Anchored in Education

We've all been there. We've either made a snap decision (knee-jerk) or hesitated to make the decision at all (wishy-washy). But why do we do this? Well, of course, there is research behind it. Follow me on an adventure of decision making as I use examples and hypotheticals both in and out of education. Of course, we explore how to make better decisions using a simple model to test out the decisions we've made. Several books are mentioned throughout this podcast, so make sure to head to www.escottengland.com to find the titles in the resource section of today's episode.

Last week on Anchored in Education, we spoke to Dr. Ken Wallace from Maine Township High School District #207 about Getting it "Right" for Every Student. It was an amazing episode that was well received because of the fascinating and forward-thinking approach they are taking to education.

This week, we are visiting briefly with Ken again to talk about the business partners that Maine Township has to better serve their students and provide meaningful experiences.

After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Ken. You will also find a link to several articles and videos we discussed in the resource section.

How many times have students heard that they need to be preparing for college when they are in high school? Get good grades, study habits, attendance, and so forth. Colleges will look at all of it. But, what if college is not for everyone?

True statement: College is not for everyone. In fact, a good portion of college graduates are in professions in which they are overqualified. And most carry unnecessary debt.

Thankfully we have an amazing leader named Dr. Ken Wallace. Ken leads Maine Township High School District #207. And they are doing amazing things in preparing their high school students. Join us today as Ken talks more about how we need to be getting it right for every student.

After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Ken. You will also find a link to several articles and videos we discussed in the resource section.

Good decision making is a skill that we all need. Selecting the profession in which we will be the happiest. Our car, our homes, even our diets. Decisions are all around us.

It is no different in education. Decisions are made daily that impact the finances, the curriculum, and every other moving part that make education work. Typically, we see the adults making the decisions.

But who are we here for? That's right—students. Kristen Vogel, an educator from Canada, is also a co-developer of Guts vs. Heads, a decision-making tool designed to help students make better choices. She joins us today to talk about how powerful it is to empower students to make well-informed decisions.

After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Kristen. You will also find a link to the website we discussed in the resource section.

Bella Trupiano is an 8th grader at St. Joe Catholic School in Olney, Illinois. About a month into the shutdown, Bella penned a powerful post about doing things differently had she known she wouldn't be returning to school.

We have heard many stories during these odd COVID-19 pandemic times, but we're giving the day to hear from a student. Listen to Anchored in Education today to hear more from Bella. Because of students like her, we can all work to make education stronger.

After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Bella. You will also find a link to her blog in the resource section.

A leader is more than the person who holds the leadership title or has taken a step into administration. A leader is someone who recognizes their role and value and steps up to become a foundation. Teacher leaders do not wait until others solve problems for them; they see a problem and take initiative to to find a solution. Joe Fatheree and Rebecca Mieliwocki co-authored the book Adventures in Teachers Leadership. A book that explores the pathways, strategies, and inspiration for every teacher. Joe joins Anchored in Education for a two part series on teacher leadership.

This week we continue the conversation, including now professional development, advocacy, and getting started in your school district. After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Joe. You will also find a link to his book in the resource section.

A leader is more than the person who holds the leadership title or has taken a step into administration. A leader is someone who recognizes their role and value and steps up to become a foundation. Teacher leaders do not wait until others solve problems for them; they see a problem and take initiative to to find a solution. Joe Fatheree and Rebecca Mieliwocki co-authored the book Adventures in Teachers Leadership. A book that explores the pathways, strategies, and inspiration for every teacher. Joe joins Anchored in Education for a two part series on teacher leadership.

After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Joe. You will also find a link to his book in the resource section.

Charley Cass is back on Anchored in Education to talk this time about the value of school social workers and counselors. Charley, a three time podcast guest and I agree that too often social workers and counselors are overlooked for everything they do for students and families. This isn't intentional, but we must make sure to get better at recognizing the value they bring to a school environment.

After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Charley. You will also find a link to his blog in the resource section which is more than worth your time.

What do you do when you see a six foot eight human dressed in a giraffe costume to tell students to hang in there and that they're missed? You invite him onto the podcast.

Nathaniel Lackey is a first-year math teacher who first dressed as a giraffe to say hi to students and give words of encouragement. In the days that followed, Nathaniel dressed up as Spiderman, T-Rex, Bob Ross, and an alien to help engage students in his math lessons.

He does this to help maintain a sense of normalcy for his students as well as showing them it is okay to be yourself and have fun. Since this episode, Nathaniel has also delivered a Star Wars themed math lesson.

After listening, head over to www.escottengland.com to read more about Nathaniel.

I recently read a re-print of a popular comic strip. Inspired by the message, I wrote today's episode with that strip in mind. In this episode I talk about the importance of being in the present—not dwelling in the past or living only for the future. In my opinion, this is an all-to-important message for educators. As always, the intent is not to offend, just looking to spark reflection.