『The Bridge』のカバーアート

The Bridge

The Bridge

著者： Cate Tolnai
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 A growing community of educators, mentors, and lifelong learners who believe in the power of connection, shared stories, and showing up for one another - again and againAlpenspruce Education Solutions, Inc 政治・政府 政治学
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  • Do the Thing with Dr. Natasha Rachell

    Do the Thing with Dr. Natasha Rachell
    2025/11/02
    Join host Cate Tolnai for a powerful conversation with Dr. Natasha Rachell, Director of Instructional Technology for Atlanta Public Schools, who shares her remarkable journey from retail management to educational technology leadership. Discover how one principal's belief in her potential launched a 22-year career, and learn Dr. Rachell's transformative "Executive Board" framework—seven essential people every educator needs in their corner to thrive, grow, and lead with purpose.🎯 What You'll Discover:When Someone Sees Your Potential Before You Do 🌟How a substitute teaching opportunity became a life-changing moment when a principal said, "You're going to make me proud. You're my star."Why nontraditional paths into education can bring fresh perspectives and unexpected strengthsThe ripple effect of one person taking a chance on you—and how that shapes your entire career trajectoryThe Executive Board Framework: Your Seven Essential People 🤝The Mentor - Someone who guides you based on their experience and wisdomThe Sponsor - An advocate who opens doors and vouches for you in rooms you're not in yetThe Challenger - The person who pushes you outside your comfort zone and asks the hard questionsThe Peer Coach - A colleague who walks alongside you, sharing struggles and strategies in real-timeThe Connector - Someone who expands your network and introduces you to opportunitiesThe Visionary - A forward-thinking leader who helps you see beyond current limitationsThe Accountability Partner - The person who keeps you honest about your goals and growthLeading AI Integration with Heart and Ethics 🤖How Atlanta Public Schools is implementing AI from leadership to students with responsibility and equity at the centerWhy "the teacher will always be the magic"—technology amplifies the human, never replaces itCreating a district-wide culture where innovation meets intentionality and every student has accessBuilding Belonging Through Intentional Relationships 💫The power of warmth, authenticity, and showing up fully as yourself in educational leadershipHow mentorship creates lasting impact—and why being mentored prepares you to mentor othersWhy surrounding yourself with people who advocate for you isn't selfish; it's strategic and necessarySay Yes Before You're Ready 🚀How saying "yes" to opportunities—even when you feel unprepared—creates exponential growthThe courage required to step into roles that stretch you beyond your current skill setWhy the support of your Executive Board makes taking risks possibleCreating Undeniable Impact in 2025 ✨Dr. Rachell's guiding motto for the year: making impact that cannot be ignored or overlookedEmpowering educators to embrace creativity, collaboration, and technology to reimagine classroomsHow digital equity and future-ready learning create opportunities for every student to thriveKey Takeaways:✨ Your career path doesn't need to look like everyone else's—sometimes the most powerful journeys start with an unexpected yes ✨ One person's belief in your potential can change the trajectory of your entire life—and you can be that person for someone else ✨ The Executive Board framework gives you a practical blueprint for building the relationships that fuel growth and resilience ✨ Leading with AI means keeping the human in the loop—technology should amplify connection, creativity, and critical thinking ✨ Intentional relationships and mentorship create belonging that transcends titles, districts, and career stages ✨ Say yes before you feel ready—courage comes from community, and your Executive Board will help you rise to the challenge ✨ Making undeniable impact means showing up authentically, advocating for equity, and empowering others to thrive🎯 Perfect For:Educators considering career transitions or nontraditional paths into leadershipLeaders building mentorship cultures and intentional professional development systemsAnyone navigating AI integration in schools and seeking ethical, human-centered approachesTeachers and administrators who want to build their personal Executive Board for support and growthEd leaders working toward digital equity and ensuring all students have access to innovationAnyone who needs permission to say "yes" before they feel fully readyResources & Mentions:🏆 ISTE Distinguished District Award (2023) - Atlanta Public Schools 📱 Tablet2Read Initiative - 8,500 iPads deployed to young learners in Atlanta 🎮 District-wide eSports Pipeline Program - Competitive gaming expanded to all elementary and middle schools 📰 EdTech Magazine "30 IT Influencers to Watch" (2024) 🤝 Partnerships with Verizon, Apple, Microsoft, and Google for Education ✍️ Dr. Rachell's contributions as ISTE Community Leader and national speakerConnect With Dr. Natasha Rachell:Twitter/X: @NatashaRachell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasharachell/ Website: https://natasharachell.com/ Blog: https://...
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    37 分
  • Every Season Changes with Jeni Long

