What School Could Be in Hawaiʻi

Dr. Kristin Alford has a Bachelor's Degree in Minerals Processing Engineering and a PhD in Ferrosilicon Corrosion in Dense Medium Plants from the University of Queensland. Dr. Alford, a futurist, also has a Master's in Strategic Foresight from Swinburne University. Yes, there is an interesting difference between being a futurist and having a degree in strategic foresight, whose connotation has a bias towards action. Most importantly, Dr. Alford is the Director of the Museum of Discovery at the University of South Australia. Stay tuned because Dr. Alford and I are going to take you on a magical mystery tour that dives deep into what learning could be. This episode was edited by the talented, Evan Kurohara. Our theme music is by the master pianist, Michael Sloan. To support this show, please give us a rating and review in your favorite podcast app.

My guest today is Parul Punjabi Jagdish, who came onto my radar screen because of a talk he gave in Las Vegas attended by one of my previous guests, Robert Landau. Currently, Parul is the CEO of AIME Mentoring, a global movement founded in Australia. Parul's resume is long, and deep. So what is AIME Mentoring? In 2004, AIME founder Jack Bancroft sketched an idea of a social network for good, one that connected university students as mentors with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students in Australia, building bridges between two different groups, to lead to educational equity, exchanges of worth and value, and for the mentors a deeper connection to a different lived experience. To learn more, dive into the episode! My editor is the talented Evan Kurohara. Theme and interlude music is provided by master pianist, Michael Sloan. If you love these episodes, please give our series a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.

In his 21 years at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, Kevin Matsunaga has taught over a thousand students how to use cameras and editing software, and how to conduct interviews and tell stories. He emphasizes that the digital media program also teaches students important life skills, like how to work in teams, meet deadlines, communicate effectively and solve problems. “Our goal has never been to produce that next Spielberg,” he says. “It's always been to just give them opportunities that they would never have had in a regular classroom.” Says Aaron Schorn, “Being a teacher in this world is being a jazz musician. You know your standards, you know how to perform, and then you just free form it based on your student population." Schorn co-founded Nalukai Academy Startup Camp, a free 10-day technology, entrepreneurship and design boarding camp offered to high school students each summer on Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu. Experienced entrepreneurs serve as consultants, and students develop products, business plans and investor pitches. In 2017, David Sun-Miyashiro started HawaiiKidsCAN, a local advocacy chapter of the 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now, which advocates for equitable learning environments for all students. Phoenix Maimiti Valentine, a former participant in a HawaiiKidsCAN program and now a board member, says Sun-Miyashiro mentored her to speak to her Wai‘anae Coast community about better education. “David was supporting me the whole time,” she says. “He's one of the most amazing teachers I've met. He encourages students and he pushes them to do things that maybe they hadn't imagined they could do. He urges them to share their voice and their opinion with the world.”

Ashley Mika Ito-Macion is an educator at Kanoelani Elementary School in Honolulu and a proud Hawai‘i State Teacher Fellow. She has a passion for helping her colleagues and working to create opportunities for educator growth. Ashley also was recently awarded Teacher of the Year for the Pearl City-Waipahu Complex, which is in Honolulu, Hawai'i! She is also the founder of the Hawaiʻi Distance Learning Forum For the University of Hawai'i at Manoa College of Education Ashley writes: This is one of my favorite funny stories. In my senior year of high school, I had to take an extra class. I chose Early Childhood Education, thinking it was the class where you got to take care of a fake baby. It turned out to be a class about creating lesson plans and working with students. I went home to tell my mom that I think I found my passion in teaching. She also mentioned that she wanted to become an educator when she was younger. I got this overwhelming feeling and just knew I was meant to be an educator. Editing provided by Evan Kurohara, music by Michael Sloan.

“Over her years at High Tech High, Laura McBain (now at the Stanford d.School, K12 Lab) did almost every job it was possible to do - teacher, principal, graduate school instructor. She can hold her own in any conversation about policy, standards, school design, school change. But the most important thing about Laura is she is all about FUN! Having it, creating it, sharing it. She never loses sight of the fact that learning has to be fun to be engaging. She wants learners of all ages to have those "WOW, that's amazing" moments. And she makes them happen, all the time.” ~ Larry Rosenstock, Founder, High Tech High

Dr. Cara Chaudron is a math enthusiast born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i. She teaches 6th grade math at the School For Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability, known as SEEQS, a public charter school near and dear to my heart. I have done two previous episodes with SEEQS faculty, including Zoe Ingerson and school founder, Buffy Cushman-Patz. Dr. Chaudron is a shining example of what it means to teach for deeper learning and student engagement. This episode was edited by the talented Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan.  To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator. The post 71. (Reissue) Dr. Cara Chaudron, Hawaii's 2022 Charter School Teacher of the Year appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Dr. Cara Chaudron is a math enthusiast born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i. She teaches 6th grade math at the School For Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability, known as SEEQS, a public charter school near and dear to my heart. I have done two previous episodes with SEEQS faculty, including Zoe Ingerson and school founder, … Continue reading "71. (Reissue) Dr. Cara Chaudron, Hawaii's 2022 Charter School Teacher of the Year" The post 71. (Reissue) Dr. Cara Chaudron, Hawaii's 2022 Charter School Teacher of the Year appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Since 2015 Emily McCarren has served as Punahou School's Academy Principal. Punahou is the largest, and one of the oldest private schools in the United States. Originally from Vermont, Emily graduated from Colby College in Maine where she majored in Spanish and Biology. She served as captain of the Alpine ski team and lacrosse team. Emily holds two master's degrees: Spanish Literature and Educational Leadership. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Hawaiʻi, where her dissertation examined the role of teacher care on a student's online learning experience. This episode was edited by the talented Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan. To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator!   The post 87. Weaving Together Mastery, Competency and Relevant Learning, with Emily McCarren appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Since 2015 Emily McCarren has served as Punahou School's Academy Principal. Punahou is the largest, and one of the oldest private schools in the United States. Originally from Vermont, Emily graduated from Colby College in Maine where she majored in Spanish and Biology. She served as captain of the Alpine ski team and lacrosse team. Emily holds … Continue reading "87. Weaving Together Mastery, Competency and Relevant Learning, with Emily McCarren" The post 87. Weaving Together Mastery, Competency and Relevant Learning, with Emily McCarren appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Today my guest is Lipoa Kahaleuahi, innovative educator, deep thinker, champion surfer and the executive director of Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike, also known as Hana Build. In this conversation, Lipoa and I range widely over a number of topics, including the remarkable way her life is a literal representation of the phrase, “it takes a … Continue reading "86. Reading the Wave, Reading the World, with Lipoa Kahaleuahi" The post 86. Reading the Wave, Reading the World, with Lipoa Kahaleuahi appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Today my guest is Lipoa Kahaleuahi, innovative educator, deep thinker, champion surfer and the executive director of Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike (also known as Hana Build), a truly remarkable experiential learning program on the island of Maui.  In this conversation, Lipoa and I range widely over a number of topics, including the remarkable way her life is a literal representation of the phrase, “it takes a village.” This episode was edited by the talented, Evan Kurohara. Our theme music and musical interludes come from the vast library of master pianist, Michael Sloan. To help spread the word about this podcast, please give us a rating and review in your favorite podcast app or aggregator.   The post 86. Reading the Wave, Reading the World, with Lipoa Kahaleuahi appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

My guest today is Ayana Verdi. Ayana is an educational leader and mother of two who, with her husband John in 2016, established the Verdi Eco School to provide hands-on educational experiences for children in the historic Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne, Florida. The school quickly grew to become the first K-8 urban farm … Continue reading "85. Rewilding Teaching and Learning, with Ayana Verdi" The post 85. Rewilding Teaching and Learning, with Ayana Verdi appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Ayana Verdi is an educational leader and mother of two who, with her husband John in 2016, established the Verdi Eco School to provide hands-on educational experiences for children in the historic Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne, Florida. The school quickly grew to become the first K-8 urban farm school in the southeastern United States and has now expanded to include high school learners.  This episode was edited by the talented Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan.  To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator.  The post 85. Rewilding Teaching and Learning, with Ayana Verdi appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

