Learn, Grow, Teach, Parent

014 Getting to know Educator Kim Cody

My guest on this episode is Connecticut educator Kim Cody, a 35 year veteran teacher who retired last June, but was pulled back into teaching because she identified a need for qualified math tutors and simply could not stay away. Kim is very charming and quite thoughtful regarding the current state of elementary school education in our country. We had an easy going conversation that covered various topics and also clearly identified the need for a new crop of fresh, energetic educators to enter the profession. I hope you enjoy meeting Kim as much as I did and find our conversation equally enjoyable!

013 Jamie York | A Math Teacher's Geometric Dream House

Jamie York shares the story behind his math teacher's geometric dream house, a unique architectural project inspired by geometric shapes. Here is the link to the YouTube documentary https://youtu.be/TCbXNHgrBHY He discusses his fascination with the close packing problem and the discovery of the rhombic triacontahedron as the foundation for the house. Jamie emphasizes the importance of architecture in promoting emotional and spiritual well-being and encourages students to think independently and pursue their dreams. He also highlights the need for balanced optimism and discernment in today's world. The conversation explores the connection between geometry and philosophy and the value of pure geometry in education. Jamie emphasizes the importance of real geometry and how it strengthens the imagination, leading to creative problem-solving. The conversation then transitions to the connection between geometry and architecture, highlighting the creative side of building. Jamie shares the story of the Phi House, a rhombic triacontohedron, and how it was brought to life. The concept of bringing dreams to reality is explored, emphasizing the importance of determination and taking action. The significance of the Phi House and the phi ratio is discussed, with a recommendation to watch the accompanying video. Takeaways: Architecture plays a crucial role in promoting emotional and spiritual well-being. Independent thinking and pursuing one's dreams are essential for personal growth and making a positive impact on the world. Balanced optimism and discernment are necessary in navigating a polarized society. Geometry can be a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills and fostering a deeper understanding of the world. Real geometry strengthens the imagination and fosters creative problem-solving. Geometry and architecture are closely connected, with architecture being the creative side of building. Bringing dreams to reality requires determination and taking action. The Phi House and the phi ratio hold significance and are worth exploring further.

012 The Evolution of Jared Coady

Jared Coady is a teacher who routinely challenges himself to educate his students at every level needed to inspire a deep love of learning. He is insightful, deliberate and controlled by every measure that a parent would want from a teacher for their child. I've known Jared for more than a decade and even worked with him side by side. In doing so I encountered and highly dedicated educator with the highest of standards for himself and a leader that chooses carefully every interaction and encounter with his students. He taught both my daughters but most deeply impacted Annabella as her main teacher from 4th to 8th grade. I had a great conversation with Jared and I know you'll enjoy the topic we cover in this episode.

011 Jamie York on math resources for homeschooling in 2023

Episode 11 features Jamie York as we discuss the trending topic of homeschooling. Homeschooling rates have quadrupled since the COVID-19 lockdowns. An estimated 3.26 million students are currently being homeschooled. This number is easily increasing and it is now safe to say that, moving forward, a significant number of students will enter society having been educated by dedicated parents who carefully curate their curriculum to match the needs of their children. In the near future we'll have credible data as to the outcome of this trend. The numbers will either make or break the decision to homeschool. I am among the parents who chose homeschool, so I can say first hand that the experience was rewarding and successful beyond our wildest estimations. Jamie York and his excellent math academy was pivotal to our success. Therefore I'm quite happy to highlight this episode and feature questions and thoughts that could help the many families who enter into the world of modern homeschooling. Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did in bringing Jamie York back to the podcast!

010 My conversation with Michele Yulo

In today's 10th Episode of the podcast, I'm speaking with Michele Yulo a friend and dedicated parent. Michele tell us about her personal journey raising her daughter and her choices surrounding our public school system. She has always been a strong advocate, a mindful parent and balanced guide with a clear voice that has brought out the very best from her daughter Gabi. She is the founder and president of Princess Free Zone, Inc. and creator of SUIT HER, a potential line of suits for girls. In 2017 she gave a powerful TED talk entitled Parenting a Gender Non-Conforming Child that has garnered over 300,000 views. Her book Super Tool Lula: The Kind Warrior (Available at Amazon) is thoughtful and deeply inspiring. We had a great conversation that allowed us both to reflect and in some cases reimagine K-12 public education. I hope you enjoy the episode and as always leave a comment so I can continue to entice many more excellent guests like Michele to the Learn, Grow, Teach, Parent podcast!