Outside The Classroom

Patti Duncan is one of the most giving educators I’ve known. She has dedicated her life in service of children, adults and anyone who has a need. As she shares what being part of the Renaissance Faire Community means to her, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. She’s a dear friend and I’m privileged to share our conversation with you.

Patti’s LinkedInPatti’s Twitter

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When I think of Tim Childers it’s hard to picture him without a camera in his hand. While he downplays his skills, he is a model for what it means to be a learner. Curious, humble and willing to try new things without fear of failure. Tim shares not only his love for photography but how sharing his craft is integral to the process.

Tim’s Photography BlogTim’s TwitterTim’s Youtube Channel

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Diana Laufenberg is a sought-after facilitator in educational leadership and inquiry. While she has lived in a variety of places, her sensibility and view of the world are derived significantly from her life and experiences living in rural Wisconsin. She’s always fun to talk with and brings a smile to my face. The photo shows her with my dog Wallace who didn’t take long to find a new friend.

Diana’s TwitterDiana’s LinkedIn

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Jeremy Macdonald is the Director of Education for Ozobot. I’ve known Jeremy for years. We have a long-standing tradition of giving each other cash whenever we see each other. He’s always been a maker and now has taken his game up a notch from 3d printing to high-end furniture and woodworking. He shares some of his journey on Instagram and I get jealous of his skills and abilities.

Jeremy’s TwitterJeremy’s InstagramJeremy’s Thingiverse

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I’m not very cool, but at least I know very cool people. Julia Fallon and I have an ongoing joke about how old I am. The truth is we aren’t that far apart in age but our music tastes and talents would indicate otherwise. Julia is a well-respected leader in educational technology serving as the Executive Director of SEDTA. When she’s not working hard at trying to provide more access and equity for state-level education, she’s DJing Friday nights on Twitch. I know nothing about Djing but was grateful for the opportunity to chat with Julia about a newfound hobby and passion and how the role of community is so linked to learning.

Julia’s TwitchJulia’s Twitter

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Madeline Black is an educational leader extraordinaire. I’ve got to know her over the past 18 months or so as part of my role at ALP. She’s one of those people you look forward to seeing and talking to. I’ve learned a great deal from her and in fact, we shared a wonderful day together recently where I learned about another passion of hers. Today we talk about another interest of hers, that is gaming. In ALP we support a number of districts and schools with esports and Madeline is an integral part of that team. Her love of gaming as I discovered, was something that she’s been involved with for a while.

Madeline’s TwitterMadeline’s Website

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Jaime Casap is a well know speaker and former Google evangelist who is a strong advocate for the power of education as well as the importance of inclusion and opportunity for all. He has many passions outside of his career including photography. But recently he found golf. and of course, this had me intrigued so it was time for us to have a conversation.

Jaime’s Youtube Jaime’s Twitter

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I’ve been blessed to meet and get to know so many people throughout my career. Smart, thoughtful, innovative and caring people. But Kristi belongs in the special category of someone that is truly awe-inspiring. I met her eight years ago and was so moved, that I wrote a blog post. I don’t need to say much more other than to encourage you to take the time to explore her work and listen to our conversation. I hope you’ll be inspired to connect with her and take action. She’s basically Wonder Woman.

Kristi’s website

Beyond Hello

Kristi’s Twitter

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Those of you who know Gary Stager, likely know him as an advocate for learners to experience a world-class education that’s founded on constructivism, curiosity and community. Gary is an author, speaker, and teacher who has travelled the world preaching the gospel of powerful computing and thinking for children. Some of you likely know about his love of jazz but how many of you think of Gary as a tennis player? This was a newfound passion that was discovered during the pandemic and I was curious to know how this came about and how he’s thinking about it with the same lens he thinks about education. Enjoy the conversation with Gary and me.

Gary’s Website

Gary’s Blog

Gary’s Twitter

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Welcome to Season 2 of Outside the Classroom. If this is your first time here, have a look at last season’s episodes where you’ll meet some interesting educators engaging in hobbies and passions that I hope you find fascinating.

I’m kicking off season 2 with an old friend Tara McLauchlan of Winnipeg. Seems Winnipeg is a hotbed of educators with unique passions. I’ve known Tara for several years and always enjoy her creative approach to teaching and life. During the early months of the pandemic, I was curious to watch her with a new passion that many people seemed to embrace…the RV life. Have a listen and learn how Tara and her husband bought and rebuilt a used van and travelled across Canada. (Special guest, Tara’s kitty)

Tara’s websiteTara’s TwitterTara’s Instagram Van Build 1 Van Build 2 Van Build 3Tara’s Linkedin

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