    Every Season Changes with Jeni Long
    2025/10/26
    Join host Cate Tolnai for an inspiring conversation with Jeni Long, an educator who transformed her passion for technology and community into a thriving career connecting educators worldwide. From classroom teacher to tech coach to Account Executive at MagicSchool AI, Jeni shares how authentic relationships, strategic partnerships, and staying true to your strengths can create unexpected opportunities and lasting impact.🎯 What You'll Discover:From Tech Coach to Global Educator Brand 🌟• How a first-day friendship with Sallee Clark evolved into Jenallee—a YouTube channel, conference presence, and co-authored book reaching educators worldwide• The power of combining complementary strengths: creativity meets execution, ideation meets achievement• Why working smarter (not harder) led to creating resources that scaled from one district to a global audienceThe Art of Authentic Partnership 🤝• How StrengthsFinders transformed Jeni and Sallee's collaboration by helping them embrace their unique gifts• The importance of trust and letting go—empowering your partner to run with their strengths while you own yours• What it takes to build a partnership that elevates both people rather than creating competitionNavigating Career Evolution in EdTech 📚• Why following your curiosity and saying "yes" to new challenges can lead to unicorn opportunities• How Jeni transitioned from district tech integrator to the vendor side—and why authentic passion beats sales experience• The moment she cold-messaged MagicSchool's founder with a resume and a vision (spoiler: it worked!)Real Talk About Educator Wellbeing 🌸• The work will always be there—but family moments and mental capacity matter most• How to avoid burnout while pursuing multiple opportunities and making career pivots• Permission to put the grading aside (yes, even in year three) and focus on relationships that lastKey Takeaways:✨ Your career path doesn't have to be linear—follow your curiosity and embrace opportunities as they emerge✨ Authentic relationships beat polished perfection every single time—be real, be passionate, and show up consistently✨ Modern educator community may be shaped by companies and products, but it's still driven by human connection✨ Put yourself out there—if you feel called to share your voice, there's a reason (and people need to hear it!)✨ Balance isn't about doing it all; it's about prioritizing what truly matters: students, family, and your wellbeing🎯 Perfect For:• Educators considering a career pivot into instructional technology or edtech companies• Teachers curious about building their professional brand through social media and conferences• Anyone seeking inspiration for authentic partnership and collaboration• Educators navigating the modern landscape of professional learning communitiesResources & Mentions:📺 Jenallee YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@Jenallee📚 The Microsoft Teams Playbook (Co-authored with Sallee Clark) - https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Teams-Playbook-Jeni-Long/dp/1951600126🎬 eTwinz - International educator community members mentioned in the episode🤖 MagicSchool AI - https://www.magicschool.ai/📱 Jenallee on TikTok - Follow for creative edtech tips and mini-PD moments💼 MagicSchool Pioneers & Ambassador Program - Join the community at magicschool.aiConnect With Jeni Long:Twitter/X: @jenilong22LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenilong/Email: jeni@magicschool.aiAbout Jeni Long:Jeni Long is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience and holds a Master's degree in Educational Technology. She is a respected EdTech speaker, consultant, and author dedicated to providing unwavering support for teachers both in and out of the classroom. As an Account Executive at MagicSchool AI, Jeni focuses on ensuring that every teacher using the platform feels supported, motivated, and empowered to positively impact their students' lives. She co-founded Jenallee with Sallee Clark, creating a global presence through YouTube, conferences, and their co-authored book, The Microsoft Teams Playbook. Jeni is actively involved in organizing events, delivering professional development, fostering community growth, and building partnerships with Texas school districts.This episode is a powerful reminder that your career journey doesn't have to follow a traditional path—authentic relationships, complementary partnerships, and the courage to put yourself out there can open doors you never imagined. Whether you're contemplating a career shift, looking to build your educator brand, or simply searching for permission to prioritize what matters most, Jeni's story will inspire you to embrace change with confidence and lead with authenticity.#EducatorCommunity #MagicSchoolAI #TeacherLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Jenallee #EdChat #CareerPivot #TeachingLife #TechCoach #AIinEducation #EducatorWellness #WorkLifeBalance #EdTechCommunity
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    40 分
  • Nurture the Spark with Dr. Sarah Thomas

    Nurture the Spark with Dr. Sarah Thomas
    2025/10/19

    Join host Cate Tolnai as she sits down with Dr. Sarah Thomas, founder of EduMatch, for a powerful conversation about building authentic educator communities, finding balance beyond hustle culture, and discovering that true impact comes from connection, not scale.

