In this inspiring episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott Buell sits down with Todd LaVogue, an award-winning educator from Palm Beach County, Florida, whose classroom looks more like an innovation lab than a traditional middle-school setting.

Todd was named one of Microsoft’s 15 Most Innovative Educators in America and represented the U.S. at Microsoft’s Global Education Forum in Prague, finishing third worldwide out of more than 260,000 entries. He’s advised the King of Spain, collaborated with the Japanese Ministry of Education, and created projects that have been recognized on the floor of the U.S. Congress.

But what really sets Todd apart is how he transforms learning into something unforgettable. From rap videos about ancient civilizations and custom-painted sneakers that tell historical stories, to student-built chateaus, lasers, and drone arenas, Todd’s students learn by creating, connecting, and caring. His project Write a Letter, Save a Life even helped free prisoners of conscience through Amnesty International.

Scott and Todd explore:

• How to bring your personal passions into the classroom
• Building community engagement through exhibitions and project-based learning
• Ways teachers can carve out creative autonomy in traditional schools
• Preparing students for future jobs that don’t yet exist
• Why curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and communication matter more than ever

Todd’s story is proof that when teachers take risks, kids discover their potential—and education becomes magic.

Follow Todd LaVogue

Website: kidacademy.org

X (Twitter): @ToddLaVogue

Instagram: @ToddLaVogue

BlueSky: @ToddLaVogue

LinkedIn: Todd LaVogue

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