In the About section of his amazing resume Chris McNutt, co-founder of the Human Restoration Project and a digital art and design educator from Columbus, Ohio wrote: “I'm obsessed with revolutionizing education to meet the needs of  students. Instead of standardized tests and rote learning, why not create equitable, authentic, and  relationship-centered experiences where students can flourish? Let students lead their educational  pursuits.” “Quiet” is the name of the musical interlude piece for this episode, composed and played by Michael Sloan.  My editor and audio consultant is the talented, Evan Kurohara. Please leave us a review and or rating in your favorite podcast store. Continue readingThe post 84. Nothing Less Than Restoring Humanity to Learning, with Chris McNutt appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

In the About section of his amazing resume Chris McNutt, co-founder of the Human Restoration Project and a digital art and design educator from Columbus, Ohio wrote: “I'm obsessed with revolutionizing education to meet the needs of  students. Instead of standardized tests and rote learning, why not create equitable, authentic, and  relationship-centered experiences where students can … Continue reading "84. Nothing Less Than Restoring Humanity to Learning, with Chris McNutt" The post 84. Nothing Less Than Restoring Humanity to Learning, with Chris McNutt appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

“The best thing about Denise Karratti is not even all of the things she does, it is the way she does them-with complete openness, grace, warmth, and a collaborative spirit. Denise is grounded in our place and invested in all of the people who contribute to our communities. She is a connector and an innovator, … Continue reading "83. Denise Karratti: Openness and Grace, Warmth and a Collaborative Spirit" The post 83. Denise Karratti: Openness and Grace, Warmth and a Collaborative Spirit appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

“The best thing about Denise Karratti is not even all of the things she does, it is the way she does them-with complete openness, grace, warmth, and a collaborative spirit. Denise is grounded in our place and invested in all of the people who contribute to our communities. She is a connector and an innovator, and is going to be an incredible administrator in the near future.” (Kristen Brummel, Hawaiʻi State Teacher Fellows Coordinator) Crimson is the name of the musical interlude piece for this episode, composed and played by Michael Sloan. My editor is the talented, Evan Kurohara. Please leave us a review and or rating in your favorite podcast store.  Continue readingThe post 83. Denise Karratti: Openness and Grace, Warmth and a Collaborative Spirit appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

My guest today is Chad Carlson, the Director of Research and Design at One Stone Lab School in Boise Idaho. Chad is one of the most innovative, creative and imaginative educators ever to come across my radar screen. To say he, and One Stone Lab School work “outside the box” is a vast understatement. In … Continue reading "82. For Chad Carlson, It Starts With One Stone" The post 82. For Chad Carlson, It Starts With One Stone appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

My guest today is Chad Carlson, the Director of Research and Design at One Stone Lab School in Boise Idaho. Chad is one of the most innovative, creative and imaginative educators and education leaders ever to come across my radar screen. To say he, and One Stone Lab School work “outside the box” is a vast understatement. In all ways, Chad and One Stone dispense with boxes and approach students as bundles of joyful potential and promise, as agents of their own lives and futures. This episode was edited by the talented Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan. To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator!  The post 82. For Chad Carlson, It Starts With One Stone appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

 Today, I welcome back to the show Dr. Mark Hines, the Director of Kupu Hou Academy, and the founder of the Mid-Pacific Explorer program at Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. To his friends and colleagues, Mark is a Jedi warrior who uses The Force to help public, private and charter school educators find their inner … Continue reading "81. Dr. Mark Hines, the Obi-Wan Kenobi of Deeper Learning" The post 81. Dr. Mark Hines, the Obi-Wan Kenobi of Deeper Learning appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

 Today, I welcome back to the show Dr. Mark Hines, the Director of Kupu Hou Academy, and the founder of the Mid-Pacific Explorer program at Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. To his friends and colleagues, Mark is a Jedi warrior who uses The Force to help public, private and charter school educators find their inner deeper learning practice. To support this show, please give us a rating and review at your favorite podcast store.  Continue readingThe post 81. Dr. Mark Hines, the Obi-Wan Kenobi of Deeper Learning appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

