Help Me Understand with Dr. Robert Dillon

Sam Chaltain (@samchaltain) is a partner at 180 Studio, a global design collaborative dedicated to advancing people’s understanding of the future of learning — and what it requires. Sam’s writings about his work have appeared in both magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today. A former speechwriter for each of President Obama’s U.S. Secretaries of Education, Sam has also written for Oscar and Grammy Award winning artists. A periodic contributor to CNN, Sam is the author or co-author of seven books; a co-producer of the PBS documentary film, 180 Days: Hartsville; and co-creator of the 10-part online film series, A Year at Mission Hill. Sam has a Master’s degree in American Studies from the College of William & Mary, and an M.B.A. from George Washington University, where he specialized in non-profit management and organizational theory. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he graduated with a double major in Afro-American Studies and History.

With over 45 years of experience and a doctorate in education, Dr. Sandra Duncan has a wide and varied background in early care and education. She has extensive experience in working with young children and parents, teaching at the university level, designing professional development programs for practitioners, and authoring several teacher resource books. In this episode, we talk about how our work around intentional design comes together and her vision for what is possible going forward. 

Josh and I discuss opening a school library during a pandemic as well as how he is working to keep the maker culture rolling in his school. 

This episode continues our conversation about what we have learned from teaching and learning during a pandemic. This episode and part one of this series was supported by Color Art Interiors

This podcast was crafted in partnership with Color Art Interiors. They are helping schools and districts to design innovative spaces in the Saint Louis area and beyond. This episode features a number of educators discussing what is working and what remains a challenge in our current learning environments during this pandemic. 

Joseph Phelan and I come back together to talk about projects on the campus at Saint Andrews (MD). This conversation looks at some of the technical elements of design, and how he is going about bringing new projects to life in a pandemic. Some great ideas for considerations for those that are designing any type of space. 

The episode dives into the changing role of teaching and learning as well as some of the opportunities that schools have to make long-term changes in the way that they support students. 

This episode features Kelly Hyatt. She serves as the librarian at Central High School in Knox County, TN. Kelly has recently co-designed and launched a calming space in their library. She talks about her process to make the new space a reality, the initial reaction of students and outlines suggestions for others that are looking to create spaces to meet the needs of students. 

The Learning Playground is a series of spatial vignettes embracing nature connectedness, human connection, and emerging technologies to showcase virtual and physical environmental elements affiliated with enhancing mental, physical health and wellbeing, resilience, and learning outcomes. Link - Research and Resources: https://go.hcm2.com/the-learning-playground Link - Virtual Environment: https://yulio.com/3baI9ZggGd

Rayna is an amazing educator, and she currently serves as the president for MASSCUE.  Rayna Freedman is currently a 5th grade teacher at the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School in Mansfield, MA.  Rayna has a B.S. in Education from the University of Vermont and a M.Ed in Educational Technology from Lesley University.  She is a Google Level 2 certified educator, a BrainPOP certified educator, Flipgrid Ambassador, Fablevision Ambassador and Wakelet Ambassador. Rayna has presented for ISTE, Ed Tech Teacher, Tech and Learning, Medfield Digital Learning Day, FETC, BPLC, and BLC.

Andy Marcinek is a thinker, leader, and educator. He has helped schools continue to rethink what is possible in learning through technology and innovative practices. Andrew Marcinek is currently the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. Andrew was the first Chief Open Education Advisor for the US Department of Education. In that role, Andrew focused on accelerating the adoption of open education policies within the Department and across the federal government. As part of this campaign, Andrew organized a White House event that launched a national movement called #GoOpen and brought together EdTech companies, district and state leaders, and nonprofits. His ultimate goal is to increase the curation and sharing of open educational materials by educators throughout the country. Prior to that, he served as Director of Technology, Instructional Technology Specialist, and secondary English teacher in schools in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Don Wettrick is a leader and educator that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in schools and communities. Don Wettrick is the President and founder of STARTedUP, a nonprofit that provides entrepreneurial events, training, and seed funding for young entrepreneurs. STARTedUP also supports Innovate WithIN, a state wide pitch competition in Indiana. Don is also a podcast host for STARTedUP, which hosts some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs and authors. 

Noah is a coach and head of athlete development for the Williams Racing Academy, https://www.williamsracingacademy.com/. He also hosts The Second Echelon Podcast, https://www.williamsracingacademy.com/thesecondechelon. Noah and I discuss competitive cycling, and how his work as a coach continues to grow more and more technical in nature. Noah has seen and experienced cycling over many years as a fan, competitor, and now coach. More about Noah can be found here, https://www.williamsracingacademy.com/noah-williams

In this episode, Amber and I talk about the demands of being a school leader in these uncertain times, and her efforts to understand those around her using the wisdom of the Enneagram.  Amber Teamann is the proud principal of Whitt Elementary in Wylie ISD in Wylie, Texas. During her educational career, Amber’s comprehensive understanding of student learning has resulted in a successful blend of technology and teaching. From a 4th grade teacher at a public school technology center, to her role as a Title I Technology Facilitator responsible for 17 campuses, Amber has helped students and staff navigate their digital abilities and responsibilities. More about Amber can be found at her website, https://technicallyteamann.com/about/

This episode future Bill Selak. Bill and I discuss the future of learning as well as his passion around sound design. Bill is an ISTE Kay L. Bitter Vision Award winner, ISTE Emerging Leader, Google Certified Innovator, Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Educator Level 2, Apple Teacher, ISTE Certified Educator, and I’m Leading Edge Certified in Online & Blended Teaching, the Digital Educator, and Professional Developer certifications. He uses technology to shape the experience of each of my students. On this website, http://www.billselak.com/, he writes about how technology is shaping the face of modern education. Bill believes that technology empowers educators to better individualize teaching and learning, and empowers students to communicate in their own style.

In this episode, we talk about some of the ways that Josh is serving his community during this global pandemic, how to modernize the library learning experience, and some the people and moments that have shaped Josh as a dad, educator, and athlete. More about Josh, his work, books, and how we supports schools can be found at www.joshstumpenhorst.com

This episode features Dr. Monica Burns. To learn more about Monica and her work head over to classtechtips.com. You can also connectwith her on all of these social media channels: Twitter: @ClassTechTips, Facebook: ClassTechTips and Instagram: @ClassTechTips. Listen, rate, and review her podcast, Easy EdTech Podcast: https://classtechtips.com/category/podcast/  Don't forget to read: Tasks Before Apps: Designing Rigorous Learning in a Tech-Rich Classroom: classtechtips.com/books.

This episode is part of my efforts to feature the contributions of the Pattonville High School Class of 1992, and it was a pleasure or laugh and smile with Wendy. We also explored the  skills that we bring to the work place. The ideas of solving problems, getting things done, helping systems changes, project management, and getting things organized. We even spent a few moments talking about our mutual love of Colorado. 

Heather is a 1991 Pattonville graduate, small business owner, and entrepreneur. We talk about the wisdom that comes from growing your own business, the subjects in schools that have crept back into her work, and the joy that she gets in supporting so many around the country as they expand their businesses. It was insightful to hear how communications, marketing, science, and listening are all keys to her success. Heather is Clinical & Business Development Educator at Jan Marini.

Michelle and I talk about the importance of caring for students heads and hearts especially in this time of distance learning. Michelle is an SEL Expert, Elementary Educator, Mindfulness Practitioner, National & Tedx Speaker. More on Michele HERE