What if this year did not just happen to you, but you designed it on purpose?

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I reflect on the power of goal setting, intention, and personal growth for educators and leaders. This is not about resolutions that fade by February. It is about choosing focus, taking action, and building momentum in your work, your health, and your life.

I share my personal priority for the year with a strong focus on physical well-being and explain why choosing one clear priority can unlock progress in every other area. We explore why sharing goals creates accountability, why goal setting is an act of leadership, and how community and collaboration elevate the work we do in education.

I also highlight exciting updates to the podcast, a powerful professional learning opportunity in social emotional learning, and ways you can continue growing long after this episode ends.

Episode Takeaways

It is important to have intention and take action. Goal setting is leadership, not just personal growth. Sharing goals creates accountability and momentum. Choosing one priority increases focus and clarity. Physical well-being fuels professional effectiveness. You can start fresh any day of the year. Community and collaboration strengthen education. Innovative tools improve learning and sharing. Social-emotional learning is essential. Consistency matters more than perfection.

The Greatest Year of Your Life Course

Join my course here: https://www.skool.com/kelly-croy-7161/about?ref=39319fa9311b45d6a2d867898975888e

When you join, you receive this course and all future courses and content. New content is added every month.

Free Workbook Sample

Here is a 14-page sample from the 135-page workbook, including a powerful template you can use while listening to this podcast: https://kellycroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/14-Page-of-135-Sample-of-The-Greatest-Year-of-Your-Life-Workbook-by-Kelly-Croy-.pdf

Want a larger sample of the workbook? Sign up for my newsletter here: https://chipper-teacher-8587.kit.com/kellycroy

Social Emotional Learning and Mental Wellness Symposium Hosted by Port Clinton City Schools Created & Organized by Joe Miller

SEL Symposium Website: https://www.pccsd.net/apps/pages/?type=d&uREC_ID=570812&pREC_ID=1100998

Register Here: https://forms.gle/ZoSL9Rxu34d4dpxRA

Morning Keynote Speaker Casey Cuny SEL, AI, and the New Era of Rigor Through Relationships

2024 California Teacher of the Year National leader in social emotional learning and artificial intelligence

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dz6W1-pIjI

Afternoon Keynote Speaker Kurt Russell Many Rivers to Cross

2022 National Teacher of the Year Expert in student-centered instruction, inclusive curriculum, and advocacy

Breakout Speakers Include

Paul LaRue, President of the State Board of Education Chris Monsour, 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year Danee Pinckney, 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year Mark Lowrie, 2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year Award-winning authors Licensed professional clinical counselors School resource officers

Bring a team of teachers, counselors, or administrators to save even more. Each attendee receives access to all keynotes and breakout sessions, a continental breakfast, lunch, and 6.5 contact hours.

Join us on March 20 in Port Clinton, Ohio for a day that will positively impact you and your colleagues and send you back to your school with practical ideas you can use immediately.

Order My Books

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kelly-Croy/author/B076MYK9WB?isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=49175a34-693e-40af-9569-e1030e60bcd9&linkCode=sl2&tag=kelcro-20&linkId=c5e49c26b5baeecbe22834895e743af0&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Explore All of My Creative Work https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

I Would Love to Speak at Your Event

I love opening day keynotes for school districts and conferences, leadership workshops, and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections, improve instruction, and level up as leaders.

Yes, let's make it happen here: https://forms.gle/Svsgd4pug4KxvGXj7

Thanks for listening, and here's to building the greatest year of your life starting right now.

Wired Educator Podcast Episode 253: The Business of You — An Interview with Authors Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, co-authors of The Business of You—a guide to treating yourself as the most important project you'll ever work on.

Marnie went from being a high school math teacher to becoming an EdTech leader before teaming up with Nick to run a software company. Nick started as a programmer, became an executive early in his career, and later jumped into entrepreneurship with Marnie. Together, they sold their company, co-authored the award-winning Lead it Like Lasso, and now bring their experiences and lessons to students, educators, and leaders through their newest book.

In our conversation, Marnie and Nick share stories and strategies to help students and educators turn leadership lessons into real-life results.

Links to Learn More About Marnie and Nick

• Puchase a copy of their books here: The Business of You and Lead it Like Lasso.

