S4 Ep01: Innovation Starts with Relationships with Dan Mitchell

In the first episode of Season 4, hosts Steph and Todd sit down with Dan Mitchell, a special education teacher at Crystal Lake South and theater director at Crystal Lake Central. Dan works with students in the functional living skills program and shares how innovation comes alive in his classroom. The conversation explores the essential components of true innovation - trust, collaboration, and strong relationships—and how these play out both in special education and in theater. Dan offers thoughtful insights into creating spaces where students can thrive by meeting them where they are and finding creative ways to connect learning to their lives. One of the most memorable moments of the episode is Dan’s perspective that:[Innovation] is where the moment and the need meet each other.”This episode is an inspiring look at how educators can redefine innovation by focusing on people first.