Martyn Cast is a distinguished musician and educator from Jenca Music School in Jersey. Martyn discusses the transformative power of music, particularly in educational contexts, where it serves as a medium for individuals—especially children—to express themselves and navigate their emotions.

He recounts his personal journey, beginning with a childhood steeped in musical influence, which culminated in the founding of the Jenca Music School in Jersey. Through this institution, he aims to cultivate a nurturing environment where students can explore their musical passions, develop resilience, and ultimately achieve personal growth through music.

Martyn Cast, owner/ guitar tutor at Jenca Music School, Jersey C.I.

Author of children's guitar songbook Mr Martie's Marvellous Melodies

Takeaways:

• Music serves as an empowering force in people's lives, enabling them to express their creativity and emotions.
• The journey of learning an instrument is often more about personal enjoyment than achieving formal grades or accolades.
• Inspiration is crucial in teaching, as it helps to foster a genuine love for music among students.
• Resilience is vital in the learning process; students must persist through challenges to achieve their musical goals.
• The connection between teacher and student can profoundly influence a child's engagement and growth in music.
• Music education provides not only academic benefits but also enhances social skills and personal development in learners.

Website

https://www.jenca.co.uk/

Social Media Information

Facebook: MarvellousMrMartie

Instagram: MarvellousMrMartie

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

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Today's podcast features Mike Robbins, who delves into the intricate dynamics of teamwork, human connection, and the evolving landscape of education. Mike reflects on his experiences as both an athlete and an educator, emphasizing the paramount importance of fostering genuine relationships within teams. He articulates that when individuals care for one another and cultivate a supportive environment, performance inevitably improves.

Furthermore, Mike addresses the pressing need for educational systems to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications, asserting that many students often grapple with the relevance of their studies to their personal and professional lives.

Mike Robbins is the author of five books, including, Bring Your Whole Self to Work and We're All in This Together. He's a former pro baseball player whose playing career ended due to an injury. For the past 25 years, he's been a sought-after motivational speaker who delivers keynotes and seminars for some of the top companies in the world.

Takeaways:

• The importance of caring for one another on teams is fundamental to improved performance.
• Recognizing our shared humanity is essential for effective communication and collaboration.
• Many aspects of education fail to connect with real-world applications, causing disinterest among students.
• Effort is the only aspect of our actions fully within our control, regardless of the outcomes.
• The best AI cannot replicate the depth of human emotion and empathy which is vital in education.
• The educational landscape must adapt to the changing nature of work and technology, emphasizing emotional intelligence.

Website

https://mike-robbins.com/

Social media Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrobbins/

https://www.instagram.com/mikedrobbins/

https://www.facebook.com/mikerobbinspage

https://x.com/mikedrobbins

https://www.tiktok.com/@mikedrobbins

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Lenora Edwards, Board Certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer at Better Speech, is a communication expert with over 15 years of experience specializing in pediatric and family-centered speech therapy.

Her expertise spans improving speech intelligibility, nurturing language development, and working with neurodiverse individuals, employing evidence-based techniques to help children of all abilities communicate more effectively. At Better Speech, Lenora leads initiatives to make quality speech therapy accessible to all families, empowering them to support their child's communication journey and unlock their full potential.

Takeaways:

• Children require a safe environment to express their thoughts and emotions effectively.
• Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in conveying emotions and understanding others.
• Online speech therapy provides accessible support that can help children develop their communication skills.
• Parents often feel uncertain about their child's language development and require expert guidance.
• Observations from teachers and caregivers are valuable in identifying children's communication challenges.
• The pandemic has impacted children's social interactions and communication development significantly.

Website

https://www.betterspeech.com/

Social media Information

https://www.betterspeech.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/@Better.Speech

https://www.facebook.com/yourbetterspeech

https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-speech/mycompany/

https://www.instagram.com/betterspeech

https://www.tiktok.com/@better.speech

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Ben Brown Is currently Head of UK and Ireland for Optoma Ltd, having previously been head of market development for Promethean and the education businesses lead for Hewlett-Packard, Samsung and XMA in the UK. He has worked in the education technology sector for over 20 years and has developed a real passion for advancing the use of technology to support teaching and learning.

Now the Chair of Trustees at Astrea Academy Trust, he previously sat on the Board of Trustees at the David Ross Education Trust. Recently he has also been a trustee at the Tackley Education Trust. Ben has, throughout his career, looked at the challenges in education and how technology is best placed to resolve them, this has led to him working closely with the DfE as well as Academy Trusts such as ARK, Reach2 and United Learning.

Takeaways:

• Effective implementation of new technologies in education requires concise, easily digestible training materials for teachers.
• The duration of instructional videos should ideally range from one to two minutes to accommodate teachers' busy schedules.
• Investments in technology during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly advanced the integration of digital tools in educational settings.
• The challenge lies not merely in providing technology but ensuring its effective utilization within educational frameworks.
• A focus on empowering teachers through tailored training is crucial for maximizing the benefits of new technology in classrooms.
• To foster engagement, technology must solve existing educational challenges rather than simply being used for its own sake.

Website

www.optoma.co.uk

Multi-award-winning interactive displays, professional displays, LED displays, projectors and software to suit every education environment.

Social media Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brown-a017b621/

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

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The Oxford School of Thought (OST) is the primary education think tank – the first of its kind

in the UK. They regard learning as a continuum, and we recognise the powerful and enduring

influence of primary education across a lifetime of learning.

OST proposes a distinct model of school inspection for primary schools, highlighting the

need for a framework that reflects the unique nature of primary education.

The current inspection model, which primarily caters to secondary schools, fails to address

the developmental and educational needs of primary school children. This has led to a lack

of focus on the holistic, child-centered approaches necessary for young learners.

The document emphasises that primary education fosters curiosity, relationships, and a

broad, engaging curriculum, factors critical to the early stages of lifelong learning.

To improve outcomes for students and to support teachers, the proposed inspection model

should focus on these aspects, providing a more supportive, collaborative, and

developmental approach to school evaluation.

The paper outlines some key components for a primary-specific inspection framework, such

as the importance of cross-curricular links, teacher-pupil relationships, inclusivity, and the

integration of the school within its community and primary teaching experience for

inspectors.

By calling for a developmental and collaborative inspection model the paper aims to shift

away from punitive measures and towards a system that encourages continuous

improvement, addresses the well-being of both students and staff, and contributes to the

broader goal of fostering lifelong learning.

This new approach is seen as essential for enhancing the education system, teacher

retention, and children's mental health, and is framed as a necessary step in responding to

recent government reviews on curriculum, assessment, and inclusion.

Full details at https://www.oxfordschoolofthought.org/ost-report-primary-inspection

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With over 25 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher, Classroom Teacher, and Principal, Leroy Slanzi has dedicated is life to cultivating relationships built on kindness, empathy, and trust. He believes in the power of leadership to make the world a better place. He has consistently focused on nurturing a positive impact in the lives of students, families, and educators. Currently, he is working for the Lower Nicola Indian Band, feeling proud and fortunate to be in the final stages of his career working alongside Indigenous people.

His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding in education. His work has been guided by the principles of emotional intelligence, servant & relational leadership, and a growth mindset, which he integrates into every aspect of his life. As he continues to serve and uplift those around me, he does his best to remain humble about the path that has brought him to this point, where he is dedicated to making meaningful connections and advocating for a brighter future everyone in education.

Takeaways:

• The significance of free play in education is paramount, as it fosters emotional attachment and enhances the learning experience for children.
• Schools that lack strict governmental constraints often witness superior academic performance among students, indicating the necessity for educational reform.
• The contemporary educational environment necessitates a shift towards integrating technology, rather than banning it, to align with the realities of modern childhood.
• Emotional intelligence and mindfulness are crucial components of education, as they enable children to cope with stress and persevere through challenges.
• The decline in free play and structured play has resulted in children entering school with diminished social skills and cognitive abilities, necessitating a reevaluation of the current educational practices.
• Educators must embrace vulnerability and self-reflection to improve their leadership and foster a supportive learning environment for both teachers and students.

Website

www.emotionalschools.com/

Social media Information

http://linkedin.com/in/leroy-slanzi-3632b2233

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

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Rhonda Britten -- Emmy Award-winner, 4x Bestselling author, Repeat Oprah guest, Tedx Speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and Master Coach – has devoted her life to one thing: teaching people how to master fear. She has created a method for anyone to overcome the insidious fear of “not being good enough” using the “Wheel Technology” she developed to save her own life.

What she teaches is what she has lived.

The episode presents an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted relationship between fear, teaching, and learning. Rhonda Britten introduces her innovative methodologies, including the 'Wheel of Fear' and the 'Wheel of Freedom', which serve as frameworks for understanding the psychological barriers that hinder student participation and engagement.

She posits that fear is not merely a personal flaw but a universal experience that shapes behavior and learning in profound ways. Rhonda reflections on her own educational journey reveal the detrimental effects of fear on student participation, highlighting the need for educators to adopt a more empathetic approach.

Significant transformation in education requires educators to first address their own fears and emotional needs. By prioritizing self-care, teachers can cultivate an environment conducive to authentic learning and emotional safety, allowing students to express themselves freely. This conversation is a call to action for educators to engage in self-reflection and to foster a fearless culture in their classrooms, ultimately leading to a more enriching educational experience for all.

Takeaways:

• The Wheel of Fear and Wheel of Freedom offer frameworks to understand personal fear dynamics.
• Identifying one's core fear can significantly shift perspectives and enhance personal growth.
• Authenticity in education requires teachers to understand their own needs and emotions.
• Students often conceal their fears, which can hinder their learning and engagement in the classroom.
• Teachers must prioritize self-care to effectively support their students' emotional and educational needs.
• Creating a supportive classroom environment necessitates a focus on students' individual experiences and needs.

Website

https://fearlessliving.org

https://fearlessliving.org/risk/

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

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Craig Hane, also known as Dr. Del, passionately advocates for a revolutionary approach to mathematics education, emphasizing the necessity of practical application over traditional teaching methods.

His initiative, Triad Math, seeks to transform the outdated paradigms of math education in the United States by integrating contemporary tools and techniques that align with the demands of the 21st century.

His mission is to empower students with the tools necessary to navigate modern challenges, thereby addressing the pervasive inadequacies within the current educational framework. Our conversation not only sheds light on the failings of existing systems but also presents a compelling vision for a more effective and engaging mathematical education.

Takeaways:

• Craig Hane, also known as Dr. Del, emphasizes the need for a practical approach to mathematics education that transcends outdated traditional methods and focuses on real-world applications.
• The Triad Math program aims to revolutionize math education by integrating modern tools and pedagogical strategies that cater to individual learning paces and preferences.
• A significant portion of students in the United States are failing to grasp essential mathematical concepts due to ineffective teaching methods prevalent in the current educational system.
• Dr. Del's mission is to empower one million individuals through practical math education, thereby enhancing their prospects in technical fields and addressing the skills gap in the workforce.

Website

https://craighane.com/

https://triadmathinc.com/

https://www.wolframalpha.com/tour

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

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