Home Grown: Transforming Teaching from the Ground Up
By Keep Indiana Learning
Home Grown: Transforming Teaching from the Ground UpJan 13, 2022
S4:E13 Building Bridges: Student Support Talk, How to Wrap Up the School Year!
Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson as they talk about best practices for ending the school year on a positive note!
S4 E12: Jennifer Gonzalez (The Cult of Pedagogy)
Jennifer Gonzalez is a National Board Certified Teacher with over 10 years of classroom experience. Most of this time was spent teaching middle school language arts, and the rest was at the college level, where she trained pre-service teachers for the classroom. In 2013, she created the website Cult of Pedagogy, where she now works full-time to help teachers of all subjects and grade levels practice and perfect the art of teaching.
S4:E11 Building Bridges: Student Support Talk, School Counselors and School Leaders
During this episode we will hear from school counselors who have stepped up in a big way to lead comprehensive school counseling in their school or district. It doesn’t take an admin license to be a school leader, and these school counselors will share about their journey and approach to developing school counseling programs that are meeting the needs of all students.
S4:E10 Brittany Tinkler: Milken Award Winner, Teacher Leader
Brittany Tinkler is a Milken Award winner, a certified project-based learning trainer, co-chair of the professional development arm of the Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics, ICTM, and a second grade teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary where she puts all of her expertise into action. Listen as she shares her experiences that led to her being a champion for struggling students.
S4:E9 Building Bridges: Student Support Talk, High School Supports
Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson and special guest Dr. Connie Poston, as they share strategies in response to the question from a current high school counselor on how to integrate SEL at the high school level.
S4:E8 Celebrating School Counseling
During this episode, Amanda Culhan and Samantha Vidal will be speaking to Indiana’s most recent school counseling award recipients, presented at the ISCA Conference this past November. Some of Indiana’s finest school counselors will be sharing program components and ways in which they celebrate and advocate for the profession during national school counseling week, celebrated during the first week of February.
S4:E7 Susie Highley, IMLEA Director
Susie Highley is the current Director of the Indiana Middle Level Education Association. As a life-long Hoosier educator, she's seen it all and done a lot of it herself. Listen as she shares her story of lessons learned, opportunities taken, and dreams fulfilled during a long and successful (and still going) career in and around education.
Let's Talk Middle School, with Rick Wormeli
Rick Wormeli joins us to share his experience and expertise about the wild animal we call middle school. The middle is a unique, flexible, and yes, sometimes chaotic place to live. In this episode, Rick helps us navigate a clearer path and sheds light on some common issues facing both teachers and students.
Building Bridges: Student Support Talk, SEL Buy-In
Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson and special guest Craig Spinner, as they share strategies in response to the question of creating buy-in and support from staff and parents around SEL.
S4: E4: Tom Hakim: Northview Middle School Principal
Tom Hakim is the principal at an award winning middle school in Central Indiana. In this episode he’ll share his experiences building forward from the pandemic, along with his expertise and wisdom about creating a positive middle school culture where students are given the opportunity to grow and thrive.
S4: E3: Brandon Denning, Indiana Teacher of the Year Finalist
Brandon Denning is an extraordinary educator. Listen as he shares his insights about education, balancing work and life, and how he finds and creates joy in the classroom.
S4: E2: Legislative Updates for School Counselors
- Join us as we break down the top 10 legislative updates that affect school counseling for the 2023-24 school year and discuss their implications on your important work. The IDOE created a guiding document and a new Pathways Document that will soon be available on the Graduation pathways website for school counselors.
S4: E1: Back to School! Starting the Year Out Strong
During this episode you will learn different ways to start the new school year off strong - both personally and professionally! Brooke Lawson, Director of Mental Health for Carmel Clay Schools, asks guests Christy Berger and Dr. Megan Kirk to share how they build relationships with staff and students as they return, tips for setting up classrooms to minimize student misbehavior, and information to share with parents and guardians.
Episode Resources
Building Thinking Classrooms: Toolkit #4 - Peter Liljedahl on Evaluation and Grading
Join Jeff Harker and special guest Dr. Peter Liljedahl, author of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, as we head into our first Building Thinking Classrooms Conference, June 29-30, 2023, hosted by our partners at Franklin Community Schools. They’ll be discussing Toolkit #4 and wrapping up our 4 part series. Hear about the impact a thinking classroom can have on your students, their engagement, and their achievement.
Dr. Peter Liljedahl is the author of Building Thinking Classrooms, a Professor of Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education, and an associate member in the Department of Mathematics at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada.
Dr. Liljedahl is a former high school mathematics teacher who has kept his research interest and activities close to the classroom. His research interests are creativity, insight, and discovery in mathematics teaching and learning; the role of the affective domain on the teaching and learning of mathematics; the professional growth of mathematics teachers; mathematical problem solving; numeracy; and engaging student thinking. He consults regularly with schools, school districts, and ministries of education on issues of teaching and learning, assessment, and numeracy.
Building Thinking Classrooms: Toolkit #3 - Flow, Consolidation, and Note-taking
Join Jeff Harker and guest Lam Nguyen to discuss Toolkit #3 of the Building Thinking Classrooms Framework. You’ll gain clarity on implementation as well as insights about flow and consolidation.
This is episode 3 of a 4 part series diving into Building Thinking Classrooms for Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl. Join us here at Keep Indiana Learning for all 4 episodes leading up to our first Building Thinking Classrooms Conference, June 29-30, 2023, hosted by our partners at Franklin Community Schools.
Lam Nguyen is currently a Middle School Principal and mathematics educator in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He has worked in education for 15 years as a classroom teacher, divisional leader, and school administrator. Through his current work in a doctoral program focused on the intersection of mathematics education and diversity, equity, and inclusion, he works to support teachers in creating learning environments that are accessible and supportive of all learners. The Building Thinking Classroom framework has been instrumental in empowering students to see themselves as mathematical thinkers and learners.
Building Thinking Classrooms: Toolkit #2 - Thinking Tasks and Questioning
Join Jeff Harker and guests Amanda Ray and Mandy Ramey as they discuss Toolkit #2 of the Building Thinking Classrooms Framework. You’ve started using a few practices, now what? You’ll gain insights about growing your own thinking classroom and get advice about what works.
This is episode 2 of a 4 part series diving into Building Thinking Classrooms for Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl. Join us here at Keep Indiana Learning for all 4 episodes leading up to our first Building Thinking Classrooms Conference, June 29-30, 2023, hosted by our partners at Franklin Community Schools.
Amanda Ramey graduated from IUPUC with a BA in Elementary Education and ESL dual license. She’s taught mostly fifth grade for the last 13 years. The last seven years with a primary focus in math and social studies. “The Building Thinking Classrooms approach has transformed my teaching. Students in my classroom are talking more about their thinking. They are working through that productive struggle and learning to rely on me less for validation of their work. They are proving their work to me, which I absolutely love seeing day in and day out.”
Amanda Ray graduated from Franklin College with BA in Elementary Education. She has taught 5th Grade for 20 years - every year teaching math, and sometimes an additional subject. She is currently also teaching Social Studies. “I do not consider myself a ‘math’ person, but have fallen head over heels in love with teaching math, especially using BTC practices.”
Building Thinking Classrooms: Toolkit #1 - Whiteboards, Grouping, and Non-curricular Tasks
Join Jeff Harker and guests Stephanie Wicke, Meredith Kalbfleisch, and Mary Auger as they discuss Toolkit #1 of the Building Thinking Classrooms Framework. If you’re asking where to start, this is the place! You’ll gain insights about creating your own thinking classroom and get advice about how to create visibly random groups and use vertical non-permanent surfaces.
This is episode 1 of a 4 part series diving into Building Thinking Classrooms for Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl. Join us here at Keep Indiana Learning for all 4 episodes leading up to our first Building Thinking Classrooms Conference, June 29-30, 2023, hosted by our partners at Franklin Community Schools, Franklin, IN.
Meredith Kalbfleisch is a middle school Mathematics teacher currently in her fourth year teaching 7th grade. She has a bachelor’s in Management Information Systems from Virginia Tech and is a native Virginian. She currently holds a math license for teaching middle school math (grades 5-9). Her interests include motivating students, reading, hiking, movies, and having fun with her two sons.
Stephanie Wicke has been teaching high school mathematics for 9 years. She is currently an instructional coach and math/engineering teacher at Whiteland Community High School. Her passion is creating lessons that get students actively involved in their learning, and helping other teachers grow in their practice.
Mary Auger is a veteran math teacher for Hamilton Southeastern Schools. She graduated from Ball State University and holds a Master's Degree in Elementary Educations with a Gifted-Talented Endorsement and a Math license for teaching grades 7-9. She is the Math Department Chair at Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate/Jr. High where she teaches 7th and 8th grade math courses. She is also the Indiana state MATH Bowl Coordinator and writer for IASP. Mary's greatest passions are teaching math, cheering on the Cubbies, and being a mom to two wonderful boys.
Celebrating Independent Bookstore Day 2023
Keep Indiana Learning and Indiana State Literacy Association have partnered to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on April 29, 2023. Dr. Darolyn Jones, ISLA member-at-large, interviews Cat Cardwell from INDY Reads, and ISLA President Dr. Benjamin Boche shares his interview with Shirley Mullin, owner of Kids Ink Children’s bookstore.
Science of Reading in a Thinking Classroom with Dr. Erin McNeill
Welcome Dr. Erin McNeill to the Keep Indiana Learning team and here how she has taken her experiences deepening her teaching practice in the science of reading with adolescent students into an expanding understanding of how the foundations of reading, writing, and literacy can stretch across grade levels, across content areas, and into the future of teaching and learning. She shares how the pivotal work by Peter Liljedahl, Building Thinking Classrooms, can be applied to language and literacy instruction!
Guest: Dr. Erin McNeill is a Professional Learning Specialist for Keep Indiana Learning, a department of Central Indiana Educational Service Center. Erin spent sixteen years in the classroom as an English Language Arts and English as a New language teacher and coordinator and two years as a member of the Literacy, Culture, and Language Education department at Indiana University, where she trained preservice teachers. Erin currently works with teachers, coaches, schools, and districts on:
Implementing the Science of Reading into new or existing curricula
Creating asset-based and culturally responsive literacy experiences and materials
Leveraging data-driven instruction to meet the needs of all students
Developing small or large conference style virtual and blended professional learning
Strengthening literacy and language skills and pedagogies
As an education researcher, Erin focuses on asset-based strategies for emergent bilinguals and prioritizes relationships with diverse students. These studies led to her current research which studies how practitioners can use the information they learn about their students in literacy projects to build a culturally relevant curriculum based on students’ experiences and interests.
Lena Darnay is the Director of Professional Learning for Keep Indiana Learning, a department of Central Indiana Educational Service Center. She supports Indiana educators by developing innovative and engaging professional learning opportunities in-person and as high-impact virtual experiences. She is dedicated to developing and establishing powerful structures and inclusive environments for learning that build engaging, learner-centered, and authentic learning experiences.
Lena currently works with teachers, coaches, schools, and districts on
Developing thoughtful processes for infusing innovation, inquiry, and technology into instruction
Creating marketing plans and website audits to ensure engaging and powerful user experience and engagement
Using adult learning theory for professional learning creation and implementation
Developing small or large conference style virtual and blended professional learning
Effective use of school librarians, instructional coaches, and/or technology integration specialists for cohesive collaboration for student learning
Lena has over 15 years of education experience as a school librarian & media specialist, career academy coordinator, district instructional technology specialist, and marketing coordinator. Lena has extensive experience co-planning, co-teaching, and coaching for a collaborative, inquiry-based, research driven instructional experience.
She has an extensive network of education and industry professionals spanning a wide breadth of knowledge and experiences.
Building the STEAM & Imagination Lab at Richmond Community Schools
The Director of STEAM and the Imagination Lab at Richmond Community Schools, Steven Hensley, joins us to discuss building a brand new and innovative program from the ground up.
Steven Hensley serves as the Director of STEAM & Imagination Lab at Richmond Community Schools. His journey into education was not exactly linear, but he is so glad to have found his way here. Steven has been privileged as a classroom educator for the last six years, teaching anything from AP Computer Science to Biology 1, with the majority of his teaching experience at the 9th and 10th grade level and his beloved middle school kiddos. Steven works passionately to develop cross curricular units and weave in interdisciplinary techniques, all from an inquiry based instructional approach. He champions the best ideas and techniques for kids because at the end of the day, “if it doesn't work for kids, it doesn't work."
Moderated by Keep Indiana Learning Digital Learning Coach, Tim Arnold.
Tim Arnold is a District eLearning Specialist with Richmond Community schools in Richmond, IN. Prior to that he was a social studies teacher, coach, and educational leader at Nettle Creek Schools in Hagerstown,IN. Tim was selected as a Top Ten Educator in the State of Indiana in 2008, taught Social Studies methods in the Earlham College Master of Arts in Teaching program, and has presented at multiple local, state and national conferences (ICE, HECC, CanvasCon, InstructureCon, ISTE) on topics he is passionate about including blended learning, student engagement, Canvas, G Suite for Education, and EduProtocols. Additionally, Tim holds certifications in Technology Leadership (CIESC Cohort 8), Google (Level 1), FlipGrid, and Nearpod and collaborates with @RCSLearn colleagues to host a Twitter chat with over 130 episodes. Tim, a current HECC Board Member, joined Keep Indiana Learning as a Digital Learning Coach in the fall of 2021 and was recently selected for the Jacobs Educator Award from Indiana University. Tim and his wife Julie, a former “rock-star” 6th grade science teacher and current guidance counselor, are graduates of Indiana University (BS ‘90) and Ball State University (MA ‘97), and have two children, Kelsie, a UX Designer for Aloompa and Nick, a Plant Manager with Co-Alliance.Tim's mantra is to serve others with patient persistence.
Educator Wellness: Moving Beyond the Hot Cocoa Cart
Join Amanda Culhan, Counselor Connect Coordinator, as she welcomes Jon Acton, CEO of Broken Shells LLC, as they talk about educator wellness and school climate. As a former School Superintendent, USDOE National Blue Ribbon School Principal, Teacher, & Coach, Jon has a wealth of knowledge and experience in fostering a positive and healthy school climate, where relationships are critical, educators feel empowered, and students learn and grow. In this episode, Jon will share how to cultivate educator wellness beyond having a monthly hot cocoa cart (which we’re not denying we love!) and into more sustainable and meaningful wellness, leading to healthy and mindful educators and students, and a calmer school environment for all.
Episode Resources (links:
- Broken Shells
- Creating Calm DIY Guide (great for educator PD Days, PLCs)
- Caring for Ourselves DIY Guide (great for educator PD Days, PLCs)
- Funapalooza Sample , shared by Jon
- Want to learn more about cultivating a culture of calm?
- The Center for Mind-Body Medicine
- JabuMind (mindfulness app for educators)
- Calm Podcast
Moderator - Amanda Culhan, Counselor Connect Coordinator, Former State School Counseling Specialist and School Counselor
Guest - Jon Acton, CEO Broken Shells LLC, Speaker, Blogger & Author
Former School Superintendent, USDOE National Blue Ribbon School Principal, Teacher, Football Coach
Learn more about Jon & his work at: https://brokenshells.net/ and follow him on Twitter @BrokenShells3
Why Enhancing Career Counseling Skills is Critical for Student Success
Join Dr. Andrew Melin, Executive Director of CIESC, Ms. Flora Jones, director of student pathways for the Indiana Department of Education, and Mr. Allen Hill, the executive director of the Indiana School Counselors Association, as they discuss why it is important for today’s PK-12 counselors to enhance their career counseling skills. In addition to discussing the why, several ideas and strategies will be provided.
Moderator Dr. Andrew Melin, Executive Director, CIESC
Guest 1 - Flora Jones, Director of Student Pathways, Indiana Department of Education
Ms. Jones is a Proud School Administrator and Professional School Counselor with over twenty years of experience in the field of education. She prides herself in being a servant leader who has devoted her life to helping students find their Passion and Purpose and develop a Plan for their future. Before joining the IDOE, she served as the Director of Post-Secondary Readiness for Indianapolis Public Schools where she oversaw college, career, and life readiness initiatives across the district. Prior to her time in IPS, she spent over twenty years in MSD of Wayne Township in various roles including School Counselor, District Equity Team Leader, Recruitment Chairperson, Home School Advisor, At Risk Counselor, and GCL New Teacher Trainer, along with many other roles and responsibilities. In her role as IDOE Director of Student Pathways, she is responsible for setting the direction of Pathway Opportunities for students as it relates to Graduation Pathways and Locally Created Pathways, Regional Work-Based Learning Opportunities and Support, Dual Credit Credentialing for School Staff to Increase Student Access to College Coursework, Postsecondary Credentialing for Students and Moving the Terminal End Point of High School Beyond the Graduation Stage. She is also responsible for the support and guidance in the area of High Abilities, Alternative Educational Programming, Homeless Children and Youth, and Homeschool Initiatives.
Guest 2 - Allen Hill, Executive Director, Indiana School Counselors Association
Allen Hill has served as a school counselor in urban and rural settings since receiving a master’s degree from Northern Arizona University-Yuma in 2002. Allen has been active on the Arizona School Counselor Association governing board since 2004 in roles including President, Secondary Vice President, and Advocacy Chair. I currently serving as Indiana School Counselor Association Executive Director, been at this position since 2016. Allen is an active volunteer with the American Red Cross where he works in the Service to Armed Forces division as a trainer and facilitator for Reconnection Workshops.
Data Isn’t So Scary: Supporting School Counselors
Join Aimee Portteus, Director of School Counseling Initiatives for Inspire Success, as she speaks with Karen Santana, an elementary school counselor in Evansville, and Laura Robbins, high school counselor at South Newton! During this episode, you’ll hear about some data collection tools used, how & when to collect/analyze, why it's important, the impact data can have on a counseling program, & data usage for student advocacy! While Karen and Laura’s districts look vastly different as Karen works in a large, urban district and Laura, a small, rural district, they share an appreciation for data & have experienced how impactful it can be for their program and students!
Episode Resources (links):
- The Use Of Data In School Counseling, Second Edition: Hatching Results (And So Much More) For Students, Programs, And The Profession
- Laura’s Googleform - We need to make sure folks make a copy if they intend to use it!
Moderator - Aimee Portteus, Inspire Success
Aimee Portteus is the Director of School Counseling Initiatives for Inspire Success, an educational non-profit organization that supports the work of school counselors.
Guest 1 - Laura Robbins
School Counselor
South Newton High School
Laura has served as the High School Counselor at South Newton in rural northwest Indiana since 2012. She and her husband, Kyle, have two kids that keep them on their toes. Laura also coaches high school volleyball in all her free time Laura’s motto since 2020 is "You can do hard things" and so can YOU!
Guest 2 - Karen Santana, Counselor
School Counselor: Lodge Community School
Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation
Karen has been the Counselor at Lodge Community School for over 10 years. She serves students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. Karen’s school recently earned RAMP recognition in 2022.
School Counseling Advocacy: Tips from Indiana’s School Counselor of the Year
In celebration of National School Counseling Week, Amanda Culhan converses with Indiana’s School Counselor of the year, Lydia McNeiley. Lydia was named the Exemplary Middle School Counselor and the Indiana School Counselor of the Year at the ISCA Conference in November, 2022.
Join us as Lydia shares her unique contributions to school counseling, focusing on her role and the ways in which she advocates for the school counseling profession and her students.
Lydia McNeiley, College and Career Coordinator, School City of Hammond
2022 Indiana School Counselor of the Year
2022 Exceptional Middle School Counselor
National School Counselor Fellow, Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment
@LMcneiley
Episode Moderated by: Amanda Culhan, Keep Indiana Learning Counselor Connect Coordinator, Former State School Counseling Specialist & School Counselor
Counselor Connect February Takeover for National School Counseling Week!
In celebration of National School Counseling Week, Amanda Culhan converses with school counselors, administrators, and other student service professionals in a 4 part series on the Home Grown Podcast from Keep Indiana Learning!
Week 1 - Join in a conversation with Indiana’s School Counselor of the year, Lydia McNeiley. Lydia was named the Exemplary Middle School Counselor and the Indiana School Counselor of the Year at the ISCA Conference in November, 2022.
Week 2 - Join Aimee Portteus, Director of School Counseling Initiatives for Inspire Success, as she speaks with Karen Santana, an elementary school counselor in Evansville, and Laura Robbins, high school counselor at South Newton! During this episode, you’ll hear about some data collection tools used, how & when to collect/analyze, why it's important, the impact data can have on a counseling program, & data usage for student advocacy!
Week 3 - Join Ms. Flora Jones, director of student pathways for the Indiana Department of Education, and Mr. Allen Hill, the executive director of the Indiana School Counselors Association, will discuss why it is important for today’s PK-12 counselors to enhance their career counseling skills.
Week 4 - Join Amanda Culhan as she welcomes Jon Acton, CEO of Broken Shells LLC, as they talk about educator wellness and school climate. As a former School Superintendent, USDOE National Blue Ribbon School Principal, Teacher, & Coach, Jon has a wealth of knowledge and experience in fostering a positive and healthy school climate, where relationships are critical, educators feel empowered, and students learn and grow.
Thank you to all the school counselors and student service professionals! You are so essential to our students, schools, and communities!
Building Thinking Classrooms Conference - Save the Date!
The first-ever Building Thinking Classrooms Conference is June 29 & 30, 2023 in Franklin, Indiana! Educators from across the globe are finding the work of Peter Liljedahl as a revolution in getting students doing more than just mimicking and REALLY thinking! Courtney Flessner, host of the Math and Other Things Podcast, joins Keep Indiana Learning Director, Lena Darnay, for a conversation about BTC and how this conference will bring the BTC community together with Peter for two in-person days of learning and sharing!
Find out more, and get notified when registration opens at www.keepindianalearning.org/btcc
Assessing the Synergy of Your Team - Self-Assessment Strategies for School & District Teams
Join Tanika Kinartail as she welcomes Rob Wessman, founder of Koru Strategy, to the Keep Indiana Learning Studio to talk about self-assessment strategies for school and district teams. Keep Indiana Learning has a long partnership with Koru to work with teams around the state of Indiana as they align their goals and vision, work collaboratively to support teachers and students, and learn new practices to find efficiencies and synergy!
Learn more about how you can work with Koru Strategy to reboot your team: https://keepindianalearning.org/events/data-inquiry/
In 2014, Dr. Wessman founded Koru with a desire to facilitate deep and meaningful change in school systems through teaming, evidence, and transformational learning. He serves as an executive coach, strategist, critical friend, lead facilitator, instructional designer, coach, and mentor across a diverse portfolio of projects, ensuring each partner meets shared goals for improvement. Dr. Wessman spent 9 years as a teacher, school leader, and transformation specialist in Utah prior to earning a doctor of education leadership at HGSE. He is a Data Wise Certified Coach and mentor.
