Shannon Putman: Yellow everybody.
Welcome to the pop, as I like to call it.
I have something incredibly exciting in store for you today.
A woman that I could not be more proud to call a friend, Ms. Lynn Henderson, the CEO and co-founder of Certify Ed Lynn, welcome on into the Pop.
Thank you, Shannon.
I'm really excited to be here today.
Well, it's an absolute honor and the joy is all on my end.
So instead of me rambling on about Certify ed, why don't you go ahead and tell everybody what exactly that is?
Well, certify
Lynne Henderson: Ed is a CTE curriculum company.
We develop our own courses and.
With each of the courses, we have simulations so that the students can practice what they're learning in the course.
Our course and simulations can be done on different types of devices, can be done on VR, headset laptop, desktop, or tablet.
Shannon Putman: Fantastic.
And that's already a very unique per point that you just made, that you are available on all different platforms.
And I think that's critical because VR is not into education to the level that we're hoping.
So are you finding that a lot of people are accessing the content in, you know, the standard 2D format, or do you see that more people are now starting to get invested in the VR as well?
Lynne Henderson: Well, when we started the company seven years ago, the reason we did it across all the devices was because there, you know, VR wasn't as popular in education.
We're starting to see more schools wanting the students to do it on the headsets.
They are purchasing maybe five or 10 headsets.
They're not.
Getting enough for the entire class to have it, but it is becoming, each year I see it becoming more and more popular.
So I think eventually it will be where there's a headset for every student in the school.
Shannon Putman: Yay.
From your lips, because I've been saying that for a while too, and I'm sure people are absolutely sick of hearing me saying it, but to hear from somebody else definitely helps to support my cause, so thank you.
You were not paid to say that?
Lynne Henderson: No I wasn't.
Shannon Putman: Phew.
So, one of the things too that I love about Certify Ed is that you are one of the few companies if only that I have worked with that actually goes the full steps through the process and offers credentialing.
So can you tell me a little bit about you, you know, what you guys actually do with that?
Lynne Henderson: Yeah.
When we are developing the courses, we're looking at the industry standards the national standards, and we're looking at the certification, what's required of the certification.
We align our courses to, NTI is one of the big national organizations, N-O-T-N-O-C-T-I.
In our culinary arts usually students take ServSafe and the drone course is aligned to the FAA unmanned pilot's license.
So the students, well, a lot of VR companies or that have simulations, they don't have the course with the vr, they just have the VR.
Or they just specialize in one field, let's say medical or you know, STEM or something like that.
With certify ed, We have different types of courses.
We have 23 courses currently, and it, they're in the trades, plumbing, electrical, you know, medical biotech, as I said, drones, carpentry, electrical, and the student can get the entire course.
And then after the course is finished, then they're prepared to take the certification exams.
Shannon Putman: That's absolutely fantastic because the whole point of all of this learning, no matter what type it is to prepare our students for life after school, whether that be service, whether that's college, right into the workforce.
And you guys actually have a program that takes them all the way through to being prepared,
Lynne Henderson: correct.
Shannon Putman: That's absolutely wonderful.
And like I said, I haven't seen much of anything else that has taken the time to align to all those standards and everything, because that's typically one of the first things the teacher will ask me, well, what standards does it align to?
And I'm like you know, especially being new in the CTE field I was like, I don't know.
And with Certify Ed, I'm like, Nope.
Boom.
I can rattle 'em off right away because you guys have taken the work to do what is necessary.
To give it legitimacy to your programs?
Lynne Henderson: Yes.
Yes.
We want the courses to meet the standards, but more importantly, we want the courses to be engaging for the students and for them to get something out of it.
And then at the end, if they decide to do the certification, that's gonna help them when they graduate and go out into the workforce.
Shannon Putman: Absolutely wonderful.
And that's kind of some of the best we can hope to do for our students.
Yes.
Lynne Henderson: Yeah.
Shannon Putman: And so, you know, we've been talking about the, this, you know, credentialing and everything.
Are there certain areas that you are seeing you know, or certain courses maybe, that are more popular or any kind of trends in the workforce demands right now?
Lynne Henderson: Well, I'll tell you the courses that are very popular that we have with the students, and that is the culinary arts.
any of the trades, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and animal science and vet science.
