As our next EdTech Superheros interviewee, Stephanie Rothstein stood out to us through her work that has impacted educators around the world in developing supportive educational communities. She is the founder of multiple support groups for Educators (Global GEG and GEG Nor Cal) who want to grow their digital and leadership skills.

As a founding member of GEG (Google Educator Groups) Global, Stephanie has helped unite and empower educators around the world. GEG strives to foster environments of deep learning, creativity, and continuous growth within their community and beyond.

When asked what fellow teachers best benefit from when tackling the challenges of remote learning, her advice is to hone in on the 2-3 tech tools that support what you really want for students.

Interview

Q: What’s the first thing you do to get your day going?

I try to wake up early before my husband and three kids. That quiet feels good. For me, making a list of all that I need to accomplish helps me. On weekends, my favorite thing to do is to go on my walk and read. I take a book and walk and walk and walk. It has been the most calming time.

Q: What’s your go-to meal for breakfast and tea or coffee?

I usually eat a protein bar and some egg whites in the morning, perhaps a bit of fruit. I like mint tea.

Q: Which music artist best describes your teaching style?

P!nk - She is proud of who she is and wants to help support others in finding their own voice and strength. As a chair of a Design Thinking Pathway, I hope that what we do in my classroom helps students take pride in themselves and make an impact on the world around them.

“As a chair of a Design Thinking Pathway, I hope that what we do in my classroom helps students take pride in themselves and make an impact on the world around them.”

Q: What do you love most about your work?

I love getting to support educators and help students to grow and care about those around them.

Q: Are you team Google or team Apple & why?

Oh, this is a very tough question! I am not into competition so I pick both. I use an Apple computer and watch and iPad for all my devices but I am also a Google Innovator, Trainer, Coach, and use all things Google. So don’t make me choose.

Q: Have or are you teaching in a Hybrid learning environment? Or any particular setup.

We have been virtual all school year and I am supporting our phase in return to in-person learning. We are moving to a 2 day in-person per cohort model with simulcasting.

Q: What advice can you give to a fellow teacher about remote learning that you found invaluable or general tips for how to just deal?

“My biggest advice is to hone in on the 2-3 tech tools that support what you really want for students”

I wrote a few articles about this. My biggest advice is to hone in on the 2-3 tech tools that support what you really want for students. Wait to introduce more until you think they have really built confidence with these. Another is to really look at what is most important. Focus on projects, experiences, units that can connect students with authentic issues, real people, and help bring their voice into the classroom. Remote learning can pose a real challenge for engagement and it is important to really look at our practices and ensure that we provide opportunities that really help show students that they are always valued and needed in a space.

“Remote learning can pose a real challenge for engagement and it is important to really look at our practices and ensure that we provide opportunities that really help show students that they are always valued and needed in a space.”

As you facilitate your remote learning programs you can refer to Stephanie’s blogs:

3 Lessons From Online Learning to Take Back to the Classroom and 7 Tips for Breakout Room Success. You can also visit GEG (Google Educator Groups) Global to share, collaborate, and learn with amazing educators around the world on many platforms.

Thank you so much Stephanie for taking the time to share this with us. We appreciate all the gems and resources you will continue to share.

Onwards

Panashe

Team Mobile Guardian