WEP 240: Building a Community for Educational Technology Integration, an Interview with Chris Nesi

My Interview with Chris Nesi, the Host of The House of EdTech Podcast and All-Around Good Human and Educator

Welcome to the Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 240 my interview with the exceptional Chris Nesi.

Chris is not only an outstanding educator but also the brilliant host of the House of EdTech podcast. Chris is someone I respect and admire.  I’m absolutely delighted to share our enlightening conversation about education podcasting and a plethora of other fascinating topics. You’re going to love this episode.

Click here to listen to my interview with Chris.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2KTX20EYnDJcL2eZG28DDu?si=DqFIoIayQ-SroQRGmBTWsw

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wired-educator-podcast/id974270220?i=1000651251961

Christopher J. Nesi, is a passionate educator, podcast host, and influential thought leader. With over 15 years of classroom experience, Chris has dedicated his professional journey to assisting educators in effectively and meaningfully integrating technology into their teaching practices. His engaging presentations at both local and national conferences are widely acclaimed for their practical strategies in technology implementation and their emphasis on creating student-centered learning experiences.

As the host and producer of the immensely popular “House of #EdTech” podcast, Chris explores emerging trends and conducts insightful interviews with influential figures in education and technology from around the world. His authenticity and genuine leadership shine through in every episode, making him an invaluable resource for educators seeking inspiration and guidance.

Throughout our conversation, I was reminded of why Chris has earned my admiration. His unwavering dedication to empowering educators and utilizing technology to shape the future of education is truly inspiring. I strongly encourage listeners to tune in to his podcast and engage with him on social media, as his insights are truly invaluable. It’s a true honor and privilege to introduce you to the remarkable Chris Nesi.

Chris’s Links:

Thanks for taking time out of your busy week to listen to The Wired Educator Podcast.

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your 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.

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

 

WEP 239: Publishing Students Through Creative Collaborations an Interview with Donnie Sorah

This is the Wired Educator podcast Episode 239, my interview with Donnie, Sorah titled “Publishing Students Through Creative Collaborations.”

Donnie is a  musician, educator, composer, and an associate professor of music at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. He’s amazing and he’s going to share his story as well as inspire us all to publish students’ work in powerful and unique ways to enhance their voice, build connection and provide the best learning experience possible. This episode is perfect for teachers in any content are, teaching any age, educational leaders and YOU!

Click here to listen to Kelly’s interview with Donnie.

Dr. Donald Sorah, Associate Professor of Music at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, boasts a diverse teaching portfolio encompassing applied high brass, conducting, music technology, composition, orchestration, and various other courses. As an Apple Distinguished Educator and recipient of the Outstanding Use of Technology in the Classroom Award (May 2022), Dr. Sorah actively supports students and colleagues as an Apple Learning Coach at UVA Wise, an Apple Distinguished School.

Under his guidance, the college achieved initial accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music in 2019. Beyond UVA Wise, Dr. Sorah has served as Associate Adjunct Instructor at Mountain Empire Community College since 1999 and previously taught at J.J. Kelly High School and L.F. Addington Middle School in Wise, Virginia.

As the Associate Director of the Spirit of America National Honor Band, he conducted and performed as a trumpet soloist across Europe. He co-founded the Guayaquil Summer Music Academy in Ecuador, where he engaged in performances, lectures, and trumpet instruction. Recent teaching and research ventures have taken him to Chile and Spain.

Sorah is a member of the Symphony of the Mountains and the Johnson City Symphony. In 2006, he founded the Winds of the Mountain Empire, a regional wind ensemble comprised mainly of music educators and is a champion for new works, presenting numerous premieres and commissions.

As a prolific composer, Dr. Sorah has crafted works for various ensembles, including piano, organ, chamber groups, wind ensemble, and orchestra. His compositions have been performed by The University of Louisville Symphonic Band, University of Florida Symphonic Band, Nicholls State University Symphonic Band, and Madison Concert Band. Most recently, his orchestral work Rhapsody on In the Bleak Midwinter was featured at the 2023 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.

As an advocate for proving free high-quality educational resources for his students he has published four books on Apple Books including Composing with Found Sounds in GarageBand, Everyone Can Create Music With iPad Curriculum Guide, Book of Rhythms and Melodies Vol. 1, and Book of Rhythms and Melodies Vol. 2. Under his leadership, students in his music appreciation course published five introductory books covering eras of classical music.

Dr. Sorah earned his Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Music Education from The Florida State University and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Morehead State University (KY). He resides in Wise, Virginia, with his wife Kelly, son Brennan, and dog Roamer.

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Mentioned in this Episode: 

Book Kelly to Speak at Your School!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your 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.

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.

 

WEP 231: Seven Mindshifts for School Leaders

An Interview with Connie Hamilton, Dr. Joseph Jones, and Dr. T.J. Vari

This is the Wired Educator Podcast episode 231. My interview with the authors of the book, 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders, authors Connie Hamilton, Dr. Joseph Jones, and Dr. TJ Vari. This episode will challenge your thinking and provide you with the tools you need to look at challenges in education in new ways and find better solutions. Buckle up. You are going to love this episode. 

Click Here: To Listen to episode 231 of The Wired Educator Podcast.

Connie Hamilton has served the field of education as a teacher, instructional coach, elementary and secondary principal, and district curriculum director. She is the author of five books for teachers and school leaders. Connie is known for hands-on, practical approaches to solving instructional snafus. Educators love how she offers specific strategies that actually work and can be used immediately. Often referred to as “The Questioning Guru”, Connie has a unique ability to coach administrators and teachers and guide them through reflection and professional discovery for amazing PD experiences.

Dr. Joseph Jones is the Superintendent of Schools in the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District. Joe is a former high school teacher, assistant principal and principal. As principal, he was named the Delaware Secondary Principal of the Year and during his tenure, Delcastle Technical High School was the first high school to receive the state’s Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. Joe received his doctorate from the University of Delaware in educational leadership. He is also an adjunct professor for various universities.

Dr. T.J. Vari is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and District Operations in the Appoquinimink School District. T.J. is a former middle school assistant principal and principal and former high school English teacher. His master’s degree is in School Leadership and his doctorate is in Innovation and Leadership. He holds several honors and distinctions, including his past appointment as President of the Delaware Association for School Administrators and the Paul Carlson Administrator of the Year Award. He teaches educational leadership courses at the masters and doctoral level.

Together, Joe and T.J. present nationally on topics of school leadership, and they co-founded TheSchoolHouse302, which is a leadership development institute specializing in leadership coaching for new and experienced school leaders. They have written five books together, co-authoring several of those with their friends, Principal EL and Connie Hamilton.

Mentioned in this episode: 

The book by Connie, Joe, and T.J.: Seven Mindshifts for School Leaders.

I have written six blogs this year on goal setting, resolutions and designing a more dynamic life. Find them on my website here: www.kellycroy.com including my personal goals for 2023.

I have been invited to be the keynote speaker for the NJECC23 Conference on March 7 at Montclair State university in New Jersey. I so pumped. Live and in person.  Follow the hashtag #njecc23 on twitter and checkout www.njecc.org for more information.

The World Education Summit www.worldedsummit.com has accepted three of my presentations for their upcoming international conference. You really do want to check it out. There is so much for everyone at your school: www.worldEDsummit.com

Join the Wired Educator Squad each and every Thursday for our #WiredWednesday chat. A 30 minute chat on topics that change your life and the lives of others. It’s quick and fun. Tag a friend and jump in. Squad up.

Order a copy of Keven Rinamen’s Book 3DU: A Guide to 3D Printing in Every Classroom

• Order my books Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness as a holiday present.

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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.

WEP 228: Leading with a Humble Heart, an interview with Zac Bauermaster

Educational Leadership by Putting People First

This is Episode 228 of The Wired Educator Podcast. I interview Zac Bauermaster about leadership, serving in every level of education, and his new book, Leading with a Humble Heart. This is a great interview for all. Enjoy

Click here to listen to Episode 228 of The Wired Educator Podcast.

Zac Bauermaster is an educational leader and author passionate about people. Zac’s mission field is public education. One of his main tag lines is, “It’s all about people.” His leadership style exemplifies a people-first approach as he seeks to glorify God in all he does. Zac has gained humble confidence through his daily pattern of prayer and reading scripture that he aims to share with others to advance God’s kingdom. Zac released a devotional leadership book in July of 2022 titled, Leading with a Humble Heart: A 40 Day Devotional for Leaders. 

Zac currently serves as principal at Kissel Hill Elementary School, located in the Warwick School District in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Zac has the tremendous opportunity to lead teachers, support staff, families, and most importantly, the next generation daily. His greatest joy in education is seeing adults leverage their God-given talents and abilities through inspiring kids to find and use their gifts. Before becoming a principal, Zac served public education in various K-12 roles such as assistant principal, administrator of online learning, teacher, and coach. These experiences have grown Zac’s sphere of influence and allowed him the opportunity to develop and maintain lifelong relationships.

Zac received his undergraduate degree from Millersville University in secondary education and completed his Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Pennsylvania State University. Zac returned to Penn State, where he earned his Principal Certification. Most recently, Zac earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Drexel University. He is a lifelong learner, always looking to learn and grow. His family jokes that he went to school in Kindergarten and hasn’t ever stopped.

Zac continues to grow his leadership influence and share encouragement and positivity, along with the good news of Christ through various social media platforms, magazine publications, and speaking events.

Most importantly, Zac is a husband to his wife Carly, and father to three young kids, Olivia, Eliot, and Isaac. Zac is a firm believer in leading his family first. The family resides in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Connect with Zac at www.zacbauermaster.com or  on Twitter and Instagram @ZBauermaster

Mentioned in this episode:

Order a copy of Zac’s book: Leading With a Humble Heart

Connect with Zac at www.zacbauermaster.com or  on Twitter and Instagram @ZBauermaster

One of Zac’s favorite’s is a Five Year Journal

Kelly’s favorite journal.

Thanks for listening.

Kelly

Two things to share: I just finished reading this book by one of my favorite authors; don’t let the title shock you, and I just added this to about everything of value to me, including my dog. Add to cart!

(We’re proud affiliates for some of these tools, meaning if you click a link for a tool and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are based on deep experience with and knowledge of these companies and their products, and we recommend them because they are genuinely helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we may receive. Please don’t spend any money on
these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.) Have a great week.

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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.

 

WEP 227: Make Your Class Relevant and Engaging an Interview with Dominic Helmstetter

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast I interview Dominic Helmstetter. He shares how he connects with students, makes his class relevant and engaging, and how EduProtocols helps him to make a difference as educator.

This is a fun episode. You can hear and feel Dominic’s passion for teaching. You will also leave with actionable takeaways you could put to use immediately in your classroom.

Click here to listen to episode 227.

Dominic Helmstetter has taught Middle and High School for 16 years.  He holds a BA in Integrated Social Studies, an MA in Curriculum and Instruction as well as an MED in Education Leadership.  He began his teaching career in a diverse high needs community before later serving as Dean of Students and Principal.  He later returned to the classroom to teach Junior High before being hired to teach at Perrysburg High School, where he is part of a teaching team that regularly helps students earn among the highest passing rates in Ohio state testing.  His instruction focuses on providing hands-on learning experiences centered around promoting engaging and active learning opportunities for students.  In addition to teaching, Dominic enjoys serving on various district wide leadership teams and speaking at educational conferences designed to help boost student engagement and build classroom culture.

You can follow Dominic on Twitter at @DHelmEDU

He is a leading expert on 

  1. Building Story / Theme into your classroom
  2. Knowing what motivates your students.
  3. EduProtocols
  4. Game Based Learning
  5. He just presented at MassCUE and will be presenting at  NorthPoint ESC soon

Mentioned in this episode:

The EduProtocol Field Guide: 16 Student-Centered Lesson Frames for Infinite Learning Possibilities

The EduProtocol Field Guide Social Studies Edition: 13 Student-Centered Lesson Frames for AP and College Prep

Deploying EduProtocols: A Guide for Educational Change Leaders

Kelly

Two things to share: I just finished reading this book by one of my favorite authors; don’t let the title shock you, and I just added this to about everything of value to me, including my dog. Add to cart!

(We’re proud affiliates for some of these tools, meaning if you click a link for a tool and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are based on deep experience with and knowledge of these companies and their products, and we recommend them because they are genuinely helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we may receive. Please don’t spend any money on
these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.) Have a great week.

————————————————————

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.

WEP 218 Safe, Seen and Stretched in the Classroom an Interview with Julie Schmidt Hasson

WEP 218 Safe, Seen and Stretched in the Classroom an Interview with Julie Schmidt Hasson

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast I interview Julie Schmidt Hasson about her new book Safe, Seen and Stretched in the Classroom. It is all about her research on the impact of teachers. I first interviewed Julie a few years ago for episode 98, and now she is back. What a fun interview. You are going to love her book.

Click here to listen to my interview with Julie. 

Julie Schmidt Hasson, Ed.D. is a professor in the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University. Julie’s research on the impact of a teacher is the topic of a TEDx talk and is the focus of her engaging professional development programs. She founded the Chalk and Chances project, a vehicle for elevating and celebrating teachers, in 2017. Julie’s latest book, Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom was released in November 2021.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Julie’s book: Safe, Seen and Stretched in the Classroom

Julie’s website: https://www.julieschmidthasson.com

Julie’s blog: https://www.chalkandchances.com/about

Julie’s TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmwy6r26vQY

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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 218 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 

WEP 204: Educate the Heart an Interview with Jennifer Lee Quattrucci

Mommy, Teacher, Fashionista, an Interview with Jennifer Lee Quattrucci

WEP 204: Educate the Heart an Interview with Jennifer Lee Quattrucci

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Jennifer Lee Quattrucci on her passion for books, her path to becoming a principal and the publication of her amazing book, Educate the Heart. Jennifer is the MommyTeacherFashionista on social media, and we talk all about her amazing influence on social media as well. Jennifer is a fun, focused and fantastic educator! She is one of my favorite EDU follows on social media. Her content is always so relevant, helpful and fun. I think she is super cool and inspiring, and I love her book Educate the Heart. You will too. You are going to love this interview. 

Click here to listen to this interview with Jennifer Lee 

Jennifer Lee Quattrucci is an aspiring principal, and a K-12 educator in the inner city of Providence, Rhode Island for the past 26 years. She is a relentless advocate of equity, inclusion, and authenticity being taught at an early age. Jennifer’s passion is seen in her deep commitment to creating, researching, and sharing educational experiences that support the social emotional well-being of children. Jennifer is also the author of the best selling book, Educate the Heart: Screen-Free Activities for Grades PreK-6 to Inspire Authentic Learning available online at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Click here to follow Jennifer on Instagram.
Click here to follow Jennifer on Twitter.
Visit Jennifer’s Link Tree of all her social media links: https://linktr.ee/mommyteacherfashionista
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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 

WEP 203: Permission to Be Great, an Interview with Dan Butler

Increasing Engagement in Your School

In this episode I have an amazing conversation with Dan Butler about his new book, Permission to be Great, which discusses educator burnout, educator engagement, and successful school cultures. It is one of the best leadership books on improving school culture I have ever read. Dan and I have an incredible conversation. This interview is pure gold.
Click here to listen to this episode with Dan. Listen to learn how you could win a copy of Dan’s book.

Dan Butler serves as the principal of Epworth Elementary School in the Western Dubuque Community School District. Previously, he was the principal of Epworth and Farley Elementary Schools simultaneously for four years focusing on positive relationships with all members of the learning community, high impact instructional techniques, building leadership capacity in others, and establishing successful school cultures. Prior to serving as an administrator, Dan taught third and fifth grades in the Western Dubuque District, as well as serving as a baseball and football coach. In addition to his responsibilities as a building principal, Dan works as an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership department at the University of Northern Iowa where he earned his doctoral degree.

Dan has received numerous awards and most recently was recognized as a finalist for the School Administrators of Iowa Elementary Principal of the year in 2019 and 2020. He received the University of Northern Iowa Educational Leadership Legacy award in 2018 and was a 2017 bizTimes.biz Rising Star in the Dubuque area. For more than six years, Dan served as a co-moderator of Iowa Educational Chat (#IAedchat), a weekly Twitter forum dedicated to the latest trends in education. He recently published his first book, Permission to be Great and has published various articles to Principal Magazine focused on digital leadershipliteracyproductivity, and educator engagement. Dan and his wife, Johna reside in Iowa with their sons, Mason and Nolan.

Mentioned in this episode: 
Dan’s website danpbutler.com
Follow him on Twitter: @danpbutler.
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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 

WEP 202: Let’s Put the ‘C’ in PLC, An Interview with Chad Dumas

An Interview with Chad Dumas on Professional Learning Communities

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Chad Dumas. Chad is the author of an exciting and extremely helpful new book titled Let’s put the C in PLC. It’s all about professional learning communities. This is one of the deepest interviews in content I think I’ve ever had. Chad is absolutely brilliant and he tells you everything you need to know to get started with a professional learning community or take the one you already have to an entirely new level. I’m even going to tell you how you can win a copy of Chad‘s book in this interview.

Click here to listen to this episode.

Chad Dumas, author of Let’s put the C in PLC: A Practical Guide for School Leaders

Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree associate and international educational consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher whose primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. With over two decades of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his new books, Let’s Put the C in PLC and An Action Guide to Put the C in PLC, and consulting that includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills. For more information, or to reach Chad, visit www.NextLearningSolutions.com

Mentioned in this episode: 

Chad’s website: www.NextLearningSolutions.com

Chad’s book: Let’s put the C in PLC: A Practical Guide for School Leaders (affiliate link)

Chad’s book: An Action Guide to Put the C in PLC (affiliate link)

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 

WEP 199: The Expert Effect, an Interview with Zach Rondot and Grayson McKinney

An Interview with Zach Rondot and Grayson McKinney

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

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