"The Gift of Tech: Tools to Unwrap for Your Classroom"

Show Notes:

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Tech Tuesday, we explore three amazing tech tools to elevate teaching and leadership in the new year.

• Padlet: Collaborative boards for brainstorming and feedback.
• Canva for Education: A creative platform for stunning presentations and portfolios.
• Pear Deck: Interactive slides for active learning.

1. Des Moines Public Schools. (2023). Padlet for group projects: A case study in collaboration. District Technology Insights.
2. Hamari, J., Koivisto, J., & Sarsa, H. (2016). Does gamification work? A literature review of empirical studies on gamification. Proceedings of the 47th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.
3. Metro Nashville Public Schools. (2023). Enhancing math lessons with Pear Deck: A teacher’s perspective. Classroom Technology Report.
4. Pappas, A. (2022). Visual collaboration tools in K-12 classrooms: Enhancing creativity and engagement. Interactive Learning Environments, 30(2), 112-124.
5. Portland Public Schools. (2023). Digital portfolios with Canva: Engaging parents and students. School Impact Report.

Share your favorite tech tools with me! Connect on Instagram at @thecyclingsuperintendent, @teach.lead.innovate or email me at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for listening to Tech Tuesday! Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Motivation Monday, we explore resilience—the ability to adapt, recover, and grow stronger from setbacks.

• What is Resilience? Learn the science and practice of resilience in education and leadership.
• Real-World Examples: Discover how educators and leaders at North Star Elementary, Paradise High, and Lincoln High are using resilience to create positive change.
• Research-Backed Benefits: Explore studies showing the emotional, academic, and relational benefits of resilience.
• Actionable Strategies: Get practical tips to cultivate resilience in your life and work.

1. Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101.
2. Luthar, S. S., Cicchetti, D., & Becker, B. (2000). The construct of resilience: A critical evaluation and guidelines for future work. Child Development, 71(3), 543–562.
3. Masten, A. S. (2014). Ordinary magic: Resilience in development. Guilford Press.

Share your stories of resilience! Connect with me on Instagram at @thecyclingsuperintendent or @teach.lead.innovate. And you can always email me at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in to Motivation Monday! Let’s turn setbacks into stepping stones this week.

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Forward-Thinking Friday, we explore outdoor learning, a transformative approach that connects students with nature and enriches their education.

Highly Recommend: The Mr Saad Show: https://www.youtube.com/@themrsaadshow

• What is Outdoor Learning? Learn how outdoor spaces can become dynamic classrooms.
• Real-World Examples: Discover programs like Denmark’s forest schools, Berkeley’s Edible Schoolyard, and outdoor science labs in North Carolina.
• Research-Backed Benefits: Explore studies showing how outdoor learning improves academic performance, mental health, and engagement.
• Actionable Tips: Get practical strategies to start incorporating outdoor learning into your curriculum.

1. Belfast Education Authority. (2023). Nature journaling and student engagement. Education Insights, 15(2), 42-49.
2. Kuo, M., Barnes, M., & Jordan, C. (2018). Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1-9.
3. Louv, R. (2008). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Algonquin Books.
4. Mygind, E. (2009). A comparison of children's physical activity levels and well-being in the school playground and the school forest. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 37(3), 44-50.
5. Waters, A. (2018). The edible schoolyard: A universal idea. Chronicle Books.
6. Wake County Public Schools. (2023). Outdoor science labs: A new frontier in experiential education. District Research Quarterly, 9(1), 18-24.
7. The Mr Saad Show. (2023). Benefits of Outdoor Education. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/ktESSuHJ7Lc?si=qzHjH5Id0cD2x4Sn

Are you incorporating outdoor learning into your teaching or leadership practices? Share your stories and strategies on social media or email me at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in to Forward-Thinking Friday! Let’s continue to innovate and inspire together.

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Thriving Thursday, we’re exploring mindful leadership, a powerful practice for fostering wellness, balance, and sustainability in education.

• What is Mindful Leadership? Learn how mindfulness can transform the way you lead and teach.
• Real-World Examples: Discover how Visitacion Valley Middle School, Evanston/Skokie School District 65, and Longfellow Elementary are using mindfulness to promote well-being and success.
• Research-Backed Benefits: Explore the science behind mindfulness, including its impact on stress, decision-making, and relationships.
• Actionable Strategies: Get practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.

1. Evanston/Skokie School District Report. (2023). Leadership practices for well-being. District Leadership Brief, 15(3), 8-12.
2. Jennings, P. A., & Greenberg, M. T. (2009). The prosocial classroom: Teacher social and emotional competence in relation to student and classroom outcomes. Review of Educational Research, 79(1), 491-525.
3. Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. Hyperion.
4. Nir, J. (2022). Mindfulness in urban education: Case studies from San Francisco schools. Educational Leadership Review, 33(2), 21-29.
5. Siegel, D. J. (2012). The mindful brain: Reflection and attunement in the cultivation of well-being. W. W. Norton.
6. Jones, S. M., et al. (2021). Enhancing teacher resilience through mindfulness practices. Journal of Educational Research, 58(4), 362-378.

How are you integrating mindfulness into your leadership or teaching? Share your insights and stories with me on social media or email me at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in to Thriving Thursday! Let’s continue fostering balance and wellness in education together.

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Walk-the-Talk Wednesday, we’re exploring leading with empathy, a transformative leadership behavior that builds trust, fosters connection, and inspires positive change.