10 Years of DigCit Week with Common Sense Education
DigCit Week celebrates 10 years of working with educators, families, and youth on the essential need to be a smart, savvy, and thoughtful citizen in the digital world. Join us as we talk with Jennifer Ehehalt, Sr. Regional Manager, Common Sense Education, and Melissa Bardack, Instructional Specialist with Indiana Online, as we talk about the last 10 years of DigCit week, and forecast into the future for the next 10 years!
Common Sense Digital Citizenship Landing page #DigCitWins #DigCitWeek
Additional Resources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SsTPe-r21yH5SS8EL0BetkFVvh-plmqqUKpyBrWGbWA/edit
Love Song to Assistant Principals
Join us as we sing a love song to assistant principals! On this episode of the Home Grown podcast, join Tanika Kinartail from Keep Indiana Learning along with Valerie Miller, Assistant Principal from Wayne Township Schools, and Candace Hons, Assistant Principal from Westfield-Washington Schools. They will share advice to new assistant principals and answer the big questions on finding balance, responding to parents, and other relatable questions from the field!
Today's guests:
Valerie Miller - Assistant Principal
Ben Davis University High School-Wayne Township
Twitter: @valmiller40
Candace Hons -Assistant Principal
Washington Woods Elementary School-Westfield Washington Schools
Twitter: @MrsHons
Help! I'm a New Teacher! The New Teacher Help Desk is Open!
Help! I'm a New Teacher! Join Lena Darnay, Courtney Flessner, & Tanika Kinartail from Keep Indiana Learning as we answer some questions from new teachers! We'll share our best advice for when you realize that YOU are in charge of these small humans, what all those acronyms mean, and how to find your community of fellow new teachers and create a network of support! BONUS! Listen to snag a code to join the New Teacher Cadre from Keep Indiana Learning for 75% off until Sept 6, 2022!
The Role of E-Learning Specialist: The View from the Classroom
Can we have a real conversation about what it feels like for classroom teachers when an e-learning specialist, full of good intent and ideas, enters their classroom? We’ll be looking at perspectives of both parties, and trying to arrive at a healthy and helpful compromise that best serves teachers and therefore students.
Moderator: Tim Arnold is a District eLearning Specialist with Richmond Community schools in Richmond, IN. Prior to that he was a social studies teacher, coach, and educational leader at Nettle Creek Schools in Hagerstown,IN. Tim was selected as a Top Ten Educator in the State of Indiana in 2008, taught Social Studies methods in the Earlham College Master of Arts in Teaching program, and has presented at multiple local, state and national conferences (ICE, HECC, CanvasCon, InstructureCon, ISTE) on topics he is passionate about including blended learning, student engagement, Canvas, G Suite for Education, and Building Community through VR Tour Creator. Additionally, Tim holds certifications in Technology Leadership (CIESC Cohort 8), Google (Level 1), FlipGrid, and Nearpod and collaborates with @RCSLearn colleagues to host a Twitter chat with over 120 episodes. Tim joined Keep Indiana Learning as a Digital Learning Coach in the fall of 2021. Tim and his wife Julie, a former “rock-star” 6th grade science teacher and current guidance counselor, are graduates of Indiana University (BS ‘90) and Ball State University (MA ‘97), and have two children, Kelsie, a UX Designer in Nashville, TN and Nick, an agronomy specialist with Co-Alliance.Tim's mantra is to serve others with patient persistence.
Guest Bio: Kevin graduated with a business degree from Miami University in 1998, however, his journey led him to a career in education a few years later. In 2006, Kevin received his certification to teach elementary education from IU East, where he also went on to earn a Master of Science in Education. After teaching 6th grade for a number of years, along with a few other experiences, he became one of Richmond Community Schools' first eLearning Specialists. In that role, he helped teachers and students learn how to leverage technology to engage, enhance, and extend teaching and learning, as well as provide the necessary experiences to better prepare them for their future. He once again returned to the classroom in 2021 to serve as a 4th grade teacher at Charles Elementary School in Richmond, IN.
Kevin lives in Eaton, Ohio and has been married to his wife Kristin, also an educator, for 13 years. They have two energetic boys, Jaxon (10) and Greyson (5). In his free time, he enjoys running, reading, cooking, and listening to real estate (and real crime) podcasts! Kevin has experienced a great deal of personal and professional growth over the past few years, met some amazing people, and has transformed his view of the role that he can play in education.
Educator Couples - Part 1: The Flessner Origin Story
In today's episode Courtney Flessner has a very special guest to kick off a new series on Educator Couples. Her partner in life and math education, Ryan Flessner, joins her to share their journey as educators and partners from the corridors of Ross Hall at Butler University, to the Graduate Program at Columbia University Teacher's College, around the country and back home again to Indiana. You will love hearing their laughter and delight as they recount their early teaching missteps and successes, the authentic struggle of being an educator while having your own young kids at home, and now as they are leading the charge to create transformational change for educators across Indiana.
Are you part of an educator couple? We invite you to share your experiences as an educator couple on an upcoming episode in our series! Reach out to us at keepindianalearning@ciesc.org!
Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16_DHvaVYKeRnIcNYYz6G4SkSqX7ZTbde/view?usp=sharing
Fireside Chat with Indiana Teacher of the Year, Sharita Ware
Join Keep Indiana Learning STEM Synergy Coordinator Amanda McCammon for a Fireside Chat style conversation with 2022 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Sharita Ware. This casual conversation will provide you with a glimpse into her classroom, her thoughts on advocacy and politics as a teacher leader, and advice for potential non-traditional educators.
