On the Blog…January 2021

Happy New Year!

As they say, today is the first blank page in your 365-page book…how will your book unfold?

2020 was an incredible year for Code Breaker Inc. We met so many amazing people and made life-long connections with strangers we now call family. We closed off 2020 with our 20th publication. We cannot wait for what this year has in store!

December Releases

We added two new titles to our book shelf this past month. We added Gracie: The Maker our Code Breaker Kid Collection and Unlocking Unlimited Potential to our Leadership Series.

Third in the Gracie series, by Daphne McMenemy’s Gracie: The Maker introduces us to Edie, Gracie’s newest friend. Together, Edie and Gracie create a machine to feed their class pet, Turbo the tortoise. The girls must work together to plan and design, test and retest their invention. It will take teamwork and perseverance. Will Gracie and Edie figure out a way to help Turbo? Looking to add this title to your library? Pick up your copy here.

Inside all educators is an infinite power that, once harnessed, can be contagious among all those we serve. Divided into three parts, Building the Foundation, Challenges as Opportunities for Growth, and Believing in You, this book reminds readers of their Why. Unlocking Unlimited Potential is at the core of what every educator is trying to achieve with all those they serve. In order to stay true to this vision, you must first look within. Pick up a copy of Dr. Brandon Beck’s first book here.

On the Editor’s Desk…

Up next on our release list is Dr. Lori Koerner’s Actually, I Can. While definitions of leadership vary, Lori defines leadership as three things; the choices you make, the relationships you establish, and of course, influence.

Actually, I Can is filled with inspirational stories of leadership and empowerment that remind us that it is not our titles or positions that make us leaders but our actions.

“Lori Koerner is a great new voice bringing insight, experience and humility to a much needed genre that requires the brightest of lights to be shined on it- women in leadership. Actually I Can is engaging, relatable and full of practical wisdom that both women and men can learn from.  To quote the book, ‘To live a life filled with one’s highest choices and brightest outcomes, one should always continue to inspire and empower- and in turn…become inspired and empowered.’ This book is the ultimate guide in doing so.”

Code Breaker Power Summit 2021

Our 2nd annual Code Breaker Power Summit will take place
April 24-25, 2021. Leaders in education from across the continent are ready to take the virtual stage to motivate and inspire! Keep tabs on the hashtag on social media and visit the website for Summit planning announcements!

Our inaugural Summit hosted 300 participants from all over the globe. Do you have a message to share? Are you interested in presenting at this year’s Summit? Fill out the Call for Proposals form here.
The deadline for applications is January 31, 2021

Big Announcement

This past month Code Breaker Inc. teamed up with Road to Awesome, LLC to bring a new division to our publishing team! Darrin and the Road To Awesome crew want to tell your story!

Our Leadership Team continues to grow. We would like to extend a huge welcome to Matthew X. Joseph, Michelle Blanchet, Brian Deters, Kellie Bahri, Andrew Canlé, and Monte Syrie. Learn more about our Leadership Team at codebreakeredu.com.

On the Blog…December 2020

Welcome back to the Code Breaker blog as we say goodbye to November and hello to December!

You’ll find news on book releases, stories about our authors, and new and noteworthy details about all things Code Breaker right here!

Thank you for letting us share our story with you!

On the Editor’s Desk…

This month we will see the release of Dr. Brandon Beck’s highly anticipated first book, Unlocking Unlimited Potential: Understanding the Infinite Power Within to Guide Any Student Toward Success.

Divided into three parts, Building the Foundation, Challenges as Opportunities For Growth, and Believing In You, Unlocking Unlimited Potential reminds readers of their ‘why’. We are challenged to discover that inside all educators there is an infinite power that once harnessed can be contagious among all those we serve. Stay tuned to our socials for a release date this month!

The Code Breaker Kid Collection

November saw the release of Jillian DuBois‘ Liv’s Seashells. When young Liv visits the seashore, she comes to life soaking in the salty air and sparkling sun.

Her adventure takes her on a journey to discover uniquely different seashells as she sets out to show them all a special kind of compassion. Don’t miss out on this amazing story of compassion and beautiful reminder that what makes us unique is what makes us extraordinary!

Hitting bookshelves this month is the latest in our Gracie series. Daphne McMenemy and Alexandria Masse are bringing us Gracie: The Maker in the third book of the series.

We are introduced to Edie, Gracie’s newest friend. Together, Edie and Gracie create a machine to feed their class pet, Turbo the tortoise. The girls must work together to plan and design, test and retest their invention. It will take teamwork and perseverance. Will Gracie and Edie figure out a way to help Turbo?

Stay tuned to our socials for a release date and grab your copy of Gracie: The Maker just in time for the holidays!

New on the Bookshelf

November saw the release of Discomfort by Design: An Inspirational Guide to Fostering Critical Thinking, Life Skills, and Problem Solving both in the Classroom and in the Real World.

Chad LeDune was met with rave reviews on his first release. Matt Miller, Educator, Speaker and Author of Ditch That Textbook had this to say…

“If you want to see the real face of education — the one fraught with challenges and setbacks yet leads to inspiration — this book is for you. Chad LeDune shares his own discomfort and how it helped him improve as an educator. You’ll learn about design learning and a framework for creating meaningful learning. It is Discomfort by Design, something Chad has earned and freely shares in these pages!”

Alice Aspinall’s Look for the Math Around You 6-book series is a collection of real-life photos with question prompts to help start math conversations with children.

Available as an eBook and in paperback, this series is perfect for reading at home or in the classroom. Math is everywhere around us. The series, which includes Geometry, Patterns, Arrays, Math Chats, Fractions, and Estimation will help children see math in their daily lives.

Are eBooks More Your Style?