You have heard the phrase “drinking from a firehose,” right? Well, listeners, you are about to have one of those firehose moments. Fasten your seatbelts because the next hour is going to get pretty crazy. Janelle Field is the PK-12 Teaching and Learning Engagement Coach at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Public Schools located in central Minnesota. When I interviewed … Continue reading "80. Janelle Field: Totally Driven, Relentlessly Positive, Always Learning" The post 80. Janelle Field: Totally Driven, Relentlessly Positive, Always Learning appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

You have heard the phrase “drinking from a firehose,” right? Well, listeners, you are about to have one of those firehose moments. Fasten your seatbelts because the next hour is going to get pretty crazy. Janelle Field is the PK-12 Teaching and Learning Engagement Coach at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Public Schools located in central Minnesota. When I interviewed her, it was 3 degrees Fahrenheit in her neck of the woods. But inside her schools, the heat was on and the learning was happening, big time. Continue readingThe post 80. Janelle Field: Totally Driven, Relentlessly Positive, Always Learning appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

In this first episode of 2022, I speak with Hawaiʻi Technology Academy's (HTA) Shiloh Francis, a remarkable history and government teacher. HTA is a blended learning charter school with seven campuses on four Hawaiʻi islands. Shiloh has leadership roles in two HTA professional development cohorts: The Teacher-Leader Cohort and the  Center for Love and Justice … Continue reading "79. Centering on Love, Justice and History, with Shiloh Francis" The post 79. Centering on Love, Justice and History, with Shiloh Francis appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

In this first episode of 2022, I speak with Hawaiʻi Technology Academy's (HTA) Shiloh Francis, a remarkable history and government teacher. HTA is a blended learning charter school with seven campuses on four Hawaiʻi islands. Shiloh has leadership roles in two HTA professional development cohorts: The Teacher-Leader Cohort and the  Center for Love and Justice Cohort, among many other projects and roles. She is relentlessly focused on student-driven, real world learning. This episode is edited by Evan Kurohara. Our music is a gift from the master pianist, Michael Sloan.   Continue readingThe post 79. Centering on Love, Justice and History, with Shiloh Francis appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

(This is a re-release of my episode number 69 with Mid-Pacific Institute's, Dr. Edna Hussey.) My guest for this first episode of our 3rd season is Dr. Edna Hussey, a passionate and dedicated educator committed to the advancement of an educated citizenry, children's rights to quality learning AND the professionalism of teachers. Mention Dr.  Hussey's … Continue reading "69. (Rereleased) Reading the World, with Dr. Edna Hussey" The post 69. (Rereleased) Reading the World, with Dr. Edna Hussey appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

(This is a re-release of my episode number 69 with Mid-Pacific Institute's, Dr. Edna Hussey.) Dr. Edna Hussey is a passionate and dedicated educator committed to the advancement of an educated citizenry, children's rights to quality learning AND the professionalism of teachers. Mention Dr.  Hussey's name anywhere in Hawaiʻi and you will get mad respect and admiration. Folks say she operates at a different level, which I am sure she would humbly reject. She KNOWS what school could be because she has done it, repeatedly. This episode was edited by the talented Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan. To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator! The post 69. (Rereleased) Reading the World, with Dr. Edna Hussey appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

My guest today is Darciann Baker, a faculty member at the Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi campus. Darciann is a native Hawaiian woman, born and raised in Hawaiʻi. Her entire career has been dedicated to the perpetuation of the Hawaiian language.  It is an endeavor she has held close to her heart ever since she found her Hawaiian … Continue reading "78. The Power of Backwards Design, with Darciann Baker" The post 78. The Power of Backwards Design, with Darciann Baker appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

My guest today is Darciann Baker, a faculty member at the Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi campus. Darciann is a Native Hawaiian woman, born and raised in Hawaiʻi. Her entire career has been dedicated to the perpetuation of the Hawaiian language. It is an endeavor she has held close to her heart ever since she found her Hawaiian identity when she was 15 years old. (The special oli, the Hawaiian chant that blesses this episode was written and performed by Kalei ‘A'arona Lorenzo, my guest's high school classmate and basketball teammate. Mahalo, Kalei for this beautiful beginning to a wonderful episode.) Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan. To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator! The post 78. The Power of Backwards Design, with Darciann Baker appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Speaking of a thousand points of light, my guest today is the deeply insightful, Dr. Julie Mowrer, Acting Director of the Center for Community Engagement at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Dr. Mowrer is also the Director of the English Language Institute (ELI), also at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and the founder … Continue reading "77. The Deepest Meanings of Language and Community, with Dr. Julie Mowrer" The post 77. The Deepest Meanings of Language and Community, with Dr. Julie Mowrer appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Speaking of a thousand points of light, my guest today is the deeply insightful, Dr. Julie Mowrer, Acting Director of the Center for Community Engagement at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Dr. Mowrer is also the Director of the English Language Institute (ELI), also at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and the founder of the Bonner Leadership Program. Continue readingThe post 77. The Deepest Meanings of Language and Community, with Dr. Julie Mowrer appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Speaking of a thousand points of light, my guest today is Wes Adkins, a math teacher at James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, the largest school in all of Hawai‘i. He proudly works in an inclusion classroom, promotes self-paced learning environments, and implements project based learning assessments. Nipsey Hustle and Vector90 inspired him to … Continue reading "76. Meeting Students Where They Are At, With Wes Adkins" The post 76. Meeting Students Where They Are At, With Wes Adkins appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Speaking of a thousand points of light, my guest today is Wes Adkins, a math teacher at James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, the largest school in all of Hawai‘i. He proudly works in an inclusion classroom, promotes self-paced learning environments, and implements project based learning assessments. Nipsey Hustle and Vector90 inspired him to work in STEM education and teach students the skills for locally minded entrepreneurship. A first generation college graduate and a film buff all his life, Wes recently won a $25,000 Education Innovation Teacher Challenge grant for his proposal to have his students create the Ewa Beach Drive-In. The award was given by Farmer's Insurance Hawaii and the Public Schools of Hawai'i Foundation. Wes sees launching a drive-in cinema as a great way to harness his students' varied interests and help them develop diverse skills, from engineering the movie screen to curating and creating films, and developing business plans, computer apps, even recipes for the snack bar. “The possibilities are limitless,” Wes notes. “I'm a firm believer that if you can just find something that you love, you can learn about the rest of the world through that thing that you love.” Wes is also deeply interested in culturally responsive pedagogy, ethnomathematics and the “gamification” of learning, especially math. A Teach for America corps member, Wes is in only his third year as a math teacher. “You wouldn't know that he is a math teacher because he integrates so many things,” James Campbell High School Principal, Jon Henry Lee once said. “And that's what's going to make the learning that much more powerful for the student. It comes from these integrated projects where you connect the dots. He captures their imagination first. A lot of students, the second you talk about geometry or math and things like that, sometimes it turns them off, right? But if you talk about a project that incorporates all the things they care about, whether its the marketing, pulling together the engineering, creating stories … that's what clicks with students,” notes Principal Lee. Wes hails from California and his wife is from Japan, so Hawai'i is a perfect midway point for their growing family. His first year at James Campbell High School was disrupted by the pandemic, but his students are now fully back on campus. Wes has an undergraduate degree in film and digital media production from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and a masters in culturally responsive education from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.  My editor and creative consultant is Evan Kurohara. Theme music is provided by my friend of 40 years, Michael Sloan. You can find his music, 12 albums and over 100 songs in Spotify, Apple Music and all the other major music platforms. Please stay safe and healthy, listeners, and please get vaccinated. A hui hou, and take care. Links:Drive-in Theater ArticleDrive-in Theater SiteSpark and Inspire FilmHawaiʻi Public Radio InterviewMANGA HighEthnomath YayMath!Pixar in a BoxDurable SkillsThe TFA Learning Lab Episode Theme Music by Michael Sloan Editor and Creative Consultant, Evan Kurohara The post 76. Meeting Students Where They Are At, With Wes Adkins appeared first on @MLTSinHawaii .

