Podcasts about plcs

Trying to make your math class more engaging, more real, and more relevant—completely alone?Are you still lesson planning alone at your kitchen table? You're not lazy. You're not doing it wrong. You're just trying to do too much without a support system.You were never meant to do this work in isolation.In today's episode, we explore: ✔️ Why planning solo creates decision fatigue ✔️ How collaboration changes your confidence + clarity ✔️ What makes our membership PLCs so powerful (and flexible!) ✔️ How to finally stop spinning your wheels

Click here if you join us for live coaching in The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint Live.Are you truly prepared to lead instruction next year, or are you hoping to figure it out on the fly? In this episode of The Principal's Handbook, we dive into Part #3 of our summer planning mini-series: the three key steps I'm taking right now to plan for instructional leadership in my new school. From digging into curriculum (and why you can't skip this), to analyzing building data trends, to strengthening collaboration structures like PLCs and TBTs—this episode is packed with practical ways you can set your staff and students up for academic success.Whether you're leading a brand-new building, changing grade levels, or just want a smarter plan for next year, tune in for insights that will help you be a more intentional instructional leader. Plus, grab my 8 to 4 Principal Planner—the tool I use to stay on top of meetings, classroom visits, and keep the focus on what matters most. 

Craig Resnick and Mark Sen Gupta from the ARC Advisory Group host a discussion on the evolving landscape of functional safety in automation in the age of Digital Transformation. Joined by special guest Noah Greene, Product Marketing Specialist for Functional Safety from Phoenix Contact, the conversation delves into the critical role of safety devices, such as configured controllers, safety relays, and safety PLCs in enhancing operational resilience and productivity. The podcast explores how the convergence of smart technologies and digital transformation is driving the development of smart safety solutions, enabling better data collection and processing to improve safety and efficiency. Noah Greene shares insights on the implementation of safety systems in both machine and process industries, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety standards and leveraging advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning to predict and mitigate risks.Would you like to be a guest on our growing podcast?If you have an intriguing, thought provoking topic you'd like to discuss on our podcast, please contact our host Colin Masson at cmasson@arcweb.com or Our Producer Tom CabotView all the episodes here: https://thedigitaltransformationpodcast.buzzsprout.com

If there's a phrase that encapsulates the content of this podcast discussion with Mark Allen, it would be 'applied wisdom'. We tap into Mark's several decades of working within the profession, first as a board director of PLCs, then transitioning into a practice leader, starting up and successfully selling a three-office firm, and finally moving into working with networks for accountants across the UK. Mark is a bit of a hero of mine, overcoming serious health challenges to continue to pursue his passion for what you and your firm do – helping your clients succeed, helping your team succeed, helping yourself succeed. I hope you take time out to dive into the handful of profoundly powerful insights that Mark shares. It was a real pleasure and privilege to invite Mark onto the podcast.Please scroll down the podcast's episode page for the contact information for Mark and for the additional, downloadable resources mentioned in the podcast.

Jeff Taylor, SCADA System Supervisor for the City of Riverside's regional water quality control plant, to understand his role, daily responsibilities, and career path. Jeff Taylor described his work as maintaining the automation system of the wastewater plant, which includes servers, PLCs, communication infrastructure, and various devices, with a 50/50 split between office and field work. He also shared insights on essential skills, a major system outage experience, continuous upskilling, leadership, and cybersecurity in the SCADA field. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals. 

Get the book, Grading Visible Learners: Learning with Fluidity Visit the website, www.CenterForCollaborativeExpertise.com About The Authors Dave Nagel and Bruce Potter are co-founders The Center for Collaborative Expertise.   Dave's work focuses on helping schools and districts implement Visible Learning research, assessment and feedback, and effective grading reform at both school and classroom levels. He has supported schools in building impactful PLCs and is a thought leader in the PLC+ framework. Dave has authored seven books, 4 of which are best sellers–aligned to the PLC+ Suite of publications, and contributed to publications such as Principal Leadership, Educational Leadership, and The Learning Professional. He regularly presents at national conferences. Bruce Potter is a school administrator with over 30 years experience. Bruce began his career as a classroom teacher and has held leadership roles at the building level as a principal and at the district level as a superintendent for 11 years. Bruce brings a wealth of experience in implementing Visible Learning research, guiding districts, schools, and teachers in transforming their practices. His schools have earned national recognition for innovative approaches that redefine success for traditionally underserved students.       This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

Joshua Ray - Finding Your Balance: Personal and Professional Wellness Strategies for Effective Educational Leadership. This is episode 770 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Joshua Ray, EdD, is an educational speaker and author who has led the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process at the elementary, secondary, and district level. He is passionate about building healthy school cultures, the work of collaborative teams, systems of support, and educator well-being. As assistant superintendent, Dr. Ray helped schools collaboratively build district common assessments, unite around common expectations, and improve teaching and learning. He worked alongside principals and instructional coaches to make the PLC at Work process practical and meaningful. Previously, Dr. Ray was principal at Greenwood High School and East Pointe Elementary School. Under his leadership, both campuses were selected by the Arkansas Department of Education to participate in the Arkansas PLC at Work project. Greenwood High School became a destination for schools and educators across the state looking to learn how to implement PLC work on a secondary campus. Similarly, East Pointe Elementary went from a “B” school to a distinguished Arkansas campus in the top 5% of performance and growth, resulting in nearly $150,000 of reward funding from the state of Arkansas and East Pointe being recognized as a “Leader in Me Lighthouse School.” Dr. Ray also serves as a member of Arkansas's state guiding coalition focused on developing PLCs and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Ray was chosen to represent the University of Arkansas at the American Educational Research Association Conference as a David L. Clark scholar for his work on the wellness practices of educational leaders. He has published research on PLCs and educator well-being in Principal Magazine, The Standard, AllThingsPLC Magazine, and the Journal of Educational Administration. Joshua holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas. He is a National Board-Certified Teacher and an Arkansas Master Principal graduate. Our focus today is Josh's latest book - Finding Your Balance: Personal and Professional Wellness Strategies for Effective Educational Leadership. Great conversation! Incredible focus. Powerful book. Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: jray711@gmail.com https://x.com/JoshRay711 https://www.instagram.com/joshray_consulting/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-ray-259426161/ https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Your-Balance-Professional-Educational/dp/1962188795 Length - 01:02:03

At their best, PLCs are a space where teachers solve real instructional problems, grow together, and make a measurable difference for students. But for too many schools, PLCs have become rigid, compliance-driven meetings that leave teachers disengaged and frustrated. In this episode, we unpack why most PLCs have lost their way—and what it takes to bring them back to life. You'll discover the one thing every successful PLC does differently, the hidden reason your teams may be going through the motions, and a smarter way to reboot your PLCs so they actually improve instruction. If your teams are stuck in checklist mode or you're tired of pretending your PLCs are working when they're not, this episode is your wake-up call. If your PLCs feel like busywork instead of a powerful engine for student success, this episode will challenge you to see them in a whole new way—#LikeABuilder.

Commissioning a stand-alone machine project based on control with a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a human-machine interface (HMI) has many facets to the successful implementation of the equipment that the control system is controlling. In this episode of Control Intelligence, written by contributing editor Jeremy Pollard, Mike Bacidore discusses machine commissioning steps.

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is essentially a term used for any controller these days. A programmable automation controller (PAC) is the alternative. It could be looked at as a flip phone vs. a smart phone. However, there are distinguishing characteristics. In this episode of Control Intelligence, written by contributing editor Tobey Strauch, editor in chief Mike Bacidore discusses PLCs, PACs and code.

Welcome back to Manufacturing Hub! In this special episode, we dive into an Automate 2025 preview, joined by Brian Priebe from Mach Controls and James Brown from 4IR Solutions.We break down what to expect at Automate next week in Detroit (May 12 to 15), booth highlights, technology trends, and hands-on insights into cutting-edge industrial solutions like Unified Namespace, Dockerized PLCs, AI applications in manufacturing, and more.Topics discussed:✅ What's new at Automate 2025✅ The Mach Controls ProveIt demo✅ Building practical data infrastructure for manufacturers✅ Unified Namespace architecture and UMH✅ Docker containers in industrial environments✅ AI's real potential in manufacturing operations✅ How small to mid-size manufacturers can advance digital maturity✅ 4IR Solutions' Factory Stack offerings✅ Best practices for building scalable, future-proof architecturesGuest highlights:

PLCs with default passwords. Devices searchable online. Siloed asset inventories. These OT challenges are common, but they're also fixable. In this episode of Threat Talks, host Lieuwe Jan Koning sits down with Venable's Caitlin Clarke and Schneider Electric's Patrick Ford to discuss why the OT side of your business deserves the same focus and attention as IT. From default passwords to exposed PLCs, they show how these ‘tech risks' span beyond just OT and IT. They discuss:✅ How to replace "default" thinking on OT security

In Episode 209 of Manufacturing Hub, we sit down with Dylan to explore the full spectrum of automation—from his early hands-on experiences in PLC programming all the way to architecting full-scale SCADA and MES systems. If you're looking to understand what it really takes to grow a career in industrial automation, this conversation delivers raw insights, practical lessons, and battle-tested strategies from the plant floor to the boardroom.Dylan shares how his career evolved from service technician to systems integrator, detailing the learning curve involved in jumping between platforms like Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, and SQL databases. We dig into real-world project challenges, the importance of simulation and testing, and what it means to deliver systems that operators actually enjoy using. Along the way, Dylan offers valuable advice on how to learn faster, deal with unclear project scopes, and design better user interfaces by borrowing principles from modern UX and UI design.We also examine:Why ownership and internal technical teams are critical for end usersThe importance of interoperability and avoiding vendor or integrator lock-inHow project creep really happens and what you can do about itVisualization trends in SCADA and HMI systems, including practical opinions on high-performance design and AR/VRData strategies for manufacturing, from pipe-level decisions to planning for future use casesDylan's new venture, Abelara, and how it helps manufacturers align executive vision with plant-floor executionThis episode is a must-listen for engineers, integrators, and manufacturing leaders looking to modernize their operations while keeping both usability and scalability in mind. Whether you're early in your automation career or navigating complex transformation efforts, you'll walk away with insights you can apply immediately.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:08 – What is Manufacturing Hub? Meet Dylan, our guest02:00 – Dylan's career path from tech school to SCADA systems04:00 – Early project experience and rapid on-the-job learning06:30 – Moving from PLCs to SCADA and MES development08:20 – Learning without mentors: forums, support lines, and trial by fire10:10 – Challenges and opportunities with modern control platforms12:00 – Vendor openness, interoperability, and practical system limitations15:00 – Scope creep and how to reduce it with better project planning17:00 – The role of simulation and show-and-tell in successful startups20:00 – Getting end user buy-in from operators to executives22:15 – UI and UX in industrial systems: beyond standards and templates26:00 – Why most HMI screens are outdated and how to improve them30:00 – Using consumer design trends in industrial HMI development33:00 – Ownership vs. partnership: the evolving role of integrators36:00 – Visualization tools: what's working and what still needs to improve40:00 – Data in manufacturing: planning, silos, and interoperability45:00 – Why planning trumps tools and how to avoid duplicate systems49:00 – Real talk on end user responsibility and integrator lock-in54:00 – How local integrators can thrive in a reshoring environment57:30 – Early signs and implications of reshoring in manufacturing01:01:00 – Introducing Abelara: Dylan and Glenn's new consulting venture01:04:00 – Book recommendation: Silos, Politics and Turf Wars01:06:00 – Career advice for new engineers: learn by doing01:09:00 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Dylan and Abelara

Podcast: Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered (LS 24 · TOP 10% what is this?)Episode: How Digital Twins and Cybersecurity Impact Safety Risk AssessmentsPub date: 2025-05-06Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationAndrew Harris with system integrator ACS explains how cybersecurity fits in with equipment safety as part of a risk assessment, and the use of digital twin tech and safety PLCs as part of the safety risk assessment process.The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Automation World, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, co-hosts Vlad and Dave turn the spotlight on themselves and share deeply practical stories from the front lines of industrial transformation. With decades of experience consulting across manufacturing verticals, they unpack some of the most pressing (and often misunderstood) topics shaping the future of factories today—from aging infrastructure and insurance-driven cybersecurity to real-world applications of artificial intelligence and organizational change.If you're a plant manager, controls engineer, systems integrator, or digital transformation leader, this episode delivers grounded, no-fluff advice you can apply right away.

Andrew Harris with system integrator ACS explains how cybersecurity fits in with equipment safety as part of a risk assessment, and the use of digital twin tech and safety PLCs as part of the safety risk assessment process.

Chad Dumas, the author of, The Teacher Leader Handbook: Simple Habits to Transform Collaboration in a PLC at Work, explores the mindsets, skills and strategies that generate team collaboration. Chad describes the important mindsets of “Seeing in others what they don't yet see in themselves,” Being humble with a posture of learning, and "Spreading the contagion of joy." How should school leaders support teacher PLC leaders? Find "The Teacher Leader Handbook: Simple Habits to Transform Collaboration in a PLC at Work" here. Find the free downloadable reproducibles here. Subscribe to the Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud podcast on iTunes or visit BarkleyPD.com to find new episodes!  

Podcast: Industrial Cybersecurity InsiderEpisode: Cyber Threats, China, and the Global Wake-Up CallPub date: 2025-04-24Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationDino and Craig address the recent acknowledgment by China of their role in U.S. infrastructure hacks. They explore the urgent cybersecurity challenges facing industrial environments. With rising geopolitical tensions, tariffs, the push to bring more manufacturing back to the U.S. and increasing attacks on critical infrastructure, the stakes have never been higher. From end-of-life PLCs still running core operations, to the disconnect between IT and OT leadership, this conversation identifies the systemic gaps leaving industrial operations exposed. They outline the pressing need for visibility, actionable incident response plans, and a cultural shift toward collaboration across the stack, from plant floor to the boardroom. Whether you're a CISO or an operations lead, this episode offers real-world insights, battle-tested perspectives, and one clear takeaway: in cybersecurity, doing nothing is no longer an option.Chapters:00:00:00 - Kicking Off: Why IT-OT Unity Isn't Optional Anymore00:01:17 - Cyber Threats, China, and the Global Wake-Up Call00:02:16 - CISA's New Role: From Background Player to OT Ally00:05:32 - Still Separate, Still Vulnerable: Why IT & OT Must Sync Up00:09:48 - Blind Spots Kill: Why Visibility Is the Real MVP00:10:43 - Remote Access Realities and the Myth of the Air Gap00:20:29 - Crisis Mode: Are You Ready for the Worst?00:23:50 - Dino & Craig's Parting Shot: Do Something - NowLinks And Resources:Industrial Cybersecurity Insider on LinkedInCybersecurity & Digital Safety on LinkedInDino Busalachi on LinkedInCraig Duckworth on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Industrial Cybersecurity Insider? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Industrial Cybersecurity Insider, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

Today we talk with Leo Patching, executive and entrepreneur with experience in building fast-growing businesses across various industries. Former senior leader in private companies and PLCs, founder of multiple businesses, and active investor, non-exec director, and board advisor, focused on strategy, performance, and growth. Host: Jake Aaron Villarreal, leads the top AI Recruitment Firm in Silicon Valley www.matchrelevant.com, uncovering stories of funded startups and goes behinds to scenes to tell their founders journey.  If you a are growing AI Startup or have a great story to tell, email us at: jake.villarreal@matchrelevant.com

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAs a school leader, how can you ensure that teacher collaboration time for math instruction time is truly impactful—not just an extra prep or informal check-in? In this episode, we explore the critical role of leadership in structuring, supporting, and aligning PLCs to improve math instruction. We'll discuss how to create alignment between Math PLCs, coaching support, and professional development (PD) so that teachers receive cohesive, targeted support that translates into stronger student outcomes. Whether you're an administrator, instructional coach, or department lead, you'll walk away with strategies to set expectations, provide meaningful guidance, and ensure collaboration drives instructional improvement.Key Takeaways:Define the goals of PLCs and communicate how they connect to school wide/district wide priorities.Ensure teacher collaboration time is reinforced by coaching cycles and targeted professional learning.Implement predictable meeting agendas that focus on student learning, data analysis, and instructional planning.Train teacher leaders to guide discussions effectively and keep meetings focused.Use observation, teacher feedback, and student data to assess and refine PLC effectiveness over time.Show NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you'll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre your Math PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) or teacher collaboration meetings feeling unproductive? Do they often turn into extra prep time or casual check-ins rather than meaningful discussions that drive student learning? In this episode, we dive into how to reclaim and refocus your Math PLCs so they become a powerful force for improving math instruction. From defining the facilitator's role to structuring meetings for maximum impact, we'll share practical strategies to ensure collaboration leads to better student outcomes. If you're ready to transform your PLCs into high-impact learning spaces, this episode is for you!Key Takeaways:Shift from informal meetings to intentional, goal-driven collaboration focused on student learning.Ensure facilitators, teachers, and leadership teams have clear expectations to maximize efficiency.Implement a predictable meeting structure with data analysis, lesson planning, and instructional reflection.Focus discussions on instructional strategies and student outcomes rather than just operational tasks.Encourage open dialogue, shared decision-making, and accountability to ensure continuous improvement.Show NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you'll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

In this episode of the PBL Simplified for Administrators podcast, host Ryan Steuer welcomes back Dr. Chad Dumas to discuss the importance of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in enhancing Project Based Learning (PBL) environments. They explore the mindset and culture necessary for effective PLCs, the role of teacher team leaders, and strategies for creating a collaborative and safe environment for educators. Dr. Dumas emphasizes the significance of adult learning and the need for a supportive culture to drive student success. The conversation also highlights success stories and practical advice for educators and leaders looking to implement or improve PLCs in their schools. Takeaways PLCs should be viewed as a culture, not just meetings. Creating a psychologically safe environment is crucial for effective PLCs. Teacher team leaders play a vital role in building capacity within their teams. Mindsets and assumptions significantly impact leadership effectiveness. Conflict can be a positive force for growth in teams. Ongoing learning and reflection are essential for successful PLCs. Success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of PLCs in various school settings. Adult culture in schools directly influences student culture. Educators need clarity on what to guarantee every student learns. Collaboration among teachers leads to better outcomes for students. Resources and links: allthingsplc.info The Teacher Team Leader Handbook Information Get Chad's Book: Amazon Solution Tree Book Resources

(Teacher) Team Leadership with Dr. Chad Dumas  Description:If you've been listening to me or following my daily email, you've heard me talk about 5-minute coaching, the series of three questions we can ask teachers to help them become more reflective practitioners. The value leaders provide during the process is I creating space by NOT talking. Today's guest helped me learn how to make 5-minute coaching even more powerful. But that's not all. Today's show is packed with practical tips to help you immediately become a better communicator – without saying a word! Before we get started, I would like to thank Summer Pops Math Workbooks for sponsoring today's show. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to summerpopsworkbooks.com to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes. Guest Bio:Dr. Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree PLC at Work, Assessment, and Priority Schools associate and international consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher. His primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. With a quarter century of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his three books on PLCs, and his upcoming Teacher Team Leader Handbook, Chad's consulting and training includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills. He most recently was the executive director of elementary education in the Ames Community School District, a preschool thru grade 12 district of 5,000 students in central Iowa. Before this he was the director of learning for Hastings Public Schools in south-central Nebraska for nine years. Dr. Dumas' new book, The Teacher Team Leader Handbook has just been released!  Warmup questions:·      We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?·       Let's celebrate your new book!·      Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?·      What's the story behind the book?  Questions/Topics/Prompts·      Who did you write the book for?·      What problem were you trying to solve?·      What should the reader know and be able to do after reading the book? Closing questions:·      What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?·      If listeners could take just one thing away from today's podcast, what would it be?·      Before we go, is there anything else that you'd like to share with our listeners?·      Where can people learn more about you and your work… Sponsorship:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.  And IXL doesn't stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It's no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. I hope you got as much out of today's show as I did. If we were together right now, I would pause there to let you reflect… Remember, in addition to the three magic moves (pause, paraphrase, 3rd point) you can get seven sweet strategies by clicking on the “3 and 7” link in the show notes. Close·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/·      I love hearing from you so consider email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connecting with me on LinkedIn.·      My book, A School Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose, is now available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html·      Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.·      Have a great rest of the week, be present for others and, more importantly, take time to reflect and recover so you can continue to live and lead better.·      Cheers!  Chad's links:Website: www.NextLearningSolutions.com3 and 7: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1liaCOU9bE28ubqPGjdnviozQ0dIa1a3U/viewPurchase the book from Solution Tree: https://www.solutiontree.com/teacher-team-leader-handbook.html?utm_source=ST&utm_campaign=1261110&utm_medium=onlinePurchase the book from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Team-Leader-Handbook-Collaboration/dp/1960574981 Frederick's Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsultingDaily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3aThe Strategic Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520 

Courtney Walker, NASSP National Assistant Principal of the year for 2024 talks about personalize learning for both teachers and students at her school and how to get started. The collaboration at her school will inspire you! Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e885

In this episode of Control Intelligence, written by contributing editor Tobey Strauch, editor in chief Mike Bacidore shares the similarities and differences between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and programmable automation controllers (PACs).

In this February 2025 news alert, The Journal's Executive Editor Theresa Houck reports on issues affecting manufacturers and producers every day, including: Looming 25% tariffs on semiconductors, automotive and pharmaceuticals. Food manufacturing industry trends. The most in-demand manufacturing jobs of 2025. Projected market growth for PLCs and servo motors & drives. Scholarships for students going into manufacturing. And more. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode: Apply for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association manufacturing students SparkForce summer/fall 2025 scholarships. Learn about the Pepperl+Fuchs and Rockwell Automation ThinManager partnership. Download the 2024 Rockwell Automation Sustainability Report. Subscribe to The Journal's 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.   ** Named “Best Podcast” for 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence. Please share this episode with someone else who would benefit from the information. And kindly leave us a 5-star rating and a review. Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. Find us on YouTube. Find us on LinkedIn. Find us on Facebook. Find us on X (Twitter). Got a topic you want us to cover? Questions or comments? Email Executive Editor Theresa Houck at thouck@endeavorb2b.com.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Phil Moses, CFO at Octavius, to discuss his fascinating career journey from working in PLCs to Private Equity-backed businesses. With experience spanning insurance, telecoms, infrastructure, and construction, Phil shares his lessons on managing investors, driving financial strategy, and adapting to different ownership models.Key topics covered in this episode:How Phil approached investor engagement and messaging in the PLC world, including handling difficult conversations.Key differences in reporting, decision-making speed, and working with multiple investors.Challenges of goal alignment, board dynamics, and the role of a strong chairperson in creating consensus.The importance of transparency, relationship-building, and setting realistic yet ambitious targets.How PE expectations differ from the public market approach.Links mentioned:Phil's Linkedin Learn more about Octavius Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Jasmine K. Kullar - Training Teacher Leaders in a PLC at Work: A Guide to Cultivating Shared Leadership. This is episode 746 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Jasmine K. Kullar, EdD, is a chief school leadership officer overseeing over 100 schools in a large metropolitan school district in Georgia. She is also a faculty member in the College of Professional Studies Educational Leadership Department at a postsecondary institution outside of Atlanta, where she has been involved with the national University Principal Preparation Initiative (UPPI) in redesigning university educational leadership programs. Prior to these roles, Dr. Kullar was an assistant superintendent, and a middle school principal. With over fifteen years of school leadership experience, Dr. Kullar has worked at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in both Canada and the United States. Her journey with professional learning communities (PLCs) began in her first year of teaching, when she attended a PLC workshop and heard Dr. Richard DuFour and Dr. Robert Eaker. Since then, she has been implementing PLC tenets. When she became a school administrator, she led her school to become the first school in the state of Georgia to receive Model PLC at Work® status and garnered statewide attention for professional learning communities. She is the author of several books …Connecting Through Leadership: The Promise of Precise and Effective Communication in Schools; coauthor of Building Your Building: How to Hire and Keep Great Teachers; and others… Our focus today is Jasmine's book - Training Teacher Leaders in a PLC at Work: A Guide to Cultivating Shared Leadership. Awesome conversation! So much to learn! Please share. Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: https://www.solutiontree.com/training-teacher-leaders-in-a-plc-at-work.html https://www.solutiontree.com/jasmine-k-kullar.html www.allthingsplc.info pd@SolutionTree.com Length - 37:46

Time spent in PLCs should produce increased student learning. Listen in on thoughts from several experienced school leaders who have interacted with Steve and shared indicators that suggest  your PLCs are on the right track or might need modifications to increase their impact on student learning. Subscribe to the Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud podcast on iTunes or visit BarkleyPD.com to find new episodes!

In this episode, Alli and Peter recap their conversation with TJ Vari, unpacking his transformative approach to education leadership. TJ shares how aligning schools around a clear North Star—helping every student develop a viable post-secondary plan—can redefine success in education. Alli and Peter discuss how focusing on skill development, career readiness, and meaningful conversations with students can shift the educational paradigm from GPA-driven metrics to holistic, human-centered outcomes. They highlight TJ's emphasis on investing in innovative educators, building professional learning communities (PLCs) that focus on individual students, and equipping all teachers—not just counselors—with tools to guide students' futures. The conversation also dives into fostering safe spaces for failure, celebrating learning from setbacks, and pushing past the gatekeeping of traditional systems to create opportunities for every student, regardless of their starting point. Alli and Peter reflect on the power of candid, empathetic conversations with students about their challenges and how equipping teachers and leaders with coaching can ignite real change. This episode is packed with inspiration for educators ready to disrupt the status quo and create environments where all students can thrive and find purpose. Connect with Alli and Peter Peter Hostrawser LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterhostrawser/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/peterhostrawser/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/disrupteducation1/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠x.com/PeterHostrawser⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.peterhostrawser.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alli Dahl LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/allidahl/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theallidahl/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theallidahl⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send us a textHave you heard of PLCs? These Professional Learning Communities are transforming education by improving student outcomes, enhancing teaching experiences, and fostering stronger school cultures. In this episode, Alexis sits down with Emalee Merell, Coordinator of Professional Learning Community and Tiered System of Supports from the Idaho Department of Education, to explore how Idaho schools are successfully integrating the PLC model. Join us as we discuss the fundamentals of PLCs, their evidence-based impact on education, and how the Idaho Department of Education is supporting schools in their implementation. From real-world success stories in Idaho to strategies for fostering collaboration among educators, this episode dives deep into the why and how of PLCs. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or a parent simply curious about innovative approaches in education, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Tune in now! Are you and Idaho educator and have questions for Emalee Merrell regarding PLCs? Send her an email. emerrell@sde.idaho.govFind Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.alexis@ourkidsourschools.comFind great resources and info on school communities:https://ourkidsourschools.com/

In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we dive into the world of industrial automation, PLC programming, and career development with Hans Schradermakers, an experienced automation engineer with more than 23 years in the industry. Hans has worked extensively with both Siemens and Rockwell software, specializing in developing, standardizing, testing, and commissioning automation solutions for major companies such as Nestlé, Hershey's, Pepsi, Kellogg's, and Pringles.The conversation begins with an exploration of Hans' journey from Belgium to Denmark and Austria, tracing the pivotal moments that led him to a career in PLC programming. He shares insights into his early experiences working for machine builders, where he first encountered Siemens automation technology, before later expanding into Rockwell systems. Over the years, he has developed expertise in both platforms, allowing him to provide a balanced perspective on their strengths, weaknesses, and industry adoption.A key focus of the discussion is the ongoing challenge of standardization in PLC programming. Hans explains how standardization typically occurs at the machine builder level rather than the end-user level, highlighting the importance of structured programming and modular software development. The conversation also explores the differing approaches between European and North American markets, where Siemens dominates in Europe while Rockwell remains the dominant platform in North America.Hans provides valuable insights into career growth in automation, emphasizing the importance of working on commissioning projects and gaining hands-on experience with industrial machinery. He discusses how exposure to different machine builders and standards accelerates learning and enables engineers to develop better programming structures.Another major topic covered is the role of training and upskilling in the industry. Hans shares the story of how he transitioned from freelancing to launching PLC Skilltree, his online training platform that provides structured courses for learning TIA Portal programming. He discusses the importance of creating modular, maintainable PLC programs and the growing need for engineers to develop structured programming skills rather than focusing solely on specific programming languages.The conversation also touches on industry trends, including the potential impact of AI on PLC programming, the growing interest in virtual PLCs, and the shift toward industrial PCs for data collection and processing. Hans provides his perspective on whether AI will become a useful tool for automation engineers and how it might change the way PLC programs are developed in the future.For engineers and automation professionals looking to advance their careers, Hans provides actionable advice on how to gain experience, work with different companies to broaden expertise, and improve software structuring skills. His insights offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to transition into freelancing, specialize in PLC programming, or build a career in industrial automation.For more information on Hans' training courses, visit PLC Skilltree, where he offers structured training for TIA Portal and automation programming. He also shares free resources, including a PLC structuring guide, designed to help engineers improve their programming approach.Listeners interested in PLC programming, industrial automation, or career development in the manufacturing sector will find this episode highly informative. Whether you are an engineer looking to upskill, a machine builder working on PLC standardization, or a professional considering a transition into freelancing, this conversation provides deep insights into the realities of automation careers and the evolving landscape of industrial control systems.Follow Manufacturing Hub for weekly conversations on automation, controls, and digital transformation. Subscribe on YouTube or listen on your preferred podcast platform.

Professional Learning Communities, or PLCs, provide a collegial network for educators to reflect on and improve their practice. We look at an evaluation of a pre-packaged PLC program that did not improve PLCs in schools, and wonder how we can support educators at the building level instead. Later, we look at how very early math is learned by children. They experience the snowball effect, meaning it is far more important that learners have experiences with math regardless of the specific types of math they may experience. Math is good, m'kay.

Rajvir Singh, founder of "Code and Compile," joins hosts Ed Fuentes and Phil Seboa to discuss his journey from mechatronics engineer to educator, sharing insights on the most popular courses in PLC programming and Node RED. This episode offers a deep dive into the role digital twins play in both education and industry, explores cybersecurity considerations, and dissects practical applications of automation technology using affordable tools like Raspberry Pi. Rajvir was also kind enough to provide a discount to "Code and Compile" to our listeners, perfect to anyone looking to advance their skills in industrial automation, making it a must-listen for aspiring and seasoned professionals alike. Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/ Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/ Connect with Rajvir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/singhrajvir/ Join Code and Compile (Use code "UNPLUGGED30" for 30% Discount): https://www.codeandcompile.com/ About Industry Sage Media: Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry. Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

The future of work is electric! And in this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt welcomes Luis Narvaez, Factory Automation Marketing Specialist at Siemens, to discuss the latest advancements in industrial automation technology. Luis delves into the release of the new S7 1200 Gen 2 PLC from Siemens with enhanced features focused on safety, flexibility, and ease of use. Most importantly, Ann and Luis also unpack its impact on addressing the skills gap in the manufacturing industry. Luis also shares insights from his own career journey, underscoring the importance of networking, continued education, and curiosity. These two even manage to takl about rollercoasters, too! Tune in to learn more about how Siemens is innovating to make frontline manufacturing work more efficient and satisfying.In This Episode:-00:35: Meet Louis Narvaez from Siemens-01:21: Challenges in Workforce Development-02:52: The Role of PLCs in Manufacturing-08:54: The Evolution of PLC Technology-15:36: Addressing the Skills Gap-20:01: Introducing the S7 1200 G2 PLC-28:06: Introduction to Product Goals-28:24: Scalability and Engineering Tools-29:45: Training and Performance Enhancements-31:27: Safety Features and Flexibility-36:42: Innovative NFC Technology-39:26: Cybersecurity Considerations-41:23: Career Journey and Advice-55:11: Conclusion and Contact InformationMore About Luis Narvaez:Luis Narvaez is passionate about the technology that is advancing manufacturing. Whether it is IIoT-related, Cybersecurity, robotics or the latest simulation and modeling tools he is always interested in exploring how technology is improving the lives of people in manufacturing. Luis is currently the Product Manager with Siemens and a graduate of the University of Central Florida. To learn more about Luis, connect with him here.The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Downloadable Discussion Questions for PLCs. In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett highlight insights from their interview with Dr. Kulvarn Atwal, an innovative headteacher and thought leader in education. Together, they explore the transformative power of questioning assumptions and aligning classroom practices with core values to foster creativity and flexibility in schools. Episode Highlights: Real-world examples of how questioning classroom norms can unlock dialogue and creativity. The role of teacher autonomy and flexibility in promoting student engagement. Actionable strategies for creating shared values and expectations with students. Key Quote from Dr. Kulvarn Atwal: "I went into the second school, and the culture was: 'Everybody has to do the same thing because that's what they think consistency is.' That is not consistency. Consistency is consistency of values, consistency of expectations, consistency of aspirations—not consistency of doing the same thing. You're not going to get the outcomes for the children if everyone is doing the same thing." Discussion Questions for PLCs: What values guide your teaching practice, and how do they manifest in your classroom? Are there any routines or assumptions in your school that could benefit from being questioned? How can autonomy and flexibility inspire both educators and students? How do you define "consistency" in your school or classroom? How does this definition impact creativity? What strategies can you use to collaboratively set expectations and values with students at the start of the year? Resources Mentioned: YouTube Video on Crafting Classroom Contracts by Dr. Cyndi Burnett Downloadable Discussion Questions for PLCs. Join the Conversation: Don't have a professional learning community? Join the Curiosity to Connect Network for resources, webinars, and a supportive community of creative educators. Learn more here. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org 

