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Rethinking the Why of Teaching and Learning with Erik Francis (EP156)


Abstract figure with graduation cap symbolizing education and achievement.


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Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S., is an international author, educator presenter, and professional development provider with over 25 years of experience in education. He is the owner of Maverik Education, providing professional development, guidance, and support on how to plan and provide teaching and learning experiences that are standards-based, socially and emotionally supportive, and student-responsive. Erik is also consistently ranked as one of the World’s Top 30 Education Professionals by the international research organization Global Gurus and the Top 25 Thought Leaders.

Your WHY 

My purpose is to ensure teaching and learning are standards-based, socially and emotionally supportive, and student-responsive so that the experience is academic and effective for all.

Your Family and What You Love

I live in Scottsdale, Arizona, with my family. I enjoy football (Go Arizona Cardinals!), basketball (Go Phoenix Suns!), working out, Peloton (#Maverik70), playing guitar, classic rock music (I’m a huge Van Halen and Led Zeppelin fan!), and watching films (The Godfather saga, Jaws, the Star Wars saga, the Rocky films (including the Creed movies), and Marvel’s Infinity War saga are my favorites).

Your Background

I received my Master’s in Education Leadership from Northern Arizona University and my Master’s in Science in Television/Radio/and Film Production and Management from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication and English from the University at Albany. I have over 25 years of experience working in education as a classroom teacher, a site administrator, an education program specialist with a state education agency, and a trainer who produces and provides professional development for teachers and school leaders.

Maverik Education

Abstract figure with graduation cap symbolizing education and achievement.Maverik Education provides professional development, guidance, and support on how to develop and deliver teaching and learning experiences that are standards-based, socially and emotionally supportive, and student-responsive. Learning opportunities that:

  • provide continuous onsite and virtual professional development, guidance, and support for schools and their staff.
  • specialize in professional development on Depth of Knowledge (DOK) and how to use the DOK Levels accurately
  • offer professional development on how to develop and deliver inquiry-based learning experiences driven by good questions.

Your Books 

I am the author of Inquiring Minds Want to Learn: Posing Good Questions to Promote Student Inquiry (Launched April 2024) and Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning published by Solution Tree and Now THAT’S a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning published by ASCD.

Abstract figure with graduation cap symbolizing education and achievement.


Erik’s Contact Information

Abstract figure with graduation cap symbolizing education and achievement.Email: erik@maverikeducation.com 
LinkedIn:
  linkedin.com/in/maverikeducation
Twitter (X):
@Maverikedu12
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ErikFrancisMaverikEd

Websites
maverikeducation.com
solutiontree.com/truedok
 tinyurl.com/nowthatsagq

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I hope you enjoyed the conversation with Erik Francis on my virtual porch. I’ve known Erik for a long time and keep learning more about Depth of Knowledge and Inquiry from him. Check out the post about Erik’s amazing experiences on his journey so you have access to his books, resources, and links. Please share this podcast and the post with your friends.

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“Grow Your Why…One Story at a Time” includes 23 stories from inspirational educators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Go to this page or click on the book to go to Why Press Publishing for launching, details, and resources.

I’m getting wonderful feedback on how much the information and stories in “Define Your Why” have helped them. For more information about this book, go to this page or click on the book for resources, questions, and links.

Make sure you check out more of the Grow Your WHY podcasts and each post that the guests created. Click on this link or the logo below to list by episode, alphabetical, or reflections.

I am a co-host of a new podcast, “Real Talk with Barbara and Nicole.” Check out the episodes about Authenticity in a Polarized Society around different topics. Click on RealTalkBN or the logo below.

About the author

Barbara Bray is a Story Weaver capturing stories from inspirational people about insightful journeys to discover and grow their purpose. As a Creative Learning Strategist, Speaker, Coach, Mentor, and Change Maker, she has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to transform teaching so learning is personal, authentic, and meaningful. Barbara is the owner/founder of Computer Strategies, LLC with its division Rethinking Learning and My eCoach that has a new home at K12Leaders. She was the past co-founder of Personalize Learning, LLC, and co-authored two books: Make Learning Personal and How to Personalize Learning. In 2017, Barbara started the Rethinking Learning Podcast and the #rethink_learning Twitter chat. From the stories her guests shared and her own journey, she wrote "Define Your WHY: Own your story so you live and learn on purpose." She co-hosts the podcast, "Real Talk with Barbara and Nicole" with Nicole Biscotti about authenticity in a polarized society. Barbara is the author of "Grow Your Why... One Story at a Time" with inspirational stories from 23 amazing contributing authors that she self-published under a new division and publishing company, Why Press Publishing.