Dr. Akilah Willery is the visionary behind Upskill Services, where she helps small businesses scale their efforts by developing their digital presence with eLearning and automations. Whether you are a coach, trainer or a classroom teacher looking to make your mark in the digital space, she’s the person that will guide you through the noise. With a remarkable background in empowering educators to leverage technology for transformative teaching and learning experiences, Dr. Willery brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Drawing from over two decades of experience as a school district administrator and edtech advisor, she’s now focused on helping others get their slice of the billion-dollar eLearning industry.

Specialized Services

• eLearning development
• Digital strategy & automation
• Online teacher/trainer development

Contact Info

Email: info@upskillservices.site

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akilahwillery/

Twitter: @awillery

Facebook: UpskillServices

Instagram: @akilahwillery

In this episode, I share what the role of purpose is in education, why it should be included, and how to build purpose into your courses.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - What is Purpose
• (00:52) - Why include Purpose in your courses
• (03:38) - 3 Key Parts of Purpose through Exploration
• (05:40) - How to Foster Exploration

• 5 Foundational Skills Every Student Needs

Want help building your course or learning program? Schedule a call: https://www.plato.university/consulting

Subscribe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonstover/
Newsletter: https://theoryintoaction.substack.com/

In this episode, I share what Mastery Based Learning is, why it's more effective than traditional learning, and how you can implement it into an online course.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - What is Mastery Based Learning
• (03:31) - Core Principles of MBL
• (05:12) - Why Use MBL
• (08:00) - How to Use MBL in Online Courses

Subscribe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonstover/
Newsletter: https://theoryintoaction.substack.com/

In this episode, I share the What, Why, How framework, which we use to teach everything from a 5 minute lesson to hour long workshops.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Tip 1: Start Simple With Your Equipment
• (03:04) - Tip 2: Create a Script
• (04:17) - Tip 3: Choose the Right Length
• (07:57) - Tip 4: Remember the Medium
• (10:47) - Tip 5: Consider Publishing as a Podcast

Subscribe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonstover/
Newsletter: https://theoryintoaction.substack.com/

In this episode, I share the What, Why, How framework, which we use to teach everything from a 5 minute lesson to hour long workshops.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Overview of Framework
• (01:58) - Part 1: What
• (03:39) - Part 2: Why
• (05:59) - Part 3: How
• (08:43) - Applying the Framework

Want help building your course or learning program? Schedule a call: https://www.plato.university/consulting

Subscribe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonstover/
Newsletter: https://theoryintoaction.substack.com/

In this episode, I share how fears I have had about teaching or creating online course and tips for overcoming them.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Fear 1: I'm not an expert
• (05:10) - Fear 2: My course will be boring
• (10:14) - Fear 3: I'm not good at speaking
• (16:55) - Fear 4: I won't be able to help my students
• (21:25) - Fear 5: No one will find and take my course

Want help building your course or learning program? Schedule a call: https://www.plato.university/consulting

Subscribe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonstover/
Newsletter: https://theoryintoaction.substack.com/

Today, Ali and JoDee sit down with Shiren Rattigan, the owner and lead educational curator at Colossal Academy. Together, they’ll discuss how you can keep your teacher hat while maintaining autonomy, what Colossal Academy is,  the teacher’s role in micro schools and balancing risk taking with reward. 

Connect with Shiren:
Website: https://www.colossal-academy.com/our-team

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colossalcommunity/?hl=en

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

Connect with Ali and JoDee:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachershift
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachershift
Teacher Shift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teacher-shift
Ali’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisimon/
JoDee’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodeescissors/

Website
https://www.teachershiftpodcast.com/

Episode Transcriptions
https://www.teachershiftpodcast.com/blog

In this episode, I break down the difference between intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, and a growth mindset. I discuss the differences between general intelligence presented by Charles A. Murray and Richard Herrnstein against a growth mindset presented by Carol Dweck and implication it has for education.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Fixed General Intelligence vs Growth Mindset
• (03:46) - Defining Intelligence
• (07:48) - Why this Matters
• (10:31) - Recommendations for Individuals
• (18:20) - Recommendations for Education System

Subscribe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonstover/
Newsletter: https://theoryintoaction.substack.com/

In this episode, I share how to create outline for your online courses so that your students are able to achieve their learning outcomes and apply the information.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Course Outline
• (03:39) - Step 2
• (06:03) - Step 3
• (08:40) - Step 4
• (11:28) - Step 5

Want help building your course or learning program? Schedule a call: https://www.plato.university/consulting

Subscribe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonstover/
Newsletter: https://theoryintoaction.substack.com/

So, we know that most business ideas start out with a founder who is trying to solve a problem. For today’s founder, Gwendolyn Ntsiki Bereng, it all started when she took her child to a multiracial pre-school in South Africa. 

 In 2019 she left her corporate job to launch the Johannesburg-based pre-school, Appletree Montessori where she is the Directress and leader of this institution for early childhood development. She also trains private groups of new parents in alternative ways to educate their little ones and collaborates with non-profits in the agricultural sector to educate children who are raising their own siblings. Ntsiki wants to do more than impact the children she looks after, she wants to have a positive impact in the communities where she works.

 There are many layers of complexity in this week’s conversation and I hope you walk away with some thoughts and reflection on what it takes to solve a big problem.  And also some inspiration to tackle that issue that still keeps you awake at night.


LINKS AND MENTIONS

Motseng - Setswana word for village 
ECD - Early Childhood Development 
SETA -  Sector Education and Training Authority - South African vocational skills training authority

NEWSLETTER, stay in the loop and subscribe to our newsletter

LISTEN ON Apple and Spotify

FOLLOW US ON Instagram and Facebook

SUPPORT this work so that we can keep it free. Become a MONTHLY SUPPORTER

Looking to start an affiliate marketing program but don't want to come across as sleazy? Here are tips for how to be an affiliate partner that your teachers will love!
 
 Dos:
Do share valuable information with your audience.

Do offer value content related to the offer you are promoting.

Do give genuine feedback and thoughts.

Do show up with integrity.

Do share your opinions or personal experiences.

Do create a bonus experience.
 
 Don'ts:

Don't blast your offer inside other people's groups.

Don't highjack another affiliate partner's post.

Don't share your link to your general audience if you haven't shown up for them in any other way unless it is with your close friends or if someone asked you for it.
 
 Take-Away:

The key is to be someone that others can trust. Show up consistently through- email, a podcast, a group that offers value, a course, etc. 

Most importantly be true to yourself and kind towards others.
 
 Tune in for 7 things to consider around affiliate marketing...
 
 Links Shared in the Show:

97: TRYH: What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Affiliate Marketing for Teacherpreneurs

 Podcasting Academy for Teachers and Teacherpreneurs

Want the top 3 lessons and premium, detailed deep-dive show notes for this episode for FREE? Subscribe at evolvepodcast.substack.com

Brandon Stover it the founder of Plato University, an alternative, online university that turns your passions into purpose by helping you master skills and launch a career solving global challenges. As a podcaster, he hosts the Evolve podcast. From climate change to education to mental health, he mines the wisdom of visionaries and experts for the tools and tactics to solve these global issues. He is also the founder of the Social Good Media Network, a media group united around the goal of helping listeners understand the global challenges we face and how we can work together to solve them. Before these ventures, I spent half a decade of experience as a designer, marketer, and educator. 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• How to listen to others and TRULY understand them
• How I am changing the higher education paradigm
• And the dark challenges I faced that led me to finding my purpose
• and much more...

Full show notes, transcripts, and resources can be found here: evolvethe.world/episodes/75

The Evolve podcast is produced by Plato University and is a member of the  Social Good Media Network

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) - Introduction

(06:36) - How to navigate difficult conversations

(09:01) - How to calm the voice of judgement in your mind

(11:00) - How to connect and recognize other's emotions

(12:33) - How podcasting made me a better listener

(16:20) - How podcasting skills transfer to other areas of life

(20:28) - Podcasting as a container for deeper conversations

(24:09) - Chasing the golden ticket and reaching depression

(28:24) - How I started the path to finding purpose

(32:35) - Does fear play into my decisions

(37:42) - How students start finding their purpose at Plato University

(40:30) - How did Plato University start

(45:03) - How millennials and gen z are demanding purpose in their life

(53:40) - What does Plato University look like at scale?

(57:53) - How do employers look at education?

(52:04) - What does a degree signal in Higher Education?

(1:05:29) - What does compassion mean?

This week’s inspiring teacherpreneur journey is with Kirsten Hammond from The Southern Teach.  I loved chatting with her about her business and how she has been able to grow to now support other teacherpreneurs upgrade their stores to make consistent incomes.  Listen all the way to the end to hear from a special guest, Kirsten's 3 month old!

About Our Guest

Kirsten Hammond, also known as The Southern Teach, is a Texas teacher who creates engaging and minimal-prep educational resources for upper elementary teachers.

She also helps teacher sellers as well! She shares tips and strategies on her podcast on how to start, build, and grow a well-designed Teachers pay Teachers store that draws attention and brings in more sales each month. She also offers visual branding services for teacher sellers looking to give their TpT stores a fresh look!

Besides working as a teacherpreneur, Kirsten enjoys the finer things in life. Coffee is her BFF. Wine and cheese are her jam. British baking competitions, TLC reality shows, and barre class bring her joy. Her taste in music ranges from 70's light rock, 00's hip-hop, and everything in between!

Connect with Kirsten: 

IG: @thesouthernteach

Website: thesouthernteach.com

The Creative Teacher Podcast with Kirsten Hammond

__________________

Find me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/heyitsjenzaia/
Email Me → support@jenzaiadimartile.com
Join the Facebook community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketscalegrow

Tracy L. Gray holds a dual Master of Science Degrees in Early Childhood and General Education. As an entrepreneur and education consultant, Tracy has devoted her career to building effective equitable S.T.E.A.M. initiatives. In her commitment to advance 21st-century learning competency skills, Tracy has established international partnerships to expand student cultural and global awareness. Tracy's curiosity for research and her thirst for intellectual pursuits allow her to develop and present original contributions to the field of education and gives her the freedom of tech development as an educator, researcher, and teacher-practitioner.

Tracy Gray attended the I Have a Dream Workshop on Inclusive Youth Entrepreneurship in partnership with My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative and the White House Council on Women and Girls (CWG), hosted by The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Student Dream, a youth entrepreneurship nonprofit. At the workshop, the Obama Administration issued A Call to Action to Expand High-Quality STEM Education Opportunities for All Students. Ms. Gray answered the call by submitting Sankofa Global’s Education Program which was announced in the official release of the White House Fact Sheet as one of the commitments to expand STEM Learning for young learners nationwide. 

With 10+  years of educational experience, Erinn Cottman currently serves as an Assistant Principal with a national charter network, where she has the opportunity to live out her passion for teacher development daily. A graduate of Hampton University, Ms. Cottman continued her education at Georgia State University where she earned an M.A. in Middle Grades English and Social Studies instruction. Erinn was named Assistant Principal in 2016 after several years of serving as fifth and seventh grade English teacher. Erinn works with educators to help identify their teaching superpowers, and then use them to ignite their student's unique gifts. She helps educators build confidence in their craft, and ultimately themselves so that brown and black students can be profoundly impacted. 
 

IG: @erinncottman

Website: www.erinncottman.com

Mike Yates works to reinvent the school system. Every single day. THAT is what gets him up in the morning. 

Right now he is the Senior Managing Director of Network Strategies of the TFA Reinvention Lab. I'm looking to find, connect and add value to people doing the real work of school reinvention. 

When Mike is not working in the lab he coaches public speakers, advises education startups, and hosts a podcast called Schoolish. He now has a newsletter called Schoolish: The Newsletter where I am covering all things future of learning! 

Each morning when his four children wake up he looks at his "why" in the face. Each of them is a reminder that this system of education in the US must change to support all kinds of learners with a fire in their eyes and curiosity bubbling around in their minds.

Dr. Markenya L. Williams is a Chicagoan, with great Southside pride.  She has been an educator since 2005 and is an active member of the NAACP, National Action Network (NAN,) and a proud Board Member of the Illinois Principals Association (Kishwaukee Region,) Burst Into Books Inc. (Chicago, IL) & St. James Community Church (Chicago, IL).  Dr. Williams has held multiple positions and titles throughout her career: teacher’s assistant, teacher, grade level team leader, private tutor, preschool site director, technology coordinator, Local School Council (LSC) member, PBIS coach, attendance team leader, MTSS co-coordinator, assistant principal, diversity & equity chairperson, CEO, and much more.  Dr. Williams’ personal mantra is “expect, implement, transform!”  Her passion and commitment to public education have been the fuel for her success as a transformational leader. Dr. Williams strongly believes that all children deserve effective, highly qualified educators and committed leaders who believe in diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice!  Dr. Williams’ strong passion for inclusivity, equity, literacy, and social-emotional development for all students has enabled her to be a passionate activist, trailblazer, researcher, transformational leader, and CEO. Dr. Williams received her Doctorate degree from DePaul University (Chicago, IL,) in Educational Leadership, and her research was entitled "Chronic Absenteeism: The Problem, The Participants, The Panacea!"
 

First and foremost, Chevin S. Stone, M.Ed helps students find their inner geek/nerd/dork. She loves her job. She also works in Instructional/Educational technology creating robust professional development courses and teaching staff to use educational technology in a productive way. Chevin is a speaker at educational technology conferences and is available for company/school learning sessions. She is familiar with various educational technology applications, instructional design, blended learning, and curriculum and instruction.

fb: https://facebook.com/solve4why. 

Dr. Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author, international trainer, and keynote speaker. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2010 in Sonoma County, where she taught for 16 years. Catlin earned her doctorate in learning technologies from Pepperdine University. Currently, Catlin is working as a blended learning coach, education consultant, and professor in the Masters of Arts in Teaching program at Pepperdine University. Catlin has written a series of bestselling books on blended learning, which include Balance With Blended Learning, Blended Learning In Action, Power Up Blended Learning, and Blended Learning In Grades 4-12. She is active on Twitter @Catlin_Tucker and writes an internationally ranked blog at CatlinTucker.com.
 

Listeners can find my courses at https://catlintucker.teachable.com
 

Tanji Reed Marshall, Ph.D., is the director of p-12 practice, leading Ed Trust’s Equity in Motion assignment analysis work.

Prior to joining Ed Trust, Tanji worked in the Office of Academic Programs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to prepare the school of education’s accreditation with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Before that, she supported prospective secondary English teachers who were working to obtain licensure through the school of education.

Before joining Virginia Tech, Tanji worked for as a district-level literacy specialist in Charlotte–Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, where she supported middle schools across the district to refine their literacy practices. She also worked to prepare the district as they transitioned to Common Core standards. Additionally, as a Title I literacy coach, Tanji worked with targeted schools to improve literacy instruction for traditionally underserved students. Her career also includes elementary and middle school classroom teaching in North Carolina and New Jersey, which has allowed her opportunities to consult with school districts across the country to refine and focus teacher practice on literacy and to strengthen student achievement — with an emphasis on traditionally underserved students.

Tanji holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis on teacher practice with high-achieving African American students, from Virginia Tech; a master’s degree in English education, with a focus on critical literacy, from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston College.