Principally Speaking

Outro: Element Poker by Engage Games

Check out my new project @ www.element.poker. Thank you for your support!  

PS63: The Creative Classroom with John Spencer

On this episode of the show, I connect with John Spencer, co-author of the book Launch.  If you want to get your students using more design thinking and creating more I highly recommend you check out his book.  He also is the host of the podcast The Creative Classroom and his websites is spencerauthor.com.  Not only does John create great blog posts, but he’s also excellent at creating dynamic videos, which you can catch at spencervideos.com.  We talk about his experience in the classroom, t...

PS62: David Geurin's SWAT Team & Barrage of Positive Tweets

On this episode I connect with Missouri School Leader and NASSP 2017 Digital Principal of the Year David Geurin.  Among other things, he shares about his epic SWAT team at Bolivar High School who are armed with technical knowledge, not weaponry.  I also really enjoyed his story about a barrage of positive tweets he unleashed recently.  You can find him on Twitter @DavidGeurin and his excellent blog is at davidgeurin.com.  

PS61: "Instruction Without Relationships is Futile" with Danny Steele

For this episode, I had the privilege of connecting with 2016 Alabama Secondary Principal of the Year Danny Steele.  Danny is clearly another great student-centered leader and he got me fired up.  You can connect with him on Twitter @Steelethoughts and his website is steelethoughts.com.   Be sure to tune in next week for my discussion with 2017 Digital Principal of the Year David Geurin.  

PS60: A Personal Message

Here's the new website for my current podcast and new one in development: jasonbodnar.net    

PS59: Kevin Honeycutt

In this episode, I have the privilege of connecting with Kevin Honeycutt, amazing educator and speaker.  We discuss his vision for teaching and administration as well as a big life event that has helped mold his current views.   You can connect with Kevin @KevinHoneycutt on Twitter and don't forget to check out his website kevinhoneycutt.org for a ton of great resources.    

PS58: Missional Leaders Jeff & Heidi Veal

  On this episode of the show, I catch up with Jeff and Heidi Veal, two influential leaders from Texas.  We compare and contrast each of their roles and they talk about the dynamics of being a married couple of edleaders.  They also talk about how they engage the community and help build a culture of innovation at their schools. Jeff and Heidi are just another example of guests that I've had on this show that not only add amazing content to the podcast but are simply great people and I'm...

PS57: Computational Thinking, Not Just Coding with Dr. Aman Yadav

In this episode of the show I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Aman Yadav, Professor of Educational Psychology and Educational Technology at Michigan State University. We talk about the movement for more computer science in schools. Dr. Yadav helps clarify that we need to embed computation thinking, not just coding, in the classroom. I also have a big a-ha moment regarding administrative ed programs, a particular passion of mine.  You can connect with Dr. Yadav at www.amanyadav.org or...

PS56: Rural Education Expert Daisy Dyer Duerr

In this episode of the show, I have the pleasure of speaking with the most fun name in education, Daisy Dyer Duerr, or as I would address her if it was normal, D Cubed.   Daisy was named the 2014 Digital Principal of the Year by the NASSP and has also been nominated for several Bammy awards. Daisy and I talk about her education background, what she’ll be presenting about at Model Schools this next week, what she would do differently if she could start over as an administrator, and rural educ...

PS55: EdCamp Leadership & Leading a Large High School with Bobby Dodd

PS54: Flex Mod Scheduling with Jon Laffoon

PS53: HS Principal Aric Thomas Taps Into Student and Teacher Passions Through Pathways

PS52: Underdog Advocate Dr. Ryan Jackson

It's pretty clear from my talk with Dr. Ryan Jackson that he has a clear focus and passion for what he does.  He is truly an inspirational and visionary leader.  Be sure to check out his excellent blog below and/or connect with him on Twitter.   The Underdog's Advocate Ryan on Twitter  

PS51: Dynamic Edupodcaster & AP Daniel Bauer

Mr. Daniel Bauer reached out to me to be a guest on his show, Better Leaders Better Schools.  Stay tuned for this episode to be released by him in April.  Our conversation went very well and so I was inspired to have him on my show as well. Daniel is doing great things as an Assistant Principal in Chicago and also through his blog and podcast.  Check it out and connect with Daniel by clicking on the image below. Don't forget you can check out Daniel's and other great educational podcasts o...

PS50: Secondary Ed Director Dr. Neil Gupta

I talked with Dr. Gupta quite a while ago...a fantastic educator and simply great person.  I hope you enjoy Episode 50 of the show...it's been an honor being the host of Principally Speaking.  Thank you for your support and have a great 2016!  