Mrs. Sharita Ware is the 2022 Indiana Teacher of the Year and an engineering and technology teacher at East Tipp Middle School in the Tippecanoe School Corporation. Sharita Ware has 10 years of experience in the classroom, which is a second career for the educator. Mrs. Ware spent the years prior to becoming an educator serving in industry in engineering and marketing. In addition to teaching STEM and coaching robotics teams at East Tipp Middle School, Ware has also taught classes through Purdue University’s Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute’s Super Saturday Program. Ware earned her bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering technology from the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, specializing in engineering and technology teacher education from Purdue University. Mrs. Ware is a product of the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship program.
Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kfT1jqZi6TJsBGgAz27wzAsooJlIwhQB/view?usp=sharing
Bringing the Magic of Disney into the Classroom
In today’s episode of the Home Grown Podcast we’re experiencing the magic of Disney and how to bring that magic into the classroom! We welcome guests Brian Collins, a former Disney Imagineer, Thomas Riddle, the Assistant Director of the Roper Mountain Science Center, Faith Plunkett Instructional Technology Coach in Decatur City Schools in Decatur, Alabama, and Ryan Boeckman middle school teacher and co-host of an educational podcast called “My Disney Class”. Moderated by Keep Indiana Learning Digital Learning Coach Tim Wilhelums.
Resources mentioned during today’s episode:
Websites:
www.starwarsintheclassroom.com
Podcast:
www.imagineeringedu.com/podcast-series
https://www.mydisneyclass.com/podcast
Social Media:
Facebook Group: Educators Who Love Disney
Facebook Group: The Mouse and the Imagineer
Faith Plunkett @faithplunkett89
Ryan Boeckman @DisEdDesign
Thomas Riddle @ImagineeringEd
Brian Collins @BrainstormInst
Professional Development:
Books:
Designing Disney Inspired Classrooms. Contact Ryan directly via email at ryanboeckman@gmail.com and he can send a book directly to you at the cheapest price. Just mention the Home Grown podcast from Keep Indiana Learning!
Brain Storm by Don Hahn
Designing Disney by John Hench
The Imagineering Way: Ideas to Ignite Your Creativity by Disney Books
The Imagineering Workout by The Disney Imagineers
A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech
Dream It! Do It! By Marty Sklar
One Little Spark! By Marty Sklar
Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell
Who’s the Leader of the Club by Jim Korkis
Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/190hXrdUGA1PGnXsbeQ2W-NRY1wSZcyti/view?usp=sharing
More than a Month: Building Up Black Voices All Year
In today’s episode Dr. Dennisha Murff and Ayana Coles join Courtney Flessner and Lena Darnay to discuss ways educators can build up Black and traditionally marginalized voices throughout the school year, not just during Black History Month.
Dr. Dennisha Murff is an administrator, author, adjunct professor, consultant, and relentless advocate for equitable education. Throughout her career, she has worked to incorporate equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and cultural responsiveness in her work. Dr. Murff has over 23 years of experience in education, including several years as an elementary school principal. She has also served as an assistant principal and elementary teacher. Dr. Murff is also the founder of Murff Consulting Group, LLC, an educational consulting group focused on “cultivating the greatness” within each scholar. She believes education is the great equalizer. Dr. Murff and her husband, Darrell Murff, are the proud parents of three amazing children, McKenzie, Lincoln, and Averi.
Ayana Wilson Coles has been an educator for the past 16 years working in various grade levels and settings. She is currently an Assistant Principal in Pike Township. Additionally, she is currently finishing up an Educational Doctorate at IU Bloomington in the Literacy, Culture, and Language Education. She is a wife and a mother of 3.
Resources mentioned in today's episode:
Black History is American History - Columbia University
https://sps.columbia.edu/news/black-history-american-history
https://blackhistory.news.columbia.edu/
But That’s just Good Teaching - Gloria Ladson Billings
Linda Christiansen - Rethinking Schools
Reading, Writing, Rising Up
Teaching for Joy and Justice
Practicing Culturally Relevant Math Teaching
BrainLairBooks - Kathy Burnette - https://www.brainlairbooks.com/
Teaching: A Rom-Com
In this episode of the Home Grown Podcast by Keep Indiana Learning, hosts Lena Darnay and Courtney Flessner examine how a relationship with Teaching is like a Rom-Com. From the unexpected love interest, to the meddlesome parent, a true love story with Teaching can feel like a mix of comedy, drama, and, hopefully, a happily ever after!
We will also hear from two amazing Indiana Educators, Tammy Meyers and Samantha Mitchell, who are keeping the love alive in their schools and classrooms.
Tammy Meyers is a lifelong Hoosier, having grown up in Johnson County and now living in Montgomery County where she works as a special education teacher. Tammy holds an M.Ed. and is completing an Ed.S. and Director of Exceptional Needs license through Indiana State University. Her strengths are student engagement, data analysis, and reading intervention. Her weaknesses are metric system conversions, eating a healthy lunch, and remembering in which classroom she left her coffee mug.
Samantha Mitchell is an Elementary Instructional Coach in the Tippecanoe School Corporation. In her 10 years of education, Samantha has taught kindergarten, 2/3 high ability, 4th grade, and 4/5 high ability. She has also been a district-wide technology coach. Samantha received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Saint Joseph's College and earned her Master's in School Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has a passion for igniting the curiosity of all learners through technology, innovation, and room transformations. You can find her on Twitter at @MsMitchell04 or Instagram @icoachk5.
Episode Transcription: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BemkdLkIQ9gKzVz0YDqv9Qj5PKrfu-Mz/view?usp=sharing
Learning the Lessons from COVID - Checking In Mid-Pandemic
Join us as we take a look “mid-pandemic” at the lessons we’ve learned! The Keep Indiana Learning panelists on today’s episode include a classroom teacher, technology integration specialists, coordinator of digital learning, and a director of education initiatives. We look at how the pandemic has changed teaching and learning from all sides and how it is still, and always will be, about making sure our kids get the best educational experience possible.
