The DIY Learner

Episode 22 with John Spencer

Today’s guest on The DIY Learner podcast is John Spencer, a former middle school journalism and computer-programming teacher who is now a full-time professor of instructional technology in Oregon. He is passionate about seeing students embrace creativity and design thinking. His work has been featured in Kappan Magazine, Edutopia, Slate, and The Washington Post, and he had the honor of delivering a speech at the White House on the future of education. Spencer is the co-author of several education books, including Launch: Using the Design Thinking Process to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student. He is also the co-founder of two educational technology startups, Write About and Blend Education. Spencer’s goal is to make something new each day. Spencerauthor.com [Spencerauthor.com] thelaunchcycle.com [thelaunchcycle.com] @spencerideas [https://twitter.com/spencerideas] sketchyvideos.com [sketchyvideos.com]

Episode 21 with Anne Wintemute of Highlands Micro School

Anne Wintemute, founder of the Highlands Micro School, joins host Laura Armer in this episode of The DIY Learner podcast. Anne’s background in business start-up and development and experience as an advocate for evidence-based maternity care paved the way for her current venture, Highlands Micro School. Highlands Micro School is the product of combining private-sector innovation and evidence-based practices in education. In this episode, Anne tells Laura about what inspired her to start a micro school, and she explains the philosophy of Highlands Micro School. Listen and learn how Anne has dealt with some of the challenges along the way. By using the best available research to inform the school philosophy and practices, Highlands Micro School has attracted an eager group of families who seek a well-rounded education for their child. Anne Wintemute lives on an urban farm in Denver with her husband and 3 young daughters. www.highlandsmicroschool.com

Episode 20 with James Kendall and Lea Wakeman of the Woodland Classroom

Guests James Kendall and Lea Wakeman of the Woodland Classroom deliver forest school programs, outdoor education and practical woodland skills sessions for schools, environmental organizations and events. James and Lea are experienced forest school leaders and outdoor educators who are very passionate about the benefits of learning outside in nature. In this episode, you will hear them describe some of the activities of their Woodland Classroom, including their outdoor version of the popular video game Minecraft. Learn why James and Lea believe we should let our kids use tools we might normally be afraid to – even an axe! The Woodland Classroom website is www.woodlandclassroom.com.

Episode 19 with Steve Daar

Today’s guest is Steve Daar, the founder and CEO of Conversion For Good, (www.conversionforgood.com), a conversion optimization agency that works exclusively with mission-driven businesses and non-profit organizations. After learning from multiple early entrepreneurial failures, investing thousands of hours and managing over $1.3 million in online advertising spend for Fortune 500 level businesses, our guest wrote the book, Profit Hacking. Steve shares his DIY learning philosophies that got him where he is today. Steve believes that when you have a new perspective on who you are and what you are capable of, then everything changes.

Episode 18 with Everett Jordan

Today’s guest is Everett Jordan, the Director of Education for The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding, a Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Virginia. Jordan began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1973 as an apprentice ship fitter. Throughout his career, he has held increasingly responsible positions including supervisor, general foreman, superintendent, and trade director of dimensional control, ship fitters, and welders. Jordan has received a number of awards including the Newport News Shipbuilding President’s Model of Excellence Award for leadership and is a Master Shipbuilder. In this episode, Jordan talks about the apprentice model of learning and believes that at The Apprentice School, “The future is consistently in front of our students.” The Apprentice School provides high quality, comprehensive four and five-year apprentice programs for students interested in shipbuilding careers. Since 1919, these programs have produced over 9,800 graduates in support of the operational needs of Newport News Shipbuilding. If you would like to learn more about The Apprentice School, you can visit www.apprenticeschool.com