Speaking of a thousand points of light, my guest today is Dr. Tammy Jones. Dr. Jones is a Project Coordinator for PLACES Hawaiʻi at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, supporting teachers on the Waiʻanae Coast to develop place-based curricula. She is also the curriculum developer and co-facilitator of Try Think, a program run in … Continue reading "75. The Many Passions and Projects of Educator, Dr. Tammy Jones" The post 75. The Many Passions and Projects of Educator, Dr. Tammy Jones appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Dr. Tammy Jones is a Project Coordinator for PLACES Hawaiʻi at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, supporting teachers on the Waiʻanae Coast to develop place-based curricula. She is also the curriculum developer and co-facilitator of Try Think, a program run in the state correctional facilities and sponsored by the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities. Dr. Jones has worked closely with Dr. Thomas Jackson and the Uehiro Academy for Philosophy and Ethics in Education to promote Philosophy for Children Hawaiʻi, known as p4c. This episode was edited by the talented Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan. To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator!  The post 75. The Many Passions and Projects of Educator, Dr. Tammy Jones appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

My guest today is Kevin Matsunaga, someone I have wanted on this show for a long, long time. Kevin never imagined he would follow in his father's footsteps and become a teacher. He found his calling as the digital media teacher at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on the island of Kauaʻi, and his students have won … Continue reading "74. Communications, Deadlines and Teamwork, with Kevin Matsunaga" The post 74. Communications, Deadlines and Teamwork, with Kevin Matsunaga appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

I have wanted Kevin Matsunaga on my podcast for a long, long time. Kevin never imagined he would follow in his father's footsteps and become a teacher. He found his calling as the digital media teacher, coach and guide at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on the island of Kauaʻi, and his students have won too many national video competitions to count. In 2007, the Hawai'i Department of Education recognized Kevin with a Kauaʻi District Teacher of the Year award. The impact he has had on kids in our public schools since 2007 is simply staggering. This episode was edited by the talented Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan.  To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator.  The post 74. Communications, Deadlines and Teamwork, with Kevin Matsunaga appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

A college football defensive end and a philosopher meet at a bar. The defensive end asks, “What's the meaning of life?” The philosopher replies, “Missed tackles, my friend. To many missed tackles.” My guest today is Dr. Chad Miller, former NCAA football star, our 2012 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year, a National Board Certified … Continue reading "73. From Defensive End to Philosopher in Residence, with Chad Miller" The post 73. From Defensive End to Philosopher in Residence, with Chad Miller appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

A college football defensive end and a philosopher meet at a bar. The defensive end asks, “What's the meaning of life?” The philosopher replies, “Missed tackles, my friend. To many missed tackles.” Dr. Chad Miller is a former NCAA football star, our 2012 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year, a National Board Certified teacher, and currently a Specialist at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Institute for Teacher Education. Dr. Miller also serves as the Director of Teacher Development at the University's of Hawaii's Uehiro Academy for Philosophy and Ethics in Education. This episode was edited by the talented Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan.  To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator.  The post 73. From Defensive End to Philosopher in Residence, with Chad Miller appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

It's hard to rank all the things I love about Russell Motter – history teacher, lover of great music, epic thespian, good cook, creative innovator, Atlanta Braves and Falcons fan, among others – but the fact he mixes a mean Sazerac, my favorite cocktail, sits at the top of the list. Russell and I taught … Continue reading "72. Russell Motter: Renaissance Man, Raconteur, Teacher and Mixologist Extraordinaire" The post 72. Russell Motter: Renaissance Man, Raconteur, Teacher and Mixologist Extraordinaire appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