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Downloadable Discussion Questions for PLCs In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cindy Burnett continue their Winter 2025 Listen and Learn Series by revisiting a compelling conversation with Dr. Marta Ockluy. Known for her groundbreaking work on redefining creativity, Dr. Ockluy shares a human-centered perspective on creativity and contrasts it with computational creativity, a timely topic in the age of generative AI. Episode Highlights: Dr. Marta Ockluy's human-centered definition of creativity: "Creativity is the person-centered process of imagining possibilities and taking embodied expressive action that makes your ideas real." The role of openness, curiosity, and authenticity in creative thinking. How computational creativity challenges traditional views of human creativity. Actionable prompts to facilitate meaningful discussions about creativity in schools and professional learning communities (PLCs). Key Discussion Questions for PLCs: How do you define creativity in your classroom or school community? What does creativity “look like” and “sound like” in your teaching environment? How can openness and curiosity foster creativity among students and educators? What role does computational creativity and generative AI play in reshaping our understanding of creativity? How do shared definitions of creativity help build a supportive and innovative school culture? Resources Mentioned: Downloadable Discussion Questions for PLCs Join the Conversation: Don't have a professional learning community? Join the Curiosity to Connect Network for monthly webinars, creative lesson plans, and a supportive community of like-minded educators. Learn more here. Subscribe and Stay Connected: Subscribe to Fueling Creativity in Education on your favorite podcast platform and follow us for updates, discussions, and resources to inspire creativity in your teaching.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!  Download the Discussion Questions In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett kick off their Winter 2025 Listen and Learn Series with a deep dive into the role of joy in creative teaching. Drawing inspiration from their interview with Dr. Susan Keller-Mathers, the conversation explores how teachers can rekindle joy, overcome burnout, and design flexible, engaging learning experiences for their students. Episode Highlights: Why joy is a key ingredient in creative teaching. Strategies for navigating burnout and reigniting passion for teaching. The importance of flexibility in lesson planning and adapting to challenges. Practical questions for professional learning communities (PLCs) to discuss and reflect on their practices. Key Quote from Dr. Susan Keller-Mathers: "Creative teaching is about your craft. It is about you as a teacher becoming more creative. And what that looks like is you are bringing more joy, more motivating activities, more curiosity to your own thinking about your lessons. It can lead a teacher on the path to burnout, to rejuvenating who they are and why they came into the profession." Discussion Questions for PLCs: When have you experienced joy in your teaching, and what contributed to it? What barriers do you encounter that hinder joy in your classroom? How do you intentionally incorporate joy and creativity into your lessons? What strategies can you use to rekindle joy when burnout occurs? Join the Conversation: Don't have a professional learning community? Join the Curiosity to Connect Network for webinars, lesson plans, and a supportive community of creative educators. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org 

To conclude this year's episodes, I sit down with Dr. Jasmine Kullar, chief school leadership officer and author of Training Teacher Leaders in a PLC at Work: A Guide to Cultivating Shared Leadership, to uncover the power of teacher leadership. Dr. Kullar shares why principals can't do it all alone and why cultivating teacher leaders is crucial for school success. We dive into the barriers that often hinder teachers from stepping into leadership roles and explore practical strategies for overcoming them. Dr. Kullar also offers expert advice on selecting the right teacher leaders and highlights key areas to focus on when developing leadership skills. Whether you're a principal seeking to empower your staff or a teacher aspiring to lead, this conversation provides actionable insights to inspire growth, collaboration, and shared leadership in your school. Tune in for an episode filled with practical strategies and thought-provoking ideas! About Dr. Jasmine Kullar Jasmine K. Kullar, EdD, is a chief school leadership officer overseeing over 100 schools in a large metropolitan school district in Georgia. She is also a faculty member in the College of Professional Studies Educational Leadership Department at a postsecondary institution outside of Atlanta, where she has been involved with the national University Principal Preparation Initiative (UPPI) in redesigning university educational leadership programs. Prior to these roles, Dr. Kullar was an assistant superintendent for five years and a middle school principal for seven years at two separate schools. With over fifteen years of school leadership experience, Dr. Kullar has worked at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in both Canada and the United States, giving her a depth of experience. Her journey with professional learning communities (PLCs) began in her first year of teaching, almost 25 years ago, when she attended a PLC workshop and heard Dr. Richard DuFour and Dr. Robert Eaker. Since then, she has been implementing PLC tenets as a teacher. When she became a school administrator, she led her school to become the first school in the state of Georgia to receive Model PLC at Work® status and garnered statewide attention for professional learning communities. Dr. Kullar has worked with schools and districts in over 25 states. Her work includes keynoting, speaking at events, facilitating professional development for small and large crowds, coaching teams, and working to develop school and district leadership teams. Her areas of expertise include professional learning communities, response to intervention, educator wellness, women in leadership, building teacher leadership teams, and supporting teacher teams and leadership. She is the author of Connecting Through Leadership: The Promise of Precise and Effective Communication in Schools; coauthor of Building Your Building: How to Hire and Keep Great Teachers; coauthor of The Educator Wellness Plan Book and Journal: Continuous Growth for Each Season of Your Professional Life; and coeditor of Women Who Lead: Insights, Inspiration, and Guidance to Grow as an Educator. Follow Dr. Jasmine Kullar Website: https://www.solutiontree.com/jasmine-k-kullar.html https://www.amazon.com/Training-Teacher-Leaders-PLC-Work%C2%AE/dp/1960574809?crid=1OBXYZ1G449K6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AAuzTUzwUOIsQyjVuN4f8RP9hVSDphR5TmBneOHL1PWHIvCCLACYaAx1yAx-u49j6rNe2N_AidJ7w-1IQc-XScaMQWAGYQjFANp06hlyrWc.UzZFo_hhttbIpm-IK7IPOxDCGNcx4NuT8kT1IA7_BhU&dib_tag=se&keywords=dr+jasmine+kullar&qid=1735492566&sprefix=dr+jasmine+kulla%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1-fkmr0&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=8bd4c88c949bfb961b64533f54f3f982&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl — Need a Presenter for a...

