Fueling Creativity in Education

Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett
Fueling Creativity in Education

The Fueling Creativity Podcast captures the conversational coffee break room dialogue between cutting-edge educators, practitioners, and researchers in the field of education and creativity. Like the traditional coffee break, these 20-minute sessions are quick and energizing. Hosted by Dr. Cynthia Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood, these rich and informed discussions will initiate deeper thinking on what creativity means for educators across the grades. Each caffeinated cup of classroom conversation is guaranteed to empower and inspire you during your school day and, hopefully, make you smile!

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Exploring Cultural Creativity with Emerging Scholar Corey Gray

    How can educators teach for creativity through a culturally responsive lens? In this week's episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett introduce Corey Gray, a PhD candidate at the University of Georgia specializing in educational psychology and gifted education. The insightful conversation delves into key factors that shape creative schooling, such as instructional design, teacher engagement, and collaborative learning environments. Corey provides a comprehensive look at culturally responsive teaching, an approach that honors students' cultural identities while enhancing their creativity and academic skills. The discussion highlights the systemic underrepresentation of Black and Brown students in gifted programs, largely due to implicit biases in existing policies and practices, and explores creative methods to address these disparities. Corey shares his vision for creative schools and his belief in the transformative power of culturally responsive creativity. He outlines practical strategies for educators, such as utilizing non-traditional classroom setups, project-based learning, and developing custom curriculums tailored to students' needs.  About Corey Gray: Corey Gray is a third-year Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Georgia, studying Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Gifted and Creative Education. Corey is a graduate of Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education. As a resident of Atlanta, Corey has taught in a variety of educational roles, such as elementary educator, cooperating teacher, gifted education mentor teacher, middle school math teacher, special education teacher, department head, and adjunct instructor. He has also taught in traditional neighborhood public schools, charter schools, and independent schools. Corey currently serves as the Communication Chair for the Creativity Network in the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC) and the Vice President of the UGA chapter of Graduate Researchers in Educational Psychology. His research interests include teaching for creativity, culturally responsive pedagogy, abolitionist teaching, excellence gaps in culturally diverse communities, and creative schools. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education!What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

    36 min
  2. OCT 15

    DEBRIEF 9.2: Revisting Schooling v Learning

    Are schools designed for learning? Or are schools designed for schooling? In our latest episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett dive into these questions as they debrief three compelling conversations from Season 9. Here's what you can expect: Will Richardson: They explore his thought-provoking ideas on whether our current education model needs an evolution or a revolution. Are schools designed for schooling rather than genuine learning? The hosts debate and reflect on what it means to truly engage students. Raya Bidshahri: They discuss the inspiring story of building a community-centered, project-based online high school. Raya shares her entrepreneurial journey and emphasizes the importance of tailoring education to individual passions and real-world issues. Dr. Marci Klein: They examine how a pediatrician-turned-entrepreneur integrates hands-on, creative learning through her company, 3DuxDesign. Dr. Klein challenges the hosts to reconsider the balance between traditional hands-on learning and the increasing reliance on technology in the classroom. Join Matt and Cyndi as they navigate these diverse yet interconnected perspectives! And let's continue the conversation about how we can best fuel creativity and learning in our schools on Linkedin!   Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

    24 min
  3. OCT 8

    Talking about the past and future of schooling with Will Richardson

    What are "irresistible futures" in education, and why are they important for motivating systemic change? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Warwood engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Will Richardson. They delve into how the transition from the third to the fourth industrial revolution is shaping education, emphasizing the need to anticipate and adapt to disruptive technologies like AI. Will reflects on the historical patterns of technological advancements leading to unintended consequences and critiques the current profit-driven focus of AI development. He underscores the significant gap in long-term strategic thinking in education compared to indigenous cultures that consider impacts on future generations. This conversation invites educators to reimagine education, highlighting the critical moment of transformation we are in and the potential to create "irresistible futures" by envisioning positive, aspirational changes. Additionally, they tackle various pressing issues like misinformation, disinformation, and the imperatives of engaging students in conversations about their educational experiences. They discuss the emergence of alternative educational models, such as micro-schools, that blend inquiry-based learning with real-world applications, contrasting them with traditional methods overly focused on test scores. Will advocates for a revolutionary change in education, shifting the focus from mere schooling to genuine learning.  About Will Richardson: A former public school educator of 22 years, Will has spent the last 18 years developing an international reputation as a leading thinker and writer about the intersection of social online learning networks, education, and systemic change. Most recently, Will is a co-founder of The Big Questions Institute which was created to help educators use "fearless inquiry" to make sense of this complex moment and an uncertain future. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