PS49: MS EdCamp Period with Glenn Robbins

In Episode 7 squared of Principally Speaking, I have the honor of speaking with Glenn Robbins.  It will become very clear to the audience why educators are coming to visit Northfield Community School very regularly.  Glenn does an amazing job of talking about the importance of key words that we use in education, even hallway and classroom.  I was also really excited to hear more about his period of the day in which the students explore in an Edcamp like environment, as well as his epic make...

PS48: Teach Like a Pirate Day with Ryan McLane

Principally Speaking is back! Check out my talk with dynamic leader Ryan McLane.  Next week, I talk with another awesome Buckeye, Dr. Neil Gupta.   Ryan's Blog Ryan on Twitter  

PS47: #semicolonEDU with Joe Mazza

Joe's Post: Let's Stop Faking It Nick Provenzano's [thenerdyteacher] Post  Bryn's Video: Life is a Journey Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] or connect with me @EagleLeadLearnr if you want to talk about depression.    

PS46: Innovations Early College High School Leader Ken Grover

Check out the website for Innovations High School here.

PS45: Servant Leader Jimmy Casas

In Episode 45, I'm joined by Bettendorf High School Principal Jimmy Casas.  Jimmy is co-author of What Connected Educators do Differently, along with Todd Whitaker and Jeff Zoul.  During our conversation, Jimmy offers an excellent perspective on leadership and explains how he truly has built a student-centered learning environment at Bettendorf.   Jimmy on Twitter Jimmy's Website His Suggested Book: The Leadership Challenge

PS44: Leading Connected Classrooms with Bob Dillon

I enjoyed connecting with Dr. Robert Dillon, Director of Technology and Innovation for Affton Schools in Affton, Missouri.  Dr. Dillon is a former Middle School Principal who clearly works hard to empower teachers and students.  His latest book, Leading Connected Educators includes the stories of several successful Missouri educators.   Dr. Dillon's Website Connect on Twitter  

PS43: Never Underestimate Your Teachers with Robyn Jackson

As I transition to my new role as a Principal, it was very valuable to me to speak with Robyn.  Her latest book specifically opened my eyes to understanding what approach an administrator needs to take when working to help teachers improve.  We also discussed her framework for her book Never Work Harder Than Your Students.  I really enjoyed this conversation and hope you do as well. Robyn on Twitter Mindsteps Never Underestimate Your Teachers

PS42: The Relevant and Connected Educator with Tom Whitby

Tom was a great guest to have on Principally Speaking.  He reminded me that unless listeners are changing their educational practice, there isn't much point to my show.  Be sure to connect with Tom on Twitter, check out his very well-written blog, and become of a member of the Educator's PLN.  Finally, he is the co-author of The Relevant Educator and author of The Educator's Guide to Creating Connections, due for release this September.   Connect with Tom on Twitter Tom's Blog The Educat...

PS41: Intentional Digital Leadership with Thomas Murray

Mr. Tom Murray is the Digital Learning Director for the Alliance for Excellent Education.  If you're a school leader and you haven't already, I would strongly urge to check out the Future Ready Schools website and take the pledge for your district.  I'm excited about the prospects of the Future Ready Leadership Network.  Also, don't forget to check out the book Leading Professional Learning, which he co-wrote with Jeff Zoul, my guest on Episode 34. Tom's Website Connect with Tom on Twitte...

PS40: EDCAMP! w/ Kristen Swanson & Michelle White

In the first part of this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Kristen Swanson, the co-founder of the Edcamp movement.  We talk about her previous experience as a teacher and tech director, as well as her current work as an author, consultant, professor, and Director of the Research Institute at BrightBytes (whew!).  In between everything else, I learn that Barcamps are like Edcamps but for coders, and that these were an inspiration to get Edcamps going.  For a great place to lear...

PS39: Learning Differently with Sharon Plante

I've been politely bothering Sharon to be a guest on Principally Speaking for awhile and we were finally able to connect.  Sharon is a Special Education Teacher as well as the Technology Director for Eagle Hill Southport School which is located in SW Connecticut.  It's very clear that everything she does at Eagle Hill is centered around helping students and I really appreciated her perspective on teacher leadership.  She's also an expert on using the iPad to assist students with special nee...

