Tag Archives: superintendent

Posted on

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.

————————————————————

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

WEP 189: Thrive in the Five, an Interview with Dr. Jill Siler

Thrive in the Five, an Interview with Dr. Jill Siler

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Dr. Jill Siler, Texas superintendent, and author of Thrive Through the Five: Practical Truths to Powerfully Lead Through Challenging Times.

Click here to listen to this episode.

In her first months as a superintendent, Jill faced financial crisis along with many other challenges that leadership brings. In 2015, her school board was named a TASA Honor Board as one of the top 5 school boards in the state and one of her campuses was named a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School. Jill is the Chair of the Future-Ready Superintendent Leadership Network (FRSLN) Design Team through the Texas Association of school Administrators (TASA) where innovative leaders from across the state gather to learn, share and grow together.

Jill has a passion for helping others reach their goals and is the leader of TASA’s Aspiring Superintendent Academy, and a frequent speaker at Texas’ First-Time Superintendent Academy as well as other leadership and education conferences. Her writing can be found on her website, jillmsiler.com where the initial blog inspiring her book, Thrive Through the Five was featured in the November 2019 edition of AASA School Administrator, the national school leadership organization’s publication.

Jill and her husband, William, have been married for 20 years and have two children: Caitlyn who is 15 years old and in 10th grade and Caleb who is 11 years old and in 6th grade. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Social Media: @jillmsiler
(affiliate link)

Order a copy of Kelly’s books:

Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness

Along Came a Leader: A Personal and Professional Guide to Leadership.

Sign-up for Kelly Croy’s Newsletter: Just click this link: https://chipper-teacher-8587.ck.page

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 189 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 

Posted on

WEP 184: Deliberate Homework, an Interview with Dr. Erik Youngman

This episode of The Wired Educator Podcast is an awesome interview with Erik Youngman on homework, assessment and growth mindset. Erik is a brilliant. I am so proud to share his story and work with you!

Click here to listen to this episode. 

Erik Youngman is an education leader who is passionate about topics such as homework, grading, leadership, and growth mindset.  He recently began his twentieth year in educational leadership.  Erik is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Libertyville District 70 in Libertyville, Illinois.  Previous education experiences include being a principal in Libertyville as well as an assistant principal and teacher in Gurnee, Illinois.

Erik earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Education Specialist Degree, and Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College.  

Erik is the author of Deliberate Homework. Learn how to assign homework that truly enhances learning and isn’t just busywork. This important book defines what deliberate homework looks like and provides relevant, actionable suggestions to guide your homework decisions. You’ll uncover how to think through these 12 characteristics of homework:

• reasonable completion time

• the right level of complexity

• appropriate frequency

• serves a specific purpose

• aligns with learning targets

• guided by a learning mindset

• contains a thoughtful format

• fits the learning sequence

• communicated clearly

• followed by feedback

• uses grades to guide progress

• implementation is consistent

For each feature, the author includes strategies and tools appropriate for all grade levels. The book also includes self-assessments and reflective questions so you can work on the book independently or with colleagues in professional development sessions. Please follow and contact Erik via Twitter.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Erik’s book, 12 Chacteristics of Deliberate Homework.

Follow Erik on Twitter: @Erik_Youngman

Sign-up for Kelly Croy’s Newsletter: Just click this link: https://chipper-teacher-8587.ck.page

Complete this form if you would like to receive a free FREE Wired Educator Podcast Sticker: https://forms.gle/RsEBuVwkapeGTc9D6

Complete this Kelly’s My Coach: Application Form if you are interested in having Kelly coach you : https://forms.gle/NNo6KUHqu9NBUNM47

This link will take you to ALL of my social media: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy (I love Link Tree.)

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 41 episodes to help you level-up your leadership and design a more dynamic life. • Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast with over 184 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 

 

Posted on

WEP 168: The Teacher and The Admin: Making Schools Better for Kids, an Interview with Kris Felicello

An Interview with Kris Felicello

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Kris Felicello, co-author of The Teacher and The Admin: Making Schools Better for Kids. Kris has such rich and diverse experiences in educational leadership experiences. He is brilliant and a lot of fun. You will love our conversation.

