In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast - A Convo with Melisa, Tori, and Jenny, George Couros welcomes three members of the #bookclubIM group who connected after one of Couros’ keynote presentations! Couros reflects on a strategy he uses to help educators make connections and learn from those across the hallway while still making connections with others around the world. The four talk about mitigating learning loss and creating a solution for the problem - too often, the conversation stops at addressing the problem, but these four connect to create solutions! Each guest, Melisa, Tori, and Jenny, share what they are doing for their learners, how they build relationships, and how they have used the ideas shared in The Innovator’s Mindset to create their own solutions. You can join #bookclubIM at 8:30 central standard time every Tuesday through January of 2022!

*Watch on YouTube for a special guest appearance by Fred

Links:

Melisa LeBlanc Twitter - https://twitter.com/leblanc_melisa

Tori Dennie Twitter - https://twitter.com/ToriDennie

Jenny Richard Twitter - https://twitter.com/mrsrichardsjen

#bookclubIM on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hashtag/bookclubim?src=hash

Innovator’s Mindset (book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Mindset-Empower-Learning-Creativity-ebook/dp/B016YTBZKO

3 Ideas for Taking Care of Yourself Before the Break (blog post) - https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/7921

Quotes:

“It is their classroom, we are just privileged to teach in it.” - Tori Dennie

“We have to be conscious as educators to not lose our spark.” - Melisa LeBlanc

"How can we meet the needs of our students and meet them where they are right now?" - Jenny Richards

Dr. Chris Jones and George Couros reflect on educators who instill a love for learning and leaders who instill values in their learners. Hear how Dr. Chris Jones answers these questions in detail:

Who is a teacher that has inspired you and why?

Who is an administrator that has inspired you and why?

What advice would you give your first-year teacher-self?

Dr. Chris Jones and George Couros reflect on the power of a great principal as Dr. Jones reflects on the leaders he has worked with - hear Couros and Dr. Jones give a shout-out to all the coaches out there! Dr. Jones closes out with a reminder about knowing why you are doing what you are doing and how that relates to academic success. Be sure to listen or watch the follow-up episode, Teacher-Centered Leadership - A Convo With Dr. Chris Jones.

Links:

Dr. Chris Jones Twitter - https://twitter.com/drcsjones?lang=en

Dr. Chris Jones Blog - https://t.co/sX5UCrO1pd?amp=1

Dr. Chris Jones Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drcsjones/

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.ca

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

This episode of #MindsetMonday talks about facing hard truths. George Couros reflects on how he had avoided his own advice as he reflects on his fitness journey and works to be a problem-finder and a problem-solver. Couros shares the moment where he faced the hard truth about his weight - identified the problem - and used the resources he had to create solutions that immediately addressed the problem.

Links:

Lumen - https://lumen.me/

Questions (PIP):

I cannot fix problems that I don't know exist.

How do we become problem-finders and problem-solvers?

What is the specific problem?

What are 1-2 things that will help you?

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.ca

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Because of a Teacher is now avaiable! Get your copy at linktr.ee/gcouros

Inspired from a recent podcast focused on showing gratitude to educators that focused on the book, Because of a Teacher (bit.do/BOAT), this podcast shares a way to get students involved in creating a school podcast - asking students who is a teacher/educator/staff member that inspired you and why. This could be a short story shared by students which is powerful because the students share gratitude to their teachers. This could also be an opportunity for professional development where schools can reflect on what the students value about others. Couros also shares a way to get input from parents and caregivers that will help their voices be heard in the school decision-making process. A final note from Couros shares two important reasons to reflect - reflecting is a way to share learning and also a way to learn. The closing question asks, “How do you process learning?”

Links:

BECAUSE of a TEACHER: Livia Chan, Dwight Carter, and George Couros - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnCxWW1ho8c

Because of a Teacher on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Because-Teacher-Stories-Inspire-Education/dp/194833433X

George Couros’ Weekly Emails - https://bit.do/GeorgeMail

Quotes:

"It is better to show gratitude too early rather than too late."

"Do we model the learning that we expect from our kids?"

"Do you take that time to not only reflect but to openly reflect?"

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.ca

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Join this three guest episode of Three Questions on Educators that Inspire and hear how Tori Dennie, Jenny Richards, and Melisa LeBlanc respond to these questions:

Who is a teacher that has inspired you and why?

Who is an administrator that has inspired you and why?

What advice would you give your first-year teacher-self?

This episode is full of great ideas and educator resources for genius hour, building relationships, making connections, creating a culture where risk taking is encouraged, and empowering learners!

Links:

Melisa LeBlanc Twitter - https://twitter.com/leblanc_melisa

Tori Dennie Twitter - https://twitter.com/ToriDennie

Jenny Richard Twitter - https://twitter.com/mrsrichardsjen

#bookclubIM on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hashtag/bookclubim?src=hash

Innovator’s Mindset (book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Mindset-Empower-Learning-Creativity-ebook/dp/B016YTBZKO

Quotes:

"If you don't have the trust and support from your admin to take risks...then what is the point?" - Tori Dennie

"...leverage different tools that help you connect outside of the classroom." - Melissa LeBlanc

"...teach something that excites you! " - Jenny Richards

"When you build relationships, it speeds up everything else that you have to do." - George Couros

"Because of a Teacher" is now available for purchase! Get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

George Couros shares an uplifting #MindsetMonday where he asks viewers and listeners to think about three questions:

Who are the people who have had the most impact on your life and what characteristics do they have in common?

How are you the person that you need for yourself to others?

Who is someone that you feel constantly lifts you up? Reach out to that person!

Throughout this episode, Couros mixes storytelling and curiosity as he works to share some ways that he is being more cognizant of how he spends his time and who he spends his time with!

Links:

4 Ways To Not Let Others Dim Your Light - https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/7751

This is What Depression Looks Like - https://ifunny.co/picture/this-is-what-depression-looks-like-5ChpxSY67

Questions (PIP):

Who do you surround yourself with? Do they lift you up or do they make you feel worse?

Where is the criticism coming from and how is it delivered?

How do you lift others up?

How do others make you feel?

Are my days filled with what fills me up?

How are you the person that you need for yourself to others?

Who are the people who have had the most impact on your life and what characteristics do they have in common?

Who is someone that you feel constantly lifts you up? Reach out to that person!

Because of a Teacher is now available! Get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What are the needs of the community? Who are the people we serve? How do we create the best experience possible for the people we are closest to?

These opening questions outline this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: Building the World's Greatest School! A Convo with Scott Cavanias, Jessica Delavigne, and Richard Parkhouse. This episode is an Innovator’s Mindset Podcast first - three guests are showcased on this episode! The four learners in this episode have a conversation centered around the practices and relationships that are being built at Alvarado Intermediate School. Richard Parkhouse also shares more about his book, Building the World’s Greatest High School. Parkhouse shares how this is not limited to the school itself, it expands to the people who are part of that school - the students, the teachers, the community, the school band, the night staff, the day staff… Cavania, Delavigne, Parkhouse, and Couros talk about how the vision at Alvarado was created and how it is upheld; the group also talks about ways to move forward and finding a path to success in a way that is meaningful to the learner.

Links:

Scott Cavanias Twitter - @AIS_Principal - https://twitter.com/AIS_Principal

Jessica Delavigne Twitter - @jdelavigne_rusd - https://twitter.com/jdelavigne_rusd

Richard Parkhouse Twitter - @4Renpark - https://twitter.com/4Renpark

Building the World’s Greatest High School on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Building-Worlds-Greatest-High-School-ebook/dp/B00BK9WZX0/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=building+the+worlds+greatest+high+school&qid=1632447928&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Richard Parkhouse Amazon books - https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Parkhouse/e/B002HQFV2M%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Innovate Inside the Box on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Innovate-Inside-Box-Empowering-Innovators-ebook/dp/B07WG9P1DX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=innovate+inside+the+box&qid=1632447312&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.ca

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

The Innovator's Mindset:https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Mindset-Empower-Learning-Creativity/dp/0986155497/ref=zg_bs_69830_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ARY8KZTA242NVFMHF9X0

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/Innovate-Inside-Box-Empowering-Innovators/dp/1948334127/ref=zg_bs_69830_12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=75E0ZS6R2J330FAM9Y0A

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Because of a Teacher is now available! Get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Dr. Shaun Carey joins The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: Three Questions on Educators that Inspire and brings so many great ideas and thoughts to the episode. Dr. Carey started off with a story about a previous educator who he had as an elementary student and reflected on how strong relationships were built through storytelling. Hear how the power of storytelling is shared as Dr. Carey answers these questions on this episode of Three Questions on Educators that Inspire:

Who is a teacher that has inspired you and why?

