IDEA Executive Director, Amber Heffner, chats with us about learning from failures, reflecting in order to grow, and rethinking the way we facilitate education.

Amber shares her journey to becoming Executive Director of IDEA, why she credits a failure for getting her there, and talks about why the passion of teachers has her excited about education right now.

'Sometimes failure has to happen to move forward.' - @amber_heffner from episode 99 of #TeachBetterTalk #Podcast #TeachBetter Click To Tweet

Episode Highlights

0:53 – Rae tries to blame Jeff for an idea she actually had, that caused her to have to do more work.
2:22 – Check out our “Back to School” blog series at www.teachbetter.com/blog.
3:14 – Shoutout to some of our Guest Bloggers!
8:15 – Previewing the episode with Amber Heffner.
10:52 – Amber introduces herself.
13:22 – Amber shares her journey of becoming the Executive Director of IDEA.
16:45 – Amber’s failure: Applying for, but not getting a principal position. The first job she had interviewed for and not gotten.
23:00 – What’s got Amber excited about education right now: The passion that educators have today. Seeing changes happening.
26:45 – Amber’s advice for new teachers: Build relationships…with students AND with other passionate educators.
31:17 – Some cool things coming up with IDEA.
33:08 – 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
35:40 – How to connect with amber.

Amber’s Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Google Calendar
Book: “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone
Who to Follow:
- Twitter – Steve Wick @WickedEdTech
- Twitter – @locatEDApp
- Instagram – Lindsy Stumpenhorst @principal_in_boots
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: YouTube – SBSK Special Books by Special Kids
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine:A routine that works for them – most importantly find time for yourself every day to do something you enjoy.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received: “Surround yourself with good people.” and “There’s always a little bit of truth in teasing.”