In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU we talk with Kim Strobel about Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy. Kim discusses how educators can be so hard on themselves, but reinforces the concept that perfectionism is the lowest standard we can hold ourselves to. Gain insights on how to reach and capture more happiness in your work and life journey.About Kim Strobel: Kim Strobel is a renowned motivational speaker and author of Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy, sought after by schools, businesses, and organizations worldwide. With her powerful message about the impact of happiness on well-being and the pursuit of fulfillment, she traverses the globe, sharing her insights. Kim specializes in empowering educators and professionals, equipping them with the necessary tools and strategies to shift their mindsets, reclaim their happiness, reignite their passion, and lead with purpose. Drawing from her extensive background as a teacher and curriculum director, Kim’s ultimate aim is to inspire her audience. Through her engaging talks, she presents captivating research, heartwarming anecdotes, and practical steps for achieving life-altering results. In addition to her professional pursuits, Kim is a devoted animal rescuer, having rescued 187 dogs. She is also an avid runner and has an unwavering love for life.Website: www.strobeleducation.comConnect with  Kim Strobel:Twitter: @strobeledInstagram @kimstrobeljoy

In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU, we talk with the amazing Lainie Rowell. Lainie shares valuable insights on how we can evolve with gratitude, intentionally seek joy, and about emotional contagion- catching feelings that improve well-being.  About Lainie Rowell:Lainie Rowell is a bestselling author, award-winning educator, and TEDx speaker. She is dedicated to human flourishing, focusing on community building, social-emotional learning, and honoring what makes each of us unique and dynamic through learner-driven design. She earned her degree in psychology, and went on to earn postgraduate degrees in education. An international keynote speaker, Lainie has presented in 41 states as well as in dozens of countries across 4 continents. As a consultant, Lainie’s client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools.Website: www.lainierowell.comConnect with  Lainie Rowell on: Twitter: @LainieRowellInstagram: @LainieRowell

Tisha and Lis explore the power of play in learning and in life. Their conversation revolves around the theme of finding joy in everyday moments, fostering connections, and integrating fun and creativity into the learning process to enhance engagement and meaningful learning experiences.

In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU, we chat with Sean Gaillard about how we can intentionally cultivate joy in and out of the schoolhouse. We explore the importance of embracing our own passions, creating, and how music is the salve that soothes and uplifts the soul.  About Sean Gaillard:Sean Gaillard is a school leader, author, and podcaster. He is the author of "The Pepper Effect" and has contributed to various books and written articles on leadership, innovation, collaboration, and music. He is the host of "The Principal Liner Notes Podcast" and the founder of #CelebrateMonday. Sean is the principal of The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork. Sean was named the 2019 Wells Fargo-Piedmont Triad Regional Principal Year and was also a finalist for North Carolina Principal of the Year. Sean is currently writing another book. Website: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sean-gaillardConnect with  Sean Gaillard on:Facebook: sean.gaillard Twitter: @smgaillardInstagram: @smgaillard

In this episode we chat with Barbara Bray about how we can Spark Joy in EDU through connections, meaningful learning experiences, and by defining our why. We explore the importance of recognizing the strengths and gifts within every child and how we can uplift one another. Barbara also shares how she sparks joy in her day-to-day life and the importance of family. About Barbara Bray: Barbara Bray is a creative learning strategist, author, podcast host, coach, speaker, and story weaver. She has been on a mission for over 30 years to transform teaching so learning is more authentic, meaningful, and joyful. Barbara started the Rethinking Learning podcast to get to know the personal stories from inspirational thought leaders. There are now more than 140 podcasts. Barbara included 26 vignettes with tips and activities in her book, Define Your Why, and is starting a new adventure with publishing her next book, Grow Your Why, one story at a time. You will love hearing Barbara's story and all that she has to share!Connect with Barbara:TwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookbarbarabray.net

