Legend Makers

In this episode of Legend Makers, meet Omar Delgado, a former history teacher turned media powerhouse at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Omar’s journey from coaching basketball to leading the #1 high school broadcast journalism program in the country is nothing short of epic—and it started with rejection.

When a rival teacher refused to help him, Omar didn’t get discouraged. He got focused. Within a year, he came back and beat her in every competition category. That moment lit a fire—and he’s been building champions ever since.

Omar shares:

• How humility + obsession built a national broadcast powerhouse
• What teachers should stop doing with AI—and what they should start doing today
• Why the myth that “AI will take your job” is rooted in fear, not facts
• How personalized learning powered by AI can change everything for kids
• The secret behind his students’ confidence, character, and post-graduation success
• His own story of discovering a learning disability after college and how technology helped him become a top educator

He also opens up about the programs he’s built, the tech tools that actually work (and which are a waste), and his philosophy on what great education really looks like.

This episode is a must-listen for any educator, school leader, or parent thinking about where learning is headed—and what it takes to lead from the front.

📍Want to connect with Omar? He’s serious when he says he’s here to help. 📧 [email protected]

Books Mentioned:

• The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
• The Daily Laws by Robert Greene
• Founders podcast by David Senra

How does a former baseball coach and school security guard become one of the nation’s leading voices in educational innovation?

In this inspiring episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott sits down with Steve Iglesias, Director of Innovation and Technology at Doral Academy in Doral, Florida. Broadcasting live from his cutting-edge innovation lab, Steve shares his unlikely journey into education, and how a book—Bold by Peter Diamandis—changed the trajectory of his life and career.

What started as a side gig coaching golf eventually led Steve to launch an entire innovation ecosystem that includes programs in robotics, AI, cybersecurity, game design, and biomedical engineering. But Steve’s mission goes deeper than just teaching kids how to code. He’s focused on what he calls “future fluency”—exposing students early to the real technologies, challenges, and possibilities they’ll face in the decades to come.

In this conversation, Steve and Scott dig into why education needs to shift from content delivery to experiential learning, how to close the growing AI gap, and what we can learn from sports, esports, and the startup world about building grit, critical thinking, and purpose.

Steve’s not waiting for a playbook—he’s writing one. If you care about the future of education, this is a must-listen.

In this episode:

• How Steve turned curiosity into a mission
• What’s missing in K–12 education today
• Building real-world pathways for students using emerging tech
• How afterschool programs can ignite career exploration
• Advice for new teachers and changemakers in education

Subscribe now to hear how legends are made—one spark at a time.

In this episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott sits down with Amy Parks, Innovation Lab teacher at Forts Ferry Elementary in North Colonie, New York. Amy shares her journey from gifted education to leading a hands-on, curiosity-driven STEM program — one that’s transforming how young learners experience school.

Together, Scott and Amy talk about the power of unstructured play, the importance of building resilience through trial and error, and why today’s kids need real-world challenges more than ever. They dive into how the pandemic unexpectedly accelerated innovation at her district, leading to the creation of six Innovation Labs, and how these labs are helping students (and teachers!) rediscover the joy of exploration, failure, and growth.

Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or just passionate about the future of education, you’ll walk away inspired by Amy’s vision for sparking lifelong curiosity in students — starting from their very first days in school.

🎧 Listen now to hear how giving kids "wind" early helps them grow stronger for life.

In this episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, we sit down with Mark Edwards, Assistant Superintendent at Reading Community Schools in Ohio, to unpack what it really means to educate the whole child—and why now is the time to reimagine what success looks like in school.

With 22+ years in education, Mark has worn nearly every hat there is: teacher, communicator, curriculum leader, tech manager, HR chief, facilities head—you name it. But at his core, he’s a passionate educator on a mission to restore purpose, joy, and relevance to K-12 learning.

Together, we explore:

• The problem with turning education into a “knowledge delivery” system—and how it robs both teachers and students of joy
• Why curiosity, communication, resilience, and leadership matter more than content in today’s world
• How Reading Schools is embedding career-focused, real-world learning starting in kindergarten
• The bold shift from “get the diploma” to “find your next”
• How soft skills and purpose-driven learning can prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce
• What Mark tells his own son—and others—about learning, failure, and finding meaning in your work

Mark also shares what excites him about the future: innovation, personalization, and using AI not to replace educators but to free them up to do what they do best—connect, mentor, and inspire.

If you care about shifting from compliance to connection, from content to curiosity, and from burnout to belonging, this is the conversation for you.

Listen now and be reminded why education still holds the power to change everything—when we get it right.

In this inspiring episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott sits down with Patty Maffei, an interventionist and STEM trailblazer at Real Learning Academy in Austin, Texas. Patty didn’t take the traditional path to education—her journey includes a career in banking, raising five kids, and returning to college alongside her son before diving into the classroom.

Patty shares how her love for learning, glam teacher role models from the 80s, and a chance opportunity as a substitute teacher led to a full-blown career pivot. She opens up about:

• Starting her teaching career during the height of the pandemic
• Using parenting skills for classroom management
• Building a STEM program from scratch—including coding, robotics, and drones
• Setting healthy boundaries in a profession that never “clocks out”
• Her optimism for the future of education and why change doesn’t scare her

If you're thinking about becoming a teacher—whether you're 22 or 52—Patty’s story proves it’s never too late to step into your purpose. Tune in for wisdom, real talk, and a serious dose of encouragement.

🛠️ Patty’s mantra: “Try something new. Set fear aside. The only constant is change.”

