Apples & Coffee: Recent Episodes

Gary Stephen King II

About education For those interested in education By those in education.

This is a podcast for teachers and those interested in education, made by teachers in the trenches. We cover various topics such as teaching during Covid, technology integration in lessons, and light-hearted stories of student and teacher experiences.

In addition, we answer questions for those interested in getting into education, new arrivals, or veterans looking for a new perspective. My guest and I do not have all of the answers. We do not claim to be experts, but we are open-minded solution-oriented with various levels of classroom experience. This is not a place where endless complaining takes place. If an issue is brought forth, a possible solution will be discussed.

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Hello everyone, we apologize for the long delay. Now that life is back on track, my co-host Valeria Morales and guest Melissa Pierce discuss the pros and cons of social media in the classroom. In addition, we discuss the challenges of incorporating technology into the classroom and lessons. Thank you for listening and it feels good to be back.

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On today's episode of Apples & Coffee, my guests Valeria Morales and Jesse Acosta share their personal experiences about working in and with non-profits. Jesse is actually the co-founder of Pasos for Oak Cliff, and Valeria was the Program Director for Eagle Scholars. In the episode, we discuss the purpose and thoughts behind each organization. Moreover, we share our issues and potential ways they could be addressed. Lastly, we look forward to 5 years and share where we want to go. There are links to both organizations in the description below. https://www.pasosforoc.org/ (https://www.pasosforoc.org/) https://www.vmydf.com/eagle-scholars-program#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20EAGLE%20Scholars,college%20degree%20as%20their%20goal. (https://www.vmydf.com/eagle-scholars-program#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20EAGLE%20Scholars,college%20degree%20as%20their%20goal.)

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Today my guests Melissa Pierce and Genciano Clotter discuss Classroom Culture and Management. First, we dive into our past experiences and how those experiences influence our teaching today. Secondly, we share the struggles of creating robust systems that make a positive and safe learning environment. Lastly, we share words of hope as a new school year is about to begin.

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In today's episode, my co-host Patrick and I talk with Danielle Moss about what a day looks like as a teacher. We start with morning routines, from getting to the building and setting up. Next, there is a side discussion about music and its benefits. In addition, we share how we handle challenging emotions such as sadness and anger. Lastly, we share sweet moments that make our days special and the class periods that have significantly impacted us.

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In today's episode, Patrick and I interview Mrs. Sandra Barrios, the principal of the newly combined Jack Lowe elementary and Sam Tasby middle school. We discuss the type of teachers suited for this work and the unknown difficulties that principals face. In addition, focus on cultivating leadership in teachers and what to expect for the upcoming school year. Lastly, we share words of optimism for the upcoming year.

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I apologize for the delay baby Skylar came a little early. I am joined today by my new co-host Patrick Joiner and guest, Sarah Rose. In today's episode, we will examine the 2021-2022 school year and the adjustments we had to make. Secondly, we discuss leadership and co-workers and their impact on us. Lastly, we will explore our struggles and successes, professionally and personally.

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My guests, Patrick Joiner, and Nadia Helmy, join me in a discussion focused on our return to school during the 2020-2021 school year. We first explore what our campuses did to prepare for students and staff's return. Next, we look at how students handled the transition back to in-person learning and how our teaching style had to adjust. Lastly, we share what lessons we took away from our experiences.

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Today we explore teaching during the beginning parts of the Covid Pandemic. My guests Daniel, Genesis, and I look at our school's initial responses to the pandemic and our personal reactions. In addition, we examine how we adjusted teaching from home and the most significant lessons learned. Last, we discuss our personal takeaways and look at the more critical implications.

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Teaching is stressful, and during this Covid era, those stress levels have exponentially increased. We look to address it as the year ends to try to step up listeners for success going into the next school year. My guests and I explore self-care and its importance to our profession. We discuss the positive aspects of self-care, try to provide helpful advice, and encourage those who listen to advocate for their self-care.

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Today, my guests, Ms. Haddad, Ms. Benson, and Mr. Joiner, are current middle school educators in Texas and Georgia. Today we discuss how we got into education and why we remain. Who influenced us as educators, and what challenges do we currently face. Lastly, we try to impart advice to those who are teachers, those who wish to enter the profession, or those interested in the minds of educators.