Follow Marnie and Nick's impact on their social media platforms and website:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

1. Lots of laughs and fun stories!
2. Leadership.
3. Why they needed to write this book – what they are hearing about high school and college students and their struggles.
4. Why people need to run their lives like a business (not in a corporate way).
5. The importance of storytelling (in interviews, college essays, and networking).
6. The value of building a personal board of advisors.
7. The key question you need to ask yourself—and your own CFO.

This is a powerful episode for anyone interested in helping students, educators, and themselves reframe leadership and personal growth in a practical, meaningful way.

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

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!

Conferences Kelly Croy will Be Speaking At in in the next few months: •October: OASFEP Conference, October 2025 • November: OSBA Capital Conference

• December: Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (Administrative Assistants Conference), December 2025

Thank you for taking time from your busy week to listen to the show, level up, and make a difference in the lives of students, and remember, it's always a great week to be a Wired Educator!

I love opening day keynotes to school districts and conferences, workshops with leaders and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections with students and colleagues, improve instruction, and level up as leaders. I hope YOU will reach out to ME!

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

Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelly_croy Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly's newsletter here.

[convertkit form=1190516]

[fusebox_full_player social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_linkedin="true" social_pinterest="true" social_email="true" ]

Welcome to episode 252 of The Wired Educator Podcast!

In this episode, I interview Scott Borba, an inspiring education leader and author of The Leader You're Not… and Why It's Just as Important as the Leader You Are. This conversation will speak to your heart, sharpen your mind, and give you what you need to lead with more awareness this year. Scott and I connected deeply, and the wisdom he shares will benefit every educator committed to growth.

About Scott Borba

Scott is principal and superintendent of Le Grand Union Elementary School District in California. A recognized leader in education, he was named the NAESP National Distinguished Principal and the ACSA Superintendent/Principal of the Year.

Scott also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Elementary School Principals. His book, The Leader You're Not… and Why It's Just as Important as the Leader You Are, focuses on self-awareness, growth in leadership, and building strong school communities.

⸻

Mentioned in the Podcast • The Leader You're Not… and Why It's Just as Important as the Leader You Are — Find it on Amazon • Scott's website: https://www.connectedd.org/scottb

Conferences Kelly Croy will Be Speaking At in in the next few months: • OASFEP Conference, October 2025 • Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (Administrative Assistants Conference), December 2025 • Click here to Subscribe to My Newsletter: Wired Educator Newsletter for a VERY special announcement coming this weekend!

⸻

Listen to episode 252 of The Wired Educator Podcast and discover how Scott's work can transform your leadership this year!

Thank you for taking time from your busy week to listen to the show, level up, and make a difference in the lives of students, and remember, it's always a great week to be a Wired Educator!

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

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!

I love opening day keynotes to school districts and conferences, workshops with leaders and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections with students and colleagues, improve instruction, and level up as leaders. I hope YOU will reach out to ME!

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

Links to everything me: https://linktr.ee/kellycroy

Sign-up for Kelly's newsletter here.

This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 251, my interview with Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper, co-authors of The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Success. Charle and Joshua bring incredible insight, passion, and practical strategies to help educators and leaders transform the way we view behavior, student success, and school culture.

Our conversation covers practical strategies for addressing behavior through trauma-responsive practices, creating healthier school cultures, and empowering educators to better support students.

This discussion was energizing, enlightening, and inspiring. I laughed, I learned, and I left with new tools I can put into practice right away. I know you'll feel the same. Buckle up and enjoy this incredible conversation with Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper!

Meet Charle Peck

Charle Peck is a global keynote speaker, educator, and co-author of The Language of Behavior as well as Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution. With over 20 years in education and dual master's degrees in Education and Social Work, Charlie offers a powerful perspective as both a teacher and a clinical therapist.

Her work with adolescents and families in crisis, combined with her extensive experience in K-12 education, makes her stories both relevant and captivating. She delivers impactful professional learning sessions and keynotes that provide educators with tools they can implement immediately in their practice.

Meet Joshua Stamper

Joshua Stamper is a dedicated educator, speaker, author, and the creator of Aspire to Lead. With a rich background in teaching and school administration, Joshua draws on his own experience as a struggling student and nine years as a middle school administrator. His journey fuels his passion for creating supportive, transformative learning environments.

