Empowered Learning Podcast

Edu-Ventures: Leading, Learning, and Innovating with Dr. Scott Cooper

Dr. Scott Cooper
Summary:
Scott Cooper and Andy Bennetts discuss various topics related to education and leadership. They talk about the financial aspects of college education and career choices for their children, reflecting on their own experiences and the factors that influenced their decisions to pursue leadership roles. They also discuss innovative initiatives in education, such as live streaming teachers and the integration of artificial intelligence, aiming to enhance student learning and reduce the workload for educators.
Scott discusses the breakdown of his responsibilities across different projects and the relevance of each project to his role as the newly minted Director of Innovation. The two also reminisce about their past and discuss potential guests for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of hiring good people and giving them autonomy to excel in their roles.
Scott Cooper provides a detailed account of his extensive educational journey, highlighting his transition to a Special Ed coordinator role and the impact of the pandemic on his career. He also discusses his current position as a career technical education coordinator and the growth of the program over the last three and a half years, emphasizing the evolution of his career within the field of education. Scott and Andy also talk about their varied experiences in different educational environments, highlighting the shared dedication of educators to support and care for students across diverse settings.
The conversation also touches upon various educational initiatives, such as the EPIC program, which aims to address the needs of students who do not pursue traditional higher education, and the CC Live pilot project, which aims to address the challenges of providing high-quality education to rural high schools in Colorado through synchronous online learning. Finally, Andy and Scott converse about the transformative impact of CC Live and AI on their enthusiasm for learning, emphasizing the significance of creating positive opportunities and empowering educators to share valuable learning strategies with their colleagues.
Bio:
I have more than two decades of extensive educational experience including classroom teacher, special education teacher, dean of students, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.  My wide range of educational leadership experience from teaching in a two-room schoolhouse 45 min from the nearest town to leading the largest school district on the Western Slope of Colorado have provided me with a vast perspective and depth of knowledge that has loaded my tool belt with countless strategies to overcome the many challenges in education.  These career experiences have required me to collaborate effectively with teachers and school leaders to create positive, engaging learning opportunities for all students.  My work is to continuously improve the education that we offer to our children through better instruction, use of data, communication, and creating safe schools. These career experiences have required me to collaborate effectively with community members, parents, contractors, city leaders, media outlets, school leaders, teachers, and students to create positive outcomes for everyone.
My educational background includes multiple decades of learning experiences including degrees from; Utah State University, Logan, UT 1999, B.A.; Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 2004, M.A., and Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2014, Ed.D.  In addition, I have achieved and maintained Colorado education licenses for Administration, K-12 Principal, and CTE Director. I am continuing to learn innovative ways to produce and provide engaging CTE pathways for students and retooling career opportunities for adults. 
We at the Colorado River BOCES are engaged in reshaping the future of education by researching, preparing, implementing, and supporting innovative, engaging learning experiences that will transform the traditional models of education to produce valuable outcomes for students and their communities.
Connect with Scott:
https://www.crboces.org/
https://pathwaycenter.org/
https://cc-live.org/
https://oercolorado.org/
 

Empowered Learning - Episodes 1-10 Recap

Check out this quick 1-min video looking back at the first 10 episodes of the Empowered Learning Podcast AND to see a sneak peak of some of the incredible guests in the queue! Thank you for your support!

