Moving Forward is also available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Dr. Will Deyamport is an educational media consultant and podcaster. Today, Dr. Will will share how teachers can move forward as an edupreneur.
Successes at a glance:
Educational media consultant
Host of The Dr. Will Show which focuses on educational media and helping teachers become “edupreneurs” to move forward
Dr. Will’s story:
Dr. Will is an instructional technologist in a K-12 school district. Dr. Will helps teachers understand and use digital media, social media, and instructional technologies to make the most of their time in the classroom. Dr. Will also writes for ed tech publications and hosts a great podcast, The Dr. Will Show.
Big Why:
Dr. Will helps educators understand what it means to “go digital,” integrating the latest in educational technology and social media to make their jobs easier. Dr. Will wants to get educators connected and to learn from one another.
Biggest challenge facing Dr. Will in achieving that big why:
Working with educators is not always easy. There are three populations that Dr. Will comes across in his work: 1) those ready to try the latest tech, jumping in with both feet 2) those who are a little hesitant and will wait before trying something new, 3) those who refuse to try anything new. It’s the third group that Will has the hardest time working with.
Moving forward past that challenge:
Dr. Will tries to show all teachers “the win.” He demonstrates that the tech isn’t there to threaten them but to be an additional resource to make their lives easier. For example, Dr. Will might spend time with a teacher, showing a platform where he or she can create a test that self-grades so that teacher will have more one-on-one time with students. Dr. Will understands that he can’t convince everyone. He can’t control what other people will ultimately do. The only thing he can control is his actions. As long as he’s doing his job and showing the win, then he’s moving himself and others forward.
What is an “edupreneur?”:
An entrepreneur with an education-based focus. Teachers don’t make a lot from their salaries. Moreover, many teachers spend out of pocket to support their teaching duties. Many have to supplement their incomes with summer jobs teaching or taking wage jobs working at places like Walmart. Dr. Will encourages teachers to become edupreneuers, taking their skills and expertise and creating products such as courses or books so that they can help their fellow teachers while supplementing their incomes. Dr. Will informs teachers of these possibilities thru his podcast, The Dr. Will Show.
Knowledge bursts:
Share one tip about making the most out of digital or social media as an educator:
“Find your lane:” find your niche or expertise and create content (eg video tutorials) around that.
Speak at conferences and get in front of different audiences.
Twitter is a great place to start: network with fellow educators, find twitter chats and communities to join.
Use hashtags (eg #edtech, #newteacher, #blendedlearning) to find people that are in your field.
Favorite holiday gift to give that costs under $30:
Cash: “it’s never the wrong color.”
Share one small step or choice you’re making today to move forward:
“Betting on myself.” Will shares he can’t control the outcomes but he can control the effort he puts in. Will bets on himself by doing the research, putting himself out there, and connecting with people.
Support the Podcast:
The Corporate Cliches Adult Coloring Book: makes the perfect stocking stuffer or white elephant gift.
Try out Audible (affiliate link).
Try out Amazon Prime (affiliate link).
Who is Dr. Will in five years:
Dr. Will will be hosting a nationally syndicated radio show and will be an adjunct professor teaching social media leadership.
What will social media look like in five years (bonus question):
Off the phone and with more augmented reality.
Parting wisdom:
“Stay in your lane. Don’t get caught up in what other people are doing. Don’t get caught up in trying to do everything or be everything. Find your lane, show up, work it, and you should find the success you’re looking for.”
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