    🎯 What You'll Discover:

    From One Voxer Chat to Global Community 🌍

    • How a simple conversation sparked the creation of EduMatch—now a global professional learning network with 200+ facilitators
    • Why starting small and personal creates more meaningful connections than chasing viral growth
    • The evolution from tweets and hashtags to a thriving ecosystem of educator collaboration

    The Power of Professional Learning Networks 🤝

    • How finding (or creating) your PLN can reignite your passion and prevent burnout
    • Why connecting with educators who share your interests matters more than connecting with everyone
    • The bridges that sustain us: mentorship, community, and authentic belonging

    The Starfish Story Philosophy ⭐

    • Why small acts of impact matter—you don't have to save everyone to make a difference
    • How Sarah's 20-year education journey taught her that connection trumps scale every time
    • The ripple effect of kindness and collaboration in educational spaces

    Introducing: The Softer Life for Educators 🌸

    • Sarah's newest project designed to help educators move beyond hustle culture
    • Creating space for balance, wellness, and purpose in both your 9-to-5 and 5-to-9 life
    • Why the education community needs permission to rest, reflect, and recharge

    Leading With Empathy and Grace 💝

    • Lessons from career pivots and the importance of giving grace in community work
    • How to sustain authentic community without burning out
    • Building belonging through empathy rather than perfection

    Key Takeaways:

    ✨ Impact isn't measured by scale—it's measured by connection. Even small acts can change lives
    ✨ Your professional learning network is your lifeline—find your people or create the space where they can find you
    ✨ You can't pour from an empty cup—embracing a softer life isn't selfish, it's sustainable
    ✨ Every educator who shows up matters, even if you're only reaching one starfish at a time
    ✨ Leading with grace and authenticity builds stronger communities than perfectionism ever could

    🎯 Perfect For:

    • Educators feeling isolated or searching for their professional community
    • Teachers struggling with work-life balance and hustle culture burnout
    • Leaders looking to build authentic, sustainable educator networks
    • Anyone who's ever wondered if their small contributions really matter
    • Educators ready to embrace wellness and purpose alongside professional growth

    Resources & Mentions:

    📚 Sarah's Books on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01MU55ZMU
    💻 EduMatch website - https://www.edumatch.org/
    ❤️ The Softer Life for Educators Community and PLN - https://www.skool.com/softerlife/about?ref=52f4ee7258ea41fb9980106265ebc327

    Connect With Dr. Sarah Thomas:

    Twitter/X: @sarahdateechur
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jane-thomas/
    Website: https://www.edumatch.org/sarahthomasphd

    About Dr. Sarah Thomas:

    Sarah Thomas, PhD is the founder of EduMatch, an organization that empowers educators to make global connections across common areas of interest. She has spoken and presented internationally, participated in the Technical Working Group to refresh the 2017 ISTE Standards for Educators, and is a recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen award. Sarah is a co-author of the ISTE digital equity series, Closing the Gap, the winner of the 2023 Maryland Society for Educational Technology Outstanding Leader Using Technology award, and the 2023 Leader of the Year as designated by the American Consortium for Equity in Education.

    This episode is a reminder that you don't need to reach millions to make a meaningful impact—you just need to show up authentically, connect deeply, and give yourself the grace to build a life that honors both your professional calling and your personal wellbeing. Whether you're searching for your educator tribe or ready to create a softer, more sustainable teaching life, Sarah's wisdom will inspire you to lead with heart.

    #EduMatch #EducatorCommunity #TeacherWellness #ProfessionalLearning #TeacherBurnout #EdChat #PLN #EducatorBalance #TeachingLife #TheSofterLife #EducationalLeadership #TeacherSupport #WorkLifeBalance
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    24 分
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