It's hard to rank all the things I love about Russell Motter – history teacher, lover of great music, epic thespian, good cook, creative innovator, Atlanta Braves and Falcons fan, among others – but the fact he mixes a mean Sazerac, my favorite cocktail, sits at the top of the list. Russell and I taught together in the history department at ‘Iolani School from 2010 to 2014. When I say taught together, I mean it literally. We team-taught US History, merging our two classes into one very cool section that at times traveled to the outer edges of innovation in education and what history could be. (To see a very cool video about our work, click here.) But I get ahead of myself. Russell has a BA and a masters in history from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He has been teaching in the history department at ‘Iolani School for 26 years, and was its department head from 2005 – 2013. Russell and I co-founded and co-directed the Education Innovation Lab at ‘Iolani School during the 2013/2014 school year. He has been a curriculum consultant for Punahou School's PUEO program; he coordinated ‘Iolani's capstone program for two years. Currently he is the course leader for ‘Iolani's APUS history program. Russell has also taught at the college level here in Honolulu. If you ever have a chance to read Russell's resume you will see that he has a miscellaneous projects section a mile long. Highlights include working on a team that brought technology to ‘Iolani's campus in the form of a K12 iPad 1:1 program, the second school in Hawaii to do so. I also served on that team with Russell. It was a blast. More than anything, in my humble opinion, Russell's work bringing incredible guest speakers to ‘Iolani School is a highlight. Speakers include Barbara Field, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, John Hope Franklin (a personal hero of mine), Wynton Marsalis and Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize Winning author of the incredible book, The Warmth of Other Suns. Oh, I almost forgot, Russell, originally from the Great State of Georgia, acts in local theater productions here in Honolulu, is a master mixologist and, in an earlier life, was a hotel bellman. To say he has lived a rich and intentional life is an understatement. My editor, creative consultant and sound engineer is the wondrously creative, Evan Kurohara (SØZEN), a self-taught audio engineer and producer born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi.  He is currently working in Honolulu and aspiring to reach new heights by dedicating himself to exceptional quality work through creative and analytical meticulousness (his words!).  Our original theme music is provided by my friend of 40 years, virtuoso pianist, Michael Sloan. Michael has produced 12 albums with over 100 songs and is featured in Apple Music, Spotify, and all the other major music platforms. You can also find his work at his YouTube channel. He has listeners in over 100 countries and over 2000 cities, to date. Songs featured in this episode include, “A New Day,” “Oasis,” “Mysterious Dancer” and “Fuchsia.” There are two other clips of songs downloaded from a open source site: “Pass the Plate” and “On the Rocks.” Please support this podcast by providing a rating and review at your fav podcast app! The What School Could Be in Hawaiʻi podcast is funded by Ted Dintersmith and WhatSchoolCouldBe.org. Please stay safe, keep wearing your masks in crowded public spaces, and please get vaccinated. Until next time, mahalo, a hui hou!, and please be in good health.  Theme music provided by Michael Sloan Editing and creative consulting by Evan Kurohara The post 72. Russell Motter: Renaissance Man, Raconteur, Teacher and Mixologist Extraordinaire appeared first on @MLTSinHawaii .

Speaking of a thousand points of light, my guest today is Dr. Cara Chaudron, a math enthusiast born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Dr. Chaudron teaches 6th grade math at the School For Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability, known as SEEQS, a public charter school near and dear to my heart. I have done two previous … Continue reading "71. Dr. Cara Chaudron, Hawaii's 2022 Public Charter School Teacher of the Year" The post 71. Dr. Cara Chaudron, Hawaii's 2022 Public Charter School Teacher of the Year appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Speaking of 1000 points of light, today my guest is Lianna Lam, an educator and leader passionate about community and public schools who views both as places to seed and cultivate Aloha! Lianna holds an environmental engineering degree from University of California at Davis and a Masters in Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at … Continue reading "70. Of Green Labs and Piko Pals, with Lianna Lam" The post 70. Of Green Labs and Piko Pals, with Lianna Lam appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

Speaking of 1000 points of light, today my guest is Lianna Lam, who is passionate about community and public schools, viewing both as places to seed and cultivate Aloha! Lianna's love for public schools sprouted from her time at Ahuimanu Elementary School on the Windward Side of O'ahu, where she benefitted from loving and dedicated … Continue reading "S3:E2 Of Piko Pals and Green Labs, with Lianna Lam"

My guest for this first episode of our 3rd season is Dr. Edna Hussey, a passionate and dedicated educator committed to the advancement of an educated citizenry, children's rights to quality learning AND the professionalism of teachers. Mention Dr.  Hussey's name anywhere in Hawaiʻi and you will get mad respect and admiration. Folks say she operates … Continue reading "S3:E1 Reading The World, With Edna Hussey" The post S3:E1 Reading The World, With Edna Hussey appeared first on @MLTSinHawaii .

My guest for this first episode of our 3rd season is Dr. Edna Hussey, a passionate and dedicated educator committed to the advancement of an educated citizenry, children's rights to quality learning AND the professionalism of teachers. Mention Dr.  Hussey's name anywhere in Hawaiʻi and you will get mad respect and admiration.  Continue readingThe post 69. Reading The World, with Dr. Edna Hussey appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

What does it mean to be the daylight for someone? Today my guest for this final episode of Season 2, Semester 2 is Erin Medeiros, an epic educator at Kanuikapono Learning Center, a K–12 Hawaiian-culture-focused school in Anahola on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi. Erin seeks renewal in literature and hiking, biking, or playing … Continue reading "S2:E24 On Being The Daylight, with Erin Medeiros" The post S2:E24 On Being The Daylight, with Erin Medeiros appeared first on @MLTSinHawaii .

What does it mean to be the daylight for someone? Erin Medeiros is an epic educator at Kanuikapono Learning Center, a K–12 Hawaiian-culture-focused school in Anahola on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi. Erin seeks renewal in literature and hiking, biking, or playing at the beach with her educator husband, Jonathon and their two daughters. She views teaching as a deeply creative profession and encourages her students to develop their attention to the past and present, to observe and question life. This episode was edited by the talented Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalogue of pianist, Michael Sloan.  To support this podcast, write us a review and give us a rating in your favorite podcast app or aggregator.  The post 68. On Being The Daylight, with Erin Medeiros appeared first on @WSCBPodcast.

What must schools do to build caring and connected communities? What is student-driven learning? What learning challenges are authentic and real-world? What must schools do to help students become fully human? What does it mean that “school is in but class is outside”? How can schools help students and staff navigate the complexities of this age of acceleration? Why put Yertle the Turtle on trial?  Today my guests are Wrayna Fairchild and Melissa Montoya, two charter school educators selected for the Hawaiʻi State Teacher Fellows program. To introduce them I am going to read the section of the Public Charter School Commission's newsletter announcing their appointments to the cohort. “The Hawaiʻi State Teacher Fellows Program brings together outstanding public school educators from across the state and provides teachers with peer and community engagement skills, tools to facilitate focus groups, along with communication and advocacy strategies.  The program is run out of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education's Leadership Institute. The competitive applications process includes submission of narratives, recommendations and an interview. When asked why she applied for the Fellowship Program, Melissa Montaya (Kamaile Academy) said, ‘… I wanted to be a part of an organization that wants to elevate teachers, outside of my own organization. I believe in collective and collaborative teams, so I am beyond ecstatic to engage in opportunities that support public education on a larger scale. Hawaiʻi deserves a system that promotes excellence at all levels of education.'  Wrayna Fairchild (Voyager Public Charter School) said she applied for the program, ‘because I want to further develop as a teacher-leader. I have been fortunate to take on a teacher-leader role at my school and have had the opportunity to participate in national teacher-leader cohorts. Applying to be part of this special group that supports education at the state level seemed like a great fit for me.' She added, ‘Hawaiʻi has some amazing, talented educators. By helping to connect these teachers, and working to support their classroom efforts, the practice of all is elevated.'” As always, our original theme music and post production is provided by Daniel Gilad of DG Sound Creations in Honolulu. Please stay safe, friends! Continue to wear your masks where required and please, please get vaccinated. Until next time, a hui hou!  The post 67. Two Epic Teacher-Leaders, Melissa Montoya and Wrayna Fairchild appeared first on @MLTSinHawaii .

What must schools do to build caring and connected communities? What is student-driven learning? What learning challenges are authentic and real-world? What must schools do to help students become fully human? What does it mean that “school is in but class is outside”? How can schools help students and staff navigate the complexities of this … Continue reading "S2:E23 Two Epic Teacher-Leaders, Melissa Montoya and Wrayna Fairchild" The post S2:E23 Two Epic Teacher-Leaders, Melissa Montoya and Wrayna Fairchild appeared first on @MLTSinHawaii .

What does wise school leadership look, sound and feel like? How do we, as a nation, unleash the creativity, the imagination, the innovation that we seem to know already exists in every kid from birth? What’s the core idea behind the creation of K-12 pipelines to fields in STEM and space? Why work so hard … Continue reading "S2:E22 Hawaii’s Living Treasures, Art and Rene Kimura" The post S2:E22 Hawaii’s Living Treasures, Art and Rene Kimura appeared first on @MLTSinHawaii .