Those numbers are high.
And then criminal justice is a popular course too with students.
I think that the job force, you know, it's always changing and you always have to be.
Changing with whatever the trends are.
And technical and digital skills are very important now.
We have a digital media.
We are working on a cybersecurity course.
And then the trades and hands-on skills like welding, culinary arts, animal science, those are very popular also now.
And when we're deciding on courses, what our next courses will be, I really like to talk with people to find out what they see out there.
And you know, one of the partners we work with there in St.
Lucia and she was sending me a text saying, They're saying that the electrical cars and being able to work on the charging stations and all is very popular.
Can you do a course on that?
So we're, we've put that on our list and eventually we'll be developing a course for that.
Shannon Putman: That's incredibly interesting.
It's smart too, of course, obviously to listen to your customers and see where the demand is.
But as you mentioned, everything is always changing, you know, in, in the world.
And one of the things that I did hear a lot from educators when I was out.
The different schools asking was not just the charging stations but the auto mechanic professors were asking a lot about electric engines 'cause they can't get one to even practice on.
Lynne Henderson: Yeah.
So we're going to try to be developing a course on all of that, the electric engine and also the charging stations.
Shannon Putman: I will absolutely have some people that will be ready for that.
So don't for forget me when that comes out.
Oh, I definitely will
Lynne Henderson: never forget you, Shannon.
Shannon Putman: Aw, well thank you.
Right back at you.
It would, I would be remiss if I didn't ask the standard question.
I feel like we all have to ask about it now, but, you know, AI being the big buzz word and everything like that you know, you guys are.
Because I think a lot of people try to force AI into things when it's not needed to.
So, you know, how is AI affecting what you guys do at Certify Ed?
Or are you using it?
Are you not?
Well,
Lynne Henderson: you know, we use it in our everyday work.
We haven't put it in our courses yet.
We've gone back and forth about whether to do that.
And it's not because we don't think it's useful because.
The student being able to have a tutor right there with them is very valuable.
And the AI being able to recognize what the student is weak in and being able to bring them up to standards, it's great.
We're just trying to figure out, you know, how we do this and, or the best way.
And a lot of it is because.
The technology, you know, is changing so much, you just want to keep up with it and be able to give the best service to your clients.
Shannon Putman: Yeah, absolutely.
And, you know, you've designed your programs, your courses are all incredibly well thought out and designed so that, you know, on I love what you said about potential recognizing, you know, patterns and then tutoring and things like that.
But the way you go through assessments and everything in your program, it doesn't really necessitate the need for it.
But I also love that.
You have done the work to use this as a preparation and a supportive learning experience as opposed to a replacement of any educator,
Lynne Henderson: right?
Shannon Putman: how do you guys really ensure when you're talking to teachers that, Hey, look, you know, we're not telling you put them on this, and then you never do anything again.
How do you make it a part of the instruction as opposed to just a standoff?
Thing they do in isolation?
Lynne Henderson: Yeah.
Well we have our courses, they're used with online schools that do not have a teacher, like in the, they go to a classroom and they have a teacher there, and then we have it in the brick and mortar when, where they do.
So we always talk with this teacher about the flexibility.
That they can use our course as a standalone, or they can insert things into the course that they want the students to do or they can have projects.
And then the way we have our courses set up, it's learn, apply and create.
And the create is where the student is given two assignments and they have to.
Show competency in those two areas.
And they can do that by teaching others, you know, they could do a presentation in front of the class or they could do a PowerPoint.
They can use their cell phone to record themselves doing the task.
And the teacher.
Has to grade that.
So that makes the teacher become involved in it.
And we have about 20 schools that with the culinary arts they have the students actually cook the omelets and everything in the classroom.
So, and then afterwards everybody eats the omelet.
So you know, the students Can practice it in the virtual reality and then actually get the hands-on experience.
So one thing with our courses, it's, they're very flexible and they can be used in different, you know, like I said, as a standalone or it things can be added to them.
Shannon Putman: I cannot.
Express how wonderful that is and how unique of a feature that is.
Because a lot of the software that I see and the programs that I've experienced don't go to that full level of.
Of now you've mastered it.