• Why Empathy Matters: Learn why empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership.
• Real-World Examples: Discover how leaders at Mark Anthony Middle School, Douglas High School, and Jefferson Elementary are using empathy to make a difference.
• Benefits of Empathy: Explore research-backed advantages of empathetic leadership.
• Actionable Strategies: Get practical tips to incorporate empathy into your leadership or teaching practice.

1. Detroit Public Schools. (2023). Increasing community trust through parent engagement. DPS Research Reports, 12(4), 23-29.
2. Goleman, D. (2013). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.
3. Jennings, P. A., & Greenberg, M. T. (2009). The prosocial classroom: Teacher social and emotional competence in relation to student and classroom outcomes. Review of Educational Research, 79(1), 491-525.
4. Kerns, C. D. (2021). Empathy in leadership: Fostering connection and commitment. Journal of Leadership Studies, 15(2), 25-33.
5. Smith, R., & Parker, J. (2020). Post-crisis leadership: Supporting school staff through trauma-informed practices. Educational Leadership Quarterly, 36(3), 18-26.

How do you use empathy to lead and connect with your school community? Share your insights and success stories with me on social media or email me at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in to Walk-the-Talk Wednesday! Let’s keep fostering empathy and creating stronger schools together.

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Tech Tuesday, we discuss the upcoming end of Jamboard and explore alternatives that can keep your classrooms and teams connected, collaborative, and creative.

• What’s Happening to Jamboard? Learn about its discontinuation and the need for a replacement.
• Top Alternatives: Discover tools like Miro, Microsoft Whiteboard, and Canva Whiteboards, with specific examples from schools and districts.
• Features to Look For: Understand what makes a great collaborative tool.
• Transition Tips: Get actionable advice for adopting and integrating a new platform.

1. Ahmed, S., & Wagner, J. (2023). Digital collaboration in education: A comparative study of tools. Journal of Educational Technology Research, 59(4), 299-312.
2. Pappas, A. (2022). Visual collaboration tools in K-12 classrooms: Enhancing creativity and engagement. Interactive Learning Environments, 30(2), 112-124.
3. Smith, D., Taylor, J., & Lee, M. (2021). The role of collaborative platforms in organizational decision-making. Journal of Educational Leadership, 45(3), 78-92.
4. Wang, X., & Smith, T. (2022). Enhancing hybrid collaboration through digital whiteboards. Journal of Educational Technology Research, 58(3), 142-159.

What tool are you transitioning to after Jamboard? Share your experiences, challenges, and insights with us on social media or email me at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in to Tech Tuesday! Let’s keep innovating and fostering collaboration in education and leadership.

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Motivation Monday, we’re exploring the power of the growth mindset, a transformative approach to learning and leadership.

• What is a Growth Mindset? Learn how embracing this belief can transform your approach to challenges.
• Why It Matters: Explore how a growth mindset enhances student achievement and team performance.
• Real-World Examples: Discover inspiring stories of growth mindset in classrooms and leadership.
• Actionable Steps: Get practical tips to cultivate a growth mindset in your teaching or leadership role.

1. Aguilar, E. (2016). The art of coaching: Effective strategies for school transformation. Jossey-Bass.
2. Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement across an adolescent transition: A longitudinal study and an intervention. Child Development, 78(1), 246–263.
3. Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
4. Heslin, P. A., & VandeWalle, D. (2008). Managers' implicit assumptions about personnel. Personnel Psychology, 61(4), 767-802.
5. Robinson, V. M., Lloyd, C. A., & Rowe, K. J. (2009). The impact of leadership on student outcomes: An analysis of the differential effects of leadership types. Educational Administration Quarterly, 44(5), 635–674.
6. YouTube. (2023.). The Power of a Growth Mindset: Unleash Your Potential with Carol Dweck. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/J1bRWunPbc0?si=3i1by9Tr9oM1Unfn

What challenges are you turning into opportunities this week? Share your growth mindset journey with us on social media, reach out to me on Instagram @thecyclingsuperintendent or via email at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in to Motivation Monday! Let’s embrace growth and make this week extraordinary.

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Forward-Thinking Friday, we explore personalized learning, a transformative approach to meeting individual student needs through tailored instruction.

• What is Personalized Learning? Learn how this approach tailors instruction to improve outcomes and engagement.
• Benefits of Personalized Learning: Explore research-backed advantages, including improved achievement, engagement, and equity.
• Real-World Examples: Discover how schools and teachers are successfully implementing personalized learning strategies.
• Challenges and Considerations: Understand the obstacles and how to overcome them.
• Actionable Steps: Get practical tips to start integrating personalized learning into your classroom or leadership practices.

1. Pane, J. F., Steiner, E. D., Baird, M. D., & Hamilton, L. S. (2017). Informing progress: Insights on personalized learning implementation and effects. RAND Corporation.
2. Kallick, B., & Zmuda, A. (2017). Students at the center: Personalized learning with habits of mind. ASCD.
3. Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. (2019). Effective teacher professional development. Learning Policy Institute.
4. Dr. Phil Podcast. (2024). Episode 276. In Dr. Phil Podcast. Peteski Productions.

How are you embracing personalized learning in your classroom or school? Share your successes and challenges with us on social media or via email at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in to Forward-Thinking Friday! Let’s keep innovating and transforming education together.