015-Engaging in the quirky with Dustin Rimmey

🎙️ Podcast Summary Notes

Episode Title: The Power of Play: Gamification, Creativity & Student Voice with Dustin Remy

Guests: Dustin Remy (@teachersplayground)

Hosts: Megan Wells and Candace Miller

👤 Guest Bio: Dustin Remy

Dustin Remy is a veteran educator, speaker, and edtech innovator passionate about transforming classrooms into engaging, curiosity-driven learning spaces. From teaching AP Government and Debate to middle school STEAM and electronic media, Dustin brings a quirky, learner-centered approach to every subject. He’s known online as @teachersplayground where he shares gamified strategies, makerspace inspiration, and playful edtech ideas. Dustin is also a Learning Luminary with Forward Edge and a microcredentialing enthusiast.

🧠 Key Topics

Gamification & Play-Based Learning

How games help drive engagement and content retention

iCivics, Prodigy, and Play-Doh in economics to teach real concepts

AI-enhanced learning tools and interactive challenges

Student Choice & Passion Projects

Choice boards, open-ended research, and student-led tech explorations

Letting students pursue coding, Canva design, video production, and more

Empowering learners to take the wheel and personalize their education

Reflection & Growth

Exit tickets and digital reflections as daily routines

Building portfolios to track growth

The shift from classroom teacher to academic interventionist and what reflection means for credit recovery students

Professional Development & Badging

Deep dive into Edge•U Badges by Forward Edge

Motivation through microcredentials and gamified PD

Praise for mentor Jillian and self-guided learning as growth fuel

Digital Sharing & Community

Power of educator social networks: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok

Remixing ideas from online communities like Teach Better and Edgy Badges

Vulnerability, introversion, and pushing through social anxiety at conferences

💬 Notable Quotes

“I've always wanted everybody to embrace their own creative weird.”

“Let kids take the wheel. I learned more and had more fun as an educator this year than ever before.”

“I use my kids as my research — what works for them often works in my classroom too.”

“We need to stop assuming students will use AI to cheat. It can be a creativity tool.”

“Reflection isn’t just an exit ticket — it’s a bridge to confidence and real growth.”

“If I can help students check the school box more easily, then I’ve done my job.”

📌 Follow & Explore

Instagram & TikTok: @teachersplaiground

Website: teachersplaiground.com

X- @therealrimmey