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Amplifying Optimism in Education

Amplifying Optimism in Education

By AmplifyOptimism

The Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast connects you to people from across the globe who are creating a better future for learning and educating by implementing bold ideas and fostering a sense of curiosity, creativity and possibility in their work. We hope you are as inspired as we are!
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Episode 13: Pamela Livingston Gaudet - Like No Other School Year

Amplifying Optimism in EducationNov 02, 2020

00:00
49:38
Lindy Hockenbary - AI in Education

Lindy Hockenbary - AI in Education

We are thrilled to be back with episode one of season 3 for our Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast!

Join us for this delightful conversation with David Bondurant (Assistant Vice President of Information Technology) and Samantha (Sam) Charnes (Associate Vice Provost, Education Operations, Research and Technology) of Interlochen Center for the Arts. In this episode we discussed how at Interlochen they have worked hard to weave technology into the fabric of their arts curriculum in order to enhance the experience for their students and to make the lives of their educators easier! In the midst of Covid-19, as so many schools were struggling with how to engage students virtually, Interlochen was trying to keep up with the demand of their growing student base. They found that by providing online access to their classes they were actually able to amplify their audience and meet the needs of even more children looking for high-quality, creative outlets. They even began expanding into Adult education and providing opportunities for kids of all ages (young and young at heart) to interact with their world-renowned faculty. David and Sam talked about how creativity and curiosity are at the center of everything they do as they constantly use their team at the tech department to solve problems that arise for their students and staff in new and fun ways. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, and be sure to reach out to them to learn more about how you can enhance your tech department to more fully promote your school’s mission!
Oct 18, 202355:50
Samantha Charnes & David Bondurant-Interlochen Center for the Arts: Technology, Creativity, the Arts

Samantha Charnes & David Bondurant-Interlochen Center for the Arts: Technology, Creativity, the Arts

We are thrilled to be back with episode one of season 3 for our Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast!

Join us for this delightful conversation with David Bondurant (Assistant Vice President of Information Technology) and Samantha (Sam) Charnes (Associate Vice Provost, Education Operations, Research and Technology) of Interlochen Center for the Arts. In this episode we discussed how at Interlochen they have worked hard to weave technology into the fabric of their arts curriculum in order to enhance the experience for their students and to make the lives of their educators easier! In the midst of Covid-19, as so many schools were struggling with how to engage students virtually, Interlochen was trying to keep up with the demand of their growing student base. They found that by providing online access to their classes they were actually able to amplify their audience and meet the needs of even more children looking for high-quality, creative outlets. They even began expanding into Adult education and providing opportunities for kids of all ages (young and young at heart) to interact with their world-renowned faculty. David and Sam talked about how creativity and curiosity are at the center of everything they do as they constantly use their team at the tech department to solve problems that arise for their students and staff in new and fun ways. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, and be sure to reach out to them to learn more about how you can enhance your tech department to more fully promote your school’s mission!
Sep 13, 202348:43
Kimberlee Williams- How Adults can have difficult conversations about DEI so our Students can, as well!

Kimberlee Williams- How Adults can have difficult conversations about DEI so our Students can, as well!

In this episode we are joined by the wonderful Kimberlee Williams, author of Dear White Woman, Please Come Home: Hand Me Your Bias and I'll Show You Our Connection, and the Director of Intercultural Affairs at The Bush School in Seattle, Washington. Kimberlee shares her message of hope around how to have difficult conversations as adults around race and culture so we can move "to the other side" of the discomfort. She talks about how adults can use disclaimers when talking to acknowledge their intentions, while also paying attention to the impact of our words. She gives permission for (white) people to sit in their discomfort, and challenges all of us to not take the easy route of cancel culture or shutting out people in your life. Listen to this powerful episode and enjoy the brilliance and wisdom that is Kimberlee Williams! Her enthusiasm and passion for her work and for creating the world she wants to see for herself, her family, and the students and families she works with are infectious and much needed in these trying times. Don't miss out on this episode, and be sure to get a copy of her book today...available now on Amazon!

