Episode 18: A Conversation with Erik Francis

Nick and Kevin sit down with the Maverick himself—Erik M. Francis, founder of Maverik Education, lover of movies (especially Top Gun), and internationally recognized expert on Depth of Knowledge (DOK). With over 30 years in education and a diverse background, Erik breaks down the Feynman Technique, talks about why DOK is more than just a rubric, and shares how teachers can rethink standards to leverage deeper, more meaningful learning.

In this high-flying episode:

• We rapid-fire questions (yes, including wings and karaoke 🍗🎤)

• Dive into what DOK really means and how to visualize it in practice

• Talk student work, lesson planning, and powerful questioning strategies

• And ask Erik: What’s the one thing teachers and leaders should prioritize for next year?

Whether you're diving into Level 1 or aiming for Level 4, this episode will have you thinking differently about assessment, instruction, and student thinking.