From Burnout to Breakthrough: Mark Urwick on Blending Sustained Mentorship and Smart Tech for Teacher Retention

Learning Through Technology

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. Integrating technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for students and educators.

In this Learning Through Technology podcast episode, Alex and Bob connect with Mark Urwick, an Education Professional at the Oxnard School District. Mark is a social studies teacher at RJ Frank Academy and the induction coordinator for the Oxnard School District, responsible for training new teachers.

Join us as we explore technology integration in education, the benefits of project-based learning, and supporting new teachers through mentorship programs. Mark also discusses the importance of maintaining a balance between traditional and tech-based teaching methods, using AI in the classroom, and the importance of using technology to create meaningful and authentic learning experiences for the students. Mark talks about attending Project Zero at Harvard over the summer along with a group of teachers under training, and the program's benefits on new teachers.

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• How to integrate technology across different subjects
• Out of Eden Learn platform and cultural exchange for global exposure
• Benefits of technology for ESL students
• A closer look at the new teacher induction program
• The role of AI in education
• Challenges and benefits of integrating technology into education
• Using technology to enhance learning

As a social studies teacher at RJ Frank Academy and the Oxnard School District's induction coordinator, Mark is responsible for training new teachers. During his time at Oxnard, Mark has played a pivotal role in using a grant received by the school to turn the traditional K-8 middle school into a STEM-focused academy.

Through discussions, the school chose marine science and engineering as its focus, developing electives like marine science, robotics, and a STEAM lab for 3D printing. The initiative, which took three years to implement, changed the school’s culture and provided students with hands-on STEM experiences, including trips to the Channel Islands and opportunities in robotics. Mark has also attended Harvard’s Project Zero, which has helped him further enhance the program.

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Mark’s Resources for Listeners:

• Here is the link for the interactive platform that I really like called The Open Canopy but until recently, was Out of Eden Learn: https://learn.outofedenwalk.com/
• Open Canopy (Project Zero) Website: https://pz.harvard.edu/projects/the-open-canopy-formerly-known-as-out-of-eden-learn
• He is the link to the blog I wrote for Out of Eden: https://walktolearn.outofedenwalk.com/author/urwick/
• Introduction to Out Of Eden Learn Platform (PDF): https://pz.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Out%20of%20Eden%20Learn%20Info%20Packet.pdf
• Here is the link to the VCOE Induction website: https://www.vcoe.org/Educator-Support-and-Effectiveness/Credential-Programs/Teacher-Induction-Program
• Mark has offered to help any educators who would like additional resources or help implementing this program. They can email him at [e-mail]
  
  

Other Resources:

• Mark Urwick on LinkedIn
• Oxnard School District Website
• RJ Frank Academy Website
• Alex Inman on LinkedIn
• Robert Cireddu on LinkedIn
• Educational Collaborators on LinkedIn
• EduTech Group Website
• STS Education Website
• STS Education Group on LinkedIn

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