In this high-energy, heartfelt season finale, science educator, TV personality, and keynote speaker Steve Spangler joins us live at the Innovative Schools Summit in Orlando to talk about the power of creating experiences in education. From his upbringing in a family of magicians to leading explosive science demonstrations across the country, Steve shares the moments, mentors, and mindset that shaped his approach to teaching. He unpacks how to truly connect with students, inspire curiosity, and b...
Jun 10, 2025•39 min•Ep. 10
In this insightful episode, hosts Jordan and Will talk with veteran educator and consultant Dr. Marquita Blades about the promise and pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence in schools. Together, they explore how AI can lighten teacher workloads, boost student engagement, and foster deeper critical thinking when used intentionally . Dr. Blades shares real-world strategies, favorite tools, and how educators can shift from fear to empowerment in a rapidly changing digital world. 🔑 Key Takeaways: ✔️ A...
May 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 9
In this episode, Jordan speaks with Megan and Kara from IntegratED about how frustration in their own classrooms sparked a powerful shift in teaching practice. They share their journey of reimagining instruction through “Integrated Pathways”—seven dynamic methods that empower both educators and students. From hands-on learning to storytelling and visual arts, they outline a framework that helps teachers engage every learner, without adding more to their plates. Whether you’re a new teacher or a ...
May 13, 2025•39 min•Ep. 8
In this deeply personal and often hilarious episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Kevin interviews Dr. Debbie Silver, a nationally celebrated educator, author, and speaker. From an accidental start in a rural Louisiana classroom with no curriculum or training, to shaping future teachers and leading national conversations on education, Debbie’s story is one of resilience, humor, and heart. Whether you're struggling to find your place or looking for renewed inspiration, this candid conversati...
Apr 29, 2025•56 min•Ep. 7
In this episode, hosts Liz and Jordan talk with therapist and educator Tracie Berry-McGhee about the impact of social media on adolescents, particularly how it influences relationships, cyberbullying, and mental health. Tracie shares her work with the Sista Keeper Empowerment Center , explains her innovative Wellness Mobile , and introduces her self-esteem-building LOVE Principles . She emphasizes the need for educators, families, and communities to create safe, empowering environments for young...
Apr 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 6
In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, we sit down with Larry Thompson , creator of Responsibility-Centered Discipline (RCD) , to explore how educators can help students take ownership of their actions, develop self-control, and build the internal strength needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Learn why traditional discipline methods fall short and how shifting the focus from compliance to coaching creates lasting change. 🔑 Key Takeaways: ✔️ What Responsibility-Centere...
Apr 01, 2025•51 min•Ep. 5
In this special edition of the Innovative Schools Podcast , we're bringing you a dynamic session from the Innovative Schools Summit in New York ! This episode features the 50 in 50 Panel , where top educational leaders share 50 powerful strategies to foster a positive learning environment in your classroom. From engagement techniques to culture-building ideas , you'll walk away with practical insights you can use immediately. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Strategies to Build a Positive Classroom Culture ✔️ ...
Mar 18, 2025•48 min•Ep. 4
In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast , host Jordan sits down with Dr. John Almarode, a professor at James Madison University and an expert in student engagement. We will dive into the critical distinctions between engagement and entertainment in the classroom, explore the levels of engagement, and discuss actionable strategies to ensure students are actively processing and retaining information. Dr. Almarode also shares insights from his research on Visible Learning and the importan...
Mar 04, 2025•45 min•Ep. 3
In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast , hosts Jordan and Liz sit down with Jessica Sinarski, an expert in education and counseling, to discuss how movement in the classroom can minimize disruptive behavior and enhance learning. Jessica introduces the concept of proprioception—a hidden sense that affects body awareness and regulation—and explains how teachers can incorporate movement strategies to support students, particularly those with sensory processing challenges or trauma histor...
Feb 18, 2025•42 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to the first episode of the Innovative Schools podcast! In this episode, host Jordan sits down with Joseph Cope, a Responsibility Centered Discipline (RCD) master trainer, to discuss the challenges and rewards of working in Title 1 schools. They explore classroom management, self-control, and how educators can create a space for every student to succeed—even those who present challenges. Joseph shares his journey from elementary to middle school education, his experiences in Title 1 scho...
Feb 04, 2025•39 min•Ep. 1
What Every Educator Needs to Know about the Brain This week we are joined by Jessica Sinarksi, LPCMH, an author and thought leader in neuro-science who specializes in training educators about the brain and how to teach students of all ages how the brain works, and why it matters! In this episode, Jessica explains how the brain functions and how to teach students to recognize when they are operating out of “downstairs brain.” Jessica also shares strategies educators can use to teach students to c...
Nov 02, 2020•38 min
This week we speak with author and counselor Tracie Berry-McGhee about the work she does with the SistaKeeper Empowerment Program in St. Louis and discuss strategies educators can use to help girls in their schools improve their self-image and reduce relational aggression.
Aug 17, 2020•39 min
In this episode, we speak with author Robert Jackson and discuss his Gold Excel award-winning book, Becoming the Educator They Need: Strategies, Mindsets, and Beliefs for Supporting Male Black and Latino Students and preview his upcoming Pre-Conference Session for the August Innovative Schools Virtual Summit titled Sa lvaging Our Sons: Helping Educators Reach, Teach and Empower Young Men . Robert will present both a Pre-Conference Session and Keynote during the A ugust Innovative Schools Virtual...
Jul 20, 2020•50 min
With a majority of the nation’s schools being closed, teachers are facing a litany of challenges -- ranging from keeping students engaged in an online classroom, to monitoring student progress in a virtual setting, to handling the fact that not all students have the same access to technology. To learn more about how to overcome these challenges, I am joined by Dr. Marquita Blades. Dr. Blades is an award-winning educator, an international speaker, and an author. She is also the host of the Dr. Ma...
Apr 22, 2020•35 min
On this episode, I speak with Mike Paget, M.Ed. about how classroom teachers can help students struggling with anxiety. We discuss Mike’s Top 3 Strategies for helping students with anxiety conditions, how to recognize signs of anxiety and strategies teachers can use to educate all students on how to manage their anxiety. We worked with Mike to create a free 90-minute online training titled Anxiety in the Classroom: How Educators Can Support Students with Anxiety Disorders and we are making this ...
Apr 02, 2020•33 min
This week we speak with Kim Johancen, LPC about key warning signs that a student may be self-injuring, what a teacher should do if they discover that a student is self-injuring, key risk factors that increase a student’s likelihood of self-injuring and what school leaders can do to educate all students on mental health. Kim is a counselor who has worked for a number of years with students who self-injure or who have experienced trauma. She is co-author of the newly released book, Traumatized Stu...
Mar 11, 2020•37 min