Who is an administrator that has inspired you and why?

What advice would you give your first-year teacher-self?

Links:

Dr. Shaun V. Carey Twitter - https://twitter.com/shaunvcarey?lang=en

Dr. Shaun V. Carey LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-carey-857a8692

Quotes:

"Don't take yourself too seriously...we feel like we have to be that person who knows everything and can do everything...we are growing and learning every day."

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.ca

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

This episode of #MindsetMondays starts off with a shout-out to Lainie Rowell who is one of the authors featured in #BecauseOfATeacher and she is starting her own gratitude journey! Couros reflects on the importance of gratitude and shares a reminder from Patrick Larkin who asked his blog followers to “find one thing each day that you are grateful for that would not have been possible if we were not in these unique circumstances.” Couros shares two questions that he read in an article by Tim Denning, titled, The Most Important Way to Measure Your Day: 1. Did I learn one new thing today? 2. Did I help or inspire one person? Couros also adds a third question: 3. Did I show gratitude to someone who has had a positive impact on me? Couros encourages listeners and viewers to reflect on these three questions and share the answers with others or share using #MindsetMonday!

Links:

Edutopia Article: Cultivating a Culture of Authentic Gratitude - https://www.edutopia.org/article/cultivating-culture-authentic-gratitude

Lainie Rowell: Instagram Gratitude Post - https://www.instagram.com/p/CUcyazZFX2T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Is Gratitude Good for Your Health - https://www.google.com/url?q=https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/is_gratitude_good_for_your_health&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1633038204110000&usg=AOvVaw2gz6_x8GnT6BbqjMLk2Gk0

Patrick Larkin Blog Post: Never A Better Time To Practice #Gratitude - https://www.google.com/url?q=https://patrickmlarkin.blog/2020/03/17/never-a-better-time-to-practice-gratitude/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1633037808558000&usg=AOvVaw1B05LehfevAB3HRI2ASLns

The Most Important Way to Measure Your Day - https://medium.com/the-ascent/the-most-important-way-to-measure-your-day-e43a8a042b63

Questions (PIP):

What are you grateful for?

How will recognizing what you are grateful for help you and help others?

Did I learn one new thing today?

Did I help or inspire one person?

Did I show gratitude to someone who has had a positive impact on me?

Because of a Teacher is now available! Get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Joshua Stamper, an assistant principal, shares his experience in education - from a graphic designer to teacher, coach, and now assistant principal and author, Stamper reflects on what it means to be an aspiring leader. Stamper also shares more about his book, Aspire to Lead, and what Aspire stands for:

ACTIVATE your journey

Find SUPPORT from other leaders

PERSEVERE through challenges

Discover your IDENTITY

Grow in your REFLECTION

And EXECUTE your vision!

Couros and Stamper talk about the importance of consistently pushing ourselves. Couros and Stamper have a conversation about a blog post, 4 Attributes of a Great Assistant Principal, where Couros lays out these 4 character strengths: self-starters, determined to work towards success, determined to work towards success, they will challenge authority. Couros and Stamper close out this episode with a funny story that leads Couros to stop checking his luggage when he travels. Listen to this episode to find out why Couros is a carry-on-only traveler, hear more about Stamper’s new book, Aspire to Lead, and even more entertaining and equally inspiring stories and ideas from both Couros and Stamper!

Links:

Aspire to Lead (book by Joshua Stamper) - https://www.amazon.com/Aspire-Lead-Joshua-Stamper/dp/1953852386

4 Attributes of a Great Assistant Principal - https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/3635

Aspire Podcast - https://joshstamper.com/aspire-episodes/

AJ Juliani Failure Report - https://www.ajjuliani.com/blog/my-2020-failing-report

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.ca

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

The Innovator's Mindset:https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Mindset-Empower-Learning-Creativity/dp/0986155497/ref=zg_bs_69830_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ARY8KZTA242NVFMHF9X0

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/Innovate-Inside-Box-Empowering-Innovators/dp/1948334127/ref=zg_bs_69830_12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=75E0ZS6R2J330FAM9Y0A

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/