Thriving Conversations with Dale Yim: The Path to Impact and Fulfillment

Dale Yim
Andy and Dale discuss a range of topics, including the significance of emotional intelligence and the need for men to expand their emotional spectrum. The two explore the role of a coach in fostering better conversations and guiding individuals towards their desired outcomes. The conversation also touches on the societal impact of emotional intelligence, with a focus on reducing frustration, road rage, and other negative behaviors. Additionally, they discuss the importance of encouraging and empowering transformational conversations, particularly for men, and the potential impact on societal issues such as mass shootings.
Dale shares his eclectic professional journey, spanning from engineering to theatre, hospitality, and a 12-year stint in the restaurant industry. He opens up about his personal struggles and the pivotal moments that led him to pursue a career as a life coach and financial professional. The episode touches on the challenges and unexpected turns in Dale's life, highlighting his resilience and ultimate transition to a fulfilling career path aligned with his passions.
Dale and Andy also engage in a deep conversation about the interplay of mindset and generational differences, emphasizing the contrast between scarcity and abundance mindset and its influence on decision-making and relationships. They explore the complexities of cultural disparities, language barriers, and age gaps, highlighting the challenges of navigating these differences in a business context. They discuss the significance of conversations about money and the value of impact and meaningful interactions, ultimately questioning the true importance of financial gain in comparison to the lasting impact and meaningful connections.
They also discuss the profound influence of inspirational teachers in their lives and the enduring impact of these teachers and the lasting lessons they imparted. The discussion underscores the significance of educators who demonstrate genuine care and curiosity about their students' lives, emphasizing the need to honor and understand the unique stories and challenges of individuals. The conversation concludes with Dale reflecting on the multitude of life lessons he would like to pass on to others. Overall, this episode highlights the importance of making a positive impact on others and empowering them to thrive.
Bio:
Dale is an entrepreneur with professional experiences that span various industries: theatre, education, construction, film, hospitality, culinary arts and insurance.  He is an actor, a life coach, and a financial professional based out of Toronto. Aside from his devotion to his wife and two young humans, his main obsession is on encouraging and empowering transformational conversations.  
Connect with Dale:
resonating.life
reson8inglife@gmail.com

Brains, Bias, and Building Champions -A Conversation with Nikkie Handy

Nikkie Handy
Summary
Nikkie Handy shares her personal story of facing discrimination from a teacher and how it shaped her understanding of minority and economically disadvantaged populations in education. She discussed how her own experiences have fueled her empathy in working with minority communities. Nikkie's personal story sheds light on the need for greater support and inclusivity in education, especially for minority students facing similar obstacles.
The meeting also discussed Dr. Anil Karim's innovative educational approach that integrates Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies to enhance children's brain development. Fueling Brains seeks to mold children's brains to effectively retain and process information, ultimately improving learning outcomes. This episode highlights the importance of building children's brains to hold on to content, the role of executive functions in learning, and the need for educators to focus on brain development alongside traditional content delivery in the public school system.
Bio
I am a consummate professional in the Early Childhood Education and Professional Development arenas. I am a leader, innovator, mentor and guide.
The reoccurring theme in my professional life and career is people. By nature I am an empath, a carer and a nurturer. This seed was planted early in life through caring for my two younger sisters and my elderly great-grandmother. It sprouted in young adulthood as I entered college and worked nights at a rehab hospital and babysat on weekends. It began to grow branches early on as my professional journey led me to early childhood education and found my passion for co-authoring the future of humanity by guiding and supporting our youngest and most absorbent learners. At this point in my career I have shifted my energy and focus to pouring into the next generation of leaders, teachers and trail blazers. There have been multiple times in my journey that a mentor or wisdom-keeper has changed the trajectory of my rise in a positive and meaningful way. I would consider myself blessed to be that advocate and cheerleader for those coming up in this next generation. #TogetherWeRise
Connect with Nikkie
https://www.fuelingbrains.com/
https://fbargv.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkie-handy-927b99a2/

Mentors and Makers: The Past, Present and Future of Education with Cris Baker

Cris Baker
Description:
Andy Bennetts and Cris Baker talk about the impact of teachers on students and the transition from teaching to administration. Cris shares her experience of starting as a mentor teacher and eventually becoming a full-time mentor staff developer before realizing that administration wasn't for her. They also discuss the traits of ideal colleagues, the power of friendships, and the role of leadership in education.Cris also shares her perspective on education technology and the potential of AI in education. She emphasizes the importance of embracing technology and suggests a hybrid model of learning that combines virtual and in-person instruction. They also discuss the decline of close friendships since 1950 and how technology could be used to bridge the gap.The two explore the role of leadership in education and the value of continuous learning. They reflect on the positive influence of mentors and the need to seek out opportunities for personal and professional development.Finally, Andy and Cris discuss their vision for education that empowers future generations. They propose a student-centered approach where students can decide what they want to learn and be in charge of their education. They suggest getting rid of grades and allowing students to learn at their own pace, which they believe will help students develop a love for learning and prepare them for the future.
Cris’ Bio:
Christina Murray-Baker, or Cris for short, resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.  As a life-long educator in the k-12 public school system, she is well versed in working with a vast array of people and situations at all levels of the education system. Cris has two adult children that live in CA, where she was born and raised.  On December 17th of this year, she was blessed with her first grandson! At home, Cris enjoys spending time with her partner Dave, and her cat. In her spare time, she can often be found in her “yogarage” practicing the discipline of Ashtanga Yoga.
Connect with Cris:
Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-murray-baker/

Innovation, Ethics, and Unleashing AI's Potential: A Candid Conversation with Kristian Moore

Summary:                                                                                                        
In this episode, Kristian shares insights into his upbringing, his innovative solutions in the AI space, and his thoughts on the future of work and education. He and Andy also discuss the features of smart systems, including EZ Messenger and a voice call AI system. The two also discussed the potential impact of AI on society, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
Kristian expounds on his insights into how his upbringing shaped his approach to problem-solving and innovation, emphasizing a focus on the end result rather than the traditional process. He discusses the innovative solutions he has brought to the market, particularly in the area of Facebook lead generation, and highlights the importance of finding appropriate solutions for every situation, while also considering the ethical implications. Moore also addressed concerns about AI, emphasizing the need for ethical application and the impact on society, especially in the context of learning and the shift to online settings post-COVID.
Andy Bennetts and Kristian Moore also conversed about the future of work and education, challenging the traditional notion of college education in the face of technological progress. They explored the evolving job market, with Bennetts referencing a shift in the value of practical skills and work ethic. The conversation underscored the need for individuals to adapt to the changing landscape of work and education, emphasizing the significance of embracing technological advancements and cultivating a strong work ethic for success in the entrepreneurial space. They also discussed the potential impact of AI on society, envisioning its integration into every aspect of life, from medical and educational fields to personal care and business.
Kristian’s Bio:
As a forward-thinking leader, my mission is clear: I want to create a world where no one feels alone or confused in their business journey, especially in the online arena. My focus is on helping online coaches, consultants, and agencies discover the liberating power of automated business systems. This isn't just about technology; it's about freedom – the freedom to work smarter, not harder, and to focus on what truly matters in your business.
In today's fast-paced digital world, staying ahead means embracing automation. That's where I come in. I offer a range of innovative tools and systems designed to make your business operations smooth and efficient. Think of it as having a personal assistant who never sleeps – your business keeps running smoothly, even when you're not there.
For those who dream of scaling their business but find the idea daunting, I provide powerful strategies to attract and retain clients. It's not just about getting more people to notice you; it's about building meaningful connections with them. My strategies are about growing your business in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.
At the core of my philosophy is the belief that every customer interaction should be special. That's why I focus on creating personalized experiences for your clients. I view each marketing campaign as a unique story, crafted to engage and resonate with your audience. It's not just about selling a product or service; it's about building a relationship.
I understand the importance of the little things – what I call "micro-interactions." These could be anything from watching a short video, participating in a survey, to sharing a post. These small actions create a sense of community and belonging among your audience.
Many of my clients are high-ticket coaches who are great at what they do but might struggle with the technical side of running an online business or simply don't have the time to manage everything. That's where my expertise comes in handy. I help by integrating advanced AI and automation tools – what I like to call "smart systems" – into their businesses. These systems take care of the time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus on what you do best.
To put it simply, my role is to be the guide on your business journey. I provide the tools and strategies you need to navigate the digital world with ease. My goal is to ensure that you never feel lost or overwhelmed, but instead feel empowered and connected to your business and your clients.
In conclusion, my vision is to redefine the future of business by making it more accessible, efficient, and personal. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, strategic planning, and a focus on genuine connections, I am dedicated to helping you create a business that not only succeeds but also brings you joy and a sense of accomplishment. Let's embark on this journey together and transform the way you do business online.
Connect with Kristian:
www.consistentleads.ai
https://www.facebook.com/kristian.moore.cre8ive
https://solutions.moorecre8ive.com/time-to-build