Show me different ways how you've mastered it and teaching others is, I think one of the best ways.
So congratulations on that because that is absolutely unique and I think a game changer when educators are looking at what programs to purchase.
Lynne Henderson: Right?
Yeah.
When we developed the courses, we did a lot of research on what was the best way for students to learn and.
Students now love to go to YouTube to learn how to do everything.
So the short videos all our videos are usually.
Four to six minutes.
We do have some that go up to eight, 10 minutes, but most of them are short.
It keeps the student's attention and that's the learn category.
And then the apply are the simulations.
And it's been proven that when a student can actually do a project.
Then they retain better.
And then finally the create where they are actually teaching others that helps the retention rate.
So we used all of those aspects to put in the course.
Shannon Putman: refer to that as like a trifecta of terrific ness because it's really has all three aspects that we're striving to get.
And I also love too that it allows not only the educator but the student to still employ their creativity.
So you have 'em create, but you don't tell them what to create.
Lynne Henderson: Right, right.
And I've gotta tell you this 'cause I thought it was funny.
On one of our creates, it was for the culinary arts, they were supposed to show how to do a omelet.
And one of the teachers sent me the video that the student had done and the students started from going out to the chicken coop and getting the egg.
From the chicken.
It's amazing going all the way through.
But I thought that was funny.
Shannon Putman: That is absolutely amazing.
See, I would've never thought of that.
and that student did, so I mean, I mentioned how much fun they probably had with it too.
Lynne Henderson: Yeah.
I told the teacher they should definitely get an A just for their creativity.
Shannon Putman: Yes.
And I think that's so missing nowadays in education.
You know, 'cause everything is so standards based in core content and test scores and I think we're losing that creativity that, you know, makes learning fun, right?
Lynne Henderson: Yes.
I.
Shannon Putman: I was even saying that the other day that I'm, what I miss, you know, I don't miss everything about being in the classroom, but my creative outlet, since I don't like Pinterest or any of that kinda stuff, is, you know, understanding how kids learn and then, you know, making the content accessible.
So that's what I found fun and creative and I've been, I think missing that and that joy that comes with it, because.
On this end of, you know, the spectrum of education, sometimes it's not as much of the fun stuff,
Lynne Henderson: right?
Yeah.
Shannon Putman: So this has been wonderful.
We're, I have absolutely enjoyed every minute of it.
And you're not quite done yet.
I just have a kind of few wrapping up questions before the closing countdown, but you know, how is it that you ensure that you work with companies and things like that, and that people understand how important the credentialing system is.
Lynne Henderson: Well, again, when we design our courses, we look at the industry standards, and also when we design our course, we try to find a expert in the field.
So like if we're developing a welding course, I don't know that much about welding, you know?
So we have an expert in the field who is.
Looking at what we're writing, they look at the simulations and tell us, Hey, yep this is right, or No, you need to change this.
And we also try to align to certifications that are nationally recognized.
That's very important that you want a certification that is recognized, you know, by employers and by the school.
Shannon Putman: Absolutely.
Yeah, those, like you said, those national standards so they can be prepared for wherever, you know, it might take them to get a job.
'cause you know, I've seen a lot through Kentucky that there just aren't jobs and people are having to leave, you know, their home communities to be able to find work.
And so it's important that they'll be prepared no matter where they go.
Lynne Henderson: Right.
Shannon Putman: Well, wonderful.
Like I said, Lynn, this has been fantastic.
I need to get some more synonyms to explain how much fun I have with these and talking with you in general.
And for the audience that doesn't know, Lynn has been amazing and rescheduled like 19 times with me because, my former student, Joe and his team from Bowling Green made the state net the state championship for basketball.
So she was not only supportive of me, but of the bowling Green purple.
So thank you for that.
Lynne Henderson: You're welcome.
Shannon Putman: Is there anything you know, so I know obviously I'm putting links in with the podcast and people can always reach out to Putman Consulting you know, especially part of our product bundles or individually to get certified ed.
But is there any information you wanna share with them if they wanna get more where they should go or anything like that?
Lynne Henderson: Yeah, they can call eight.
9 7 0 1 3 9 3 or they could go to our website, certify ed.com and fill out a request for information.
And I think the best way to learn about our courses is to set up a demo.
Let us show you what the courses looked like and what all the all of the components entail.
Shannon Putman: Perfect.
And I love that you're willing to show a demo so people can actually experience it and you know, that we know that makes the difference.
Yes.
And also props.
You're the first person that has given a phone number, so yes.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Everybody else has just been given websites and I appreciate that you actually have a phone number that people can call.
Yeah, I love phone numbers.
Yes, exactly.
My grandma used to say she was not gonna have one of those dot coms, and that's what she referred to.
Anything that had anything to do with the computer, so right.
Okay, well closing countdown.
You cannot escape it.
It's my favorite.
It's the audience's favorite.
It's everybody's favorite.
I don't know, I'm just guessing.
But to get to know a little bit more about Lynn, what if you had three things to you could do outside of work?
Absolutely no work related.
What would you do?
Lynne Henderson: Well, I have a brand new great nephew who will be one at the end of this month, and I love seeing him playing with him.
He loves to be outside and we have, you know, call it a, the one of the can ams.
He loves to ride around in it.
I love to.
Take him for rides and that.
So anything with Travis is fun.
And then this last year I've started two new I guess you'd say hobbies and one is pickleball.
I never played, I played tennis but never tried pickleball, and I started playing pickleball and I love it.
So I've been playing in a couple of leagues and I really enjoy that.
And then for my birthday last year, I'd always said that when I retired I was gonna get me a potter's wheel and my, he said, you know, most people.
Say they're traveling, they're doing whatever when they retire, not you say, I'm getting a potter's will.
And so, my nephew and my niece they gave me a certificate to take a five week pottery course.
And I went to that and I loved it.
And so I've continued to take that.
So on every Monday evenings, I'm either on the wheel or I actually found out I like to hand sculpt too.
So, I'm letting my artistic side out.
So those are the three things I like to do.
How Absolutely
Shannon Putman: fascinating as a fellow Pickle Baller.
I agree.
It's a nice outlet.
And then also how wonderful with the great nephew, but with the pottery, that was completely unexpected.
And I do have to ask, do you watch the show, the Great Pottery Throw down?
Yes.
Oh my gosh.
We love it.
Yes.
Yeah.
Lynne Henderson: And I'm actually going now, since I like it so much, I'm going to build myself a little studio to put a, the wheel in and all, you know, all that stuff I'm, ' cause it gets little old trying to bring out all your stuff and do it and then try putting it all back up.
So.
I'm going to build a pottery studio.
Shannon Putman: How wonderful, how exciting.
I, when you said, you know, from the wheel, I only knew because of the great pottery throw on the language you're talking.
So, so shout out to that show.
If we got any listeners and and to you and I fully expect some sort of, you know, once you get going, I would love to to peruse your collection and purchase a thing or two.
So, well, you wouldn't have to purchase Shannon.
Aw.
Lynne Henderson: Just tell me what you would like.
And I'll, and I would try to do it for you.
It won't be perfect.
Thank you.
I promise you that.
'cause I'm just starting.
Shannon Putman: I love imperfect.
I think it makes it even more special.
So I'm a big fan of tea, so if you make a teacup or anything of any design, it doesn't have to be, I.
Your classic teacup, you can pick the design of it.
Lynne Henderson: Okay.
Shannon Putman: That sounds perfect.
Alright.
See, look at this.
Not only did I get an awesome conversation with an amazing person, I'm getting a teacup outta of this.
An original Yes.
Oh.
I'm gonna hold onto it too for really big.
Well, again, Lynn, thank you so much.
This has been absolutely wonderful.
You know, I feel like I've been saying a lot, so people aren't going to believe me or think it's disingenuous, but everybody that I've been having on the pop and everything I truly consider friends.
And you've been supportive of me and my journey from the very beginning since we met at that conference.
So, I want to thank you from a professional.
A personal level and I just love what you're doing in any way I can support it.
And thank you for always being so supportive of me.
And I cherish you and I'm excited for what's to come.
Lynne Henderson: Well, thank you very much for being my friend and a coworker and for inviting me to be on this.
I really enjoyed our conversation.
Shannon Putman: Yay.
Well, thank you so much.