Storiesinedu's Podcast

Josh, Mandy, and Gerry explore the world of mastery learning, how Gerry implements it, and how his students explained it as workshop presenters at a big conference. Plus a Game of Stories card about student-video-making. tinyrul.com/ppdstories

Dr. Sam Patterson is the guy who runs the makerspace. But he also helps students fix things, engage in design thinking, and create skills for a life time. As he says, "The most important things students make are decisions." And he teaches them how to do that well. Mandy and Josh listen and guide this episode as Sam tells great stories about driving through snow, llamas, puppets, and of course Peter's pants. Plus a quick conversation about student choice prompted by the Game of Stories.

An interesting, in-depth discussion of the stories that result when students get small amounts of time to plan and create every day. Nick, Mandy, and Josh discuss maker spaces, constructionist educational theory in practice, and one student's imagined whimsical flute. Listen in to hear what happened next...

Brian Farrell explains his roundabout process to become a teacher while Josh and Mandy try to convince him that even though he didn't give his stuffed animals detentions as a 5 year old, the profession still honors him as a teacher. You're the real deal Brian! Tune in to hear the discussion about middle school teaching, building a class-sized pyramid, and flip phones. Plus Game of Stories! tinyurl.com/ppdstories

Whether teaching in Singapore, Chicago, or preparing to teach next year in France, Tara Linney shares her unique experiences educating the students of the world. She explains how the curricula are similar, but the students are a wonderful diversity of cultures and traditions. Josh and Mandy lead the discussion of where Tara has been and how she got there. Plus a lightening round with a Game of Stories card on unique presentation techniques. tinyurl.com/ppdstories

Mandy and Josh talk with educator and personalized PD advocate Knikole Taylor about how she has not been afraid to have her students lead the learning and learn alongside them. The group discusses the shift from a time when teachers knew everything to a more collaborative process for learning. Plus a discussion sparked by Game of Stories tinyurl.com/ppdstories about video conferencing and how they've used it with students and staff caps off the conversation. 

A wonderful, well-rounded conversation about how we evolve as educators (with some pokemon references thrown in for Josh-style analogies). Mandy and Josh explore the world that educators live in and discuss the research-based benefits of wellness (and yoga!) for educators. The conversation draws to a close with a Game of Stories prompt where these connected educators share their stories about using movement in the classroom. #StoriesInEDU

Mandy and Josh discuss the components of a great conference for presenters and participants with instructional coach Shaina Glass. But they don't stop there. The trio discuss goal-setting, passion planners, and supporting teachers so they get what they need for their students. A look into how thoughtful educators are still learning and growing. They learn together as we listen and watch!

Josh and Mandy hear and share stories about growing as a person and growing as a professional. While working with other educators, we can find those who will push us and those who will support us. Both are important. It's about coaching, connecting, and carrying it further. A free-wheeling conversation about being there for each other as educators so we can be there for students.

Josh talks with Library Media Specialist Kira Schockley and gets an international perspective on education based on her experiences as an educator in different parts of the world. Who does food service at your school? Is it the students? Listen in...

Josh and Mandy hear well-told stories from veteran English teacher Kate Baker from New Jersey. Baker tells how her gamification of a unit led to success and confidence for at least one memorable student. Plus, the trio shares stories of the clever ideas they used for students to make educational videos. Great ideas to make the content less "scary."

Josh and Mandy hear wonderful stories from teacher Leigh Anne Geib as she talks about the great experiences she has had shifting little and big things in her classes. Specific ideas; far-reaching impacts. And a big thank you to Joy Kirr's book Shift This. Plus some great stories about "celebrating" as a card from the "Game of Stories" deck starts another engaging conversation.

Josh Gauthier catches up with Jarod Bormann to tell the story of how he gets the best out of conferences. Jarod tells the stories of those educators he connects with who are professionally driven. That's also the name of his new book Professionally Driven: Empower EVERY Educator to Redefine PD.

"I'm not a fan of inspirational posters." Josh and Mandy explore this statement and more as they hear and tell stories about relationships, connections, and more with teacher Kenny Bosch who brings his 20 years of teaching experience to the podcast. 

Josh adds award-winning math teacher Adrianne Burns to the equation and the product is an interesting conversation about students thinking, solving problems, and learning to have a growth mindset. Plus, they play the Game of Stories while discussing blogs.

Three educators share stories from inside the educational world to showcase the powerful and significant impact that educators have. But what about you? Who was the educator who had the greatest impact on you? What was it about this educator that was special, or made you feel special? What could we all do to be that person for someone else?