Teachers Like Us: Recent Episodes
Teachers Like Us
What does it mean to be educated for today's modern learner? With the rise in technology, is education a dying field? Are teachers necessary?Join middle school teachers Alyssa and Andre as they explore the ins and outs of today's education system through the lens of equity and social justice. Each episode will explore relevant topics in education from the perspective of two black teachers in an urban school setting.
The TLU duo is back with another episode! Join Alyssa and Andre as they unpack end of the year celebrations and all of the movement that is happening from principal reassignments to Minister of Education appointments. It's Real Teachers. Real Talk.
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The TLU duo have been on a roller coaster throughout this year and like most teachers even though they have held on it seems that they are at the tipping point of this wild ride. Join Alyssa and Andre on this week's episode where they discuss the value of a strong school community and the impact their current roles have had on their overall scope of the teaching profession. It's Real Teachers. Real Talk.
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It's been a while but the TLU duo has reintroduced podcasting into their already busy schedules. Join Alyssa and Andre on this week's episode where they get into some of their inner thoughts about the education system and answer questions like "What would you do if you sat in 'the big chair'?" and "Can a colleague ever become a friend?". Get caught up with your favourite or not so favourite educators. Its Real Teachers. Real Talk.
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Being a Dance Mom comes with its own set of struggles; microaggressions are not supposed to be one of them. On this week's episode of TLU Alyssa and Andre unpack how extra-curricular experiences have an effect on how students present themselves in the classroom on a day-to-day basis. Are we recognizing the shield or invisible backpack that our students walk with everyday? Tune in as they answer this question and more.
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The crew has gone from being fired to being a part of the 'hunger games' to getting interviews for new positions. On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre bring this job security mini series to a close. Tune in to find out if they have secured jobs for next school year or if they are joining the winds of change and throwing their applications at new teaching positions. It's Real Teachers. Real Talk.
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Positions are posted, interviews coming in and change is happening. Tune into this week's episode of TLU where Alyssa and Andre give updates on their current employment situations and discuss some of the great things happening in schools during Black History Month. It's Real Teachers. Real Talk.
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The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotions. Yes, they still are fired but there is reason to celebrate because the provincial government is making Black History mandatory learning. Tune in to this weeks episode of TLU as Alyssa and Andre share some behind the scene details around the "reconstructing of department position" and give their takes on the announcement from the provincial government.
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Yes. The title is real. Tune in to find out why and how on this weeks episode of Teachers Like Us.
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Back from the winter break and into a new year! Tune into the Teachers Like Us Duo of Alyssa and Andre as they discuss a problem that no one seems to be talking about anymore; what happened to the supply teachers? Are people tired of complaining? Or Has the teaching profession fallen to the bottom of the list of career choices?
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The Winter Break is finally here! Tune into this week's episode where Alyssa and Andre give out some tips for teachers as we head into the highly anticipated break and how to start the another new year in the classroom.
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Life has been LIFEING but the TLU Team is back with a topic that schools have been focusing on around the world; cellphone usage. Tune in as Alyssa and Andre provide tips for parents, discuss healthy social media habits and unpack the potential risks that come with having "keyboard courage". It's Real Teachers. Real Talk.
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On this week's episode of TLU, Alyssa and Andre debate the saying of "those who can't do, teach". Is it a fact or a fallacy? Also there is very unexpected guest that makes an appearance on the show. To see who it is, check out the visual experience of this episode live on YouTube!
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Teacher memes, mental health checks and reminiscing about being teaching partners for 3 months. On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Andre and Alyssa attempt to save themselves from early teacher burnout with stories and laughter. Join in on the fun and remember you can now watch this episode on YouTube!
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It's crazy to think we live in a world where you can double tap the "wrong" post or make a comment that isn't widely accepted and all of a sudden you wake up to find your home address posted for the world to see. On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us Alyssa and Andre get into this new "doxxing culture" and what that could mean for teachers.
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Schools are experiencing violence and schools are being told that the solution is building authentic relationships. Is that really true? What happens next when we are not seeing positive outcomes? On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre talk about how visiting pasts students can remind someone why they became a teacher, Andre's 1st week in his new role, and the class system amongst teachers.
