The Out of the Trenches Podcast

Episode #301: AJ Bianco

AJ Bianco is a husband and proud father of three, who has dedicated his professional life to the field of education. Currently serving as the Assistant Principal at East Brook Middle School in New Jersey, AJ brings experience and a passion for innovative teaching practices to his role. One of AJ's primary areas of focus is on empowering and supporting educators. He takes great pride in coaching teachers, guiding them towards strategies that not only elevate their teaching skills but also maximize the potential of their students. AJ is a firm believer in the transformative power of technology in the classroom and consistently advocates for its integration to enhance the learning experience. Known for his commitment to progressive educational approaches, AJ champions Blended Learning practices, Personalized Learning, Project-Based Learning, and the Flipped Classroom model. He believes in tailoring teaching methods to the unique needs of each student, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

AJ's influence extends beyond the school walls through his engagement with the education community. An avid podcast listener himself, AJ is not only the host of the ReflectEd Podcast but also the co-host of PodcastPD. Through these platforms, he shares his insights, interviews thought leaders, and explores the latest trends in education, all with the goal of inspiring and informing educators worldwide. AJ maintains an active online presence through his website and podcast at www.ajbianco.me. Here, he shares resources, reflections, and valuable content related to education and leadership.

You can connect with AJ and join the conversation on all social media platforms by following X, FB, LinkedIn, IG @AJBianco or Podcast PD,

Episode #300: Dr. Rob Martinez & Holly Stuart

Holly Stuart is the Education Specialist at Foldscope Instruments. She has over 10 years of science education experience in both indoor and outdoor classrooms ranging from 3K through 12th grade. She is currently a Teach Better Team Ambassador and Mentor Ambassador. 

Find Holly on X & Instagram: @hollyastuart Foldscope Website: https://foldscope.com/

Dr. Robert A. Martinez is currently the Chief of Human Resources for the Antioch Unified School District. HIs new book, "Recipes for Resilience, Nurturing Perseverance in Students and Educators" was recently released and is available on @Amazon. He shares messages from his life and lessons learned. His life's work has focused on helping others live courageous, resilient lives.

Find Rob online: @ResiliencyGuy on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and Linkedn.

Episode #299: Tom Hoerr

Tom Hoerr led schools for 37 years and is now a Scholar In Residence at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he teaches prospective principals. Tom began as a teacher and then moved into a leadership role as a principal in the School District of University City. He worked with the Pershing School faculty to achieve significant improvements in student performance at the same time that the school population became more impoverished. In 1981, Tom became the head of the New City School in St. Louis, a school founded on a commitment to progressive learning and respect for human diversity. During Tom’s 34 years at New City, the school raised funds to renovate the building, expand the campus, refurbish the theater, build the MI library, and establish an endowment for need-based financial aid. He was given Emeritus status when he retired in 2015.

Find Tom online: www.thomashoerr.com email: trhoerr@aol.com

Episode #298: Danny Bauer

Danny Bauer is a Principal Development & Retention Expert, Best Selling Author and Host of Two of the World’s Most Downloaded Podcasts. As the Chief Ruckus Maker, he founded Better Leaders Better Schools in 2015. In this episode, we discuss "Build Leadership Momentum: How to Create the Perfect Principal Entry Plan".

Find Danny online: www.betterleadersbetterschools.com

FB @dannybauer and X/IG: @heydannybauer

Episode #297: Alex Kajitani

Alex Kajitani is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is the author of several books, including Owning It, which was named “Recommended Reading” by the U.S. Department of Education, and his newest book (for new teachers!), You’re a Teacher Now! What’s Next? is receiving rave reviews! A highly sought after education speaker, Alex is known around the world as “The Rappin’ Mathematician. He has a popular TED Talk, and was honored at The White House.

Find Alex online:   / alexkajitani      / @alexkajitani     / alex.kajitani   IG @alexkajitani Multiplication Nation- sign up on his website

Website: https://alexkajitani.com

Episode #296: Josh Korb

Josh Korb is the author of “Be the Cause: Educator’s Guide to EFFECTive Instruction”-recently published by Road to Awesome. He's a dynamic and multifaceted educator, passionately strives to revolutionize the world of education. Beginning his career as a math teacher, Josh's innate drive to innovate led him to become a Director of Technology and Innovation. This role allowed him to merge his love for teaching with his profound experience in instructional technology, in hopes of transforming the educational landscape. As an accomplished author, educational consultant, and captivating speaker, Josh shares his insights on the intersection of technology and education, inspiring audiences and unboxing potential. His ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction has cemented his reputation as a thought leader in his educational community.

