The Big E.D idea Podcast

Iqra Shaikh is a New Age Capitalist, Entrepreneur, and Geographer. She believes that the future of education will be interdisciplinary, problem-solving-oriented, and collaborative. She is the Founder & CEO of Tutoring in Teams, an ed-tech startup focused on bringing team-based learning to a digital world through better software technology and tools, and the Founder & Co-Host of "The Probcast", a mentor for the mentor less, a podcast about real-world problems. She wants every lifelong learner to “dream more, learn more, do more.” She also serves as a Director at the Network for Sustainable Financial Markets and as an Executive Advisor to a couple of startups.

Twitter: @theiqrashaikh

The Probcast Podcast

Kaitlin Kilby is a first-year teacher and graduate student from St. Louis, Missouri. She is currently teaching 2nd grade. Kaitlin graduated in 2020 from Missouri State University with her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, minor in Literacy, and certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution. Her graduate studies are focused on curriculum and instruction. She will be teaching 3rd grade next year.

Kaitlin is a passionate educator, leader, and lifelong learner who believes in student-voice in choice in the classroom for any grade level. She hopes to make a positive difference in the educational experience. When she is not working or in school, Kaitlin enjoys reading, singing and writing music, and spending time with family and friends.

Chris is in his 15th year as a special education teacher. He hosts the 9th Grade Experience, a weekly podcast that shares the stories of students and educators discussing the all-important transition year to high school. He is married with three children and lives in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

In our episode, we discuss how vital a positive freshmen experience is for ALL our students and what we can do to ensure this happens.

Twitter:@chrisstuchko

Website: The 9th Grade Experience Podcast 

Chad Dumas is an international educational consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher whose primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. With over two decades of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his new books, Let’s Put the C in PLC and An Action Guide to Put the C in PLC, and consulting that includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills.

Matthew Rhoads, Ed.D., is an Educational Specialist, university lecturer and teacher candidate supervisor, consultant, researcher, and author from San Diego, California, who specializes in educational technology instructional integration, data-driven decision-making, data literacy, and an expert in best practices for teaching in online and blended learning instructional settings.

Twitter: @MattRhoads1990

Website

Born and raised in El Paso, TX, Laura Rizo’s life experiences relate to many, both youth and adults. She hopes to inspire others to build self-confidence and self-love with her messages and connections. She connects to youth because of the experiences she lived and she can connect with educators because of her years in the classroom and now, currently a school counselor.

Twitter: @lauramrizo14

Laura's Website 

Join Josh and me as we discuss the need for leaders to use multiple methods to connect with their students.

Ray is a husband, a father, a principal of an elementary school in northern Illinois, and a Golden Apple Scholar. He spends his free time traveling with family, cooking with his boys, and co-hosting 2 podcasts. Ray has been in education for 20 years working as a 5th grade teacher, a middle school dean, a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher, a middle school assistant principal, and now as a principal. He believes in the importance of building relationships and of taking every opportunity to lead and make a difference in the world!

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Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader holding the role of Director of Athletics at The King's Academy, a national blue ribbon school in West Palm Beach Florida. Dr. Hobbs was named by Coach and AD magazine as one of the top 40 under 40 leaders in the sports industry and Varsity Brands/ BSN named him the 2019 National High School Athletic Director of the Year featured on CBS Sports Network.

Twitter: @dr_chrishobbs

Blog: Bite Down and Don't Let Go 

Olivia Weidemann is the 2nd staff member from the Milton Hershey School to be on The bigEDidea Podcast! Olivia has worked at the Milton Hershey School, in Hershey, PA for four years as a high school math teacher. She is also the Mentoring Our Leaders’ Development (or M.O.L.D.) program advisor, where she facilitates mentor relationships and guides the M.O.L.D. student committee to come up with activities and program ideas that will foster the mentor-mentee relationship.

Link to the Milton Hershey School website 

Youtube video for the MOLD program at MHS