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. 3D AGO

    Creative Styles in Action: A New Way to Understand Creativity in the Classroom

    Who are the creative students in your classroom? And how might your definition of creativity be shaping who you notice and who you overlook? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Dr. Gerard Puccio and Cheri Sterman to explore a new way of understanding creativity through the Crayola Creative Styles Tool. Listen in as the conversation explores how creativity shows up differently in each learner and why recognizing those differences matters. Gerard and Cheri introduce a framework built around three key areas, how we think, how we perceive, and how we engage, and explain how this approach can help educators better understand themselves and their students. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – Why many educators struggle with creative confidence and how that impacts teaching – The importance of helping people see themselves as creative in their own way – How creativity goes beyond thinking and includes perception and engagement – The difference between seeing details and seeing connections in the creative process – Why some people prefer to act quickly while others need time to reflect – How understanding your own creative style can improve collaboration with others – The role of self-awareness in building creative confidence and agency – Why creativity should not be reduced to labels or fixed identities – How this tool can help teachers better support different types of learners – The connection between environment, experience, and creative preferences – Why students rarely get the chance to learn about themselves as creative thinkers – How a shared language around creativity can strengthen classroom culture Gerard and Cheri also discuss how this tool can open up important conversations in schools, helping both educators and students better understand how they approach problems, ideas, and learning. If you are an educator or school leader, this episode offers a new lens for recognizing creativity in your classroom and supporting it in more intentional ways.   About the Guests Dr. Gerard Puccio is a distinguished professor at Buffalo State University and a leading voice in creativity research. He serves as chair of the Center for Applied Imagination and has published extensively on creative thinking and innovation. His work has received multiple awards, including recognition for research excellence and contributions to the field of creativity. Cheri Sterman is the Director of Education at Crayola, where she works with educators, families, and communities to deepen their understanding of creativity. She leads professional learning programs and helps design global initiatives such as Crayola Creativity Week, which reaches millions of students and teachers worldwide. Be sure to subscribe to 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.

    31 min

  2. APR 28

    The Power of Game-Based Learning: Why Tabletop Role-Playing Games Matter

    Is game-based learning just about making lessons more fun? Or can it actually deepen how students think, learn, and solve problems? And what happens when students are given space to fail, try again, and learn through play?   In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Adam Watson, an educator and author who explores how tabletop role-playing games can transform learning in the classroom. Listen in as the conversation breaks down what game-based learning really means, how it differs from gamification, and why games can be powerful tools for creativity, collaboration, and deeper understanding across subjects. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – The difference between gamification and true game-based learning – Why games need to be used with clear purpose, not just for engagement – How tabletop role-playing games can support learning across subjects, including science and math – Why failure in games helps students learn without fear – How games encourage problem solving, collaboration, and communication – The role of imagination and storytelling in building understanding – Why simple changes can turn an existing lesson into a game-based experience – How constraints and rules can actually support creativity – The importance of helping students learn at their own pace – Why play is often misunderstood and undervalued in education – How teachers can start small by rethinking one lesson or unit – The connection between games, creativity, and meaningful learning Adam also shares practical examples of how teachers can bring game-based learning into the classroom, including a science lesson where students design animals and test how they survive in different environments. If you are an educator looking for new ways to engage students and deepen learning, this episode offers simple ideas you can start using right away.   About the Guest Adam Watson is an award-winning educator from Kentucky who began his career as a high school English teacher. He has served as a district digital learning coordinator and now works as a regional digital learning consultant supporting multiple school districts. He is also the author of Tabletop Role-Playing Games in the Classroom and works with educators to explore how game-based learning can support student growth across subjects.   Be sure to subscribe to 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.

    33 min

  3. APR 21

    Five Years Celebrating Fueling Creativity in Education: Where have we been and where are we going

    🎉 Celebrating 5 Years of Fueling Creativity in Education Special Anniversary Episode | World Creativity and Innovation Day What happens when two educators set out to bridge research and practice in creativity… and simply keep going? In this special anniversary episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood reflect on five years of conversations, growth, and creative exploration. Released on World Creativity and Innovation Day, this milestone marks not just longevity, but impact: over 130 guests, countless ideas, and a global community committed to bringing creativity into classrooms. From early scripted interviews to authentic, unscripted conversations, this episode pulls back the curtain on how the podcast has evolved and what it has taught both hosts along the way.

