Teaching Learning Leading K-12

Episode 50! Accident Avoidance Workshops with Jeffrey Stillwell

This is Episode 50! Wow!!!

I can’t believe that we have made it here!

So imagine that as you listen to this podcast that confetti is falling from the sky and there are horns blowing!!! Yea!!!

I have a special one for you today as I am talking with…

Jeffrey Stillwell…Founder of Accident Avoidance Workshops.  Also, known as Homer… (make sure that you catch where he got that nickname…)

He is a professional driving instructor who specializes in teaching teens but also adults how to deal with the situations which are potential accident causing! He is credentialed and recognized by many organizations like… he is a AAA Approved Driving School and certified by the National Defensive Driving Institute as well as supported by Bristol and Atlanta Motor Speedways, The Weather Channel, and Volkswagen of Chattanooga.

He is an amazing instructor who connects with the kids and families.

If you were to ask his students to describe him they would use words like Fun-Funny-Inspiring-Caring and just a wonderful Nut!

He has a background in suspension construction and racing and has been the track announcer at Bristol Motor Speedway! (Check out his voice…definitely grabs your attention!)

He also is a semi-professional slot car racer…you’ll hear us talk about that toward the end of the show.

Jeffrey takes great pride in his instructional practices and that he is potentially saving lives.

You will learn so much from listening and I encourage you to seek to bring him to your community! Make sure that you see how he will team with your school as a fund raiser.

Check out the testimonials on his web site here http://www.accidentavoidanceworkshops.org/testimonials.html

As a former high school principal, I set up the training for two communities…I highly recommend him and his services to you and your children.

(As a note, this is not a paid endorsement nor do I or Teaching Learning Leading K12 receive any monetary or other remuneration from AAW for my comments or the show.)

You can find out more information at

http://www.accidentavoidanceworkshops.org/

email Homer at info@accidentavoidanceworkshops.org or call 770-262-7009

Follow him on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/accidentAvoidance

and

Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/AccidentAvoidanceWorkshops

 

Length - 39:13

Episode 49: Quick Tech Tip... VideoLan Media Player

On today's show, David and I talk about VLC or VideoLan.

VLC is a free-open source cross platform multimedia player that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.

As an Open Source player it is available to users with no financial obligation... although, the producers would like you to donate to them so that they can continue to develop VLC and work on new projects.

VLC (VideoLan) has many features. Check out this list below. (By the way, Teaching Learning Leading K12 does not have a financial obligation to or an affiliation with VideoLan.) It is an amazing opensource tool that will liberate you from other players that have built in issues. 

Check it out...we use it on all of our equipment and are truly amazed at the power of this tool. 

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

Enjoy!

Length: 13:36

Episode 48: Dr. Mark Wilson - iPrincipal

Dr. Mark Wilson is the founder of The Educational Leadership Group. You may remember that I interviewed him way back at Episode  8 . He is the Georgia Principal of the Year for 2008 and the National Principal of the Year of 2009!

Today we are starting a new monthly segment called iPrincipal.

Check out his TED Talk

He is a teacher, coach, consultant, public speaker and now an author. His book will soon be available but you get a sneak peek into it by joining us for these monthly segments.

Connect with Mark on twitter @ MarkWilsonGA and his website  http://www.markwilsoneducation.com/

Each segment will start with an “ i ” (next month is Innovate). Mark will talk and share stories about the principalship. He will provide suggestions for the school building leader in addressing the many demands of the position.

This should be an awesome opportunity for professional learning!

Enjoy!

You can also contact Mark at

Mark.wilson.ga@gmail.com or call him at 706-474-2454

Length 17:34

Episode 47: Talking Education With Ron Walker

Ron has been an educator for over39 years. He has been a teacher, administrator, and consultant. He is the president of Walker Educational Consulting and is also the director/operator of the SAGE Academy in Gainesville, GA (A school that targets the needs of at risk children).

I’ll never forget the first time I met Ron…I was the new principal of a high poverty, high risk high school. He had been hired as an educational consultant. He told the faculty what they needed to hear not what they wanted to hear. He is always like that, but not just with teachers and administrators. With the political arena he pulls no punches, as well.

He has a heart for working with the most challenging kids and schools. He is a master of connecting the dots and helping teachers be successful. He pushes all to do their best and to do what is right.

Listen to him talk about what he sees as the real power of change that educators can make.

He is a wealth of information and he will make you think about why you do what you do.

His small private school, The SAGE Academy, is funded completely through his ventures.

Contact Ron on Facebook at SAGE-Academy

or 

contact him through his email address

ronwalker62@aol.com

 

Enjoy!

Length: 48:31

Episode 46: Building Relationships with Hugh Kight

Hugh Kight is the principal of East Laurens Elementary School in Laurens County, Georgia.

Laurens is Hugh’s home. He grew up here, attended school, and eventually became a teacher and principal here.

Hugh is actually retired but “Un-retired” to be the principal of East Laurens.

Between his amazing energy and contagious smile he is someone who everyone should get to know. Just spend a few minutes with him and whatever troubles you will wilt away as you will see the silver linings, feel the sunshine, and want to smile…because you know that all will be good.

Mr. Kight is always looking for methods to recognize success. He connects with kids and, staff, and the community. He wants to find unique ways of saying … “Good Work! Keep it Up!”

Hence the Falcon Fun Zone!

A place where the teachers and staff can schedule to send kids who have demonstrated hard work, success, and achievement! A place where the kids earn time to play…(check out the pics of the many games and activities)! What an amazing idea!!!

By the way, the teachers have also been able to find time to initiate the room! (And the paintings of characters on the walls were created by a staff member!)

Hugh also has his Coca-Cola Diner…It's not sponsored by the corporation…but it grew out of an idea for having a room to celebrate and connect with others. Hugh is known for his cooking skills…just ask anyone about the chicken dinners!

In this room he often feeds staff, students, families, and community members. The walls have the school’s test scores and other data to show their gains and successes. Feels like you are visiting family…

 

Hugh likes to visit garage sales and flea markets…this is what led to his decorations for the room…Check out some of the really cool Coke artifacts!!!

I challenge you to think about the ways that Hugh has created to celebrate, connect, and build relationships and develop your own. It will inspire your kids to do well. It will help your staff feel valued and it will help you connect with the parents and community.

Enjoy!

Length: 37:26