LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

Hip-hopping his way through life with a big grin on his face is this weeks’ guest - Mervin Jenkins, Senior Brand Ambassador at Nearpod!  Join this podcast to hear about his special talents, some fun details about Flocabulary and Nearpod, and about his gift for bringing joy to learning and motivating others to be the best they can be! Mervin Jenkins (also known as Spectac) is a hip-hop artist who has worked with a Grammy-nominated producer and a host of other artists throughout his career in music. Mervin’s service as an educator has been equally rewarding. He has worked as a middle school teacher, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and central office administrator. He is currently the Strategic Planning/Brand Ambassador for Flocabulary by Nearpod. Mervin has served as the Eastern Region Assistant Director at AVID Center. Over the years Mervin has received numerous accolades for his work in education. He was awarded the Zeta Phi Beta Southeastern Regional Education Award twice, named Tar Heel of the Week in Raleigh’s News & Observer, interviewed on NPR (The Story with Dick Gordon), and honored as Chatham County Schools Principal of the Year. In 2014 Mervin was invited to the White House to participate in a roundtable discussion on the education of Hispanic males in the United States. As a speaker, Mervin inspires students, their parents, and educators on the importance of student learning and its direct impact on our community.   Mervin received his Bachelor of Arts in Art Education at Benedict College, and his Master of Education in Secondary Education Administration at Charleston Southern University.  Currently, Mervin is pursuing an Educational Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership at Charleston Southern University, in Charleston, SC where he resides with his wife Chiffon.

In celebration of National Mentor Day, co-hosts, Jamie Saponaro and Jerri Kemble, invite their mentors to  discuss the magic of empowerment through mentoring.  Guests, Dr. RIck Doll and Laura Scott discuss the qualities of good mentorship and the importance of building relationships and posritive cultures in order to create high qualitity, dedicated employees contributing to a positive working culture. Rick and Laura share insights from their mentoring experiences and discuss mentorship in both the education and business world.  Rick Doll has served as an educational leader for over 40 years in various roles.  Most recently Ihewas the superintendent at Lawerence, Kansas.  and is  now teaching future generations of leaders at Kansas State University. "Laura is a sought after public speaker who has a unique talent to tailor each of her presentations to the needs of each and every audience.  She is know as a Futurist, Industry Expert, Coach, Thought Leader and Strategy Consultant who is able help her clients and audiences walk away with an understanding and ability to use the resources about which she teaches. Her first career was in public education.  She served public school parents, teachers and students for 20+ years as a teacher and ultimately retired as a school administrator.  During Laura’s time in PreK-12 education, she always worked to ensure that teachers and parents were given and taught activities which would enhance student learning.   This love for life long learning translated very easily when Laura started working for one of the country’s premier residential real estate companies; Douglas Elliman.  One of her main responsibilities was to build, and “re-tool” the company’s professionals, as well as work directly with the CEO to constantly grow the company.  Her expertise in the education and the re-education of adults was much appreciated by agents and leadership.  Current she is a strategy consultant for BHHS The Preferred Realty, and a National Speaker/Presenter/Coach/Consultant. All who are able to experience Laura’s presentations, walk away feeling motivated and inspired to take their career, life and/or game to the next level."

Character Education has been adopted in many school districts across the country.  Some districts use canned curriculia while others add on a character trait of the week.  In this podcast you will meet school leader Jamie Brown who has worked to embed character education into the curriculum and empower students to lead the charge. Having worked within a State & National School and District of Character, Jamie's success as a District PEER Leadership Director and Vice Principal has led to ACCEPT U earning a National "Promising Practice" from Character.org, as well as Global Recognition by The Alliance for Excellent Education & Future Ready Schools. Other accreditations include "Teacher of the Year" and NJDOE AchieveNJ Coach. Jamie's passion to promote social inclusion and student voices paves the way for modern trends in education. His social platforms connect him to staff, student and schools around the world, always showcasing a positive digital footprint. Jamie's ACCEPT University is committed to helping school communities embrace Acceptance, Tolerance, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion & Citizenship (on & offline).

What does the research show in regard to how teens' social media use impacts mental health? How can parents support their teens in using social media in healthier ways? How can teens use social media in healthier ways? Jacqueline (Jackie) Nesi, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Brown University in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and a clinical psychologist answers these questions in this podcast about social media and adolescent mental health. Dr. Nesi’s research examines the role of social media in adolescents’ peer relationships and mental health, with a focus on depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and she is currently funded by a K23 award from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Adolescent Health and Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and her work has been featured in popular media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and Teen Vogue. Dr. Nesi is passionate about understanding how and for whom social media use influences adolescents’ mental health, so as to identify and intervene with youth most at risk.  For useful information on this topic visit the following sites: 

Common Sense Media - https://www.commonsensemedia.org; Children and Screens - https://www.childrenandscreens.com/virtual-workshop-series/

On this podcast Kristin Martinez discusses the essential components of teletherapy and how these virtual services work to meet the needs of students.  While many schools struggle to find specialized speech and language professionals as well as other specialized professionals to serve all students with IEPs or behavioral and mental health needs, many are finding teletherapy provided by clinical experts to be a solution to this ever growing concern.  Many educators are interested in teletherapy and Kristin pulls the curtain back and sheds light on the process to help people understand how these services can work effectively and partner with school districts to provide the the critical services services students need.   Kristin Martinez received her M.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2000, and worked as an onsite SLP and in private practice for 13 years before starting as a teletherapist with PresenceLearning in 2013. Kristin presents on the topic of school-based teletherapy nationwide, and currently serves as Clinical Director, SLP & OT for PresenceLearning.

