Listen as the Learning Through Leading co-hosts, Nick Sutton and Matt Jacobson, reflect on 3 years of our podcasting journey. We'll also discuss what we have going on now and what the future may hold. Until next time, friends... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learningthroughleading/messageSupport this podcast: …

Join us for an emotional and revealing chat with Dr. Gabe Schwemmer. In this episode, Gabe discusses her journey through difficult times during the COVID-19 pandemic and how that experience has shaped her leadership style. Contact Information Twitter: dr_schwemmer Web: Sparta CUSD #140 Remember to check out this and all past episodes at www.Learnin…

We had a great time talking with the EdTech Distilled Podcast! Hosts Adam Geisen and David Lerch discuss their views on podcasting, the pandemic, and balance. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did! Contact Info EdTech Distilled Podcast on Spotify Adam Geisen on Twitter David Lerch on Twitter You can find us on Twitter at @DrNickSutto…

We are joined this week by Dr. Marlon James who provides an enlightening look at equity and equality. Listen as Dr. James shares details on the specific elements of each and the importance of cultural awareness to our classrooms and the world. Contact Dr. James Email: equalityequitygroup@gmail.com Web: www.equalityequitygroup.com Remember to check …

Dr. Kimako Patterson discusses the importance of being genuine and transparent as a school leader. Dr. Patterson’s stance, while not always shared by everyone, displays the unapologetic courage that defines her core values. Learn more about Dr. Patterson’s points of view in this episode of Learning Through Leading. Contact Dr. Kimako Patterson Twit…

Dr. Nick and Matt have a candid and informative discussion with Angela Bayer-Persico, Director of Little Angels Child Development, of Yonkers, NY. Contact Angela: Twitter: @bayer_persico Web: World Of Angela Little Angels Child Development Little Angels Child Development on Facebook Remember to check out this and all past episodes at www.LearningTh…

Join us for a frank and open conversation with author and consultant Mandy Froelich about the importance of self-care and social-emotional learning (SEL) for educators and students. Mandy discusses her journey, her work, and her ideas about helping educators take care of themselves and each other during difficult times. CONTACT INFO Social Media: F…

Educator, veteran, podcaster, and author Dene Gainey talks with us about his classroom philosophy of C.L.I.M.B.E. Dene also discusses the resilience teachers can develop as we face challenges and how that can translate into positive and powerful classroom activities. CONTACT INFO Twitter: @dene_gainey Website: denegainey.com The CLIMBE Podcast Edum…

We’re back with Season 3! In this episode, Matt and Dr. Nick discuss Nick’s new book, Make PD Matter. You’ll learn about the high points of the book and resources that can help improve professional learning in your school or district. Order Nick’s book and download the free study guide on our website. Remember to check out this and all past episode…

Join us for a refreshing and informative chat with Dr. Bhavna Sharma Lewis, Superintendent of the Diamond Lake (IL) School District. Dr. Sharma-Lewis discusses her experiences, the work she and her schools are doing to enhance community involvement and outreach, and the importance of self-care for students and staff. Contact: Twitter: @DLDistrict76…

In this very unique episode, we talk with members of a graduate class in education leadership, led by Dr. Denny Barr of Western Illinois University. These aspiring leaders frankly and openly discuss their core values and the development of their leadership skills. Contact Info: Mr_Crusen MsJTeaches323 CoachRocket Email: dh-barr@wiu.edu - Denny Barr…

Learn how our friend Ashley White has adapted to the changing face of education while cultivating her passion for fitness and self-care. Ashley offers her perspectives on education and her tips on starting and maintaining a self-care routine while juggling her life as a middle grades educator. Contact Info: Web: www.amwfitness.com IG: amw_fitness20…

Dr. Denny Barr of Western Illinois University joins us to discuss his advice to new and aspiring educational leaders. Contact Info: Email: dh-barr@wiu.edu Visit www.LearningThroughLeading.com and subscribe to our podcast using your favorite podcast player. You can find us on Twitter at: @DrNickSutton @YodaMatt68 --- Send in a voice message: https:/…

Recently we had the opportunity to get to know Principal Mike Earnshaw, who also happens to be the co-host of the Punk Rock Classrooms Podcast. In this episode, Mike talks with us about supporting educators throughout the pandemic, his work with the podcast, and his new publication with EduMatch Publishing. Contact Info: Twitter: @MikeREarnshaw Web…

Nick and Matt reconnect with their friend Steve Wilder, discussing the effects of the pandemic on school and district leaders. Steve discusses the importance of maintaining and supporting resilience through times of challenge and change, and provides some great perspectives for school leaders. Contact Info: Twitter: @suptwilder Web: syc427.org Visi…

SOPPA - the Student Online Personal Protection Act - goes into effect July 1, 2021. Join us as we learn more about the law and tools that can help schools remain in compliance with it from LTC Executive Director Tim McIlvain and LTC Director of Technology Services Chris Wherley. Mentioned in this episode: Consortium for School Networking, or CoSN P…

Craig Randall takes a few minutes to talk with us about creating trust and providing support through administrators’ observations of educators’ classroom activities. In this episode, Craig outlines the process of trust-based observations and provides tips on how administrators can weave this into their daily roles as instructional leaders. Contact …

The COVID-19 global pandemic has required enormous changes in the ways students learn and the ways teachers support them. In this episode, Dr. Georgie Koenig shares her views on the effects of the pandemic on students’ reading and writing skills and offers ideas that teachers can use to help students build intellectual curiosity. Contact Info: Web:…

Managing remote and hybrid learning experiences can be a difficult task for many educators, so we sought advice from two folks who quite literally wrote the book on digital classroom management. Heather Dowd and Patrick Green wrote Classroom Management in the Digital Age, and in this episode they share and adapt ideas in their book to our current r…

What we intended to be a discussion of school finance really turned into a fantastic talk about managing the stresses involved with leadership. Dr. Mike Curry, Superintendent of the Abingdon-Avon School District in western Illinois, provides his insight, habits, and advice to support school leaders on a daily basis and during difficult times. Being…

Nick and Matt have a candid conversation about how they dealt with 2020, and what they're planning to work on during 2021. Remember to check out this and all past episodes at www.LearningThroughLeading.com and click the Subscribe button at the top of the screen to have every episode delivered right to your email inbox. You can find us on Twitter at…

Carly Spina joins us to discuss her ideas for helping students who are learning English, from a classroom and a leadership perspective. See Carly’s Translation Spreadsheet Tool (To use with your students, click File > Make a copy) Contact: Twitter: @MrsSpinasClass Other: Innovative Inspiration with English Learners Remember to check out this and al…

Jeff Cohn is a consultant to schools, districts, and businesses. In this episode, Jeff gets down to the basics of SMART Goals in strategic planning and the importance of empathy and trust to leadership. Mentioned in this episode: Jim Collins on Amazon Learn more about Jeff Cohn Website: BraveDialogue.com Other: Contact Jeff Cohn Remember to check o…

This week we are joined by Sarah-Jane Thomas, PhD. Sarah is a Regional Technology Coordinator in Prince George’s County Public Schools. Sarah is also a Google Certified Innovator, Google Education Trainer, and founder of the EduMatch project, which promotes connection and collaboration among educators around the world. Sarah is also on the leadersh…

Enjoy this look back at our interview with the creators of FLOOP, and don't forget to use the info below to get your special discount on your first year of FLOOP! From Season 1 Episode 23, January 19, 2020: We had a great talk with Christine Witcher and Melanie Kong about Floop, an app that supports teacher and peer feedback in almost any classroom…

Enjoy our chat with our friend, Lloyd Kilmer, in this episode. Learn about his views on cultural competency, leadership, and the pandemic's impact on education. You'll also learn more about the ways that Performance Learning can help your school or business improve performance in our new reality. Contact: Twitter: @Perform_Learn Website: Performanc…

We hope you enjoy our chat with Amanda Post and Maggie Gifford, two educators from Ohio. During our chat , Amanda and Maggie discuss how they navigate remote learning and support students' social and emotional health. (This post corrects the previous one, removing only the dead-air in the audio recording) Read More: Remembering YOU in Times of Unce…

We hope you enjoy our chat with Amanda Post and Maggie Gifford, two educators from Ohio. During our chat , Amanda and Maggie discuss how they navigate remote learning and support students' social and emotional health. Read More: Remembering YOU in Times of Uncertainty and Change, by Maggie Gifford on the TeachBetter Blog Finding YOU Outside of the …

This episode highlights author and first-grade teacher Adrienne Graham and her first book, The Color of Friendship. Adrienne talks to us about the importance of this book, the process she went through to publish it, and how it can be used in the classroom. We are happy and proud to help amplify and support her voice and the message of The Color of …

Nick and Matt have a very candid conversation with Dr. Tina Halliman, Superintendent of the SPEED S.E.J.A. District 802. Dr. Halliman discusses the unique challenges of leading a special education district during a time of remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Halliman emphasizes the importance of educator self-care while supporting stu…

In this episode, online educator and author Theresa Wills shares her ideas for remote learning and online activities. Her upcoming book, Teaching Math at a Distance K-12: a practical guide to rich remote instruction, will be a repository of best practices for educators at any level. While her focus is primarily mathematics, her ideas can transfer t…

As we open our second season, we are very happy to introduce you to educator and author Melody McAllister. Melody's book for children, I'm Sorry Story, helps students understand and respond to the feelings of others. In this episode, Melody discusses her book and how it might be used to support students' social-emotional learning. Melody also discu…

We had a great chat with Kyle Anderson and Ben Dickson from the BeerEDU Podcast! Check out this BONUS episode as we gear up for Season 2, dropping soon! Ben Dickson: Twitter - @bdicksonNV or bdicksonnv.wordpress.com Kyle Anderson: Twitter - @AndersonEdTech or www.andersonedtech.net BeerEDU Podcast: Website, Spotify, Anchor, or wherever you get your…

Nick and Matt take time out to reflect on Season 1 before taking some summer time to prepare for Season 2. The hosts discuss what they did well, what they can do better, and some ideas to help all educators rest, recharge, and prepare for a new school year. Mentioned in this episode: Links to past episodes Improving Performance with Dr. Paulie Inte…

Chad Ostrowski of the Teach Better Team joins us to discuss teaching, professional learning, and educator self-care. In this episode, you’ll learn tips that can help you elevate your practice, both in-person and remotely. Check out the episode and the links below to learn more! Contact Information Twitter: @ChadOstrowski @TeachBetterTeam Website: T…

Holly Pantle is the incoming Technology Director for the Charleston (IL) school district. During much of her career, Holly spent time supporting students, teachers and administrators as a Library Information Specialist. In this episode, Holly discusses the changing role of the Library Information Specialist, how she has supported students and teach…

Author, Brain Research Expert, Consultant, Trainer, and Teacher LaVonna Roth shares her thoughts on culture and climate in our schools. LaVonna also shares some hands-on minds-on ideas to use during remote learning activities. Learn how LaVonna's ideas can help educators stretch their comfort zones and recognize the value that each of us can bring …

Mike Lubelfeld discusses his district’s transition from in-person learning to e-learning and then to remote learning. In this candid interview, Mike talks about the things that went well, the things they could have done better, and the phenomenal work that his staff is doing to support learners wherever they are. Contact Mike Lubelfeld Twitter: @mi…

This episode focuses on how two school districts, one suburban and one rural, are adjusting their existing e-learning plans to a longer-term remote learning situation. Shannon Duling is the superintendent of Princeville Community Unit School District 326 in rural central Illinois. John Connolly is the Chief Technology Officer in suburban Consolidat…

Adam Valencic and Alex Valencic offer some insights into their experiences in remote learning and online learning. Adam Valencic is an instructional designer at Lindenwood University in Missouri. Alex Valencic, is the Coordinator for 21st Century Teaching and Learning for the Freeport (IL) School District #145. Together, these brothers discuss thei…

Regional Superintendent Jodi Scott was part of the team that created the Illinois Remote Learning Recommendations. In this special episode, Jodi returns to our show to discuss the differences between Illinois’ current Remote Learning Recommendations and earlier legislation. Listen as Jodi provides critical clarifications and insights. Connect with …

Heather and Mike Acerra are the educational entrepreneurs behind Luxblox, allowing students to explore science, engineering, and design in almost any setting. Luxblox are non-digital high-tech learning tools that enable teachers to approach a multitude of subjects with a hands-on and creative approach. Lux Blox are used in schools, STEAM labs and m…

Ben Sondgeroth of the Learning Technology Center of Illinois joins us on the special episode to share tips on leveraging video for teachers and administrators: Find your tool Find your content Find ways to have fun Find ways to be visible Some of the tools Ben mentions: Screencastify Flipgrid Adobe Spark Book Creator Ben also discusses the importan…

Janelle McLaughlin discusses the importance of student-driven learning on this week’s episode. Janelle is a consultant and instructional coach who works with schools supporting student choice and voice. Janelle also shares her views on professional learning, technology integration, and the role of the coach in schools. Mentioned in this episode: Te…

In this episode we take a look back at our interview with Rae Hughart, educator, trainer, and Director of Professional Development for the TeachBetter Team. When we started this podcast, Rae was one of the guests we both knew we needed to have on. In this look back at Episode 5 of the Learning Through Leading Podcast, Rae talks with us about her jo…

Brett Elliott, Principal of Richwoods High School in Peoria, Illinois, shares his PHEARCE philosophy with us: Process Humility Energy Adversity Relationships Culture ExcellenceBrett also discusses his work with Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and how he leverages technology tools for teaching, learning, and professional learning #GlobalPLC…

Several months ago we were fortunate to sit down with Adam Welcome for a discussion about leadership, culture, and improving instruction. The audio quality on our original recording was less than perfect, to say the least. With production assistance from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, we were able to reduce some of the distractions to …

The Illinois Learning Technology Purchasing Program, or ILTPP, helps schools and districts find more affordable options to support learning through a wide variety of technology tools. Through this service, ILTPP also has a unique perspective on the latest trends and topics that educators around Illinois are pursuing. Courtney Fleeger of ILTPP joins…

Tim McIlvain is the Director of the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, known as the LTC. In this episode, Tim discusses some of the many services provided by the LTC. Tim shares his knowledge of recent legislation, some cybersecurity tips, and a preview of the array of upcoming LTC professional learning opportunities for educators, administrat…