In this dynamic episode of the Legend Makers podcast, we are joined by two inspiring educators, Maureen Tavernaro and Vonae Tanner, who share their unique journeys into the world of teaching and STEM education.

Key Takeaways from Episode 4:

• Vonae Tanner, Director of Curriculum at Drone Legends, steps in as a last-minute guest to talk about her passion for teaching math and her fascinating path from theater and performing arts to STEM education. Vonae discusses her love for working with middle school students and how she uses drones and innovative techniques to keep students engaged and learning through fun and failure.
• Maureen Tavernaro, STREAM Director at St. Agnes, joins the conversation to share her journey into teaching later in life after a career as an industrial engineer. Maureen offers practical advice on leveraging her STEM background to create engaging classroom experiences. She emphasizes the importance of continually learning and taking advantage of opportunities that benefit both teachers and students.

What You’ll Learn:

• Vonae’s journey from math enthusiast to a leading curriculum developer at Drone Legends, and her passion for empowering students to solve problems through STEM.
• Maureen’s transition from the engineering field to education and how her "It's never too late to reinvent yourself" philosophy has shaped her career.
• Insights into building thinking classrooms, where students are encouraged to explore, collaborate, and engage in hands-on learning experiences.
• The importance of using drones, sports, and other tech tools as motivational rewards in the classroom.
• How both Vonae and Maureen emphasize the power of failure as a key step in the learning process, fostering a growth mindset in students.

Episode Highlights:

• From Math to STEM: Vonae shares her love of teaching math and how she integrates fun STEM activities, like drones, into her lessons.
• Embracing the Failures: Both guests touch on the significance of allowing students to fail, learn, and improve, teaching them resilience and critical thinking skills.
• Never Too Late: Maureen’s transition from an industrial engineer to a passionate STEM teacher proves that it’s never too late to follow your calling.
• Creating Engaging Classrooms: Vonae and Maureen discuss the importance of creating safe, engaging, and supportive classroom environments that cater to both academic and emotional needs.

Resources:

• Explore more about the Thinking Classrooms method mentioned by Maureen, and how it can transform learning: Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning: https://a.co/d/i11xHuo
• Learn more about Drone Legends and how Vonae helps students engage with STEM through innovative curricula.

Join the Conversation:

• Follow Maureen Tavernaro on X/Twitter: @MaureenTaverna1
• Connect with Vonae Tanner on LinkedIn

🎙️ Guest: Julie Mavrogeorge, an esports expert and advocate for STEM education, joins us to discuss her journey from IT to education, and her mission to bring esports, drones, and STEM programs to K-12 schools. Julie has an impressive resume, including being the President of the California Esports Association, the 2022 NACAD High School Esports Director of the Year, and the 2024 Guardian of the Year by The GameHers. She’s also the founder of JDog Mav Consulting LLC, where she helps schools launch esports and STEM programs that prepare students for the future.

Episode Highlights:

• Julie’s Path to Esports and STEM Education: Julie shares how she transitioned from a career in IT and event planning to a role in education, where she helped build STEM programs and spearheaded the integration of esports and drones in Fresno Unified School District.
• Launching Her Consulting Business: Learn about Julie’s entrepreneurial journey and how she is helping schools around the world develop esports and STEM programs, offering expertise in program development, curriculum writing, and implementation.
• Advice for Starting Esports Programs: For schools or educators looking to introduce esports programs, Julie provides practical advice on getting started, from setting up a simple club to accessing resources and curriculum, and leveraging community collaboration.
• The Broader Impact of Esports: Julie explains how esports attracts students who may not participate in traditional extracurricular activities and how it helps develop critical 21st-century skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. She also highlights the various career paths associated with esports beyond gaming, including broadcasting, marketing, and audio-visual production.
• Esports and Inclusion: Esports offers an inclusive environment that attracts neurodivergent students, allowing them to excel in ways that traditional education sometimes does not. Julie shares how these programs can help these students develop skills that translate into viable careers.
• Looking to the Future of Education: Julie discusses her excitement about the growing adoption of AI, AR, and VR in education, and how these technologies will continue to reshape the classroom and provide students with real-world skills through interactive, collaborative projects.

Key Takeaways:

• Esports offers more than just gaming—it’s a pathway to developing critical skills and exploring a wide range of careers.
• Educators can start small by launching esports clubs, leveraging free or low-cost resources, and connecting with others in the community for support.
• Esports provides an inclusive space for neurodivergent students, allowing them to shine in areas where they may have previously struggled.
• The future of education will increasingly involve AI, AR, VR, and other advanced technologies, offering students real-world applications of their learning.

🔗 Learn More:

• Follow Julie Mavrogeorge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliemavro/
• Connect with her on X @jdogmav https://x.com/jdogmav
• Learn more about her consulting services: JDog Mav Consulting LLC

Subscribe to Legend Makers Podcast for more inspiring conversations with the educators who are leading the charge in transforming education through innovation and passion.

