 |
Voices for ExcellenceAuthor: Dr. Michael T Conner
Welcome to Voices for Excellence, hosted by Dr. Michael Conners, where we explore the dynamic world of education, leadership, and innovation. This podcast offers in-depth conversations with thought leaders, educators, and industry experts, providing listeners with actionable insights and strategies to drive excellence in their fields. Season 3 continues our journey with a focus on cutting-edge topics like diversity in education, equality and inclusion, the impact of AI in the classroom, and transformative leadership strategies. Each episode is designed to inspire educators, leaders, and professionals committed to fostering positive change and achieving outstanding results. Across all seasons, Voices for Excellence delves into: Innovative educational practices and strategies Leadership development and personal growth Diversity and inclusion in the educational landscape The role of technology and AI in modern learning environments Join us for thought-provoking discussions and gain valuable perspectives on how to excel in todays rapidly evolving world. Whether youre an educator, a leader, or simply passionate about making a difference, this podcast provides the tools and inspiration you need to elevate your impact. Subscribe to Voices for Excellence and stay at the forefront of educational and leadership excellence! Language: en Genres: Education, Education for Kids, Kids & Family Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
From Creative Minds to Future Ready Centers: Rob Dickson Reimagines K-12
Episode 121
Monday, 6 April, 2026
What happens when a public school district builds a micro school inside itself, and doesn't apologize for it?Rob Dickson is the CIO of Wichita Public Schools (USD 259), and he's not waiting for permission to innovate. Creative Minds, a K-6 vertical classroom where kindergartners learn alongside sixth graders. Future Ready Centers that look like businesses, not classrooms, where students earn certifications in advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. An iterative, agile approach to systems change that treats failure as feedback, not failure.Dickson's work bridges the operational and instructional sides of AI adoption, from changing app approval processes to training teachers on generative AI within weeks of ChatGPT's release. He argues that adaptability is the highest form of intelligence, and that schools must prepare students not for certainty, but for curiosity in the face of constant change.What You'll Learn:The three learning stages: K-5 learning by doing, 6-8 skill discovery, 9-12 skill developmentSocial fitness - how Generation Alpha navigates networks of billions, not 15Why AI replaces tasks, not jobs - and what that means for curriculum designHow Wichita's Future Ready Centers and Creative Minds micro school operateArizona State's six levels of problem solving - and why academia lives in the first threeHumanity, Agency, Audacity: Rob's three words for being 2035-ready
