Introducing Sideline Conversations: a podcast for those that are interested in athletics and sport. We’re hoping to connect with those who were athletes, are athletes or work with athletes, to build some connection between what athletes go through and how it connects to their life and their career. We’re looking to see how athletics connects to everyday lives and hoping that the guests we are able to cultivate and bring in can bring some insights and some revelations to many of you and maybe some connections that you also feel in your day to day life.

My first podcast is with a former student-athlete of mine from La Quinta, California, JJ Castillo. I thought of JJ for this because he is an incredible soccer player and a first generation Mexican American. His dreams of playing professional soccer didn’t pan out but his journey evolved into working in the soccer industry in a different way! His story and outlook is so positive, give it a listen!

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In this episode, we talk with Bob Johnson, Associate Executive Director at the Vermont Principals’ Association. We had the chance to talk to Bob on his last day at the office before retirement. Bob has worked for the VPA for the past 19 years. We hear about his early career, how the job functions and get some of his advice in the work going forward to best support all students and their communities.

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In this episode we spoke with Alin Bennett of education reimagined. Alin is Education Reimagined’s Vice President of Practice and Field Advancement. He is a staunch advocate for national school transformation and creating an equitable education system. His previous work has included supporting curriculum development, leading advisories, and leading schools in ways that continuously advanced learner-centered, equity-based practices. Alin is based in Providence, RI where he lives with his wife and two young children.

• Education Reimagined Website
• EI’s Equitable, Community-Based, Learner-Centered Ecosystem Vision
• Key Learner-centered Readings from Education Reimagined
• The Transcend report connected to surveying thousands of young learners about their learning experience (with Reflection Guides for various stakeholders)

CHECK OUR LATEST RESOURCE: The Big Idea

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In this episode, we speak with Joe Truss of Truss Leadership. Joe will be a speaker and stand presenter at 2022 leadership academy. Joe is committed to dismantling white supremacy culture in schools. He is a father of 3 children and a husband of a High School History Teacher. He brings 18 years of education experience, and originally grew up in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. Learn more about Joe and his current offerings at: https://culturallyresponsiveleadership.com/

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In this episode, we speak with Sandra Nagy, who leads the Education Practice at Future Design School, building strong academic partnerships with school leaders that help to drive their strategic priorities through consulting support, professional development and efficacious curriculum resources. We talk with Sandra about the premise of the school, their Future of Education Report, and the how and why schools might more fundamentally reimagine the goals, design, and methods of learning to better help students be future ready. Here is the link to their upcoming, June 7th free webinar event: Understanding the Future of Education 

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We talk with Laurel Butler of the VT Small Business Development Center, Tammie-Jo Dickinson Champlain Valley Union High School Business Teacher, and Gwen Pokalo of the Vermont Center for Women and Enterprise about the importance of developing entrepreneurial skills and what we can do to increase access to business development for underserved Vermont populations. Related links: Community Navigator Program

Additional Links for Secondary Students and Educators:

Main Link: https://www.vtsbdc.org/specialty-services/youth-entrepreneurship/

Competition for Student Business Plan (Business Model Canvas) and Business Video Pitch: https://www.vtsbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/14th-Annual-Student-Bus-Entrepreneurship-Competitions.pdf

Professional Development for Educators – last year info – and will be similar for fall 2022:https://www.vtsbdc.org/specialty-services/teacher-professional-development/

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In this episode, we talk with UVM’s Dr. Belliveau and educator, Kathy Lara about all that can be learned when you are cooking to learn, not just learning to cook–in the course, “Democracy in the Kitchen, John Dewey’s Education Through Cooking and Eating” Learn more at: go.uvm.edu/johndeweykitchen 

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(September 9, 2020) On this episode of the VPA podcast Mike spoke with Sarah Pickering. Sarah is the 2020 National Association of Secondary Schools Vermont Robert Pierce High School Principal of the year. She is the principal of Arlington Memorial High School in Arlington. Ms. Pickering just began her third year at Arlington and previously served as principal of West Rutland. Sarah’s nomination was full of support and praise.

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(May 14, 2020) Mike spoke with Jeff Renard of VTVLC. VTVLC is offering the Online Teaching Best Practices course to help teachers prepare for next year. This standards-based, 10-hour online course is facilitated by an experienced online teacher in cohorts up to 14 educators over a 3-week period. Start dates are flexible up to June 15th. Administrators can pre-register their cohorts here. Schools are also able to choose from a long list of supports, including Canvas and online content with over 140 course titles so teachers do not have to develop and curate over the summer. Full list of titles can be found here. Additional questions can be directed to  Director/Principal at jrenard@vtvlc.org

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Mike spoke with David Bennett. David has been working in the field of education and student support for the past 14 years.  He has a bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and secondary education and a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work.  He has spent the majority of his professional career working to develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues that impact youth ability to connect with their education and live empowered lives.  He believes that public schools are one of the most integral components to help make this happen.  He has worked to develop multiple programs of study that combine social and emotional learning and building student self efficacy to academic curriculum.  He currently works in private practice as a therapist and experiential educator in Central Vermont.