In this episode, Brittany Dixon, an upper-elementary teacher known as @Elementary_Magic on Instagram, shares how hands-on learning and a supportive school culture transformed her classroom.

Brittany discusses how projects like electromagnets, 3D printing, and inquiry-based math and science lessons spark curiosity and help students learn independently. She also reflects on the powerful role of school leadership, explaining how encouragement from her principal gave her the confidence to take instructional risks and keep learning exciting for students.

This conversation offers practical, classroom-ready ideas for educators who want to increase engagement, foster student ownership, and create learning experiences that students genuinely enjoy.

Connect with Brittany on Instagram at @elementary_magic.

1. Hands-On Learning Fuels Curiosity Real-world projects like electromagnets and 3D printing help students move beyond worksheets and into deeper understanding through exploration and problem-solving.

2. Student Independence Is Taught, Not Assumed When students are coached to ask questions, experiment, and reflect, they develop confidence and ownership over their learning.

3. Supportive Leadership Unlocks Innovation A principal who encourages risk-taking and trust empowers teachers to try new approaches that make learning more engaging and meaningful.

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👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon!

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

In this special "Forward, Together" preview episode, guest host Katie Novak sits down with educator and author George Couros to explore what schools can actually do to move from conflict to community.

Their conversation centers on a simple but challenging learning norm, learning in the way we expect from our students, and how that mindset shapes leadership, professional learning, and school culture. George shares what inspired Forward, Together, the real school stories behind the book, and why vulnerability, radical candor, and human connection matter more than polished talking points.

From classroom practices to shared meals and community conversations, this episode highlights practical strategies for building trust, supporting educators, and creating conditions where people feel heard in contentious times.

A thoughtful, honest discussion for educators and leaders who believe progress happens when we choose to move forward, together.

___________

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon!

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

How can school leaders turn disagreement into growth rather than division?

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, guest host Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket interviews George Couros about his new book, Forward, Together.

George shares why he wrote the book, how school leaders can navigate conflict and polarization with clarity and humility, and practical strategies for building trust with staff and communities. Together, they explore how inviting feedback, embracing constructive disagreement, and modeling continuous growth can strengthen school culture and leadership impact.

This episode offers concise, actionable insights for principals, superintendents, and educational leaders seeking tools to: • Lead through disagreement without losing trust • Foster a collaborative and feedback-rich culture • Engage communities authentically, not manipulatively • Guide schools forward in complex and contentious times

If you are leading in education today and feeling the weight of competing perspectives, this conversation provides grounded guidance for moving forward together.

___________

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/