In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with financial literacy advocate and author Dale Alexander to explore how we can better teach students and young adults about managing money. Dale shares his powerful 70-20-10 principle—spend 70%, invest 20%, and give 10%—and explains how starting financial education early can lead to lifelong financial success.

They discuss practical investing tips, including mutual funds, the power of consistent savings, and why most adults say, “I wish I learned this when I was 18.” Whether you're an educator, parent, or young adult, this conversation provides actionable strategies to help anyone build a strong financial foundation.

👉 Learn more at: https://www.thetalkaboutmoney.com/ 📺 Subscribe to Dale on YouTube: @thetalkaboutmoneydalealexander 📸 Follow Dale on Instagram: @thetalkaboutmoney

Key Topics:

• Financial literacy for students

• Dale Alexander’s 70-20-10 money rule

• Teaching kids and teens how to manage money

• Smart investing for beginners

• How to build wealth early

• Why budgeting matters for young adults

Subscribe for more insights on education, leadership, and innovation.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Brett Vogelsinger—veteran English teacher and author of the upcoming book Artful AI in Writing Instruction: A Human-Centered Approach to Using Artificial Intelligence in Grades 6–12.

Together, they explore how AI can support rather than supplant the writing process, emphasizing the importance of preserving student voice, creativity, and curiosity. Vogelsinger shares powerful classroom examples, like using AI to spark deeper character analysis or improve first drafts, always returning the focus to the human element behind the writing.

This conversation is a must-listen for educators across all subjects who want to:

• Thoughtfully integrate AI into student writing

• Design writing assignments that feel relevant and personal

• Empower students to critique and improve upon AI outputs

• Balance innovation with human connection and creativity

🧠 Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting your AI journey, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiring insights to navigate the future of education with intention and purpose.

✨ Notable Quotes from Brett Vogelsinger: 🗨️ “...reconsider all of our writing assignments to see if they make sense... pull in things that are personal…” 🗨️ “You have to feel that writing has value and merit…” 🗨️ “Curiosity helps me to understand that I am new at this and therefore I am going to try some things that won’t work…”

🔗 Resources & Links 📘 Artful AI in Writing Instruction – Buy the Book 🐦 Brett Vogelsinger on X – @theVogelman 📸 Brett Vogelsinger on Instagram – @thevogelman 📝 George Couros' Blog – When AI Assists, But Humanity Speaks 📄 Brett Vogelsinger's Article – Inviting AI with Curiosity

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Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.com

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2 -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

In this special episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros celebrates the 10-year anniversary of his best-selling book, The Innovator’s Mindset. Answering thoughtful questions from a book study group in India, George shares timeless ideas about innovation in education and what it takes to lead in a world that never stops changing.

You’ll learn why innovation is about creating new and better ways to serve learners, not just using new tools. George unpacks the importance of balancing traditional foundations with aspirational goals and highlights how educators can model risk-taking, resilience, and purposeful growth.

Key Topics in This Episode:

• What innovation really means in today’s schools

• How to foster creativity and deep learning in constrained systems

• Why resilience is more important than failure

• How educators can lead with authenticity and adaptability

• Ways to build learner-driven, evidence-informed classroom culture

Notable Quotes:

• “Innovation is not about using technology; it is about creating something new and better.”

• “You cannot expect others to take risks if they never see you taking any yourself.”

• “Everything you want to happen in your school already exists; the challenge is helping people bring it to the surface.”

• “If a strategy isn’t working, we don’t abandon the student; we adjust and iterate to meet their needs.”

📘 Grab your copy of The Innovator’s Mindset:

• Paperback / Kindle on Amazon

• More books and resources from George Couros

Whether you're a new teacher, a veteran leader, or somewhere in between, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you create a culture of innovation in your school.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros is joined by acclaimed educator and author Dr. Catlin Tucker to dive into her latest book, The Station Rotation Model and UDL: Elevate Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivate Learner Agency.

Dr. Tucker shares powerful strategies on how to elevate Tier 1 instruction through intentional planning using the station rotation model. Learn how differentiating between whole-group and small-group instruction can lead to more inclusive, student-centered classrooms.

This episode also explores how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework work hand-in-hand to better support all learners. Dr. Tucker discusses the importance of using data-driven design to implement effective station rotations and cultivate student agency.

Perfect for educators, instructional coaches, and school leaders looking to improve classroom engagement and support diverse learner needs.

🔗 Explore More from Dr. Catlin Tucker: 🌐 Website: https://catlintucker.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catlintucker/?hl=en 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/catlin_tucker?lang=en

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros explores why people resist change—even when it’s clearly for the better—and offers three practical strategies to foster emotional connections that lead to meaningful transformation.

Drawing on stories from education and beyond (including the infamous “New Coke” story), George shares actionable ideas for leaders, educators, and changemakers to:

• Build a shared vision that empowers people through authorship.

• Co-create stories that make change personal and meaningful.

• Amplify what’s already working to create momentum from within.

Whether you're leading change in a school, organization, or community, this episode will equip you to move past resistance and build stronger emotional engagement.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on leadership, innovation, and education.

📝 Have a question for George? Submit it here and you might get a signed book if it's featured on the show!

In this heartfelt episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros reflects on the critical importance of taking intentional breaks, setting healthy boundaries, and putting your own well-being first. With the school year winding down across North America—and winter breaks beginning in Australia and New Zealand—Couros offers a powerful reminder: taking time off is not indulgent, it’s essential.

Drawing from both personal experience and real educator challenges, he shares three big ideas to help teachers and leaders head into their breaks with purpose:

1. It's okay (and necessary) to need a break – Guilt-free rest is a necessity, not a luxury.

2. Learn to say no – Every “yes” is a “no” to something else, including your own well-being.

3. Take care of yourself – Prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional recovery intentionally.

Whether you're struggling with burnout, finding it hard to disconnect, or simply need affirmation that rest is productive, this episode—and the honest newsletter behind it—offer practical strategies and thoughtful encouragement to help you recharge fully.

📰 Read the full newsletter here: https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=9381017234135a9c6d5f7419a&id=aacbd97fd7

🎧 Listen to the podcast: Learn how taking care of yourself helps you better serve others—at school, at home, and in your community.

In this inspiring episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros chats with Dr. Susan Leach, superintendent of Riverview School District in Washington. Dr. Leach shares her powerful journey from stay-at-home mom to district leader, opening up about pivotal career moments, mentorship, and what it truly means to lead with purpose.

The conversation delves into effective leadership strategies, including how Dr. Leach implemented Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) district-wide and the importance of collaboration in the execution process. She also highlights a unique initiative: a student-led AI advisory committee that’s shaping district policy and professional development!

You’ll also hear personal stories, such as how she overcame her fear of scuba diving, and why building inclusive systems is crucial to achieving sustainable change in education. The episode concludes with a preview of George’s upcoming keynote address for Riverview’s staff and community.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on leadership, innovation, and the future of education!

🔗 Connect with Dr. Susan Leach: X (Twitter): https://x.com/RiverviewSup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsd407_sup/ RSD Website: https://www.rsd407.org/

📝 Related Blog Post: George Couros – Digital Presence

__________________________________________

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.com

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2 -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/