Moderator:
Tim Wilhelmus has over 20 years of experience in education as a high school language arts and technology teacher, eLearning coach, and district-level Innovation, Curriculum, and Technology Specialist.
Tim’s personal mission is to inspire educators to design more impactful learning experiences by bringing passionate people together and asking the questions that fuel their imaginations. He is constantly chasing the high of that moment when someone says, “You know what would be cool…”
Panelists:
David Sturgeon - Director of Education Initiatives for Yorktown Community Schools. His background in teaching is in elementary and middle school math and science. In his work with Yorktown Community Schools he oversees technology, all federal and state grants, is the high ability coordinator, as well as many other hats. David is an avid supporter of all things technology, making technology as accessible as possible for all students and staff across the district.
Jo Cox- Technology Integration Specialist for Yorktown Community Schools. Her background in teaching is in Business Ed, teaching courses such as Economics, Personal Finance, and Computer Science. Both her Bachelors and Masters degree were earned at BSU. In her work with Yorktown Community Schools she is in charge of professional learning, technology integration and eLearning. She is a Canvas Admin and enthusiast, specializing in implementation throughout the district.
Dianne Knox - Technology Instructional Specialist for Clay Community Schools in Brazil, Indiana. She has held this position since 2017. Dianna also has a background in Spanish, English, Communications, and Theatre. In May 2021 she earned an M.Ed in Learning and Technology from WGU-Indiana and focused her capstone project to help teachers create relationships with students in online and blended learning environments using Canvas (or their LMS of choice). She loves learning new skills and helping others.
Kyle Kline - Coordinator of Digital Learning at Twin Lakes School Corporation in Monticello, Indiana. He has 5 years of experience as a technology integration specialist with a background of 13 years teaching mathematics at the high school level. Kyle's passion is working with educators and students and watching their eyes light up when they learn something new that can help them in the classroom or their daily lives.
Episode Transcript available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TqWWNk8FFcl0M11IAhMSGoe_oPjBzrSt/view?usp=sharing
Meet LAB Education - Transforming Education from the Classroom Out
In this powerful episode, Keep Indiana Learning connects with two educators who are transforming education from the classroom up. Selena Guilbeaux and Raven Cole are classroom teachers who united to create Louisiana Anti-Bias (LAB) Education in 2020. Through LAB Education, they provide Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist professional development This episode is full of honest conversations, classroom tested activities, and authentic, research-based foundations for getting started with Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist education in your classroom. As Selena and Raven share, it just takes baby-steps to get started and begin to make essential, transformational change. You can find LAB Education at https://www.labeducation.net/ and on Social Media: YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
Show Resources and Links:
LAB Education Social Media: YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
LAB Education Six Foundations Flyer
Guest Bios available at https://www.labeducation.net/
Finding Joy with Tony Taylor
In this episode, Lena Darnay from Keep Indiana Learning talks with motivational speaker Tony Taylor on how to cultivate and find joy.
Tony Taylor has served as a US Marine, worked as Fire Captain with the Department of Defense, and as Corporate Executive. His leadership seminars mirror the many lessons Tony has garnered during his life’s endeavors. He teaches leading with compassion and obtaining set goals without compromising other people. As a highly requested Keynote Speaker and leading authority on overcoming adversity and authentic leadership for audiences as large as 10,000—Tony inspires audiences to meet the challenges of the world around them. He highlights the importance of believing in yourself and surviving at all costs. Find him at https://www.tonytaylorinspires.com/ and listen to more from Tony on Leaders Lead the Podcast.
Creating Responsible Digital Citizens in Today’s Ever-Connected World featuring Kat Crawford and Kaylah Holland
On this episode of the Home Grown podcast we welcome special guests Kat Crawford and Kaylah Holland to discuss how the narrative around digital citizenship is shifting and evolving. Join us for a conversation that takes digital citizenship beyond the incomprehensible Acceptable Use Policies of most schools and districts, and puts it in student friendly language with positive behavior supports and meaningful learning opportunities.
Kat Crawford is the executive director of digital innovation for the Schlechty Center. She supports the design of technology innovation, the transformation of school systems (specifically addressing the needs of alternative schools), and facilitates professional learning for teachers who strive to cultivate engaging work. She brings with her a creative zest, which she applies to her educational technology expertise and certifications. All of her work is driven by her core belief that all students deserve a high-quality education. Twitter: @dramatickat | Email: kcrawford@schlechtycenter.org
Dr. Kaylah Holland is passionate about empowering educators through practical professional development, one on one coaching, and innovative lesson design. She combines innovation and heart, a dynamite duo, to create student-centered environments that offer a path to success in school and life. She holds a Doctorate of Education and a Master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology with extensive research in blended, active, and authentic learning environments. Kaylah currently works with BreakFree Education empowering educators working within juvenile justice facilities across the US to create high-quality educational experiences for students held in confinement. She is a collegiate professor as well as a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator. Twitter: @hollandkaylah |Email: kholland@breakfree-ed.org
Resources mentioned in today’s episode:
Center For Humane Technology: https://www.humanetech.com/
Twitter Post of Visual RUP (Image Credit to Heather Breedlove @HBLove03)
Anti-Racism - Creating Culturally Relevant Connections in the Classroom
In today's episode Tim Wilhelmus interviews fellow Keep Indiana Learning Digital Learning Coach Chevin Stone about anti-racism for educators and how essential classroom connections and relationships are to creating a safe and culturally responsive space for learning. Through their conversations in this episode and the continued conversations through the Indiana Connected Educators book study of So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, we start to uncover the ways that we can each know better to do better.