Joshua's new book, The Language of Behavior, equips educators with trauma-responsive strategies and alternative practices to support student success. He empowers professionals to lead with empathy, implement innovative approaches, and make meaningful change in schools and communities everywhere.

Mentioned in this Interview:

Purchase a copy of their book, The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Success

Charle's website: https://www.thrivingeducator.org/

Joshua's website: https://joshstamper.com/

Thank you for taking time from your busy week to listen to the show, level up, and make a difference in the lives of students, and remember, it's always a great week to be a Wired Educator!

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

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!

I love opening day keynotes to school districts and conferences, workshops with leaders and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections with students and colleagues, improve instruction, and level up as leaders. I hope YOU will reach out to ME!

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

Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelly_croy Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly's newsletter here.

This is the Wired Educator Podcast episode 250, my interview with Mark Trumbo, author of The Dream Factory: Designing a Life of Purpose. Mark and I talk about how he wrote an entertaining fable to teach memorable lessons on leadership and living an awesome life. My conversation with Mark hit so many levels of awesomeness, this is an amazing interview with amazing takeaways for everyone.

Mark Trumbo is the author of The Dream Factory: Designing a Life of Purpose, a nationally recognized leader, speaker, and creator of The Purpose Design, a framework dedicated to helping people discover, define, and live out their true purpose. A devoted child of God, husband to Kristy, and proud father of Avery Grace, Grant Hampton, and Payton Joy, Mark's greatest joy comes from his faith and family.

Mark's journey to discovering his "why" began in January 2017, shortly after the birth of his son, during a season of professional demands and personal reflection. Confronted with questions about his goals, identity, and impact, he embarked on a mission to develop his most valuable asset--his purpose. Inspired by Simon Sinek's belief that "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it," Mark created The Purpose Design not only to clarify his own direction but to empower others to live with intentionality and meaning.

Since then, he has shared The Purpose Design with thousands of students, coaches, professionals, and organizations, guiding them to align their actions with their deepest values. Through his work, Mark challenges audiences to reflect on one powerful question: What does your Purpose Design say about you?

Mentioned in this Episode:

Kelly Croy on The Interview Chair Podcast with Jimmy Casas

[caption id="attachment_2339" align="alignright" width="201"]

Purchase a copy of Mark's awesome book, The Dream Factory: Designing a Life of Purpose

Mark Trumbo's website: https://www.connectedd.org/marktrumbo

Follow Mark Trumbo on social media: www.x.com/MarkHTrumbo

Thank you for taking time from your busy week to listen to the show, level up, and make a difference in the lives of students, and remember, it's always a great week to be a Wired Educator!

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

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!

I love opening day keynotes to school districts and conferences, workshops with leaders and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections with students and colleagues, improve instruction, and level up as leaders. I hope YOU will reach out to ME!

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

Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelly_croy Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly's newsletter here.

The Wired Educator Podcast: Episode 249 – "Becoming an Instructonal Leader" My Interview with Danny Steele

This is The Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 249: My conversation with Danny Steele on instructional leadership—and so much more.

Danny is a phenomenal leader, an inspiring author, and an all-around incredible human being. In this episode, we dive into his new book, explore what great instructional leadership really looks like in schools, and unpack the wisdom he's sharing with educators everywhere. You're going to love this episode.

About Danny Steele

Danny Steele worked for 31 years in education as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, coach, and assistant professor of Instructional Leadership. In 2005, Steele was recognized as the "Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year" for the state of Alabama. And in 2016, he was recognized as Alabama's "Secondary Principal of the Year."

He has written five books, including two with Todd Whitaker, presented at numerous state and national conferences, and spoken in school districts across the country. Steele has an undergraduate degree in History from Covenant College, a Master's in History from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and both an Educational Specialist and an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University.

He is the father of three (mostly grown) children and resides with his wife in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mentioned in This Podcast

Danny Steele's Website: https://www.leadershiplearningandculture.com/

Follow Danny on X: https://x.com/SteeleThoughts

Danny Steele's Books:

• Essential Truths for Principals

• Essential Truths for Teachers

• 365 Quotes for School Leader
• 365 Quotes for Teachers

• The Total Teacher: Understanding the Three Dimensions of Effective Teaching

Thank you for taking time from your busy week to listen to the show, level up, and make a difference in the lives of students, and remember, it's always a great week to be a Wired Educator!

