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Latest Episodes:

The LED Project #60: The Power of Yet w/ Our Elementary Daze Jun 03, 2018

Show notes

On this episode we were joined on the podcast by Lilly and Sarah from @ourelemenatrydaze on Instagram. This conversation was all about the growth mindset versus the fixed mindset and the power of the word yet! We discussed with these exceptional ladies how they have strived to maintain a healthy balance by overcoming teacher guilt and growing in our ability to say no. One of the many things Lilly and Sarah talked about was how they feel the most authentically themselves around their students because its an environment that is free from judgement. This was such a powerful statement to us because we've all struggled with fear of judgement, but these ladies embrace that in their classroom they have created a culture that is free of judgement. This was such a fun and inspiring conversation that we know will add value to you. If you're not following these ladies do that now! Thanks for your support of education and our podcast! To connect with us: Shoot us an email at podcast@theledproject.com. Follow us on Instagram @valueaddsvalue. Like us on Facebook as Lighthouse Educator Development.

The LED Project #61: Success Speaks Loudly w/ Michelle Ferre Jun 03, 2018

Show notes

On episode 61 we were joined by Michelle Ferre who created the vlog on YouTube "Pocketful of Primary." During this conversation Michelle talked about how she has grown her Youtube channel to over 100,000 subscribers from its beginning as a way for her to reflect on what was a rough first year teaching. Michelle also opened up about her experience training for and running the Boston Marathon with temperatures in the 30s and constant rain! What Michelle strives to do with her vlog is to give teachers all of the insights that she wished she had as a new teacher while building an incredibly collaborative community. She talked about how she still fears sharing her struggles and how she works to use those struggles to be authentic. If you're struggling Michelle's Youtube and social media is a place where you will find inspiration and a community of likeminded individuals. Here is how to connect with Michelle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf4ktrnK_jWG1mC7U7fNphA Instagram: @pocketfulofprimary To connect with us: Email: Podcast@theledproject.com Instagram: @valueaddsvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development

The LED Project #57: Lightbulb Moments w/ Brittany Akers May 28, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of the podcast we had exciting conversation with Brittany Akers. Brittany (IG: @elementary_magic) is a teacher in Virginia who is so passionate about her work in the classroom. She told a story of how she was impacted by her kindergarten teacher in a powerful way and when she recently reconnected with that teacher she had a note that brittany had written her many years ago. It was lightbulb moments that make Brittany such a powerful educator. We talked about using technology in a 1 to 1 Chromebook setting, what it means to be a champion for kids, and how relationships make everything easier in the classroom. It's had not to be excited about teaching when listening to Brittany! Thank you so much for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to connect with us here's how to do so: Email: podcast@theledproject.com Instagram: @valueaddsvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development

The LED Project #58: Project Wayfinder w/ Patrick Cook-Deegan May 27, 2018

Show notes

Patrick Cook-Deegan is the founder and director of Project Wayfinder. Project Wayfinder’s mission is to inspire our next generation to become intentional meaning-makers empowered to contribute to the world around them. At Project Wayfinder, they believe that school has the possibility to be a transformative and profound experience for young people that sparks their passion and curiosity. To create such an experience, our schools need to nurture a sense of meaningfulness and emphasize why life is valuable. Project Wayfinder is a contribution towards re-imagining adolescent education. During this conversation Patrick discusses how and why he created Project Wayfinder out of the D-School at Standford, how they serve both teachers and students, and tells a few stories of the success schools are having with their program. Of the ten core traits the Project Wayfinder program aims to teach kids he listed purpose, resourcefulness, and gratitude as the traits that have the biggest impact on kids. If you're looking for way to help your students or staff find greater purpose within their education then you owe it to yourself to learn more about Project Wayfinder! To learn more about Project Wayfinder visit their website projectwayfinder.com or follow them on Instagram @projectwayfinder. What topics would have an impact on you if we discussed them in greater detail? Whom should we bring on as a guest? Let us know! Instagram: @valueaddsvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development Email: podcast@theledproject.com

The LED Project #59: This Is Not a Test w/Jose Vilson May 27, 2018

Show notes

Jose Vilson has been a math teacher in NYC for the last 13 years and is the author of the book THIS IS NOT A TEST. During our conversation Jose spoke of how his choir teacher taught him how to use his voice and how to use it well. That is what he strives to do in his professional life. Use his voice and use it well. Jose spoke on the podcast on a variety of topics that center on how the educational system can be dehumanizing. He spoke on the power of our collective victories as teachers, how we must always follow our intuition, and the importance of creating culture so our schools "feel right". He also articulated how we must elevate our profession through a combination of changes in policy and changing the cultural consciousness of the role of teachers in our country. It was a powerful podcast you won't want to miss!! You can connect with Jose on Twitter @theJLV, on Instagram @thejosevilson, and thejosevilson.com! What are you plans to grow over the summer? How are you going to improve your craft? Share your answer with us! Instagram: @valueaddsvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development Email: podcast@theledproject.com

