Welcome to the latest episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast. Hosted by Ryan Rarick, an Education Pathway teacher and instructional coach, alongside the 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year, Lauren Merkley. This episode dives into the challenges of sustaining innovation in schools, focusing on the leadership framework called 'Portrait of a Leader.' Special guest Syd Young, Director of Teaching and Learning at KnowledgeWorks, breaks down the five key attributes essential for modern educational leaders. Learn how this framework supports professional growth and systemic change, paralleling the Portrait of a Graduate. Syd also highlights opportunities for educators to get involved and develop their leadership capabilities through programs like the Lead for Learners Network and the Emerging Leaders cohort. Don't miss this in-depth discussion designed to inspire and innovate your teaching practices. If you want more information, check out the links below!

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Welcome

00:32 Today's Topic: Leadership in Education

01:16 Introducing Our Guest: Syd Young

02:52 Understanding the Portrait of a Leader

06:35 Key Attributes of a Leader

08:52 Practical Applications and Impact

17:32 Opportunities for Educators

20:13 Conclusion and Takeaways

GUEST ON EPISODE:

• Syd Young - Director of Teaching and Learning at KnowledgeWorks

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Check out KnowledgeWorks
  • Knowledge Works Website
  • Portrait of a Leader Website
  • Portrait of a Leader PDF
  • Join the National Emerging Leaders Cohort
    • June Start or December Start
  • Twitter/X: @knowledgeworks
  • Facebook: @knowledgeworksfoundation
• Connect with Syd Young
  • Twitter/X: @SydYoungUT
  • LinkedIn: @SydYoungUT

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey

Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and Product Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley, the 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year, delve into the significance of teacher leadership and continuous professional development. They are joined by Christyn Kendrick and Cheryl Jindeel, two passionate educators who share their experiences with the Utah Teacher Fellows Program. The discussion touches on the journey of overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of mentorship, and the various opportunities the fellowship has provided. Whether you're an aspiring leader in education or looking to expand your impact without leaving the classroom, this episode offers invaluable insights into the transformative power of professional growth for educators at any stage of their career.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Updates

00:42 Topic Introduction: Teacher Leadership and Professional Development

02:41 Guest Introductions: Christyn Kendrick and Cheryl Jindeel

04:58 Personal Journeys into the Teacher Fellows Program

10:50 Growth and Leadership Experiences

16:14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

19:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

22:59 Conclusion and Podcast Information

View it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nAtKkriCEEY 🔗

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Cheryl Jindeel - Social Studies Teacher, Granite School District
• Christyn Kendrick - Instructional Coach, Box Elder School District

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• ECEL Conference: Calling All Early-Career Educators! Join us at the Early-Career Educator Leadership (ECEL) Conference, designed specifically for educators in years 4–6 of teaching. With a seasoned mentor by your side, you’ll gain the tools, confidence, and inspiration to rise as a leader in your school and beyond. MIDAS Credit 🔗
• Teacher Fellows Programs 🔗
• Connect with Christyn Kendrick
  • Email:Christyn.kendrick@besd.net
  • Instagram: @Christynjs
  • Twitter/X: @Christyn_Ken05

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey

Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and Product Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley discuss the current state of teaching English with their guests Amanda Muffler and Kaitlyn Van Wagoner, both experienced secondary English teachers. The conversation touches on the evolving needs of students, the impact of technology, and the pros and cons of shifting focus to shorter texts. The discussion also delves into the implications of AI on student writing and offers concrete strategies for incorporating it into the classroom in a beneficial way. Key takeaways include the importance of process-oriented learning and the potential for shorter texts to provide more inclusive and engaging literary experiences.

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome

00:51 Meet Our Esteemed Guests

01:51 Overview of Today's Topic: The Crisis in English Education

03:07 Changes in Teaching English Over the Years

07:59 Adapting Instructional Strategies for Modern Students

15:07 Navigating AI in the Classroom

21:27 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

25:19 Closing Remarks and Farewell

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Amanda Mufflern - ELA Teacher, Uintah School District
• Kaitlyn Van Wagoner - ELA Teacher, Davis School District

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Connect with Amanda Mufflern
• Email: amandalamuffler@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey

Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and Product Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.