Through the eGlass with Luke: An EdTech Salesman Turned Fitness Photog Speaks on Life, Tech, and Love

Luke Tevebaugh
Description:
Luke discusses his career path from K-12 EdTech sales to commercial photography, his love for travel and adventure, and his passion for eGlass technology. The conversation also touches on Luke's personal life, including his relationship with his wife Lindsay and his admiration for her leadership qualities. The importance of building strong relationships with clients and personalizing communication efforts is also emphasized.
Luke shares his diverse academic and professional background, including his experience with eInstruction and clickers, and how his wife played a significant role in encouraging him to pursue sales. He also discusses his career path from K-12 EdTech sales to commercial photography, and how he marketed himself to grow his photography business. Andy and Luke also dive into Luke’s love for travel and adventure, his passion for driving, and his move to Utah for adventure.
The guys also geek out about their love of eGlass technology, its potential in various industries, and how they believe it can make a difference in the lives of teachers and students! Finally, Luke shares his admiration for his wife Lindsay's leadership qualities and emphasized the importance of validating and valuing the ideas and desires of future generations.
Luke’s Bio:
Luke was reluctantly pushed into sales 25 years ago by his tough-loving and prognosticator of a wife, Lindsay.  Like most career sales folks, he’s hopped around a bit.  But he spent a bulk of those years at eInstruction from 1999-2012 and started with Ward’s MediaTech in May of 2023, where he fully intends to stay until he can mountain bike off into the sunset.
Connect with Luke:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-tevebaugh-b734b8/
www.instagram.com/ltevebaugh
www.WardsMediaTech.com

The Teachers Who Shaped Us: Honoring the Mentors Who Sparked Jeff Peterson’s Journeys

Jeff Peterson
Description: 
Jeff briefly discusses his background in education and his appreciation for teachers and the calling it takes to be an effective educator. Jeff shares his thoughts on his father's motivations and encouraging them to become anything BUT teachers! He believes that his father's desire for an easier life for his children and more financial stability were the driving factors behind his advice. Peterson acknowledges that he did not fully appreciate his father's sacrifices when he was younger, but now recognizes the hard work and dedication his father put into providing for their family. Despite the financial motivations, Peterson emphasizes the importance of pursuing a career that aligns with one's calling rather than solely for monetary gain and believes that if one is in the right lane, everything will work out.
Andy and Jeff discuss the challenges faced by teachers in the education system and the impact that teachers have on students' lives. Andy likens teachers to artists and acknowledges the passion and drive that both teachers and artists possess. Jeff shares a personal story about his fourth-grade teacher, Miss Nelson, who nurtured his creativity and inspired him to pursue a career in marketing.
Jeff spoke on how he found his calling in communication and speech communications with the help of his professor, Dr. Sandy Fredericks. The conversation highlighted the importance of recognizing and honoring the work of teachers and the impact they have on shaping the future of students.
Jeff's Bio:Purpose-driven, customer-centric growth leader with a track record of multi-sector, omni-channel innovation across corporate, community, education, and agency domains.Most recently, Jeff served as Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Jostens, where he led division and enterprise marketing activities including the development of several digital initiatives and virtual offerings helping high schools and colleges preserve important traditions in the face of COVID-19.  Prior to Jostens, Peterson’s agency and corporate experience includes over 20 years at General Mills and Best Buy, where he led consumer/customer promotion, education/cause marketing, brand, and corporate philanthropy initiatives for both companies.
Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree in Business Communication from the University of St. Thomas, where he served over 10 years as adjunct faculty.
“Echo360’s mission to measurably engage learners and workers across traditional, virtual, and hybrid environments is both inspiring and necessary in our increasingly changing world.”
Connect With Jeff:
https://echo360.com/company/leadership-team/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-peterson-a5881525/