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

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!

I love opening day keynotes to school districts and conferences, workshops with leaders and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections with students and colleagues, improve instruction, and level up as leaders. I hope YOU will reach out to ME!

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

Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly's newsletter here.

Building Authenticity, an Interview with Todd Nesloney

Listen to The Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 248

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I sit down with one of my favorite education leaders and storytellers, Todd Nesloney. Todd returns to the show to share powerful insights from his newest book, Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You.

Todd currently serves as the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He is a nationally recognized educator who has been honored by the White House, John C. Maxwell, and the National School Board Association, among many others. From leading a PreK–5 campus of 775 students to co-authoring bestsellers like Kids Deserve It, Todd continues to inspire and challenge educators to lead with heart, honesty, and boldness.

In this conversation, we talk about what it really means to lead authentically, how to stay rooted in your values, and why storytelling is essential for building meaningful school culture. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, or just passionate about education, this episode will fuel your leadership journey.

Mentioned in this Episode: Sign-up for Kelly's newsletter here.

Wow! I interviewed Todd 200 episodes ago! If you want to hear that episode go here: https://wirededucator.libsyn.com/2016/07

Todd's website: www.toddnesloney.com Todd's new book: Building Authenticity: A Blueprint fo the Leader Inside You Todd's Course: https://todd-s-site-963e.thinkific.com/products/courses/culture-unleashed A few of Todd's favorite reads: Audible, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, kids chapter books: Mercy Watson Series, and Bad Guy Series.

Listen to Episode 248 now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for taking time from your busy week to listen to the show, level up, and make a difference in the lives of students, and remember, it's always a great week to be a Wired Educator!

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

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!

I love opening day keynotes to school districts and conferences, workshops with leaders and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections with students and colleagues, improve instruction, and level up as leaders. I hope YOU will reach out to ME!

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

Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly's newsletter here.

This is a brand new season of The Wired Educator Podcast. I am excited to kick it off with this episode.

This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 247This is a special solo episode, of just me, Kelly Croy, designed to help educators and leaders everywhere maximize their summer, rest with intention, and return to the school year feeling refreshed, focused, and inspired.

In this episode, I share a personal and powerful summer bucket list featuring 29 ideas that will help every educator create meaningful moments, reclaim energy, and do something just for themselves.

Whether you're looking to rest, write, explore, reflect, or just feel more like yourself again, this list is for you.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• Why rest isn't just about sleep, it's about soul care

• The power of small adventures and new beginnings

• How starting two books (just starting) can reset your mindset

• My favorite idea on the list and why it had to be number 29

• How to make this summer more intentional and less reactionary

This isn't your typical "10 things to do over break" list. This is real advice from one educator to another, tested, thoughtful, and ready to make your summer amazing.

I believe great educators live great lives, and this episode is all about helping you live yours to the fullest.

Listen to Episode 247 now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for tuning in, and remember—it's always a great week to be a Wired Educator!

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

Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy 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!

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Pamela Broome, a transformative leader in education. As the founding principal and current director of UNC Charlotte's elementary lab school, Pamela has pioneered innovative approaches to teaching and learning, focusing on trauma-informed practices, literacy advancement, and creating emotionally supportive classrooms. Her work has significantly impacted both students and educators, fostering resilience and engagement in the educational community.

Joe Miller, a former student of Pamela's, joins us as cohost. Joe is an award-winning educator and founder of an amazing SEL Symposium hosted at our district. I love working with Joe and I am so happy he introduced me to Pamela.

During our conversation, Pamela shared invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of implementing trauma-informed teaching strategies, the evolving landscape of literacy education, and her vision for the future of educational leadership. Her dedication to student and teacher well-being is truly inspiring, and her experiences offer practical guidance for educators seeking to make a meaningful difference in their schools.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The principles and benefits of trauma-informed teaching.

• Innovative approaches to literacy that engage diverse learners.

• Strategies for building emotionally supportive and resilient classrooms.

• Insights into effective educational leadership and community partnerships.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• StreamYard: Our sponsor for this episode. StreamYard is a professional live streaming and recording studio in your browser. Record your content or stream live to multiple platforms seamlessly. It's the tool I use for all my interviews, and I highly recommend it. Learn more at StreamYard.com.

