Meet Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor | Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Diane, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by stories and storytellers. There are so many things that divide us as a culture — and our stories are a way to rediscover how we are all intereconnected. This love of stories — and the sense that there’s more hope and joy in the world than appears on the surface — led me to start the Adventures in Learning podcast as a wing of my consulting and speaking business. In the past two years, we have told more than 100 stories — and each one inspires me and gives me the energy to keep doing my bit.

Since my work with teachers and students involves making STEM connections in the classroom, it makes sense that some of my guests are STEM leaders. I’ve talked about the importance of starting science education young and making it accessible with Science Magazine editor Holden Thorp, I’ve talked about equity and inclusion in polar STEM fields with Kimberly Aiken. And I’ve learned so much about how to add layers to my own STEM programs from people like youth inventor Lydia Denton, Nina Draws Scientists STEMfluencer Nina Chhita, Kesler Science CEO Chris Kesler, and, of course, Steve Spangler,

One of my other passions is children’s literature. I am inspired by children’s picture books, in particular, and am always searching for ways to build STEM challenges and real-world connections with kids. Dr. Rudine Simms-Bishop published an important paper about books as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors. We can learn about others and see possibilities for ourselves when we read. And I’ve been so lucky to have so many award-winning authors and illustrators on the podcast. The list includes such people as Ashley Belote (Sheepwrecked, Frankenslime), Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Mary Had a Little Plan, Nesting Dolls, Shake It Off!), Katherine Applegate (The One and Only Ivan series, Odder, Dogtown), James Ponti (Sherlock Society, City Spies), Alicia D. Williams (Mid-Air, The Talk), Jason M. Burns (graphic novels as gateways to STEM), Jason Chin (Whalesong, Your Place in the Universe, Grand Canyon), Jasmine Warga (A Rover’s Story), Candace Fleming (Honeybee, Polar Bear), and Grace Lin (Big Mooncake for Little Star, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Once Upon a Book). Each time I talk to one of these creators, I’m inspired! Their work allows me to build new connections to hands-on STEM experiences for children and their educators.

Speaking of educators, I’ve been so inspired by the many innovative thinkers who have been on the Adventures in Learning podcast so far. When I present or speak at conferences, I love to attend other sessions. I’m always on the lookout for people who have a message I think will resonate with my audience. In the last few years, I’ve been inspired by educators with a passion for combining play, literacy, and STEM, people like Sensational Inclusions’s Dr. Tyana Velasquez-Smith, Dr. Kateri Thunder, Kennesaw State University’s Dr. Raynice Jean-Segur and Dr. Douglas Bell, Dr. Kimberly Johnson, and Wincey Terry-Bryant (CEO of WinceyCo and Wolf Trap Teaching Artist)

And I’m also inspired by the natural world and by my own travels — my brand IS Dr. Diane’s ADVENTURES in Learning, after all! My own natural curiosity at play has taken me to the top of Grandfather Mountain to discuss informal STEAM learning with its education team, into Ruakuri Cave in New Zealand to learn all about glowworms; inside a dormant volcano in Iceland to learn about rock formations; to the Sanctuary in the Sky zookeepers at Australia’s Healesville Sanctuary to learn about conservation and birds; and to the Antarctic itself to tell the stories of real-life Antarctic penguin counter Guillaume de Remacle and Ocean Youth Academy leaders Gaby Pilson and Phil Hunter. When I travel, I always film short videos for teachers and children — and I’m always looking for people with interesting stories to tell that might inspire the next generation of conservationists and scientists.

And then I’m inspired by quirky stories that draw me in. I can’t say no to middle school science teacher (and my long-time BFF Lynn Wareh Coles, so when she suggested I cover the convergence of the two cicada broods this year, I said yes (but only if she agreed to co-host). Little did I know this cicada fling would turn into a three part series, complete with a trip to Chicago to track down cicada nymphs in the middle of the night and to take decibel readings as we searched for each variety in the noonday sun. But this crazy inspiration led us to talking to some really fascinating people, including Dr. Jim Kritsky, the Indiana Jones of the insect world; Cicada Symphony picture book author Sue Fliess, and Diet for a Changing Climate author Christy Mihaly (who taught us about entromorphagy — the art of eating insects, which was then demonstrated for us by amateur chef and spouse Barry Schnoor). For the record, I’m a vegetarian and don’t need to take on THAT particular adventure!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has never been linear, but it’s always been fueled by passion and creativity. For the past 20+ years, I’ve been deeply involved in education, as a college adjunct professor, the founder and lead teacher of a preschool in New York, and director of education for a children’s museum. One of the key things that has stuck with me is to stay curious, to be open to learning and trying new things, and to seize creative opportunities when they appear.

