This is the wired educator podcast episode 214, my interview with Brad Gustafson. Brad is an amazing educational leader, an award winning principal and the author of a fantastic new book titled  The Six  Literacy Levers. We talk about literacy leadership, The Swiss-Army Knife of Literacy, Shiny Book Report Syndrome, and so much more!  Brad was on the Wired Educator Podcast way back in episode 121 where we talked about his book Reclaiming Our Calling. Now Brad is back with a brand new book focused on Literacy. Literacy is something I am personally passion about and something I’m professionally working on with my district. I am so excited to share this interview with you. We talk about:   Why literacy? Why now? The difference between reading skills and motivation Creating Reading Community  It doesn’t matter what you teach. It doesn’t matter what your role is in education. This episode is absolutely for you. But before I share this amazing interview with you there’s something I wanna tell you about. Dr. Brad Gustafson is an award-winning principal, best-selling author, speaker, and avid reader. Brad's newest book The 6 Literacy Levers, is a practitioner-friendly guide to championing readers--from anywhere in your school or organization. He also wrote Reclaiming Our Calling and Renegade Leadership. All of Brad's books are built on the belief that everything we do starts with relationships and connectedness. When Brad isn't in school, there's a good chance he's being schooled. He enjoys anything that's competitive including fishing, pickleball, ping pong, playing hearts, and battling Pokémon with his son. You can also find Brad with his high school sweetheart and their three kids spending time on the lake, reading, and writing. Mentioned in this episode:  Cherry Street Mission in Toledo Ohio Brad's books:    The 6 Literacy Levers  Reclaiming Our Calling   Renegade Leadership  Brad's website and blog: www.bradgustafson.com Follow Brad on Twitter: @GustafsonBrad Listen to Brad's Podcast: unearthED  -------------------------   Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. If you’d like to learn more about Kelly or invite him to your school or conference to speak please send him an email.  Subscribe to  The Wired Educator Podcast with 214 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Visit Kelly’s website at www.KellyCroy.com. • Looking for a dynamic speaker for your school’s opening day? • Consider Kelly Croy at www.KellyCroy.com • Order Kelly’s books,  Along Came a Leaderand  Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram         

WEP 214: The Six Literacy Levers, an Interview with Brad Gustafson

The Wired Educator Podcast: Becoming a Better Educator Now So You Can Make a Greater Impact and Enjoy a Higher Quality Lifestyle.  The Host, Kelly Croy, is an Apple Distinguished Educator and Google Certified teacher. He has been teaching in the classroom for over 24 years. Kelly is a speaker, artist, author and educator.

The Wired Educator Podcast will deliver content to help educators make a greater impact, be more productive, increase their efficiency, and improve their lifestyles.

In this podcast I really want to emphasize my love and passion for learning and teaching. I truly want to make a difference in the lives of students and help inspire the next generation of educators. I share methods that I have learned from some of the most amazing educators around the globe on how to become a better educator, while expanding their classroom as a writer, speaker, and professional.

There will be many guests on the Wired Educator blog. Thank YOU for listening!

This podcast will share what teachers have discovered "works" in and outside the classroom.

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This is Wired Educator Podcast Episode 242: Teaching and Learning with the Magic of Artificial Intelligence, my interview with Jeni Long who has been at the forefront of educational innovation as an EdTech speaker, consultant, and author helping educators. Jeni has a new role as Senior Community Strategist at MagicSchool AI is helping educators in fascinating new ways by leveraging artificial intelligence. Dive in. You’re going to love this episode. Click here to listen to my interview with Jeni Long.  Jeni is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience in the field. She is a respected EdTech speaker, consultant, and author dedicated to providing unwavering support for teachers both in and out of the classroom. Jeni empathizes with the daily challenges educators encounter and strives to offer guidance, resources, and encouragement to all educators. In her role as the Senior Community Strategist at MagicSchool AI, Jeni's primary goal is to ensure that every teacher on the platform feels supported, motivated, and empowered to positively impact their students' lives. She strongly believes in the strength of community and understands that collective collaboration among teachers can foster magic within classrooms. Jeni is actively engaged in organizing events, delivering professional development sessions, fostering community growth, and establishing partnerships with school districts in collaboration with MagicSchool. Mentioned in this Episode:  StreamYard: Our sponsor for this episode. This is the app I use to record interviews with my guests. It's the best way to record audio and video. Go to www.StreamYard.com and turn your browser into an awesome recording studio.  Wired Wednesday Chat and Live Stream: Follow @wirededucator @kellycroy #wiredwednesday and the entire squad for a unique video live stream and Twitter chat on Wednesday at 9PM.  Magic School AI: This is where Jeni works and it is an amazing tool for using Artificial Intelligence as an educator. More to come on this, but I must say... I am so impressed by Magic School. Check it out.  Here's the link to ALL of Jeni Long's social media, website and information:  https://www.canva.com/design/DAEbRxl2tN4/AFSz0bNzL9PrPIOVJNod9Q/view Thanks for taking time out of your busy week to listen to The Wired Educator Podcast. You are awesome! Kelly I would like to speak at your event! Order Kelly’s books,  Along Came a Leader and  Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker Twitter: @kellycroy Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast:  The Wired Educator Podcast and of course: Facebook. Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. [convertkit form=1190516]  Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school. Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event? Yes! Let's Make it happen right HERE!  [fusebox_full_player social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_linkedin="true" social_pinterest="true" social_email="true" ]    

WEP 242: Teaching and Learning with the Magic of Artificial Intelligence An Interview with Jeni Long

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, where we're dedicated to helping educators make a real difference. I'm your host, Kelly Croy, and today we have a very special episode that promises to inspire and energize. Our guest is the dynamic Ty Allan Jackson, an author, speaker, and fierce advocate for children's literacy and diversity in children's books. Ty's enthusiasm is absolutely infectious, and his commitment to teaching kids about financial literacy through his popular books like "Danny Dollar Millionaire" and "Make Your Own Money" is truly motivating. In our conversation, Ty shares the joys and challenges of his journey as an author and speaker. He opens up about the impact his work has on young minds, emphasizing the importance of having diverse characters that kids can look up to. His positivity shines through everything he does, making him a joy to follow on Instagram and a favorite among his followers. So, tune in, get inspired, and discover why this interview with Ty Allan Jackson is an absolute must-listen for anyone passionate about education and making a difference in the lives of young learners. Ty is an award-winning children’s book author, literacy advocate, captivating motivational speaker, and honorary Doctorate recipient. In 2011 he founded Big Head Books, LLC (now Ty Allan Jackson, LLC,) a literacy organization that aims to introduce children to the joys of reading. Ty travels around the country (or, nowadays, does virtual visits via Zoom from the comfort of his couch) inspiring children and educating adults about the impacts of illiteracy.  A three-time TedX presenter, Ty believes that literacy is the foundation for a successful life and promotes it with humor and enthusiasm.  Awards and Recognition In 2021, Ty received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for his work as an author and community leader. Ty’s work as an author and literacy advocate also earned him the Massachusetts inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Content of Character Award, as well as citations from the Massachusetts Governor, Senator, and the House of Representatives.  Ty’s books have been featured on Good Morning America, Disney+, CNN, NBC Nightly News, The Steve Harvey Show, PBS. In 2012, Ty’s books were gifted to former First Lady Michelle Obama by his hometown mayor.   Projects Ty is the co-founder of READ OR ELSE™, a literacy movement that was created to shine a light on the impacts of illiteracy.  In collaboration with Northern Kentucky University, Ty also co-founded Danny Dollar Academy, a revolutionary financial literacy program created for elementary school students to learn the basics of Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Economics. Mentioned in this episode:  www.TyAllanJackson.com Follow Ty on • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter• LinkedIn Ty's Books:  • Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade • The Supadupa Kid • The Supadupa Kid 2: MOVE • When I Close My Eyes• You Are Amazing/I Am Amazing • Make Your Own Money: How Kids Can Earn It, Save It, Spent It, and Dream Big, with Danny Dollar, the King of Cha-Ching Thanks for taking time out of your busy week to listen to The Wired Educator Podcast. You are awesome! Kelly I would like to speak at your event! Order Kelly’s books,  Along Came a Leader and  Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker Twitter: @kellycroy Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast:  The Wired Educator Podcast and of course: Facebook. Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. [convertkit form=1190516]  Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school. Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event? Yes! Let's Make it happen right HERE!       

WEP 241: Inspiring Students to Have Fun, Read and Become Financially Literate an Interview with Ty Allan Jackson

Welcome to the Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 240 my interview with the exceptional Chris Nesi. Chris is not only an outstanding educator but also the brilliant host of the House of EdTech podcast. Chris is someone I respect and admire.  I'm absolutely delighted to share our enlightening conversation about education podcasting and a plethora of other fascinating topics. You're going to love this episode.  Christopher J. Nesi, is a passionate educator, podcast host, and influential thought leader. With over 15 years of classroom experience, Chris has dedicated his professional journey to assisting educators in effectively and meaningfully integrating technology into their teaching practices. His engaging presentations at both local and national conferences are widely acclaimed for their practical strategies in technology implementation and their emphasis on creating student-centered learning experiences. As the host and producer of the immensely popular "House of #EdTech" podcast, Chris explores emerging trends and conducts insightful interviews with influential figures in education and technology from around the world. His authenticity and genuine leadership shine through in every episode, making him an invaluable resource for educators seeking inspiration and guidance. Throughout our conversation, I was reminded of why Chris has earned my admiration. His unwavering dedication to empowering educators and utilizing technology to shape the future of education is truly inspiring. I strongly encourage listeners to tune in to his podcast and engage with him on social media, as his insights are truly invaluable. It's a true honor and privilege to introduce you to the remarkable Chris Nesi. Chris's Links:   https://chrisnesi.com The Pod Journal I Like to Podcast and You Will Too!: A House of #EdTech Guide to Podcasting PodcastPD Education Podcast Network  Thanks for taking time out of your busy week to listen to The Wired Educator Podcast. You are awesome! Kelly I would like to speak at your event! Order Kelly’s books,  Along Came a Leader and  Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker Twitter: @kellycroy Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast:  The Wired Educator Podcast and of course: Facebook. Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.  Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school. Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event? Yes! Let's Make it happen right HERE!   

WEP: 240: Building a Community for Educational Technology Integration, an Interview with Chris Nesi

