Shellee Howard - College Ready: Helping High-Achieving Families Unlock the Path to College Without Debt. This is episode 808 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

Shellee Howard helps high-achieving families unlock the path to college without debt. As the founder of College Ready and a Certified Educational Consultant, she blends insider admissions knowledge with financial strategy to guide teens toward top-tier schools—including her own children, who all graduated college completely debt-free.

What sets Shellee apart is not just her expertise, but her lived experience. A single mother of four, she navigated the admissions process herself—juggling academics, scholarships, and ambition across blended family dynamics and diverse child personalities. From Ivy League dreams to international study paths, Shellee has done it all. She now works with families worldwide to develop a “Stand Out Strategy” that aligns academic goals with emotional readiness and return on investment.

She’s a two-time bestselling author, international speaker, and host of the podcast Parents, Is Your Teen College Ready? Her work has been featured on FOX, CBS, NBC, and in numerous national publications.

So much to learn and think about!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Connect & Learn More:

https://collegereadyplan.com/

collegereadyplan.info

crfuturenow.com

https://empowereducation.world/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleehoward/

https://www.youtube.com/@collegereadyplan

https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan

https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan

Length - 48:02

Sue Ann Highland - Reimagining Learning Spaces: Designing Educational Environments for a New Generation. This is episode 807 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

Dr. Sue Ann Highland is the National Education Strategist at School Specialty and author of Reimagining Learning Spaces: Designing Educational Environments for a New Generation. With over 30 years of experience in schools and districts across the country, she has served as a teacher, consultant, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal, Federal Programs Director, and CTE Director. 

A specialist in school improvement and turnaround efforts, she is also an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, passionate about aligning people, processes and learning environments for student success.

Our focus today is her book - Reimagining Learning Spaces: Designing Educational Environments for a New Generation.

Excellent topic!

Wonderful conversation!

So much to learn and think about!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Connect & Learn More:

https://www.drsueannhighland.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueannhighland/

https://www.corwin.com/books/reimagining-learning-spaces-293272

https://www.schoolspecialty.com/

Length - 47:25

Dennis A. Feece - The Phantom Grasp: A T.B. Stone Mystery. This is episode 806 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

Dennis A. Feece may not sound like your typical novelist who crafted a murder mystery, but he calls upon a variety of experiences, hobbies, and schooling to create the realism in his books - his latest one is The Phantom Grasp: a T.B. Stone Mystery.

For three decades, he engaged in a career of book manufacturing, serving from frontline supervisor to vice president of operations. He worked for several companies, including Bertelsmann, Maple-Vail Book Manufacturing, and RR Donnelley. He then became a Pastoral Associate at a local church, serving for several years.

Feece earned a B.S. majoring in Psychology and minoring in Religious Studies from College Misericordia in PA. He earned an MA in Theology from University of Scranton in PA.

Born and raised in Plymouth, Indiana, he has also lived in CT, NH and now resides in Montrose, PA. He enjoys weightlifting, writing, and exploring his spiritual curiosity.

He has written three TB Stone novels …

Our focus today is Dennis’ latest TB Stone Mystery - The Phantom Grasp.

Great talk!

Awesome story!

Dennis shares how he works on his novels. Great information!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Connect & Learn More:

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/DennisAFeece/

https://www.facebook.com/DennisAFeece/

https://www.linkedin.com/DennisAFeece/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dennis-A-Feece/author/B0C3BDMTF2?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Length - 45:48

Sandra T. Elliott, PhD - Sum Thing Is Up: A Practical Guide to Dyscalculia - Tips, Tools, and Resources for Parents, Educators, and Anyone Affected by Dyscalculia. This is episode 805 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

Sandra T. Elliott, Ph.D., is a career educator who has spent over four decades working to enhance education for all students and improve schools and their systems around the globe. 

She has served as a Special Education teacher, a five-time principal in Florida and Colorado, a district-level administrator and state level consultant. 

She has held executive-level positions at for-profit education providers and foundations and was part of the EngageNY – Eureka Math team and led the TouchMath team that developed DySc- the free dyscalculia screener for ages 3-adult. 

Dr. Elliott is also a member of the UNESCO-sponsored international EDUsummIT that meets biennially to write education policy recommendations to be adopted by the United Nations. 

