Episode description

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, Jeff welcomes the Global Director of Education from Cisco, Renee Patton on the program to discuss the topic of Teachers being Entrepreneurs.  

If you are interested in starting a side business to support your teaching, or if you have ever had a student come to you and say “I have an idea … now, what?” this is a fantastic episode that features tips, tricks, and amazing stories of what is happening in today's classrooms.

Today's podcast is brought to you by the Educational Podcast Directory. The Educational Podcast Directory is now home to over 130 educational podcasts created by teachers … for teachers. Check out the Educational Podcast Directory today and find a new podcast for your next drive to school!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Teachers as Problem Solvers
• Teachers as EntrepreneursHow do you creatively engage your learners?
• Helping students with their ideas to help them learn how to solve challenges
• Where to start your entrepreneurial journey?Make a list of 10 things you are good at doing
• Top 10 things you love to do
• Where is there a need for these skills & abilities
• Top 10 things you would NEVER want to do
• Book: How do you start a consulting company?Create a business planWhat are my core values
• Where do you I think my skills can fit in
• What problems need to be solved?
• How can I help to solve the problems
• What is my target audience
• How am I going to market myself
• How can parents support students with their goals and dreams
• Cisco for EducationCisco Networking Academy Program
• Global Problem Solvers Series
• And how teachers can use technology to create the next generation of creative, innovative thinkers

Renee Patton, Global Director, Education Industry, Cisco

Renee Patton is the leader of the Global Education Industry at Cisco. She and her team help schools, colleges, and universities envision the future of learning and start planning and executing on their vision today. With over 20 years of business, management, sales, and marketing experiences in both small start-ups and large corporations, Renee has managed through adversity and diversity to help customers realize technology solutions that drive business outcomes. Including a Master’s Degree in Education from Stanford, Renee has spent 22 years in education, giving her a clear perspective to address business issues and changing landscapes. Always a curious learner herself, it was after earning her undergraduate degree that she became a high school English and French teacher. She coached cross-country and moderated the student yearbook and newspaper, becoming deeply ingrained in the school culture. She then spent four years on the district side managing policy and a $20M budget for Los Gatos-Saratoga JUHS Board of Trustees, learning firsthand how a district runs and understanding regional challenges. Prior to joining Cisco full time, she ran her own marketing consulting firm for seven years, working with agility to develop strategy...