•Kelly Croy's Newsletter: My upcoming newsletter featuring "4 Ideas to Knock Around." It's super short, fun, and packed with useful insights. Sign up at: https://chipper-teacher-8587.kit.com/kellycroy

• Leadership Videos: I've been sharing daily "One-Minute Leadership" videos on TikTok. If you're not on TikTok, no worries—I also post them on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook a day later. Follow me on your preferred platform to stay updated.

Shoutout:

Congratulations to Joe Miller for designing, planning, organizing and hosting an amazing SEL Symposium. Joe is fantastic. Proud to work with him!

A special welcome to Dominic Helmstetter from Perrysburg High School, the newest member of the Wired Educator Squad! We're excited to have you on board and look forward to your contributions to our growing community.

Thank you for tuning in, and remember—it's always a great week to be a Wired Educator!

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, Speaker

Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy 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!

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast , I had the privilege of speaking with two extraordinary Apple Distinguished Educators, Rita Mortenson and Charlene Chausis. Rita and Charlene are both passionate educators who are transforming classrooms through digital creativity, particularly in the realm of digital art . From their innovative use of Procreate and the Keynote app on the iPad to their inspiring journey into creating pet portraits, these two educators share how they bring creativity and artistry into education in impactful ways.

[caption id="attachment_2254" align="alignright" width="421"]

If you're an educator looking to inspire creativity, incorporate cutting-edge technology, and foster collaboration and critical thinking in your classroom, this episode is a must listen!

About Rita Mortenson Rita Mortenson is the Educational Technology Coach at Verona Area High School. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Innovator, an ISTE Certified Educator, and a National Board Certified Teacher with an MBA. Rita also serves on the Discovery Education Network Leadership Council and the Wisconsin State Technology Advisory Board. She is passionate about integrating technology in innovative and creative ways, making learning accessible and engaging for all.

About Charlene Chausis Charlene Chausis, who describes herself as "mostly retired," has an impressive history in education. She has dedicated her career to helping educators amplify students' creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. As a 2003 Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Innovator, and Google Certified Teacher, Charlene has presented at numerous national and local conferences. She continues to inspire educators through her volunteer work and passion for digital art.

Insights from My Conversation with Rita and Charlene

During our conversation, Rita and Charlene shared their journey into creating and teaching digital art and how Procreateon the iPad has transformed their creative process. They discussed their passion for pet portraits and how they use this art form to teach and inspire others. Here are some key highlights: The Journey into Digital Art : Charlene and Rita talk about how their background in education shaped their approach to digital art, incorporating apps like Explain Everything, Keynote, and Procreate. They also shared how Apple's Everyone Can Create series of eBooks inspired their work. Passion for Pet Portraits : Both Rita and Charlene fell in love with creating pet portraits through Procreate, finding unique ways to express their creativity and give back to their communities. Charlene has drawn over 40 pet portraits for The Anti Cruelty Society fundraiser, while Rita enjoys creating portraits for family, friends, and various projects. Tips for Beginners : They offer practical advice for educators and individuals looking to start their journey into digital art, emphasizing that everyone is an artist . With the right tools, like Procreate and Apple Pencil, and some inspiration, anyone can create. Memorable Moments : From challenging projects like drawing a cat blending into a fuzzy rug to creating heartfelt portraits of pets who've passed away, Rita and Charlene share the emotional and artistic impact of their work.

Try Procreate and Apple's Keynote to CreateDigital Art Rita and Charlene encourage educators to explore tools like Procreate and the Apple Teacher Learning Center's Everyone Can Create eBooks to get started on their own creative journeys. Whether you're tracing your first drawing or creating stunning pet portraits, the possibilities are endless with today's digital tools.

Final Thoughts

This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for educators and creators alike. Rita and Charlene exemplify how technology and art can intersect to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences. Their work with Procreate and Keynote to create digital art reminds us all that creativity knows no boundaries.

Thank you, Rita and Charlene, for sharing your passion and journey with us. Educators, this is your chance to discover how digital art can transform your teaching practice and inspire your students.

Mentioned in the Podcast:

Carlene's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cchausis/, and also a link to the Anti-Cruelty Society's Pet Portrait fundraiser. https://anticruelty.org/portraits --

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

Instagram: @kcroy Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy 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!