This is the Wired Educator podcast Episode 239, my interview with Donnie, Sorah titled “Publishing Students Through Creative Collaborations." Donnie is a  musician, educator, composer, and an associate professor of music at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. He’s amazing and he’s going to share his story as well as inspire us all to publish students’ work in powerful and unique ways to enhance their voice, build connection and provide the best learning experience possible. This episode is perfect for teachers in any content are, teaching any age, educational leaders and YOU!  [convertkit form=1190516] Dr. Donald Sorah, Associate Professor of Music at The University of Virginia's College at Wise, boasts a diverse teaching portfolio encompassing applied high brass, conducting, music technology, composition, orchestration, and various other courses. As an Apple Distinguished Educator and recipient of the Outstanding Use of Technology in the Classroom Award (May 2022), Dr. Sorah actively supports students and colleagues as an Apple Learning Coach at UVA Wise, an Apple Distinguished School. Under his guidance, the college achieved initial accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music in 2019. Beyond UVA Wise, Dr. Sorah has served as Associate Adjunct Instructor at Mountain Empire Community College since 1999 and previously taught at J.J. Kelly High School and L.F. Addington Middle School in Wise, Virginia. As the Associate Director of the Spirit of America National Honor Band, he conducted and performed as a trumpet soloist across Europe. He co-founded the Guayaquil Summer Music Academy in Ecuador, where he engaged in performances, lectures, and trumpet instruction. Recent teaching and research ventures have taken him to Chile and Spain. Sorah is a member of the Symphony of the Mountains and the Johnson City Symphony. In 2006, he founded the Winds of the Mountain Empire, a regional wind ensemble comprised mainly of music educators and is a champion for new works, presenting numerous premieres and commissions. As a prolific composer, Dr. Sorah has crafted works for various ensembles, including piano, organ, chamber groups, wind ensemble, and orchestra. His compositions have been performed by The University of Louisville Symphonic Band, University of Florida Symphonic Band, Nicholls State University Symphonic Band, and Madison Concert Band. Most recently, his orchestral work Rhapsody on In the Bleak Midwinter was featured at the 2023 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. As an advocate for proving free high-quality educational resources for his students he has published four books on Apple Books including Composing with Found Sounds in GarageBand, Everyone Can Create Music With iPad Curriculum Guide, Book of Rhythms and Melodies Vol. 1, and Book of Rhythms and Melodies Vol. 2. Under his leadership, students in his music appreciation course published five introductory books covering eras of classical music. Dr. Sorah earned his Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Music Education from The Florida State University and holds master's and bachelor's degrees from Morehead State University (KY). He resides in Wise, Virginia, with his wife Kelly, son Brennan, and dog Roamer. - - - - - - - - - - - - Mentioned in this Episode:   Donald W. Sorah, Ph.D. Musician • Educator • Composer, Associate Professor of Music, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise,  Distinguished Educator YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonaldSorah Twitter/X: dsorah LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsorah/ SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/KHjRp ADE Application Video - https://youtu.be/a_1dYkdXJJ8?si=MKOko9rtAxZBhWns Institute Reflections (presented to UVA Wise Administration) - https://youtu.be/p7etYKV_hqg?si=A90EG05O7vQqHTRz Year in Review Video - https://youtu.be/CjCbBa0XiIY?si=3peCrTY-4r1rZolA Donnie's Everyone Can Create Music With iPad course - https://youtu.be/QTrmauafu3k?si=dQndZtrVSozrFjKk Donnie's Apple Books  Composing with Found Sounds in GarageBand - https://books.apple.com/us/book/composing-with-found-sounds-in-garageband/id6446335882 Everyone Can Create Music With iPad Curriculum Guide - https://books.apple.com/us/book/everyone-can-create-music-with-ipad-curriculum-guide/id6469569998 Book of Rhythms and Melodies Vol. 1 - https://books.apple.com/us/book/book-of-rhythms-and-melodies-volume-1/id6458742968 Book of Rhythms and Melodies Vol. 2 - https://books.apple.com/us/book/book-of-rhythms-and-melodies-volume-2/id6475354723   Music Appreciation Class Challenge Based Learning - Twitter/X #MusAppBk - https://youtu.be/zDXPJWVhDUc?si=r5Fetwv2eiaYjjpK  Team Building Alternative Assessments Book Creation (class created five books available on Apple Books) - https://books.apple.com/us/book-series/music-appreciation-textbook-series/id1721184559  An ongoing project     Music Albums  Everyone Can Create Music With iPad (6 albums) - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-university-of-virginias-college-at-wise/1537518067 Pandemic Sketches (personal album good for musical creative writing prompts) - https://music.apple.com/us/album/pandemic-sketches/1699298689    Thanks for Listening to The Wired Educator Podcast Kelly I would like to speak at your event! Order Kelly’s books,  Along Came a Leader and  Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker Twitter: @kellycroy Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast:  The Wired Educator Podcast and of course: Facebook. Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here. [convertkit form=1190516]  Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school. Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event? Yes! Let's Make it happen right HERE! Order Kelly’s books,  Along Came a Leader and  Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.  [fusebox_full_player social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_linkedin="true" social_pinterest="true" social_email="true" ]    

WEP 239: Publishing Students Through Creative Collaborations an Interview with Donnie Sorah

