The Out of the Trenches Podcast

Episode #56:Chris Dodge

Christopher Dodge is currently the Principal of The Orange Elementary Schools in Orange, MA, serving 500 students in grades PreK-6. He began his career as a grade 5 and 6 educator in Petersham, MA. Chris' passion as an educator included differentiating mathematics instruction for all students. Chris is an advocate for adult and student’ social-emotional well-being, and the impact it has on student achievement. Chris most recently served on the Commissioner’s Teaching and Learning subcommittee for reopening schools. He is a connected educator who utilizes social media to make family and community connections, and is passionate about educators using social media as a form of ongoing, personalized professional development. Find Chris on Twitter & IG: @PrincipalDodge1 Visit his school Facebook: @everychildeveryday1 and Chris' blog: http://oesleadlearner.blogspot.com/

Episode #55: Justin Goldston,Ph.D.

Dr. Justin Goldston is a Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management at Penn State University. Dr. Goldston is the author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles focused on supply chain management and innovative technologies, of Critical Success Factors in ERP Implementations, and is a five-time TEDx speaker where he discussed emerging technologies such as blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Goldston has led and assisted in developing Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics programs at Georgetown University, Texas A&M University, North Carolina Wesleyan College, and has evaluated doctoral programs for the Department of Higher Education while serving on the Management Advisory Board at various higher education institutions. Connect with Dr. Goldston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-goldston/

Episode #54: Matt Miller

Matt Miller is the superintendent of Lakota Local Schools. He has spent the last 26 years serving Ohio communities as an educator in the roles of Superintendent, Director of Student Services and Instruction, Principal, and Teacher. Matt is actively involved in the prestigious and nationwide League of Innovative Schools through Digital Promise, serving as an elected member of their advisory committee. He was selected as one of 100 superintendents nationwide to attend and present at the #FutureReady​ National ConnectED Superintendents Summit at the White House, is the Lead Advisor for the Future Ready Schools District Leaders strand, was named to the National School Boards Association #NSBA Top 20 to Watch in the Nation. Matt conducted his 2016 TEDx Talk entitled: "Don't Buy the Book: Cultivate, Curate and Go Open", which we discuss here. Matt is transforming Lakota through the use of open educational resources and balanced learning, along with emphasizing student and teacher voice through innovation.

Follow Matt on Twitter & IG @LakotaSuper FB: Matt Miller - Lakota Local Schools Superintendent (facebook.com/LakotaSuper) and visit his district's website: www.lakotaonline.com

Episode #53: Rachelle Dené Poth

Rachelle Dené Poth is an #edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle teaches Spanish and STEAM: What’s nExT in Emerging Technology at Riverview Junior Senior High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. She is also a #Buncee Ambassador, #Nearpod #PioNear and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. Rachelle is the author of four books, ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU” (EduMatch) and “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” Rachelle Dene’s latest book is with ISTE “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World." Rachelle is a blogger for Getting Smart, Defined Learning, District Administration, NEO LMS, and the STEM Informer with Newsweek. Follow Rachelle on Twitter & IG: @Rdene915

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/THRIVEINEDU and visit her website: https://rdene915.com/​

Episode #52: TJ Vari/Joseph Jones

Dr. Joseph Jones​ is the Superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District in Delaware. Joe is a former high school social studies teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He received his doctorate from the University of Delaware in educational leadership. Currently, Joe works closely with local and state leaders on student achievement and accountability and has spearheaded an aggressive and successful campaign to ensure student success. Joe is also an adjunct professor, teaching and designing curriculum, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels for various universities. He presents nationally on topics of school leadership and is the co-founder of the leadership development institute, TheSchoolHouse302.

