On this episode, I hangout with Dr. Latoya Dixon and we chat about excellence in leadership.
Dr. Latoya Dixon is a former middle school co-principal/transformational leader. She also served as an elementary school principal in the Rock Hill School District. As a product of Rock Hill School District 3, Latoya began her career as a middle school English Language Arts teacher after graduating from Clemson University in 1999. Latoya holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, an Educational Specialist degree, and a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of South Carolina. Latoya is known across the Carolinas not only for her expertise as a leader, but also for her inspirational spirit. She currently serves as a state level leader in South Carolina. Latoya is available to do keynote speaking and professional development. Contact her at leadershipwithlatoya@gmail.com.
On this episode of The Dr. Will Show, I hangout with Dr. Raychelle Burks, and we chat about careers in STEM.
Dr. Raychelle Burks is analytical chemist working to developing detection methods for a wide variety of drugs and explosives. She is a popular science communicator, appearing on the Science Channel’s Outrageous Acts of Science and in ACS Reactions videos, plus writing a monthly forensic science column for Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
On this episode, I hangout with Dr. Breea Willingham and we chat about academic conferences and much more!
Dr. Breea Willingham is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Plattsburgh State University of New York. Her research areas include Black women’s prison writing, higher education in prison, Black women and police violence, the impact of incarceration on Black fathers and their children, and race and crime. Dr. Willingham worked as a newspaper reporter covering crime and education for 10 years before entering academia. She has presented her research at national and international conferences.
On this episode of The Dr. Will Show, I hangout with Dr. Shawn Clark and Brady Venables and we chat about quality feedback to guide professional learning.
After finally recognizing she belonged in education, Shawn Berry Clark entered an alternative teaching certification program. As an alumna of the University of South Carolina, Shawn’s academic degrees include a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, a Master's of Education in Early Childhood, a Master's of Education in Education Administration, and a PhD in Education Administration. Her career moves include being a teacher at USC Children's Center and Webber Elementary School, and an administrator at Saluda Middle School for 11 years. Shawn was Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Saluda County Schools for almost 5 years and currently serves as a Transformation Coach for the South Carolina Department of Education.
Shawn is the co-author of the book Using Quality Feedback to Guide Professional Learning: A Framework for Instructional Leaders. and she consults with Daniel Venables for the Center for Authentic PLCs and Grapple Institutes. As a two-time high school dropout, Shawn knows the meaning of not having a quality education and has devoted her life to making school the best possible experience for all students.
Shawn and her husband live in Johnston, South Carolina and she is the mother of 2 incredible adults, Peyton Love and Dana Kippel. Shawn can be reached at shawnbclark@gmail.com or via Twitter.
Brady Venables entered the teaching profession through the backdoor as a veterinary school reject trying to mend her heart in the midst of great disappointment. Though she always loved school, valued her education, and considered herself a lifelong learner, teaching was not a profession she had ever considered for herself.
Raised in one of the poorest counties in South Carolina, Brady started education in public school. Unfortunately, It quickly became clear to her parents, that the public school district could not provide what they believed she needed to be successful. Her parents enrolled her in private school, taking a risk and spending the monies they had saved for her college. She attended Davidson College and is thankful that she received the best education money could buy.
A student’s access to knowledge should not be limited by the district in which her home is zoned or the amount of money her parents can afford to dedicate to tuition. All public schools should be as good as the best education money can buy and with that mindset she works to improve the education experience for students in a Title One district.
Brady spent her first years in the classroom teaching high school biology and now serves as a technology integration specialist supporting teachers and school-based technology learning coaches. She is a Certified Google Teacher and is Common Sense Media Certified. She strongly believes that technology can be key to personalizing learning for students and opening opportunities for underprivileged populations.
Brady Venables is married to ASCD and Corwin author, Daniel R. Venables, who inspires her daily to do the hard work of teaching. Together they are also teaching their most important student, two year old Benjamin Robert. Brady can be reached at bradyven@gmail.com or on Twitter @bradyvenables.
On this episode, I hangout with Dr. Lauren Tucker, and we chat about her research in teachers using a Twitter-supported personal learning network for professional growth.
Dr. Tucker is a certified special education and regular education teacher and is currently a practicing assistive technology (AT) specialist at a regional educational service center in Connecticut. In addition to providing AT services across Connecticut, she is also an adjunct professor at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) and Post University. At SCSU, Dr. Tucker works with undergraduate students in the teacher preparation program and graduate students with an AT concentration.
While conducting her research on teachers’ use of a Twitter personal learning network (PLN) and professional decision making, she developed a preliminary model of professional decision making, Tucker’s Model of Professional Decision Making, to support schools and teachers when introducing new tools or strategies. After completing her research and graduating with her Ed.D. in 2016 she presented her research and corresponding model at the Northeastern Educational Research Association Conference and the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference. She is passionate to support continued teacher learning and student empowerment through the use of technology.
On this episode, I hangout with Think Natalia, and we chat about how you can take charge of your life and be the you, you were meant to be.
Natalia Wiechowski(aka Think Natalia) is a Dubai based, award-winning, bilingual Public Speaker, Coach and Influencer who radically changed her life(style) and career after a self-imposed sabbatical.
After studying human behavior for over 13 years and spending almost nine months in isolation to find her purpose, the German social scientist (M.A.) and prospective DPhil came to the conclusion that her mission is to cultivate striking personal brands & great, positive minds. This insight encouraged Think Natalia to develop a new, unique training program, which combines the most successful elements out of performance coaching, personal branding and social media strategies.
Besides this, the Edutainer enjoys spreading her inspiring message of hope and empowerment on public stages.
On The Dr. Will Show, I interview educators and entrepreneurs on leveling up. Each week I Zoom in someone who is dope and we chat about what it means to live your best life.
