Amplifying Optimism in Education AmplifyOptimism

We are thrilled to be back with episode one of season 3 for our Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast!

Join us for this delightful conversation with David Bondurant (Assistant Vice President of Information Technology) and Samantha (Sam) Charnes (Associate Vice Provost, Education Operations, Research and Technology) of Interlochen Center for the Arts. In this episode we discussed how at Interlochen they have worked hard to weave technology into the fabric of their arts curriculum in order to enhance the experience for their students and to make the lives of their educators easier! In the midst of Covid-19, as so many schools were struggling with how to engage students virtually, Interlochen was trying to keep up with the demand of their growing student base. They found that by providing online access to their classes they were actually able to amplify their audience and meet the needs of even more children looking for high-quality, creative outlets. They even began expanding into Adult education and providing opportunities for kids of all ages (young and young at heart) to interact with their world-renowned faculty. David and Sam talked about how creativity and curiosity are at the center of everything they do as they constantly use their team at the tech department to solve problems that arise for their students and staff in new and fun ways. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, and be sure to reach out to them to learn more about how you can enhance your tech department to more fully promote your school’s mission!

We are thrilled to be back with episode one of season 3 for our Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast!

Join us for this delightful conversation with David Bondurant (Assistant Vice President of Information Technology) and Samantha (Sam) Charnes (Associate Vice Provost, Education Operations, Research and Technology) of Interlochen Center for the Arts. In this episode we discussed how at Interlochen they have worked hard to weave technology into the fabric of their arts curriculum in order to enhance the experience for their students and to make the lives of their educators easier! In the midst of Covid-19, as so many schools were struggling with how to engage students virtually, Interlochen was trying to keep up with the demand of their growing student base. They found that by providing online access to their classes they were actually able to amplify their audience and meet the needs of even more children looking for high-quality, creative outlets. They even began expanding into Adult education and providing opportunities for kids of all ages (young and young at heart) to interact with their world-renowned faculty. David and Sam talked about how creativity and curiosity are at the center of everything they do as they constantly use their team at the tech department to solve problems that arise for their students and staff in new and fun ways. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, and be sure to reach out to them to learn more about how you can enhance your tech department to more fully promote your school’s mission!

In this episode we are joined by the wonderful Kimberlee Williams, author of Dear White Woman, Please Come Home: Hand Me Your Bias and I'll Show You Our Connection, and the Director of Intercultural Affairs at The Bush School in Seattle, Washington. Kimberlee shares her message of hope around how to have difficult conversations as adults around race and culture so we can move "to the other side" of the discomfort. She talks about how adults can use disclaimers when talking to acknowledge their intentions, while also paying attention to the impact of our words. She gives permission for (white) people to sit in their discomfort, and challenges all of us to not take the easy route of cancel culture or shutting out people in your life. Listen to this powerful episode and enjoy the brilliance and wisdom that is Kimberlee Williams! Her enthusiasm and passion for her work and for creating the world she wants to see for herself, her family, and the students and families she works with are infectious and much needed in these trying times. Don't miss out on this episode, and be sure to get a copy of her book today...available now on Amazon!

In this episode we are joined by Jennifer Baselice, who is the Director of Technology at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Central Florida, and Susan Davis from the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). We discuss emerging trends in technology from the evolving role of the technology director to how schools are building on the momentum of innovation and change experienced these past couple of years. We hope that school leaders in all areas of school life tune in for this informative and relatable conversation with Jennifer and Susan!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbaselice/

For more information about how you can join an innovative, supportive and inclusive group of school technology leaders, check out the ATLIS Ignited Conference in Orlando this May: https://www.theatlis.org/2022-annual-conference-orlando

If you are an aspiring technology leader in your school and would also like to learn through a potent community experience, check out the ATLIS Leadership Institute: https://www.theatlis.org/atlis-leadership-institute

www.amplifyingoptimism.com

We return in Season 2 with a wonderful guest that you heard from in Season 1 - Lindy Hockenbary! Lindy has put together an incredible resource for teachers of all grades on how to reach students effectively with technology through online learning as well as in the classroom. This is truly a one of a kind resource that is a must have for teachers learning how to use technology in the classroom. Join us as we discuss important considerations and strategies from the book that you can begin using in your school today!

You can pick up your copy of Lindy's new book "A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning: Practical Strategies to Improve K-12 Student Engagement in Virtual Learning" on Amazon in digital or paperback format: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736350315/

www.amplifyingoptimism.com

We had such a blast traveling to and zooming into the ATLIS (Association of Technology Leaders in Schools) Undaunted Retreat in Seattle this past July. The experience was incredibly immersive and well crafted by the ATLIS Staff. You'll get to hear a whole lot more about just how immersive, unique and powerful of a program and experience this was for the educators in attendance. Participants had a chance to brainstorm with colleagues, generate new ideas and even have spontaneous collaborative work sessions across school that spanned the entire nation! We hope that you enjoy this unique panel interview along with some wonderful sharing from retreat participants! You might even get some ideas that you can bring back to your school...ok let's be honest, you definitely will!

https://www.theatlis.org/

https://www.amplifyingoptimism.com/