The Power of Story: How Schools Can Connect Through Narrative w/ Drew

Schools are more than just brick and mortar – they're vibrant communities filled with unique stories. But how can these stories be harnessed to connect with students, teachers, parents, and staff?

In this episode, we delve into the power of storytelling in education with Drew Cortese, Director of Global Partnerships at Avenues. Drew will guide us through the transformative power of narrative, exploring how schools can use stories to:

• Build understanding and connection

• Communicate mission, values, and culture

• Foster a more inclusive environment

Dive deep with these insightful timestamps:

• [4:05] Meet Drew Cortese: Get to know Drew's background and his passion for storytelling in education.

• [5:43] The Power of Narrative: Discover what storytelling means and its profound impact on educational communities.

• [8:18] Crafting Compelling Stories: Learn the best ways to present a story for maximum impact and audience understanding.

• [11:33] Crisis Communication: Understand the importance of knowing your school's story and how to present it effectively during challenging times.

• [14:56] Admissions Magic: Explore the key elements of crafting a compelling narrative for school admissions.

• [21:16] Building Inclusion: Discover how storytelling can be used to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

• [29:48] Shared Humanity: Explore how storytelling can connect students across cultures and backgrounds, reminding them that we're all human, working together to make the world a better place. Notable quotes:

●      “The engineering is always secondary to the vision.”

●      “If we are not willing to be frank in our professional dealings, how can we impact the students to take the right risks in our classrooms?” Let’s Connect Connect with Drew Cortese:

●      https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewcortese/

Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts:

●     https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/

Connect with Mike Pierre:

●     https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/

More resources

●     Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 24-25.

●     Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

●     Head over to https://seniaacademy.org/link/0S40Ne to check out inclusion education practices for individuals with disabilities and ensure their potential is fully maximized.

●     Please visit inspirecitizens.org to register for the Global Citizenship

●     Are you looking forward to a successful career to teach anywhere in the world? Head over to https://moreland.edu/ for online innovative education programs.