Connecting Across Borders: Education, Travel, and Leaving a Positive Legacy with Andy Smith

Andy Smith
Description:
During this episode, host Andy Bennetts, and his good friend Andy Smith discuss a range of topics, including teaching abroad, the value of education, travel, Innovative Education Global (IEG), and leadership. The conversation also highlights the potential for technology to connect people across borders and the importance of making teaching a more fulfilling and financially sustainable career.
Andy Smith discusses his experiences teaching in the UAE and the challenges he faced with the language barrier. He also shares his insights on the Westernization of the UAE and how it compares to other Middle Eastern countries. Additionally, he talks about his love for travel and emphasizes the importance of traveling and how it can broaden one's perspective and understanding of the world. Smith also introduced the concept of Innovative Education Global (IEG) and its goal to provide immersive learning experiences to anyone who wants to learn.
This episode highlights the importance of building relationships, using technology to connect people, and creating immersive learning experiences. The meeting also emphasizes the importance of leaving a positive legacy and being an influential leader in the lives of others.
Andy’s Bio:
My name is Andy Smith.  I am an English teacher, world traveler, and husband/father.  I have been teaching for around 23 years.  I have taught in Colorado, Georgia and Abu Dhabi which is in the UAE.  Abu Dhabi is about an hour away from Dubai.  My wife and I met there while we both were teaching.  We had our first boy there, and then our other two boys were born here in Atlanta.  When I was in Abu Dhabi, I began to think about how teachers could benefit from learning how to create streams of income to be able to teach and still have enough money to live!  Many teachers love their job, but they are leaving due to the pay they are getting.  I decided to create a business called Innovative Education Global, or IEG. This idea is for anyone because everyone is either a teacher or someone learning.  I am now focused on creating an educational system where people can travel and learn too.  I have partnered with a few companies that will help create revenue for teachers and anyone else with little to no money spent.  These companies provide worldwide opportunities which is exactly what I want to happen.   There is a company called Refer Life Connect which is a social platform created for people to use to connect as well as to make money.  It is very new, but I will be showing people how to use it.  We had been on a social platform that pays people to use it, but it is currently not there because they are creating their V1 after finishing their Beta Version.  The next company that I really want to talk about is called ZenYGE.  This is an energy company that people can join for free and earn money.  There are products that can be sold worldwide that will help people get energy as far as solar, water and health.  There are other options as well.  I also am showing people a way to get free crypto just by adding an extension to their chrome browser.   This is all for the purpose of creating a way for people to be part of an international new way to provide learning experiences for anyone who wants to be a part of IEG.  If anyone wants to learn how to make some extra revenue, build ways to travel, learn from people around the world, help people around the world or just connect with others who love to learn, then being a part of a the IEG global community is just right for you!
Connect with Andy:
Andy’s Email: smithad33@gmail.com
Zen GYE Info: zenyge.com/Smithad33
Referlife Connec: http://rlifeconnect.com/?refer=d2NoS2Q0ODlCZEtpYmp4RjFGd3VLZz09

The Quest for Equity: Daniel Archuleta’s Mission to Lift Up Underserved Communities

