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!

In this inspiring episode of Legend Makers, Scott sits down with Patty Cortez, an educator from Dallas ISD who's transforming the STEM landscape one student at a time. Patty wears many hats: she's a 6th-grade World Cultures teacher, 7th-grade Texas History teacher, 4th-grade Robotics teacher, and a coach for both an all-girls robotics team (The Lady Bots) and a newly formed all-girls drone team. But her journey into STEM? It all started because two determined 3rd-grade girls wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Patty shares how she helped her students host a Girl Powered STEM event, reaching over 80 girls across Dallas ISD, introducing them to coding, robotics, and problem-solving. These young leaders not only organized the event but also fundraised and led every session themselves, proving that girls belong in STEM—and thrive there.

But it’s not just about tech. Patty dives into creative strategies for engaging students, from turning history lessons into gossip-worthy dramas to blending hands-on robotics projects with traditional academics. Her story of a disruptive student finding focus—in a wagon, of all places—shows the power of understanding, flexibility, and meeting students where they are.

We also explore how student-led initiatives are breaking down barriers in STEM, the importance of teacher-student relationships, and how Patty's own teachers inspired her to give back to her community by teaching in the very elementary school she once attended.

Key Takeaways: 🚀 How to foster student leadership in STEM 🎮 Creative ways to blend STEM and history for maximum engagement 🤖 Tips on starting robotics and drone clubs from scratch 🌱 The power of hands-on learning and tactile experiences in boosting retention 💡 Why teachers should embrace failure and learn alongside their students

Connect with Patty Cortez: Follow Patty's journey and see her classroom innovations on Twitter/X: @Mrs_Cortez12

If you’re an educator looking to empower students, promote inclusivity in STEM, and break down barriers for underrepresented communities, this episode is a must-listen.

What if education wasn’t about tests, but about changing the world? 🌍 That’s exactly what Gavin McCormack, co-founder of Upschool.co, is doing.

With 20+ years of experience as a Montessori educator, school builder, author, and TEDx speaker, Gavin is on a mission to revolutionize education—one student, one classroom, and one community at a time.

📌 In this episode, we cover:

✅ Why the traditional education system is broken—and how to fix it

✅ The power of student-led learning and real-world problem-solving

✅ How Upschool.co is providing free world-class education to EVERYONE

✅ The role of teachers as guides, not gatekeepers

✅ How schools and parents can embrace Montessori principles to nurture creativity

✅ Gavin’s amazing work in Nepal, building schools and training teachers

✅ What the future of learning looks like in a rapidly changing world

💡 Want to bring purpose-driven learning to your classroom?

Check out Upschool.co for FREE courses, projects, and resources for educators and students! 🔗 Sign up here → https://upschool.co

📖 Get Inspired! Gavin’s Books & Resources: 📕 "The Potential in Every Child" → https://a.co/d/jbvWS5F 📖

📢 Follow Gavin McCormack:

🔗 Website → https://gavinmccormack.com.au

📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@gavinmccormack

👥 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinmccormack/

🚀 Join the education revolution—because learning should be about impact, not just grades!

In this inspiring episode of Legend Makers, Scott Buell sits down with veteran educator Andy Losik, who shares powerful insights from his remarkable 30-year career. After dedicating nearly three decades to shaping young minds in Hamilton Community Schools, Andy recently retired—but his mission to impact education is far from over. In this heartfelt conversation, he reflects on his journey, from resisting the “family curse” of teaching to becoming a beloved STEM educator and professional development leader.

Andy dives deep into the core lesson that every teacher—new or experienced—should embrace: be yourself and trust the process. He discusses the importance of play-based learning, fostering creativity, and creating a classroom culture where students feel empowered to fail, learn, and try again. He also shares how building a collaborative, supportive network helped sustain his passion for teaching through the highs and lows.

In addition to recounting memorable moments, Andy offers actionable advice for educators navigating the ever-changing landscape of teaching, including how to handle burnout, embrace technology, and continue learning alongside students. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to motivate and energize you for the year ahead.

Andy’s post-retirement plans? Inspiring even more educators through professional development, writing a book titled STEM from Scratch, and helping teachers create impactful, engaging learning experiences for their students.

Key Moments:

• How Andy accidentally discovered his calling for teaching
• Transitioning from a tech educator to a STEM leader
• The two simple rules that defined his classroom culture: Be Nice & Work Hard
• Advice for new teachers: “Find your niche, then find your people”
• How to bring more creativity and curiosity into your classroom
• Andy’s vision for the future of education and why he remains optimistic

Resources:

• Follow Andy Losik on X, BlueSky
• Visit Andy’s website: mrlosik.com
• Stay tuned for Andy’s upcoming Substack for teachers
• Explore the EduProtocols book series for practical teaching strategies

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical strategies, or just a heartfelt story about the magic of teaching, this episode is a perfect way to reignite your passion for education. Andy’s journey is a reminder that while the world may change, the power of a great teacher remains timeless.