Feb 23, 202241:11
The Evolving Role of Technology in Schools - Jennifer Baselice & Susan Davis
Feb 01, 202236:28
A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning - Lindy Hockenbary

A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning - Lindy Hockenbary

We return in Season 2 with a wonderful guest that you heard from in Season 1 - Lindy Hockenbary! Lindy has put together an incredible resource for teachers of all grades on how to reach students effectively with technology through online learning as well as in the classroom. This is truly a one of a kind resource that is a must have for teachers learning how to use technology in the classroom. Join us as we discuss important considerations and strategies from the book that you can begin using in your school today!

You can pick up your copy of Lindy's new book "A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning: Practical Strategies to Improve K-12 Student Engagement in Virtual Learning" on Amazon in digital or paperback format: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736350315/

www.amplifyingoptimism.com


Oct 27, 202143:41
The Power of the Crowd: Making Room for Retreat & Reflection (LIVE @ ATLIS 2021)

The Power of the Crowd: Making Room for Retreat & Reflection (LIVE @ ATLIS 2021)

We had such a blast traveling to and zooming into the ATLIS (Association of Technology Leaders in Schools) Undaunted Retreat in Seattle this past July. The experience was incredibly immersive and well crafted by the ATLIS Staff. You'll get to hear a whole lot more about just how immersive, unique and powerful of a program and experience this was for the educators in attendance. Participants had a chance to brainstorm with colleagues, generate new ideas and even have spontaneous collaborative work sessions across school that spanned the entire nation! We hope that you enjoy this unique panel interview along with some wonderful sharing from retreat participants! You might even get some ideas that you can bring back to your school...ok let's be honest, you definitely will!

https://www.theatlis.org/

https://www.amplifyingoptimism.com/

Sep 29, 202101:08:11
BONUS: Mindfulness is a Technology

BONUS: Mindfulness is a Technology

The human body and its interconnected systems, such as the nervous system, communicate and operate much like a modern computer network. We can learn how to use mindfulness as a "systems diagnostic & repair" tool for our own internal systems to increase productivity, reduce stress and boost problem solving skills. This bonus episode explores practical, evidence based and rapid mindfulness techniques through the analogy of technology and includes a guided mindfulness meditation. Join Michael to up your game and to get curious about how easy it is to use mindfulness in your everyday life!

www.amplifyingoptimism.com

www.bodymindupgrades.com

Jul 24, 202133:54
Episode 25 - Erin Baldecchi & Sara Corckran of Happy YOUniversity
Jun 16, 202134:54
Episode 24- Constantine Bayz (Confidence Building)

Episode 24- Constantine Bayz (Confidence Building)

Episode 24 is an exciting one because it features Constantine, who is a student that Josh has worked with for over a dozen years! Constantine is the real life Agamemnon from Josh's new book, The Confidence Project, a.k.a. the inspiration for chapter 7-- for those who have already read it! Constantine joined the Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast to talk with the team about how he uses the strategies and skills discussed in the book in his daily life. Now a freshman in College, Constantine has built his confidence and skills to allow him to not only tackle challenges, but to seek them out and even enjoy them as he takes control of his learning process! Listen now to hear the wisdom and insights of Constantine as he discusses how he manages his Challenge Cycle regularly to relish in the joy of being a lifelong learner!

Constantine Bayz is a current freshman Biology major at California Polytechnic State University. Constantine grew up in Washington D.C., where he attended Gonzaga College High school, played soccer, wrestled, and most importantly, got to put into practice his developing mastery of self-confidence and love of learning. Having worked with Mr. Faden for over a decade has taught him the importance of a proper mentality towards the many challenges faced both inside and outside the classroom.

