Season 2, Episode 3

Making a Commitment to Professional Learning

Creativity and the Art of Teaching, Educators, Season 2

“The goal is not retirement. The goal is elevating students to be those next professionals or those game changers that basically deal with these issues on the planet that we have going on right now, issues in society. That’s what I want to see.”

– Leon Tynes

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Episode Transcription

Making a commitment to Professional Learning with Leon Tynes

Can embracing vulnerability and chaos in the classroom truly transform students into future game-changers, or does it risk losing structure?

In this episode of Fueling Creativity, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood interview AP Computer Science educator, Leon Tynes, about how flipped classrooms have given him time and space to facilitate more meaningful experiences in the classroom. Plus, he speaks on how he prioritizes his own personal growth and development as an educator.

Leon details his approach to navigating changes in technology throughout the school year, as well as his approach to flipped classrooms, offering tips for teachers on having a successful flipped classroom experience. 

He also sheds light on the power of being vulnerable and putting yourself in the midst of your classroom’s chaos, collaborating with your fellow teachers and administrators, and believing in your students.

Leon’s Tips for Teachers:

  1. Assess where you are. If you’re not comfortable, get comfortable, and figure out what you need to do to get there. What type of educator do you want to be or are you done being one?
  2. Decide what steps you need to take regarding your personal development (PD). Every bit helps propel you forward.
  3. Find balance in work and personal life so you can open yourself up to opportunities. Everything has a season, there may be times where your schedule is loaded due to PD, so prepare yourself and your family for those times.

About the Guest

Leon Tynes is the AP Computer Science educator at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona. For the past twelve years, Tynes has used a flipped classroom approach to maximize learning in the realms of 3D modeling, digital media, mobile app development, and computer science courses. Dedicated to immersing his students in all aspects of technology, he has successfully integrated science and engineering concepts, which has led to numerous student awards. He has a passion for habitat and climate issues and wishes to develop authentic projects to broaden students’ global awareness in STEM.

 

“My focus has always been in urban education and equity in computer science and technology,” Tynes says. “I have a significant amount of experience with students creating nonfiction media dealing with contemporary social issues. Imploring students to research contemporary issues that directly affect their communities and their potential to explore college and substantive careers is a priority of my pedagogy.”

 

Connect with Leon:

Follow him on Twitter: www.twitter.com/leontynesjr

Connect with him on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leontynesjr

Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/leontynesjr 

Episode Debrief

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Podcast Sponsor

We are thrilled to partner with Curiosity 2 Create as our sponsor, a company that shares our commitment to fostering creativity in education. Curiosity 2 Create empowers educators through professional development and community support, helping them integrate interactive, creative thinking approaches into their classrooms. By moving beyond traditional lecture-based methods, they help teachers create dynamic learning environments that enhance student engagement, improve academic performance, and support teacher retention. With a focus on collaborative learning and exploration, Curiosity 2 Create is transforming classrooms into spaces where students thrive through continuous engagement and growth.

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