🎙️ In this episode of The Legend Makers Podcast, we’re joined by Brendan Powell, a dynamic K-2 STEM teacher at Collegium Charter School in Exton, PA. Brendan is not your average teacher—he's a VEX IQ Robotics Coach, a Keystone Technology Innovator, and a ViewSonic Expert, always pushing boundaries in early STEM education with creativity, fun, and hands-on learning.

Brendan shares his journey from doubting he’d ever become a teacher to falling in love with the profession during high school. He talks about his passion for working with young learners, emphasizing how their boundless curiosity, humor, and creativity inspire him every day.

🔍 In This Episode, We Explore:

• Play-Based Learning: Brendan’s architecture unit where students build the Eiffel Tower with blocks after drawing their vision.
• Unplugged Coding: Teaching young learners problem-solving and directions using “human coding” activities.
• AI in the Classroom: Introducing 1st graders to AI with Magic School and teaching them how to interact with chatbots while fostering critical thinking and ethical discussions.
• Behavior Management Hacks: Brendan’s innovative strategies like “Secret Student” and “Roar Points” to gamify classroom management and keep students engaged.
• Teacher Well-Being: His personal strategies for staying balanced, including running, hiking, and keeping a positive mindset.

Brendan also highlights how the new PA STEELS standards are shaping science education and shares resources like the ISTE book, “How to Teach AI”, that helped him enhance his teaching practice.

This episode is packed with practical strategies, inspiring stories, and a lot of laughs. Whether you’re a new teacher, seasoned educator, or just curious about the future of STEM education, this one’s for you!

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Follow Brendan Powell:
  • BlueSky: @MrPowell
  • X (Twitter): @MrPowell20
  • Instagram: @Mr.PAL.10
• Book Recommendation: “How to Teach AI” by ISTE
• PA STEELS Standards: Learn more about the updated science standards in Pennsylvania.

Start your 2025 with an inspiring deep dive into the world of play-based STEM education with Brittney Tarr, a trailblazing STEM specialist at the Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School. As a dedicated educator, doctoral student, and advocate for creative and inclusive STEM learning, Brittney shares her journey from teaching English in South Korea to pioneering innovative STEM practices in early education.

In this episode, Brittney unpacks:

• How play-based learning transforms the way young learners develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• The concept of STEM identity and why fostering belonging and capability is essential for every student.
• Her eye-opening research on early childhood STEM education and the incredible projects her students create, like turning robotics into art and storytelling.
• The power of curiosity, failure, and iteration to spark creativity and innovation in classrooms and beyond.

Discover how Brittney’s groundbreaking work at her lab school bridges cutting-edge research with hands-on teaching strategies that inspire students—and educators alike. Whether you're an educator, parent, or just passionate about the future of learning, this episode will leave you motivated to embrace the transformative power of play in education.

Resources

• Thomas Metcalf School: Learn more about our lab school
• Brittney’s Instagram: @adventures_with_mstarr
• Brittney’s BlueSky: @adventuresmstarr.bsky.social
• Taylor Swift Robotics Project: Watch the creative magic here
• Mariana Bers - Early Childhood + Computer Science Researcher:
  • Beyond Coding
  • Coding as Playground
• Lifelong Kindergarten from the MIT Media Lab:
  • Explore the research lab
  • Lifelong Kindergarten book

Kick off the New Year by tuning into this empowering episode, and let’s make 2025 the year of curiosity, creativity, and play! 🎉

In this thought-provoking episode of Legend Makers, Scott Buell sits down with Dan Leffingwell, Director of the Appalachian STEM Collaborative, to discuss the future of education, personalized learning, and the transformative power of STEM. Dan brings over 36 years of experience as a teacher, coach, high school principal, and superintendent, sharing his deep passion for education and his innovative approaches to preparing students for the careers of tomorrow.

Key Highlights:

• The Appalachian STEM Collaborative: Learn how this grassroots organization connects schools, business leaders, and industry professionals to build STEM cultures in schools across 28 Appalachian counties. Dan explains how they align student strengths with industry needs—at no cost to participating schools.
• The Power of Strength-Based Education: Dan shares how identifying and leveraging students' strengths creates engagement, builds confidence, and prepares students to solve real-world problems. His work focuses on helping students align their unique abilities with high-demand career pathways in fields like cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and IT.
• Innovative Solutions to Burnout: Drawing from his extensive experience, Dan offers insights on keeping teachers engaged and inspired, including the importance of embracing change, adapting to new technologies, and fostering collaboration.
• Future-Proofing Education: Dan discusses how emerging technologies, such as AI, can be integrated into classrooms to create personalized, meaningful learning experiences. He highlights tools like SchoolJoy, which helps align lessons with students' aptitudes and interests.
• Engaging Disengaged Students: Dan shares powerful stories of how the Appalachian STEM Collaborative has re-engaged chronically absent students through hands-on, skills-based learning opportunities that align with their strengths and passions.

Quote of the Episode:

“There is no other career that influences all others like teaching. We’re a big deal.” – Dan Leffingwell

Why Listen?

This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking inspiration, innovative strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you’re a veteran teacher, a newcomer, or considering entering the profession, Dan’s perspective will leave you feeling optimistic about the future of education and the critical role teachers play in shaping it.

Follow Dan on X: @LeffingwellDan