Episodes

On this episode of #DesignCast, I was joined by Darrin Peppard. Darrin is a “Leadership Coach, Speaker, Author, & Publisher” and has a website named ‘Road to Awesome.’ He and I talk about the ups and downs of leading in today’s educational environment. I am certain you will find some joy and knowledge through listening to this episode! Connect with Darrin through his website: https://roadtoawesome.net --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/mes...

On this episode of #DesignCast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lindsay Lyons. Lindsay calls herself an ‘Educational Justice Coach’ and when you listen to this episode you can see why! What an amazing journey she has been on for many years as she has worked with all kinds of organizations regarding #Equity #Inclusion #SocialJustice #Diversity. She describes her work as ‘co-creating’ lessons, units, and curriculum around these timely and important topics! Connect with Lindsay and check out h...

On this episode of Design Cast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Adam Morris. Adam is the “Schools Technology & Integrations Director” at Faria Education Group. We talk all things EdTech and listening to his perspective about using a Professional Network Model to improve platforms and systems is interesting and refreshing! You can connect with Adam through his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-morris-08905a20/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/...

For this episode of #Design Cast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Jarrett Brown. Jarrett is currently the Assistant Head of Secondary & MYP Coordinator at Leman International School in Chengdu, China. He teaches MYP Language and Literature, I&S, Language Acquisition, and the MYP Personal Project. He is an MYP Workshop Leader, Site Visitor, Reader, and Building Quality Curriculum senior reviewer. Additionally, he does some consultant work for Faria/ManageBac. Previously, he has worked in in...

I had the privilege of speaking with Claudio Zavala Jr. for this episode of Design Cast. Claudio is a true Renaissance man with many talents and interests. He is an educator, photographer, YouTuber & videographer. We have an awesome chat about where he finds inspiration for his videos and how he gets to help students around the world with Adobe Express. I know that you will find so much value in this conversation! Connect with Claudio: https://bio.link/claudiozavalajr (connect to all of his soc...

For this episode of​ Design Cast, I spoke to AJ Crabill. Improving student outcomes is AJ Crabill’s focus. He serves as Conservator at DeSoto, Texas ISD. During his guidance, DeSoto improved from F ratings in academics, finance, and governance to B ratings. He’s also Faculty at the Leadership Institute of Nevada and Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. He served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and spearheaded reforms as board chair of Kansas City ...

For this episode of Design Cast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jill DuBois! Jill is a veteran elementary teacher and owns her own publishing imprint where she shares her stories of inspiration and helps others tell their stories! She is creating content full-time for her own website and for her podcast, in addition to the professional development provider that she works with. Our conversation was about her journey to becoming a published author and illustrator. Ultimately, her mission is t...

For this episode of Design Cast I sat down with James Abela. James has such a diverse background and touches on some of those experiences during our conversation. He has a passion for making learning fun by adding an element of playfulness and gamification to his lesson. James is the author of several books including ‘The Gamified Classroom!’. I know that you will enjoy our conversation! You can connect with James: His website: https://sites.google.com/view/rdpt/ On Twitter: @eslweb Or find h...

On this episode of Design Cast I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with my long-time friend Sara Candela. Sara is leading community development at Focusable. She is an educator by trade and EdTech community champion by passion! You will not be disappointed by our discussion and constant shenanigans. Please comment on your favorite part of the show by tagging us both and using the hashtags in the episode! Connect with Sara! www.linkedin.com/in/sara-candela-42742694/ twitter.com/Scandela9 ht...

For this episode of Design Cast, I was so pleased to have the opportunity to talk with Jeff Imrich. Jeff is the co-founder of Rock By Rock. He believes that kids benefit academically from real-world, project-based learning and that it can ignite a passion for learning. Our world requires kids to solve meaty problems, innovate, and come up with creative solutions. Kids need to be learners for life that see the joy in a challenge. With this in mind, Rock By Rock was created! I know you will enjoy...

For this episode of Design Cast, I had the pleasure of connecting with Christin Mohammed King. Christin is a former colleague with so much value to add to any organization. Her perspective on her recent experience in an all-boys school is incredibly insightful. We discussed her experience working with boys in several different contexts and what she learned from them. I do want to mention that we discuss a tragic event in her school and how it affected the boys. This is a very sensitive topic, a...

On this episode of #DesignCast I had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Chris Allen. Chris currently serves as ‘coordinating principal’ for an international secondary school in Surabaya, Indonesia. He has loads to share about his experiences in international education so far and how his current school is inviting students to engage in entrepreneurship opportunities! I know that you will enjoy our conversation! This is episode #100! I am so humbled and honored that something that started as a way t...

On this episode of #DesignCast I was joined by Pim Arora. Pim currently works at the Western Academy of Beijing with me. We have talked about collaborating on an episode for a very long time and now we finally have! She details her journey as an international student herself to her role in education today. You do not want to miss this episode! Now sit back, relax, and enjoy this chat with Pim! Connect with Pim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pittrapimarora/ Twitter - @pimstar --- Send in a voic...

On this episode of #DesignCast I had the pleasure of speaking to Rezuan Chowdhury. He is based in Bangladesh and is currently a PYP coordinator. Rezuan is a researcher, author, and educator, but actually started his career in business administration! He has several interesting insights into his career so far. I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy this chat with Rezuan Chowdhury. Connect with Rezuan: https://www.facebook.com/rezuan.chowdhury.9?mibextid=ZbWKwL https://www.linkedin.com/in/rez...

On this episode of Design Cast I had the incredible experience of talking to Dianne Blackburn. Dianne is an independent Educational Consultant working with international schools globally. She has many years of consultancy experience in pedagogical leadership, change management, and educator training solutions. Dianne has worked extensively with large groups of schools in the Middle East and Europe, supporting their development of inclusive practice through the introduction of Universal Design ...

On this episode of Design Cast, I had the terrific honor of speaking to Ryan Ford. Ryan is a 25-year veteran of digital design. He has been fortunate enough to lead design at some of the internet’s most interesting destinations: DeviantArt, Crunchyroll, chime, vida health, and now Crackle & Redbox (where he is working to revitalize these brands). His background in the industry motivated him to share thinking around topics like leadership, career paths, and (most notably of late) the design proc...

On this episode of Design Cast I had the pleasure of chatting with my longtime friend and colleague Dr. Barbara Wrightson. Spanning more than 25 years in the field of education, Barb's career has encompassed a myriad of roles in PK-12 schooling, ranging from a teacher (of multiple Secondary subjects) to Curriculum Coordinator to Administrator. Additionally, she teaches and trains teachers at the tertiary level. Throughout her time in the field of education, Barb has gained a wealth of knowledge,...

On this episode of Design Cast, I was fortunate enough to chat with Fonz Mendoza. Fonz is the charismatic host of the popular podcast “My EdTech Life”. He currently serves as an Instructional Software Specialist at a public school district in south Texas. A student himself, Fonz has been able to see first-hand how technology can be used to create positive change in the education system and has become a prominent advocate for its use in schools, universities, and other educational institutions. H...

Levi Allison grew up in a small town in Kansas with dreams of traveling the world. He attended the University of Kansas and obtained a BA in Music Education. His love of music inspired him to join the Marching Jayhawks, the school marching band, during his 4 years at KU. Immediately after university, Levi took a leap (or a plane) and began his international teaching career in Kuwait. An upbeat and fun person to be around, teaching is a calling from which he derives immense happiness and fulfill...