An educator with 18+ years of experience in the classroom, Chevin Stone is a dedicated lover of all things science and technology. She is a Google Certified Educator and Edtech coach, working with teachers as they become more skilled with tech in the classroom. Her interest in antiracism comes from a desire to help all teachers reflect on their personal and professional biases so the relationships they build with their students are authentic and genuine. Reach out to Chevin at Twitter @csstone1161 and Instagram @solve4whyedtech
Books mentioned in this episode:
How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
White Fragility by Robin Deangelo
Other Resources
Facebook page Antiracism Education Now
Book list Anti Racist Reading List
Getting Started You Have an Antiracist Book List, Now What?
Listen Courageously - The Power of Listening
Join us as we welcome Juliana Tafur, researcher and documentary filmmaker of List(e)n, in a powerful conversation about the essential nature of listening and how necessary it is to learn to listen effectively and courageously.
Through her organization, Listen Courageously, Juliana runs workshops with large organizations, leading universities, and for the first time ever, K-12 educators through Keep Indiana Learning. Her mission is to solve an evolving social problem, which is: as a society, we have forgotten how to listen. Connecting again at a human level – regardless of ideological preferences, sexual orientation, skin color or cultural heritage – has never been more important.
The immersive virtual workshops are designed to make people more aware of their listening blocks and better able to engage in heart-centered conversations that lead to understanding.
Using the award-winning documentary film “List(e)n”, which successfully makes people with opposing viewpoints connect at a human level, we’re breaking down these silos by guiding people on how to have heart-centered conversations that lead to understanding, as well as how to listen to see past stereotypes. Learn more about Listen Courageously at https://listencourageously.com/ and watch the LIST(e)N Trailer on Vimeo.
Moderators: Lena Darnay, Learning Architect for Keep Indiana Learning, and Katie Lash, Director of East Central Educational Service Center of Indiana.
Season 2 Premier - Mindful By Design with Caitlin Krause
Join Tim for a live edition of the Home Grown Podcast. Tim will be talking with Caitlin Krause, author of Mindful by Design and Designing Wonder. They will discuss mindfulness in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning.
Caitlin Krause focuses on the intersection of technology, innovation and wellbeing, and founded the studio and consultancy MindWise in 2015. She teaches about the subject at Stanford University and is the Director of Community and Business Development at the Virtual World Society. Caitlin has advised global organizations including Google, Facebook, Oracle, TED, Evernote, University of San Francisco, ETH Zürich and the U.S. State Department. In September of 2020 she released the book Designing Wonder: Leading Transformative Experiences in VR. She authored The Importance of Presence and The Art of Storytelling in VR as part of the XR Collaboration Global Resource Guide. Caitlin has created and run numerous collaborative experiences in social XR, fusing presence, mindfulness, storytelling, curiosity and emotional intelligence. She is also a writer and designer for digital therapeutic applications that incorporate haptics and biofeedback. After two decades of teaching and leadership experience, she authored Mindful By Design (Corwin Press, 2019) helping individuals and teams navigate complexity and change, prioritizing mindful wellbeing, design and imagination.
Find out more at caitlinkrause.com.
Maker Spaces and the Maker Education Movement
In this episode, join Tim Wilhelmus, Keep Indiana Learning Digital Learning Coach, as he hosts an all-star panel of thought leaders in the maker space and maker education movement.
Special Guests:
Sylvia Martinez, former aerospace engineer & co-author of Invent to Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom
Nicholas Provenzano, Technology Coordinator and Makerspace Director at University Liggett School
Faith Plunkett, Technology Coach at Decatur City Schools in Decatur, Ala.
Design Process Thinking to Spark Student Creativity
In this episode of the HomeGrown podcast, moderator Tim Wilhelmus, Keep Indiana Digital Learning Coach, connects with Les McBeth from the Future Design school and Sabba Quidwai host of the podcast Sprint to Success with Design Thinking. They unpack the concepts within Design Process Thinking and make connections with how to get started in small, meaningful ways within your classroom, library, or school.
Podcast Transcript Link
Transcript: S1-Episode 2-DesignThinking Final Cut.pdf
Podcast Resources
Extraordinaires Link
Sprint to Success with Design Thinking - Podcast
Future Design School - for DT Curriculum resources, the DT Playbook, and PD/ Strategic Planning support: www.futuredesignschool.com @fdesignschool @futuredesignschool.
Centre for Urban Pedagogy: http://welcometocup.org/ - non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and adults to use the power of design and art to increase meaningful civic engagement.
Digital Citizenship in the Post-Pandemic Classroom
Join Tim Wilhelmus, Keep Indiana Learning Digital Learning Coach, as he engages in a dynamic conversation about Digital Citizenship in the Post-Pandemic Classroom. Our premier episode is full of powerful insights from some of the EdTech world’s foremost thought leaders.
Featured Guests:
Merve Lapus - Vice President of Education, Outreach and Engagement for Common Sense Education
Diana Gill - Director of technology for East Porter County Schools in Northwest Indiana
KC Boyd - Librarian at Jefferson Academy in Washington DC
Kerry Gallagher - Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning at St. John's Prep, in Danvers, Massachusetts nd the Director of Education for Connect Safely
Podcast Full Transcript:
Podcast Resource Links:
Common Sense Education: https://www.commonsense.org/education/
Wide Open School: https://wideopenschool.org/
Educator Guides from ConnectSafely: https://www.connectsafely.org/educatorguides/
Parent Guides from ConnectSafely: https://www.connectsafely.org/parentguides/
Short & Printable Quick Guides: https://www.connectsafely.org/quickguides/
Quick Guides in Spanish: https://www.connectsafely.org/guias-rapidas-en-espanol/
Copyrighteous: A Catalyst for Creativity in the Classroom by Diana Gill: https://www.amazon.com/Copyrighteous-Creativity-Classroom-Diana-Gill/dp/1949595781
Home Grown Trailer
Powered by Keep Indiana Learning, Home Grown is an educator-created podcast featuring inspiring stories.Join us as we talk about transforming education through equity, innovation, and technology.