turnpike bisects the county East and West, and Interstate 75 runs North and South and is only 15-20 minutes away. Ottawa County is home to its own International Airport, and other major airports are nearby too.  Ottawa County dominates in access to railway systems. Ottawa County is conveniently located near International Shipping yards in Toledo. Amazon could not find a location with better access to transportation than Ottawa County, Ohio.

 

  • Location: Looking for the perfect location for convenience and safety? Ottawa County is not only near several UPS hubs and major United States Postal Service centers, it is centrally located in the United States, and on the Canadian border. Its rural setting and flat terrain make it incredibly safe and perfect for data centers, alternative energy initiatives, and secretive research and development centers. In fact, with the nearby nuclear power plant, Lake Erie, and international border, Ottawa County has superior safety measures already in place with border patrol, nearby military bases, and impressive local, law enforcement. Amazon could not find a better location for safety and convenience than Ottawa County, Ohio.
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WEP 0096: Unmapped Potential an Interview with Julie Hasson

WEP 0096: Unmapped Potential and Interview with Julie Hasson

In this 96th episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly interviews Julie Hasson, the co-author of the amazing book, Unmapped Potential: An Educator’s Guide to Lasting Change. Julie has a unique perspective in education from multiple vantage points, she has been an educator, and administrator, and now trains future teachers as a college professor. Julie and Kelly have an incredible conversation about educational data and the best ways to use it. This is a great conversation with a brilliant educator and author, Juie Hasson. You are going to love this interview.

Julie is a third generation educator and a former public school teacher and principal. She is currently a professor at her alma mater, Florida Southern College, where she teaches graduate courses in educational leadership. When Julie is not teaching, she is doing qualitative research in schools, delving into educator expectations and impact. Julie is also a speaker, trainer and author of Unmapped Potential. Julie Hasson, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, Coordinator for the Master of Educational Leadership at Florida Southern College.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Our Sponsor: Potato Pirates: A fun card game that teachers you programming! <<< Check it out!

Julie’s book, Unmapped Potential: An Educator’s Guide to Lasting Change by Julie Hasson & Missy Leonard.

Books Kelly is reading and recommends:

The Wild Card: 7 Steps to an Educator’s Creative Breakthrough by Hope & Wade King

Culturize: Every Student Every Day. Whatever it Takes. by Jimmy Casas

Code Breakers: Increase Creativity. Remix Assessment. And Develop a Class of Coder Ninjas. by Brian Aspinall

 

 

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12 Resolutions Every Educator Should Make in 2018

We Should All Do Number 6

Educators are my favorite species. They not only work incredibly hard all hours of the day to make an impact in the lives of those they teach, they are also constantly working to improve themselves as well.

Each year I taught, I wanted to make my classroom, lessons, and engagement better. I was always trying to level-up. I still am. I made resolutions each school year and again at the start of the new year. I love those imaginary reset buttons!

Here are twelve resolutions I believe every educator should make:

  1. Rethink Homework: “But students need the practice!” Really? I’m not telling you not to give homework, but I am asking you to rethink what you are sending home. Check out the book Ditch That Homework by Alice Keeler and Matt Miller for ideas. Talk with fellow teachers and admins. Rethink homework. Please.
  2. Transform the Use of Technology in Your Classroom: Technology should be used the majority of the time to create content, and only briefly to consume. Examine how you are using tech in your classroom. Offer your students amazing ways to create and publish what they know. Create digital textbooks, videos, presentations, animations, and more! Get going. If your students are mostly on websites clicking answers, well… you’re using it poorly. Try the book 50 Things You Can Do with Google Classroom.
  3. Share Your Story: Take all of the great things you and your students are doing and share them with the world on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, a blog, YouTube or write a book. Everyone benefits. Start this, this year!
  4. Attend a Conference: It is always awesome to get out of your classroom and learn something new, get inspired, and apply it. I recommend returning and giving a presentation to your building and maybe even your board. If you don’t return and apply it, then maybe you should let someone else go in your place. Apply.
  5. Apply to Speak at a Conference: Share what you know! Don’t have anything special enough to share? Then it’s time to level-up and get after it. I’m serious.
  6. Nominate a Colleague: Yes, find someone in your district you admire and nominate them for some recognition. Why? Because they deserve it, and when one educator is looked upon positively, all educators are looked upon positively.
  7. Collaborate with a Colleague: Open the door to your classroom both figuratively and literally and find ways to collaborate with other teachers. I suggest creating an interdisciplinary thematic unit with a culminating activity with other teachers at your grade level. It’s fun, memorable, and good for students.
  8. Lead: Rather than complain about something you don’t like, create a solution and begin implementing it. That’s called leading. We are all educational leaders. Need help? Read my book Along Came a Leader, or one of my favorites, Start. Right. Now.
  9. Start a YouTube Channel for Your Classroom: Hey, it’s all about video. I found myself watching someone cook a fish dinner the other day on Facebook. I watched the whole thing. I don’t like to cook, and I hate fish. My point is… video done well can be engaging, and your class could be open to students 24/7. Do this now.
  10. Get Connected with Other Educators: Build Your Personal Learning Network (PLN) either online by using Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or reach out to educators in your building, district, or state. Share what you know. Learn from them. Show other educators how to do this.
  11. Publish Student Work: Find unique and powerful ways to share and publish the work your students do in your classroom. Give them authentic audiences and genuine purposes to create. Build a website, start a podcast, host a “fair”, publish them on a blog, YouTube, or SeeSaw. Publish their work.
  12. Contact Every Family You Teach: Seriously, forget the email. Pick up the phone or send a postcard home to every family you teach. Find something positive to say about every student and offer them a personal challenge in your class. Let them know you care about them.
  13. (Bonus) Read an Educational Book: There are so many great educational books out there that will change your career. Grab one and see what a difference it makes. Looking for suggestions? Try Teach Like a Pirate, Lead Like a Pirate, or Empower. Also check out my podcast for links to fantastic educational books.