Coffee With A Geek Podcast Andrew Wheelock

Stevie is a really dynamic 5th grade teacher who puts podcasting to work with her students to create magical learning!

I had a great conversation with her about her favorite cup of coffee, her podcasting work, and even her bucket list.

A little about Stevie in her own words: Stevie Frank just finished her 12th year of teaching. She’s currently teaching 5th grade Humanities at Zionsville West Middle School. She’s department chair and one of the equity coaches for her school. Her passions include news literacy with critical thinking, social justice, and podcasting!

Ways to Connect with Stevie:  

Twitter:  @StevieFrank23 

Youtube Version HERE

Rumble Version HERE

This month's guest is the ever inspirational JaVonda Tucker.  I started following her on Twitter and have really enjoyed reading her thoughtful comments and successful school strategies!  With her contagious optimism and vision I feel she is a school leader to watch!  I will ask her about her educational journey, her thoughts on leading through a pandemic, and her future goals and ideas.

A little about JaVonda in her own words:  JaVonda Tucker is from Chesterfield County, Virginia. She is a graduate of Virginia State University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Grand Canyon University. JaVonda holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Administration and Supervision. Currently, she is a middle school assistant principal with Dinwiddie County Public Schools. She is the proud mom of a son.

How to follow JaVonda:

Twitter:  @JaVondaTucker

This Month  I was able to chat with another Tech Savvy History Teacher.  Jamie Ellman was recently showcased in Edtech Magazine discussing her favorite edtech tools for history.   I'm looking forward to chatting with her about a range of issues from her favorite tech tools and thoughts on education!

A little bit about Jamie in her own words:  "As a Level III instructor/leader, I started my career in education in 1993. I have taught for 17 years, and am currently teaching US and World History at Johnson High School in Buda.  Last year, I taught AP US History and World Geography History at the best high school in New Mexico - nationally ranked, La Cueva High School. Prior to teaching at La Cueva, I taught 8th grade US History for six years at Eisenhower Middle School-- another one of New Mexico’s best schools. My first teaching experience was at Longmont High School in Colorado where I taught 9th & 10th grade English, Police Academy, World Geography, and multiple senior English electives. It was in this first job of mine where I began my involvement in curriculum and instruction design. In addition, I also hold a Master’s of the Arts in Teaching."

Ways to Connect with Jamie

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/msjellman

Website:  https://msellman.com/

Great edtech interviews and commentary over a good cup of coffee... Coffee optional.  

I had a great opportunity to chat with Technology Coordinator, Jonathan Redeker from Goshen Central Schools

A little about Jonathan in his own words:  "Helping educators learn and grow is a passion which drives me to think differently, lead boldly, and grow continually.  The fast-paced, ever changing age of acceleration of our modern culture effects our young people in tremendous ways and I am inspired to help teachers and leaders reach students in new ways.  I consider myself an "educational disruptor" through my focus on using instructional technology, rethinking pedagogy, and implementing effective leadership strategies.  I believe that educational technologies, STEAM initiatives, and cross-curricular lessons can change the world and build empathetic young people.  Join me in moving from "best practices" to "next practices."  

Ways to connect: 

Twitter @jonredeker 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-redeker-26a65534/ 

https://sites.google.com/view/jonathanredeker/home

DATE:   February 13th, 2021

TIME:  9am Eastern

As usual, my main source of interview inspiration comes from my social media feeds.  Especially Twitter.  This first interview of 2021 is no different.  I have been following Alicia Blankenship for quite some time and enjoy her thoughtful posts and analysis.  She is an "in the trenches" teacher so I really wanted to get her perspectives from field!   A little about Alicia in her own words:  A literacy educator who uses her education and experience to improve the literacy and skills of her students. She began her career teaching 2nd grade and has taught at the primary and secondary level.

I really enjoyed hearing Alicia's thoughts on education, Literacy, and making a difference during a Pandemic.

Scanning the amazing educators on Twitter always brings me to amazing educators.  Dr. Sam Fecich (@Sfecich) always brings some thoughtful posts and commentary.  I reached out to chat and was so happy to discuss the state of education, educational technology, and pre-service teacher prep.    



A little about Sam in her own words:   Professor of education at Grove City College.    She is the Author of Edumagic a Guide for Preservice Teachers  Co author of Edumagic Shine on a guide for new teachers Host of the Edumagic podcast And she is a Pumpkin spice latte fan !