Jeff Bradbury is a Director of Digital Learning and the creator of the TeacherCast Educational Network.  With a background in Music Education, Jeff began performing in front of live audiences at a very early age. He grew to love the opportunities he had working with others.  During the 2019-20 school year, Jeff began work in Norwalk Public Schools where he was recruited to create and teach a Broadcast Journalism and Technology curriculum that introduced marketing, app development, podcasting, and live broadcasting components into the West Rocks Middle School Community.

From 2020-2023 he served the district as its first Lead Instructional Coach for Digital Learning. In 2023, Jeff began a new job as the Director of Digital Learning for Region 9 School District, serving the communities of Easton and Redding, Connecticut.

Trench story? right now. Started current position 6 wks ago (as of recording). Is director for 3 school districts. Read “How to make friends & influence others”.  Everything is brand new, the staff is amazing. Lots of similarities between prior music teaching & current job. He’s trying to learn a lot right now. Getting sense of where districts are.

Story behind TeacherCast Edu Network: Created as a passion project (PD) to assist teachers in understanding educational technology, Jeff recorded the first TeacherCast Podcast in the summer of 2011. July 11, 2011, had the domain, logo etc.  He fell into it. Was a conductor. Once he had kids, still wanted to reach an audience. Since then, the TeacherCast Network has been accessed in almost 180 countries. It has amassed a following of more than 50,000 followers on social media. With more than 1,000 audio and video podcasts recorded featuring more than 500 EdTech Companies and thousands of educators, TeacherCast is rated as one of the top 50 educational websites. Helps people start their own podcasts and build their own edu brand. Still a one-man show. We can go into that.  He wanted to start it back in 2011 because of persistence. He doesn’t let things stop him. He says a lot of his success over the past 12 yrs is because people have said “no”. Some brands have said no. Many of those brands are no longer around. Don’t let this world stop you if you want to go get it. Create a place for ppl to support each other like Microsoft. He wanted something, joined a group.

Advice to edupreneurs/podcasters?  Buildyouredubrand.com talk to your spouse, get 20 episodes or more in. 1 show every 2 wks. Relationship you’re purchasing. Whatever the topic, it’s about having a conversation. If you’re doing a monologue show, what does the listener want? first 50 episodes aren’t gonna be the best ones. What is the role of the host?

Podcast Ask the Tech Coach on TB network. Tries to put out episode every Mon. Episode #246. Co-hosts sometimes, sometimes solo. He loves it more because he’s no longer a tech coach. Doesn’t want to forget he’s a coach/teacher.  How can we create a digital learning environment? Doesn’t do live episodes.

Creating a Spark of Innovation TedX talk in 2016, about becoming triplet dad, born at 25 wks: “if you think you can, don’t let anyone stop you”. He’d love to do a 2nd TedXTalk. Kids are 9 now. He’d been preparing and said “screw this”, spoke from the heart. He’s surprised it only took the 18m cutoff.  He’s joined Toastmasters Intl. Public Speaking Society. It’s like Standup comedians. 3 parts, prepared speech w/ evaluation process. Table topics, 1-3 m improv. Intro, 3 supporting things, and conclusion on a random topic. Can translate to p/t conferences or job interviews.

ISTE, other conference presentations this year: He’s going to ISTE this year, he has 2 sessions, He loves to go & see everyone.

What districts can expect when they work with you? Has a 12-month position but still does some consulting. Still does coaching with someone who wanted interview support.  Book “How do you create & maintain a positive culture through digital learning”. Due to the publisher July 1. Has 20+ ppl reading it, ripping it apart. Does podcast shows, then writes the chapter. Very intense writing. It’s not for coaches, however, how to create the stadium then build the team. Innovation curve-how to move from one side to another. Why should you have a great-looking google site & some teachers don’t? Addition by addition, not recreating the wheel.

We talk philosophy of leadership. Methodology, project management, strategy. He doesn’t want to give me what everyone else gives me. Just got a job as a director of digital learning. Had heart set on central office 10 yrs ago.

Out of everything? Keep up great work in CR and continue to share passions with students. If you think you can or can’t you’re always right- poster in room as orchestra teacher. Henry Ford.

Where find Jeff online: website: https://www.teachercast.net/ lots of info-how to make your website, marketing plan, etc. 

LinkedIn https://www.teachercast.net/linkedin 

FB: https://www.teachercast.net/facebook 

YouTube: https://www.teachercast.net/youtube asktheteachcoach.com  

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VgtZQvs9HH4