Jun 02, 202133:42
Episode 23- Dr. Laura Potter - Pandemic Experiences in Schools

Episode 23- Dr. Laura Potter - Pandemic Experiences in Schools

In this episode Dr. Laura Potter joins us from the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Potter is a school psychologist and research associate and worked in schools prior to her recent move into Higher Education. CAREI recently completed a survey of over 13,000 people about their experiences is school during the pandemic. 

https://twitter.com/LauraPotter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-potter-345a045b/

May 21, 202140:07
Episode 22 - Kimberlee Williams (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)
Apr 28, 202145:20
Episode 21 - Frankee Fernandes M.Ed. "The Spelling Tree"
Apr 07, 202149:18
Episode 20 - Dr. Scott McLeod & Mike Daugherty - Pandemic Leadership & Communication in Schools

Episode 20 - Dr. Scott McLeod & Mike Daugherty - Pandemic Leadership & Communication in Schools

This is episode 5 in our 5-Part "Like No Other School Year" series, based on the book by the same title by Pamela Livingston Gaudet! In this episode, Dr. Scott McLeod and Michael Daugherty share their insights from helping educators adjust to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

An Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Colorado Denver, Scott McLeod, J.D., Ph.D., is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts on P-12 school leadership, technology, and innovation. He is the Founding Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), the only university center in the U.S. dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators, and is the co-creator of the wildly popular video series, Did You Know? (Shift Happens). He also is the co-creator of the 4 Shifts Protocol for lesson/unit redesign and the founder of both the annual Iowa 1:1 Institute and EdCampIowa, one of the largest EdCamp events in the United States. Dr. McLeod has worked with hundreds of schools, districts, universities, and other organizations and has received numerous awards for his technology leadership work, including the 2016 Award for Outstanding Leadership from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Dr. McLeod was one of the pivotal figures in Iowa’s grass roots 1:1 computing movement, which has resulted in over 220 school districts providing their students with powerful learning devices. Dr. McLeod blogs regularly about technology leadership issues at Dangerously Irrelevant and is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop facilitator at regional, state, national, and international conferences. He has written or edited 4 books and 170 articles and other publications, and is one of the most visible education professors in the United States.

You can learn more about Scott's work by visiting his website and checking out his 4-Shifts Protocol!

Mike Daugherty is a husband, father of three young children, technology director, speaker, author, and possible Starbucks addict.  He has twenty years of experience in K-12 technology support serving in a wide variety of roles.  Currently, he is the Director of Technology for the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School district where he and his team have implemented a highly successful 1:1 Chromebook initiative.  His success as an IT director comes from developing creative, well thought out solutions that positively impact teaching and learning.  Mike serves as the Chair of the Ohio chapter of COSN.  His most recent book, Certified Edtech Leadership, helps CTOs grow in their role using a standards-based approach to technology leadership. 

You can learn more about Mike by visiting his website!


www.amplifyingoptimism.com

Mar 23, 202101:08:22
Episode 19: Megan Hallam & Daniel Cruz "Online Learning & Teachers"

Episode 19: Megan Hallam & Daniel Cruz "Online Learning & Teachers"

In this episode of our Like No Other School Year series we talk with Megan and Daniel from the Leeman Manhattan School about how teachers across the country succeeded, struggled and adapted through 2020. We hope you enjoy this episode and stay tuned for the final episode in this series with Dr. Scott McLeod and Mike Daugherty where we discuss leadership in schools and with Online Learning throughout the pandemic!

Megan Storey Hallam is a school psychologist employed as the Director of Student Support Services at Leman Manhattan. She completed an Ed.S in School Psychology and is currently a doctoral student in the Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership program at William & Mary. During her career, Megan has worked in U.S. public schools and international schools in Italy, and also served as research coordinator on a longitudinal study of child growth and development at the University of Pennsylvania.

Reimagining Education

Daniel Cruz, Library Info Tech Dept. Chair & Educational Tech Coordinator, Leman Manhattan Preparatory School

Daniel is a multi-lingual educator that has taught in England, Turkey, China, and the US. He has taught Digital Citizenship, Computer Literacy, Robotics, Podcasting, Computer Science, 3D design for architecture and production design, and video production.  Currently working as Educational Technology Coordinator and Library IT Chair at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School in NYC. Daniel has been presenter and panelist at multiple national and international EdTech conferences.