🎙️ Guest: Daniella Rios, an award-winning educator with over 16 years of experience at La Joya ISD, shares her insights on the lasting impact teachers can have by building strong, supportive relationships with their students.

Named La Joya ISD’s District Teacher of the Year in 2013-2014, Daniella holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her passion for education and her ability to connect with students are at the heart of her teaching philosophy.

Episode Highlights:

• The Power of a Caring Teacher: Daniella shares a personal story from her childhood when her 4th-grade teacher noticed her struggles and stepped in to help, profoundly changing her life and inspiring her to become a teacher.
• Creating a Safe, Supportive Environment: Daniella explains the importance of giving students ownership of their learning and how establishing routines fosters respect, accountability, and a positive atmosphere in the classroom.
• Long-Lasting Connections: Hear how Daniella’s former students, even years after leaving her classroom, return to share their successes and express their gratitude, reflecting the deep bonds she creates with them.
• Advice for New Teachers: Daniella offers valuable advice for new educators, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students, setting clear expectations, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Staying Optimistic: Daniella talks about why she remains hopeful for the future of education and how the challenges of recent years have made students more resilient and adaptable.

Key Takeaways:

• Building strong, personal relationships with students is the foundation of a successful and impactful teaching career.
• Teachers have the power to create a lasting positive influence, both academically and emotionally, by being attentive and supportive.
• Establishing a classroom culture of respect and responsibility helps students thrive and encourages lifelong learning.

🔗 Learn More:

• Follow Daniella Rios on Twitter (X): @drios1111 for daily inspiration and educational insights.
• Check out her recommended reading list for new teachers:
  • The Happy Teacher Habits: 11 Habits of the Happiest, Most Effective Teachers on Earth
  • 50 Ways to Improve Student Behavior

Subscribe to Legend Makers Podcast for more inspiring conversations with the educators who are shaping the future, one student at a time!

🎙️ Guest: Chris Woods, author of Daily STEM and host of the STEM Everyday podcast, joins us for an inspiring conversation about making STEM education accessible, engaging, and meaningful in classrooms and homes alike.

Episode Highlights:

• Chris' Journey to Teaching: Discover how Chris transitioned from aspiring engineer to passionate educator. He shares how a summer camp experience led him to realize his calling wasn't in a cubicle but in the classroom, helping kids unlock their potential in STEM.
• The Importance of a STEM Culture: Chris emphasizes that STEM isn't just a subject but a culture that schools and communities must nurture. He explains how creating a STEM culture can engage students at every level, both in school and at home.
• STEM for Everyone: Whether it's using 3D printers or finding educational moments in nature (like water droplets on a leaf), Chris believes STEM is all around us. He shares how every teacher, regardless of subject, can incorporate STEM into their classroom.
• Memorable Teaching Moments: Chris reflects on the lasting impact of teaching, recounting stories of students who reached out years later to express their gratitude. He reminds us that, although educators may not see immediate results, the seeds they plant shape futures.
• Advice for New Teachers: Chris offers heartfelt advice for educators just starting out, including the importance of continuous learning and collaboration. He also encourages seasoned teachers to stay in the classroom and inspire the next generation of educators.
• Why Chris is Excited About Education: From accessible tech like 3D printers to livestreams of SpaceX launches, Chris shares his excitement about the tools and resources available to educators today. He highlights how these innovations make it easier than ever to inspire students.

Key Takeaways:

• STEM education isn't confined to the classroom—it's a culture that can be built in any community.
• Continuous learning is essential for both teachers and students.
• Engaging with everyday objects and current technology can ignite students’ curiosity and passion for STEM.

🔗 Learn More:

• Follow Chris Woods on Twitter @dailystem for daily STEM tips and inspiration.
• Check out his book Daily STEM to find practical strategies for creating a STEM culture in your classroom.
• Listen to Chris' own podcast, STEM Everyday, for more discussions on innovative STEM education.

Subscribe to Legend Makers Podcast for more inspiring conversations with education's true heroes!

Welcome to Legend Makers—the podcast where education's true heroes take center stage! I'm Scott Buell, founder and CEO of Drone Legends, and I'm thrilled to bring you this interview-style podcast that dives deep into the world of teaching.

Each episode, I sit down with exceptional teachers—the true Legend Makers—who are shaping the minds and futures of the next generation. They share their innovative methods, heartfelt stories, and the unique challenges they face in today's evolving educational landscape.

So, whether you're an experienced teacher, a new educator, or just passionate about the future of education, Legend Makers has something for you. Join us as we explore what it truly means to be a Legend Maker.

Subscribe now and be inspired by those who are turning ordinary moments into extraordinary learning experiences.