    34 min
  4. OCT 1

    A New Approach to Schooling with Education Entrepreneur Raya Bidshahri

    What would a personalized high school curriculum centered around global challenges look like? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett sit down with Raya Bidshahri, an accomplished entrepreneur and educator who is the founder and CEO of the School of Humanity. Raya sheds light on her frustration with traditional education systems and shares her innovative approach to personalized, project-based learning, which forms the backbone of her school. Unlike conventional methods reliant on standardized tests, the School of Humanity emphasizes low-stakes knowledge checks and project-based assessments, encouraging students to engage in interdisciplinary challenges such as food security and the future of the internet. Raya's passion for education reform, grounded in her own positive experiences with project-based learning and entrepreneurship, fuels her vision to create a more effective, curiosity-driven educational system. The episode dives deep into the implementation of challenge-based learning and how AI can play a constructive role in education, with Raya differentiating between its ethical uses and potential for misuse. A techno-optimist at heart, she discusses a structured AI policy that encourages AI for tasks like brainstorming while banning it from generating entire essays to avoid academic dishonesty. The conversation is enriched with insights on flexible learning environments, the importance of scaffolded assessments, and the Human Literacies Framework that integrates traditional and innovative skills. With around 60 students and plans to double enrollment, Raya's School of Humanity is a testament to her effective educational approach.    About Raya Bidshahri: Raya Bidshahri is a serial entrepreneur and award-winning educator. Raya is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the School of Humanity, an award-winning online high school with an innovative learning model and interdisciplinary curriculum. At School of Humanity, learners from over 10 countries across 5 continents develop their skills, mindsets, and behaviors by tackling real-world challenges. Raya has been featured by the BBC as one of the 100 most influential and inspiring women globally. She was the main award winner for the Next Generation Foresight Practioner’s Award, organized by the School of International Futures and supported by the Omidyar network. The awards recognize those whose leadership efforts shape the future and improve lives. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

    31 min
  5. SEP 24

    Beyond Technology: Dr. Marci Klein on Enhancing Creativity in Education

    How might a cardboard box help our students be more creative? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett sit down with Dr. Marci Klein, a pediatrician and founder of 3DuxDesign. Marci sheds light on the pervasive self-centered mindset in society and stresses the need to cultivate empathy and community, both in education and at home. As a champion of project-based learning, she delves into her innovative approach to integrating STEM education with social-emotional development. Marci's unique product—cardboard modeling kits with specially designed hardware connectors—illustrates how creativity and hands-on activities can powerfully engage children, fostering a spirit of collaboration and open-ended play.  Throughout the conversation, Marci and the hosts explore the broader implications of product design and the necessity of considering unintended consequences, referencing innovation diffusion theory. Klein advocates for creating learning experiences that are passion-driven and flexible, giving students the room to explore their interests. The episode calls on educators to rethink traditional methods, prioritize empathy, and foster environments where creativity can flourish. About Marci: Marci Klein, MD, is a pediatrician and founder of 3DuxDesign, a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) that creates innovative STEM education solutions. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood development and education, Dr. Klein integrates her expertise in pediatric growth and development to design engaging, hands-on learning projects that connect play with real-world problem-solving. Her work focuses on empowering educators to implement project-based learning (PBL) that supports academic growth and social-emotional development. Under her leadership, 3DuxDesign has expanded its reach globally, offering educators tools and resources that inspire the next generation of thinkers and changemakers. Dr. Klein is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and has presented at numerous educational conferences, sharing her insights on the intersection of STEM, SEL, and community-centered design. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

    33 min
  6. SEP 10

    Connecting the Passion of Sports to the Classroom with Neil Bergenroth

    In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood are joined by Neil Bergenroth, an innovative educator and coach passionate about integrating rowing and STEM education. Neil discusses how his programs leverage rowing machines funded by a grant to provide every student with the opportunity to experience and choose rowing as an elective. He shares his emphasis on authenticity, passion, and building confidence in students through the fusion of teaching and technology. Neil's initiative demonstrates a unique method of engaging students in physics principles by using real-time data from rowing machines, thereby creating tactile learning experiences that bridge physical activity and academic concepts. Neil highlights the importance of nutrition, sleep, and strong relationships for success in both sports and life, aligning these factors with the process of creativity and innovation. The episode concludes with valuable tips for educators on integrating passion, creating safe learning spaces, and bringing authenticity into their teaching practices.  About Neil Bergenroth Neil Bergenroth is a life-long educator/rowing coach, award-winning app developer, entrepreneur, and USRowing Level III rowing coach who values community service and developing innovative learning environments. Bergenroth is the Director of the Upper School Technology department and the Pauline McFarlin Walter Upper School Master Teacher Chair at Holland Hall, an Episcopal School in Tulsa, OK. Bergenroth also currently serves as Director of Outreach at Tulsa Youth Rowing Association. Bergenroth has combined his passions and created a curriculum integrating rowing and STEM. He also manages programs that have been established to provide more access to the sport of rowing in under-resourced communities. With over twenty-five years of classroom teaching and coaching experience, Bergenroth aspires to develop student-athletes who strive to impact their communities. Follow Neil: www.coachbergenroth.com Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Do you want to weave creativity into your content?  Check out CreativityandEducation.comSubscribe to our monthly newsletter!

    33 min
  7. SEP 3

    Developing Creative Confidence Through Effective Feedback with Anne Jacoby

    How might we provide feedback to build creative confidence in our students? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett dive into an engaging conversation with Anne Jacoby, founder of the culture consultancy Spring Street. The discussion centers on the importance of effective feedback in promoting creative thinking within the classroom environment. Anne elaborates on her unique approach to cultivating creativity in professional spaces through cultural assessments, leadership programs, and coaching. Anne shares her educational journey, reflecting on how her experiences in creative and arts-intensive environments, including the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, fostered her own creative confidence. She emphasizes the importance of providing students with specific, immediate feedback, drawing parallels between her experiences in the arts and her observations in the corporate world. The conversation highlights how environments that support creativity contribute to lifelong skills of accepting and utilizing constructive criticism. The speakers delve into the idea of "passing notes" as a method for providing effective feedback. They focus on creating a culture where feedback is integral to the learning process rather than a critiquing mechanism that induces defensiveness. Anne recounts how receiving notes in a public setting within theater and dance classes fosters a norm of continuous improvement and collaborative growth. lenges and benefits of this feedback method. Anne shares creativity boosters from her book "Born to Create" to provide listeners with actionable strategies. The hosts challenge each other with a playful activity using clay to create awards for their colleagues, demonstrating a practical way for educators to engage students in creative thinking. This episode provides insights into effective feedback and tangible methods for educators to incorporate creative thinking into their teaching practices. Check out Fueling Creativity in Education Website! Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Do you want to infuse creative thinking into your classroom? Check out CreativityandEducation.comSubscribe to our monthly newsletter!

    26 min
4.9
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

The Fueling Creativity Podcast captures the conversational coffee break room dialogue between cutting-edge educators, practitioners, and researchers in the field of education and creativity. Like the traditional coffee break, these 20-minute sessions are quick and energizing. Hosted by Dr. Cynthia Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood, these rich and informed discussions will initiate deeper thinking on what creativity means for educators across the grades. Each caffeinated cup of classroom conversation is guaranteed to empower and inspire you during your school day and, hopefully, make you smile!

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada