A Seat At The Table

Ep. 008 - PassTheScopeEDU w/ Valerie Lewis

Each show invites a guest to take a seat at the virtual table to have a conversation about their area of expertise. It also grants viewers and listeners an opportunity to have a seat at the table where they would not normally be able to sit to learn and grow. The show themes center around education, technology & entrepreneurship.

Ep. 007 - EduGladiators w/ Marlena Gross-Taylor

Welcome to "A Seat at the Table" Podcast - Episode 007, where host Wiley Brazier, V invites educational leader and founder of EduGladiators, Marlena Gross-Taylor, to the table. Join them as they delve into the world of educational leadership, discussing the critical need for leaders to prioritize instructional leadership, engage with parents, and find balance in their roles and responsibilities. In this episode, Marlena Gross-Taylor shares her wealth of experience as a district leader in schools, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's strengths and investing in professional development for instructional tools. She stresses the need for schools to understand the generational differences in parent engagement, offering strategies such as the use of digital newsletters, social media platforms, and video content to effectively engage parents and students. The discussion also touches upon the universal nature of children's needs in different school settings and how educators can create a meaningful environment for children. As the conversation unfolds, Marlena shares her insights on finding balance in educational leadership roles, advocating for the empowerment of assistant principals, teachers, and staff to handle certain tasks. She offers strategies for creating white space in the calendar for self-development and visioning, highlighting the importance of avoiding the unrealistic expectation for principals to be everything to everyone. The episode also delves into personal preferences, with discussions about a perfect day and desired abilities or qualities. Marlena shares her personal story, providing a glimpse into her passion for education and her vision for EduGladiators, a platform focused on advocacy for the profession, branding in schools, and the power of leveraging social media to share positive stories of achievements in education. Throughout the episode, Marlena Gross-Taylor and Wiley Brazier, V engage in a dynamic and informative exchange, touching on topics such as the Association of Middle Level Educators (AMLE), the importance of networking and sharing experiences, and the impact of becoming a connected leader to influence personal, professional, and school growth. This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about the field of education. Join Wiley Brazier, V and their guest Marlena Gross-Taylor for a thought-provoking and insightful discussion on "A Seat at the Table" Podcast, Episode 007.

Ep. 006 - Dynamic Duo w/ Marialice and Curran

Welcome to A Seat at the Table Podcast, where meaningful conversations about education and digital citizenship take center stage. In Episode 006, titled "The Dynamic Duo w/ Marialice & Curran," hosts Wiley Brazier and V invite guests Marialice and Curran to the table for a thought-provoking discussion. The episode kicks off with Marialice highlighting the importance of teaching young people the rules of the road, both in physical and digital contexts. The hosts and guests all agree that a community effort is necessary to guide children and protect against things like bullying and cyberbullying. This leads to a deep dive into the iCitizen project, which Marialice describes as an initiative born out of cyberbullying and suicide cases at her university. The project aims to empower students to act as responsible digital citizens, and the hosts express interest in making the syllabus and related content accessible to a wider audience. As the conversation turns personal, Wiley asks Curran about a quality or ability he would like to have, to which Curran responds with a desire to cure the world water crisis. Throughout the episode, Marialice emphasizes the need for using technology for good and making a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom. The hosts, especially Wiley, are keen on advice about using technology and digital citizenship. Marialice stresses that teaching digital citizenship is everyone's responsibility and emphasizes the importance of connected learning and global collaboration. The guests mention resources such as Empatico, Skype in the classroom, and Flipgrid for connecting with others globally. Additionally, they discuss upcoming digital citizenship courses and personalized professional development for districts. The importance of involving parents in digital citizenship efforts is highlighted, and Marialice and her son Curran emphasize the need for an online 'neighborhood watch.' They also discuss their joint Twitter account as an example of modeling safe and responsible online behavior. The episode delves into the positive and proactive approach towards teaching digital citizenship, focusing on what students should do rather than what they shouldn't do in terms of tech policies. The concept of a digital footprint is discussed, highlighting the idea of online actions being permanently recorded. Marialice and Curran share inspiring stories of students using technology to solve local and global problems, ranging from fundraising for toilets for the homeless to advocating against plastic bag use in Houston. They discuss their involvement in various initiatives related to digital citizenship, including a summit, a certification program, and working with kids. The episode wraps up with a heartwarming story about connecting with kids in Nigeria through a global read-aloud program and sharing books and educational resources with them. With fascinating insights and actionable advice, this episode of A Seat at the Table Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of digital citizenship and its impact on students and communities. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the power of technology for good and the importance of nurturing responsible digital citizens. To learn more about the meaningful work of Marialice and Curran, and to stay updated on digital citizenship resources and initiatives, don't miss this enlightening episode of A Seat at the Table Podcast. Keep up with the hosts and guests on social media and tune in for more impactful discussions in the world of education and digital citizenship

