Fueling Creativity in Education

Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett

The Fueling Creativity in Education podcast provides listeners with unique insights into the field of creativity research, including best practices for applying this knowledge to a traditional school environment. Thanks to deep dive interviews with renowned creativity scholars, respected practitioners, and passionate educators, every teacher and administrator will walk away with new strategies that inspire and support student and teacher creativity in and out of the classroom.

  1. HACE 5 DÍAS

    DEBRIEFING School Vouchers, Learning to See, and Personalized Feedback

    Is it time to completely tear down the education system and start over if we truly want creativity to thrive in our schools?   In the first debrief episode of Season 11, hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood take a reflective dive into insights from their most recent three guests on the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast. The discussion begins with Dr. Henry Smith from Johns Hopkins University, who explored the intersection of creativity and education policy, notably discussing the controversial topic of school vouchers and advocating for a revolutionary approach to education reform—“tearing down the house” to build a truly creative system from the ground up. Cyndi and Matt examine both the promise and concerns of vouchers, especially their impact on equity, and tease an upcoming episode on micro-schools that further expands the conversation. The hosts then turn to classroom creativity with Emily Jamison, an elementary teacher known for fostering a family-like atmosphere and utilizing clever, agency-giving feedback strategies to empower students. They reflect on the importance of playful, positive feedback—even down to students choosing the color of their feedback pen—and discuss how creating a safe, supportive environment nurtures creative expression at any grade level. Wrapping up, Cyndi and Matt share their takeaways from an interview with renowned creativity researcher Dr. Keith Sawyer, unpacking ideas from his latest book, "Learning to See." They discuss the importance of perspective in creativity, the value of “studio talk” for reflection and creative growth, and creative exercises—like photographic challenges—that can deepen both student engagement and teacher understanding. The episode closes with personal stories, anticipatory teasers for future guests, and a fun nod to trying new things—even learning to “shuffle” on YouTube!   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    27 min

  2. 16 SEP

    Teaching Creativity as a Process of Learning to See with Dr. Keith Sawyer

    What if creativity doesn’t start with inventing new things, but with learning to see and interpret the world differently?   In this engaging episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood sit down with Dr. Keith Sawyer, a leading creativity researcher, jazz pianist, and professor at UNC Chapel Hill. The conversation centers on Sawyer’s new book, Learning to See, which explores the idea that true creativity begins with learning to notice, perceive, and interpret the world—and oneself—in new ways. Together, they unpack how artistic and design educators approach fostering creativity, often avoiding the very word itself, instead focusing on guiding students through iterative processes that develop their ability to “see” and think critically. Keith shares insights from more than a decade of interviews with art and design professors, highlighting the deliberate, teachable practices and mindsets that underpin creative achievement. The discussion broadens to consider how these principles translate across disciplines, from the arts to the sciences and humanities. The hosts and Keith emphasize the importance of process over outcome—encouraging experimentation, feedback, and reflection as keys to creative growth. The episode also delves into the concept of “studio talk,” where educators model their own thinking and decision-making out loud, providing students with a window into expert creative processes. Listeners will come away inspired to infuse their teaching with opportunities for personal transformation, risk-taking, and iterative exploration, regardless of subject area. Plus, Keith offers a preview of his upcoming book focused on personal creative transformation, making this episode a must-listen for educators and creativity enthusiasts alike.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    40 min

  3. 9 SEP

    Creative Teaching Through Writing: Building Classroom Community with Emily Jamieson

    How can an elementary classroom feel more like a family than a traditional learning space—and why does that matter for creativity and learning?   In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett sit down with Emily Jamieson, an elementary school teacher renowned for creating classroom communities that feel more like families. Emily, currently preparing to teach second grade at St. Gregory the Great School in Connecticut, shares her journey from aspiring landscape designer to passionate educator. She discusses how formative experiences working in a children's garden ignited her love for connecting students with nature and hands-on learning, and reveals how those early lessons continue to influence her classroom approach today. The conversation delves into the value of integrating outdoor experiences, like field trips and Earth Day activities, to build curiosity and stewardship in young learners. Throughout the episode, Emily emphasizes the importance of nurturing students’ interests and adapting assignments to individual needs, particularly in developing writing skills and encouraging creative expression. She explains her unique strategies for providing feedback in supportive and empowering ways, fostering an environment where children are not only unafraid to make mistakes but also eager to share their authentic selves. The hosts and Emily also explore the challenges and rewards of building a classroom culture rooted in psychological safety, trust, and mutual respect, allowing every child’s strengths and personality to shine. The episode wraps up with Emily reflecting on her own most memorable creative learning experience—a collaborative video project about the Oregon Trail—which inspired her belief in making education personal, meaningful, and joyfully creative.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    34 min