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Trendy Teachers are doing anything to go viral nowadays. Is getting likes and comments more important than positively impacting your school community? Check out this week's episode of Teachers Like Us as Andre and Alyssa talk about leaving schools, starting new jobs and how to get some of these teachers off of social media.
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It's the kick off to a new season of Teachers Like Us. Tune in as Alyssa and Andre get caught up on the first week of school, new positions and the struggles happening within the school board. It's Real Teachers. Real Talk.
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Season 5 of Teachers Like Us has come to an end. Join Alyssa and Andre as they relive end of year celebrations, reveal teaching assignment updates and more on the final episode of the 2022-2023 school year!
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On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre revisit the anonymous letters from schools in Ontario to see who is really at fault for the problems we have been witnessing throughout this school year. It looks like it time to ruffle some MORE feathers!
For the Love of It
For the Love of It isn't just a podcast about good conversation. It's a podcast about...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts
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On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre give their opinion on the recent allegations of violence that have been going on at schools in Ontario.
NonTrivial
Nontrivial is a podcast that looks to uncover deep patterns in life, discussing them at...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The secret is out! Teachers have favourite students. On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre discuss the criteria of a typical favourite student. Do you pass the test? Would you have been considered your teacher's favourite student? Tune in to find out.
Have you ever witnessed a situation at school where you were sure one of the students involved would be suspended; only for that student to be back at school the next day? On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre address some of the reasons why that student was allowed to be at school the next day and why building community with boundaries is necessary for student growth.
Can you name at least one teacher that showed they cared about you? The Premiere, the Minister of Education and the media make it seem as if good teachers do not exist in the profession or that teachers are only in the profession for the money. On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre combat some of the negative perspectives constructed about teachers.
Ford wants to lower the education requirements for police officers? How is our community going to be impacted by this? What is the plan for the shortages in other public sectors like education and nursing? Join Alyssa and Andre on this week's episode of Teachers Like Us as they try to decipher the initiatives being presented by the government in Ontario.
"Minister Lech" is back again with more paperwork and zero clarity. On this week's episode of Teacher Like Us, Alyssa and Andre highlight some interesting takeaways from Bill 98, The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act. Is this going to take education a step in the right direction or is this an attempt to have more control over the education system?
Are the actions classless or are they a regular day in the life of the Queen of Trash Talk? Join Alyssa and Andre as they discuss the media turmoil that took place during the NCAA March Madness Women's Basketball Final and how it is related to the stigmas Black students face in the classroom.
"Differentiate for every child" but "have the same expectations for all" but "adjust your expectations to the child". How do you look for the same results while having every student do something different? On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre discuss the tug of war that all teachers wrestle with on a day-to-day basis; balance.
On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre discuss equity work and how we have floated so high in creating and unpacking theory that it may not be serving the actual people it was meant to serve; the bunnies.
The kids are not alright and no one seems to have a solution to the problems we are seeing in classrooms around the world. Tune into this week's episode of Teachers Like Us as Andre and Alyssa try to unpack the madness and look for ways teachers and parents can work to help our kids.
Teachers are burnt out, students don't like school and the system doesn't have the answers to fix things. On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre try to pull back the curtain to explore the root causes of the issues happening in Education today. Is it the kids, the teachers or the government?
A week has passed since the dynamic TLU duo has parted ways. Tune into this weeks episode as Alyssa and Andre talk about adjusting to their new roles and Alyssa pulls back the curtain on what it' s like to work at the school board office, not just for a school board.
The day has finally come. Today is Alyssa's last day as a Guidance Counsellor, which means the crew is breaking up. Tune into this week's episode as Andre and Alyssa "find the joy" in what is a sad moment in their bestie friendship.
Hey educators! Have you figured out what your class and/or school is doing for Black History Month? Well you've come to the right place. On this week's episode, Alyssa and Andre break down some tips you can use to successfully integrate and highlight the history and accomplishments of the African Diaspora in your school.
On this week's episode of TLU, Andre talks about how important his friendship with Alyssa is and the two discuss the importance of having support in the learning environment is.
Happy New Year Listeners! Check out this week's episode of TLU as Alyssa and Andre talk about how they decided to "turn in their poor cards" and unpack the importance of having school climate lessons at every school. Stay to the end to hear tips on how to create your climate lessons for your own school!
People who are not in the teaching profession tend to make complaints about teachers getting "time off". On this week's episode of TLU, Alyssa and Andre are here to address the Winter Break Haters! Tune into the last episode of 2022.
Season 5 Episode 10
During this week's episode Alyssa and Andre talk about how life is represented on social media, along with how to impact the mental health of students in schools where time is never in abundance. We would also like to send our condolences to the friends, family and adoring fans of Stephen Boss aka Twitch, a World Icon.
"To Protect and Serve"? Government officials in Ontario are proposing that police officers need to be reestablished in K-12 schools. Tune in this week as Andre and Alyssa discuss if this proposition is the best thing for our students and overall school community.
Life has been beyond hectic! Deadlines, school fights and trainings are a small portion of what has been happening with the cast of Teachers Like Us. Check out this week's episode as Alyssa and Andre look to get their podcast lives back in order.
Has social media created children who no longer enjoy playing outside? On this weeks episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre unpack how technology has been affecting students at school and at home.
Queens On A Roll
This podcast was created to educate & inspire people about the ably different...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
As a teacher, what do you do when a parent or student makes a complaint about you? On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre navigate a problem that many teachers face when trying to build relationships with their students and parent community.
In Ontario, contract negotiations for teachers are about to begin. Tune into this week's episode as Alyssa and Andre relive some of the memories of being on strike in 2020 and give their thoughts on what school may look like as we get into these contract negotiations.
In Ontario, contract negotiations for teachers are about to begin. Tune into this week's episode as Alyssa and Andre relive some of the memories of being on strike in 2020 and give their thoughts on what school may look like as we get into these contract negotiations.
Imagine finishing one job just to come home to start another job. EVERY NIGHT!! On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre dive into the complexities that come with juggling a teaching career and a full time parenting gig.
September 19th 2022 marks the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Join Alyssa and Andre as they breakdown some of the controversy around making this world wide event a teachable moment in the classroom.
The first week of school has come and gone in a blur! Tune into the Teachers Like Us duo as they provide tips on reconnecting with students at the start of a new school year and share how they are adjusting to their new roles.
Teachers Like Us is back with new season! Tune into this seasons first episode where Alyssa and Andre drop some BIG NEWS to kick off the school year.
After a 25 episode long season, Alyssa and Andre wrap season 4 of TLU. Tune into this week's episode as they discuss the school year coming to an end, the joys of middle school graduation and what their plans are for the upcoming school year.
As we are in graduation mode, this hot topic as come up in education; should we continue to have academic and character awards at graduation services? Tune into this week's episode as Alyssa and Andre discuss there thoughts on this topic and more.
If your favourite principal called you to join them and change schools, would you? Tune into this week's episode of Teacher Like Us as Alyssa and Andre unpack this question along with in-school relationships, because heartbreak is in the air.
You let him win by a landslide!? On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre discuss the importance of recognizing the value that teachers have in making the school building an engaging learning environment. They also unpack the results from the 2022 Ontario Premier elections.
On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre discuss the academic and emotional pressure students are under as they are trying to understand not just what they want to learn, but how they learn. They also discuss the tragic incident that took place at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Most teachers have their calendars set to countdown to the end of the school year by now; but in Ontario, EQAO standardized testing is taking place. Tune into the this week's episode as Alyssa and Andre share their thoughts on why testing 8 year old students is not the best way to support ministry initiatives.
So students are getting arrested for their croppy crop tops now? On this week's episode Alyssa and Andre revisit the dress code debate. Tune in as they dive into questions around how clothing is deemed acceptable, is there are way to have no dress code and still establish boundaries and who are dress codes usually penalizing.
SUNS OUT GUNS OUT! As the weather gets warmer, the expressive style choices of students can have the playground look like a Bel-Air mansion pool party. Join Alyssa and Andre on this week's episode as they question the need for dress codes in schools.
There is 2 months left in the school year and burnout is slowly creeping back in. In trying to keep spirits up and moral high in your school building can people find you to be "too much"? Tune in as Alyssa and Andre as they examine the feeling of being unappreciated and maybe taking up too much space in the school.
Do teachers that focus on building relationships find it difficult to create boundaries? Should note taking periods be abandoned? Do "Pinterest Teachers" lack the ability to actually teach? These questions and more are answered as Alyssa and Andre unpack the differences between old and new school teaching practises.
Were you seen as a "cool kid" when you were in middle school? How does your "what makes a cool kid" criteria match up to today's middle school "cool kid"? Alyssa and Andre tackle these questions and more in this episode that is rooted in building connections with the students in your building.
Alyssa and Andre have built this podcast on giving their listeners a behind the scene look into the minds of teachers and the day to day inner workings of a school building. "It's Real Teachers. Real Talk". But can "Real Talk" actually be gossip? Tune in as Alyssa and Andre share their thoughts on teacher gossip.
Could you be a principal? Join Alyssa and Andre as they wrestle with a question that so many teachers are faced with as they grow and look for the next steps in their education education.
Teachers are leaving the profession, qualified teachers are scared to come into the building and teacher morale is at an all time low. Join Alyssa and Andre as they unpack some of the reasons that have caused the current world wide teacher shortage.
On this week's episode Alyssa and Andre unpack some topics outside of the teaching the world. This is Teachers Like Us "After Hours". It's Real Teachers. Real Talk.
Alyssa and Andre are in different variations of vacation mode for this episode. Tune in as they discuss the new mask mandates and Covid-19 restrictions that are being lifted when they return to school after March Break.
Spring Break is approaching! However, this also means that Young Love Fever is in the air. Tune in to this weeks episode as Alyssa and Andre breakdown tips for teachers, students and parents as we all navigate the nuances of relationships.
Alyssa and Andre are usually big advocates of building relationships with the students in your classroom and school. But, what happens when the student doesn't want to have relationship with you? Can a relationship be repaired after a student tries to physically fight you? Or tell stories about you? Tune in as they discuss the challenges that come with building student.-teacher relationships.
On this week's episode of Alyssa and Andre tackle one of the traumatic parts of teaching; teacher burnout. Make sure to answer our interactive question on the Instagram post that goes with this weeks lesson.
To wrap up episode 5, Alyssa and Andre get into some of the underlying issues that lead to the false fire alarms, fight clubs and broken bones at their school. Also in this episode, Andre and Alyssa discuss the benefits of bringing music and other forms of media into the classroom to improve the vibe of class and the learning experience of the students.
On this week's episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre discuss the shock waves that are felt as a school transitions from one administration to another. Tune in as they unpack the many ways students try to test the limits and how investigations in a middle school are resolved.
The Freedom Convoy Protest has been at the centre of news coverage in Canada as truckers protest against COVID-19 vaccination mandates. Some how, a rightful protest has given some the confidence to fly confederate flags, wear red M.C.G.A. hats and engage in other overtly racist activity. Tune in as Alyssa and Andre unpack the issues that arise when you call out racism on social media.
On this episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre voice their dilemma of being teacher, parent and colleague to the teachers of their children. Curriculum delivery, building positive student relationships and all the grey areas in between are challenging areas all teachers face; but that's what WE get paid to do.
On this episode of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre are back recording in the classroom. Join them as they unpack the news on high school exams being cancelled due to another pandemic school year. They also get into interview tips for teachers and the cancellation of the EQAO standardized test for grade 9 students.
After (another) long hiatus, Andre and Alyssa are back with a new season of Teachers Like Us! Tune in as they discuss their new positions, reshaping the culture around "being in trouble" as a student and why they are so excited to be back in the school building after another pandemic school shutdown.
Alyssa and Andre have been given a boost of energy and are amped as they await the 2021 school year. Find out why on this episode of Teachers Like Us.
On this episode of T.L.U Alyssa and Andre share their thoughts on what the report card means in a pandemic; it means nothing (Spoiler). They also discuss their COVID-19 vaccine experiences.
On this episode of T.L.U Alyssa and Andre confront the mental health challenges that come as teachers enter the final weeks of the school year. They also provide a teacher's perspective on the Derek Chauvin verdict. It's real teachers, real talk!
Alyssa and Andre have reunited! On this episode the duo discusses mix messaging from the government about the safety of schools in Ontario, along with providing their perspective on the news that teachers are now eligible for Covid-19 vaccination.
Andre continues to hold down the fort with another update on how this PANthagorean theorem is effecting the lives of teachers, students, parents and big production live events.
Now 1 year since the podcast's first hiatus, Andre explains why the podcast has been on break AGAIN + A special guest gives the real insight into how Covid precautions are impacting the school environment.
Alyssa and Andre highlight the final workshops in the "Looking Back to Move Forward" BHM Series put on by the Peel District School Board featuring Ginella Massa, Jully Black and Kayla Grey.
Alyssa and Andre discuss a sentiment expressed by online teachers across the world during this quarantine teaching experience; Why am I teaching when all the things I love about being a teacher are no longer happening?
Coming off of the hype of another amazing workshop from the "Looking Back to Move Forward" series put on by the Peel District School Board, Alyssa and Andre discuss the importance of displaying excellence in the aspects of culture that some may tokenize.
Alyssa and Andre share the struggle of having "heavy" conversations around anti-black racism with family members and highlight the "Looking Back to Move Forward" Series being put on by the Peel District School Board.
Alyssa and Andre discuss the struggle of teaching the importance of Canadian Black History when American Black History seems to be the only history recognized during Black History Month.
After a long hiatus Alyssa and Andre are back with a new season of TLU. Where have they been? Who's pregnant? How is this pandemic effecting teaching? All these questions and more get answered on the first episode of 2021. Tune in!
With schools in Ontario reopening, Alyssa and Andre wrap up season 2 of the Teachers Like Us Podcast. A season completely done while social distancing.
Alyssa and Andre rehash the argument about French being taught in school and discuss how all teachers have a cultural responsibility to learn how to say the names of their students even if their "[their] tongue only speaks colonizer".
Alyssa and Andre breakdown the Ontario Government's official "plans" for schools to reopen in September.
Why would homework be apart of anyone's conditions for parole? Alyssa and Andre share their views on homework and it's importance in education.
Alyssa and Andre unpack the Ontario government's "plan" to reopen schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Alyssa and Andre break down Cancel Culture and how empty apologies do not change the negative impact that certain celebrities and companies have had on the Black Community with their careless actions.
In this episode, Alyssa and Andre answer questions from their listeners on the Anti-Black Racism review for the Peel District School Board.
Alyssa and Andre dive into the Peel District School Board's Anti-Black Racism Review and what teachers and parent need to do when this topic is no longer #trendy.
So who thought it was a good idea to handcuff a 6 year old Black girl at school? Join Alyssa and Andre as they unpack a review focused on Anti-Black Racism in the Peel District School Board.
Am I really going to home school my kids? Do I have to wear actual pants to this online staff meeting? What day is it? Join Alyssa and Andre as they kick off Season 2 of TLU discussing how their teaching and parenting worlds have collided during social distancing.
On this short bonus episode, Alyssa unpacks the theory behind curriculum development and anti-Black racism
Alyssa and Andre discuss the lessons that Teacher Education Programs should be teaching future teachers before they step in to the classroom.
In this special edition of Teachers Like Us, Alyssa and Andre discuss Covid-19, racism, and xenophobia.
Andre and Alyssa discuss the major bargaining points in the current Education Job Action in Ontario (2020. Please visit https://etfocb.ca/ to stay up to date with the collective bargaining progress.
Alyssa and Andre discuss the the impact of Dr. Seuss Week on the teaching community and how rhyming words have played a part in masking racism.
Alyssa and Andre discuss what it means to code switch and manage multiple lived experiences from both a teacher and student perspective.
Andre and Alyssa discuss what colourism/shadeism are and how these ideologies impact your students. What does it mean when your students talk about being "light-skinned" vs. "dark-skinned" and why it's a problem for racialized communities.
Join Alyssa and Andre with a special guest to talk about hair in the black community and what that means for your students.
Alyssa and Andre explore some of the pitfalls educators make during Black History Month and give you practical steps for how to move forward with a culturally responsive Black History Month (and year!)
How do you figure out what to teach and how to teach it? Join Alyssa and Andre as they talk about curriculum development and instructional design through a culturally responsive lens.
In this episode, Alyssa and Andre discuss their teaching philosophies and how building relationships with students is beneficial to student learning.
Welcome to the first episode of Teachers Like Us! Join hosts Alyssa and Andre, middle school teachers with a fresh perspective on education. In episode 1, meet the educators behind Teachers Like Us as they explain their respective journeys into education.