Dr. Kris Felicello has been in the field of education for over 25 years as a Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and he is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in the North Rockland Central School District in Rockland County, New York.  Kris obtained his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from St. John’s University in 2011.

Dr. Felicello is a leader who wants to make schools a better place for students.  He firmly believes that it is essential to build relationships and foster students’ social-emotional development to ensure a positive and productive educational experience for all students.  Throughout his career, Dr. Felicello has embraced technology as a means to improve schools, however, he cautions that technology should be utilized only when it supports positive instructional practices.

Dr. Felicello is a presenter, TEDx speaker, and co-author of the best selling educational book The Teacher and The Admin: Making Schools Better for Kids.  Kris and his writing partner Gary Armidia are the founders of The Teacher and The Admin Blog.  Kris has also served as an adjunct professor, professional development leader, and continues to be a student of the latest trends in education.

Although Dr. Felicello is passionate about his career and improving our education system, his first priority is his family.  He enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife Rebecca and 3 sons Justin (19), Andrew (17), and Scott (15).

Mentioned in this episode: 

Follow Kris on Twitter- @kfelicello @teacherandadmin 

Kris’s book: The Teacher and the Admin: Making Schools Better for Kids

Kris’s favorite book: The Godfather

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 168 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 

 

 

 

Posted on

WEP 166: Building A Culture of Leadership, An Interview with Pat Adkins

An Interview with Pat Adkins, Superintendent of Port Clinton City Schools

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Pat Adkins, a veteran superintendent whose leadership, culture work, and views on education are sought out by educational leaders across the nation. Pat and I talk about leading a school district in a time of crisis, such as this pandemic, the importance of building a maintaining a dynamic culture and coaching others to become better leaders. This is a fun and worthy episode I know you will enjoy and benefit from. 

Pat Adkins is the Superintendent of the Port Clinton City Schools in Port Clinton, Ohio.  Port Clinton Schools have been recognized as a National Forum School to Watch and selected as a Model School by the International Center for Leadership.  Pat’s thirty years in education include roles as a high school teacher, director of technology, coach, building principal, and Superintendent. He has not only survived but has thrived as Superintendent in Port Clinton for 15 years. He is an adjunct professor for Ashland University where he teaches administrative leadership courses. Pat has spoken at schools and conferences across the country about building dynamic school culture and was a featured speaker at the What Great Educators Do Differently conference in Houston, Texas this past October.

Pat serves as a mentor and coach to new Superintendents and school leaders and has been recognized for his work in creating an elite culture that invests in people over programs.  Pat also provides coaching and consulting to school districts, and individuals, seeking disciplined strategies to help them achieve an elite culture and get results. Pat has been recognized as Port Clinton’s Citizen of the Year and OMEA’s Outstanding Administrator of the Year. 

Great Educators Build Dynamic Cultures by Investing in People First!

~Pat Adkins

Learn how to build an elite culture by investing in people every day. Every school budgets for textbooks, online programs, and technology initiatives. Every calendar schedules time for professional development and data meetings.  However, the crucial interpersonal connections and bond-building are an afterthought for many. It is relationship building and intentional focus on the culture that drives the success of any district. You win with people when you put people first. Don’t let your culture be built by chance, learn how to build it day by day with intention. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out Pat’s blog, where he shares insight and culture, leadership and education: www.patadkins.com

Follow Pat on Twitter at @PCsupt

Focus 3: www.focus3.com

One of the most influential reads Pat shares is the book The Servant by James Hunter, and he is currently reading Live Your Excellence: Bring Your Best Self to School Every Day by Jimmy Casas.

Check out Kelly being interviewed on The Leader of Learning Podcast, episode 73: Authentic Innovation and Leadership, hosted by Dan Kreiness, that was just published.

Listen to Kelly being interviewed this past week on the Ashland University Professional Learning Podcast, Pandemic Response for Education Series

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 

Posted on

WEP 145: Women in Leadership, An Interview with Dr. Courtney Orzel

An Interview with Superintendent, Dr. Courtney Orzel

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

———————————————————————–
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 143 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 
Posted on

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