Daniel graduated from Universidad de America, Colombia, then went on to complete an additional degree at Middlesex University in London. He is a Google Certified Educator, Lego Master Educator 2020-2021, Certified Apple Teacher and Raspberry Pi Educator.

https://www.amplifyingoptimism.com/

Mar 12, 202153:01
Episode 18 - Lindy Hockenbary (Online Learning, Hybrid/Blended Learning, Teacher Tech Preparedness)

Episode 18 - Lindy Hockenbary (Online Learning, Hybrid/Blended Learning, Teacher Tech Preparedness)

Welcome to Episode 3 of our 5-Part Series based on the book Like No Other School Year! We had a blast interviewing the knowledgeable and experienced Lindy Hockenbary on her mission to help teachers succeed and excel with online and blended learning. You can read more about Lindy and this podcast episode on our blog

Lindy’s informative and useful new book, A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning: Practical Strategies for Every Teacher, is available now for pre-order. You can also find her on Twitter and can learn more about her consulting work by visiting her website.

We hope you enjoy this episode of Amplifying Optimism in Education with our guest, Lindy Hockenbary!

https://www.amplifyingoptimism.com/

Feb 18, 202148:17
Episode 17: Episode 17: Christina Lewellen & Susan Davis (ATLIS)

Episode 17: Episode 17: Christina Lewellen & Susan Davis (ATLIS)

Welcome to the second episode of our 2021 Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast! We are thrilled for episode 17 because it is also episode 2 of our 5 part series with the amazing co-authors in Pamela Livingston Gaudet’s book Like No Other School Year. 

In this interview we spoke with the thoughtful Christina Lewellen, Executive Director at the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS), and Susan Davis, Professional Development Director at ATLIS. 

Christina and Susan are not only passionate about technology and technology safety, but also about creating a larger school community that utilizes technology for the benefit of everyone. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the latest trends in cybersecurity, as well as how to harness the power of technology.

To read the full blog post about this episode Click Here!

Interested in the Virtual 2021 Annual Conference hosted by ATLIS this April? Click here to find out more! 

Interested in purchasing the book "Like No Other School Year" Click Here to pick up your copy today!

Feb 03, 202145:19
Episode 16: Ethan Delavan (Social Emotional Learning Programs, Differentiation, SEL Curriculum Implementation)

Episode 16: Ethan Delavan (Social Emotional Learning Programs, Differentiation, SEL Curriculum Implementation)

Welcome to the beginning of our 2021 Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast! We are thrilled for episode 16 because it is also episode 1 of our 5 part series with the amazing co-authors in Pamela Livingston Gaudet’s book Like No Other School Year. In this interview we spoke with the brilliant Ethan Delavan,

To learn more about this episode, check out this weeks Blog Post on AmplifyingOptimism.com

Enjoy Episode 1 of our 5-Part Series with Pamela Livingston Gaudet and her collaborators from the book Like No Other School Year: 2020, COVID-19 and the Growth of Online Learning!

https://twitter.com/ethandelavan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethandelavan/

*Note: In this episode we reference a Social Emotional Program out of Harvard, but it is actually from Yale.

Jan 20, 202148:39
Episode 15: Amanda S. Muhammad (Mindfulness, Compassion, Personal Growth, Wellness)
Dec 01, 202049:16
Episode 14: Caroline Hill (Race, Equity & Justice in Education)

Episode 14: Caroline Hill (Race, Equity & Justice in Education)

Episode 14 of the Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast features the amazing Caroline Hill, founder of 228Accelerator in Washington, D.C. Caroline spoke about her work at the intersection of race, equity, and justice in education. Our conversation was profound, insightful, and incredibly thought provoking. What I loved most is how she encourages all stakeholders in a student’s educational journey to view themselves as designers in creating a more equitable learning experience. Click here to read more about this weeks episode with Caroline Hill!

www.amplifyingoptimism.com

Nov 18, 202048:20
Episode 13: Pamela Livingston Gaudet - Like No Other School Year

Episode 13: Pamela Livingston Gaudet - Like No Other School Year

In this episode of Amplifying Optimism we interview Pamela Gaudet. To read more about Pam and this episode, check out this week's blog post. Her book, Like No Other School Year, has recommendations, insights and suggestions for helping your school succeed. We discuss Pam's book, work and how to succeed during these challenging times for schools.

Pam is partnering with the ATLIS organization to offer a virtual town hall where she will share more insights as well as answer questions. It is a virtual event on 11/11/2020 at 1pm eastern time. Registration is easy!

