Teaching Champions: Recent Episodes

Brian Martin

The Teaching Champions Podcast is dedicated to inspiring and bringing joy to educators who are serving others each and every day.

In this episode I share a few takeaways from the past school year.

Today I’m joined by Natalie Poli. She’s an elementary principal, an author, a former instructional coach, and so much more.

And in this conversation listen as Natalie discusses about not taking no for an answer, how to persevere through tough situations, and ways to develop a hustler mindset. Listen as she discusses embracing our uniqueness, becoming a great teacher by design, having an agenda for planning time, and so much more.

Topics Covered:
1. Be your unique self because that is the best person that you can be.

2. Know how to persevere through a tough situation.

Mindset - There’s only one way. It is forward and up!
I don’t take no for an answer. No challenge is too big. No barrier is to tall.
Kids need to know that the environment they’re in is positive and supportive.
Embrace whatever uniqueness they bring to us.
**We want the students to have the ability to ask questions of one another.
Our kids need to know that everyone in our buildings care about them.**
We need to embody what we want others to be.

10. We want great teachers by design, not by chance.

11. Understand what initiative we are driving towards.

12. It’s ok when things don’t go ok instructionally.

13. Have an agenda for planning time. What are we focusing on? Are we making sure everyone’s voices are heard. What’s our time commitment. How are they going to function on effectively?

14. Recognize past experiences help create tools and skills.

15. Everyone makes parenting special in their own way.

How do we capitalize on the situation?
Podcast: Elaina Aguilar - Bright Morning Podcast and Unsupervised Leadership Podcast

22. It’s not about having a bucket list. It’s about having drive, determination. