The Pixel Classroom Podcast

In what we have nicked named the "hard luck episode". As this was recorded over the course of a few weeks. I am joined with EduProtocols co-founder, Jon Corippo. Jon has served a decade at the K-8 level, opened a 1-1, PBL, Google-based high school, served in two county offices, including as an Assistant Superintendent and It Director. Jon has been recognized a County Teacher of the Year, a 20 to Watch Educator by the NSBA, and was a finalist in the EdTech Digest Awards. Jon also holds the Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator badges. We talk about the EduProtocols system, student engagement and what is coming up for the EduProtocols starting as soon as this winter. You can learn more about the EduProtocols and connect with Jon at their website. 

In episode 134, I sit down to do a book review of three great books from DBC Inc. Empowered to Choose by Andrew Easton. Lights, Camera, Teach! by Kevin J. Bulter and Leading the Whole Teacher by Allyson Apsey. Three great books for teachers, administrators, student teachers and instructional coaching. I highly recommend reading these books this winter. 

In this reflection episode, as I "sit at home", I talk about resting. How it comes in different ways, but also how you have to be careful that your rest doesn't over take your life. It's about a balance of what you do, what your goals are and learning to breathe and reflect in those times. It can be from enjoying your favorite sports, to simply reading a good book, or working on that shelving unit in your garage. 

In episode 132, I am joined by award winning and long time writer, JM DeMatteis. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, J. M. DeMatteis was a professional musician and rock music journalist before entering the comic book field.  DeMatteis has written almost all of the major DC and Marvel icons—including memorable runs on Spider-Man (his classic "Kraven’s Last Hunt". Also co-writing Justice League (winning DeMatteis and his collaborators, Keith Giffen and Kevin Maguire, comics’ highest honor, the Eisner Award); but his greatest acclaim has come for sophisticated original graphic novels like Seekers Into The Mystery, Blood: A Tale, The Last One, and Mercy. 

In our interview, JM talks about his work in the business, his various projects and current projects such as his Kickstarter, The DeMultiverse consists of four all-new, all-different comic books he has written. Each of the four initial DeMultiverse titles is completely different in tone and style, and each one is co-created by a different artist and his upcoming Spider-Man: The Lost Hunt this November. JM is a very inspirational writer and his words really resonated in this episode. 

I am joined in Episode 131 by Adam Bellow. Adam is a dedicated educational technologist, father of two young boys, and is CEO and Co-Founder of Breakout EDU, the immersive gaming platform that enables teachers and students to transform classrooms into places of discovery and inquiry-based learning. Previously, he served as a Presidential Innovation Fellow for the White House, created several edtech learning platforms including eduTecher and eduClipper. Adam has written numerous books about educational technology and speaks internationally on the subject of education and technology.

You can find out more about Breakout EDU here. 

I am joined in episode 129 with Maverik Education Founder and Professional Development speaker, Erik Francis. He is an international author and presenter with over 25 years of experience working in education as a classroom teacher, a site administrator, an education program specialist with a state education agency, and a trainer who produces and provides professional development for teachers and school leaders. He is the author of Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning published by Solution Tree and Now THAT'S a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning published by ASCD.  He is also ranked consistently as one of the World's Top 30 Education Professionals by the research organization Global Gurus.

Erik specializes in providing academic professional development,  consultation, and coaching to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities on how to develop rigorous learning environments and deliver engaging educational experiences that will prompt and encourage students to demonstrate different levels of thinking and understand and use their depth of knowledge (DOK) in diverse contexts, new situations, and their own unique way. He has extensive experience working with diverse populations of schools, staff, and students at all grade levels from pre-kindergarten to post-graduates.

Please visit Maverik Education Today. 

In this week’s episode I talk about my experience at the district’s institute day and meeting Adam Peterson.

I am joined by Marisa Thompson (M.A. Teacher Education) who has seventeen years of experience teaching various levels of English including advanced and support classes. As a Curriculum & Intervention Coordinator, she assesses success and develops goals and curriculum, K-12, and designed a role to become her previous district’s first Innovation Support coach. She is a designated cooperating teacher for several credential programs and a Professional Development instructor for University of San Diego. Besides teaching, she has traveled with students on educational trips to Europe, South America, and Asia. Traveling internationally for 30 years, she believes in "the power of education, the transformative effects of travel and experience, and the joy the unexpected can bring" and pushes students to move past "so-called limitations" by embracing student voice, choice, talent, and inspiration. Her experiences culminate in a pedagogy she calls “Instruction-less Teaching,” which includes her TQE Method, currently in classrooms around the world from kindergarten to graduate school. Marisa appears on many podcasts including Cult of Pedagogy, writes for her own blog and others, and speaks regularly at districts’ professional development, universities’ credential programs, and education conferences. She recently won the 2019 Ed Innovate Live Pitch competition and was named CUE’s 2019 San Diego Innovative Educator of the Year. 

You can connect with Marisa at: 

Twitter: @MarisaEThompson

Instagram: marisa.e.thompson

Facebook: Marisa Thompson

Website: Unlimited Teacher.com

On International Podcast Day, I reflect on relationships not with students, but work co-workers and staff members. How connecting and understanding each other can make some amazing friendships and relationships that will last for many years. No matter where you or they go in life. 

We celebrate the 125th episode of the Pixel Classroom Podcast with long time award winning comic artist, Ron Frenz. Ron shares how he became interesting in being a comic artist, especially Spider-Man since he was young. How he broke into the comic book industry, his partnership with writer, Tom DeFalco. Being the artist who drew the famous black suit for Spider-Man in the 80s, the creation of Eric Masterson better known as Thunderstrike, Superman's Blue Costume in the 90s and more. Roan also shares what lead to the creation of Spider-Girl and the MC2 Universe and his love of the industry and craft. He also offers advice for aspiring artists who want to become a professional various artistic careers. This was an amazing interview with Ron and I hope you check out his current work with: 

Catskill Comics

Blue Baron

The RIGHT Project

Ron, thank you again.