Sign-Up Today to stay in touch and receive info about new episodes, workshops and more from Amplifying Optimism in Education! 

Nov 02, 202049:38
Episode 12: Confidence Building & Mindfulness Q&A w/ Josh & Curious
Oct 09, 202029:51
Episode 11 - Kelsey Payne (Student Centered Learning, Choice, Learning Profiles, Dismantling Systems)

Episode 11 - Kelsey Payne (Student Centered Learning, Choice, Learning Profiles, Dismantling Systems)

Episode 11 of our Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast series welcomed Kelsey Payne from Altitude Learning. We had a terrific conversation about how to shift education from a more traditional model where the teacher is viewed as the “sage on the stage,” to a student centered model that empowers and places our students at the helm! It was a lot of fun to envision what it could look like to dismantle some of the systems that have been in place for hundreds of years (and aren’t working for everyone!) and to rethink and reimagine how we can use this moment to radically shift our thinking for the benefit of all. Kelsey has a lot of wonderful experience, knowledge, and positivity that pulse throughout this episode. Heard enough? Listen now and enjoy!

Curious to learn more about Kelsey and this episode? Check out the rest of this blog post here!


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/30hJ9gvslwab3z0SgYpSOS?si=8O3W7AZYTvKzsBrF3v2pAw

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplifying-optimism-in-education/id1523581002

Michael’s Site: https://www.carsonintegrativecoaching.com/

Joshua’s Site: http://www.communityofteachers.com/

Sep 24, 202048:57
Episode 10- Building Student Confidence w/Joshua Faden

Episode 10- Building Student Confidence w/Joshua Faden

In this episode, co-host Joshua Faden talks about his work building student confidence. He offers an activity that educators can use at the beginning of the school year (or all throughout the year) to get to know their students better and to begin building the foundation for a strong relationship. Through thoughtful, genuine relationships we can inspire our children to become confident, excited, lifelong learners!

Sep 16, 202017:31
Episode 9 - Mindfulness Matters w/ Michael

Episode 9 - Mindfulness Matters w/ Michael

This week we bring you something different. With the start of school upon us, we decided to release several shorter episodes packed with tips, information and tools to help you succeed in starting off the school year right! In this episode, Michael teaches you a bit about how mindfulness can help you and your students avoid burn-out, reduce stress & anxiety, manage attention and find the optimal learning or teaching state during online and in-person learning! Curious? Thought so! Enjoy this weeks episode and share it with a friend who you feel might find the techniques and information I teach in this episode to be helpful :-)
Sep 10, 202016:12
Episode 8 - Janet Iris Sussman (Intuition, Visualization, Imagination, Creativity, Student Empowerment)
Sep 02, 202001:07:06
Episode 7 - In Conversation w/ Alex Inman (Pandemic Instructional Tech, Instructional Design, Educational Technology Leadership, Online Distance Learning, Design Thinking)
Aug 27, 202046:37
Episode 6 - Karla Manning (Humanity, Equity, Diversity, Cultural Responsiveness, Open Heart)
Aug 19, 202047:42
Episode 5 - Danna Thomas and The Happy Teacher Revolution (Teacher Self-Care, Mental Health, Community, Leadership, Adult SEL)
Aug 11, 202059:60
Episode 4 - Michelle Korenfeld (Creativity, Art, Storytelling)
Aug 05, 202055:04
Episode 3 - Jen Lara (Coaching & Teaching, Powerful Questions, Saboteur Voices, Metaphor)
Jul 28, 202050:44
Episode 2 - Nicole Weston (Student Voice & Choice, Positive Psychology, Learning from Global Experts, Passion)
Jul 22, 202052:47
Episode 1 - Alison Gillmeister (PBL, Community Learning, SEL, Identity)

Episode 1 - Alison Gillmeister (PBL, Community Learning, SEL, Identity)

Allison is a Founding Member of the Capital Experience Lab in Washington, DC. In this episode Allison shares her experience education students in Washington, DC through her work with Project Based Learning, Social Emotional & Identity Learning, Community Based Learning and Parent Engagement.

Jul 15, 202001:04:04