Find Josh online: www.youcanbethecause.com is on social @mrjkorb on X IG: @MrJoshKorb he can keynote/lead PD. website: www.joshkorb.org

Episode #295: Bradley James Davies

Bradley James Davies is a school leadership consultant and coach with two decades of experience teaching, coaching, and leading independent schools across all grade levels as a dean, division head, and head of school. He invests in leaders dedicated to becoming their best selves and living their best lives. His clients span all sectors, from technology and entertainment to government and education, and all levels of leadership, from rising stars to c-suite veterans. Specializing in life-transitions, work-life balance, team dynamics, leadership wellness, and adult development, he blends a light-hearted style with a keen ability to get to the heart of the matter. He brings to the table a unique capacity to simplify and summarize the complex and the confidence to compassionately challenge when needed. As a result, he successfully helps clients expand their self awareness, leverage their strengths, and implement best practices designed to optimize life both at work and at home. In addition to coaching leaders, she also speaks and facilitates workshops on “Next Level Listening” and “Leadership Wellness 101.”

Find Bradley online: IG @bradley.james.davies, LinkedIn, @Bradley James Davies, or TikTok @bradleyjamesdavies.

Episode #294: Tamara Fyke

Tamara Fyke is a creative entrepreneur with a passion for kids, families, and urban communities. She is the creator and founder of BlueWonder Creative which focuses on children’s mental health and wellness in education through Love In A Big World and healthcare through Brav3Up. She is a leader for community programs as well as in-school support services, program development, and research.

Tamara received her master’s degree in education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development and worked at Vanderbilt’s Center for Safe & Supportive Schools. She is editor of Building People: SEL for Kids, Families, Schools and Communities which will be re-released in June 2023 and author of Family Matters: Thriving as One which will be released in July. She is the proud mother of three grown children and resides in Nashville, TN.

Find Tamara online: www.loveinabigworld.com Email: Info@loveinabigworld.com

Episode #293: Dr. Chris Hartley

Dr. Chris Hartley serves as a Deputy Executive Director at the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE). His primary role is leading and supporting the CCEE Center of Transformative Systems for Equitable Educational Outcomes and efforts to build capacity and improve accessibility within the CA Statewide System of Support.

With 32 years in education, Chris originally began as a teacher in high school level alternative education programs, and ultimately transitioned to high school principal, founder and principal of a charter school, and Superintendent for the Northern Humboldt Union High School District. Every student must have accessibility to a rich and meaningful learning experience. Serving and advocating for the needs of students in rural communities with a focus on building relationships among diverse community members and educators has proven instrumental in successful program design and implementation during his career.

Find Chris online: https://ccee-ca.org/member/chris-hartley/

Episode # 292: Bradlee W. Skinner

Bradlee W. Skinner is an educational thought leader, entertainer, former administrator, author, playwright, perspective giving speaker, and an expert in school culture and climate. He is known for his quick wit, creative thought, and humorous personality. Bradlee was recognized as the 2018 Wyoming Theatre Director of the Year; the current District Teacher of the Year, and in summer of 2019 Bradlee was honored by the Jostens company as their National Educator of the Year. Bradlee is the host of “The Stark Realization” Podcast, and co-host of the web series, “The Empower Half Hour” both focusing on current trends and best practices in the world of education.

Bradlee recently added movie producer to his resume with his first film hitting theaters later this summer. Bradlee openly shares his knowledge, experiences and creativity with others. He currently speaks to students, staff and communities throughout the country about how to think differently about schools, education, and life. Focusing on positive school culture and climate, determination, grit, and social-emotional learning.

Bradlee currently lives in Southwest Wyoming with his wife, Melissa and their three daughters.

Find Bradlee online: https://bradleeskinner1.wixsite.com/website IG, X, FB, TikTok @bradleewskinner