In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU, we talk with Adam Welcome about how we can spark joy in education through meaningful and authentic learning experiences. Tune in to hear how Adam inspires educators to be the best they can be- kids deserve it! About Adam Welcome:Adam is a Professional Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Former Principal. He has been speaking all around the country (and international) for the past decade. Adam’s journey with speaking began back when he was a classroom teacher and he got tapped to provide professional development in his district around educational technology! Fast forward ten years and Adam has given over 300 keynotes in 30+ states with audiences of all sizes. From large school districts and small ones, state leadership organizations, edtech conferences and long term consulting work with organizations.Adam really prides himself on providing the best possible experience for the people he works with. Website: mradamwelcome.com Connect with Adam Welcome on:Twitter

In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU, we talk with Ken Shelton about how we can shift classroom culture and empower students as leaders by dismantling hierarchy in the classroom. Additionally, we explored the importance of every child feeling seen and heard by a supportive adult. Ken also shares how we can explore factors that bring us joy and then apply them within an educational setting or environment. There is so much goodness and depth to this conversation, we hope you enjoy it!About Ken Shelton:Ken (He/Him/His) currently holds an M.A. in Education with a specialization in Educational Technology as well as New Media Design and Production. He has worked as an Educator for over 20 years and spent most of his classroom experience teaching technology at the Middle School level. As a part of his active involvement within the Educational Technology community, Ken is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and a Google Certified Innovator. Ken has worked extensively at the policy level with a number of State Departments of Education, Ministries of Education, non-Profits, and was appointed to the Education Technology Task Force formed by a previous California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Ken regularly gives keynotes, presentations, consults, and leads workshops, covering a wide variety of Educational Technology, Equity and Inclusion, Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist, Multimedia Literacy, Cultural Intelligences, Visual Storytelling, and Instructional Design topics. Ken is the International Society for Technology in Education Digital Equity Professional Learning Network 2018 Excellence Award winner. Ken is the International Society for Technology in Education 2022 Making IT Happen Award winner due to his extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage, and persistence in improving digital learning opportunities for students. Because of his extensive and broad impact, Ken has also been named by EdTech Magazine as an influencer to follow.  Ken is currently serving on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board and an advisor for several tech companies as well as non-profits. His services include advisement, platform analysis, policy analysis, and outreach, in addition to the development of both equitable and inclusive internal recruitment and retention programs.Website: KennethShelton.netConnect with  Ken Shelton on:TwitterInstagram

In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU, we chat with Dr. Julie Hasson about how we can take the opportunity to pause, ponder and persist in the classroom  in order to be our best as educators. Julie is on a mission to inspire teachers to stay longer, grow stronger, and create a memorable classroom culture. Tune in to learn how you can turn challenges into opportunities for impact.About Julie Hasson:Dr. Julie Hasson is a professor in Leadership and School Administration at Appalachian State University. A former teacher and principal, she now teaches graduate courses in school leadership and conducts qualitative research in schools. Julie’s research on long term teacher impact and classroom culture is the foundation of her books, professional development programs, and TEDx Talk. Her book, Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom: The Remarkable Ways Teachers Shape Students’ Lives, was published in 2022. Her latest book, Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom: How Teachers Turn Challenges into Opportunities for Impact, will be released in June 2023. Julie is also the cohost of the Lessons That Last podcast and the founder of the Chalk and Chances project, a vehicle for celebrating and elevating the teaching profession. Website: Chalkandchances.comConnect with  Julie Hasson on:FacebookTwitterYoutube

In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU, we chat with Dr. Katie Novak about the importance of choosing a joyful mindset and how we can create inclusive classrooms through UDL where every learner has the opportunity to thrive. This episode is packed with goodness- from what to do when you unpack and find out you forgot pants to being a gym class hero, tune in to learn powerful insights from Katie! About Katie Novak:Katie Novak, Ed.D., is an internationally renowned education consultant, author, graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools. With 20 years of experience in teaching and administration, an earned doctorate in curriculum and teaching, and twelve published books, including In Support of Students: A Leader’s Guide to Equitable MTSS, hot-off-the-press May 2023, Katie designs and presents workshops both nationally and internationally focusing on the implementation of inclusive practices, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), multi-tiered systems of support and universally designed leadership. Website: novakeducation.comConnect with Katie Novak on:InstagramTwitterLinkedIn

Tune in to Spark Joy in EDU with Lis and Tisha as they share insights on why complimenting one another is more powerful than competing against others.  Additionally, they share reflections and insights from their time together exploring London during their time there for BETT with the Canva for Education team.