This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 238 my interview with Michael Hernandez, Apple Distinguished Educator, and author of the new education bestseller Storytelling with Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity. Acclaimed documentary film director Ken Burns says this about Michael's book, “Teaching is the most important profession in any democracy. Michael Hernandez has written a wonderful book that anchors storytelling in the classroom and provides a highly readable and hugely helpful guide for teachers, who each day are taking students on an intellectual journey that is critical to the well-being of our country." Wow! Now, that’s a book endorsement! In this episode, Michael and I will talk about how storytelling is perfect for your classroom despite what grade you teach and what content you teach. Storytelling is for all classrooms! You’re going to love this episode! Michael Hernandez is an international speaker, author, curriculum designer, and award-winning educator who helps individuals and organizations discover and share authentic stories that matter. I’ve been featured in Forbes, Edutopia, PBS, NPR, and #SXSWEDU. As a trusted consultant and community manager, he helps tech startups, non-profits, and corporations develop their brand and engage their stakeholders. Clients include Apple, Adobe, Google, and National Geographic. His monthly newsletter, Change The Narrative, shares resources and inspiration around innovation, tech, education, and leadership. Michael is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Adobe Education Leader, PBS Digital Innovator, and Lindblad/National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. We talk about how his book helps with:   Uncheatable Assessments How to use storytelling projects for assessment How digital story projects support literacy, civics How non-fiction storytelling projects are like science and design thinking. How story projects leverage student passion and curiosity to increase engagement  Award-winning educator and speaker Michael Hernandez brings together over 20 years of in-the-classroom experience to help solve some of our most existential challenges in education today: artificial intelligence, steep declines in student engagement, and the need for authentic learning experiences. The solution: digital storytelling as a framework for learning. Rather than viewing storytelling as a nice-to-have reward for students after their ‘real work’ has been completed, this book shows educators how to use story projects–from data visualizations to social media posts, to podcasts and video documentaries– as the scaffold upon which we can position our curricular skills and knowledge. The process helps students make interdisciplinary connections, activates higher level thinking and critical analysis skills, and provides multimodal learning opportunities for all students. This book is perfect for learning coaches, classroom teachers, and education leaders seeking practical ways to elevate teaching and learning in every grade level and subject area. The book focuses on student-centered, project-based learning experiences that use digital tools to:  Create uncheatable, authentic assessments Leverage curiosity as the engine for learning Provide purpose for the skills and knowledge central to our curriculum Develop a mindset of collaboration, mental agility and resilience Cultivate digital literacy skills and ethical mindsets Bring purpose and joy back to learning  With practical advice, case studies, and examples of how to plan, create, publish and assess student stories, this book offers a fresh approach to digital storytelling. And it includes guidance on how to provide students with the tools and structure they need to develop a mindset of curiosity, agency and purpose. More than a practical edtech guide, this book explores the why behind digital storytelling as much as the how. Educators will learn how to help students explore cultural and historical context, develop social emotional resiliency, and develop the skills they need to become engaged global citizens. Originally determined to become a filmmaker, Michael quickly realized the power that narrative has to change minds, and the potential it has to make a positive impact on the world. Right out of film school, he took a job teaching journalism and film production, making it his five year plan before he returned to a ‘real job’ in filmmaking. He quickly fell in love with teaching, and embraced the noble work of helping young people find their voice to tell stories that make a difference.  Since taking the leap into education, Michael has become an award-winning teacher, international speaker, author, and curriculum designer who helps individuals and organizations discover and share authentic stories that matter. He has been featured in Forbes, Edutopia, PBS, NPR, and SXSW EDU. Some of his most memorable teaching experiences include moderating conversations with Ken Burns, Dolores Huerta, and teaching his daughter Maya, who was one of his high school journalism students. As a trusted expert, he has worked with schools, tech startups, non-profits, and corporations to develop their brand and engage their stakeholders. Clients include Apple, Adobe, Google, and National Geographic. His podcast and monthly newsletter, Change The Narrative, has a global audience of thousands. Michael is an Apple Distinguished Educator, PBS Digital Innovator, and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. Follow him on these social platforms: Mentioned in this Episode: Kelly's two books:  Along Came a Leader: A Personal and Professional Guide to Leadership Unthink Before Bed: A Children's Book on Mindfulness & Anxiety  Michael's book: Storytelling with Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity Follow Michael on:  Instagram: @Changing.The.Narrative  Change The Narrative Newsletter www.michael-hernandez.net Twitter: @cinehead  Linked In: https://bit.ly/MichaelHernandezLinkedIn Thank you for taking time out of your busy day and week to listen to the Wired Educator podcast to level up and make a difference in the lives of others. Always forward, Kelly ------------------------------------------------------------  Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school. Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event? Yes! Let's Make it happen right HERE! Order Kelly’s books,  Along Came a Leader and  Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker Twitter: @kellycroy Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast:  The Wired Educator Podcast and of course: Facebook. Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.           

WEP 214: The Six Literacy Levers, an Interview with Brad Gustafson

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