In 2020, self-care became essential as people worked through the pandemic and the new ways of working and socializing in society.  As we turn the calendar to 2021, self-care is still as important as ever before.  This podcast provides listeners with three fresh ands perhaps new ideas for selfcare in 2021.  Kris Burkholder, an award winner school counselor, demonstrates a new twist on yoga- Laughter Yoga.  Incorporating laughter yoga into our podcast and discussing the benefits of laughter combined with yoga. Kris has used this technique with nursing home residents and students with positive results.    Jen Giamo Based out of New York,  has been professionally affecting positive change in people’s lives for nearly 20 years and continues to create new and innovative programs across the country. After several years spent managing corporate fitness programs for some Fortune 500 companies, Jenn started her own fitness consulting business that specializes in total health and wellness. With her recent expansion to LA as well as online and app-based programs, Jenn is now able to reach the masses! Jenn has appeared on Live with Kelly & Ryan as well as The Rachael Ray Show and has been interviewed on several podcasts, expert panels and radio shows. She received press for her innovative programs such as "Fresh Start Fitness" (now available online) and "Breakup Bootcamp". These programs have helped countless clients heal and thrive after experiencing painful breakups and challenging life transitions. Listeners can get involved with Jen’s  trainings in the privacy of their own homes by going to trainersintransit.com.     Researchers of the of the American Art Therapy Association found that 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lessens stress in the body. Krisley Hervin from MiiCreative, a paint by number painting company explains how many people have taken photographs they have taken submitted them to miicreative to creative a paint by number painting of the photograph.  This creative process is a great way to relax and feel accomplished during tough times.  Listeners that are interested can use the code LinkedUp for a discount on a paint by number order from miicreative at www.miicreative.com

Thomas C. Murray serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, a project of the Alliance for Excellent Education, located in Washington D.C. Tom serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, a project of the Alliance for Excellent Education. He has testified before the US Congress and has previously worked alongside that body and the US Senate, the White House, and the US Department of Education. Murray serves as a conference keynote, was named one of “20 to Watch” by NSBA, the “Education Policy Person of the Year” by the Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2015, the “Education Thought Leader of the Year” in 2017, and is the co-author of ASCD best-seller Learning Transformed. His most recent best seller, Personal & Authentic was published in the fall of 2019. Above all else, he’s a husband to a former school counselor and a dad of two children.  In this podcast Tom discusses preparing schools to be future ready, school culture and creating a personal and authentic educational environment for learning for students and for staff.

Fourth Grade Classroom Superhero with Poetry Powers, Toney Jackson is an author, poet, educator and speaker that uses these poetry powers to reach students and get them excited about learning even in a pandemic.   Toney talks about using your unique talents to get students excited about learning. His enthusiasm and energy is contagious  from his rap intro to the energy he shares through out the podcast.    Toney has been recognized by the Academy of American Poets,  he has won several poetry slams, and has  been a featured reader, performer, and workshop leader, at schools, theatres, and other venues across the country. 
     Toney hails from New Jersey, where his love of words, learning, sharing, and community involvement led him towards a career in education.  He is currently in his 12th year of teaching at Nellie K. Parker elementary school in his hometown of Hackensack.    He is passionate about helping kids enjoy learning, and promoting creative self-expression. He is a dedicated teacher, a life long learner, and is currently writing and illustrating several children’s books.

We have been working through the challenges of education students during a pandemic for eight months. While there have been many difficulties and concerns about education during this pandemic, many teachers are finding creative solutions to meet the needs of their students and finding new ways to reach students and families. In this podcast four teachers: Kelly Hart, Yaritza Villalba, Samantha Saltz, and Brandon Daley share examples of equitable practices, culturally responsive teaching, ideas for engaging students, and creating inclusive and classrooms that are focused on solid relationships in remote learning environments. These teachers are stellar examples of positivity and creativity. #CRT #Equity #Justice #AskYaritza #iteachvirtual #virtualteachingisstillteaching. @beedaley @MrsHartISKS

Flipgrip Ambassador and evangelist Ann Kozma will fill your mind with ideas and share the valuable resources Flipgrid is offering educators from art to zoologgy and everything in between in their Discovery Library  https://info.flipgrid.com/ .  With Flipgrid the learning  possibilities are endless. In this podcast Ann focuses on the importance of student voice, sharing, celebrating, and showcasing  learning creativity, outside the box thinking, and  community through the  use of the popular technology tool, Flipgrid.  Ann Kozma loves to explore, share, and contribute and has spent 19+ years dedicated to transforming education as a classroom teacher, Innovation & Instructional Support TOSA, and as an Educator Innovation Lead on Team Flipgrid at Microsoft. Believing that “Play is our brain’s favorite way to learn,” Ann loves to bring the fun and is passionate about helping others learn how to meaningfully integrate technology into teaching and learning. She is a member of the Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2015 and Leading Edge Certified as a Professional Learning Leader. Connect with her on Twitter at @annkozma723.   #FlipgridForAll https://blog.flipgrid.com https://www.instagram.com/annkozma723/