Dr Elliott has presented at national and international conferences on mathematics for the struggling student and dyscalculia, has published in national and international journals, and recently released her debut book, Sum Thing is Up: A Practical Guide to Dyscalculia - Tips, Tools, and Resources for Parents, Educators, and Anyone Affected by Dyscalculia.

Awesome conversation!

So much to learn and understand.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Connect & Learn More:

https://touchmath.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchmath/

https://www.youtube.com/@TouchMath

https://www.instagram.com/touchmath.official/

https://www.facebook.com/TouchMath/

https://www.amazon.com/Sum-Thing-Practical-Dyscalculia-Resources/dp/1966551231

Length - 32:44

Will & Josh - The HiTech Podcast: A.I. & Jobs: Not Doom & Gloom but Definitely Silly. This is episode 804 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

Will & Josh of the HiTech podcast invited me to talk with them about A.I. & Jobs that might look different or could be replaced by A.I. Doing a Christmas podcast has become a tradition now between us. If you go to their YouTube channel or their webpage you will see my great T-Rex Christmas Sweater!

Will notes, "This year's festive episode takes an unexpected turn as we dive deep into the big question everyone's asking: What would it look like if AI actually replaced different jobs? We explore everything from AI substitute teachers with dystopian "shock rooms" to robot baseball players and AI sound engineers. Steven brings his educator perspective while we speculate on scenarios ranging from hilariously absurd to surprisingly plausible. Plus, we test our theories against what Claude AI actually thinks about job replacement!"

Additionally, Will comments, "But don't worry - this isn't doom and gloom. We balance the speculation with honest takes on what makes human work irreplaceable and why some jobs are safer than others. Perfect holiday tech conversation for your family dinner table!"

This was fun!

What an awesome conversation!

Even if they did pick on me for my eighty's references, this was a blast!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Connect & Learn More:

https://hitechpod.us

https://youtu.be/H0BgJJnLGlA?si=-H6UemK21F1MNiWg

HiTech Podcast | #hitechhijinx (@hitechpodcast) / X

https://www.youtube.com/@hitechpodcast

Length - 01:00:52

Annamarie Omanga - The Magnolia School: An Independent K-8 School for Girls. This is episode 803 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

Originally from Chicago, Annamarie Omanga has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She began her career in the middle school classroom and then spent six years directing a supplemental education program for inner city youth in Chicago. Annamarie then took her teaching skills to the business arena where she started in training and development and then enjoyed a career in Human Resources with Cap Gemini America and AIG.

Throughout her career, Annamarie has presented a variety of seminars and given talks on a wide range of topics, including education, the formation of virtues, and marriage enrichment. Annamarie is thrilled and humbled to be the first Head of School at Magnolia School.

The Magnolia School is an independent K-8 school for girls located in Houston, Texas. The school has reimagined the core curriculum. The students are introduced to Latin and focus on developing logic and leadership skills. The school also deemphasizes technology and introduces hands-on activities as well as "outdoor time". To assist the students with success and resiliency the school has cross-grade mentoring. 

So much to learn and think about!

Awesome conversation!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Connect & Learn More:

https://magnoliaschool.org/

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/magnoliaschoolhouston/

https://www.facebook.com/magnoliaschoolhouston

Length - 51:42

Peter B. Cotton: When Fred the Snake and Friends Learn the Chinese Zodiac and the Great Race! This is episode 802 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

Dr. Peter B. Cotton is the author and creator of an award-winning children’s book series, Fred the Snake, which now consists of 10 books.

He grew up in England, where the first tale was conceived long ago as a bedtime story for his then young children about how (not) to cross the road. When they had their kids, they asked what happened to “Fred-Fred”. Peter teamed up with a special illustrator (Canadian Bonnie Lemaire) and published the first book, When Fred the Snake got Squished and Mended. 

Before becoming a great grandfather and celebrated children’s book author, he saved lives as a leading gastroenterologist. His illustrious, international, five-decade career in medicine included treating royalty and celebrity patients, teaching, writing nearly 1,000 published medical papers, penning 10 medical books, and lecturing in over 50 nations and across the United States. He has written the definitive textbook, now in its eighth edition, Cotton and Williams’ Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: The Fundamentals.

He also recently published his memoir, The Tunnel at the End of the Light. Schooled by Quakers, he used to tag along with his dad, a doctor, on farmhouse calls. He received his pilot license and gliding certificate in his youth. He played junior tennis at Wimbledon and got to caddie for his son who twice competed at the British Golf Open.

