Learn, Grow, Teach, Parent

Mark Soldevilla

Conversations with modern educators who seek to ignite curiosity and bring inspiration to their students. We hope to create a bridge where students, parents and educators can collaborate and discuss ideas so that children of all ages and abilities can thrive learning to think and loving to learn. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and leave us a comment on what you liked about the episode or what conversations you would like to hear in the future.

  1. 02/18/2024

    014 Getting to know Educator Kim Cody

    My guest on this episode is Connecticut educator Kim Cody, a 35 year veteran teacher who retired last June, but was pulled back into teaching because she identified a need for qualified math tutors and simply could not stay away. Kim is very charming and quite thoughtful regarding the current state of elementary school education in our country. We had an easy going conversation that covered various topics and also clearly identified the need for a new crop of fresh, energetic educators to enter the profession. I hope you enjoy meeting Kim as much as I did and find our conversation equally enjoyable!

  2. 12/17/2023

    013 Jamie York | A Math Teacher's Geometric Dream House

    Jamie York shares the story behind his math teacher's geometric dream house, a unique architectural project inspired by geometric shapes. Here is the link to the YouTube documentary https://youtu.be/TCbXNHgrBHY He discusses his fascination with the close packing problem and the discovery of the rhombic triacontahedron as the foundation for the house. Jamie emphasizes the importance of architecture in promoting emotional and spiritual well-being and encourages students to think independently and pursue their dreams. He also highlights the need for balanced optimism and discernment in today's world. The conversation explores the connection between geometry and philosophy and the value of pure geometry in education. Jamie emphasizes the importance of real geometry and how it strengthens the imagination, leading to creative problem-solving. The conversation then transitions to the connection between geometry and architecture, highlighting the creative side of building. Jamie shares the story of the Phi House, a rhombic triacontohedron, and how it was brought to life. The concept of bringing dreams to reality is explored, emphasizing the importance of determination and taking action. The significance of the Phi House and the phi ratio is discussed, with a recommendation to watch the accompanying video. Takeaways: Architecture plays a crucial role in promoting emotional and spiritual well-being. Independent thinking and pursuing one's dreams are essential for personal growth and making a positive impact on the world. Balanced optimism and discernment are necessary in navigating a polarized society. Geometry can be a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills and fostering a deeper understanding of the world. Real geometry strengthens the imagination and fosters creative problem-solving. Geometry and architecture are closely connected, with architecture being the creative side of building. Bringing dreams to reality requires determination and taking action. The Phi House and the phi ratio hold significance and are worth exploring further.

  3. 11/25/2023

    012 The Evolution of Jared Coady

    Jared Coady is a teacher who routinely challenges himself to educate his students at every level needed to inspire a deep love of learning. He is insightful, deliberate and controlled by every measure that a parent would want from a teacher for their child. I've known Jared for more than a decade and even worked with him side by side. In doing so I encountered and highly dedicated educator with the highest of standards for himself and a leader that chooses carefully every interaction and encounter with his students. He taught both my daughters but most deeply impacted Annabella as her main teacher from 4th to 8th grade. I had a great conversation with Jared and I know you'll enjoy the topic we cover in this episode.

  4. 10/22/2023

    011 Jamie York on math resources for homeschooling in 2023

    Episode 11 features Jamie York as we discuss the trending topic of homeschooling. Homeschooling rates have quadrupled since the COVID-19 lockdowns. An estimated 3.26 million students are currently being homeschooled. This number is easily increasing and it is now safe to say that, moving forward, a significant number of students will enter society having been educated by dedicated parents who carefully curate their curriculum to match the needs of their children. In the near future we'll have credible data as to the outcome of this trend. The numbers will either make or break the decision to homeschool. I am among the parents who chose homeschool, so I can say first hand that the experience was rewarding and successful beyond our wildest estimations. Jamie York and his excellent math academy was pivotal to our success. Therefore I'm quite happy to highlight this episode and feature questions and thoughts that could help the many families who enter into the world of modern homeschooling. Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did in bringing Jamie York back to the podcast!

  5. 10/15/2023

    010 My conversation with Michele Yulo

    In today's 10th Episode of the podcast, I'm speaking with Michele Yulo a friend and dedicated parent. Michele tell us about her personal journey raising her daughter and her choices surrounding our public school system. She has always been a strong advocate, a mindful parent and balanced guide with a clear voice that has brought out the very best from her daughter Gabi. She is the founder and president of Princess Free Zone, Inc. and creator of SUIT HER, a potential line of suits for girls. In 2017 she gave a powerful TED talk entitled Parenting a Gender Non-Conforming Child that has garnered over 300,000 views. Her book Super Tool Lula: The Kind Warrior (Available at Amazon) is thoughtful and deeply inspiring. We had a great conversation that allowed us both to reflect and in some cases reimagine K-12 public education. I hope you enjoy the episode and as always leave a comment so I can continue to entice many more excellent guests like Michele to the Learn, Grow, Teach, Parent podcast!

  6. 10/08/2023

    009 A conversation with the talented Mr. Reedy

    In this "mini "episode I have a brief conversation with Brian Reedy. He is an extremely talented artist and a 30 year veteran art teacher. He has a gregarious demeanor that is enormously accessible to both his student and to fans of his work. I was impressed by the grounded and practical approach he takes in the classroom that translates to a pathway which students who seek to make a go of the art world can model. The development of life skills, such as planning and strategy, combine to give structure to talented students who can then bring real world sensibilities to their burgeoning craft. He tell us about how teaching and being a working artist go hand in hand - and how his own life experiences inform his approach in the classroom. I hope you enjoy this episode even though it's a bit shorter than usual, but take to heart that with a guest like Brian Reedy there will be more to follow!

  7. 10/02/2023

    008 Sandy Valdes 29 years teaching boys to men

    In this episode I chat with Sandy Valdez a 29 year science teacher at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. We learn about the highly compassionate Marist brothers who founded this school in 1958 and their mission to build a school from which to develop educated and well rounded men. In addition to science classes, Sandy teaches a SLS class that prepares young men for college life and beyond. She is highly conscientious in her task and works hand in hand with her colleagues to take 9th grade boys and guide them into becoming men. It's a unique opportunity to be a woman teaching in an all boys school, but the cohesive staff at Columbus has a secret sauce developed over years of honing a singular mission. It works, and Sandy's passion for teaching exemplifies the very real way that guiding principles of old are very much alive in modern education. Her track record speaks for itself as the boys of Columbus become the men of our future. Men of God, men of compassion who lead their families and transform society through worthy missions of service.

  8. 09/25/2023

    007 Michael Sinisgalli - Education in balance.

    In this episode I talk with Michael Sinisgalli, a 20 year veteran teacher in the public school system. We follow him on a path which led him to the classroom two decades ago as an elementary school music teacher. He is thoughtful, introspective and deeply committed to how his interaction with students impacts their lives. He speaks to how we need to transform all levels for modern education and touches on the role which parents can play in helping students get more out of modern education. Michael is a deep thinker who uses meditation to self-improve and aims for emotional balance professionally and personally equally. I hope you enjoy our conversation and as always thank you for listening.

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About

Conversations with modern educators who seek to ignite curiosity and bring inspiration to their students. We hope to create a bridge where students, parents and educators can collaborate and discuss ideas so that children of all ages and abilities can thrive learning to think and loving to learn. Please take a moment to subscribe, rate and leave us a comment on what you liked about the episode or what conversations you would like to hear in the future.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Soldevilla
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mark Soldevilla
  • Show Website
    Learn, Grow, Teach, Parent