You’re in luck! Daily STEM, Road to Awesome, Choose To Be You, and Fired Up Leadership are now all available on Kindle. Our entire Leadership Series and Practical Series are all available as eBooks. Visit our Books page to browse our selection!

#CSEdWeek

December 7 – 13th, 2020 marks Computer Science Education Week. Called the largest learning event in history, Computer Science Education Week aims to get K-12 students excited about computer coding.

From CSEdWeek.org, Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) was founded as a call to action to raises awareness about the need to elevate computer science education at all levels and to underscore the critical role of computing in all careers. In January of 2015, the Hour of Code reached 100 million “hours served,” making the Hour of Code and CS Education Week the largest education campaign in history.

Computer Science is fundamental for student success. Studies show that those students who study computer science perform better in other subjects, excel at problem-solving and develop essential life skills that set them up for success! Share your #CSEdWeek activities all next week on Twitter with #CodeBreaker!

What’s New at CodeBreakerEDU.com?

Looking for a new blog to read? We’ve got your covered. Our Blog Network is a collection of writing from our ambassadors, authors and friends.

Need some Code Breaker gear? Our Code Breaker Shop opened last month with a great selection of items! Browse our selection of clothing and accessories and spoil yourself, you deserve it! Go ahead! Add. To. Cart!

On the Blog…November 2020

Welcome to the first Code Breaker Inc. blog post!

You’ll find news on book releases, stories about our authors, and new and noteworthy details about all things Code Breaker right here!

Thank you for letting us share our story with you!

Osage And Riceville Superintendent Barb Schwamman Receives Statewide Recognition 

We are so proud to announce that Barb Schwamman, superintendent of the Osage and Riceville Community School Districts, was a finalist for the 2020-21 Iowa Superintendent of the Year award sponsored by the School Administrators of Iowa.  Barb was recognized for her excellence in leadership and as a leader who strives to provide opportunities for students and staff to continuous learn and grow.

“It is an honor to be recognized by your peers for work that so many are doing around the state and is a testament to the excellent work both districts are doing to be leaders in learning and giving our students the best possible education we can.”

Read more about Barb and her amazing story here.

Bonjour! Hi!: SNL’s Take on French Canadian News

Steven Etienne Langlois had an amazing shoutout on Saturday Night Live in a skit with French-Canadian news anchors (Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Bowen Yang) reporting on current events.  From COVID-dix-neuf to Drake and Etienne, they covered it all!

Have you seen it yet?  Canadian viewers can watch it here and our US friends can watch it here.

Chasing Childhood

Chasing Childhood is a documentary featuring two of our very own, Dr. Michael Hynes and Lori Koerner premiering at DOC NYC, America’s Largest Documentary Film Festival. It asks the ever important question, what is the changing landscape of contemporary childhood and parenting? 

“Chasing Childhood is a feature documentary that explores the rapidly changing landscape of contemporary childhood and parenting.”

Learn more at chasingchildhooddoc.com

Looking for a new addition to your leadership bookshelf?

Fired Up Leadership by Dr. Frank Rudnesky explores a culture of leadership.

As Frank puts it, When you consciously make the decision to accept your role as a leader, amazing things happen! As you pursue balance in your life, the five domains of Fired Up Leadership allow you to create a culture of leadership. A culture of leadership creates a culture of passion. That is the center of Fired Up Leadership. As you empower people to pursue their passion and become leaders, your leadership ability increases exponentially. Leadership becomes a choice not a position. Your vision becomes a reality through your mission. People are taken to levels they never thought possible. Get Fired Up, people!

“Frank is all about helping you and your kids believe that leaders are made, not born.”

“Fired Up Leadership propels you from words into action.”

“The adage, “there is strength in numbers” rings true throughout Frank’s words as he strives to build, foster, and grow more leaders.”

“You can’t help but be “Fired Up” when you read this book.”

Grab your copy of Fired Up Leadership today!

STEM is a Culture, not a Class You Teach

Daily STEM by Chris Woods explores STEM culture in our schools and communities. 

From Chris himself, Has your school added a STEM class, or are you hoping to build more STEM into your school community? Buying a bunch of 3D printers and robot kits is a good start, but what does a sustainable STEM learning culture look like? This book will challenge you to think past the Daily STEM acronym and think about what it means to build a culture of STEM thinking in your school. You’ll find plenty of practical tips and examples to make STEM relevant for every kid and infuse it into every classroom and every home in your community.

“STEM can seem like such a big challenge for teachers and school leaders alike. We all want students engaged in meaningful, hands-on learning. But where do we begin? Start with Daily STEM.“

“Chris’ book Daily STEM is exactly what every teacher needs to promote curiosity and hands-on learning in the classroom.“

“Daily Stem offered me significant insight into so many ways educators can continue to provide STEM instruction/ideas and exploration across content areas and beyond the classroom walls.“

Grab your copy of Daily STEM today!

Ambassador Program

This past month saw a brand new initiative for Code Breaker – our official Ambassador program.

The Code Breaker Ambassador Program strives to lift the voices of those who embody our motto. Our ambassadors are risk takers. They disrupt the status quo and they understand the importance of educating the whole child – mind, body and soul. Visit our Ambassador page to more about them.

Stay Tuned...

Up next on the Code Breaker release list belongs to Chad LeDune!

Chad intertwines his story with Design Learning in his upcoming book Discomfort by Design. An inspirational guide to fostering life skills and problem solving both in the classroom and in the read world. Stay tuned to our socials for updates!

Congratulations to the Beck Family!

Our Code Breaker family grew by one this past month as Brandon Beck welcomed his tiny new addition, Gemma on October 27th. Mom, dad, sisters and baby are all doing great!

Welcome to the world Gemma! We can’t wait to see what it has in store for you!