Run to the Complexity with Jason McKenna
Before we get started, I have two quick announcements
1. I’ve been hearing a strong interest in how to support beginning teachers. I went into some key practices last year in episodes 214 and 215, so if you are in the mode to think about how to support your BTs (and ECTs), give a listen to episodes 214 and 215
2. The July 22 episode of The Assistant Principal Podcast we feature a panel discussion with myself and five assistant principals. Some are national/state AP of the Year awardees and others are just wrapping up their first year as assist principals. The focus of our discussion is being a first year AP! We would love to hear from you. If you have questions, topics, advice, or stories, please consider sharing. Please email them to me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com. I would love to be able to name contributors but will only do so if you explicitly give permission for us to include your name and affiliation. We are recording on July 15, so don’t wait.
Okay, now onto the episode…
Show Title: Run to the Complexity with Jason McKenna
Power Quote: STEM is a mirror of our world”
Description:
STEM has been around for awhile, but I’ll be honest – I don’t actually know what stem is. It is a process? A product? A package? And who can do STEM? And, as school leaders, how do we know if STEM is worth encouraging and, if it is, how do we support teachers who wade into the STEM arena? I’m so excited to have today’s guest on to help me, and I hope you, answer some of these questions.
Guest Bio:
Jason McKenna is an experienced educator and author of What STEM Can Do for Your Classroom: Improving Student Problem Solving, Collaboration, and Engagement, Grade K-6. As the Vice President of Global Education Strategy for VEX Robotics, he specializes in curriculum development and global educational strategy, focusing on STEM integration and 21st-century learning. His work involves engaging with educators and policymakers worldwide.
Warmup questions:
· We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?
· Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?
Questions/Topics/Prompts
· Quick definition of STEM
· How do needs of STEM teachers differ?
· (How can admin put teachers in a position where I can support them?)
· How do we foster a culture where teachers can initiate the conversation about their needs?
o Teachers driving their own need
o What is admin looking for?
· How do admin support?
o Doing it for awhile
o New to it?
Closing questions:
· What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?
· If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?
· Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?
· Where can people learn more about you and your work…
Close
· Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.
· You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
· I love hearing from you so consider email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connecting with me on LinkedIn.
· Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
· Have a great rest of the week, be present for others and, more importantly, take time to reflect and recover so you can continue to live and lead better.
· Cheers!
Guest links:
Website: jmckenna.org
X (Twitter): McKennaj72
Frederick’s Links:
Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a