During the pandemic, we had to reinvent so much of what we did in the museum world. Hands-on education, multicultural picture books, and fostering real-world connections has always been key to what I do — and I had to find strategies for bringing that same passion to children and families virtually. So I learned new skills — creating videos, narrating reels, building web pages — all of which later transferred to Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning. Today, when I travel the world, I record videos and short invitations to learn, all of which I share on social media.

But back to the pandemic. Part of learning new skills was taking advantage of learning opportunities as they arose. I was invited to participate in a virtual professional development that Steve Spangler was leading for our local school system. During the PD, I was one of 150 or so tiny boxes on screen, but we somehow connected and exchanged playful banter throughout the training. At one point, Steve egged me on to “accidentally” dump water on my head (barely missing my laptop). We wound up connecting through his amazing manager, Carly Reed, and had a series of conversations over the next six months about what it means to connect experiences and picture books for joyful learning. Steve invited me to do a virtual workshop on his national platform. During those conversations, I eventually realized that I had a message I wanted to bring to a wider audience. I am grateful to Steve Spangler and Carly Reed for nurturing me during those months and for continuing to be amazing mentors as I’ve grown my own business.

So I launched Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning in 2021 with the idea that I would travel the country, helping educators learn how to connect multicultural picture books and hands-on STEM experiences so that teaching and learning become joyful again. There have been so many challenges placed on educators and students — everything from lags in executive function to trying to figure out how to navigate the science of reading. My goal is to make learning fun and to take some of the burden off of educators by showing them strategies that work. Since I started the business, I’ve traveled the country, taken on international workshops, and launched an Adventures in Learning podcast, where I get to share stories with some of the coolest scientists, naturalists, educators, and authors from around the world (we are coming up on episode 100)!

I am currently accepting bookings into 2025 and beyond. One of my favorite programs I offer is a package deal. I come in to work with educators on strategies for connecting play-based learning, hands-on STEM experiences, and literacy — and then I stay to model these strategies with their students, in their classrooms. I also do hands-on programs for students and families in libraries and museums. I think what distinguishes me is that while we can and do connect back to the standards, we are looking at really harnessing the research to create natural play connections and real-world experiences. I love having students and teachers explore how to build a STEM/STEAM challenge from the foundations of a multicultural picture book. And I love telling stories about the real-world scientists who change the way we think. I hope that my work allows all students more opportunties to see mirrors that reflect themselves and their experiences, as well as windows into other cultures and possibilities. (If you don’t know the work of Dr. Rudine Simms-Bishop, definitely look it up, she’s one of my inspirations).

I am also looking ahead to building and growing the podcast. I’m already thinking about the next 100 guests. What adventures will we go on together? What stories need to be heard today? I would love it if your readers would give the podcast a listen. I’d welcome their ideas for future guests and topics.

Some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1) Mentor others and provide opportunities for belief and collaboration. Steve Spangler did that for me — and I’m trying to do that for other educators now.
2) Appreciate the talent and ideas that surround you — and look for ways to collaborate together. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to partner with you. You’ll be surprised at all the ways the world says YES. By not being afraid to take a risk, I’ve had some of the most amazing educators, authors, illustrators, and STEM leaders enter my world.
3) Take time for a daily walk. Connect to nature. When I’m connected, some of my most creative ideas start flowing. And then I’m more present and available in my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am not based in Denver. I’m actually on the East Coast. BUT I look forward to joining Steve Spangler and 200 of the most amazing educators from around the country in your gorgeous city each June for Science in the Rockies. So my itinerary is based on my own visits and wish lists for things to do and see.

My must dos:

1) Hike — you have the gorgeous Rockies in your backyard. So many hikes, something for every fitness level.
2) Red Rocks — worth going and walking around, but if you can combine it with a show, awesome!
3) I’m a museum girl at heart, so I strongly suggest visiting the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Art Museum (there’s an amazing Maurice Sendak exhibit coming), the Children’s Museum of Denver (of course), and the Museum of Illusions.

BUT, you tell me, what should I see that is qunitessentially Denver when I return next summer?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our stories are connected — and no story stands alone. There are so many stories that have connected with mine, nudged me in a different direction, given me the courage to try something new. I’ve already mentioned Steve Spangler and Carly Reed. But so many thanks to the organizations, schools, and libraries who believed in me and provided encouragement and opportunity when I was starting out (big thank yous to Amy Fountain and Germantown CSD, Handley Regional Library, the Metrics program, Project Act, and Kesler Science to name a few). I’m also in awe of the many thoughtful minds who are out there working to make education more joyful, collaborative, and creative (Amari Shields, Dr. Stephanie Goloway, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, and Dr. Kateri Thunder immediately spring to mind). And then there are the 100 individuals who have shared their stories, experiences, and hopes with me on the Adventures in Learning podcast. I am so grateful for their trust in my ability to share their story — and beyond grateful to the folks who tune in every week to support the podcast.

Website: https://www.drdianeadventures.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drdianeadventures