Dr. T.J. Vari ​is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and District Operations in the Appoquinimink School District in Delaware. He is a former middle school assistant principal and principal and former high school English teacher and department chair. His doctorate is in Innovation and Leadership. His efforts span beyond the K-12 arena into higher education where he holds adjunct appointments, teaching courses at the masters and doctoral level. He is a national presenter on topics of school leadership and the cofounder of TheSchoolHouse302, a leadership development institute. Both guests co-authored "Candid and Compassionate Feedback: Transforming Everyday Practice in Schools". And, with Salome Thomas-EL they co-authored "Passionate Leadership: Creating a Culture of Success in Every School as well as Building a Winning Team: The Power of a Magnetic Reputation" and the "Need to Recruit Top Talent in Every School". Follow them on Twitter @tjvari @TSH302 @josephjonessr FB: @TheSchoolhouse302 and visit their website: www.theschoolhouse302.com

Episode #51: Amy Valentine

Amy Valentine has been called a social rabble rouser, a turnaround strategist and a fighter of the status quo in K-12 education. She has served as a teacher, trainer, administrator, and executive director overseeing networks of schools. Amy is a staunch supporter of educators, a believer in the promise of new technologies, and remains above all an irrepressible optimist on system-level change. She leads Future of School, a national education organization, dedicated to bringing all kids’ learning opportunities into the 21st century. Amy has appeared onstage at DLAC and iNACOL and in dozens of panels, sharing insights on digital learning, equity and access. Amy's son Kai, joins this episode the last few minutes. Kai is a 7th grade student at Aspen View Academy (AVA), a charter school in Douglas County, CO. He enjoys playing basketball, baseball and swimming. 

Follow Amy on Twitter: @amyvalentine555 @futureof_school FB: Future of School Stories-p or visit her website: http://futureof.school

Episode #50: B.Beck, B.Hughes, J. Molitor& C.Dodge

Guests for this 50th episode celebration are: Jen Molitor is a Speaker and Author of The Happy Teacher’s Handbook- From Overwhelmed to Inspired- Helping Teachers Embrace Resiliency. She is a first year principal at a 4th/5th grade campus in Ohio. Find Jen on Twitter @TeacherRenegade 

Brad Hughes is an elementary school Principal in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Brad recently launched his own podcast “Good news, Brad news”, on anchor.. Follow him on Twitter @Brad_Hughes   

Brandon Beck, Ed.D. is the Author of “Unlocking Unlimited Potential: Understanding the Infinite Power within to Guide any student toward success.” He has been a dual language teacher elementary teacher for 15 years in NY state. Follow him Twitter & IG @BrandonBeckEDU FB: Brandon Beck Visit his website: brandonbeckedu.com

Chris Dodge: is currently the Principal of The Orange Elementary Schools in Orange, MA, serving 500 students in grades PreK-6. He is a connected educator who utilizes social media to make family and community connections,  & as a form of ongoing, personalized professional development. Follow him Twitter & IG @PrincipalDodge1

Episode #49: Unlock the Middle: Chris Starczewski & Dean Packard

Unlock the Middle are two proud middle school principals co-hosting a videocast to celebrate and unlock all that is special about middle school. They live in Dudley/Charlton, MA. They are Chris Starczewski and Dean Packard. They get excited helping students, educators and parents learn and grow. Their videocast, Unlock The Middle, airs live on Sunday nights at 8pm (EST) on Twitter (@UnlockTheMiddle), Facebook (@UnlockTheMiddle) and their YouTube Channel (Unlock The Middle). Follow them on social at @unlockthemiddle and visit their website: https://sites.google.com/view/unlockthemiddle

Episode#48: Lindsay Deacon

Lindsay Deacon is the Co-author of The EduCoach Survival Guide (2020), Coaching & Visible Learning Consultant at Corwin Press, previous School Improvement Coach and current 6th grade teacher at Portland Public Schools. She lives in Portland, OR. Lindsay has worked under Dr. Jim Knight’s leadership on his Instructional Coaching team and on Professor John Hattie’s Visible Learning team at Corwin Press. Outside of her professional work, Lindsay’s greatest passions are exercising and rereading A Game of Thrones. She also impersonates flight attendants from time to time. Follow Lindsay on Twitter & IG @TheRealLindsay2

Episode#47: Robert Breyer

Robert Breyer is the proud principal of Cameron Elementary School in Cameron, N. Carolina. He also makes time to coach aspiring leaders who are looking to make the transition from teacher to administration. He is the host of The Guiding Principals Podcast, where he encourages visionary school leaders to share the stories of their own leadership journey, and celebrates their successes along the way. Connect with Robert on his website at www.robertbreyer.com or via Twitter & IG @rbreyer51