The U.S. considers a ban on Chinese made routers. More than 200 Cleo managed file-transfer servers remain vulnerable. The Androxgh0st botnet expands. Schneider Electric reports a critical vulnerability in some PLCs. A critical Apache Struts 2 vulnerability is being actively exploited. Malicious campaigns are targeting Chinese-branded IoT devices. A Nebraska-based healthcare insurer discloses a data breach affecting over 225,000 individuals. IntelBroker leaks 2.9GB of data from Cisco's DevHub environment. CISA issues a Binding Operational Directive requiring federal agencies to enhance cloud security. On today's CERTByte segment, Chris Hare and Dan Neville unpack a question targeting the Network+ certification. INTERPOL says, “Enough with the pig butchering.“ Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CertByte Segment This week, Chris is joined by Dan Neville to break down a question targeting the Network+ certification (N10-008 expires on 12/20/24 and the N10-009 update launched on June 20th of this year). Today's question comes from N2K's CompTIA® Network+ Practice Test, both exam versions of which are offered on our site. Have a question that you'd like to see covered? Email us at certbyte@n2k.com. If you're studying for a certification exam, check out N2K's full exam prep library of certification practice tests, practice labs, and training courses by visiting our website at n2k.com/certify. To get the full news to knowledge experience, learn more about our N2K Pro subscription at https://thecyberwire.com/pro. Please note: The questions and answers provided here and on our site are not actual current or prior questions and answers from these certification publishers or providers. Selected Reading U.S. Weighs Ban on Chinese-Made Router in Millions of American Homes (Wall Street Journal) Attack Exposure: Unpatched Cleo Managed File-Transfer Software (BankInfo Security) Androxgh0st Botnet Targets IoT Devices, Exploiting 27 Vulnerabilities (Hackread) Schneider Electric reports critical flaw in Modicon Programmable Logic Controllers (Beyond Machines) RATs can sniff out your Chinese-made web cameras: here's how to defend yourself (Cybernews) Regional Care Data Breach Impacts 225,000 People (SecurityWeek) Hacker IntelBroker Leaked 2.9GB of Data Stolen From Cisco DevHub Instance (Cyber Security News) New critical Apache Struts flaw exploited to find vulnerable servers (Bleeping Computer) CISA Issues Binding Operational Directive for Improved Cloud Security (SecurityWeek) Playbook for Strengthening Cybersecurity in Federal Grant Programs for Critical Infrastructure (CISA) INTERPOL urges end to 'Pig Butchering' term, cites harm to online victims (INTERPOL)  Share your feedback. We want to ensure that you are getting the most out of the podcast. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey as we continually work to improve the show.  Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at cyberwire@n2k.com to request more info. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we're talking industrial automation with Kyle Ka - roo, who is an Enablement Manager for the Kepware team at PTC. Kyle is the “go-to” technical and commercial resource For Kepware's technology partners, international distributors, and North American resellers, Kyle Carreau is a go-to technical and commerical resource. In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, you'll hear how he uses his decades of experience in Industrial automation -- a heavy focus on Industrial Networking and communications, SCADA/HMI software, and PLCs -- to excel in his role as enablement manager. P.S. The show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join ths show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (You can find her on LinkedIn.)

The spring semester will be here soon! So, how do you develop your spring action plan? In this episode, we're discussing the three parts of your spring action plan. We talk about conducting a thorough needs assessment to gather information for the plan. This includes talking to administrators, hearing from teachers, visiting classrooms, and looking at data. Once you have those four pieces of information, you can turn them into focus areas and goals for your action plan. During the episode, you'll hear how to use those goals to develop a plan for whole-school professional development (PD), differentiated support for PLC teams, and individual coaching work. You'll also hear about aligning your goals with your teachers' needs and tiering teacher support. Plus, learn why it's important to share your plan with your administration. Listen now to learn how to create a structured, effective action plan to improve teaching and learning in the spring semester. -Chrissy Beltran   Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/   Buzzing with Ms. B TpT - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Chrissy-Beltran-Buzzing-With-Ms-B   Teacher Feedback Surveys for Instructional Coaching – Printable and Google Forms - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/teacher-feedback-surveys-for-instructional-coaching-printable-and-google-forms   Instructional Coaching Reflection Guide - https://buzzing-with-ms-b.ck.page/044b665f4e   Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode215   Thank you for listening to Buzzing with Ms. B: The Coaching Podcast. If you love the show, share it with a coach who would love it too, subscribe to this podcast, or leave me a review on iTunes! It's free and it helps others find this show, too. Happy coaching! Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

Rounding Up Season 3 | Episode 05 - Building Asset-Focused Professional Learning Communities Guests: Summer Pettigrew and Megan Williams Mike Wallus: Professional learning communities have been around for a long time and in many different iterations. But what does it look like to schedule and structure professional learning communities that actually help educators understand and respond to their students' thinking in meaningful ways? Today we're talking with Summer Pettigrew and Megan Williams from the Charleston Public Schools about building asset-focused professional learning communities.  Hello, Summer and Megan. Welcome to the podcast. I am excited to be talking with you all today about PLCs. Megan Williams: Hi! Summer Pettigrew: Thanks for having us. We're excited to be here. Mike: I'd like to start this conversation in a very practical place, scheduling. So, Megan, I wonder if you could talk just a bit about when and how you schedule PLCs at your building. Megan: Sure. I think it's a great place to start, too, because I think without the structure of PLCs in place, you can't really have fabulous PLC meetings. And so, we used to do our PLC meetings once a week during teacher planning periods, and the teachers were having to give up their planning period during the day to come to the PLC meeting. And so, we created a master schedule that gives an hour for PLC each morning. So, we meet with one grade level a day, and then the teachers still have their regular planning period throughout the day. So, we were able to do that by building a time for clubs in the schedule. So, first thing in the morning, depending on your day, so if it's Monday and that's third grade, then the related arts teachers—and that for us is art, music, P.E., guidance, our special areas—they go to the third-grade teachers' classrooms. The teachers are released to go to PLC, and then the students choose a club. And so, those range from basketball to gardening to fashion to STEMs. We've had Spanish club before. So, they participate with the related arts teacher in their chosen club, and then the teachers go to their PLC meeting. And then once that hour is up, then the teachers come back to class. The related arts teachers are released to go get ready for their day. So, everybody still has their planning period, per se, throughout the day. Mike: I think that feels really important, and I just want to linger a little bit longer on it. One of the things that stands out is that you're preserving the planning time on a regular basis. They have that, and they have PLC time in addition to it. Summer: Uh-hm. Megan: Correct. And that I think is key because planning time in the middle of the day is critical for making copies, calling parents, calling your doctor to schedule an appointment, using the restroom … those kind of things that people have to do throughout the day. And so, when you have PLC during their planning time, one or the other is not occurring. Either a teacher is not taking care of those things that need to be taken care of on the planning period. Or they're not engaged in the PLC because they're worried about something else that they've got to do. So, building that time in, it's just like a game-changer. Mike: Summer, as a person who's playing the role of an instructional coach, what impact do you think this way of scheduling has had on educators who are participating in the PLCs that you're facilitating? Summer: Well, it's huge. I have experienced going to A PLC on our planning and just not being a hundred percent engaged. And so, I think having the opportunity to provide the time and the space for that during the school day allows the teachers to be more present. And I think that the rate at which we're growing as a staff is expedited because we're able to drill into what we need to drill into without worrying about all the other things that need to happen. So, I think that the scheduling piece has been one of the biggest reasons we've been so successful with our PLCs. Mike: Yeah, I can totally relate to that experience of feeling like I want to be here, present in this moment, and I have 15 things that I need to do to get ready for the next chunk of my day. So, taking away that “if, then,” and instead having an “and” when it comes to PLCs, really just feels like a game-changer. Megan: And we were worried at first about the instructional time that was going to be lost from the classroom doing the PLC like this. We really were, because we needed to make sure instructional time was maximized and we weren't losing any time. And so, this really was about an hour a week where the teachers aren't directly instructing the kids. But it has not been anything negative at all. Our scores have gone up, our teachers have grown. They love the kids, love going to their clubs. I mean, even the attendance on the grade-level club day is so much better because they love coming in. And they start the day really getting that SEL instruction. I mean, that's really a lot of what they're getting in clubs. They're hanging out with each other. They're doing something they love. Mike: Maybe this is a good place to shift and talk a little bit about the structure of the PLCs that are happening. So, I've heard you say that PLCs, as they're designed and functioning right now, they're not for planning. They're instead for teacher collaboration. So, what does that mean? Megan: Well, there's a significant amount of planning that does happen in PLC, but it's not a teacher writing his or her lesson plans for the upcoming week. So, there's planning, but not necessarily specific lesson planning: like on Monday I'm doing this, on Tuesday I'm doing this. It's more looking at the standards, looking at the important skills that are being taught, discussing with each other ways that you do this. “How can I help kids that are struggling? How can I push kids that are higher?” So, teachers are collaborating and planning, but they're not really producing written lesson plans. Mike: Yeah. One of the pieces that you all talked about when we were getting ready for this interview, was this idea that you always start your PLCs with a recognition of the celebrations that are happening in classrooms. I'm wondering if you can talk about what that looks like and the impact it has on the PLCs and the educators who are a part of them. Summer: Yeah. I think our teachers are doing some great things in their classrooms, and I think having the time to share those great things with their colleagues is really important. Just starting the meeting on that positive note tends to lead us in a more productive direction. Mike: You two have also talked to me about the impact of having an opportunity for educators to engage in the math that their students will be doing or looking at common examples of student work and how it shows up in the classroom. I wonder if you could talk about what you see in classrooms and how you think that loops back into the experiences that are happening in PLCs. Summer: Yeah. One of the things that we start off with in our PLCs is looking at student work. And so, teachers are bringing common work examples to the table, and we're looking to see, “What are our students coming with? What's a good starting point for us to build skills, to develop these skills a little bit further to help them be more successful?” And I think a huge part of that is actually doing the work that our students are doing. And so, prior to giving a task to a student, we all saw that together in a couple of different ways. And that's going to give us that opportunity to think about what misconceptions might show up, what questions we might want to ask if we want to push students further, reign them back in a little bit. Just that pre-planning piece with the student math, I think has been very important for us. And so, when we go into classrooms, I'll smile because they kind of look like little miniature PLCs going on. The teacher's facilitating, the students are looking at strategies of their classmates and having conversations about what's similar, what's different. I think the teachers are modeling with their students that productive practice of looking at the evidence and the student work and talking about how we go about thinking through these problems. Mike: I think the more that I hear you talk about that, I flashback to what Megan, what you said earlier about, there is planning that's happening, and there's collaboration. They're planning the questions that they might ask. They're anticipating the things that might come from students. So, while it's not, “I'm writing my lesson for Tuesday,” there is a lot of planning that's coming. It's just perhaps not as specific as, “This is what we'll do on this particular day.” Am I getting that right? Megan: Yes. You're getting that a hundred percent right. Summer has teachers sometimes taken the assessment at the beginning of a unit. We'll go ahead and take the end-of-unit assessment and the information that you gain from that. Just with having the teachers take it and knowing how the kids are going to be assessed, then just in turn makes them better planners for the unit. And there's a lot of good conversation that comes from that. Mike: I mean, in some ways, your PLC design, the word that pops into my head is almost like a “rehearsal” of sorts. Does that analogy seem right? Summer: It seems right. And just to add on to that, I think, too, again, providing that time within the school day for them to look at the math, to do the math, to think about what they want to ask, is like a mini-rehearsal. Because typically, when teachers are planning outside of school hours, it's by themselves in a silo. But this just gives that opportunity to talk about all the possibilities together, run through the math together, ask questions if they have them. So, I think that's a decent analogy, yeah. Mike: Yeah. Well, you know what it makes me think about is competitive sports like basketball. As a person who played quite a lot, there are points in time when you start to learn the game that everything feels so fast. And then there are points in time when you've had some experience when you know how to anticipate, where things seem to slow down a little bit. And the analogy is that if you can kind of anticipate what might happen or the meaning of the math that kids are showing you, it gives you a little bit more space in the moment to really think about what you want to do versus just feeling like you have to react. Summer: And I think, too, it keeps you focused on the math at hand. You're constantly thinking about your next teacher move. And so, if you've got that math in your mind and you do get thrown off, you've had an opportunity, like you said, to have a little informal rehearsal with it, and maybe you're not thrown off as badly. (  laughs ) Mike: Well, one of the things that you've both mentioned when we've talked about PLCs is the impact of a program called OGAP. I'm wondering if you can talk about what OGAP is, what it brought to your educators, and how it impacted what's been happening in PLCs. Megan: I'll start in terms … OGAP stands for ongoing assessment project. Summer can talk about the specifics, but we rolled it out as a whole school. And I think there was power in that. Everybody in your school taking the same professional development at the same time, speaking the same language, hearing the same things. And for us, it was just a game-changer. Summer: Yeah, I taught elementary math for 12 years before I knew anything about OGAP, and I had no idea what I was doing until OGAP came into my life. All of the light bulbs that went off with this very complex elementary math that I had no idea was a thing, it was just incredible. And so, I think the way that OGAP plays a role in PLCs is that we're constantly using the evidence in our student work to make decisions about what we do next. We're not just plowing through a curriculum, we're looking at the visual models and strategies that Bridges expects of us in that unit. We're coupling it with the content knowledge that we get from OGAP and how students should and could move along this progression. And we're planning really carefully around that; thinking about, “If we give this task and some of our students are still at a less sophisticated strategy and some of our students are at a more sophisticated strategy, how can we use those two examples to bridge that gap for more kids?” And we're really learning from each other's work. It's not the teacher up there saying, “This is how you'd solve this problem.” But it's a really deep dive into the content. And I think the level of confidence that OGAP has brought our teachers as they've learned to teach Bridges has been like a powerhouse for us. Mike: Talk a little bit about the confidence that you see from your teachers who have had an OGAP experience and who are now using a curriculum and implementing it. Can you say more about that? Summer: Yeah. I mean, I think about our PLCs, the collaborative part of it, we're having truly professional conversations. It's centered around the math, truly, and how students think about the math. And so again, not to diminish the need to strategically lesson plan and come up with activities and things, but we're talking really complex stuff in PLCs. And so, when we look at student work and we that work on the OGAP progression, depending on what skill we're teaching that week, we're able to really look at, “Gosh, the kid is, he's doing this, but I'm not sure why.” And then we can talk a little bit about, “Well, maybe he's thinking about this strategy, and he got confused with that part of it.” So, it really, again, is just centered around the student thinking. The evidence is in front of us, and we use that to plan accordingly. And I think it just one-ups a typical PLC because our teachers know what they're talking about. There's no question in, “Why am I teaching how to add on an open number line?” We know the reasoning behind it. We know what comes before that. We know what comes after that, and we know the importance of why we're doing it right now. Mike: Megan, I wanted to ask you one more question. You are the instructional leader for the building, the position you hold is principal. I know that Summer is a person who does facilitation of the PLCs. What role do you play or what role do you try to play in PLCs as well? Megan: I try to be present at every single PLC meeting and an active participant. I do all the assessments. I get excited when Summer says we're taking a test. I mean, I do everything that the teachers do. I offer suggestions if I think that I have something valuable to bring to the table. I look at student work. I just do everything with everybody because I like being part of that team. Mike: What impact do you think that that has on the educators who are in the PLC? Megan: I mean, I think it makes teachers feel that their time is valuable. We're valuing their time. It's helpful for me, too, when I go into classrooms. I know what I'm looking for. I know which kids I want to work with. Sometimes I'm like, “Ooh, I want to come in and see you do that. That's exciting.” It helps me plan my day, and it helps me know what's going on in the school. And I think it also is just a non-judgmental, non-confrontational time for people to ask me questions. I mean, it's part of me trying to be accessible as well. Mike: Summer, as the person who's the facilitator, how do you think about preparing for the kind of PLCs that you've described? What are some of the things that are important to know as a facilitator or to do in preparation? Summer: So, I typically sort of rehearse myself, if you will, before the PLC kicks off. I will take assessments, I will take screeners. I'll look at screener implementation guides and think about the pieces of that that would be useful for our teachers if they needed to pull some small groups and re-engage those kids prior to a unit. What I really think is important though, is that vertical alignment. So, looking at the standards that are coming up in a module, thinking about what came before it: “What does that standard look like in second grade?” If I'm doing a third grade PLC: “What does that standard look like in fourth grade?” Because teachers don't have time to do that on their own. And I think it's really important for that collective efficacy, like, “We're all doing this together. What you did last year matters. What you're doing next year matters, and this is how they tie together.” I kind of started that actually this year, wanting to know more myself about how these standards align to each other and how we can think about Bridges as a ladder among grade levels. Because we were going into classrooms, and teachers were seeing older grade levels doing something that they developed, and that was super exciting for them. And so, having an understanding of how our state standards align in that way just helps them to understand the importance of what they're doing and bring about that efficacy that we all really just need our teachers to own. It's so huge. And just making sure that our students are going to the next grade prepared. Mike: One of the things that I was thinking about as I was listening to you two describe the different facets of this system that you've put together is, how to get started. Everything from scheduling to structure to professional learning. There's a lot that goes into making what you all have built successful. I think my question to you all would be, “If someone were listening to this, and they were thinking to themselves, ‘Wow, that's fascinating!' What are some of the things that you might encourage them to do if they wanted to start to take up some of the ideas that you shared?” Megan: It's very easy to crash and burn by trying to take on too much. And so, I think if you have a long-range plan and an end goal, you need to try to break it into chunks. Just making small changes and doing those small changes consistently. And once they become routine practices, then taking on something new. Mike: Summer, how about you? Summer: Yeah, I think as an instructional coach, one of the things that I learned through OGAP is that our student work is personal. And if we're looking at student work without the mindset of, “We're learning together,” sometimes we can feel a little bit attacked. And so, one of the first things that we did when we were rolling this out and learning how to analyze student work is, we looked at student work that wasn't necessarily from our class. We asked teachers to save student work samples. I have folders in my office of different student work samples that we can practice sorting and have conversations about. And that's sort of where we started with it. Looking at work that wasn't necessarily our students gave us an opportunity to be a little bit more open about what we wanted to say about it, how we wanted to talk about it. And it really does take some practice to dig into student thinking and figure out, “Where do I need to go from here?” And I think that allowed us to play with it in a way that wasn't threatening necessarily. Mike: I think that's a great place to stop, Megan and Summer. I want to thank you so much for joining us. It's really been a pleasure talking to both of you. Megan: Well, thank you for having us.  Summer: Yeah, thanks a lot for having us. Mike: This podcast is brought to you by The Math Learning Center and the Maier Math Foundation, dedicated to inspiring and enabling all individuals to discover and develop their mathematical confidence and ability. © 2024 The Math Learning Center | www.mathlearningcenter.org

