ClassCast Podcast Ep.068 features Chris Rader, a former student of host Ryan Tibbens, sharing his experiences and perspectives on education and how to better serve students.  Since graduating from high school in 2012, Chris has found immense success in the fields of chemistry and material science at Virginia Tech and now as a Ph.D. student the Adolphe Merkle Institute in Switzerland. Aside from groundbreaking work with cellulose and creating environmentally friendly packaging, Chris also has some great ideas about how we can improve K12 education in the United States to better prepare young people for college, career, and the independent critical thinking we all aspire to. Chris's experiences in lab sciences have not only shaped his rare and valuable skill set; they've also helped him to better understand what education can -- and can't -- do for young people in the current paradigm. If you are interested in improving STEM in K12, learning more about chemistry and materials science, helping young people achieve more on their own, studying abroad for higher ed, or even the significance of athletics for high school students, this is a discussion you won't want to miss. 

For more information, leave a comment at www.ClassCastPodcast.com or contact Chris Rader directly via email, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.  

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-5:40 -- Intro to Chris Rader & His Unique Education Path
2. 5:40-14:18 -- Depth, Rigor, & Project-Based Learning in HS vs College *
3. 14:18-16:49 -- Why Get a Ph.D.?
4. 16:49-25:52 -- Patents, Saving the World, & Chris's Work in Material Science *
5. 25:52-45:25 -- Improving American High Schools, Career Prep, & Grading ** 
6. 45:25-59:32 -- Chris's Ideal School & Learning by Doing *
7. 59:32-1:07:04 -- The Value of Athletics in Human Development
8. 1:07:04-1:12:30 -- Study Abroad: Make It a Priority
9. 1:12:30-1:21:24 -- Chris's Book & Movie Recs/ Final Wrap-Up

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The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more.  You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com.  Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen.  Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! If every listener made a one-time donation of $2-3, the podcast would be funded for the year! 

ClassCast Podcast Ep.066 features Dr. Casey Jakubowski, a professor, author, and teacher from upstate New York sharing his views on education in the United States, our need for greater civic education and engagement, as well as how we can "#ChangeTheNarrative" about our school system's successes and failures. Casey has worked in K12 and higher ed., in humanities and STEM, in the classroom and in leadership roles. Through his long and varied career, he has gained unique perspectives on what our schools do, how they function, and what we can do to improve how we serve students and communities. From standardized testing to specialization, from civics to community influences, we cover it all. Casey also shares a heartfelt story of family, loss, and students rising to the occasion and making change in the world.  You can contact Casey on Twitter and LinkedIn or leave a comment below if you want to continue the conversation.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-4:29 -- Intro to Casey Jakubowski
2. 4:29-12:43 -- The Purpose of School According to Casey (#ChangeTheNarrative) **
3. 12:43-15:23 -- "Defunding" Schools
4. 15:23-33:37 -- Casey's Ideal School & How to Get There *
5. 33:37-44:34 -- Standardized Testing, Opportunity Data, & "Learning Loss" *
6. 44:34-54:43 -- Humanities, STEM, & Real Human Stories
7. 54:43-1:02:17 -- How Politics Limits Schools *
8. 1:02:17-1:11:01 -- Book/Movie Recs & Wrap-Up

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The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more.  You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com.  Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen.  Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! If every listener made a one-time donation of $2-3, the podcast would be funded for the year! 

ClassCast Podcast Ep.065 features Dr. Sam Fecich, an education professor, author, speaker, and podcaster who works with pre-service teachers. She and host Ryan Tibbens discuss teacher preparation, how we can attract and train the best talent, why pedagogy and content both matter, and more. Sam's enthusiasm is infectious, so you're sure to find this episode both engaging and enlightening. Worried about the national teacher shortage? We cover it. Wondering how to help talented young people get into education? We cover that too. 

In addition to authoring two books designed to help pre-service and new teachers, Sam produces the Edumagic Podcast for pre-service teachers. She recently spoke with our host, Ryan Tibbens, on her show about purpose, priorities, and organization. Be sure to check out Edumagic!  You can contact Dr. Fecich on Twitter, Instagram,Facebook, LinkedIn, and via her website. 

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-6:45 -- Intro to Dr. Sam Fecich
2. 6:45-11:04 -- The Purpose of School According to Sam
3. 11:04-16:29 -- Working with Pre-Service Teachers *
4. 16:29-23:26 -- Is Content King? Learning & Professional Development Needs **
5. 23:26-36:13 -- Addressing the National Teacher Shortage & Attracting New Teachers **
6. 36:13-45:15 -- Sam's Ideal School *
7. 45:15-49:43 -- Sam's Book & Movie Recs
8. 49:43-50:33 -- Wrap Up

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The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more.  You can also find us on YouTube and right here at www.ClassCastPodcast.com.  Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen.  Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)!