In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU, we chat with Dawn Harris about how we can foster a culture where learners want to be.  Dawn shares insights on how we can find passions outside of the classroom to pour ourselves into and the importance of not feeling as though everything needs to be 'perfect.' She also  reminds us that as educators we are all unique and that we cannot compare what we do to revitalize or fulfill ourselves with what others say. Tune in and hear Dawn's reflections, thoughts, ideas, and about her favorite quote! Dawn's Bio:As a high school gifted and talented educator, curriculum specialist, author, and educational consultant, Dawn’s primary goal is to support educators and school leaders with planning learning that ignites curiosity and that engages and inspires students in ways that impact their growth and achievement every single day. In her many roles, Dawn has taught in urban, rural, and suburban districts meeting the needs of children with diverse backgrounds. She is co-moderator of the Saturday morning Lead Like a PIRATE (#LeadLAP) Twitter chat and the author of Plan Like a PIRATE: Designing Extraordinary Learning Journeys for Every Student.Website: educationundone.com Connect with Dawn Harris on:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn

In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU, we chat with Dave Burgess about one of his all-time favorite activities along with how we can make an impact in our schools through motivating our learners. He specializes in teaching hard-to-reach, hard-to-motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity. Dave's energy is contagious and you will be inspired by the insights and stories he shares in this episode. Dave's Bio:Dave Burgess is the co-owner of DBC, Inc, the New York Times best-selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator and co-author of P is for PIRATE: Inspirational ABC’s for Educators. He is a highly sought-after professional development speaker well known for his outrageously energetic and creative style. His programs not only inspire and motivate educators, but also provide practical strategies to dramatically improve instruction and student engagement. He was been an award-winning teacher for over seventeen years and was the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences BAMMY recipient for Secondary School Teacher of the Year in 2014.Website: Daveburgessconsulting.comTune in to his podcast: The Dave Burgess ShowConnect with Dave Burgess on:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn

In this episode of Spark Joy in EDU, we chat with LaVonna Roth, creator and founder of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E. You will feel inspired after listening to LaVonna Roth share how she and her team boost schools in embodying a Human-Focused Culture and harnessing the S.H.I.N.E. framework. Every educator has amazing strengths, gifts, and talents- tune in to hear how you are (and can be) a difference maker! LaVonna's Bio:As an engaging and interactive keynote speaker, consultant, educator, and mom, LaVonna bridges her passion for how the brain learns with identifying how every individual S.H.I.N.E.s with their mindset and social-emotional well-being. She leads a small business where her and her team boost schools in embodying a Human-Focused Culture. A culture where we put those doing the work at the heart of the impact desired. How? By supporting schools in harnessing the S.H.I.N.E. framework, increasing psychological safety, & building a foundation based on the brain sciences. S.H.I.N.E. is the secret to a work environment where all want to be! LaVonna has 3 degrees, is the author of 8 books, and has worked with organizations in the U.S./Canada, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. She is the creator and founder of the Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.® framework and also Prime to S.H.I.N.E. where she coaches educators in how to amplify their impact through educational consulting – part-time or full-time. S.H.I.N.E. will leave you inspired. Help you find your power through ah-ha moments. Ignite the fire within you to have the confidence in who YOU are and what you do, because YOU are the difference maker!Website: Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.Connect with LaVonna Roth on:Facebook:www.facebook.com/lavonnarothwww.facebook.com/igniteyourSHINEInstagram:http://instagram.com/lavonnarothhttp://instagram.com/igniteyourSHINEnowTwitterwww.twitter.com/lavonnarothwww.twitter.com/igniteyourSHINELinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonnaroth

Elisabeth Bostwick and Tisha Richmond share their why behind partnering to Spark Joy in Education along with their stories on why they are both so passionate about this topic. Their subtitle, A Magical Leap into Joyful Learning interweaves portions of Lis's book, Take the L.E.A.P.: Ignite a Culture of Innovation, and Tisha's book, Make Learning Magical: Transform Your Teaching and Create Unforgettable Experiences in Your Classroom. This episode serves as an introduction to the podcast, Spark Joy in EDU. Be on the lookout for upcoming episodes featuring guests who will share their voices!