The LED Project #54: Don't Fear Mistakes w/ Mitchel Meighen May 20, 2018

Show notes

On episode #54 of the podcast Kyle has a great conversation with Apple Distinguished Educator award winner Mitchel Meighen. During the conversation Kyle and Mitchel talk about everything from the sometimes jagged perception of education to learning through social media. Mitchel is incredibly insightful as an educator and very skilled in the use of technology in the classroom. While talking about the use of technology in the class he pointed out that technology and the apps they provide are what our students are going to have to use in the real world. He believes that students need to self monitor their use of technology and learn from the consequences. When Mitchel was asked about how technology intersects with teaching and learning he described the world as 'fluid' and how in a fluid world he is willing to try things in his classroom and accept the results as they come. He summed it up by saying that we have to accept that we will make mistakes and if we accept that we don't have to worry about them. It was a great conversation that we know you'll enjoy. If you are finding value in the show it would mean the world to use if you would rate us on iTunes. We want to reach as many people as possible and the more good ratings we get the easier that becomes. To connect with Mitchel follow him on Instagram @mr_meighen or on Facebook as Meet Meighen The Classroom! To connect with us as always we're @valueaddsvalue on Instagram, Lighthouse Educator Development on Facebook and email us at podcast@theledproject.com!

The LED Project Podcast #56: Reading is the Prize w/ Fletcher Nelson May 20, 2018

Show notes

On episode #56 of the podcast Kyle has a chat with Fletcher Nelson (_thirdgradeswag)! This was such an enjoyable conversation about giving students choice, the power of having fun in the classroom, and why we should ask for help. Fletcher teaches third grade in northern Minnesota has so many helpful tips and tricks for teachers. One of my favorites is that he uses a wireless doorbell to monitor the noise level in his classroom. It is a cheap and simple way for him to work with a group at one station and monitor the volume of the rest of the students. Fletcher's passion for reading and helping students find things to read that make them happy is remarkable. He said it best, "reading is the prize." We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast and please connect with Fletcher on line to learn more about the awesome work he's doing! To connect with us or ask a questions: Instagram: @valueaddsvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development Email: Podcast@theledproject.com

The LED Project #55: Teaching Tolerance w/ Monita Bell May 20, 2018

Show notes

On episode #55 of the podcast Kyle is joined for a conversation on social justice and self reflection by the Senior Editor of Teaching Tolerance Magazine Monita Bell! Teaching Tolerance is a magazine that was created in 1991 with aim to nurture future generations to be more empathic and accepting of others. During our conversation we talked to Monita about her time as a professor in the English department of both Alabama State and Auburn and how the value of writing as a skill is that it allows you to appropriately navigate discourse. During our discussion of what resources and training are provided by Teaching Tolerance we were struck by how important it is for us as teachers to use self reflection as a tool when creating lessons centered around social justice. Monita used the term "our visible and invisible identity" to describe why we need to be reflective to understand our on biases. If we are not honest with ourselves it will be a challenge for us to create spaces for students to speak and learn about others. If your are looking for resources on social justice please visit tolerance.org and look through their library of texts as well as their curriculum on social justice. Lessons are broken down by grade level focus on IDENTITY, DIVERSITY, JUSTICE, and ACTION. You can also find Teaching Tolerance on Facebook and Instagram if you'd like to learn more or connect with them. Once again thank you for listening to the podcast and if you're finding value in our show please leave a review on iTunes... it would mean the world to us! Please connect with us if you have any questions: Instagram: @valueaddsvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development Email: Podcast@theledproject.com

The LED Project Podcast #53: Recognize Their Story w/ Bethany Younkers May 13, 2018

Show notes

On episode #53 of the podcast Kyle is joined by Bethany Younkers. We got connect to Bethany through one of our previous guests CJ Reynolds. "Students will always give you a window in... and will test you to see you care and if you'll stick around." This is the key to connection and relationships in the classroom according to Bethany. We had an incredible talk about how at times we've both missed the 'windows' our students have given us because we didn't recognize their stories. Bethany teaches at an all boys school in Philly and we discussed how she sets expectations and boundaries with her boys as well as how she gains cultural awareness of the reality her students live in. Bethany (IG: @polkadotsofgratitude and polkadotsofgratitude.com) is a believer in the power of gratitude as much as we are and even against the will of teenage boys makes them "present to their blessings." Sprinkle in a bit of international travel and some talk on eating vegan and you have the recipe for a tremendous podcast! If you'd like to join the conversation please reach out!! Email: podcast@theledproject.com Instagram: @valueaddvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development

The LED Project #51: The Cutesy Class w/ Brittanie McGregor May 13, 2018

Show notes

On this episode Kyle is joined by the creator of The Cutesy Class (cutesyclass.com) online store Brittanie McGregor! Not only does Brittanie (IG: @thecutesyclass) create some of the most popular teacher apparel out there she also is a passionate math teacher and coach. During our conversation we talked about how Britt strives to help every student feel the same way she does about school and learning. She also spoke of the importance of teachers taking time for themselves and stepping away from the stress of the classroom. One of our favorite things Brittanie said was her answer to the question of the best advice she's received, "It'll be ok...everything will still get done!" This was such powerful advice for teachers who struggle with the ever growing to-do list and have a serious fear that it will never go away. She explained how this is a part of taking time for herself and that she has learned the things that need to get done will always find a way to get done. It was such a fun conversation and we hope you enjoy it... and while you're at it go check out her store and maybe buy a shirt!! To connect with us, ask a question, or be a guest on the show: Email: podcast@theledproject.com Instagram: @valueaddvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development

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