PS38: From AP to Principal with Riley Johnson

I connected with Riley Johnson last year at EdCamp Fort Wayne.  Last year, Riley left Indiana for the Assistant Principal position at New Tech High School in Napa, California.  He will be taking over as Principal this summer.  I'm grateful to have a dynamic leader in my professional learning network going through the same transition as myself.   Riley's Twitter

PS37: The Student-Centered Classroom with Paul Solarz

  Paul Solarz is a 5th grade teacher in Arlington Heights, Illinois.  I really enjoyed hearing about his dynamic student-centered classroom and I think you will too.  Check out his new book Learn Like a Pirate if you want to "Empower Your Students to Collaborate, Lead, and Succeed."  You can connect with Paul on Twitter @PaulSolarz and he can also be found at the #learnLAP and #tlap hashtags.  

PS36: Landing in the Eagle's Nest

PS35: Reflective and Transformative Leadership with Baruti Kafele

  Just last year, I had the privilege of seeing Mr. Baruti Kafele speak at a local school.  It was extremely inspirational and helped reinvigorate my passion for education and building relationships with students.  I am honored to have had the opportunity to speak to him on my show and look forward to connecting with him in person at some point.  I'd highly recommend checking out his books as well as his website, which is home to his dynamic YouTube videos, which deliver powerful messages t...

PS34: Leading Professional Learning with Jeff Zoul

PS33: I've Been BrandED by Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis

                     School Branding experts and dynamic leaders Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis join me for an awesome conversation.   The Power of Branding Principal Professional Development The New Fall Creek Podcast Tony's Blog with Student-Led PTA Meeting, Epic Letter to Gov. Cuomo, Etc. Joe's Blog The BrandED Podcast                                              I'm a third of the way to 100 episodes and it's been an amazing journey in which I've learned a lot and I hope you ...

PS32: Fellow Proud Nerd Steven Anderson

In episode 32 of Principally Speaking, I have a great time connecting with Steven Anderson, a.k.a. web20classroom on Twitter.  I discover that we were both science teachers and both were proud members of the marching band, although he was likely much better at the tuba than I was at the trumpet.  More importantly, Steven shares insight regarding Administrators and technology, the power of being connected, and ideas from his latest book, Content Curation: How to Avoid Information Overload. ...

PS31: Dan Butler Leads Two Elementary Schools (and still has time to talk to me?!)

In this 31st episode of PS, I connect with Dan Butler.  Dan was gracious enough to talk about his experience as the principal of both Epworth and Farley Elementary Schools in Epworth, Iowa.  He also shared some great resources on the show: How Dan Uses Google Forms When Collecting Observation Data Continuous Improvement at Farley Elementary School Here's how you can connect with Dan and check out his blog: Dan's Twitter Dan's Blog He also is a co-moderator of the awesomeness that is #...

PS30: Teach Like a Pirate with Dave Burgess

In this episode I speak with former social studies teacher and current author and speaker Dave Burgess.  Dave is of course the author of Teach Like a Pirate.  We talk about the TLAP philosophy and its connection to leadership.  Dave will be the keynote speaker on July 21 at IntegratED @ East Noble High School if you happen to be in Northeast Indiana like me.  You can register for IntegratED now or apply to present at the link above.  I'm very excited to be working with Jennifer Brower and ...

PS29: Rethinking High School Design with George Philhower

In the 29th episode of the show, I have the privilege of speaking with George Philhower, Assistant Superintendent at Western Wayne Schools in Cambridge City, Indiana.  In this district and at Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School they are developing a school-within-a-school model that allows students to move at their own pace and take their own path to success.  George explained that he has leaned on the Innovations High School in Salt Lake City, Utah for support and that their Principal Kenneth Grove...

PS28: Leading Like a Pirate with Beth Houf

In Episode 28 of the show, I have the privilege of connecting with dynamic principal Beth Houf, Principal at McIntire Elementary in Fulton, Missouri.  We talk about how initiatives like positive referrals, optional PD, and the McIntire Online Read Aloud have strengthened her school.  She also relates a story about how she subbed for a full day back in November, and it inspires me to want to start the T.O.D.A.Y. movement, or Teach One Day A Year.   Beth's Blog Beth's Twitter        

PS27: Amplifying Student Voice with Andrew Marcinek

In this episode, I talk with Boston area Tech Director Andrew Marcinek, author of The 1:1 Roadmap from Corwin Press.  We'll talk about Andrew's experience organizing 4 EdCamps, his work creating an awesome Student Help Desk class, as well as a model for optional professional development that worked at his school district.  One of my favorite parts of the conversation is when he talks about a student that was able to develop their own application in order to solve a problem at their school.  ...

PS26: Be Inspired By The One and Only Rafranz Davis

In this episode, I have the privilege of talking with Instructional Technology Specalist Rafranz Davis, who hails from the Dallas area.  We move beyond just the SAMR model, and she does a great job of always bringing it back to the student perspective, as you can read about in her new book, The Missing Voices in EdTech: Bringing Diversity Into EdTech.  Among other things, we dive into cell phones in schools, the effect that technology initiatives can have on students in poverty, and her pers...

PS25: Sherry Gick is Not Your Average Media Specialist

In this episode, I chat with Teacher-Librarian and Instructional Technology Specialist Sherry Gick.  Sherry teaches the Video Production class at Rossville Jr-Sr High School and has been recognized as one of the 10 School Librarians to Follow on Twitter.  If you somehow aren't following her on Twitter, she is @libraryfanatic.  Her website is thelibraryfanatic.com.  Sherry is leading the way to redefine what it means to be a librarian in the 21st century and I hope you enjoy our talk as much ...

PS24: Trivia Crack and Cultivating Student Ideas

In this episode, I talk about the craze that is Trivia Crack and its implications for education.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the following questions: 1) What do you think about the trivia crack craze?   2) Would you want your child to constantly play trivia crack? 3) How are you cultivating student ideas in your school? 4) Have students had a say in any new programs or clubs in your school? 5) What makes your school unique?  You can provide answers to any or all of these questio...

PS23: Principal Scott Schulz and I Laugh at Ourselves

In this episode, I have the pleasure of connecting with Scott Schulz, who talks about his new job at Rossville Jr/Sr High School in southern Indiana.  Scott's Blog The Washington Post Piece on Scott Scott's Epic YouTube Snow Day Video Scott on Twitter  

PS22: Amy Heavin's Awesome PD At Ryan Park Elementary

Principally Speaking is back!   I'm excited to bring to you my talk with Amy Heavin, Principal of Ryan Park Elementary in Angola, Indiana.  Among other things, Amy and I talk about what professional learning looks like at her school and how she's working to push both herself and her staff.  She can be found @amyheavin on Twitter and her blog is @ amyheavin.blogspot.com.          

PS21: ASCD Emerging Leader Laura Ferrell

Laura Ferrell is the Assistant Principal at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School in Oak Lawn, Illinois.  Her blog can be found here and you can connect with her @LFEdTech on Twitter.     

PS20: Maryland's AP of the Year Jared Wastler

Jared Wastler is an ASCD Emerging Leader and Maryland's Assistant Principal of the Year for 2014.  He can be found at jaredwastler.com.  In this episode we talk about his success, and I have to admire how he always brings it back to the great things happening where he is at Liberty High School.   Tune in next week for my talk with Assistant Principal Laura Ferrell, who also happens to be an ASCD Emerging Leader for 2014.  She can be found  @LFedtech on Twitter.  Among other things, we disco...

PS19: Don Wettrick Helps Students Embrace Their Passions

As we wrap up Connected Educator Month, I was lucky to connect with Innovation Coordinator and Pure Genius author Don Wettrick.  We talk about his unique job and elective course that truly empowers students to embrace their passions and ideas.  I'm a little biased, but I was very inspired by our conversation and I hope you are too.    

PS18: Pernille Ripp Empowers Her Middle School Students

In this episode of Principally Speaking, I have the honor of speaking to 7th grade dynamic teacher Pernille Ripp.  After you listen to the episode, set aside some time and check out her awesome blog and resources over at pernillesripp.com.   She also developed the amazing Global Read Aloud Project and EdCamp MadWI.  Finally, she is an author of 2 books and currently working on a 3rd.  I highly recommend you check out her latest from Corwin, Empowered Schools, Empowered Students.           ...

PS17: Connected Leadership with Dr. Spike Cook

Continuing the Connected Educator Month Series on Principally Speaking, I connect with Dr. Spike Cook, author of the new book Connected Leadership.  You can also check out his website here.  For more excellent content from Dr. Cook, check out the PrincipalPLN podcast.  

PS16: All Hands on Deck with Brad Currie

                                  In honor of Connected Educator Month this is the first of a series of podcast episodes from authors of the Corwin Connected Educator Series. Vice Principal, #satchat co-founder and author of new book All Hands on Deck Brad Currie and I talk about his vision for tapping into the voice of all stakeholders through both physical and virtual means.  Check into more from Brad at bradcurrie.net.   Next week I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Spike Cook.  

PS15: Educational Podcasting Expert Jeff Bradbury

For today's episode I talk with music teacher Jeff Bradbury, who is also the mastermind behind teachercast.net.  You can connect with Jeff there or at jeffreybradbury.com.  If you are also interested in podcasting or webcast development, I highly recommend contacting Jeff.  He's very helpful and a great guy.   As I mentioned at the conclusion of this episode, I'm involved in a new monthly meetup happening in the Fort Wayne area for other passionate and innovative educators.  The first meet...