  4. 2 SEP

    Why Creativity Isn’t a Priority in Education Policy with Dr. Henry Smith

    What can the challenges of the public schooling system teach us about re-prioritizing creativity in education? Season 11 of Fueling Creativity in Education launches with Dr. Henry M. Smith, EdD, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education under President Clinton. Co-hosts Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett dive into the realities of America’s public schooling system—its entrenched challenges, how those challenges influence what we prioritize in classrooms, and the consequences for creative teaching and teaching creativity. Together, they consider why creativity so often feels absent from the system itself and explore whether alternative models, such as school vouchers and independent schools, might offer more fertile ground for innovation. At the same time, they grapple with the tough equity questions these alternatives raise, asking how educators and policymakers can support creativity without widening existing gaps. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    35 min

  5. 26 AGO

    Ignite Creativity in the First Weeks of School

    Welcome to Season 11 of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast! Co-hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood are back—and this season, we’re excited to offer video episodes on YouTube in addition to our regular audio format. To kick off the new school year, Matt and Cyndi each share three go-to activities they use to set the stage for creative teaching and teaching creativity from day one. These activities help students build trust, take creative risks, and tap into their own curiosity—whether they’re in an elementary classroom or a college seminar. 🎒 In this episode, you’ll learn: How Matt uses the Marshmallow Challenge to spark conversations about the creative process How Cyndi’s short creativity prompts build momentum and engagement early in the semester Practical ways to embed creativity in education while supporting classroom community 📝 Read Matt’s blog post: Using the Marshmallow Challenge to Kickstart the Creative Process 📺 Explore Cyndi’s YouTube channel 🌐 Visit us at FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more resources and to subscribe to our Extra Fuel newsletter. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, this episode offers meaningful, ready-to-use strategies to inspire creative thinking and start the year strong.

    22 min

  6. 19 AGO

    Starting the School Year with My Favorite Failure: Throwback Summer 2025

    As part of our Fueling Creativity in Education Throwback Series, co-hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood selected this episode to help educators reignite their passion for creative teaching as they prepare for the new school year. In this powerful conversation, they welcome back Dr. Ron Beghetto and Laura McBain, Co-Director of the K12 Lab at the Stanford d.school, to explore the lessons behind their book, My Favorite Failure: How Setbacks Can Lead to Learning and Growth. Together, they dive into how educators can reframe failure as a catalyst for learning, growth, and teaching creativity in a more human-centered way. Discover how personal stories of failure, classroom strategies, and emotional vulnerability can be used to foster creativity in education. Learn the difference between mistakes and failures, and why acknowledging emotions, expectations, and risk-taking is essential for both teachers and students. Whether you're a new teacher or a veteran looking to try something bold this year, this episode will inspire you to see failure as a starting point—not an ending.

    36 min

  7. 12 AGO

    Creative Teaching Through Inquiry-Based Learning: Throwback Summer 2025

    As part of our Fueling Creativity in Education Throwback Series, co-hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood selected this episode to help educators reignite their passion for creative teaching as they prepare for the new school year. In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Frank LaBanca—educator, researcher, and founding principal of Westside Middle School Academy Magnet—shares his powerful approach to inquiry-based learning. As one of the few principals in the country who still teaches in the classroom, Frank offers a unique lens on how to cultivate creativity and problem-solving through student-driven exploration. Discover how teaching students to ask better questions can transform learning, why project-based learning empowers both teachers and students, and how real-world feedback—not just teacher evaluation—deepens creative growth. From developing faculty to embracing uncertainty, Frank’s insights offer practical and philosophical guidance for educators committed to teaching creativity in meaningful, lasting ways.

    33 min

  8. 5 AGO

    Teaching Creativity in the Elementary STEAM Classroom: Throwback Summer 2025

    As part of our Fueling Creativity in Education Throwback Series, co-hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood handpicked this episode to help educators gear up for a new school year with fresh ideas for teaching creativity in the classroom. In this conversation, elementary STEAM teacher Andrea Mango shares how she brings creative teaching to life by connecting creativity research with everyday classroom strategies. From building student choice into projects to creating a safe environment for risk-taking, Andrea offers practical insights on engaging all learners—including those reluctant to participate. Whether you’re teaching STEAM or looking to kickstart creativity across the curriculum, this episode is filled with back-to-school inspiration for cultivating creative thinking from day one.

    32 min
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The Fueling Creativity in Education podcast provides listeners with unique insights into the field of creativity research, including best practices for applying this knowledge to a traditional school environment. Thanks to deep dive interviews with renowned creativity scholars, respected practitioners, and passionate educators, every teacher and administrator will walk away with new strategies that inspire and support student and teacher creativity in and out of the classroom.

Información

  • Creador
    Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett
  • Años de actividad
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodios
    234
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Fueling Creativity in Education

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