In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Darren Finnegan, mathematics educator, entrepreneur, and founder of TutorMyMath.com. Darren shares his inspiring journey—from struggling with math and relying on a calculator to earning a master’s degree in mathematics and helping others conquer math anxiety.

Together, they challenge the idea that only certain people are “math people” and explore how creativity, curiosity, and personalized learning can transform the way students engage with math. Darren also reveals innovative teaching methods that move beyond rote memorization, helping students build confidence and real-world problem-solving skills.

🎧 Tune in for actionable strategies to make math more accessible, engaging, and enjoyable.

In this episode of Innovating Education, host Dr. Riley Williams interviews Dr. Richard Feenstra, an educational psychologist known for his global impact and development of the APE model for decision-making. Feenstra discusses his journey from being a police officer to an educational psychologist, highlighting the limitations of traditional decision-making models in high-stakes environments. He explains the APE model—Assess, Plan, Execute—as a dynamic system that integrates goals and operates in real-world scenarios. Dr. Feenstra also addresses the challenges learners face when mastering decision-making and how he tailors his workshops for culturally diverse audiences. The conversation delves into mental contrasting, feedback, and the balance of reflection and action. Finally, Dr. Feenstra shares how educators and organizations can incorporate the APE model into their professional development programs.

In this episode of 'Innovating Education,' Riley discusses the importance of partnerships between universities and school districts in improving teacher preparation and student outcomes with Dr. Aletha Williams. They emphasize the necessity of strong mentor teachers, continuous collaboration, and trust among stakeholders. They explore the role of these partnerships in addressing educational equity and access issues, with strategies to overcome obstacles like societal issues and policy restrictions. Dr. Williams highlights the role of community colleges, enhanced mentorship programs, and innovative trends such as 'two plus two' programs in fostering effective teacher education. The episode concludes by stressing the importance of recognizing the value of teachers.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Riley interviews Dr. Mary Pilant, Vice Principal at Dyer Private Academy in the United Arab Emirates, about her journey from the U.S. to the UAE. Dr. Pilant discusses the cultural and educational differences between the two countries, the benefits and challenges of teaching in the UAE, and the overall value and status of educators around the world. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing educators, sharing her experiences integrating American teaching methodologies into the UAE's school system. The conversation highlights the significance of cultural understanding and the need for educators to prepare students for a globalized world.

In this episode of the Innovating Education podcast, Riley interviews Dr. Ryan Longnecker, Associate Dean of Online Leadership Studies and Organizational Development at Trevecca Nazarene University. The conversation covers Dr. Longnecker’s leadership approach, which he likens to Professor Dumbledore from Harry Potter, and his emphasis on building a supportive and diverse cohort model in education. They discuss the importance of feedback, lifelong learning, and the integration of AI in education. Dr. Longnecker also highlights the significance of teamwork and practical application in leadership training. The episode concludes with reflections on growth, change, and embracing one's journey.

In this episode of 'Innovating Education,' Riley sits down with Dr. Jody Miller, the director of Coral Reef Academy in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dr. Miller discusses her two-decade-long journey in revolutionizing special education leadership. She shares insights on her mission to create transformative educational services for students with unique needs, focusing on operational excellence and program expansion. Dr. Miller talks about her experiences in establishing schools tailored to diverse communities, her approach to addressing critical gaps in classrooms, and actionable strategies for improving classroom behavior and fostering positive environments. She emphasizes the importance of individualized education plans, collaborative efforts among educators, and compassionate teaching methods.

Welcome to another episode of Innovating Education! This time, we delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics in modern classrooms with Rebecca Boltsma, an AI ethics and education strategist. Rebecca, currently the Chief Innovation Officer at Amplify and Elevate Innovation, discusses the implications of AI in education, covering crucial topics like student privacy, algorithmic bias, equitable access to AI tools, and ethical guidelines for AI use. She provides insights on recognizing biases in AI systems, balancing AI efficiency with human oversight, and addressing challenges like AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes. Additionally, Rebecca sheds light on the importance of AI literacy and the need for transparent and fair AI policies. Join us for this enlightening conversation to understand how we can responsibly integrate AI into our education systems.

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In this episode of Innovating Education, Riley interviews Dr. Leslie Sparcello, the superintendent of Cedars International Schools, sharing insights from her 35-year career in education. Dr. Sparcello discusses the importance of creating safe environments for innovation through pilots, emphasizing servant leadership, empowerment, and adaptability. She reflects on her journey across various educational roles, focusing on the influence of pivotal leaders and mentors. The conversation highlights challenges like teacher turnover and the excessive use of pre-made systems, advocating for a balanced approach that fosters creativity and expertise in educators. Dr. Sparcello stresses the value of consistent leadership principles, reflective practices, and strategic thinking in addressing organizational challenges and envisioning the future of education.