Ep. 005 - Code Equity w/ Tara Linney

In this episode of "A Seat at the Table" podcast, titled "Code Equity with Tara Linney," host Wiley Brazier, V engages in an insightful conversation with award-winning educational technology coach and author, Tara Linney. As they delve into the pressing issue of gender equity in coding and STEM education, they also explore the significance of coding in the modern world and its impact on future employment opportunities. The episode kicks off with a playful series of questions, with Wiley and V asking Tara about her ideal day, her desired abilities, and her future goals. Tara shares her perfect day, which includes witnessing Eureka moments in her work and enjoying some peaceful moments at the beach, setting a serene and positive tone for the episode. As the conversation continues, Tara reflects on her desire for a 36-hour day or improved multitasking abilities. She also shares her aspirations, including learning French, traveling to all 7 continents, and writing 2 more books. A particularly memorable moment arises when Tara discusses her humorous language learning experience using Duolingo, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the dialogue. The crux of the episode emerges as Tara delves into the importance of gender equity in the educational realm, particularly in relation to coding and computer programming. She provides invaluable insights into the gender disparity within coding clubs and the urgent need to create equitable learning environments for students, especially girls. Furthermore, Tara emphasizes the role of coding in fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, crucial for preparing students for a digitized economy. The conversation takes an international turn as Tara discusses the differences in innovation and technology between Singapore and the US, shedding light on the fascinating interplay of art, technology, and coding in Singapore. Additionally, she shares valuable resources for sparking girls' interest in coding, such as "Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls" and "Hello Ruby," providing educators and parents with tangible strategies to engage young learners. Throughout the episode, Wiley Brazier, V exhibits a deep commitment to promoting diversity in coding and STEM fields, echoing the importance of Tara's work in achieving gender equity in teaching programming. Listeners are also informed about Tara's upcoming book, "Code Equity: Keying Girls into Coding," available for preorder on Amazon, further enriching the conversation with actionable resources for educators, administrators, and pre-service teachers. Overall, "Code Equity with Tara Linney" provides an insightful and inspiring exploration of the evolving landscape of coding education, the imperative of gender equity, and the power of technology to shape the future. It serves as an essential listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about fostering inclusive and dynamic learning environments. Stay tuned for an enriching and transformative episode of "A Seat at the Table" podcast, where diverse voices come together to enrich, empower, and educate.

Ep. 004 - Go Brand Yourself w/ Desiree Alexander

In Episode 004 of "A Seat at the Table" podcast, the hosts Wiley Brazier V and special guest Desiree Alexander, PhD, delve into the riveting topic of personal branding in the worlds of education, technology, and entrepreneurship. Desiree Alexander, an esteemed educator and CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting LLC, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. As a multi-certified professional, including being a Google certified trainer, Google Innovator, Apple Teacher 2016, and Microsoft Innovative Educator Master Trainer, Desiree is uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights into the art of personal branding. The episode kicks off with Wiley and Desiree discussing the crucial role of branding in marketing oneself or one's business. Desiree shares her personal journey in consulting and provides an insider's view on the process of developing her brand "Educator Alexander." She outlines the critical steps she took, including asking serious questions and establishing an LLC, to create a distinctive and effective brand, showcasing the importance of meticulous planning and strategic decision-making. Throughout the episode, Desiree highlights various aspects of branding, from the significance of carrying traditional business cards to the importance of trademarking a brand name and logo for business purposes. She also emphasizes the necessity of protecting digital resources, offering practical advice on using tools like Adobe DC to password-protect PDFs and Google Drive to limit sharing and prevent copying. In a candid and personal segment, Desiree shares her daily routine, her preferences, and even her thought-provoking hypothetical wishes. As the conversation unfolds, she stresses the importance of controlling one's message, worth, and public image while also delving into the significance of creating a logo and branding essence. She discusses how to approach the creation of a logo, recommending platforms such as Fiverr to engage professional services. Wiley and Desiree also explore the significance of a professional online presence in the digital age, touching on the necessity of having a website and emphasizing the continued importance of traditional business cards. Desiree's valuable counsel on the topic includes recommendations for professional printing services and the importance of building and maintaining a compelling web presence. In the latter part of the episode, Desiree shares her personal story of resilience in the face of challenges, echoing the themes of perseverance and determination that are also central to her branding expertise. She offers invaluable guidance on the process of branding oneself, emphasizing the need to invest time and effort and reach out to resources for support. Listeners are not only treated to a wealth of practical advice and wisdom on branding but also gain valuable insights into the personal experiences and demeanor of the esteemed guest. Desiree's engaging presence and Wiley's insightful questions combine to make this episode an enriching and thought-provoking exploration of the world of personal branding. Join Wiley Brazier V and Desiree Alexander, PhD, in this illuminating episode of "A Seat at the Table" as they unravel the intricacies of personal branding and empower listeners with the knowledge and inspiration necessary to forge their own distinctive brand in the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology, and entrepreneurship.