Episode 17. Scott Lee: Letting Educators Take the Lead

In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Scott Lee. Scott directs curriculum design at the CWK Network and is the producer/host of The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast. They discuss a variety of issues related to teachers, the struggles they face in and out of the classroom today, and how asking the right questions can be a start for change.  

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

1:25 - Scott’s backstory as a teacher and the inspiration behind his podcast, The Thoughtful Teacher
3:41 – Importance of developing the positive relationship as a teacher
5:30 – Issues in teacher retention
7:20 – The three issues teachers are facing today: COVID, Communication Issues, Control Issues
10:00 – Teachers are feeling scapegoated by issues in the world
12:01 – Importance of a teacher in helping students deal with social issues impacting them
13:15 – Unintended consequences of telling teachers to not talk about certain subjects
17:25 – What should school look like in the 21st Century?
18:32 – We have to be asking the right questions
19:00 – What are some solutions and how can everyone help?
21:45 – Take a lead from educators
23:00 – Everyone remembers the best teacher(s) they had.  

Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening) 

Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode. 

How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?  
How does this topic connect with my current context?
What are the implications to my practice?
How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems?
How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization? 

Inside the Conversation  

Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode. 

Scott Lee on Twitter 
The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast
Chief Academic Officer of LA Unified School District
Marc Brackett, Ph. D. – Yale University
Defining Us Podcast with Tim Shriver 

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