🎧 Listen now and tag a future educator who needs to hear this!

In this episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, we sit down with Ellie Jensen, a 7th-grade English teacher and TikTok phenom, who’s redefining how educators connect with students and the world.

💡 What’s inside this episode?

✅ The surprising reasons kids stop reading in middle school – and how to reignite their love for books 📖

✅ Classroom management secrets from a 25-year teaching veteran 🔥

✅ Why EVERYONE should have to substitute teach before making decisions about education

✅ The power of mentorship in shaping young teachers’ success 💬

✅ How Ellie’s viral 31M view TikTok post turned her dad’s app into an overnight sensation 📲

From managing a room full of middle schoolers to helping struggling students find their voice, Ellie’s insights are both eye-opening and inspiring for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about learning.

Follow Ellie on TikTok: @EllieMarieTeaches

What happens when you swear you'll never become a teacher... and then life throws you straight into the classroom? Keldric Holmes knows that story all too well.

In just two years, Keldric went from struggling as a first-year teacher—overwhelmed, doubting himself, and questioning his purpose—to becoming a TikTok sensation with millions of views, a favorite among his students, and a powerful voice for young educators.

In this episode, we dive into:

✅ How accidentally falling into teaching led Keldric to his true purpose

✅ The brutal reality of his first year in the classroom (and why he almost quit)

✅ What changed in year two that made him love teaching

✅ His viral TikTok journey & how social media is shaping education

✅ The #1 piece of advice for new teachers who feel overwhelmed

✅ Why representation in education is so important for students

🚀 Whether you're a new teacher struggling through the trenches or a veteran looking for a fresh perspective, Keldric’s story is proof that the right mindset can change everything.

📲 Follow Keldric on TikTok: @_dreholmes

In this game-changing episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, we sit down with Ben Sondgeroth, a leading EdTech expert and AI innovator, to dive into:

✅ How AI is reshaping classrooms and making teachers’ lives easier

✅ The biggest tech trends schools need to prepare for right now

✅ Why AI is your ultimate teaching assistant—and how to use it

✅ The Lego analogy that finally makes AI easy to understand

✅ How students & teachers can harness AI for learning without losing critical thinking

Ben, a former history teacher turned tech visionary, shares insider insights from working with schools across Illinois, helping them navigate the fast-changing world of AI, drones, and EdTech.

Want to know how to make AI work FOR YOU instead of against you? This episode is packed with real strategies, practical applications, and a glimpse into the future of AI in education.

📢 Don’t miss out—watch now and level up your AI game!

🔗 Resources & Links:

✅ Connect with Ben: @Mr_Sondgeroth on X

✅ Explore EdTech & AI Courses: LTC Illinois

✅ Follow Ben’s Golf Drone Photography: @BsGolfPhotography on Instagram

🎧 Listen now & future-proof your teaching! 🎧

In this episode of Legend Makers, we sit down with Kendra Moritz-Rosner, an unstoppable force in STEM education at Lorewood Grove Elementary in Delaware. Kendra’s passion, creativity, and dedication are transforming how students experience learning—bringing STEM, robotics, and hands-on projects to life.

From running an innovation center packed with a library, STEM lab, and LEGO room to leading incredible real-world projects like video game design showcases and adaptive Power Wheels for kids with disabilities, Kendra is redefining education.

💡 What you’ll hear in this episode:

✔️ The challenges & triumphs of modern education

✔️ How Kendra blends STEM, creativity, and empathy in the classroom

✔️ Why kids today struggle with focus—and how she’s tackling it

✔️ The impact of Drone Legends in her school and why she swears by it

✔️ Advice for new teachers entering the profession

✔️ The exciting future of STEM education

Kendra’s approach isn’t just about teaching STEM—it’s about building problem-solvers, innovators, and empathetic leaders for the future. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or just someone who loves education, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and real talk.

In this inspiring episode of Legend Makers, Scott sits down with Sara Boucher, a dynamic K-5 STEM educator from Las Vegas, Nevada, who's transforming classrooms with hands-on robotics, creative problem-solving, and an infectious passion for STEM education.

Sara shares her journey from a mid-year first-grade hire to becoming a powerhouse in STEM education, integrating tools like Dash, VEX 123, and Sphero Bolt to make learning fun and accessible for all students. She dives into how she leverages technology, from drones to 3D printing, to spark curiosity and innovation in young learners.

Key Topics Covered:

• Sara's unconventional path into teaching and STEM
• Building a thriving K-5 STEM program from scratch
• How to make the most of limited classroom time (only 30 sessions per year!)
• Engaging projects like bio-sand filters inspired by Charity Water
• The power of community in education through Edcamp Vegas
• Balancing the fun and practical sides of STEM, from coding to real-world problem-solving
• Advice for new educators: Be yourself, find your fit, and embrace the chaos

Resources & Links:

• Sara’s Website: msgeekyteach.com
• Instagram: @msgeekyboucher
• TikTok: @msgeekyteach
• Charity Water: charitywater.org
• Learn about Edcamp: edcamp.org

What You'll Learn:

• How STEM can inspire students to pursue technology and engineering careers
• The importance of community and collaboration in teaching
• Why it’s okay for your classroom (and lessons) to be a little messy
• The impact of hands-on learning for kids—from water filtration projects to robotics competitions

Sara's energy and commitment to making STEM accessible and exciting for all students is contagious. Whether you're a fellow educator looking for inspiration or just curious about how to bring more creativity into the classroom, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode—and follow Sara’s journey online to see more of her amazing work in STEM education!