Blog - Page 13 of 49 - Spencer Education

Dec 03 2022

The Creative Momentum Journal Is Here

By John Spencer Creativity One Comment

Ever felt stuck in a creative rut? Ever had a dream of getting started with a creative endeavor but you just can't make the habit stick? The challenge might not be one of habit-forming or inspiration but actually creative momentum. While habits focus on consistency,…

Nov 21 2022

I’m Not Looking for a New Adventure

By John Spencer Creativity One Comment

Each day, I do an entry in my gratitude journal. Okay, not actually each day. About 2-5 times a week, I fill out an entry in my journal. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I thought I would share a personal journal entry after being in…

Oct 31 2022

Scott Witthoft on the Curious Craft of Prototyping

By John Spencer Creativity, Design Thinking, Podcast One Comment

In my latest podcast episode, I interviewed Scott Witthoft, who shared an expanded view of what it means to prototype. I've written extensively about design thinking but his latest book This is a Prototype? challenged my thinking while also providing several new strategies I plan…

Oct 20 2022

The Power of Student Conferencing

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast 9 Comments

If we want to empower students to own the assessment process, we need to incorporate meaningful self-assessment and peer assessment into our lessons. However, students still need guidance from their teachers. This is why I love five-minute conferences. Unlike a deep dive tutoring session or…

Aug 14 2022

Writing Prompt: You Discover a Magic Fountain Prompt

By John Spencer Creativity One Comment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oUvp3TqJpM&t=6s Writing Prompt: It’s a lazy afternoon on a blazingly hot Saturday, so you and your friends decide to go to a mall to cool off. Once you arrive, you notice a water fountain where people are tossing coins and making wishes. You know it…

Jul 11 2022

Elena Aguilar on Coaching for Equity

By John Spencer Podcast, Professional Development No Comments

In my latest episode, I interviewed Elena Aguilar about coaching, equity, and transforming teacher practice. She asked me a question that had me thinking about my own answer for days -- and question what that means for my teaching practice. Elena is a true expert…

Jun 12 2022

16 Ways to Own Your Professional Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Professional Development 6 Comments

I'm sitting at a barbecue joint putting finishing touches on a social studies pedagogy course I'm teaching this summer. While I try to focus, I can't help but notice the passion and excitement at the table across from me. “Screw going on a cruise. I…

Jun 07 2022

Mike Kaechele and Dr. Matinga Ragatz on the Pulse of PBL

By John Spencer Podcast, Project-Based Learning 3 Comments

Mike Kaechele and Dr. Matinga Ragatz are the co-authors of a newly released book, Pulse of PBL: Cultivating Equity Through Social Emotional Learning. Full Disclosure: I am a co-owner of Blend Education, the publisher of their book. It has been an incredible opportunity to witness…

May 23 2022

Showrunner Jerry Kolber on the Power of Creativity and Curiosity to Deepen Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

In this week's podcast, I interviewed Jerry Kolber, a Showrunner and podcast creator. We talked about creativity, curiosity, and what it would mean to re-imagine learning in schools. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on…

May 02 2022

Five Reasons Students Should Own the Assessment Process

By John Spencer Creativity, Distance Learning, Empowering Students, Mindsets, Podcast 2 Comments

For years, I held a very teacher-centered view of assessment. I would grade student work and use that to modify lessons and pull small groups. Students would receive a grade, which would then motivate them to work harder. Later, I started realizing that my feedback…