This week's EYE ON NPI is Perfect and Looking Cool - We're checking out the Arduino Opta line of programmable PLCs (https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/a/arduino/opta-expansions). PLC stands for "programmable logic controller" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmable_logic_controller) and these devices are used in manufacturing and robotics to automate sensor inputs and robotic control outputs in factories. Because of dependable PLC performance, your food, clothing, medicine and water are affordable and high quality, with repeatable results. Manufacturing engineers have used PLCs since the 80's, and they've been essential for the 3rd Industrial Revolution (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Age). If in the second industrial revolution moved us from individually-manufactured handmade goods (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handicraft) to assembly-line repeatability (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assembly_line), then the information age and PLCs took us from the back-breaking work of doing the same task day-in-day-out to robots (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjL_dQ5HAAg). Tasks like: measuring out the exact weight or count of product, applying labels, heating to temperature and holding it there for 45 minutes. While designing the machines that do this automatically is also time-consuming expensive, it's something you only have to do once. The Opta was designed in collaboration with Finder, (https://opta.findernet.com/en/) an Italian company like Arduino, which specializes in PLC design. This is a great team-up because Finder already had a family automation products and tools, so it has the industrial experience whereas Arduino has the IDE, cloud and PCB-design skills to bring in the user experience. The Opta family looks like a classic PLC, with screw terminal inputs and outputs. There are LEDs embedded to the case that can be controlled, as well as analog inputs, digital IO and built in power relays. All of the IO ports have wide voltage ranges like 0-10V and are well protected from under/over-volting, short-circuiting or ESD. Inside is an STM32H747XI (https://www.digikey.com/short/hzr2rnv2), a ultra-powerful Cortex M7 @ 480MHz + Cortex M4 @ 240MHz chip with a ton of SRAM and Flash. It can easily run an entire factory! Some versions have WiFi, Ethernet, or RS-485 for connectivity - however they are all designed to run standalone. Traditional PLCs are completely opaque, to the point where you have to use only the proprietary software that the vendor provides. What's nice about the Opta (https://www.digikey.com/short/jbb74j41) is you get to use the Arduino IDE, which has integrated support with a couple different programming systems. (https://docs.arduino.cc/software/plc-ide/tutorials/plc-programming-introduction/) You can of course use the classic Arduino sketch system (https://opta.findernet.com/en/tutorial/getting-started) and use digitalWrite(), analogRead() and all the other C++ capabilities of the classic IDE. But you can also use the classic "IEC 61131-3 programming languages" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_61131-3), Structured Text ST, Instruction List IL, Ladder Diagram LD, Sequential Function Chart SFC, and Function Block Diagram FBD. These are somewhat archaic languages, but many mechanical engineers are trained in their use, so the Opta is a nice transitionary device. There's also expansion options so if you want more digital input pins and relays, you can plug a port on (https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/a/arduino/opta-expansions) which will give you 16 more inputs and 8 more SSR or electromechanial relay outputs. If you've ever been curious about how PLCs work, or if you want to maintain, upgrade or repair factory equiptment, the Arduino + Finder Opta (https://www.digikey.com/short/jbb74j41) is an great product which will let you replicate the microcontroller experience to industrial automation. And best of all, it's in stock right now at DigiKey! Order today and DigiKey will ship your Opta immediately so that you can be manufacturing the future by tomorrow afternoon.

Left-hander Anthony Kay of Yokohama DeNA is the guest, John and Jim discuss the games in the second round of the CLCS and PLCS matchups & then handle some HighHeat.

Is your time spent in PLCs and team meetings actually translating into changes in classroom instruction? If not, this episode is a must listen! Today, we're looking at why you're not seeing classrooms change with PLC meetings. This is the second episode in our series about Your Coaching Strategy Toolbox! During the podcast, we explore moderate-impact strategies, reasons they may not be as effective as they should be, and how you can use them to impact classrooms. You'll learn about building a bridge between PLCs and classroom work, why you need a clear focus for team meetings, and strategies for providing support and accountability. Listen now to learn why you're not seeing classrooms change with PLC meetings and find out what you can do instead! -Chrissy Beltran   Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/   Buzzing with Ms. B TpT - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Chrissy-Beltran-Buzzing-With-Ms-B   PLC Forms Toolkit Bundle for Instructional Coaches & Administrators - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/plc-forms-toolkit-bundle-for-instructional-coaches-administrators   Mini Coaching Cycles Crash Course - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/cycles   Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode210   Thank you for listening to Buzzing with Ms. B: The Coaching Podcast. If you love the show, share it with a coach who would love it too, subscribe to this podcast, or leave me a review on iTunes! It's free and it helps others find this show, too. Happy coaching! Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

      Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship.   Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals?   At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you:   Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here   Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here.   Show Highlights   Prioritize Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) amid challenges. Focus on scheduling, intervention strategies and enrichment. 7-period day versus a rotating block schedule to better address the educational needs of students. Tips to overcome significant learning gaps through targeted interventions. Discussion on implementing intervention and enrichment within regular classes. Importance of data analysis and targeted mini-lessons. Implementing essential standards and co-teaching approaches.       Get the episode transcript here!   SHOW SPONSORS:   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC      

Turnover rates are really high in schools right now! We have a lot of new people in the field, and many don't have experience in the classroom. As instructional coaches, we need to provide special support for these new teachers. In this episode, author and associate professor Dr. Bryan Harris joins me to discuss coaching new and unlicensed teachers. We talk about the reasons for high turnover rates and the challenges of retaining teachers. He shares the four supports we need to provide to help teachers stick around and be successful. Dr. Harris explains the role of the administrator in supporting new teachers, the importance of a systemic induction program, and how to choose mentors for new teachers. You'll also hear about the role of instructional coaches in creating an environment for supporting new teachers through professional learning communities (PLCs). Listen now to this episode, Coaching Rookies: New and Unlicensed Teachers! You'll get practical strategies to support your new teachers on campus! -Chrissy Beltran   Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/   Buzzing with Ms. B TpT - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Chrissy-Beltran-Buzzing-With-Ms-B   Coaching New Teachers – The Instructional Coaching Toolkit- https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/coaching-new-teachers-the-instructional-coaching-toolkit   Free Five-Day Challenge: Coaching Resistant Teachers - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/resistance   Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode208   Thank you for listening to Buzzing with Ms. B: The Coaching Podcast. If you love the show, share it with a coach who would love it too, subscribe to this podcast, or leave me a review on iTunes! It's free and it helps others find this show, too. Happy coaching! Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros