SHOW NOTES2:30 – teachers are bridge builders2:55 – a passion for building connections and helping others realize their potential3:40 – overwhelming appreciation for men and women in the U.S. military5:50 – being better tomorrow than you are today6:10 – focus most on what you need to do well, show up the next day, and improve7:00 – chorus director Janice Folsom was an inspiration8:10 – the capacity to command a room, getting a team to work toward a common goal8:35 – painting a picture of goals and transfers to the real world, and why that’s important9:10 – building opportunities for students to engage in Georgia’s booming creative industry sector9:50 – shift from a traditional choral background to focusing more on creation10:25 – learning how to build relationships and partnerships, and using those skills in the classroom11:20 – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Georgia’s teachers11:40 – great experiences to connect with a wide representation of various sectors12:35 – Gen Z – philanthropic intentions and a desire to be social media influencers13:35 – if you want to be an influencer, be a teacher!14:15 – there are elements of being a teacher that are difficult and you can make a huge difference15:15 – Top Ten Back to School Tips project – collaborating with other Teacher of the Year candidates15:40 – I am an ambassador, not the best teacher in the state or even in my school – this is a chance to elevate the profession16:20 – a diverse range of best practices is a great way to honor others’ voices17:00 – from a focus on teaching academic standards to an application of learning17:30 – learning what the pivotal knowledge and skill sets are in different careers19:30 – Trilith Studios (Marvel films+) leading to an idea for students to create new and original content, help them become entrepreneurs, etc.20:15 – students creating music and more – help from Tiffany I. M. Jones (then in an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra outreach role)21:10 – forming an entertainment label – Hall Pass Entertainment and opening the door to students’ interests – students naming the label, creating art work, forming teams and committees22:15 – middle school students releasing music albums, posting to a YouTube channel, and starting a podcast23:00 – former middle school students now in high school are returning to Rising Starr Middle School to assist with the current work students are undertaking23:45 – even once a semester, make sure that students are engaged in at least one project that is strongly connected to career roles24:00 – share the stories of success and the great work students are doing26:55 – AI (artificial intelligence) – stifling or enabling and accelerating creativity?27:30 – first use of a floppy disk and an iPod – life-changing moments28:15 – despite capabilities, there are things that AI doesn’t do very well29:45 – the future of work may bend toward jobs centered around creativity31:40 – which is more important, teaching or learning?32:30 – retired teachers, your job isn’t yet done32:55 – Teacher:Student impact ratio is huge33:10 – Who did you inspire?33:30 – it’s often the small moments that make the biggest impact33:40 – teacher Teddye Martin knew I needed a place to belong and connect34:30 – Ms. Martin instilled the love of education34:55 – a teacher’s superpower is building connections, and we change the future when we help students see their potential35:50 – first thoughts when announced as Teacher of the Year36:20 – students, parents, colleagues, community partners can teach us as well, and help us look at things in a different way36:55 – gratitude for so many people who helped me along the way and who have made possible this opportunity to serve as an ambassador Email: Christy.Todd@doe.k12.ga.usFacebook:GATeacherX: @2024GaTOTY Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet flight storyGeorgia Teacher of the Year webpageGeorgia Teacher of the Year events requestChristy Todd 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year press releaseRising Starr Middle School, Fayette County GeorgiaTrilith StudiosGeorgia Lawyers for the ArtsHall Pass EntertainmentMusic for Lead. Learn. Change. is Sweet Adrenaline by Delicate BeatsPodcast cover art is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com.Professional Association of Georgia EducatorsDavid’s LinkedIn page