    26 min

  4. APR 21

    Wonder, Engagement, and Creativity: What’s Helping—and What’s Holding Us Back

    What if the challenge in education is not a lack of creativity, but how we choose to prioritize it? In this reflective debrief episode, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood revisit three conversations from Season 12, featuring Susan Riley, Dana Henrickson, and Emma Watson. Together, these discussions raise a deeper question. Is creativity truly missing in schools, or is it already there, just not fully recognized or supported? Rather than pointing to a single barrier, this episode explores a more layered reality. Funding matters, but it is not the full story. Time, priorities, and expectations often shape what actually happens in the classroom. Creativity may exist in small, everyday moments, but without space and intention, it can easily be overlooked. The conversation also dives into the relationship between engagement and creativity. Do students need to be engaged before they can think creatively, or does creativity spark engagement in the first place? The answer is not simple, and that is exactly the point. Teaching is not about choosing one over the other, but understanding how they work together in real classroom conditions. Another key theme is the idea that teachers are already designing creative learning experiences, even if they do not always label them that way. With the right language and awareness, educators can begin to see their own practices differently and build from what is already working. The episode also highlights the concept of Wonder Museums, inspired by Emma Watson’s work. These experiences invite students to explore what they care about, create something meaningful, and share it with others. It is a reminder that creativity does not always require something new. Sometimes it starts by reimagining what is already possible. Finally, this debrief offers a shift in perspective. Instead of calling for a complete overhaul of the education system, it suggests something more realistic. Progress may come from small, intentional changes, a clearer understanding of creativity, and a willingness to rethink what we value in learning. If you have ever questioned whether creativity needs more resources or simply more attention, this episode offers a thoughtful and grounded perspective.   Be sure to subscribe to 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.

    25 min

  5. APR 14

    Designing Wonder: Bringing Museum Experiences to School with Emma Widmer

    What happens when learning feels more like exploring a museum than sitting in a classroom? And how can we create spaces where students are driven by curiosity instead of routine? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Emma Widmer, an educator who brought the idea of a “Wonder Museum” into her school to create hands-on, curiosity-driven learning experiences for all students. Listen in as the conversation explores how Emma transforms familiar school spaces into immersive environments where students can move freely, follow their interests, and engage with learning in a more meaningful way. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – What it looks like to bring a museum-style experience into a school – How the Wonder Museum shifted from structured stations to open exploration – Why giving students choice helps increase curiosity and engagement – The role of collaboration in making big ideas possible – How small changes, like themed learning days, can work in any classroom – Why time and flexibility matter when trying new approaches – How to connect learning to student interests and local culture – The importance of knowing students and building strong relationships – How afterschool clubs can extend learning in a natural way – The opportunities and challenges within gifted education – Why creativity often grows when teachers balance structure and freedom – How immersive experiences can make learning feel natural and enjoyable Emma also shares how her own experience as a student shaped her teaching, including a memorable Titanic simulation that showed her how powerful immersive learning can be. If you are an educator, school leader, or someone thinking about how to make learning more engaging, this episode offers practical ideas you can try in your own setting. About the Guest Emma Widmer is an educator based in Western New York with over a decade of teaching experience. She currently serves as a gifted programming specialist at Dodge Elementary School, where she collaborates with teachers to design school-wide creative learning experiences, including the Wonder Museum. In addition to her work in K–12 education, she also teaches college-level courses and is passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning in students.   Be sure to subscribe to 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.

    26 min

  6. APR 7

    Creativity or Engagement: Which Comes First with Dr. Danah Henrikson

    Does creativity make learning more engaging? Or does engagement create the conditions for creativity? What might we be overlooking when we assume we can easily tell when students are engaged? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Dr. Danah Henriksen to explore what research reveals about the connection between creativity and engagement in the classroom. Listen in as the conversation unpacks how creative learning environments can increase student motivation, curiosity, and participation. Danah shares why engagement is not always visible, and how what looks like attention or compliance may not reflect what students are actually thinking or learning. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: Why creativity and engagement work in both directions, not just one How psychological safety helps students take risks and try new ideas The difference between true engagement and simple compliance Why students may appear focused but still hold misconceptions How creative teachers model thinking and influence student behavior Why small shifts in teaching can make a big difference in engagement How questioning, discussion, and exploration make learning more visible The tension between engaging students and meeting learning goals How technology can both support and interrupt engagement Why teaching is really a process of design, not just delivery Danah also shares insights from her research with award-winning teachers, highlighting how creativity shows up in everyday classroom practice and how it can be developed over time. If you are an educator, instructional designer, or school leader, this episode offers practical and research-based insights on how to think differently about engagement and create learning experiences that invite deeper participation.   About the Guest Dr. Danah Henriksen is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Her research focuses on creativity, design thinking, and technology in education. She has published widely in the field, serves as Associate Editor for Thinking Skills and Creativity, and is co-author of Explaining Creativity (3rd edition). Be sure to subscribe to 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.

    25 min

  7. MAR 31

    The Creativity Edge in Education: Funding, Priorities, and Training with Susan Riley

    What helps educators move creativity from the margins to the center of teaching and learning? And what systems might be quietly shaping what’s possible in our classrooms? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett speak with Susan Riley, founder of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM and author of Creativity’s Edge: Unleashing Humanity’s Greatest Advantage in the Age of AI. Together, they explore why creativity, despite being widely valued, often remains underprioritized in schools—and how factors like funding, time, teacher preparation, and leadership all play a role in shaping what actually happens in classrooms. In this episode, we discuss: Why creativity in education is fundamentally an equity issue tied to funding and access How “money buys time” and why time is one of the biggest barriers to creative teaching The tension between stated values (creativity matters) and actual priorities (testing, curriculum pacing, college admissions) Why even well-funded schools may overlook creativity due to competing goals and systemic pressures How teacher preparation programs often miss foundational skills like lesson design and creative integration The role of leadership and school culture in fostering or constraining creativity Simple, practical ways to embed creativity into everyday classroom routines without overhauling curriculum The importance of habits and small shifts, such as questioning routines and curiosity-driven practices The connection between creativity and curiosity as mutually reinforcing forces in learning The “212-degree” metaphor for creativity as a transformational force that is often invisible but deeply impactful The challenges and possibilities of assessing creativity across skills, thinking, application, and expression Why creativity is both a communal experience and an individual act that extends beyond the classroom About Our Guest Susan Riley is an internationally recognized educator, author, and founder of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, the largest online professional development provider focused on arts-integrated approaches. She has presented at the U.S. Department of Education, National Public Radio, and Americans for the Arts, and her work has been featured in publications worldwide. Her latest book, Creativity’s Edge, explores how creativity can serve as a critical advantage in the age of AI. This episode invites educators and leaders to take a deeper look at the systems, priorities, and daily practices that shape creativity in schools—and to consider how small, intentional shifts can lead to meaningful change over time. Be sure to subscribe to 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.

    28 min

  8. MAR 24

    No Revolution Required: Creativity Is Already Here

    What if the problem in education is not a lack of creativity, but how we prioritize it? In this reflective debrief episode, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett revisit three powerful conversations from Season 12, exploring creativity through the lenses of AI, constructive dialogue, and educational research. Rather than calling for a complete overhaul of the system, they challenge a common narrative and suggest something more nuanced: creativity is already present in our classrooms, but it may not always be given the space or attention it deserves. The discussion dives into the difference between productivity and creativity in the age of AI, and how educators can use emerging tools to reclaim time without sacrificing deep thinking. The hosts also unpack the role of constructive dialogue as a foundation for creative problem solving, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, relationships, and shared understanding in the classroom. Finally, they reflect on research around whether schools truly hinder creativity, offering a more balanced perspective. Instead of revolution, they propose evolution, supported by mindset shifts, better use of tools, and a renewed commitment to student creative agency. If you have ever wondered how to navigate creativity, AI, and meaningful learning without burning everything down, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective.   Be sure to subscribe to 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.

    23 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Fueling Creativity in Education

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