Dr. Cotton, 85, and his wife, Marion, are blessed with four children, eight grandchildren and four great grand kids. They reside near Charleston, SC, on Dewees Island, an eco-sensitive community of 72 homes, without any cars or shops. 

Our focus today is Peter’s latest book … When Fred the Snake and Friends Learn the Chinese Zodiac and the Great Race! 

Awesome stories!

Incredible conversation!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Connect & Learn More:

https://petercottontales.com/

https://www.facebook.com/fredthesnakebooks

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhqEjpPL5v3nuxt4yoeGYg

https://www.pinterest.com/petercotto1597/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cotton-8b1b0240/

https://www.instagram.com/fredthesnake_/

Length - 36:08

John Schembari, Johanna Tramantano, Crystal Frommert, and Steve Miletto: The Art and Purpose of Podcasting in Education. This is episode 801 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

John Schembari, Have a Life Teaching, leads a discussion with education podcasters to reflect on the art and purpose of podcasting in education. John uses AI to determine what questions he will ask. This was a fun discussion about why we podcast and what we have discovered while podcasting. John notes, "From the challenges of balancing storytelling with scholarship to the power of teacher voice in shaping public dialogue, the panel explores what happens when educators turn the mic on themselves."

It was great talking with John, Johanna, and Crystal!

So much to think about, especially if you are thinking about starting your own podcast.

See links to their podcasts below in the connect section.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Connect:

Have a Life Teaching

Transformative College Success Coaching | Leveraging Literacy

Learner-Centered Spaces - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Length - 40:06

Formative Assessment, Part 3 - 3 Reasons Why You Need to Include Formative Assessment in Your Lesson Plans. This is episode 800 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

Steve shares three stories from when he was in 8th and 7th grade. The three stories -The Accident, The Beach, and The Jacket - will hopefully help you think about what distracts your students during your classroom instruction. Steve was focused on everything but the lessons by situations, the sights, sounds, and aromas from the school, as well as interactions with other students. These stories are focused on showing why you want to take time to discover whether the students are following you or not. You have to check for understanding. It is important to use formative assessment.

Formative Assessment is for determining what your students know and don't know. It is purposefully placed in your lesson plans. The type of formative assessment chosen is also determined ahead of time and placed in your lessons. The data gathered is used to make adjustments to your instruction. Additionally, the assessments are not graded. 

Help your students be successful. Use formative assessment to make a difference. 

If you haven't listened to the first two parts on Formative Assessment, see the links below.

Check out my Pinterest board on Formative Assessment for ideas and instructions on how to use different formative assessment tools. (See below for the link.)

How many Steve's do you have in your classes?

So much to think about!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Here is the link to my Pinterest Board on Formative Assessment. 

(77) Pinterest

Make sure that you check out the first two parts of this series on my podcast -

https://www.stevenmiletto.com/formative-assessment-part-1-what-why-and-resources-795/

https://www.stevenmiletto.com/formative-assessment-part-2-mini-whiteboards-and-stickies-as-formative-assessment-tools-796/

Length - 35:54

Mike Kenny - MathFactLab: Helping to Make Math Easier to Learn. This is episode 799 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

Mike Kenny taught 5th grade for 19 years: 4 in England and 15 in VT.  

Mike is the designer of MathFactLab. MathFactLab is based on the idea that pattern recognition makes math easier to learn.

Each year, Mike found that many of his students came to fifth grade lacking basic math fact fluency. Frustrated that the math fact materials commercially available did not match what research recommended, he gradually came to the conclusion that he ought to try creating his own math fact program. MathFactLab is the result of several years of effort, much research, a great heap of advice, many drafts, and lots of trial and error in Mike’s classroom and beyond.

Mike has degrees from the University of Notre Dame, the College of William and Mary, and the Vermont Mathematics Initiative (at UVM).

Our focus today is Mike’s MathFactLab: Helping to Make Math Easier to Learn.

So much to learn and think about!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks for sharing!

Before you go...

You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.

This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. 

Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!

You are AWESOME!

Connect & Learn More:

[email protected]

http://www.mathfactlab.com

https://www.instagram.com/mathfactlab/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/people/Math-Fact-Lab/100087028068411/

https://www.youtube.com/@mathfactlab

Length - 34:08