Daniel Archuleta
Description:
Daniel shares his personal background and mission to strive for equity and help underserved communities, which was reinforced by his father's dedication to learning and people. He talks about his career journey, including his work in education reform and strategic management, and how it allowed him to conceptualize an innovative way of managing declining enrollment in school districts through community impact. During the episode, Daniel discusses how his team analyzed data to understand the reasons behind declining enrollment in Colorado districts. They found that population shifts were the main cause and used a map to illustrate the issue. The data shows that this was a statewide issue and the roots of these changes varied widely across the state and nationally due to factors such as low birth rates, gentrification, racism, and changes in the micro and macro economies. The team's findings highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address declining enrollment in the district and beyond.
Bio:
Daniel has 20 years of experience working in the education and nonprofit sectors. He holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Regis University, was a co-founder of a nonprofit supporting the success of students with disabilities and is the former Manager of Strategy and Accountability at Adams 14. He has served Colorado youth more broadly and holistically at two collective impact organizations, Rocky Mountain Partnership and Denver Metro Community Impact, where he held the roles of Data Director and Director of Operations, respectively. Currently, his company, Surpassing Distinction, is working on a project of the heart. He is here to talk with us about a model to innovate the management of declining enrollment in school districts through community impact.
My ancestors, Spanish explorers and conquistadors, violently colonized the ancestral lands of the Anasazi, the lands of the Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Shoshone, and Ute nations. While I am not proud of this history, it is a reason I fight for equity. The Archuletas settled in what was northern Mexico, then, following the Mexican-American War, it would eventually become Colorado. Archuleta remains a county along the southern border of the state. One might think that having a county as a namesake would secure a legacy of privilege, but a long history of discrimination led to poverty and generational trauma for my family.My father was raised on the streets of Denver and attended Manual High School. He made the best of rare opportunities and attended CU Boulder, becoming a founding member of UMAS. He went on to launch several nonprofit organizations providing opportunities to the underprivileged.This instilled in me a passion for learning and the purpose of serving vulnerable communities. As a result, I excelled in school, and when I graduated from Adams City High School, one of the lowest performing schools in one of the lowest performing districts, I gave the concluding speech and advocated for education reform. I received a full-ride, academic scholarship to MSU where I published two anthological works on Chicano topics, which were used as textbooks in the Chicano Studies curriculum. After graduation, I went to work for Regis University where my MBA in Strategic Management was paid through a tuition benefit program.I have spent twenty years gaining knowledge and honing skills to better fulfill my purpose. I developed processes and systems to lift student group performance in Cherry Creek and Adams 14. I served the needs of students with disabilities when I co-founded the nonprofit, IDEAS, Inc. I have volunteered and sat on several committees and boards advocating for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. I have lifted Black and Brown, LGBTQ+, and Spanish-speaking voices at Rocky Mountain Partnership and Denver Metro Community Impact.In 2017, I founded Surpassing Distinction to promote my independent work serving Colorado students through contracts with Adams 14, the Colorado Association of School Executives, and Denver Public Schools. This work grew into serving Colorado youth more broadly and holistically through contracts with two collective impact organizations, Rocky Mountain Partnership and Denver Metro Community Impact, where I was hired as the Data Director and Director of Operations, respectively. As my network and impact expanded, my vision for Surpassing Distinction grew as well.In 2023, Surpassing Distinction was awarded a six-figure, sole-source contract to manage an urban school district's declining enrollment project. In the course of the work, Surpassing Distinction consulted with experts to explore the large-scale context of the problem. As a result, we developed a model that would innovate the management of declining enrollment through community impact. Further work in this area will require the development and implementation of a Proof of Concept. We are in the process of securing one pilot school and full proof-of-concept funding.
Connect with Daniel:
https://www.surpassingdistinction.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/surpassingdistinction/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-archuleta/

Team Excel Effect: How Johnathan Mayo is Sparking Student Success Through Competition

Johnathan Mayo
Description:
Johnathan shares his personal and professional background, discussing his mother's legacy as an educator and his career path in education and entrepreneurship. Andy & Johnathan also discuss the creation of Team Excel, a platform that uses competition and teamwork to motivate students to improve their academic performance. Johnathan shares the impact of the program on students and emphasizes the importance of perseverance for entrepreneurs.
Connect with Johnathan:
To connect with Johnathan and learn more about Team Excel, visit: www.teamexcel.com. 

Empowered Learning Podcast - Episode 0

Episode 0
Join Andy for a fun preview of the Empowered Learning Podcast. In this bonus episode, you will learn:
Who Andy is
What the podcast is about
Who guests will be
Why you should listen
What makes the Empowered Learning Podcast different
The first THREE full episodes will be released on Jan 1, 2024!