powerED Up: Recent Episodes
Ken Ehrmann
We are powering education up by empowering you! Join us to talk about everything education with the hosts and weekly interviews. We will interview teachers to find out what makes great teachers and how we can all grow together. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Shelley Jeoffroy, a 5th-grade teacher from Irving, Texas, shares her experiences in education and the importance of embracing diversity in the classroom. She discusses how her travels and teaching overseas have opened her perspective and inspired her to bring innovation and creativity into her teaching. Shelley emphasizes the need to have authentic relationships with students and create a welcoming and respectful classroom environment. She also highlights the value of making connections between students and finding common ground. Ken Ehrmann and Dr. Ramon Benavides discuss the challenges of building relationships with adults and the importance of being genuine and caring in all interactions. The conversation explores the importance of authenticity and building relationships in education. It emphasizes the value of allowing authentic moments and recovering from mistakes. The guests discuss the significance of being intentional about building value and relationships based on value, as well as the power of owning mistakes and apologizing. They highlight the impact of modeling authenticity and humanity for students, and the importance of creating memorable experiences in the classroom. The conversation also touches on the balance between providing meaningful experiences and meeting professional responsibilities, and the role of assessments in gauging growth.
Takeaways
- Embrace diversity in the classroom and recognize the value that different experiences and backgrounds bring to education.
- Teaching overseas can provide valuable insights and inspiration for bringing innovation and creativity into the classroom.
- Authentic relationships with students are key to creating a welcoming and respectful classroom environment.
- Finding common ground and making connections between students can help foster a sense of community and acceptance.
- Building relationships with adults, such as colleagues and parents, requires genuine care and effort.
- Apologizing and taking responsibility for mistakes is important in maintaining trust and repairing relationships. Allowing authentic moments and recovering from mistakes is important in education.
- Building relationships based on value and owning mistakes can have a powerful impact on students.
- Creating memorable experiences in the classroom helps students learn and retain information.
- Balancing meaningful experiences with professional responsibilities is crucial.
- Assessments play a role in gauging growth and demonstrating knowledge.
Twitter: @ShellJeoffroy
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Aziza Malik, the 2024 Vermont State Teacher of the Year, shares her journey in education and her passion for place-based and community-driven learning. She discusses her background in environmental and farm-based education and how it has influenced her teaching. Aziza emphasizes the importance of bringing the community into the classroom and giving students opportunities to make a difference in their community. She shares examples of projects where students work on climate goals, create public service announcements, and revamp cafeteria menus. Aziza also highlights the leadership role of fifth-grade students and the importance of giving every student a voice and a role in projects. In this conversation, Aziza Malik, the 2024 Vermont Teacher of the Year, discusses the challenges and opportunities of teaching in a diverse community. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and meeting them where they are. Aziza also shares her experiences with integrating technology into the classroom and the benefits it brings to student learning. She highlights the value of personalized feedback, differentiated instruction, and the use of various digital tools. Despite the administrative pressures and data-driven expectations, Aziza encourages educators to focus on what truly matters: the holistic growth and well-being of their students.
Takeaways
- Place-based and community-driven learning can have a significant impact on students' education and their connection to their community.
- Giving students opportunities to make a difference in their community helps them develop leadership skills and a sense of agency.
- Projects should be driven by student interests and community needs, and every student should have a role and a voice in the project.
- Building partnerships with community organizations and government agencies can enhance the learning experience and create meaningful connections.
- Teachers should have a passion for their projects and find like-minded individuals to collaborate with.
- Differentiation and support are essential to ensure that every student can participate and contribute to the project. Building relationships with students is crucial for creating a positive school experience.
- Technology can enhance instruction and provide personalized feedback and targeted instruction.
- Teachers should focus on what truly matters and prioritize the holistic growth and well-being of their students.
- Meeting the needs of diverse learners requires a collaborative approach and utilizing available resources.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
09:44 Place-Based and Community-Driven Learning
21:21 Creating Meaningful Partnerships
24:25 Passion Projects and Differentiation
28:14 Navigating State Testing and Professional Expectations
45:49 The Benefits of Integrating Technology in the Classroom
49:09 Prioritizing Holistic Growth and Well-being
53:48 Collaboration and Utilizing Available Resources for Diverse Learners
Email: amalik@bsdvt.org
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Aimée Couto, the 2024 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year and a first-grade teacher, shares her journey into education and the importance of creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment. She emphasizes the need for teachers to have an open mind and heart, to build relationships with students, and to avoid labeling them. Aimée also discusses the value of literacy and the role it plays in students' future success. She highlights the importance of allowing students to be kids and creating developmentally appropriate expectations. Finally, she emphasizes the power of having fun and being engaged in the classroom to foster student engagement and excitement for learning. In this conversation, Aimée Couto, the 2024 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year, discusses the importance of labels and the impact they can have on students. She emphasizes the need for teachers to be mindful of the labels they unintentionally apply to students and the importance of using positive and empowering language. Aimée also highlights the significance of tone and the power of giving students a voice. She shares her approach to literacy instruction, including the explicit teaching of phonemes and providing students with ample opportunities to practice. Aimée also discusses the value of reflection and the importance of giving oneself grace as an educator. She encourages teachers to be innovative and constantly seek new ways to improve their practice.
Takeaways
- Build positive and inclusive classroom environments by having an open mind and heart, building relationships with students, and avoiding labeling.
- Emphasize the importance of literacy and ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop strong reading and writing skills.
- Create developmentally appropriate expectations for students, allowing them to be kids and fostering a love for learning.
- Have fun and be engaged in the classroom to promote student engagement and excitement for learning. Be mindful of the labels you unintentionally apply to students and use positive and empowering language.
- Consider the tone you use when interacting with students and give them a voice in the classroom.
- Explicitly teach phonemes and provide students with ample opportunities to practice literacy skills.
- Reflect on your teaching practice and give yourself grace when facing challenges.
- Be innovative and constantly seek new ways to improve your teaching.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 Creating a Positive and Inclusive Classroom Environment
07:29 Avoiding Labeling and Building Relationships
09:26 The Power of Literacy in Students' Future Success
14:07 Developmentally Appropriate Expectations for Students
30:25 The Power of Labels and Language
36:57 Creating an Empowering Classroom Environment
42:01 Effective Strategies for Literacy Instruction
49:38 The Importance of Reflection and Grace in Teaching
51:16 Fostering Innovation in the Classroom
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Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, shares her insights on building relationships with students and their families, and the importance of getting children's literacy right from the beginning. She discusses her approach to teaching English language learners and the challenges of communication with families who speak different languages. Missy emphasizes the need for high expectations for students and the importance of creating a supportive and rigorous classroom environment. She also highlights the impact of experienced teachers in promoting a culture of high expectations in schools. In this conversation, Missy Testerman, the 2022 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, and Christopher Albrecht discuss the importance of writing instruction and fostering a love for writing in students. They emphasize the need for teachers to maintain high expectations while providing support and creating a purpose for writing. They also highlight the significance of building relationships with students and creating a positive classroom culture. The conversation concludes with a discussion on maintaining joy and avoiding burnout as a teacher, setting boundaries, and advocating for the profession.
Takeaways
- Building relationships with students and their families is crucial for success in the classroom.
- Explicit reading instruction from the beginning is essential for children's literacy development.
- Teaching English language learners requires a combination of language immersion and explicit instruction.
- Creating a supportive and welcoming environment for students and families is key to their success.
- High expectations and rigorous instruction are important for promoting student achievement.
- Experienced teachers play a vital role in establishing a culture of high expectations in schools. Maintaining high expectations while providing support is crucial in fostering a love for writing in students.
- Building relationships with students and creating a positive classroom culture are essential for successful writing instruction.
- Teachers should set boundaries and take care of themselves to avoid burnout.
- Advocating for the profession and speaking up about what is and isn't working in education is important for creating positive change.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:08 Creating a Supportive and Welcoming Environment for Students and Families
30:05 Fostering a Love for Writing: High Expectations and Support
46:46 Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences
55:39 Advocating for the Profession: Speaking Up for Positive Change
Website: www.ntoy.ccsso.org/
Twitter: twitter.com/Missytesterman
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Kimberly Jones, the 2023 Burrows Welcome Fund North Carolina State Teacher of the Year, discusses her career in education and her focus on teaching world literature and Holocaust and human rights education. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and authentic classroom environment where students feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves. Jones also shares her approach to teaching difficult topics, such as the Holocaust, by contextualizing the events and highlighting the resilience and humanity of the people affected. She motivates her students by emphasizing the real-world relevance of reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Kimberly Jones emphasizes the importance of teaching essential skills that are necessary for success in life. She believes that there is no path to success that doesn't include these skills, and she challenges her students to come up with one. Jones also highlights the significance of relating what students learn in the classroom to real-life situations, helping them understand the relevance of their education. She encourages students to see the importance of a well-rounded education and the impact it can have on their future. Jones assesses success in her classroom through growth in students' skills and confidence, as well as their ability to take academic risks. She believes in creating a classroom environment where students feel safe and valued, and where their unique voices are heard and respected. Jones also emphasizes the importance of self-care for educators and the need for validation and appreciation in a thankless profession. Finally, she discusses the importance of adapting teaching strategies to meet the needs of each unique group of students.
Takeaways
- Creating a safe and authentic classroom environment is crucial for students to feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves.
- Teaching difficult topics, such as the Holocaust, involves contextualizing the events and highlighting the resilience and humanity of the people affected.
- Motivating students to read, write, and engage in critical thinking involves emphasizing the real-world relevance of these skills.
- Fiction and nonfiction texts, as well as speaking and listening skills, are essential facets of life and contribute to personal growth and understanding. Teaching essential skills is crucial for students' success in life.
- Relating classroom learning to real-life situations helps students understand the relevance of their education.
- A well-rounded education is important for students to see the value in their learning.
- Assessing success in the classroom involves measuring growth in skills and confidence.
- Creating a safe and respectful classroom environment encourages students to take academic risks.
- Educators need to prioritize self-care and seek validation and appreciation in a challenging profession.
- Adapting teaching strategies to meet the needs of each unique group of students is essential.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Background
- 07:39 Creating a Safe and Authentic Classroom Environment
- 23:56 Motivating Students to Read, Write, and Think Critically
- 30:35 The Importance of Fiction and Nonfiction in Personal Growth
- 38:43 Assessing Success: Growth and Confidence
- 46:14 Prioritizing Self-Care and Seeking Validation
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Tara Cocanower, the 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year, shares her passion for teaching and the importance of empathy in the classroom. She emphasizes the value of connecting with students and helping them develop their worldviews. Tara discusses the use of primary and secondary sources, AI technology, and hands-on activities to engage students in learning. She also highlights the need for flexibility and adaptability in education, as well as the importance of teacher autonomy and voice in driving change and equity discussions. The conversation explores strategies for helping students form their own identity as historians and world changers. It emphasizes the importance of making connections between different subjects and real-world issues, particularly in rural areas where civic engagement may be lacking. The guests discuss the significance of involving students in decision-making and creating a space for open dialogue. They also highlight the need for teachers to advocate for themselves and their ideas. The conversation concludes with the importance of knowing students' anchors and providing support during challenging times. She emphasizes the importance of knowing and supporting students' anchors, reminding them of what brings them joy and makes them feel safe. Tara also discusses the best advice she's received, which is to believe that she is enough. She highlights the need for educators to connect with each other and seek support during challenging times. Additionally, Tara encourages teachers to embrace failure and constantly seek to innovate and adapt their teaching strategies.
Takeaways
- Empathy is a crucial value in the classroom, allowing students to connect with the material and develop their own worldview.
- Using primary and secondary sources, AI technology, and hands-on activities can engage students and help them analyze information from different perspectives.
- Flexibility and adaptability are essential in education, as change is inevitable and necessary for progress.
- Teacher autonomy and voice are important in driving change and equity discussions in education.
- Help students form their own identity as historians and world changers
- Make connections between different subjects and real-world issues
- Involve students in decision-making and create a space for open dialogue
- Advocate for yourself and your ideas as a teacher
- Know students' anchors and provide support during challenging times Teachers should know and support students' anchors, reminding them of what brings them joy and makes them feel safe.
- Believe that you are enough and deserving of your role as an educator.
- Connect with other educators and seek support during challenging times.
- Embrace failure and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Constantly seek to innovate and adopt new teaching strategies.
Twitter: @T_Cocanower
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Summary
Diana Fannon, a director of special education, discusses her career journey from being a classroom teacher to a school psychologist and administrator. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive education and the need for teachers to be familiar with special education accommodations and modifications. Diana also highlights the significance of universal design for learning and creating a welcoming and accessible learning environment for all students. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by teachers in implementing inclusive practices and the need for ongoing professional learning and support. The conversation explores the challenges and strategies of inclusive education, with a focus on special education and the importance of collaboration and communication between teachers, administrators, and parents. The guests discuss the difficulties of balancing the needs of students with disabilities in general education classrooms and the limited time and resources available for special education support. They also highlight the significance of frequent contact with parents, transparency, and preparation in the process of assessing, identifying, and placing students in effective programs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of high expectations for all students and the power of inclusive experiences in fostering growth and success.
Takeaways
- Inclusive education requires teachers to create a welcoming and accessible learning environment for all students.
- Teachers should be familiar with special education accommodations and modifications and know how to implement them in the classroom.
- Universal design for learning can help address the diverse needs of students and create a more inclusive learning experience.
- Professional learning and support are essential for teachers to effectively implement inclusive practices.
- Understanding the standards and curriculum is crucial for special education teachers to support students in accessing grade-level content. Collaboration and communication between teachers, administrators, and parents are crucial in ensuring the success of inclusive education.
- Balancing the needs of students with disabilities in general education classrooms can be challenging due to limited time and resources.
- Frequent contact with parents, transparency, and preparation are essential in the process of assessing, identifying, and placing students in effective programs.
- Having high expectations for all students and providing inclusive experiences can foster growth and success.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Career Journey
- 03:07 Challenges of Classroom Teaching and Transition to School Psychology
- 08:05 Implementing Accommodations and Modifications
- 10:56 Creating a Welcoming and Accessible Learning Environment
- 13:10 The Need for Ongoing Professional Learning
- 15:13 Supporting Students in Accessing Grade-Level Content
- 30:02 Assessing, Identifying, and Placing Students
- 33:58 Supporting Teachers and Schools
- 36:31 Innovation and Growth in Education
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Andrea Haas, an experienced educator, discusses the importance of building relationships in teaching and the role of trust in mentoring and coaching. She shares strategies for creating a positive classroom culture and fostering meaningful conversations through turn and talk activities. Andrea also highlights the need for improved teacher preparation programs and the challenges of implementing scripted programs. She emphasizes the importance of integrating content areas for deeper learning and the value of observing students in the classroom. In this conversation, Andrea discusses the importance of empowering students to co-teach and serve each other in the classroom. They also explore the changing family structures and the role of communication between families and schools. The conversation touches on the purpose of homework and the need for effective communication between teachers and parents. Andrea emphasizes the integration of reading and writing and the importance of teaching students critical thinking skills. They also discuss strategies for giving students enough time to read and write. The conversation concludes with a focus on continual growth and innovation in teaching.
Takeaways
- Building relationships is essential in teaching and mentoring.
- Creating a positive classroom culture involves giving students a voice and choice in their learning environment.
- Explicit instruction and gradual release of responsibility are key in teaching turn and talk skills.
- Teacher preparation programs should include more practicum time and residency programs to better prepare new teachers.
- Balancing scripted programs with teacher autonomy is crucial for effective teaching.
- Integrating content areas can lead to deeper learning and meaningful connections for students.
- Observing students is an important aspect of the art of teaching. Empowering students to co-teach and serve each other in the classroom can create a strong classroom community and minimize behavioral issues.
- Effective communication between families and schools is crucial, especially in the context of changing family structures.
- The purpose of homework should be carefully considered, and teachers should provide parents with clear guidelines and expectations.
- Integrating reading and writing helps students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of texts.
- Teachers should prioritize giving students enough time to read and write, utilizing small group instruction and independent work time.
- Continual growth and innovation are essential for teachers to meet the changing needs of students and create engaging learning experiences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:03 Teaching Experience and Transition
04:13 Building Trust and Communication in First Grade
05:17 Creating a Community in the Classroom
06:40 Teaching Turn and Talk Skills
08:46 The Role of the Teacher in Classroom Design
09:14 The Impact of Classroom Setup on Classroom Culture
10:38 Explicit Instruction for Turn and Talk
13:32 Gradual Release of Responsibility in Turn and Talk
16:20 Improving Teacher Preparation Programs
22:47 Balancing Scripted Programs and Teacher Autonomy
26:05 The Art of Teaching and Program Implementation
31:07 The Limitations of Program-Based Teaching
32:31 Integrating Content Areas for Deeper Learning
33:20 The Importance of Observing Students
33:44 Empowering Students to Co-Teach
34:38 Changing Family Structures and Communication
35:41 The Role of Parents in Literacy
36:55 The Purpose of Homework
39:20 Effective Communication with Parents
45:37 The Integration of Reading and Writing
49:53 Giving Students Time to Read and Write
53:00 The Importance of Writing in Reading
56:06 Building Relationships and Having Fun
Website: www.elmtreeed.com
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John Foster, the founder of Middle School MBA, discusses the value of teaching business and economics in schools. He explains how Middle School MBA integrates business, economics, and entrepreneurship into the curriculum, providing students with real-world skills and knowledge. Foster emphasizes the importance of cross-curricular learning and the role of teachers in facilitating authentic learning experiences. He also shares insights into the learning curve for teachers and offers advice for incorporating business education into the classroom. Overall, Middle School MBA aims to empower students to navigate the complexities of the business world and make informed decisions. The conversation explores the challenges educators face and how they can find motivation in moments of struggle. It also discusses the importance of taking lessons to the next level and adopting new teaching strategies.
Takeaways:
- Teaching business and economics in schools provides students with real-world skills and knowledge.
- Integrating business education into the curriculum can be done through cross-curricular learning and authentic learning experiences.
- Teachers play a crucial role in facilitating meaningful learning experiences and helping students understand the big picture.
- Middle School MBA aims to empower students to navigate the complexities of the business world and make informed decisions. Educators should remember their impact on students and draw energy from seeing them grow and progress.
- Taking a creative edge and adopting new teaching strategies can help teachers take lessons to the next level.
- Finding motivation in moments of struggle is essential for educators to overcome challenges and continue making a difference in students' lives.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Background
- 03:09 The Value of Teaching Business and Economics in Schools
- 09:33 The Relevance of Business Education in Middle School
- 11:41 Implementing Middle School MBA in the Classroom
- 14:48 Integration of Middle School MBA into the Curriculum
- 18:44 The Learning Curve for Teachers
- 25:31 Lesson Lens: A Lesson in Building a Profit and Loss Statement
- 36:22 Bringing Real-World Application into the Classroom
- 46:14 The Importance of Understanding the Big Picture
- 48:34 Finding Motivation in Moments of Struggle
- 49:12 Taking Lessons to the Next Level
Website: middleschoolmba.com
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In this conversation, Jeffrey Benson discusses his extensive experience working with challenging students and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment. He emphasizes the need for repetition and progress in student growth and highlights the role of teachers in supporting and advocating for their students. Benson also addresses the limitations of standardized testing and the importance of prioritizing life skills and the implicit curriculum. He concludes by emphasizing the value of being explicit in teaching and modeling desired behaviors and values. In this conversation, Jeffrey Benson shares insights and advice on creating a culture of excellence in schools, becoming confident and creative educators, and powering through moments of struggle. He emphasizes the importance of listening to students, finding joy in teaching, and providing opportunities for mastery. Benson also discusses the three-year timeline for teachers and principals to develop competence and offers guidance on fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation in education.
Takeaways
- Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment for all students, especially those who face challenges.
- Focus on repetition and progress in student growth, understanding that each student learns at their own pace.
- Teachers play a crucial role in supporting and advocating for their students, helping them develop life skills and a sense of responsibility.
- Standardized testing has limitations and should not be the sole measure of student success.
- Be explicit in teaching and modeling desired behaviors and values to create a positive classroom culture. Create a culture of excellence by explicitly defining and modeling the values and behaviors that are expected in the school.
- It takes three years for teachers and principals to develop competence in their roles, with the first year focused on survival, the second year on refining, and the third year on competency.
- During moments of struggle, go back and repeat lessons to help students reach mastery and experience success.
- Teachers who constantly seek to change, innovate, and adopt new teaching strategies are often those who find joy in teaching and have a growth mindset.
- Foster a culture of collaboration by providing opportunities for teachers to talk shop, share ideas, and receive mentorship and supervision.
- To continue learning with Jeffrey Benson, visit his website jeffreybenson.org and reach out to him for conversations and mentorship.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:39 Working with Challenging Students
06:58 Gaining Confidence in Working with Challenging Students
10:41 The Importance of Repetition and Progress
12:33 The Role of Teachers in Student Growth
16:25 Dealing with Instability and Setbacks
22:22 The Limitations of Standardized Testing
34:52 Prioritizing Life Skills and Implicit Curriculum
43:04 The Importance of Being Explicit
44:28 Creating a Culture of Excellence
46:23 Becoming Confident and Creative Educators
51:34 Advice for Teachers and Principals
53:02 Powering Through Moments of Struggle
54:49 Seeking Innovation in Teaching
56:34 Fostering a Culture of Collaboration
57:41 Continuing to Learn with Jeffrey Benson
Website: www.JeffreyBenson.org
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In this conversation, Sarah Painter discusses the challenges teachers face before and during the pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of reflecting on teaching practices and finding ways to simplify and prioritize tasks. Sarah also highlights the need for self-care and the importance of setting boundaries that work for each individual. She encourages teachers to know themselves and their priorities and to involve others in the reflection process. Sarah shares insights on MTSS and the role of educators in supporting students. She concludes by discussing the value of seizing opportunities to lead and building alliances with parents and caregivers.
Takeaways
- Reflect on your teaching practices and find ways to simplify and prioritize tasks.
- Take care of yourself and set boundaries that work for you.
- Know yourself and your priorities, and involve others in the reflection process.
- Seize opportunities to lead and build alliances with parents and caregivers.
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Summary
Ashton Rodenhiser, a professional live illustrator and graphic facilitator, discusses the power of visual communication and the process of graphic facilitation. She explains how she got into graphic facilitation and the tools she uses for her work. Ashton also introduces the concept of sketchnoting and shares how it can be taught to students. She emphasizes the importance of providing students with the freedom to doodle and draw while setting parameters to ensure the focus remains on learning. Ashton highlights the benefits of sketchnoting, including improved retention of information and the ability to make connections. In this conversation, Ashton Rodenhiser discusses the benefits of sketchnoting in the classroom and provides practical advice for teachers. She emphasizes the importance of allowing students the opportunity to sketchnote and encourages teachers to change their delivery of information to promote thinking and visual processing. Ashton also highlights the flexibility of sketchnoting and the various ways it can be incorporated into different subjects. She suggests celebrating and supporting all forms of creativity and advises teachers to persevere through rejection and reconnect with their why to overcome moments of stress. Ashton concludes by recommending her book, 'The Beginner's Guide to Sketchnoting,' and inviting teachers to join the sketchnoting community at sketchnote.school.
Takeaways
- Graphic facilitation involves creating visual representations of conversations and group processes.
- Sketchnoting is a form of visual note-taking that can help improve retention of information and make connections.
- Teachers can introduce sketchnoting to students by teaching basic drawing elements and encouraging them to use lines, shapes, and icons to represent information.
- Doodling and sketchnoting can enhance learning and focus, but it's important to set expectations and parameters to ensure the focus remains on the content being learned. Encouraging students to sketchnote can enhance their learning experience by promoting visual thinking and processing.
- Changing the delivery of information to a more creative and storytelling format can engage students and encourage deeper understanding.
- Sketchnoting can be applied in various subjects and can be adapted to suit different learning styles and preferences.
- Balancing creativity and productivity is important when incorporating sketchnoting in the classroom.
- Embracing imperfection and understanding that sketchnoting skills develop over time can help teachers and students overcome self-doubt and fear of rejection.
- Teachers can find resources and support for learning and implementing sketchnoting in the book 'The Beginner's Guide to Sketchnoting' and the sketchnoting community at sketchnote.school.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:10 Facilitation and Graphic Facilitation
06:14 Process of Graphic Facilitation
10:45 Tools and Setup for Graphic Facilitation
14:22 The Power of Visual Communication
16:06 Introduction to Sketchnoting
19:21 Teaching Sketchnoting to Students
29:49 Encouraging Doodling and Sketchnoting
36:51 Benefits and Applications of Sketchnoting
41:06 Encouraging Students to Sketchnote
42:04 Changing Delivery of Information
43:03 Creating an Environment for Visual Thinking
44:39 Applying Sketchnoting in Different Subjects
45:34 Balancing Creativity and Productivity
46:21 Different Approaches to Sketchnoting
49:14 Flexibility in Sketchnoting
50:36 The Best Thing a Teacher Can Do
52:42 Overcoming Stress as an Educator
55:21 Advice for Teachers Trying Sketchnoting
57:32 Embracing Imperfection in Sketchnoting
58:27 Resources for Learning Sketchnoting
Twitter: @mindseyeccf
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Summary
In this episode, Matt Rogers and Ken Ehrmann discuss the upcoming paternity break for the Powered Up Podcast. They reflect on the podcast journey and the impact it has had on their teaching identities. They also discuss the future of the podcast and the importance of setting boundaries as a new parent. They share their experiences and insights on re-entering the classroom after a break and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. Finally, they reminisce about the most memorable moments on the podcast. In this episode, Matt and Ken reflect on their conversations with teachers and the impact they have had. They discuss the possibility and realness of educators and the valuable lessons they have learned from the greats in the field. They also emphasize the importance of friendship and personal connection in their podcast journey. The episode concludes with a discussion on core values and approaches in teaching and a farewell message from Matt to the audience.
Takeaways
- Taking breaks and prioritizing family is important for personal well-being.
- The podcast has provided a platform for personal growth and reflection as educators.
- Setting clear boundaries and defining priorities is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Re-entering the classroom after a break requires adapting to changes while staying true to core values.
- Memorable moments on the podcast include conversations with inspiring educators and learning new perspectives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Paternity Break
07:23 Reflection on the Podcast Journey
12:30 Impact of the Podcast on Teaching Identity
18:08 Future of the Podcast
22:42 Setting Boundaries as a New Parent
34:18 Re-entering the Classroom after a Break
44:31 Defining Boundaries and Prioritizing
48:37 Most Memorable Moments on the Podcast
50:12 The Impact of Teachers
51:12 The Possibility and Realness of Educators
52:07 Learning from the Greats
53:09 The Friendship and Personal Connection
54:03 Core Values and Approaches in Teaching
55:30 Closing Remarks
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Summary
Ryan Rydzewski, co-author of the book 'When You Wonder, You're Learning,' discusses the enduring lessons of Mr. Rogers and their relevance in education today. He emphasizes the importance of relationships in the classroom and the need for teachers to bring their passions into their teaching. Ryan also highlights the impact of Mr. Rogers' methods on student learning and the need for changes in teacher training. He shares examples of schools prioritizing curiosity and relationship-building and discusses the challenges of implementing innovative approaches in education. The conversation explores the importance of creating a positive classroom environment, teaching subjects students don't enjoy, the impact of teacher enthusiasm, building relationships with students, the power of deep listening, finding strength in moments of struggle, teachers as lifelong learners, and spreading Fred Rogers' teaching methods.
Takeaways
- The importance of building relationships with students in the classroom
- The value of bringing personal passions into teaching
- The enduring relevance of Mr. Rogers' methods in education
- The need for changes in teacher training to prioritize relationships and curiosity Creating a positive classroom environment is crucial for student engagement and enjoyment of school.
- Teachers should find ways to make subjects that students don't enjoy more meaningful and relevant.
- Enthusiastic teachers have a positive impact on student performance and enjoyment of learning.
- Building relationships with students by showing genuine interest in their lives can create a stronger connection and enhance the learning experience.
- Deep listening, without judgment, is a powerful tool for effective communication and understanding.
- In moments of struggle, teachers can find strength by focusing on the impact they have on students' lives.
- Teachers should embrace a lifelong learning mindset and constantly seek new teaching strategies and methods.
- Spreading Fred Rogers' teaching methods can have a transformative impact on classrooms and students.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:49 Catalyst for Writing the Book
05:02 Mr. Rogers' Impact on Pittsburgh
09:17 The Importance of Relationships in Education
11:15 The Role of Teachers in Fostering Curiosity
14:25 Bringing Personal Passions into the Classroom
16:36 The Impact of Relationships on Student Learning
19:56 The Importance of Inviting Students into Teachers' Lives
22:20 The Continuing Relevance of Mr. Rogers' Concepts
23:04 The Alignment of Mr. Rogers' Methods with Learning Sciences
25:26 The Need for Changes in Teacher Training
29:13 Balancing Relationships and Curriculum
31:31 The Challenge of Implementing Innovative Approaches
37:29 The Fear of Permission and Control in Education
41:09 Shifting Perspectives on Education and Standardized Testing
47:05 The Importance of a Positive Classroom Environment
48:02 Teaching Subjects Students Don't Enjoy
49:01 The Impact of Teacher Enthusiasm
50:46 Building Relationships with Students
52:27 The Power of Deep Listening
55:21 Finding Strength in Moments of Struggle
58:39 Teachers as Lifelong Learners
01:02:08 Spreading Fred Rogers' Teaching Methods
Website: whenyouwonder.org
Twitter: @ryanrydzewski @greggbehr @when_you_wonder
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Summary
In this conversation, Christopher Scott Wyatt discusses his experience with being diagnosed with autism later in life and the shifting nature of diagnostic labels. He emphasizes the importance of individualized approaches in education and the need to focus on students' strengths and weaknesses rather than their labels. Wyatt also discusses the benefits and limitations of labels and the impact of discrimination. He shares strategies for supporting students with diverse needs and highlights the importance of teacher creativity and experimentation. The conversation concludes with a discussion on student-centered learning and challenging students outside of their comfort zones. In this conversation, Ken Ehrmann and Christopher Scott Wyatt discuss the importance of understanding and supporting students' needs. They emphasize the need for teachers to listen to their students and show empathy and compassion. They also explore rethinking traditional testing methods and the benefits of project-based learning. Additionally, they discuss how teachers can navigate moments of struggle and the importance of lifelong learning in teaching. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.
Takeaways
- Teachers should take the time to understand and support each student's individual needs.
- Listening to students is crucial for creating a positive school experience.
- Rethinking traditional testing methods can lead to more meaningful and authentic assessments.
- Teachers should embrace lifelong learning and be open to trying new teaching strategies.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Names
01:40 Christopher Scott Wyatt's Background in Education
04:00 Christopher Scott Wyatt's Diagnosis of Autism
09:03 The Shifting Nature of Diagnostic Labels
11:16 The Impact of Labels on Discrimination
14:25 The Benefits and Limitations of Labels
17:44 The Importance of Individualized Approaches in Education
24:14 Christopher Scott Wyatt's Role as a Communications Teacher
26:44 Supporting Students with Diverse Needs
36:11 The Role of Good Teaching in Accommodations
39:44 The Importance of Teacher Creativity and Experimentation
44:23 Student-Centered Learning and Involving Learners in Accommodations
48:25 Challenging Students Outside of Their Comfort Zones
52:05 Understanding and Supporting Students' Individual Needs
58:33 The Importance of Listening to Students
59:11 Rethinking Traditional Testing Methods
01:00:55 Navigating Moments of Struggle
01:03:08 The Role of Lifelong Learning in Teaching
01:05:36 Connecting with Scott Wyatt
Website: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
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Summary
In this conversation, Kathy discusses the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) and its impact on teaching. She shares her experience in incorporating SEL into the classroom and emphasizes the need for teachers to set clear boundaries for communication and grading. The conversation also explores the challenges faced by teachers and strategies for self-reflection and personal well-being. The episode concludes with a discussion on enhancing lessons and continuing the conversation on SEL.
Takeaways
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) is important for creating a positive and supportive classroom environment.
- Teachers should incorporate SEL into their teaching practices and set clear boundaries for communication and grading.
- Self-reflection and personal well-being are crucial for teachers to navigate the challenges of the profession.
- Continuing the conversation on SEL and seeking change and innovation in teaching can lead to improved student experiences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:59 Discussion about snow
03:05 Importance of social emotional learning
06:10 Impact of social emotional learning on teaching
09:38 Reflection on emotional intelligence
12:03 Encouraging self-reflection
14:35 Challenges of being a teacher
19:42 Incorporating social emotional learning into the classroom
23:32 Setting boundaries for teachers
26:34 Balancing personal well-being and teaching responsibilities
35:23 Importance of regulating students' emotions
36:46 Lesson Lens: Exploring a specific lesson
43:03 Enhancing the connection in lessons
46:31 Exit Ticket: Making students' school experience better
47:17 Exit Ticket: Dealing with challenging moments
48:48 Seeking change and innovation in teaching
50:25 Continuing the conversation
51:41 Conclusion
Website: www.wildewoodlearning.com
LinkedIn: Kathy Magnuson
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Summary
In this episode, Matt Rogers discusses his career in education, with a focus on special education. He shares his passion for working with students with special needs and the challenges and rewards of teaching in special education classrooms. Matt emphasizes the importance of collaboration and stakeholder involvement in supporting students with special needs to be included in regular education classrooms. He also discusses the benefits of inclusion for all students and the role of empathy in education. Matt shares his experiences as an advocate for students with special needs and provides insights into the work of the California Collaborative for Education Excellence.
Takeaways
- Collaboration and stakeholder involvement are crucial for supporting students with special needs to be included in regular education classrooms.
- Inclusion benefits all students by fostering empathy, developing soft skills, and creating a sense of belonging.
- Approaching education with empathy and understanding is essential for building positive relationships with students and their families.
- Teachers should constantly seek to innovate and adapt their teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:35 Passion for Special Education
06:17 Understanding Special Education Classrooms
11:36 Strategies for Inclusion
14:18 Importance of Collaboration and Stakeholder Involvement
15:23 Benefits of Inclusion for All Students
18:50 Challenges of Advocacy in Special Education
25:25 Importance of Empathy and Understanding
27:08 The Power of Collaboration and Breaking Stereotypes
30:42 Creating Collaborative Opportunities for Teachers
33:28 Balancing Advocacy and Legal Requirements in Special Education
39:32 Approaching Education with Empathy
43:34 Role of California Collaborative for Education Excellence
47:17 Working with Upper-Level Administrators to Improve Education Systems
49:39 Making a Difference in Students' Lives
52:15 The Importance of Collaboration and Systems in Education
53:41 Exit Ticket: Best Thing a Teacher Can Do
55:45 Exit Ticket: Best Piece of Advice Received
57:24 Exit Ticket: Message for Educators in Moments of Struggle
01:00:30 Exit Ticket: Overcoming Resistance to Change
01:08:36 Exit Ticket: Seeking Innovation and Change
01:09:30 Continuing to Follow Matt Rogers' Work
Website: ccee-ca.org
Twitter: @MatthewNavo
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Summary
In this conversation, Suzanne Dailey, an instructional coach, shares her experiences and insights on creating a positive classroom environment, supporting multilingual learners, promoting teacher wellness, and practicing happiness as a discipline. She emphasizes the importance of validation and asking questions in coaching conversations and staying in touch with the classroom as an instructional coach. Suzanne also discusses her work in teaching happiness and the impact it has on teaching and learning. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of creating a nurturing and empowering environment for both students and teachers. In this conversation, Suzanne Dailey shares insights and experiences from her teaching career. She discusses the importance of reflection and improvement in teaching math, gaining perspective and experience, and the value of observing other teachers. Suzanne also talks about the benefits of filming oneself for teaching and the rigorous process of National Board Certification. She highlights the cost and benefits of certification and its recognition across different states. Additionally, Suzanne emphasizes the importance of utilizing positive psychology, surrounding oneself with good people, and modeling emotional wellness. She concludes by discussing the significance of reflective practice and innovation in teaching.
Takeaways
- Creating a positive classroom environment involves greeting students, setting high expectations, and nurturing relationships.
- Supporting multilingual learners requires empathy, cultural sensitivity, and personalized approaches.
- Promoting teacher wellness involves practicing self-care, gratitude, and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Asking questions and providing validation are essential in coaching conversations to empower teachers and promote problem-solving. Reflection and improvement are essential in teaching math effectively.
- Gaining perspective and experience from observing other teachers can enhance teaching practices.
- Filming oneself for teaching can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
- National Board Certification is a rigorous process that offers professional development and recognition.
- Utilizing positive psychology and surrounding oneself with good people can improve well-being and teaching effectiveness.
- Modeling emotional wellness is important for creating a positive classroom environment.
- Reflective practice and innovation are key to continuous improvement in teaching.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Background
- 01:20 Mrs. Daley, the Fourth Grade Teacher
- 03:18 Creating a Positive Classroom Environment
- 04:48 Challenges in Teaching
- 06:14 Supporting Multilingual Learners
- 08:32 Promoting Teacher Wellness
- 10:46 Teach Happier and Impact on Teaching
- 12:38 Practicing Happiness as a Discipline
- 15:00 Recognizing the Need for Self-Care
- 17:26 Influencing the Energy in the Room
- 21:44 Blending Happiness Practices into Instructional Coaching
- 23:46 The Importance of Validation and Asking Questions
- 30:48 Staying in Touch with the Classroom
- 36:18 Ideal Administrator Position
- 40:35 Teaching Math: Reflection and Improvement
- 41:24 Gaining Perspective and Experience
- 42:20 The Value of Observing Other Teachers
- 43:19 Filming Yourself for Teaching
- 45:33 National Board Certification
- 48:19 The Rigorous Process of National Board Certification
- 51:46 Cost and Benefits of National Board Certification
- 51:58 National Certification and Teaching in Different States
- 53:41 Utilizing Positive Psychology
- 55:24 Surrounding Yourself with Good People
- 57:30 Modeling Emotional Wellness
- 59:06 Reflective Practice and Innovation
Website: https://suzannedailey.com
Twitter: @suzannedailey
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Summary
In this conversation, Ken Ehrmann and Gary Whitehead discuss the changes in high school English education, including the impact of technology and online teaching. They also explore the influence of being a poet on teaching and the importance of analyzing poetry with students. Gary shares his experience as the advisor of the school newspaper, discussing its history and transformation, as well as the integration of media platforms in the journalism class. They also touch on the influence of the journalism class on students' future career paths. In this conversation, Gary Whitehead discusses his experiences as a teacher and his impact on his students. He shares how he inspires passion and mentorship, explores different paths for students, and balances teaching with his writing. Gary also provides financial advice for teachers, emphasizes the importance of self-preservation and mental health, and discusses the role of creativity and innovation in teaching. He concludes by sharing ways to continue learning alongside him.
Takeaways
- Technology has significantly changed high school English education, with the Internet and online teaching becoming more prevalent.
- Being a poet can positively impact teaching, as it allows for sharing personal experiences and a deeper understanding of language and literature.
- Analyzing poetry requires attention and multiple readings, but it can be a powerful form of writing to teach and learn.
- School newspapers provide authentic opportunities for students to explore journalism and media and can have a lasting impact on their future career paths. Teachers can inspire students by providing opportunities for them to become passionate about something and by listening to and guiding them.
- Taking a creative writing class can enrich students' lives, even if they pursue other careers.
- Self-preservation and taking care of one's mental health are essential for teachers.
- Creativity is vital in being an effective teacher and can help keep learning enjoyable for both students and teachers.
- Teachers should start investing in retirement plans, such as a 403B, as early as possible.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Upload
00:46 Introducing Gary Whitehead
02:04 Changes in High School English
06:17 Teaching Online
08:30 Adapting to Technology in Education
10:28 Benefits and Challenges of Online Learning
13:33 Influence of Online Teaching on Face-to-Face Instruction
19:41 Impact of Being a Poet on Teaching
25:01 Analyzing Poetry with Students
35:05 The History and Transformation of the School Newspaper
40:24 Integration of Media Platforms in Journalism Class
45:34 Influence of Journalism Class on Students' Future Paths
47:24 Inspiring Passion and Mentorship
49:13 Exploring Different Paths
51:15 Balancing Teaching and Writing
54:35 Making Learning Fun and Purposeful
55:01 Financial Advice for Teachers
57:33 Self-Preservation and Mental Health
59:23 Fostering Creativity and Innovation
01:01:57 Continuing to Learn with Gary
Website: https://www.garyjwhitehead.com/
Instagram: @gwhiteheadgeoy
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Summary
In this conversation, Pablo Munoz, a former superintendent of schools, shares his personal and professional journey in education. He discusses the importance of personal stories in education and how his background influenced his leadership style. Munoz also introduces the concept of the leader's algorithm and the personal theory of action, which he used to guide his work as a superintendent. He emphasizes the significance of policy and setting clear expectations for student achievement. In this conversation, Pablo Munoz shares his insights on improving teaching and learning. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the instructional core, which is the relationship between the teacher, the student, and the content. Munoz highlights the need for cognitively challenging tasks and the impact they have on student performance. He also discusses the importance of leading with love and providing unconditional support to students. Munoz encourages educators to reflect on their teaching practices and constantly seek ways to innovate and adopt new strategies. He concludes by reminding educators of their power to improve the lives of children and shape the future of the country.
Takeaways
- Personal stories can be powerful tools in education, helping students and teachers connect and understand each other better.
- The leader's algorithm and personal theory of action provide frameworks for effective leadership and decision-making in education.
- Policy plays a crucial role in shaping the direction and goals of a school district.
- Improving student achievement requires a focus on rigorous instruction, professional development, and high expectations.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Background
- 11:14 The Importance of Personal Story in Education
- 30:50 The Leader's Algorithm and Personal Theory of Action
- 49:40 Improving Student Achievement
- 56:04 The Instructional Core
- 59:26 Task Predicts Performance
- 01:03:43 Improving the School Experience
- 01:06:12 Listen and Learn
- 01:09:35 The Power to Improve Lives
- 01:11:42 Reflective Teachers
Website: https://www.themunozcompany.com/
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In this conversation, Meghan Sheriff and Gretchen Gales discuss various aspects of teaching writing, including engagement, balancing content and writing skills, providing feedback and revisions, the value of writing conferences, and peer editing strategies. In this conversation, Meghan Sheriff and Gretchen Gales discuss their experiences teaching writing and running a tutoring business. They highlight the challenges of sharing personal narratives in writing assignments and the importance of creating a safe and supportive student environment. They also discuss time efficiency in writing instruction and their strategies to maximize their time with students in small group settings. Meghan and Gretchen share insights into their tutoring business, including the types of students they work with and the benefits of personalized attention. They emphasize the importance of building confidence and soft skills in students and the impact that teachers can have on their students' lives.
Takeaways
- Engagement is crucial in teaching writing, and building relationships with students can help foster their excitement and investment in writing.
- Balancing content and writing skills is essential, and gradual progression in teaching grammar and other writing elements can be more effective than overwhelming students with too much information at once.
- Providing feedback and revisions is a challenging but essential part of teaching writing, and using conferences and written comments can help students improve their writing and build confidence.
- Writing conferences are valuable opportunities for one-on-one conversations with students about their writing, addressing their questions and concerns, and providing personalized feedback.
- Peer editing can be effective when students are given specific tasks and guidelines, such as using a PQP (praise, question, polish) format, to ensure meaningful feedback and avoid superficial editing. Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for students to feel comfortable sharing personal narratives in writing assignments.
- Efficiency of time is essential in writing instruction, and teachers need to find ways to maximize their time with students in small group settings.
- Tutoring businesses can provide personalized attention and support for students' writing and academic pursuits.
- Building confidence and soft skills in students is an important aspect of teaching writing.
- Teachers should continuously seek new ideas and strategies to stay innovative in their teaching and meet the changing needs of students.
Highlights:
00:00 Introductions and Background
03:02 Importance of Engagement in Writing
11:02 Balancing Content and Writing Skills
18:03 Providing Feedback and Revisions
25:06 The Value of Writing Conferences
28:53 Peer Editing and Revision Strategies
40:31 Challenges of Sharing Personal Narratives
41:20 Efficiency of Time in Writing Instruction
42:30 Maximizing Time in Small Group Settings
46:17 Overview of the Tutoring Business
47:52 Reasons to Work with the Tutors
50:44 Building Confidence and Soft Skills
51:06 Making Students Feel Seen
53:08 Best Piece of Advice Received
55:22 Powering Through Moments of Struggle
57:50 Staying Innovative and Adopting New Teaching Strategies
01:03:39 Connecting with the Guests
Website: https://www.smartsolutionsva.com/
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Lori Danz is the Wisconsin 2023 State Teacher of the Year. A career-long high school biology teacher has leveraged the unique opportunities of her district to add a whole other facet to her day. She manages and teaches the outdoor forest for her school district. All teachers, K-12, can come experience the forest for instructional purposes.
- Utilize the resources available in your district to create immersive experiences.
- Learn about the outdoor forest classroom available to Wisconsin students.
- Provide students time to learn on their own and learn from each other.
- We have to find confidence in the vulnerability that comes from student-centered learning
- Just get your students outside for a walk and fresh air. It’s so beneficial to interrupt the traditional rhythm of the classroom.
Twitter: @LoriDanz2
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In a rare opportunity, we had the pleasure of speaking to a superintendent and a long-time school board president in the same conversation. PJ Caposey, Illinois Superintendent of the Year, and Bryan Wills, school board president, are colleagues, friends, and co-authors of the book Cracking the Coaching Code. PJ and Bryan share their experiences as district leaders and the insights one can learn from the Enneagram Personality Test.
- How leaders face challenging situations and tougher decisions.
- Behind the scenes look at how decisions are from a place of fiscal responsibility and the heart of the situation.
- Introduction to the Enneagram personality test, the personality types, and how interactions stem from that.
- Acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses and how to best handle a situation based on our known defaults.
Website: www.crackingthecoachcodebook.com
Twitter: MCUSDSup - OCUSDSup
Website: www.pjcaposey.com
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Grace Stevenson is focused on creating positive mindsets and habits for teachers. After leaving a career in the business world, she launched a twenty-year teaching career in the trenches. Her experiences, passion, and research have driven her new career. She is focused on identifying why she has a positive experience and helping other teachers find the same joy.
- Creating practical small habits to recognize joy.
- Retrain your brain to see the moments of joy.
- Involve the students in your intentional habits so they can help support the sustainable.
- Habit stack: build a habit in conjunction with another habit you complete
- It’s important to set boundaries with others and yourself. It’s not just about leaving your work bag at school; it’s the emotional boundaries.
- Do not focus on the number of hours you work but the quality of the hours.
Website: www.gracestevens.com/happy
Podcast: Balance Your Teacher Life
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Kimberly Radostits is the 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year, and she is focused on supporting students to grow and take flight to their maximum potential. She has spent her entire career building a program that targets at-risk freshmen to increase the graduation rate dramatically.
- Community-based program for at-risk freshmen to help them sustain a successful high school career.
- New teachers have one mentor, as opposed to a grade-level partner.
- The freshman onboarding program has dramatically decreased the amount of students not graduating.
- Motivate students with data and allow them to access the data we are utilizing to track their success so they can invest in it themselves.
- Use the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) as a framework for designing all lessons.
- Create systems to allow students to be challenged, build self-confidence, and thrive in the classroom.
Twitter: @Srtarad
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Dani is the 2023 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year and clarified why in this conversation. She is dedicated to the quality education for every child she interacts with daily. She spends most of her time supporting the students who need it most. Dani acknowledges her strengths and weaknesses as a teacher and how that helped her find her best position in alternative education.
- Bias is all around us, even in the situation of handedness. Scissors were made for right-handed people, not left-handed.
- The students in alternative education have failed at every “traditional” educational opportunity and need to have opportunities created for them.
- Educators of all geographic areas have challenges; we must support each other.
- Our students face challenges, and we need to acknowledge them before we can teach them.
- It’s not healthy for educators to negatively compare one position or district to another. We need to encourage each other and acknowledge we all face challenges positively.
- Teachers cannot be the only audience for their work. We need to create authentic audiences for our students, and we legitimately need to set up that to be real.
- Ask them if we want to evaluate student interest in an authentic project. They may think your idea is the best, or the worst. We must engage with our students and let them bring their ideas.
Website: http://idontteachenglish.weebly.com/
Twitter: @CharbonneauDani
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Kyle Niemis, now a former teacher, comes back to the podcast and works for Quizizz. He joined us to provide an in-depth look at this fantastic online tool, highlight its best features, and share some big updates. We trust Kyle, and we endorse the use of this fantastic online tool. Kyle provides countless examples of fantastic instructional practices that Quizizz can enhance.
- A variety of question types for teachers to ask dynamic questions.
- A variety of settings to allow teachers to create different learning experiences and collect different data.
- Reliable and useful data at our fingertips to make instructional decisions in the moment.
- New AI technology available in Quizizz to
- Quizizz Game Changer: A free course to take your Quizizz game to the next level.
- https://www.canva.com/templates/?query=quizizz
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhzjb1ncFBk
Twitter: @KyleNiemis
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Dr. Michael Ida is the 2023 Hawaii Teacher of the Year and a long-time math teacher. More recently in his career, he started teaching computer science, and this transition has created a huge shift in his teaching approach and education mindset. The focus of his teaching and the design of the lesson has transferred over to student experiences and interactions.
- Michael’s approach to teaching computer science was focused on creating scenarios and situations for students to learn through challenge.
- This style of instruction empowered Michael to transform his AP Calc instructional approach.
- There is less lecturing, less upfront instruction, and more time for students to learn through collaboration and problem-solving.
- This is a well-designed, thoughtfully orchestrated, and carefully designed.
- Students progress through the problems with constant teacher check-ins.
Twitter: @drmikeida
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Bryson is an elementary music teacher who is passionate about inclusion. He quickly learned how music teachers are not prepared to include special education students in the classroom successfully. This podcast is inspirational for every teacher, regardless of content area.
- Be aware of the sensory inputs in your classroom and how it is triggering students.
- Classroom management strategies for allowing students to have fidgets, headphones, and other accessories while maintaining strong management.
- He is so much more than a music teacher; the students know that.
Website: https://www.thatmusicteacher.com/
Instagram: thatmusicteacher
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Leana Malinowsky is a passionate, qualified, and impactful educator who is changing readers' lives. She shares key instructional strategies to help support young readers and allow their learning to thrive.
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Renee Jones is the 2023 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, a high school English teacher who provides incredible experiences for her students. She is focused on their development as individuals and in the curriculum content. She focuses on creating key success criteria to help them flourish and grow.
- Classroom cell phone policies in the school and the classroom. Renee shares her policies and how the school has supported her.
- Creating opportunities to learn proper digital citizenship.
- Structures for creating analysis conversations in classrooms and encouraging positive dialogue.
- Establish success criteria as a proactive strategy for students to feel successful in classroom activities.
- As professionals, we can own the mistakes we make in front of students. They will see us as human and help establish a better rapport.
Website: www.reneejonesteach.com
Twitter: @reneejonesteach
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Robert Dunlop is a quality educator, speaker, and author. He has had such a diverse experience in education that offers our audience a quality listen. Our conversation rolls from pedagogy to classroom management to feedback, the focus of his book, striving for happiness.
- The expectations we have for students can impact our approach to instruction. More importantly, when we have more confidence in what they can do, we can push them to higher-level thinking skills.
- Utilize the professional resources in your district to support your professional growth.
- Analyze and reflect on your pacing. We are typically moving faster than students can learn, not creating any real benefit.
- Great planning and lessons are the first best step towards effective classroom management.
- Strategies for teachers to provide quality feedback that students listen to and utilize. It takes a time commitment from the teacher.
- Check out the book Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson.
- Rob speaks to the value of attending conferences, the energizing environment, and the connections you can make. This is where Rob and Ken first met.
- Rob is an expert on happiness, and his book is not a quick-fix strategy. It’s a deduction to happiness through discipline and consistent efforts. It is difficult but accomplishable.
- Please read Rob’s book; it is such a powerful mindset shift for you to be happy in education.
Website: https://www.motivatedu.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robdunlopEDU
Email: robdunlopedu@gmail.com
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Betsy Hill brought our podcast new information, perspective, and valuable content. She focuses on studying the brain and, more importantly, the cognitive skills for our brain to learn. There is a lot for teachers to keep in mind to see how we can best support the growth of students.
- For information to reach long-term memory, we are either auditory or visually dominant. It will not stick well if students are not exposed to content in that form.
- The brain is more malleable than we ever thought.
- Three types of executive functions. Working memory is the ability to hold information. Inhibitory control, self-regulation. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to shift our mindset.
- Cognitive development and executive functions account for 50% of academic outcomes for students. This has a larger effect than any other factor for students.
- We can utilize specific strategies to improve each of the executive functions. It takes repetitive practice and a scientific approach.
- The most underutilized asset in teaching is the student.
Website: https://mybrainware.com
Twitter: @BrainWareSAFARI
Book: On Amazon
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Cohens Mugisha is an incredible educator, changing the lives of the students he works with in his community of Ibanda, Uganda. His classes are focused specifically on writing and speech, but it is evident throughout the conversation these are only leverage points to create real-world learning experiences for students.
- Technology integration is a pursuit of all educators; it’s just a means of what type of technology
- His students are engaged in real-world skills to help apply to the outside world.
- In this debate, students are learning the necessary skills to speak successfully. They are even engaging with students from other continents in these debates.
- His students are working with professionals in the community to enhance their experiences in the classroom.
- Their work is helping his students become expert leaders, and he is most proud of these accomplishments.
Twitter: MugishaCohens
LinkedIn: MugishaCohens
Email: mugishacohens@gmail.com
Facebook - MCmentorshipgroup
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Amber Trout is an experienced educator who navigated her career through different experiences and leveraged her expertise to support her colleagues and teachers best. She gravitated towards educational technology to create the best learning experiences for her students.
- One of the leading criteria for ed-tech should be ease of use. It should make the life of a teacher easier or more efficient.
- The basic functionalities of PearDeck.
- PearDeck is a great way to enhance vocabulary review lessons and build in interactivity.
- Create an experience where every student can participate!
- Check out www.peardeck.com/learn for training and resources
- Try it with the free version, then jump in if it fits your classroom.
- PearDeck provides amazing customizable templates where teachers can change everything!
- Embed all the great Google tools directly inside PearDeck, so students don’t have to leave the learning experience with multiple tabs.
- Strategies for utilizing PearDeck for small group instruction.
- Many question types encourage students to participate in many different capacities.
PearDeck Promotion:
- Website: www.peardeck.com
- Twitter: AmberPearDeck
- Instagram: AmerberPearDeck
- 90-day free trial and SWAG: https://bit.ly/3Gx6jnz
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Sensei Miwako was an incredible guest to join our podcast. Since moving to the United States, she has spent her time teaching students math through abacus. This conversation was a great learning experience for Matt and Ken. Miwako provided great insight into how this tool can help build foundational mathematical skills for students.
- Self-paced classes on her website to learn these systems and ideas to build math foundations.
- Help students understand the foundation of math through numbers. When students understand how math is built off of patterns, it creates further opportunities for growth.
- Learning the foundations through an abacus gives students a stronger understanding of higher-level math due to the strong foundation in the number sense.
- Building confidence in math profoundly affects students tackling new mathematical challenges.
- Take the time to teach your students why patterns exist; then, you can show the shortcuts.
- Watch the video on Spotify or YouTube to see Matt and Ken do an abacus on their hands.
Website: www.jamsportland.com
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Mark Housel is a passionate, dedicated, experienced educator. His career has been in physical education, but his wisdom will impact all teachers. He provides a thorough analysis of strategies he utilizes in his classroom that each and every teacher can take and apply.
- Physical education is the only subject that has the ability to affect how people feel each and every day for the rest of their lives.
- Connection is the content. If we are not connected to our students, they are not connected to the content.
- If people think I’m here for exercise, I miss my mark. I’m here to make better humans who like to move.
- We need to have an insatiable need to improve and make it better for our students constantly.
- Take the time to talk to each child, no matter how long it takes. It is worth it, necessary, and will improve the quality of your instruction. Most of all, students feel better when they feel it.
- As colleagues, we can support each other with the relationships we build with each other.
- Challenge the students to handle situations appropriately and maturely, considering the age level they are at. If we want students to handle more and more on their own.
- Mark breaks down how he made the transition into teaching health full-time and the pedagogical strategies he brought to the classroom.
Website: www.houselfitness.com
Twitter: @HouselPhysEd
Book:
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Brittany is the 2023 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, and she has brought her life experience as a learner into her own classroom. She isn’t afraid to showcase herself as a real person to allow her students to see past the titles and be kind to all.
- Tell your real stories and show your real self to allow students to be themselves.
- Working with parents to help advocate for students who need additional support in the classroom.
- Teachers need to support all different types of learners regardless of their background, educational experience, and academic abilities.
Connect with Brittney on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wyobrittney
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This week is short and simple; we have quick messages from many former guests to share words of inspiration to start the school year right!
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Ryne Anthony, Director of Flux Space, and Todd Guellich a STEM educator, is rapidly changing; our job is to stay relevant with our instruction for students. Educational technology and STEM or STEAM continue to be a hot topics. Regardless of what you teach or where you teach, we need to think about the instruction in our classroom. There are strategies to put into place for students to experience other skills and ideas through technology and non-technology opportunities.
- We need to be intentional about the experiences we are creating for students. It’s not about the stuff; it’s about the learning experience and what stuff we can get to enhance it.
- This mindset is critical for students and teachers. We need to be willing to take risks and try things.
- Utilize your current rubrics and systems to evaluate the process over the product.
- It is okay to give up some control even when you don’t know where things will go.
- Integrate simple activities into what you already do to help blend in STEM and ed-tech.
- Permit yourself to try.
Ryne’s Twitter: @MrRyneAnthony
Ryne’s Website: www.fluxspace.io
Tom’s Email: guellich@gmail.com
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Student-Centered learning is a phrase thrown around education, and there is fluff around it. This is a foundational instructional strategy, at its core, is sound in practice. The approach to student-centered learning has become blurred. Cory Henwood joins the podcast again to break this down into a conversation about how and why to implement it.
- Student-centered learning is not small-group instruction. Small group instruction is one component of student-centered learning.
- “When can students get the best of me?” When they are working with me one-on-one or in a small group.
- There is no correct method; there are core principles to evaluate and how to embed this style of instruction in your classroom.
- Finding the right amount of scaffolding to support students but not offering too much off the bat.
- It is easy to become hung up on the resources. It is an important hurdle to overcome, but it can be made simpler.
Connect with Cory on Twitter: @CoryHenwood
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We brought Dr. Don Berg back to the podcast to focus solely on goal setting. It is crucial personal practice for us to implement to grow as professionals. There are specific strategies and science behind how our brain works to hack successful goal setting. We dive deep into the conversation and focus on how to support students with the goal-setting process as well.
- It is necessary to set small goals to reach other goals. Our brain needs checkpoints to reach for.
- It is essential to know how you are rewarded and motivated to help you facilitate an environment to reach your own goals.
- Find accountability partners to help you reach your goals: administrators, grade-level partners, team members, or content area partners. This accountability is so important. Don’t forget about our students as accountability partners too!
- Achieving goals cannot necessarily build momentum, but it can help align us to the goal-achieving process.
- It is essential to expose students to the process of goal setting, whether or not they will succeed or fail.
- If you need help to set goals, make goal-setting your goal.
Connect with Don: www.holisticequity.org
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In every podcast we hear from our guests, relationships matter. Care for the students, be real, be present, etc. This is, without a doubt true, but how do we do it well? This podcast digs deep into this question and forces our guests to create a guide for how teachers can create successful relationships with students. Bethany Petty and Candace Young join the show to help peel back the onion on this topic.
- As new teachers, we must establish a strong classroom management level. It’s hard to see where the line is.
- We are not there to teach the content but to teach the kids.
- Kindness is free, and kindness is essential.
- If you want students to feel they are seen, see them. When they are talking to you, please give them your undivided attention. Truly.
- Breaking down the barriers and letting students see us for who we are and how we live our own lives.
Bethany Petty’s Twitter: @BethanyPetty
Bethany Petty’s Website: https://usingeducationaltechnology.com/
Candace Young’s Twitter: @CandaceYoung37
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According to the International Institute for Restorative Practices, “ We believe that human beings are instilled with the need to connect and grow with each other, but not the methods. Here at the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), we provide our students with the tools they need to effect change within their own lives as well as their schools, their organizations, and their communities. Through intimate learning communities of faculty and students, we teach together, we learn together, and we strive to effect real change. Together.”
- All members of the community can have a positive impact on the climate and culture of a classroom.
- Restorative practices are for everyone. Your students can participate at a high level, and you can use these same practices with your staff.
- This system is flexible; there is not one way all teachers must follow. It is reflective in nature for all parties involved to help make more positive decisions in the future.
- We are already making efforts to establish a culture and expectations. This just creates intention in the way we approach these tasks.
- Involve the students and revisit these practices throughout the year.
- Check out the International Institute for Restorative Practices for more information and resources www.iirp.edu.
Connect with Mike on Twitter: @MikeAzzalina
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The opportunity to put Anthony Swann and Ramon Benavides together on a podcast creates an emotional, robust conversation. Both men share their deepest feelings about how we can support trauma-inflicted and struggling students. This is the best education conversation on supporting struggling students available on any podcast today.
- Empowering students and developing self-efficacy skills so they can take the skills from school and succeed early in the real world.
- Use empathy to help become an advocate for children.
- We must focus on regulating and helping our students be in the right mindset to effectively approach learning.
- There is a clear difference between being trauma-informed and trauma-responsive
- If you want students to feel supported by you, take the time to listen. Listen, not just on a superficial level.
- Be empathetic and give them time. Giving someone time is more valuable than anything else.
- Children don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
- Anthony Swann’s Previous Show
- Ramon Benavides’s Previous Show
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Teachers are potentially going through small or big changes to prepare for the new curriculum, classrooms, courses, grade levels, or maybe even a new school. The summer is a great time to reflect, goal setting, and mentally prepare.
- Reflect on your core teaching values that are non-negotiable aspects of your classroom. Think about how to protect these core values in your new situation.
- It’s essential to be intentional with how you are preparing for your new set of expectations and students.
- For departmentalized elementary or secondary teachers, ensure the first period doesn’t always see the first rendition of your lesson. Shift your schedule so they get the second or third lesson in the day.
- Strategies for handling the dynamics of the new team members in your position change. How do you bring experience to the team while maintaining respect for how it’s organized?
- Students can sense when a team of teachers is aligned, and students must see that.
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As teachers, there is more than a basic job description to detail all we do. Jessica Saum and Autumn Rivera come back as guest co-hosts to enrich this conversation. We all get emotional and personal and talk deeply to make it as meaningful as possible for our listeners. Teaching is exhausting but incredibly rewarding when we make the best efforts in the right ways.
- It’s important to recognize where our skills will best serve the need and evaluate if you are the best person.
- As a staff, develop comradery where you all support each other so the teachers with more time to give personally can step up for those who don’t.
- We only have so much time and energy, so we must delegate responsibilities to others to empower those professionals.
- Don’t follow the toxic positivity that is out there in education, and focus and commit to the important things.
- Humanizing teachers and students when you attend outside events. It will have a direct impact on classroom management.
- Take the time to evaluate the intended outcome. Does the time put in match the time out?
- Leverage the strategy of who, not how. Who can support this initiative or idea, and how can they take some of the workloads off your plate?
- Empower your students to take ownership of the clubs; you can be there as a mentor when needed. Set the expectations from the beginning.
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It is summertime! Ken and Matt take a few minutes to reflect on the year and discuss summer plans and goals. Most importantly, they preview the 2023 summer series. Be sure to come back each week this summer for an amazing in-depth professional development episode. We bring back our top guests to join the conversation as co-hosts!
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Weston Kieschnick is a gift to education, teacher, administrator, speaker, and author, and changing the lives of teachers. His passion is in good teaching, and empowering teachers to do that well. His mission has always been to take the knowledge we know and blend it to meet the students of today.
- His first book Bold School was ahead of its time in technology integration, encouraging teachers to utilize technology and maintain old-school, sound instructional practices.
- Evaluate how we use technology; it needs to connect students to the teacher, the content, and each other.
- We need a sound and robust understanding of the most effective instructional strategies. We need to know what they are called, exactly how to implement the strategy and the effect size of it.
- Check out John Hattie’s work on the effect sizes of students.
- We need to know what tools are available and the instructional practices that it supports.
- We need to improve our practice to bring joy back into our classroom.
- Learn about Weston’s ATLAS model and how to create engaging lessons for students.
Website: https://westonkieschnick.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wes_Kieschnick
Books: https://westonkieschnick.com/books
Podcast: https://westonkieschnick.com/podcast
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AJ Crabill is uniquely positioned to support school districts from the school board to the student. He is focused on creating systems that focus all school employees on improving student learning. It is so focused they measure all of their time from school board meetings to a principal's calendar.
- Teachers support students, principals support teachers, upper administration supports principals, and the school board supports upper administration. In AJ’s district, everyone is focused on students through an organized system.
- Measure how much time you are spending focused on improving teaching and learning.
- Have all administrators watch the same lesson and score it. They can understand what good teaching is and why.
- AJ is measuring his success by evaluating how soon the district doesn’t need him.
- We all have choices in how we spend our time and what we focus on daily. We need to be intentional with our time.
- If the school board is self-evaluating, then it becomes easiest for leaders and teachers to do the same.
Website: https://www.ajc7.com/
Twitter: @AJCrabill7
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Christine Girtain is the 2023 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year and a fantastic model for how facilitating empowering and content-rich classrooms. She works in a unique classroom, but her strategies and stories can be applied to all classrooms. She empowers her students to be their best and pursue that through research.
- Students are capable; we must allow them to rise to the occasion.
- Sometimes the best scaffolds are the ones that we wait to provide students.
- Developing and harnessing interest in a student can be one of the best strategies for facilitating complex learning.
- Look to your students for advice; they probably have something meaningful to share.
- Attending conferences means networking with other teachers, having great professional development, and learning new opportunities available to you and your students.
- Encourage your colleagues to step outside of their comfort zone.
Email: njstoy2023@gmail.com
Twitter: @CCGirt
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Jon Bergman is an amazing educator, pioneer of the Flipped Classroom, presenter, author, and influential educator. His passion and ability to change education have profoundly affected how learning occurs worldwide. Jon has been teaching since the mid-80s, and for him, it’s simple to define; kids are kids. We need to support our children with best practices and support structures for them to grow. Mastery learning is Jon’s newest project and pursuit.
- The flipped classroom was born out of necessity and became a movement.
- Flipping a classroom is not the end all be all, it is the master key to open all opportunities for mastery learning.
- A flipped classroom allows teachers to increase quality time in higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and accomplish it with high support.
- Flipping does not pertain to high school classes to replace lectures; all teachers and coaches can do it. Start with the end goal of how it will transform the learning time together.
- Mastery learning can sound overwhelming; Jon explains how it can be simplified and achievable.
- We scaffold individual lessons; Jon is scaffolding tests for students to choose their difficulty level. All students still work towards the expected outcomes, but the level of each skill is different.
- Establish all of your standards as “critical to know, good to know, nice to know”
- Use your experience and expertise to identify exactly what students need to know.
- Do not overcomplicate using flipped video lessons; use them to further differentiate your classroom.
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Allowing our students to read significantly below grade level is unacceptable. As Marnie Ginsberg states, “Reading is not that hard to learn;” we can’t accept anything less. She shares countless strategies for teachers to utilize to help develop our students into stronger readers.
- The data we often receive is too vague to know what students can and cannot do. Assess your students and hold yourself accountable.
- Evaluating all factors contributing to a student's lack of reading ability can be overwhelming.
- Phonics is not enough; we need to develop phonemic awareness.
- For older students, use a non-sense word test to determine whether it is a decoding problem.
- Word sorts are a powerful way to reinforce phonemic skills.
- Utilize discovery strategies to allow students to find the skills needed to be successful.
- We must evaluate our role and responsibility to all learners while trying to do the best for students.
- Book: Reading Reflex
- Book: THE First Days of School by Harry Wong.
- Book: THE Classroom Management Book by Harry Wong.
Website: readingsimplified.org
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Jason has had the experience worth listening to, K-12, from teacher to administrator. He encourages teachers to start to look at the classroom as a learning atmosphere, not a teaching stage. Stop planning lessons and start designing lessons.
- A lesson needs a clear learning target and objective students understand to strive for.
- Assess prior knowledge to make decisions about the upcoming lesson.
- Create criteria of success for students to self-evaluate their own learning.
- Check out the book 17,000 classroom visits cannot be wrong
- Work with your staff to create efficacies of learning. After that, bring the students into the conversation and teach them the teaching strategies we are learning to elicit powerful learning.
- Student-led conferences are a great way to encourage a learning culture and get students on the learning train.
- Tap into curiosity to drive the exploration of content.
- State standards are what we teach, and the kids are who we teach. Put them together, that is how we teach.
Website: https://letsquitteaching.com/
Twitter: @Letsquitteachin
Jason’s Book: Let’s Stop Teaching and Start Designing Learning
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Long-time middle school science teacher turns towards STEM. Bryan has a passion for change, innovation, and learning. This inspiration has transitioned into all his activities with his students to create authentic learning. Bryan invests time in his students to inspire a learning culture so they can accomplish any goal.
- Use local references, in his case, the military community, to create design challenges.
- Flex the guardrails of your curriculum to push the boundaries of learning for students.
- To empower your classroom, you have to allow students the opportunity to relearn curiosity.
- Take a risk, and fail. The first thing you will do always sucks, so fix it and try again!
- Leverage your class engagement to power through the “boring” lessons that are a necessary part of the process.
- Analyze your state standards and determine if you are teaching too much. There is a good chance you spend more time on skills that are not standards or, focus too much on non-essential standards.
- Create lessons that students are genuinely curious about, and the best way to determine that is to ask them.
- Tinkercad
- Brush.ninja
- Robert Dilts Logical Levels Pyramid
- Curious by Ian Leslie
Website: Website
Twitter: Twitter
YouTube: Bald Guy Sci
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Samantha’s experience before education has reminded her of the value of respecting every student and every parent as an individual. It allows her to create an unwavering positive rapport and respect in the classroom.
- Start every day on the same page and on the same note to be the best version of yourself
- Create opportunities for students to thrive through the structures you create in the classroom.
- Differentiation is a powerful tool to reach the needs of all learners.
- When we know students, we know how to provide instruction best.
Website: www.samanthabovat.com
Email: info@samanthabovat.com
Check out her book
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Sarah started her teaching career working with some of our youngest learners at the age of two and moved on to continue to work with middle school students. She utilized a maker space in her art classrooms to help foster and develop creativity. Sarah has transitioned into utilizing movement in learning; she is now a certified yoga instructor and finding ways to blend it into instruction.
- Use a maker space to connect to curricular activities, such as developing an animal’s habitat to represent the information learned.
- It’s important to have a clear objective for why you are using a maker space before you define what you are doing with the maker space.
- Sarah shares some specific breathing strategies to help students self-regulate.
- Utilizing the five senses to create a holistic approach to student attention and feelings.
- Check out www.gonoddle.com for movement-based activities for students and great brain breaks.
- Use the “Miss Bensko” playlist for your safe, appropriate school music, linked here.
- Meet students where they are, and be mindful of the students you are working with each day and each year.
Book on Amazon:
Instagram: Sarahcare_
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Ty White is the 2023 Arizona Teacher of the Year and was an amazing guest. He teaches Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2 to high school students. The class is focused on experiences, phenomena, and observing the world around them. He backs those experiences up with the math second. His approach is increasing retention and enrollment in Chemistry 2.
- The perspective of Ty’s life experiences helps him focus his energy on not allowing students to slip through the cracks. He wants all students to have a chance to succeed.
- Use your background and stories to help connect with the students and build positive relationships.
- The level of engagement and buy-in in his first year of Chemistry differs greatly from in his second year. The first-year students must take his class, and the second-year students are electing more. To increase engagement, he focuses on exploring phenomena first, then following up with math later.
- The second-year students electing to take the class are ready for the math and higher-level concepts.
- As teachers, we can connect classroom standards to the interactions of the real world, especially in the local communities.
- There are ways to engage students to bring relevancy to the content and not create unnecessary pressure to turn this into a career.
- Utilize the STEM mindset to capture real learning experiences in your classroom.
- Ty launched a non-profit organization, Industry Simulation Education, where students have to create a habitat in another environment. https://www.insimeducation.com/general-8
Twitter: @RoperCowboyinAZ
Podcast Co-host of the Rural Scoop
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Greg Goodhart is the learning coach. He is focused on empowering students and teachers to unlock the power of learning to impact their academic performance. He showcases how a performance-based subject showcases the ability of students to be at their best.
- The whole purpose of learning is to be able to perform, not memorize, but perform.
- Focus on retrieval practices to help students be more confident in future learning opportunities.
- Listeners should check out the book Make it Stick
- Learn how to learn before you can start learning
- Students need to memorize basic information. We just need to do it right before we can elicit higher-level thinking questions.
- Check out Gregg’s most recommended books, many of which he mentioned in this podcast: https://gregggoodhart.com/books/
Website: https://gregggoodhart.com/
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Mark has experience as a teacher, building administrator, and central office. This experience has given him the perspective always to do his best for students.
- Working in a district office can help elevate teaching by constantly analyzing curriculum, technology, and best teaching practices.
- Evaluating the integration of technology starts with the “why”. What is the instructional impact? The second is planning professional development. The professional development needs to be thorough and ongoing. Professional development should spiral into building the confidence and competency of teachers. The third is selecting the device.
- Technology started as an excellent tool, but now we must evaluate its use and how it impacts teaching and learning.
- Never pull the staff together for a meeting when the topic could be covered through an email.
Twitter: @MarkHess98
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Dr. Danny Brassell is America’s leading reading ambassador and is passionate about getting every child to love reading. The more we get kids excited about reading, the more they will love reading, and the more they will learn reading.
If we spend so much time teaching students how to read, shouldn’t we teach them to love reading first?
- Develop a love for reading, so they can read to learn.
- A great book recommendation from Danny, Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
- It’s important to get to know our students so we know how to connect with them
- We can be the light or the darkness for a student each day. Both take just as much effort, we just need to pay attention to our interactions.
- It’s important we evaluate and understand where students are coming from and what home life looks like so we approach teaching and learning with empathy.
- Create opportunities for students to experience the value of books without reading the entire book. Spark the interest in the content through the conversations and experiences of the classroom.
Website: www.dannybrassell.com/
Twitter: @DannyBrassell
www.Freegiftfromdanny.com
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Kelly Schrein is the 2022 Alaska Teacher of the Year. She has embraced her community in Anchorage, Alaska to create a more meaningful, authentic, and engaging curriculum. Students are constantly engaged in learning objectives that can have a direct impact on the local community. The authenticity of learning expands into her classroom conversations. The third grade students are well-versed and able to participate in mature discussions.
- The community and culture of Anchorage, Alaska create a unique teaching and learning experience for Kelly and her students.
- The seasonal shifts of the sun in the winter and summer have a large impact on the mental health of students and it’s something teachers have to consider and help with students.
- Creating opportunities for safe failure and helping build resilience. When a level of trust is established it creates a foundation of relationships.
- She is involving the community in hands-on experiences, such as dissecting salmon.
- Creating opportunities for students to engage in conversations with each other. It’s important for them to learn from each other and establish their own positive relationships.
- Purposefully plan your lessons to incorporate student experiences and communication.
- Model the listening and respect skills we teach to our students.
- Connect with other students from around the country on Facebook, “Mrs. Letcher’s Postcard Exchange”, “teachers ask teachers”, and teachers searching for other teachers.
Twitter: @KellySchrein
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A last-minute guest cancellation led to Ken and Matt pivoting on the spot with a new idea. It turned into a part 2 of 2 episodes with each host in the hot corner. In this show, Matt reflects on his frustrations with assessments.
In This Episode:
- The value of assessments
- Involving students into the conversation
- Formative versus summative
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A last-minute guest cancellation led to Ken and Matt pivoting on the spot with a new idea. It turned into a part 1 of 2 episodes with each host in the hot corner. In this show, Ken reflects on his experiences as a teacher and a new perspective as a young parent.
In This Episode:
- Effective parent communication from the parent's perspective
- Strategies for maximizing contact with families
- Back to school night
- The teacher-parent partnership
Join us back from 110 to hear Matt's take on the hot corner.
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Jackie Wynkoop is a fantastic educator. She is passionate and fired up whenever she can talk about teaching, learning, and instruction. She is solely focused on supporting teachers to feel confident, empowered, and impactful. She is incredibly passionate about professional learning, so much so that she started her own podcast the PL Playbook.
- Jackie has had an amazing journey in her career through many positions including fourth grade, fifth grade, instructional coach, director of gifted, vice principal, and back to instructional coach.
- Creating trust in the classroom is essential, without this, everything else will be more challenging.
- Using hexagonal thinking to facilitate creative brainstorming.
- Empower teachers to facilitate professional learning to support their colleagues.
- Reach out to teachers in other districts and at events to make connections to help support you in the future.
- Teaching can not just be a job, it has to be something you love.
- Destination Imagination is a fantastic program to incorporate STEM into your school community.
Website: https://t.co/f37ngGWvzm
Twitter: @LitCoachJackieW
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Don Berg brought a new perspective to the podcast and we are so grateful for his time and this episode. We broke the script with educator guests and talked with a psychologist. We dive deep into student motivation and how we can best foster that learning environment for students. The harsh reality is, we cannot motivate a person. We need to create opportunities for students to create their own motivation.
- Don Berg is a certified psychologist and has focused on student motivation.
- Dive into the science of motivation and engagement as it relates to classrooms.
- The harsh reality is that students only learn what they want to learn. If they don’t want to, they won’t.
- You cannot motivate someone, they can only motivate themselves. We can create opportunities to tap into the three necessary components of motivation:
Autonomy
Relatedness
Competency - It’s not just about the relationships between one student to the teacher, but students as a whole. Those relationships across the classroom are key to supporting successful learning.
- Collective illusions are a disparity between the individual opinion and the perceived opinion of society as a whole. There is a notion that our society demands results from standardized tests, and yet everyone on a personal level agrees people do not value standardized tests.
- Creating classroom autonomy is key, and cannot just be based on giving choices.
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Ken and Matt can sit down without a guest and have no preparation for the recording. Due to a last-minute conflict with a guest, they were left to devise a recording idea. They decided to go with a rapid-fire question format. Each host asked a question that the other did not prepare for. The questions included:
- Teaching superstition
- Best lesson
- Worst moment teaching
- What is your classroom "thing"
- The time you saved a student
- The cafeteria food you look forward to and the one you will avoid at all costs
- Funniest recess moment
- Best last day of school memory
- Will Ken ever go back into the classroom?
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Joe Sanfelippo is the ultimate leader. He is the current superintendent of the Fall Creek Wisconsin School District, #GoCrickets. He drives his district, administrators, teachers, and students to think outside of the box and explore what they are most passionate about. He has created an environment where everyone can lead, and is empowered to do so. His leadership style is most evident in the professional development practices and hiring techniques they have put into place.
- Finding your own leadership style and how you can best thrive.
- Recognizing where we begin to know where we are going.
- Fueling professional development with self-guided passion projects and concluding the work with a teacher-led street fair.
- Empowering teachers to recognize students for who they are and support them on an individual level.
- How to best tell the stories of your classroom, school, and district.
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The success of a student requires a community effort. We need to help and best support our youngest learners, and sometimes, schools do not have all the resources they need. Reading Partners is an organization that can help support our young readers in partnership with the schools.
- Teach for America in middle school science for four years, and then taught in Mexico to teach English as a second language 3rd - 6th for eleven years.
- Teach for America is a challenging experience because you don’t have full education training before starting. It is also incredibly rewarding to work in new communities and support children in education.
- Reading Partners: National Non-profit with a mission to make students life-long learners.
- Provide one on one tutoring in the community.
- Visit readingpartners.org to see the areas where they service with virtual tutoring options available.
- Explicit instruction of phonics to teach the foundations of reading.
- Most of the schools are Title 1, and the leadership shows interest.
- While still focusing on phonics, read grade-level texts to the students so they can focus on comprehension.
Website: www.readingpartners.org
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This show has it all and our guest Wendy Turner, 2017 Delaware Teacher of the Year, brings the fire! She is passion from the get go of the conversation up until the last minute. She is all in on students, teachers, and social and emotional learning. She clearly defines the how and the why of SEL in classrooms.
- Starting career outside of education first brings life perspective. Wendy gained so many experiences that created confidence to solve any problem.
- If second graders are going to be successful learners, we have to teach them to be successful humans first.
- Every student shares something nice about the birthday student, even if it is the first day of school.
- Specific programs were put in place to help support social and emotional learning in the classroom.
- Cassel website, including the frameworks for SEL, and the 3 signatures practices
- Foster curiosity and competence in SEL. You have to teach it explicitly, but you have to engrain it into the academics.
- Wendy shares about her professional moves and changes in her career to best serve students and social and emotional learning
- Sustainable and systematic plans to implement true SEL practices into classrooms
- The “Unless Project” from the Philadelphia Zoo
- Skype a Scientist
- The innovative teachers are the ones that don’t won’t to get bored either
Connect with Wendy:
- Twitter: @MrsWendyMTurner
- Wendy’s Facebook Page
- wendymturner@gmail.com
- Wendy’s Wakelet
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Debbie Tannenbaum 23rd year in teaching and 5th year as a technology coach. She brings a consistent, realistic, and authentic light into the world of instructional technology. Her approach has a single target: improve learning experiences for students. Technology is a tool to help us facilitate a learning environment that will encourage students to be creators, not consumers.
- The shift from COVID was a forced innovation. Teachers are now much more welcoming to the idea of coaches and technology.
- Technology can help facilitate a Universal Design for Learning philosophy of teaching. It provides students multiple ways to access the same content and skills.
- Digital natives versus digital literacy. Our students are not digitally literate if we do not teach them.
- We need to teach students icons and skills to navigate devices independently.
- As the teacher, start using the phrase “activities are for you or for me. If it’s for you, I can’t promise I will provide you feedback. If it’s for me, I will. However, you can always ask for my feedback.”
- It doesn’t need to look perfect, sounds perfect, or be perfect. Especially when students are making videos.
- Real authentic paths and experiential learning: choice boards, webquest, student-centered.
- Project Zero from Harvard: Thinking routines, scaffolds to help reveal student thinking
- Become a connected educator, leverage social media and different organizations like www.teachbetter.com.
Connect with Debbie Tannenbaum
- www.tannenbaumtech.com
- @Tannenbaumtech
- Transform Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky
- Amplifying Instructional Design
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Returning from the winter break marks the unofficial half-way mark of the school year. Ken and Matt talk about the best strategies and ideas to think about as you return from the coveted winter break. There is so much we want to accomplish with students in such a short amount of time. This episode gets a little emotional when Ken and Matt start sharing about the journey they are on with their students how how much they hope to accomplish.
- The value of attending a conference and how to best find ways to attend
- Reset classroom management strategies, rules, and what you expect from students on a daily basis
- State testing is looming in the future and we can't ignore it.
- This is a great time to facilitate goal setting activities with your students.
- A school year is a 180-day journey, we can't expect to solve every problem on day one. Now is the time of year to really start attacking goals.
- The difficult for semester teachers to "start over" with a new class in January when not many other colleagues are in the same mindset.
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Norah is a well-rounded, experienced educator. She has taught in special education, led buildings as an assistant and lead principal, and now services the entire district as special education and curriculum supervisor. Norah is using her background to create systems and transform school cultures to create the most successful environments for students.
- When you feel burnt out in education, seek a purposeful change and fuel your own fire.
- We have to help equip regular education teachers to best service all students and help special education teachers best support all.
- Students should not need a label to get personalized support.
- As a building leader, creating systems to be more preventative and less reactive.
- SEL has empowered our teachers to better support students from a proactive stand point and providing concrete ways to approach what students need most.
- It is important to create quantifiable measures to evaluate our own success of servicing students.
- If you want to shift a culture in a school, you first need to evaluate where you are currently at. What is the current culture?
- We have to pay attention to the whole child and allow it to impact our instructional strategies.
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Dr. Nancy Miles is a grounded, authentic, passionate educator always setting forth to do best by students. She has a diverse experience in teaching almost every elementary grade-level and her seasoned approach is apparent in this episode. She is all in on relationships and student-centered learning. She showcases how we can focus on the behavioral expectations of choice and allow that to transition into the academic expectations of choice-based learning.
- Nancy started a career in marketing, and after having children went back to education to become a teacher.
- She started in a multi-age classroom and learned she needs to meet children where they are.
- Relationships matter in marketing in sales, and that is completely transferable to the classroom and how teachers interact with students.
- Take the time for relationships with former students to nurture and thrive. It will impact your relationships with current students.
- Student-centered learning doesn’t happen over night. It is a dedicated, committed, systematic approach from the teacher constantly relinquishing control.
- If you are trying to create a more student-centered environment, just start with giving them simple choices.
- When you want to control your classroom, giving students these choices can be extremely difficult.
- Strategies for scaffolding towards a choice-based classroom.
- Using phenomena to teach concepts first and follow-up with vocabulary second.
Twitter: @milesnawmiles
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It is amazing to sit down and talk with Dr. Winston Sakurai. He has a diverse, impressive, vast experience in education. Through all his positions, he has always had a clear sight set on doing what is best for students. He champions their leadership and supports teachers in every way possible.
- Winston had an amazing start to his career, working on the state board of education side to support and push education in a positive way.
- His first teaching experience was as a long-term substitute where he learned the ropes of teaching
- As a building leader, Winston encouraged teachers to allow students to be the leaders. At assemblies, graduations, and leadership classes.
- They created leadership classes which changed the mindset around student leadership.
- Providing students with true ownership, including the budget for a project, to allow them to learn through the experiences and attach emotions to remember it forever.
- Creating opportunities for students to obtain ownership in the classroom with specific lessons.
- Winston questions Ken and Matt to see how the pandemic has shifted education for us in Pennsylvania.
Twitter: @winstonsakurai
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Greg Bagby is a humble, experienced, knowledgeable leader. HIs passions as a teacher have transcend his ability to support teachers as a building leader and district leader. In our conversation we discuss the best ways to work as a reflective teacher and how that can directly impact your students' performance.
- Learning is a process. Performance based doesn't mean it has to be perfect, but a process to reach our goals.
- Shielding teachers from unnecessary communication from district office to encourage better teaching
- Encouraging teachers to take risks and try new strategies in lessons
- Reflective practice as a teacher is key to improve our practices and pedagogy
- Take a risk and film yourself. It is the best feedback you can give yourself to adjust your teaching and find areas to improve.
- Using Edtech for a purpose, it doesn’t need to be the center focus of the lesson
- Enhance the lessons with technology, move from consumption towards creativity
Podcast: BookswithBagby
Podcast: Education Soapbox
Twitter: @Gregbagby
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- As a coach, Brett has learned it is okay to fail and he brings that into the classroom. He also loves the team atmosphere to the classroom.
- Patience
- Creating service learning projects where the entire class can band together and become a part of the team
- Teaching specific standards and objectives through service learning projects
- Reflecting on past practices and looking at how to improve our classroom for the future
- Don’t be afraid to start small, mess up, and take risks
- Give our best to our students everyday, the best we can offer each and every day.
- Take a risk
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We recorded LIVE at the Teach Better Conference 2022 in Akron, Ohio. This conference is affiliated with our podcast network. Ken had an amazing experience attending the conference, meeting teachers, networking with presenters, and finding inspiration for keynote speakers. This episode is part two of two where Ken sat down to talk with three amazing educators.
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We recorded LIVE at the Teach Better Conference 2022 in Akron, Ohio. This conference is affiliated with our podcast network. Ken had an amazing experience attending the conference, meeting teachers, networking with presenters, and finding inspiration for keynote speakers. This episode is part one of two where Ken sat down to talk with three amazing educators.
Featured In This Episode:
- Steve
- Eric Guise of the gotteched.com podcast follow him at @GuiseGotTechEd
- Mike
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Ramon Benavides is a dedicated father, husband, and educator. He is committed to providing opportunities to students who normally wouldn’t see them. Most of all, he is dedicated to showing his students, who see themselves in him, that they too can dream. Ramon brings an approach to his biology classes that pushes the standards forward, while focusing on the experiences of students.
In This Episode We Cover
- Utilizing relationships to build rapport, connecting with their personal lives. Sports, family businesses, mutual respect
- Teaching beyond the test
- Ramon was hooked on biology to switch majors because his professor provided real world experiences.
- Focus on the learning experiences and sprinkle in some small test prep lessons to ensure the success of your students.
- Create experiences for students that start in the classroom and extend beyond.
- 25 minutes great sound bite
- The challenges of living and teaching on the border
- Creating collaborative work experiences to build relationships for students peer to peer
- Recognizing student backgrounds and incorporating that into the classroom
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Matthew Tatur is an educator committed to making his students feel scene, heard, and welcomed in his middle school classroom. His trajectory towards teaching middle school history is one that didn't start the way you would think. His entrance into education shaped his mindset about what classrooms should be and how teachers can best serve students.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Strategies to establish meaningful connections with students.
- Creative ways to engage students with whole group instruction.
- Using TikTok to create classroom community
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Cory Henwood is an experience, well versed, passionate educator focusing on empowering learners. Cory is out there providing practical strategies, great content. He is focused on creating personalized learning experiences for students and replicating those experiences for teachers. Cory provides thoughtful ideas, systematic approaches, and goals for every educator to aspire towards.
In This Episode We Cover
- Creating environments that are as student-centered as possible. Teachers want to do it, they just don't know where to start.
- Strategies for handling situations where we as teachers are forced to following scripted programs and how we can be slightly more innovative in our approach.
- Creating experiences for students to process the content and emotions to reach new learning targets.
- It is okay to be a risk-taker in our instructional approach. It's also okay to not be and need to see the results from some trusted colleagues first.
- Lessons can flop, and if it's a traditional approach there are no positive gains. If we take a creative risk and the content flops, students still gained so many more positive qualities.
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Time with Anthony Swann, is time well spent. He is incredibly knowledgeable in the field of best teaching, and leads with an open heart. He is passionate about giving up control and giving ownership to the students. It requires us to trust them whole-heartedly. Anthony unapologetically will always do what is best for students. He teaches from the heart and trusts his students to perform.
In This Episode We Cover
- When students transition from learning school to learning content.
- The idea of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs before Bloom's Taxonomy.
- Trusting student's to handle themselves in their basic levels of needs.
- To be a great teacher, sometimes you have to be a habitual disrupter.
- Evaluate your classroom structure and decide how much the students feel trusted.
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He's BACK! We had the opportunity to have Anthony Wiggins, Matt's student teacher, back on the show to talk about his first few weeks of experience in the classroom. Anthony is coming into his own as a teacher. Learning through experience, wisdom of others, and making his own mistakes. Anthony is more reflective, more confident, and brings a new energy. He also asks thought provoking questions to Matt and Ken to learn more.
In This Episode We Cover
- Get involved in the school community so students who don't have you know you.
- Establish consistent, clear, concise routines and expectations in the beginning of the year.
- Be very explicit in your directions and relationships with students.
- Anthony shares aspects of the classroom he sees with Matt that he wants to emulate, and aspects he wants to change.
- Anthony questions Ken on small group instruction and how it can be most effective.
- Advice on classroom management and how to have clear expectations while maintaining individual relationships and treating each individual on a case by case basis.
- Advice for graduating pre-service teachers for pursuing and finding a job.
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Mike Azzalina is a centered, calm, and inspirational leader for teachers to learn from and grow with. Mike is all in on growing the teachers in his building, empowering them as instructional leaders, and sharing the fire throughout his staff. Mike is always aligning systems to create opportunities for his teachers and his students.
In This Episode We Cover
- Strategies to grow your own leadership and leadership opportunities in your own building, while you are still a teacher as you prepare to move into being an administrator.
- Strategies for developing teacher leaders and helping them find their passions.
- The development of a three-year new teacher program to support their professional growth.
- Five-minute PD sessions run by teachers for teachers.
- A story of him empowering a teacher to become a nation-wide restorative practices trainer.
- The place for SEL and how intentionality places a vital role in success.
- The value of being explicit with teachers and students in our goals and educational decisions.
- A brief definition of the restorative classroom.
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Ken and Matt reconnect after a long break from recording together over the summer. The journey of Ken's new studio continues with a twist! It is a new school year and a new opportunity to set professional goals for ourselves and our classrooms. We need to create goals, to create purpose, to create action. This is what can create change and growth in ourselves and our classrooms.
In This Episode We Cover
- Matt's 2022-2023 goals for his students, and mentoring his student teacher.
- Involving students in the conversation of our own professional goals.
- When the students are aware of the teacher's goal, they can more actively work towards those expectations. They are aware of why we have the expectations we have for their behavior and the structure of the classroom.
- Ken's 2022-2023 goals as an instructional coach and public keynote speaker.
- Strategies to evaluate the success of goals, when a large majority of it is anecdotal.
- Supporting teachers to creating empowering experiences.
- Matt's and Ken's podcast goals for the new school year.
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Autumn Rivera is the Colorado 2022 Teacher of the Year and finalist for National Teacher of the Year. She is a middle school science teacher and part-time adjunct educator. She loves to create and engaging environment where students are hands on. She empowers her students to see how they have the ability to make changes now and see those changes.
In This Episode We Cover
- Creating hands-on real world experiences connected to the local community.
- Supporting her students to raise money for a local area to help preserve it as a natural park.
- Creating an environment where students feel comfortable to raise questions and pose ideas of change to a teacher.
- Using the standards as a guide to our curriculum and preparing to pivot and move with student interest while still teaching all of the standards.
- The value of strong routines and procedures in a classroom and how it impacts student-centered learning.
- Allowing students to fall, be wrong, and productively struggle.
- Reflection at the end of class is essential to allowing the students conceptualize learning.
- Practicing reflective strategies as a teacher with our students.
- Creating safe, cohesive environments for students.
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Theresa Maughan is the New Jersey 2022 Teacher of the Year and a forty-year veteran. The insight, wisdom, and guidance she shared is priceless for any educator. We learn how her experience teaching 6th grade prior to moving into high school had a large impact on her instructional practices today. She is a strong focus on how relationships in the classroom will have a direct impact on the content delivery of her classroom.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Her first moment of standing in front of students, and how she almost panicked out of the position.
- The process of building relationships and understanding them culturally to connect the content directly to them.
- As a history teacher, we are story tellers. We shouldn't be afraid to share how those stories connect to us personally. Theresa shares her story as an immigrant, the challenges she faced, and how her teachers helped her.
- Providing students access to primary resources so they can form their own perspectives on a topic.
- Structured academic controversy is a process Theresa uses to encourage students to evaluate topics with the use of primary resource documents.
- When forming relationships with students, there is a line we can't cross. However, it is important to push ourselves towards that line so we open up to students as much as possible.
- How to differentiate with primary resources.
- Teaching students sourcing and corroboration. Learning how to evaluate a source and search for bias and did you find the information in more than one source.
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We had the pleasure of speaking with the 2022 Tennessee Teacher of the Year Morgan Rankin. She offers honest insight and reflects on her own upcoming transition from third grade to second grade. She creates an atmosphere where students feel empowered and encouraged to participate in valuable and effective conversations. Her strategies for encouraging student voice are easy to follow and aspirational to achieve.
In This Episode We Cover
- A comparison of self-contained versus departmentalized elementary classrooms. There are instructional differences in the set-up of a lesson and challenges to accept in terms of building relationships.
- The use of reflective practice when we have the opportunity to teach a lesson multiple times per day.
- Evaluate the classroom management strategies you use. If systems like team points, Class Dojo, and other programs don't work for you, don't use them. Focus on student relationships and authenticity.
- Strategies for encouraging collaboration between students.
- Using student examples to dissect student thinking and promoting classroom discussions.
- The value of student conversations, how to facilitate effective conversations, and the power of talking less.
- Key questions and phrases to promote student conversations.
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It was a pleasure to speak with Terry Wetzel in this show, with-in just a few weeks of Terry officially retiring from public education. Terry was a teacher, technology coordinator, and administrator. The knowledge, wisdom, and authentic insight he offers is very special for our audience. We can have a direct impact on the way we view our experience as teachers a s well as a direct impact on our colleagues.
In This Episode We Cover
- Students today are not any different than students twenty-eight years ago. They need the same guidance, the same commitment, the same relationships. However, they are very different, and they should be. Society is different, we are different, we should embrace these changes.
- Our pursuit of innovation is needed, but we don’t have to overcomplicate it. We should find ways to change the student experience.
- Being innovative in your space, providing students trust. In order for our students to operate at a high-level we need to treat them at a high-level.
- Move away from the rhetorical information that students can search, we should move towards experiences where they explore the curriculum.
- Advice for a second year teacher: relationships matter, relax but be dedicated, stay away from the negativity
- Strategies for feeding into the positive culture of the school. Administrators should hold teachers accountable when they are not pulling their weight.
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Time to set our mindset in the right direction as we prepare for the launch of the 2022-2023 school year. We thought of no better guest than bringing back Christopher Albrecht to help us out. The beginning of the year we don't need to have a big song and dance. We should focus on the values of the classroom that we want to perpetuate throughout the year. It's important we listen to the students and adjust our approach based on the students we have in front of us. It's our job to create an inspiring, appropriate, and empowering experience.
In This Episode We Cover
- View the start of the school year like Christmas morning, we should be anxious and excited!
- A story of Christopher's student who started a crochet club just because he listened to his students.
- Observing your students in the beginning of the year to find their talents so you can empower them to help each other in the future.
- It is our responsibility to set a positive first impression, it's not just the on the students.
- Establishing effective lines of communication with parents via phone calls, emails, and social media.
- Advice on the first couple days of school, and actually keeping things simple.
- Set an appropriate pace, and set that pace based on the students.
- Take a risk on a student, because you never know where it will end up.
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We have the special honor of adding to additional guest co-hosts two this show, Mike Creed and Lee Carlson. They are both masters of developing positive relationships and classroom communities. Mike has experience with teaching students K-5 and Lee has experience teaching middle school and high school. The insight they offer is incredible, and amazingly correlates between secondary and elementary. It is a balancing act between our efforts in the community and pushing the students to make their efforts.
In This Episode We Cover
- First day of school activities that highlight the value of each individual student while connecting it to all past students.
- Lee's strategy for good day/bad day and how the students have taken ownership over that activity.
- The value you in being different and how students buy into that mentality.
- Be explicit and intentional to design activities and conversations to constantly build the classroom culture in a positive direction.
- When we open ourselves up to our students it builds trust in the relationship, but also opens up opportunity for them to share with us.
- We should always be striving to move our students towards a feeling and space where they feel confident to share about themselves to us.
- It is not always going to be perfect, but we do our best everyday. Sometimes, that is being tough and reminding them we need to hunker down and focus on our work.
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Stacie Lawler is the 2020 Idaho Teacher of the Year and is dedicated to supporting students' and teachers' mental health. We have to take care of ourselves in order to take care of our students. We need to dedicate time to think about our values and build our life around it. Beyond mental health, we dive into the conversation of social and emotional learning and how that fits into the classroom.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Self-care is much more than "getting a manicure". It is creating sustainable opportunities for us to take care of our own physical and mental health.
- Be authentic and recognize why we are struggling and where we fall on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
- Reflect on your own values and be sure to intentionally dedicate time towards this.
- We need to have these conversations with students and get them to reflect themselves.
- When we have challenging conversations with students, you need to draw the line in the sand. You can say "that's a good question, but as your teacher I can't answer it. Please ask ______".
- Lean on your PLN for support and a listening ear.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
When students are leading the learning community, they have to have a passion for learning. We can fuel that passion through a high-quality culture of learning. In this third and final part of the series Teach Like a CEO, we learn the frameworks and systems for developing a holistic approach to student centered learning. Part three focuses on the O in the acronym, Operations for Classroom Management. This is the foundation of the CEO framework because it is what empowers students to become effective decision makers.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Operations are more about systemizing the classic practices of classroom management so the teacher no longer has to turn the wheels him or herself.
- It is easy to overlook the operations because it's easier just to do it ourselves, but these operations set the foundation for a true student-centered classroom.
- Automate the opening transition of a classroom so you can engage with students as they enter the room.
- When we systemize transitions, we allow ourselves as the teacher to also successful move from subject to subject and class to class. Transitions are very busy, and we need the time to mentally prepare for the next set of instruction.
- Simple tasks such as taking attendance, should be handled by students and systemized to completion.
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When students are leading the learning community, they have to have a passion for learning. We can fuel that passion through a high-quality culture of learning. In this second of a three part series all about Teach Like a CEO, we learn the frameworks and systems for developing a holistic approach to student centered learning. Part two focuses on the E in the acronym, "Empowering Experiences". As we develop structures for student-centered learning, the actual lessons have to be more engaging and more empowering for kids. Ken showcases specific strategies you can embed into lessons and projects to create those lessons.
In This Episode We Cover
- Sitting down and teaching a skill with a small group will come naturally, it is about everything happening around that which is a challenge.
- Commit to empowering your students on a daily basis to fuel the success of lessons.
- Screencasts allow us to multiply ourselves and differentiate learning at a higher-level.
- Empower students to be learners and teachers with peers. Ken introduces his A-B system to allow students to efficiently find partners and teach each other.
- Develop strategies and expectations for how students should independently learn with the instructional styles you will execute.
- Evaluate if your students need to learn new content from you directly, or if they can learn through different resources and exploring it on their own.
- Data is a very important piece for us to create empowering learning experiences, and we should involve the students in the data analyzation process.
- Data Collection Tools:
Socrative
Google Forms
Formative * Ken goes through a specific lesson and how the entire classroom is structured to showcase differentiation and empowering independent experiences. * Why MATH or READS workshop is a great starting point for teachers, but how we have to move beyond that to really provide students what they need.
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When students are leading the learning community, they have to have a passion for learning. We can fuel that passion through a high-quality culture of learning. In this first of a three part series all about Teach Like a CEO, we learn the frameworks and systems for developing a holistic approach to student centered learning. Part one focus on the C in the acronym, "Culture for Learning". If we want and expect students to navigate content independently, they have to become a part of a classroom culture that values learning. Ken showcases specific strategies you can embed into lessons and projects that encourage this exact culture.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Defining the C.E.O framework.
- Understanding what a culture for learning is and how it impacts student engagement.
- Analyzing the three levels of student led systems.
- Specific example of a project, applicable to K-12, that showcases how a teacher can implement systems to fuel student-centered learning while also creating a stronger culture for learning.
- Specific example of a simple system to embed into classrooms to motivate students to take a stronger ownership in the learning process.
- Reflections on how this will impact lessons.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Creating meaningful, real world experiences for students can be a huge undertaking. Our guest co-host Laura Boyd showcases amazing ways to facilitate these experiences involving the local community. We break down the strategies needed to start these experiences from the ground up. We also share the impact it can have on the way students approach learning in the classroom and the academic progress it promotes.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Examples of experiences for students involving local community members and businesses.
- Strategies to prepare your students to actively engage and feel successful when interacting with local community members.
- Examples of activities to bring local into your own classroom.
- Ideas to look inside your own district for connections and collaborative experiences.
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There is a whole world out there for students to learn from, and it is our job to break down the four walls of our classroom. Dr. Rhett Oldham has amazing stories and resources for making all of this possible. It can seem like an overwhelming experience, but we can take small actionable steps to work towards grand goals of worldly connections. We can create memories that will last forever for students, and those connections can drill down directly to the standards.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Create opportunities for students to connect with other students from around the world. We should not always look for the experts.
- Reach out to experts in the field that can showcase the content in the real world and students can ask questions.
- Clear concrete steps to create opportunities for one to world connections.
- Connect with local businesses to see who they are connected to, because now all businesses are global.
- Even when the experiences aren't as great as we planned, students still had an opportunity to connect with people from around the world.
- Comparing the use of these experiences as summative versus formative experiences. We can culminate a unit with an expert but we can also engrain the experts into the instruction to make it more rich.
- Creating real world experiences is always a positive gain for students. Even if the lesson doesn't pan out as well as planned, the real world experiences will still provide the time well spent.
- Visit www.powereduup.com/show75 for helpful resources.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Summer time is for rest, relaxation, and recharging our batteries at teachers. However, summer is also a great time to reflect, set goals, and think outside the box. Matt and Ken breakdown their goal setting strategies and how it has made major impacts on their teaching over the years. It is the perfect time to think with a clear head and let the creative juices flow!
In This Episode We Cover:
- Goal setting strategies for the summer.
- Appropriate ways to free yourself of all thoughts of teaching while still pushing forward to improve for the following year.
- The art of clearing your headspace and walking with a piece of paper.
- How to play offense instead of defense.
- Ken's previous summer goals and how it rolled out into a school year.
- 2022-23 goals from Matt and Ken
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Summer is here and we couldn't be more excited! The show will continue and we are bringing a new product to our audience this year. We can't wait to enjoy our summer vacations and launch our summer PD series. We are bringing back amazing guests and diving deep into specific topics that will help teachers grow and set goals for the upcoming school year.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Thank you's to our guests, our listeners, and ourselves.
- Reflect on the amazing conversations we've had.
- Reflect on the growth of the show during the 21-22 school year.
- Highlights from this school year and our own personal growth.
- Specific topics and conversations that have led to noticeable changes in our own classrooms.
- Professional and personal plans for the summer.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Justin Belt is a driven, compassionate, well-rounded educators dedicated to improving the student experience. His passions all circle back to maximizing the student experiences and relationships. He isn't afraid to tell his stories about his past to impact his students for the future.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Justin began his career in human resources and pulled away many learning experiences that impact his classroom on a daily basis.
- The feeling of tossing your curriculum to the side to provide students what they need in that moment.
- Creating classroom experiences that empower students to be themselves.
- Give them space.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Joshua Stamper is an assistant principal focused on creating a better experience for students in school after his own experiences as a child. Josh was able to leverage his own personal experiences with trauma-informed training to become a better leader for students. Josh's leadership team and the teachers have created systems to facilitate more student ownership and agreements. He has partnered with his teachers to create systems to involve everyone in the relationship-building process with students.
In This Episode We Cover:
- How experiences like subbing and working as a para-professional can have a positive impact on your teaching.
- Using the whole child approach to handle discipline as opposed to detention.
- Understanding the trauma influenced students and how that impacts their daily interactions in school.
- Strategies for embedding ownership into the classroom each and every day. They use a strategy called treatment agreements that they visit throughout the year.
- We need to stop expecting that students "should know" behavioral norms. We need to directly teach SEL skills like we do decoding or math facts.
- Creating systems for student behavior to be addressed in the classroom with the teacher as opposed to sending them to the office.
- The truth and purpose of standards-based grading.
- The value of incorporating real-world experiences into content.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Rose Griffin is dedicated to supporting students in learning speech skills and language development. Her professionalism is shown through her work with students, her collaboration with colleagues, and her thriving business. Rose is committed to being an advocate for her students to find a path of confidence and success. Her programs and resources at ABA Speech are now impacting parents and children from all over that need the best support possible.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Understanding what a pull-out speech small group lessons
- Students are receiving two main types of service: learning speech with particular sounds, and understanding language including directions.
- Replicating experiences that will help prepare them for the real world.
- Implementing specific systems to create collaboration amongst all teachers.
- As a speech pathologist, try to gain time speaking to the faculty as a whole to open up communication.
- The path for graduating students from speech and the best exit strategies.
- How to identify when a student needs more services and the legal ways to approach this discussion.
- Strategies for keeping data organized, relevant, and legally sound.
- The structure is key for supporting students in inclusive environments.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Lee Perez is the 2022 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, and he is the first-ever ESL teacher to win the award in his state. Lee provides unbelievable information on EL students and strategies all teachers can use to support their success. It takes seven to ten years for a person to learn a language to fluency. Can you imagine going to another country and being expected to pass a standardized test two weeks later? Lee is using his newfound platform as Teacher of the Year to change what we think, believe, and know to be true about EL learners. Education will be better because of Lee's efforts.
In This Episode We Cover
- There are two types of language: social and academic
- Support students' social language development by covering every aspect of your room with sticky notes. "scissors" on scissors, and "handle" on door handles.
- The best way to learn a language is to be immersed in a social language experience.
- Lee reminds us we need to believe EL students can achieve.
- Students "shouldn't know" unless we teach them. It is our job to set our students up for success in all capacities.
- EL students' parents want to learn English, they just don't know the resources that are available.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Jessica Saum is a passionate, empathetic, inspirational teacher. It is quite obvious why she is the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. There is nothing typical about a typical day in her classroom. She is creating an environment where students will feel empowered, challenged, and supported to succeed. Jessica prioritizes providing her students the experience to participate in general education classrooms as well as real-world experiences. She shares what inclusion should truly look like, not just putting someone in the room.
In This Episode We Cover
- Starting every day with a morning meeting, a song, and movement together. Remember why we are at school and what to expect for the day.
- Navigating different learning modalities and designing best practices to support students.
- Creating real-world experiences to practice skills students are not able to enjoy outside of school.
- She vividly describes what inclusion is NOT and how we can best create environments to help students reach success.
- Stories of how raising the expectations for students can have a massive impact.
- Strategies for regular education students to successfully included special education students.
- Using key cards for each student to identify important information to help that student reach success.
- Setting realistic expectations of growth so we can gradually pull back support from students.
- Efforts to support our military families.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Jimmy Casas is an experienced, passionate, honest educator focused on making a difference in the culture of classrooms and schools. After spending over 25 years as an administrator, he is now focused on coaching others. The culture of a school starts with every individual working towards a similar set of values and goals. The way he addresses individuals showcases why he does what he does. He wants every person to live their excellence, and do it as best as they possibly can. The greatest gift we can give anyone is the gift of time. Jimmy walks us through why this is so important and how he lives this every day.
In This Episode We Cover
- How to evaluate the culture of your classroom through the eyes of students with very intentional questions and systems.
- Developing systems in all layers of a district for a conversation around culture. District office, down to building principal, down to classrooms.
- Transparency about our expectations, values, intentions, and explaining why. Follow up these high expectations with an incredibly high level of support.
- Investing time in relationships and learning the skills of all individuals to inspire them to be great.
- Creating cycles and systems to build up teachers to be the best versions of themselves.
- Undercurrents are anything that causes a negative impact on culture. Leaders are the ones always causing the undercurrents. We have to accept it to address it.
- We need to move away from perimeter leadership towards personal leadership.
- Why proper support in delegation is so important.
- Jimmy coaches Ken on how he potentially caused more undercurrents when trying to support teachers.
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Bethany Petty is a passionate, energetic, dedicated educator focused on providing her students with experiences that will best serve them as learners. She was willing to freestyle rap at a moment's notice, and then translated that into rapping on TikTok. She creates an environment where students have to fulfill high expectations and engage in meaningful work. Even still, her actions and demeanor only add to the exciting learning environment.
In This Episode We Cover:
- How to be "the" fun teacher, but also go much farther beyond that with meaningful instruction.
- The raw emotion of a teacher approaching a flipped classroom for the first time.
- The natural growth of a flipped teacher and how the progression can move towards creating more opportunities for conversations with students.
- The dos and don'ts of creating a flipped lesson, keeping it simple, and embracing mistakes.
- Defining a breakout EDU lesson, how to create it, and how to implement it.
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JoAnn Nocera left her successful career on the foreign stock exchange and went into education. She has never looked back and always had her eyes set on bringing out everyone's creativity. She took the crayons out and let her students shine. An educator's ability to be fleixble in the moment can be the biggest key to a successful lesson. Creativity becomes a keys to a student's success. We need to stop setting restrictive expectations for students that prevent them from taking risks and trying to grow. It is amazing what students can accomplish with one piece of tin foil!
In This Episode We Cover
- An educator's work ethic, organization, and motivation truly do matter to creating a successful teacher.
- How to read students and know if you need to shift the direction of a lesson.
- How a bird feeder inspired an amazing experience for students and for JoAnn.
- Using manipulatives and kinesthetic learning to activate students' minds.
- Changing our approach to meet students where they are and unlock their fullest potential.
- Students learn from other students.
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Candace Young is an incredible PE teacher passionate about inspiring movement and health. She spends her entire day teaching five and six-year-olds the key habits for success in life. Her classroom is dynamic, engaging, and organized. Her positive attitude is palpable through the conversation and her passion for making a difference. She has really high expectations for students because she truly believes, they can accomplish anything they put their mind to.
In This Episode We Cover
- Creating a foundation of movement and health at a young age with kindergartners.
- Creating safe opportunities for failures and successes.
- As adults, we can model good behavior and healthy habits.
- Key vocabulary words to use with young students related to movement and health.
- Creating expectations with structured play and free play.
- The structure of her classroom and the routines the students follow.
- Her efforts to support classroom instruction and encourage movement across all subjects.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Dr. Monica Burns was a very early adopter of a 1:1 environment utilizing iPads over ten years ago and has not looked back. She is the founder of www.classtechtips.com. She demonstrates the value, purpose, and benefits of integrating technology into the classroom. She helps us understand how to move students from being consumers to authentic creators.
In This Episode We Cover
- Utilizing the camera on an iPad to maximize learning opportunities.
- Moving beyond the excitement of a new device and creating sustainable instructional practices to integrate technology.
- Utilize tools to maximize efficiency so teachers can reallocate their time to more meaningful activities.
- When evaluating new tools for the classroom, look for the open-ended tools we can use for multiple activities and projects.
- "Embrace your Place" means utilize the LMS you are being directed to use. Don't fight it but maximize the potential of the LMS you have available.
- Now that technology is so heavily integrated into classrooms, what are the opportunities to put the technology to the side and get back to hands-on learning?
- Avoiding technology fatigue from the student and teacher perspective.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Chris Stuchko is an amazing high school special education teacher supporting students, teachers, and creating diverse experiences. He spends a great majority of his day supporting students. He brings a fantastic approach to co-teaching to help empower all students in the classroom. Chris also received a grant a few years ago to start a podcast. He hosts the "9th Grade Experience" to capture what it means to be a 9th grader and support students starting that new journey.
In This Episode We Cover
- The keys to a successful co-taught classroom.
- The necessary mindset and approach for a coteaching partnership to be successful.
- The value of multiple adults in the room for students to form authentic relationships and partnerships.
- Supporting students to realize what accommodations they have, what they actually need, and how they can leverage those options.
- Teaching students self-advocacy skills and the different ways to empower them.
- The value of teaching these skills to all students, especially the high flying students.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Melissa Lowry is a humble, honest, experienced, and amazing administrator. Her beliefs are strong and she feels she needs to serve her teachers. She leads them with radical honesty. Teachers are the ones that make the biggest impact on students, so it's a principal's job to create a culture of success. Leaders set the tone of the building, and they do it through their positive actions.
In This Episode We Cover
- Understanding the role of every person in a school.
- Open her ears and listen to what teachers need, and what they want to vent.
- She is always leading with honesty, transparency, and open communication.
- Key steps to establishing a positive culture and the damage a negative culture can create.
- Leading with empathy will always lead to a place of success.
- Be honest, and admit when you have made mistakes.
- Bringing the practice of metacognitive reflection into the classroom.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
The start of an educator's true journey begins during student teaching. This is a time where future educators learn their chops, build their confidence, and confirm this is the career for them. We had the chance to sit down and talk with Matt's brand new student teacher Anthony Wiggins. Anthony has only spent a few weeks in the classroom and has already learned so much about himself. The enthusiasm and rawness in his conversation are palpable.
In This Episode We Cover:
- The power of student teaching and different processes for students.
- Why Anthony decided to go into teaching as a career.
- How life experiences can help drive us toward education and create our "why" for teaching.
- Learning the roots and basics of classroom management while also connecting with students in an authentic manner.
- Establishing a strong set of classroom management strategies through lack of ambiguity, routines, and explicit modeling.
- Thoughts, feelings, and perspectives after the first experiences of teaching a full lesson.
- Goals for Anthony to work on during his first portion of student-teaching.
- Anthony's exit ticket question that we will get to hear now and observe change over time.
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Stephanie Noll shares her amazing journey in education and relocating for specific jobs and growth. After starting in the K-12 system, Stephanie became a full-time college professor, and then went BACK! It was amazing to hear the growth she made in those transitions.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Value of working for Teach for America to launch your career.
- Putting students and values above the content we teach.
- Reframing content to fit the goals we hope to accomplish with students and pursue those goals through curricular experiences.
- Rethinking the literature you use and the way you approach the classic literature in HS English classes.
- Sparking passion for students who do not enjoy reading.
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Ken and Matt recorded LIVE and in-person together for the first time at the Pennsylvania Education Technology Expo and Conference. They had a blast together and focused the conversation on attending conferences. These experiences are extremely valuable for teachers to learn, grow, network, and step outside their comfort zone. This podcast focuses on connecting educators and empowering everyone through voice. Conferences provide that experience at the highest level.
In This Episode We Cover
- Describe what can teachers expect when attending a conference.
- How to find conferences and the different types that are available.
- When a conference is not free, find opportunities to make it affordable and not use your own money.
- The power of hearing a good keynote.
- How the connections you make can create career-long networks.
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Mike Kuczala came back to the powerED Up Podcast to be our first repeat guest. We were thrilled to discuss his new book The Peak Performing Teacher. We are teaching in the most challenging time in the history of public education. The demand for teachers to navigate the pandemic and just the expanding responsibilities of a classroom teacher is putting us on the edge. Mike shares five key habits for success.
In This Episode We Cover
- Why teaching is so challenging right now.
- The realities of stress and stress management.
- Mike's stories of how the book was created.
- Stories of other teacher's habits of success.
- Mike's five key habits for success.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Our team sat down and had a great conversation with James Varlack. He brought a really unique perspective coupling his experience and school district culture together. Now working as a technology coach he shared insight into a framework to evaluate the technology. He shared the lessons he learned throughout the years of teaching in the classroom. We go through some heavy topics and how to approach them appropriately in the classroom.
In This Episode We Cover
- Utilizing content expertise and blending that together with well-designed lessons.
- Recognizing and acknowledging cultural differences among your student population and how to approach classroom community and instruction.
- Creating a lesson is much different from teaching a concept, a masterful teacher knows how to blend the two together.
- Creating a framework to decide on what technology to use in the classroom, how to use it, and when to use it.
- Utilizing current events and local involvement to develop meaningful and real-world lessons.
- Tapping into your past work experiences to bring real-world applications to the classroom.
- Harnessing the skills we learn in school to make a daily impact on our own lives.
- Key strategies for providing background knowledge for students from diverse backgrounds.
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When a teacher hits stride in the middle of the year, it can be one of the most challenging times of the year. Instruction rises to the top of our radar, but we can't abandon the fundamentals. This is the most important time to re-establish routines, classroom management expectations, and have FUN! Do not let the stress of the looming state tests create an environment that is rooted in pounding through instruction. Be more creative, have fun with students, and keep the positive culture at the forefront.
In This Episode We Cover
- A much too long debate over what is best: 2-hour delay, early dismissal, or a snow day.
- Re-establishing routines mid-year and how it is a much simpler process than the beginning of the year.
- Finding the balance of it all in a time of the year where pressure is high with state testing looming.
- How to tap into the strong relationships established with each student. Utilize those relationships to push students to accomplish more.
- We have the power of words to make a life-long impact on students.
- There will be moments where we change the trajectory of a student's life, and we may not even remember the moment.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
The burden of being an educator is heavy. Whether we are new to the profession or seasoned veterans, there is a demand put on teachers to do so much more outside of the daily responsibilities. As new teachers, we feel the need to do everything so we are noticed and hired. As we continue down the path, it is our job to support the many communities of a school. Students need clubs, sports, and events and schools need committees to grow. Matt and Ken talk about checks and systems to evaluate how teachers can take on extra burdens but not burnout.
In this Episode We Cover:
- Reflecting on the first few years, and how to manage it all.
- Evaluating our own personal circumstances and how that impacts our decisions in taking on extra responsibilities.
- The impact of seeing students outside of the classroom and how that helps our instructional approach.
- Strategies to be more efficient in our positions are to have more time to volunteer for extra responsibilities.
- The benefits and challenges of being an active school member.
- Creating structures and systems for sustainable programs.
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Dr. Matt Rhoads is an educator, coach, and leader well-grounded in the ed-tech space. He supports teachers and leaders on a daily basis and has not lost a connection to what is realistic. The conversation covers many topics, but he dives deep into specific topics. When asked tough questions, he provides great answers. No fluff. Tune in and follow along with Matt's journey and learn how to integrate more data and more technology into your classroom.
In This Episode We Cover:
- How to effectively utilize technology in the current state of education.
- Strategies for incorporating station rotation in a hybrid and blended teaching environment.
- How the necessity of education technology has gleaned light and tools that dramatically improve effective instructional strategies.
- Improving exit slips with digital formative assessments.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Eric Combs is a middle school band teacher coming off one of the greatest experiences of his career, visiting the White House as the 2020 Illinois Teacher of the Year. He has created an experience in a beginner-level band that is so unique, it has become copied worldwide. He is focused on student growth, student achievement, and student motivation. He worked diligently to create this program to a point where students drive the experience, and he is guiding them to true achievement.
In This Episode We Cover:
- The importance of data and the impact on instruction.
- How to use flipped instruction to enhance classroom experiences.
- What it takes to provide students with an individualized instructional experience.
- Flipped instruction and self-paced structures improve student rapport and relationships with teachers.
- When you do not teach for mastery, students fall behind and never catch up.
- The positive impact on self-paced instruction has impacted the interest in band and retention in the program.
- The utilization of check-ins to track student progress and guide them towards their next targets.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Running a successful school district is a complete operation of multiple departments, some including adults who are not certified, educators. The role of IT is vital for teachers to run a successful classroom. Teachers, students, and parents all depend on reliable and effective technology. There is so much that goes into the infrastructure, applications, and devices we use day in and day out. It is important for teachers to communicate effectively with the IT department and work collaboratively.
In This Episode We Cover
- Defining ed-tech and how all the components of IT work collaboratively together.
- Simple guidelines to decide whether or not to use an application in the classroom.
- Applications IT are used to support teachers.
- Developing tech literacy and setting goals for how to effectively instruct teachers and students.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Reaching Show 50 was a big milestone for us, and we wanted to take time to reflect on the experience. We spent time saying thank you to our listeners and our guests. We reflected on some of the most impactful moments from the show and our favorite quotes from previous guests. We've had so much inspiration from amazing educators and we want to continue to make sure we bring those moments, stories, and principles to our audience.
In This Episode We Cover
- What show 50 meant to each Matt and Ken.
- How our guests generated the same results, creating amazing classrooms, but accomplished it through so many different paths.
- The differentiated type of teachers we've had on our show.
- Matt and Ken share the lessons that stuck with them most and how it has impacted their day-to-day work with students and teachers.
- Taking a leap of faith in the classroom and picking up the pieces along the way.
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Creating an atmosphere to inspire and foster student passion is a challenge every teacher faces. Claire Clifford leads elementary through high school students in musical performances and class. Claire showcases her diverse expectations as a teacher transitioning from elementary music class, to high school vocal choir, to a community musical production, and preparing all of those students for a winter concert! She works tirelessly to create amazing productions, but the real beauty is in the daily learning that takes place each day in her classroom.
In This Episode We Cover:
- The use of the Hungarian Kodaly (Ko-die) method.
- Managing the multiple responsibilities of a music teacher and how that translates to the regular education classroom.
- How to incorporate cross-curricular learning opportunities in music class.
- Using teachable moments to develop background knowledge in other content areas.
- Transitioning ownership from the teacher to student, and the challenges we see as teachers in those transitions.
- Involving student choice in the curriculum and content of the classroom.
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Planning creative lessons is a skill every teacher can develop. We dive deep into a conversation specifically on how to plan creative lessons. It starts with knowing your why, what do you hope to accomplish and what are the learning targets? There will be failures, and that is okay! Our students are providing us feedback whether they intend to or not; we just have to look for it. Planning creative lessons can be time-intensive, but it doesn't need to be and we talk about exactly how.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Step one in planning a creative lesson starts with key questions and keeping your sights set on the original instructional goal.
- Failures are commonplace, and we hear specific lessons that failed with Ken.
- Criteria for what "failure" actually is with creative lessons and how to determine if it failed or succeeded.
- Using colleagues and students to reflect on the success of a lesson.
- Planning creative lessons can be a simple tweak in the lesson, as well as, time-intensive. We talk about both and when each is appropriate to use.
- Ken describes exactly how and where he gets his ideas for all of his creative lessons. It might not be exactly what you would think or what you want to hear!
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The opportunity to spend an hour with Adam Welcome is a true inspiration! He makes you feel like it is okay to do what students deserve most. As a former classroom teacher, principal, director of innovation, and now education influencer he provides details of the trenches and also a broad stroke view of how to approach instruction. The positive energy is palpable through the microphone to power up the entire audience! In the end, just try something different. The kids don't care if you know what you are doing, they care you are taking a risk.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Create a classroom where students will remember how special you made them feel.
- What #KidsDeserveIt and #TeachersDeserveIt mean and how it impacts the positivity of education.
- The expectations for utilizing creative lessons and how to involve students in the learning process.
- The process for moving students away from consumers and towards producers.
- When you want to change the look and feel of your class, don't overthink it. Make small changes one step at a time.
- Step back and look at your classroom, pay attention to all of the things you do and ask yourself "can a student do this instead of me?"
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Charles Williams is an inspirational, grounded, and motivated leader to creates change for students and teachers. We discuss the challenges teachers face to give it all to students. Charles shares his strategies for supporting teachers to create engaging environments for students and how to take risks from day one. He shares the importance of equity and the value of facing difficult conversations. It's not about what we want, but what our children need to be successful outside of the classroom.
In This Episode We Cover:
- How teachers can volunteer for extra-curricular activities and the positive impact it has on management and instruction.
- The value of attending after-school activities to support your students and community.
- Creating norms for students to be genuinely engaged and learning: everyday students must produce and collaborate with peers.
- The five principal permissions were established on day one for teachers to feel comfortable taking risks.
- The use of data and how it impacts a classroom teacher and school initiatives.
- How to have challenging conversations in education to provide the best resources and experiences for ALL students.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Rebecca Richardson is a positive beam of light in the world of education. She shares about her professional career prior to entering public education and how it impacted her teaching philosophies. She shares about her early journey and welcomes others into her room to help her grow as an educator. She has taken that philosophy and built a model of community education in her building for constant collaboration.
In This Episode We Cover
- The impact of a professional career prior to entering public education.
- Creating change amongst a team and department for the benefit of students.
- The benefit of being vulnerable with yourself and your teaching style is to grow as an educator.
- The benefits of observing colleagues and the challenges to make those experiences possible.
- Finding the small moments in lessons create great results.
- Growth grading, how it helps support students to grow and creates intrinsic motivation.
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The journey of teaching a child and making a positive impact on their life involves much more than a teacher's effort. It is a team approach and a team mission. Parents/guardians are a key player in that team, and parent-teacher conferences are something we should always value as educators. It can add extra stress, it can feel like one more thing, but it is a chance to align everyone to the goals of a child's growth. Ken and Matt talk about their experiences with conferences and the strategies they used to get everyone on the same page.
In This Episode We Cover:
- The best mindset to approach parent-teacher conferences.
- Strategies for starting the session.
- Data and other artifacts to bring to the conference.
- How to approach difficult conversations.
- Key strategies for everyone to leave the conference with to make an impact.
- Conversations to have with students the day after the conference.
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The use of data in a classroom is a powerful, necessary, and meaningful tool to utilize as a classroom teacher. Samantha has a great deal of experience supporting students with dropout prevention and teachers to create meaningful programs for students. She shares her unique experiences and how that best impacts education today. It is a tough conversation and one that requires a great deal of planning but it can have a big impact on students.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Defining data, where it comes from, and how it plays a major impact on daily classroom instruction.
- Strategies for collecting, using, analyzing, and implementing data-based instruction.
- Using asynchronous instruction combined with small group targetted instruction to differentiate for students.
- Helping your students develop a relationship with their own data to build more intrinsically motivated learners.
- Strategies for creating positive rapport with students.
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The journey of an educator is a challenge. It is a demanding position that requires all of our physical and emotional energy. Matthew Strine provides us honest feedback about his journey and how it has shaped his positive mindset on teaching today. We discuss key strategies and examples for incorporating real-world tasks in the classroom. Matthew shares the opportunities he is creating for students and how his high expectations create results they never dreamed to be true.
In This Episode We Cover:
- The difference between a lesson that models real-world examples and is an actual real-world experience.
- Entering students into competitions and setting the bar high.
- Providing personalized learning experiences for students and systems to differentiate those lessons.
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After facilitating a lesson, the time to think, reflect, and set action steps for the next attempt is key for growing as a teacher. Matt and Ken discuss what best practices for reflecting on lessons look like and how it applies to all K-12 educators. The process for a self-contained elementary teacher is much different that a middle school social studies teacher. Ken just wrapped up facilitating a lesson with two teachers he helped design in his role as an instructional coach. He reflects on the lesson and also shares adjustments that were made between attempts.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Effective questions to facilitate self-reflection.
- How to create digital breakouts to enhance the quality of a lesson.
- How to combine creativity with higher-level thinking skills to boost the productivity of a lesson.
- How to make adjustments between lessons and what to look for during the action.
- When planning a new activity, sometimes less is more.
- Judging the quality of a lesson and what can be enhanced.
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Professor Christopher P. Brown brings a calm, level-headed, realistic approach to what teaching and learning should look like for our youngest learners. The standards we set, the expectations we create, need to align to what students need to develop as young people, not the content policymakers feel are important. Chris shares key strategies for taking advantage of learning moments, explaining why, and being explicit with his instructional decisions.
In This Episode We Cover
- The power of explaining why we are learning what we are learning.
- How to be overly explicit with students and the benefits it offers.
- Using centers, play, and exploration to learn concepts.
- Fueling student questions and exploring those concepts to generate more questions.
- Encouraging students to view themselves as learners.
- Balancing curricular expectations with the lessons that truly matter.
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Events with parents and family members can be stressful, overwhelming, and a time that creates anxiety for teachers. Our host Matt Rogers just wrapped up his back-to-school night an hour before the recording. We dove deep into the topic and heard honest, organic reflections from Matt coming right off of the event. To quote Ken, "this is a crucial event" to help guide students towards success.
In This Episode We Cover:
- How to establish a team atmosphere working towards the success of the child.
- Approaches to the information communicated during the evening event.
- How to handle parents not attending.
- The importance of consistent parent communication.
- Constructing a clear agenda for the event and evaluating what can be conveyed afterward to all parents, even those that do not attend.
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Here is a show with twice the excitement for the price of one! Mario and Alberto, known as the ETwinz are two outstanding educators creating learning experiences for students like non-other. They relocated from Spain 6 years ago, and began teaching in the United States without knowing how to speak English. Their life experience blends with a student-centered teaching experience to inspire students to make mistakes, take risks, and solve problems. They teach in a Spanish immersion school; the approach to learning language builds skills to tackle all other subjects with a growth mindset.
In This Episode We Cover:
- A full immersion school and the learning experiences it creates.
- Taking personal risks and showcasing that courage to students.
- Social and emotional learning.
- Critical thinking skills.
- The connection between empathy and critical thinking is to be future-ready.
- Service-learning projects and community outreach.
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Dr. Erik Youngman is a dedicated educator bringing his professional and personal life experiences together to provide a well-rounded approach to his district. As the father of three daughters and husband to a speech pathologist, he is able to wear multiple hats in addition to his experience as a teacher, principal, and curriculum director. He encourages a holistic approach to teaching and constantly checking in with students to hear authentic feedback about how teaching and learning can improve. His main passions align with changing the narrative of homework and integrating a growth mindset.
In This Episode We Cover:
- The role of curriculum in the daily lessons.
- Approaching scripted programs and allowing fortitude to professionals.
- Implementing new programs and strategies.
- Strategies. for differentiation and targeting students
- The 12 Characteristics of Deliberate Homework
- Realistic expectations for homework to keep it meaningful and effective.
- How growth mindset fits into a daily lesson.
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Jorge Rodriguez is a physical education teacher from Saudi Arabia, relocated from Houston Texas. His calm presence, open mind, and willingness to take risks in is inspirational. After sharing the experience of moving his family across the globe, Jorge jumps into his key instructional strategies to run a democratic classroom. He provides specific examples of how his lessons are structured to create this type of learning environment.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Taking life risks to expand yourself personally and professionally.
- Adjusting your mindset around your students.
- Learning and supporting a school's local community to improve the culture.
- Creating meaningful physical education and how to encourage students to experience life through recognizing their interactions.
- Encouraging student choice and classroom autonomy
- Establishing meaningful, genuine, and long-lasting relationships with students.
- Creating, facilitating, and maintaining a democratic classroom.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
"I was able to align my head and my heart as a teacher." Those words of inspiration were one of many from Abby French, a middle school social studies teacher from Virginia. In our conversation with Abby, we learned how she works as a local advocate for her teachers and schools, creates passion and excitement in the classroom, and facilitates student-centered learning. She finds ways to teach history through empathy and connect the past to the present. Abby is an incredible teacher and her work goes well beyond the curricular standards.
In This Episode We Cover
- How to act as a local advocate for the benefit of teachers and public education.
- The responsibility of every individual teacher is to share their story and classroom with the public.
- Practical steps to create a student-centered classroom.
- What is truly involved in being a classroom facilitator.
- How to strengthen a school and district through teacher retention.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Dr. Tracy Scott Kelly went through every effort to record this podcast, the passion and enthusiasm are palpable from the moment it began. He is a dedicated, relentless educator always striving to do his best for students. He has made a career out of special education, whether it is a five-student or 25 student caseload he does everything necessary to see the success of those students. Tracy is inspirational to push for change, step out of our comfort zone, and make a positive influence on education.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Explicit examples for how to best support special education students.
- Strategies for inclusion as a regular education teacher.
- Best practice for least restrictive environments.
- The motivation behind passionate teaching.
- How to be a positive light for students and families.
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Christopher Albrecht is a humble, committed, passionate, and inspirational educator for everyone to look up to. For 24 years Christopher has impacted countless lives of students and is committed to the betterment of his community. As a community member himself, he serves as a role model for all. Christopher shares his insight on how to make new teachers more successful and to prevent burnout. His approach to classroom management is powerful. This podcast is a must-listen for educators in pre-service education all the way to teachers approaching retirement.
In This Episode We Cover:
- How to immerse yourself in the teaching experience for the betterment of students.
- Combining great teaching of standards with great teaching of life and taking advantage of teachable moments.
- Defining success and greatness as a teacher.
- Strategies for effective classroom management that will improve the quality of teaching and the community of the room.
- The mindset is necessary to make every year a successful year.
- Strategies for more effective lessons on writing.
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Imagine walking into your child's fifth-grade classroom two days before the first day of school for an open house and seeing 30 desks and chairs in a pile. Ken Ehrmann's parents and children went through this very experience, and it was all by design. Ken shares how he launched his year through a student-centered experience to completely immerse the students into the room. The phrase "we share this room together" took on a whole new meaning.
In This Episode We Cover:
- How to approach the first minute, the first hour, and the first day of school.
- What our top priorities should be for students and teachers.
- First impressions are a two-way street.
- Rethinking your classroom space and design.
- Setting one simple goal for the first day of school: make sure every student is excited to come back for the second day.
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Casey Jakubowski is a passionate advocate for teacher well-being and preventing burnout. His desire to support new and veterans teachers come from a place of experiencing burnout himself. He is a former high school civics teacher and has worked many years in the pre-service training of teachers. He provides motivation to grow as a teacher and actionable steps to do so.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Defining the difference between civics education and social studies.
- Creating simulation-based experiences to learn important concepts.
- The value of teaching a civics mindset and supporting our society.
- Defining teacher burnout and actionable steps to avoid it.
- How to surround yourself with mentors and colleagues to support your own well-being.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Cara Bowerman is teaching and coaching her passions and influencing young adults to pursue the same. As a high school art teacher, Cara has the unique experience to work with students passionate about the content and interested in growing their own skills. She doesn't assume this will create instant buy-in. Cara works hard to develop real respect from her students and to promote an environment of risk-taking. Her students are supported and encouraged to do their own version of "best".
In This Episode we Cover:
- Strategies for creating risk-taking environments and the power of "yes".
- Leveraging real-world opportunities to create authentic audiences.
- Methods for conducting peer reviews and critique sessions.
- How to evaluate students without devaluing their effort, time, and passion.
- Inspiration to believe in yourself and help others find something to believe in.
- Keeping lessons relevant and exciting.
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Linda Rost is the 2020 Montana Teacher of the Year. From the moment the podcast begins it is evident as to why she has earned those accolades. The learning experiences she creates are all designed around one goal, to improve student learning. She provides students with the opportunity to redesign a local lake, and challenge the decisions made by the Department of Interior on endangered species. Her passion is palpable and the podcast will truly leave you feeling powerED Up!
In this episode, we cover:
- Connecting the community to the classroom.
- Creating inspiration in the community to reach for the stars.
- Creating a culture of learning and cross-curricular experiences.
- Starting with big ideas and how to strategically lesson plan.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Connecting with a large group of students year after year is a teacher's highest priority but also a major challenge. Stacie Lawler uses an open, authentic, and honest approach to accomplish such a task. As a Health and P.E. teacher, Stacie wears many hats and one she has added to her collection is the daunting task of mental health. In 2014, Stacie was faced with her own challenges of mental health as a parent. This translated into an endless mission to change the narrative in her school, state, and now the country. Stacie shares great advice, practical strategies, and encouragement for approaching this topic with young adults.
In This Episode We Cover:
- How to approach mental health conversations with children and young adults.
- Resources available to help support our own knowledge and understanding.
- The importance of awareness and proper training on mental health.
- The eight sources of strength support a healthy mindset.
- How to approach administration to create change in your classroom and curriculum.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Creating lesson plans, how exciting! In pre-service education, most aspiring teachers will spend many classes and assignments designing lesson plans in different templates all to find out that every district has its own expectations for design and components. If you are a ten-year teacher, do you even need to write lesson plans? Matt and Ken have very conflicting answers. In this episode, the two co-hosts debate over the purpose, relevancy, and value of lesson plans.
In This Episode We Cover:
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The purpose of writing lesson plans.
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How a new teacher and veteran teacher should each approach lesson planning.
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Using your instructional style to guide the lesson plan format.
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How to keep your current students at the forefront of planning.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Creating an integrated wellness approach is so much more than "teaching gym class". Bo Shappell shares the truth about physical education and the future of this class in public education. Bo's approach is focused on improving the lives of his students and the way they think about themselves. Bo shares how he is combining the curriculum of health with the movement of physical education to create his integrated wellness course. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is at the core of instruction. Additionally, how he and his students self-reflect is a strategy every teacher could incorporate into daily practice.
In This Episode We Cover
- Defining Integrated Wellness.
- How to create lessons for students to self-reflect.
- Technology integration strategies.
- Defining Social and Emotional Learning.
- The five competencies of Social and Emotional Learning.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
If it works for one, then it works for all. Designing a learning space where students have real choices to fit their learning needs and modalities is a powerful environment to thrive. Kyle Niemis shares how he combines Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Flipped Learning to create an amazing learning culture. The four-step process to supporting students in a choice-based learning environment is a strategy all teachers can copy and use. He explains the pros and cons, the troubles and triumphs, and sets realistic explanations. He also shares how he is supporting teachers with two innovative products, ClassroomQ and My Edtech Bundle.
In This Episode We Cover
- Define Universal Design for Learning.
- Define Flipped Learning.
- Compare and Contrast a Flipped Classroom with Flipped Learning.
- Strategies for creating your own flipped lessons.
- Realistic expectations for creating and maintaining this learning environment.
- Creating meaningful check-ins with students and helping them navigate choice-based learning.
- Kyle's four-step process to a flipped learning and UDL classroom.
- Kyle's product ClassroomQ and My Edtech Bundle.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Nick Snyder is a South Carolina Teacher of the Year turned administrator. Nick dives deep into the story of "Mr. Snyder" highlighting his passions as a classroom teacher and what students valued most about his classroom. He shares his experience in both middle school and high school English. He provides a great perspective discussing his switch into administration, serving as the assistant principal of his same school. This show brings humility to teaching and a re-centered approach to the human factor of public education. Finally, he shares his biggest passion related to keeping teacher's tanks full.
In This Episode We Cover
- Establishing strong routines, procedures, and the keys to preparation for successful lessons.
- Establishing both classroom and school-wide relationships to set the stage for successful collaboration.
- What the "it" factor is for teachers and how we can recognize it in others.
- Effective strategies for teaching argumentative writing.
- Strategies to keep our own passions thriving and how to support a culture of teachers running on full tanks.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Summer break has finally arrived for all teachers around the country! This year tested the patience, willpower, and dedication of all teachers. They stepped up and crushed it. Summertime is about unplugging, relaxing, and recharging the batteries. The summer of 2021 is going to be the most important time for teachers to do this. Matt and Ken talk about their summer goals, strategies, and plans for the most effective rejuvenation.
In This Episode We Cover
- Why summer is so important.
- Matt's summer vacation plans.
- Ken's summer family plans.
- Strategies for truly stepping away from teaching while still feeling like you accomplished something to prepare for the upcoming year.
- How to utilize summer for creativity.
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Kyle Bragg, the SHAPE America 2021 National Teacher of the Year, brings amazing ideas to all teachers in all content areas. He is an inspiration to students, a role model for teachers, and a positive voice in education. As an elementary physical education teacher, he creates a classroom dynamic that is engaging, empowering, and safe for all students. He focuses on praising the characteristics and actions that all students can do, not just the athletically superior students. His specific strategies for praise, differentiation and modeling are something all teachers can strive to incorporate.
In This Episode We Cover
- Effective strategies for providing praise including: being specific, proximity praising, and the sandwich.
- How to use GIFs to increase student independence and successful lessons.
- Strategies for empowering students to make decisions and encourage classmates.
- How to incorporate soft skills into classroom instruction.
- Specific examples of real-world learning experiences in physical education classes.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Maggie McHugh is a middle school teacher from Wisconsin focused on project-based learning. For some, PBL is a special week or one unit. Not for Maggie, it is her class all day, every day. Maggie demystifies PBL and provides the listeners with actionable steps towards how to build your students and yourself towards the capacity for PBL. At the beginning of the show, we dive deep into a very intense moment in her classroom related to student identity. As Maggie says herself, "the best Maggie has yet to come." She shows what it means to be a passionate, dedicated educator.
In this episode we cover:
- Approaching student identity and LQBTQ topics
- Incorporating social justice into learning
- Whattup Wednesday
- Tackling challenging conversations with a class
- Examples of Project-Based Learning
- Building capacity for independent learning
- Teaching math with Tinkercad
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Elisabeth Bostwick is a former elementary classroom teacher, instructional coach, educational consultant, and published author. She has an amazing perspective on inspiring creative, student-centered learning. She provides actionable steps to develop these learning experiences in any classroom.
Some specific topics include:
- Design loop
- Empathy
- Student voice/choice
- Integrating STEM
- Student-centered learning
- Visible thinking routines
- See think wonder
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
Cathy Koenig is Director of Student Services for Pequea Valley School District. She has a diverse background of teaching as she worked her way to a high-level administration position. Her diverse experience has provided her with insight and advice applicable to all K-12 educators, both regular education and special education. She provides the audience with excellent strategies to help meet the needs of all learners.
In This Episode We Cover
- Defining and explaining Specially Designed Instruction (SDI).
- How to appropriately support and challenge learners.
- Create modifications and differentiation strategies for students.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support
As quoted by the host Ken Ehrmann, "effective classroom transition keep teachers hydrated". When Matt and Ken sat down to tackle this conversation, it was supposed to be a quick brainstorm of what transitions look like and how they can best support effective teaching. They weren't expecting it to go for 45 minutes, but the content is high-quality. They discuss key strategies, ways to incorporate technology, and how to handle hybrid or fully virtual classes. Ken's main message is to put more on the students to make it less stressful for teachers.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Defining common elements of elementary transitions.
- Defining common elements of secondary transitions.
- Matt shares some of his favorite strategies for moving elementary students from subject to subject.
- Ken discusses strategies to systemize and standardize transitions while still maintaining excitement and engagement.
- Ken shares his approach to connecting a lesson's closure to the following days opening for the most effective transitions.
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Zach has many unique perspectives through his educational journey translating into supportive and realistic expectations for teachers. Zach moved from Ohio to South Carolina to teach South Carolina history! His strong work ethic and focus on relationships helped him build a strong foundation in the community as a teacher leader. Zach transitioned into a role as a curriculum coach for his school. We discuss strategies for capturing teachable moments and maintaining curricular pacing expectations.
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Stephanie brings passion, insight, and practical lesson ideas from the first question! The energy of this podcast is off the charts, and the lessons provide an equal punch. Stephanie is an elementary teacher and differentiation coach. She shines a much-needed light on the gifted population of students. She provides amazing strategies for improving differentiation for the benefit of all learners. Any teacher, K-12, can come out of this interview with strategies for supporting and challenging students. Get your pen and paper ready!
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Ryan has the special opportunity and tough responsibility of teaching his middle school students "leadership". This broad topic is focused on social and emotional learning, character development, relationships, and really understanding themselves. Ryan makes it obvious why this is one of the most important classes and experiences his students have. These topics are so often treated as "if we have time" in public education. Ryan shares why this is THE topic everyone in public education needs to experience.
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Cindy Soule is the 2021 Maine Teacher of the Year. It is quite obvious, from beginning to end, why she has earned those accolades. She is focused on developing hard-working students, that care for themselves and others, and are ready to tackle real-world problems with grit. One of her favorite messages to convey to other teachers is that "every teacher's superpower is belief in students." Real, genuine belief. To top it off, Cindy dives deep into her strategies for inquiry-based learning and how they can impact a student's ability to learn to read.
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Laura Boyd is an incredible Spanish teacher focused on creating the best experience for students. She starts with a purposeful plan to establishing a positive rapport with each student and a welcoming community in her classroom. It transitions into experiences where students are forced to use the language in restaurants and stores speaking only Spanish.
This is a must-listen for all teachers!
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Lee Carlson will do anything to ensure his students, and all students in his district have a positive experience. He will even drive the bus, seriously, he is driving the bus this year. Lee is big on harnessing his own growth mindset and modeling it for students. He shares specific lessons forcing students to harness a growth mindset to find success.
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In this show, Matt and Ken compare their own personal approach to how they "train" their students on using technology tools in the classroom. Their personal approach could not be farther apart. They both heavily utilize technology in the classroom. Matt has a beginning of the year "boot camp" to whip his students into shape. Ken has his trademarked "blended objectives" approach he integrates throughout the year.
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Dr. Sam Fecich has flipped the switch on what it means to prepare the next generation of educators. Her innovative undergraduate course on ed-tech is innovative and relevant. She creates engaging lessons but more importantly the opportunity for authentic and real-world mentorship. Additionally, she provides the listeners with staple ed-tech tools and amazing criteria to evaluate all other tools.
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As educators, we have the opportunity to create a lasting impact on young peoples' lives. Jessyca Mathews takes this responsibility and opportunity very seriously. Her students are dedicated to advocating for positive change in their local communities. She utilizes real-world instruction to engage the students with current and relevant topics. Jessyca offers great inspiration for navigating heavy topics and doing so with grace. She also shares some strategies for using alternative media in writing courses.
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Kinesthetic learning is an instructional strategy much deeper and more important than brain breaks. The author of the book The Kinesthetic Classroom, Mike Kuczala, tells the truth about this teaching style. He provides actionable tips and specific lesson examples of what kinesthetic teaching looks like and how to best integrate it into any classroom. This instructional style was a core component of Ken's classroom, and the conversation is rich with authentic reflections. Mike shares the 6 core foundations of kinesthetic learning and provides specific examples for each pillar.
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Ken and Matt go toe to toe in a "look at a lesson" smackdown! Watch and listen as they duke out one of their favorite experiences they provide for students! Okay, so there are no figure-four leg locks or chokeholds in this show, but Ken and Matt dive deep into what is becoming the most popular segment of the show, you know, the one that has a different name every episode. Ken and Matt have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the lessons of the guests, so they run through the questions with each other.
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In this show, we interview an outstanding and inspirational educator Amy Rehberg. This 28-year veteran started her career as an English teacher and transitioned into becoming an ELL teacher. She had one reason for this change; she saw a need to help this population of students. She has made profound impacts on her school and district to help support these students and push them to thrive. This episode will truly leave you feeling powerED Up!
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Ken and Matt interview Susan Jachymiak, a third-year teacher from Illinois. She brings authentic insight, raw discussions, and insightful reflections for such a young teacher. We dive deep into her use of social media and how vulnerability has helped her grow. This can serve as a guide for young teachers and a reminder to our veteran teachers of what is important to remember for a classroom.
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In this show Wade dives deep into the strategies and programs in place to advocate for student success; especially in a struggling rural community. Wade will provide the listeners with actionable steps to implement a more differentiated and personalized approach to instruction. He completes the interview by sharing his "dream lesson" he plans to implement with students.
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In this episode, we interview Rhett Oldham, a secondary social studies teacher from Missouri. Rhett provides the listeners with inspirational lessons and actionable takeaways for classroom instruction. He thrives on creating an atmosphere where students are passionate to learn, excited to share, and encouraged to offer ideas.
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We interview Mike Creed, an incredible elementary teacher. We follow his unconventional journey into education while being inspired by his work ethic to launch his career. Most of all, we learn about Mike's classroom culture, which he has branded as Creeds Crew. Mike provides our listeners with actionable steps to raise the game in your lessons and how to focus on student development. His differentiation strategies exemplify how we can support all students.
All of the details from this episode can be found at www.powereduup.com/show2
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Welcome to the powerED Up Podcast! Listen to this episode to meet your host Ken Ehrmann and his co-host Matt Rogers. We will discuss our goals and vision for the podcast as well as provide some background information on our experience as classroom educators.
Join us on our journey where we focus on talking to classroom teachers to find inspiration in their success to improve our craft as educators.
All of the details shared in this episode can be found at www.powereduup.com/show1
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poweredup/support