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/

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

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

In this book release episode, George Couros shares the three deeply personal reasons he wrote Forward Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times.

Rather than offering quick fixes or rigid frameworks, this conversation explores why sustainable change in schools only happens when people work together. George explains why focusing on “we” over winning matters, how growing up in a tight-knit school community shaped his beliefs about leadership, and why every school and community requires its own solutions.

This episode also addresses a core message of the book: no book, principle, or strategy can fix a school. Books can offer ideas, reflection, and perspective, but real solutions are created by educators, leaders, families, and communities working together within their unique context.

This conversation is especially relevant for:

• School and district leaders navigating conflict or division

• Educators seeking trust-based leadership approaches

• Communities working to move initiatives forward collaboratively

• Anyone who believes schools improve when people come first

Forward Together is not about having the answers. It is about creating the conditions for communities to find them, together.

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If you purchase this book, please fill out this form to get a free conversation guide and the chance to win some books!

https://forms.gle/pob95CVPnwsAgdZb7

My latest book, "Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times," is now available here: https://amzn.to/4p62hZ2

In this short episode of the Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros reflects on why this past year felt lighter, more positive, and more grounded, learning to let go of grudges.

Holding a grudge rarely affects the other person, but it often weighs heavily on us. In under five minutes, George shares a simple practice that has helped him move forward, reaching out to lift others up without expectations, forgiveness speeches, or closure conversations.

This Christmas Day reflection is about releasing what holds us back, starting the year with clarity, and choosing actions that make us feel better rather than bitter.

Perfect for a quick listen if you are looking for perspective, peace, and a fresh start.

Leah Ellis, founder and executive director of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, joins George to share how children as young as four can launch real businesses that strengthen confidence, creativity, and resilience. Drawing from her daughter’s early entrepreneurial journey, Leah highlights powerful examples of young learners pitching ideas, speaking with customers, setting prices, and building community-focused projects that grow both skills and purpose.

This episode explores how early entrepreneurship builds financial literacy, leadership habits, and problem-finding abilities that support success in school and beyond. Leah also breaks down the Society’s curriculum, coaching model, and resources designed for families, educators, and districts interested in nurturing future-ready learners. She explains how entrepreneurial learning complements traditional paths, including college, and offers guidance for parents and teachers who want to help kids turn curiosity into action.

Whether you support students at home or in the classroom, this conversation provides practical strategies, inspiring stories, and a look into how authentic entrepreneurship can empower young people to thrive in an ever changing world.

Learn more at https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/

___________

👉 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/

In this deeply personal podcast episode, George Couros reflects on one of the hardest seasons of his life and the lessons that helped him move forward. After experiencing profound loss, personal struggle, and moments of feeling completely stuck, George shares three simple but powerful ideas that shaped his healing, restored his purpose, and reignited his creative spark.

This conversation explores grief, resilience, leadership, health, and the importance of small actions when life feels overwhelming. Through stories of loss, personal transformation, and rediscovering meaning, this episode offers encouragement for anyone navigating change, exhaustion, or uncertainty.

Listeners will hear reflections on:

• Why the things we dread most often become our greatest teachers

• How being the best interaction in someone’s day can change both lives

• Why movement, even imperfect movement, matters when you feel stuck

• Rebuilding purpose after loss and burnout

• Why comeback stories are still being written, including yours

This episode is for educators, leaders, creatives, and anyone searching for clarity, motivation, or hope during difficult seasons. Whether you are feeling worn down, finding your spark again, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a reminder that forward is still possible.

If you are looking for a podcast about resilience, leadership, grief, personal growth, and finding purpose again, this episode will meet you where you are.

___________

👉 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/

In this episode, veteran teacher Jennie Gyford dives into her new book Teach Like the Floor Is on Fire and shares honest, funny, and deeply relatable stories about classroom chaos, student behavior, and how teaching has changed. She breaks down practical strategies for building strong relationships, simplifying grading, and using technology and AI in a way that supports learning without adding to teacher stress.

If you want real talk about the daily challenges teachers face, along with solutions you can use tomorrow, this conversation delivers. Check out Jennie’s book here: Teach Like the Floor Is on Fire https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Floor-Jennie-OKelley-Gyford/dp/B0G16HLLGG

___________

👉 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/