In this episode, I chat with Barabara Bray, a coach, teacher, writer, disruptor, risk-taker, learning designer, connector, and visionary. She calls herself a creative learning strategist where others call her a “change-maker.” Her dream long ago was to create an online place for educators that was safe and secure with all the tools and resources in one place. She did it with My eCoach in 1999 — way before there was Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest. Barbara is what some call a “Digital Pioneer.” With her coaching background and an amazing team, they created coaching and mentoring strategies and processes that have been adopted in schools and districts in the U.S. and other countries. Barbara coined the phrase “Making Learning Personal” in 2000 and trademarked it in 2002. In 2004, she started her Rethinking Learning blog in My eCoach and in 2010, she moved her blog to barbarabray.net. In 2017 she launched the Rethinking Learning Podcast and published Define Your Why in 2020.

During our conversation, we explored the treatment of teachers and how it has impacted the field of education. From teacher recruitment to teacher retention, we discussed common practices and their effectiveness in improving our schools. Barbara talked about the often distanced school board members and recommended that they spend time in the schools for which they are making decisions. She shared how passion projects not only improved teacher and student investment but also provided a window into what is happening within our schools. 

Ready to hear more from this educational guru? Let’s go!

Connect with Barbara