280. Leveraging Authentic Learning and Business Partnerships: Featuring Laura Williams

Engage in a compelling conversation with Laura Williams as we delve into the core principles of authentic learning through Project-Based Learning (PBL). Discover how Laura leverages partnerships with local businesses to enhance programing, creating valuable work-based experiences for students. We'll also explore the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and the power of lifting each other up in both personal and professional realms. Laura will also share insights from her book "Improvement Game," offering practical strategies for driving positive change in educational settings. Don't miss this enriching conversation on empowering authentic learning experiences and fostering collaborative growth.  In this Episode, we also discuss: Iowa’s Clearinghouse for Work Based Learning Project Putting things in perspective after experiencing trauma and depression And her new book,  "Improvement Game" About Laura Williams Laura Williams (MAT, MA ELPS) is your resident authentic learning expert, co-facilitates the Iowa Authentic Learning Network for the Iowa AEAs, and is the founder of the Authentic Learning Alliance. She also is a Project Manager on a statewide project board for PK-12 Students across Iowa as part of her AEA role. Her educational background includes: B.A. in Interdepartmental Health Studies: Emphasis on Multidisciplinary Sciences, M.A.T. in Secondary Science Education, and Principal Licensure and M.A. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and is currently a doctoral student. Laura is a certified Scrum Master and Product Owner and loves project management. Over the past 10 years, she’s dedicated herself to transforming education through incorporating authentic learning experiences with area partnerships into PK-12 classrooms as an educator, consultant, and 21st Century Learning Specialist. More recently she’s helped schools globally through the Authentic Learning Alliance as founder of a global PLN and as a Certified Agile Classrooms Trainer. She believes that education can be “the great equalizer” if we can leverage our student’s interests and passions. “We have ~6.5 instructional hours a day and I believe we can be the difference. We just have to dedicate the time, space, and connections to "up the ante" for students. I believe we can help each learner find their superpowers and help them develop 21st Century skills to be successful in living, learning, and working. We can help students develop a mindset that they can be and do whatever they want in order to find their greatest human potential and live in their element.”  Follow Laura Williams Website: www.authenticlearningalliance.org  Twitter (X): @mrswilliams21c Instagram: @mrswilliams21c Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrswilliams21c/ 

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