Episode 161 of the Leader of Learning Podcast features an interview with Michelle Smit (@digiteach), a passionate business coach who helps educators move away from trading time for money and towards trading value for money through digital courses, group programs, and digital products. Her mission is to help educators bring their impact online through online business. In the episode, we discuss pursuing your passions and building successful side hustles and online businesses in the education space. Michelle shares her personal journey from burnt-out ESL teacher to successful course creator, and offers advice on how to overcome fear, lean into discomfort, and follow intuition. We also discuss why educators may hesitate to monetize their skills and hobbies, and offer strategies for breaking through those internal barriers. We also delve into the importance of finding your niche, getting specific on your target audience, and conducting market research to create offers that truly resonate with customers.
Podcast Episodes
Episode 160 of the Leader of Learning Podcast features an interview with Miriam Plotinsky (@MirPloMCPS), a national board certified teacher, instructional specialist with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, and the author of the book, “Lead Like a Teacher.” In the episode, Miriam discusses nine key aspects of leadership, how to stop teachers and their leaders from becoming adversaries, and how school leaders can lead more effectively by actively listening to teachers and welcoming their expertise.
Episode 159 of the Leader of Learning Podcast features an interview with Jason Ablin (@jasonablin), an education consultant who works with schools on gender equity, positive faculty engagement, and school culture, and the author of the book, “The Gender Equation in Schools: How to create equity and fairness for all students.” In the episode, Jason discusses gender equity in education, our current climate around gender and sexuality and what it is doing to teachers and education in general and the importance of SEL and why it's so critical, particularly for boys.
Episode 158 of the Leader of Learning Podcast features an interview with Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr (@makemathmoments), co-hosts of the Make Math Moments podcast. Kyle is the K-12 Mathematics Consultant with the Greater Essex County District School Board and Jon is a high school math teacher at John McGregor […]
Episode 157 of the Leader of Learning Podcast features an interview with Tre Gammage (@tregammage), a Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Owner and Consultant with SEL Educators, and former teacher and Dean of Students. In the episode, Tre discusses the importance of emotional intelligence, how leaders can support social-emotional wellness, tips for self care, and the current state of SEL in K-12 education.
As an educator, there comes a point in your career when you may start to think about advancing your career. Becoming a school leader is a popular choice among educators, and for good reason. Advancing your career as an educator can offer numerous benefits, both professionally and personally.
Episode 155 of the Leader of Learning Podcast, “Keep Your Finger on the Pulse of Your Culture” features Bobby Pollicino (@BobbyPollicino), Head of Upper School at Bullis School in Potomac, Marlyand, former teacher, dean of students, and assistant principal, and coach, and the author of “Pricnipled Leader.” In the episode, Bobby discusses the importance of connections over content, building a strong school community, checking the pulse of your staff and organizational culture, and the importance of self care.
In episode 154 of the Leader of Learning Podcast, Dr. Dan Kreiness (@dr_kreiness) interviews Jed Stefanowicz (@stefanowicz135), Digital Learning Coach in Walpole, Massachusetts, former Massachusetts Teach Plus Policy Fellow, and author of “Take AIM at Digital Learning: Activate, Innovate, Motivate” and “Impact to Influence.” In the episode, Jed discusses emerging instructional technologies and how educators should embrace change, how to move beyond traditional instructional methods, and the intersection of leading and coaching.
In episode 153 of the Leader of Learning Podcast, Dr. Dan Kreiness (@dr_kreiness) interviews William”Coach” Jeffery (@CoachJeffery), principal at Columbia High School in Columbia-Brazoria ISD, curator and author of educational content with Flipboard, and executive producer and host for the “I Want To Speak To The Principal” and “Flipboard EDU” podcasts. In the episode, Coach discusses ways to bring coaching and mentoring into leadership, supporting growth in yourself and others, the art of delegation, and how “expertise” can show through passion and enthusiasm.
In episode 152 of the Leader of Learning Podcast, Dr. Dan Kreiness (@dr_kreiness) interviews Jed Dearybury (@mrdearybury), an educator, former GQ Magazine Male Leader of the Year, the first ever Milken Fellow for the state of South Carolina, and author of books such as “The Playful Classroom: The Power of Play for All Ages,” co-written with Dr. Julie P. Jones, “Courageous Classroom,” and “The Playful Life: The Power of Play in Our Everyday.” In the episode, Jed discusses ways to bring playfulness into teaching and learning, how to advocate for LGBTQ+ community in education, and ideas for how to stay trauma-informed as an educator.