In this episode, award-winning principal and author Derek McCoy shares his passion for working with middle school students and reflects on his new role as Director of Learning and Innovation at Grady County Schools in Georgia. As a long-time school leader, McCoy reflects on numerous topics with the sole purpose of creating a culture of innovation and passion-based learning. This approach includes elements of design thinking, personalized learning, global competence, student empowerment and strategies to create more student-centered learning opportunities. Derek also offers tips on how to create more collaborative learning spaces, including a previous project in which lockers were removed to make room for a "genius bar" and maker space area to promote technology, creativity and hands-on learning. You can find more big ideas in Derek's book, The Revolution: It's Time To Empower Change In Our Schools, that was written with Darren Ellwein, a middle school principal in South Dakota. Twitter: @mccoyderek. Website: www.mccoyderek.com.

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About Dr. Greg Goins

As the Founder/Host of the Reimagine Schools Podcast, Dr. Greg Goins has emerged as one of the nation's leading voices on visionary leadership and the path to transforming our schools. He currently serves as the Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Georgetown College (KY) and previously spent 15 years as a school district superintendent in Illinois. Dr. Goins is a passionate keynote speaker and is available to speak at your next education conference or school PD day. To book Dr. Goins, please send inquiries to [email protected].  Twitter: @DrGregGoins. Website: www.reimagineschools.net.

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