Fun in 2024: Erik Ellefsen

I am so excited to have my best friend Erik Ellefsen on the podcast today to reflect on the highlights of 2023 in education and set our sights on what excites us in 2024!

Erik, with his extensive global school experiences, shares insights into the joy he finds in the brilliance of educators and the challenges they overcome. We delve into memorable school visits, from the historic Windsor Castle to the modest Reagan Ranch, sparking thoughts on the impact of educational experiences.

We discuss the transformative power of engagement and how it resonates through the pages of my book Just Teaching, and we enthuse over a favorite school visit featuring fifth graders in England joyfully embracing hands-on learning despite the constant rain. As we look ahead to 2024, we ponder the importance of becoming more human in our work, emphasizing the value of genuine connection and collaboration in an era dominated by technological advancements.

I can’t wait for you to join us in this engaging conversation, which is definitely one of my favorite episodes of the podcast so far. It’s filled with laughter, insights, and a touch of the ridiculousness that makes the journey of education all the more enjoyable!

To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.

Be encouraged.

Timestamps:

[0:37] - Reflecting on positive developments in education in 2023, Erik Ellefson and I are discussing anticipated exciting prospects for 2024.

[1:57] - What has brought me joy in 2023?

[3:59] - I share the joy of meaningful work in Southeast Asia, highlighting family involvement and achieving balance.

[4:40] - Erik highlights speaking at Windsor Castle and visiting Rancho del Cielo, noting the unique experiences.

[6:51] - Erik expresses joy in working with a San Jose elementary school, emphasizing their commitment to improvement.

[8:21] - Hear about a standout moment in England involving fifth graders' enthusiasm for hands-on, low-tech learning.

[11:51] - What am I more convinced is important in schools after having written Just Schools?

[14:26] - Erik agrees that engagement is important, emphasizing its priority over temporary provisions for wellbeing.

[17:24] - Erik highlights the importance of cultivating a culture of celebration and support in professional settings.

[19:26] - Erik doubles down on the importance of collaborative, collective leadership in addressing deep-rooted issues in education.

[20:49] - I envision the next book focusing on catalytic leadership and building thriving learning communities collaboratively.

[22:46] - I hope for a more human approach in the face of advancing technology, emphasizing grace, challenge, love, and fun in collaborative work.

[25:54] - Hear Erik and I share our favorite books of 2023.

[26:55] - Erik asserts that phones being used for non-educational purposes in schools is frustrating.

[28:22] - Hear us discuss the positive, hopeful aspects of artificial intelligence.

[29:31] - Have fun doing the work!

Connect on Social Media:

Baylor MA in School Leadership

Baylor Doctorate in Education

Jon Eckert: @eckertjon

Center for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl

Books Mentioned:

Jonathan Eckert - Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student

Bob Drury - The Heart of Everything That Is: The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend

David Brooks - How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen