In this episode, host Kevin Stoller alongside guests Dr. Michael McDowell and Aaron Eisberg, discuss the movie 'Dead Poets Society'. They explore its themes of conformity, success, and educational transformation while drawing parallels to modern-day educational challenges and experiences.

They also give various awards to the movie, such as Most Realistic and Unrealistic aspects and who could replace Robin Williams in a modern remake. They also discuss the changes that could occur if it was remade today.

The episode wraps up with insights into Michael and Aaron's innovative visual book project aimed at transforming educational practices.

Takeaways:

• Being passionate about your work changes education for kids
• Being unorthodox can have a positive impact
• You can be successful and be yourself

About Dr. Michael McDowell:

Michael McDowell, EdD was a public school educator for eighteen years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent. During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades including the National Blue Ribbon Award which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. McDowell serves on educational boards, served as a college professor, and has worked for non-profit organizations to enhance student learning around the world. Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored bestselling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world. A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Dr. McDowell co-founded Hinge Education and offers keynotes and executive coaching to heads of school around the world, where he partners with educational leaders to implement high leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems.

Socials:

X: @mmcdowell13
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmcdowell13/

About Aaron Eisberg:

Aaron Eisberg is an international facilitator and an expert in project-based learning, instructional design, and professional development for K-12 educators. With a career that began as a teacher in K-5 classrooms, he has since advised schools and systems on creating rigorous instruction and empowering student voice. As the Director for the Center for Excellence at Napa New Tech High School, Aaron leads professional learning and fosters a student-centered culture focused on academic and 21st-century outcomes. He has a passion for project-based learning and partners with educators globally. Aaron holds degrees in Natural Science and Elementary Education and is a long-standing member of the PBLWorks National Faculty as well as consultant with The Core Collaborative. He is now sharing his experiences and insights as an author.

Socials:
X: @eisbergpbl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeisberg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newtechhighcfe/

Episode 209 of the Better Learning Podcast

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a
national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning
environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

For more information on our partners:
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/
EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

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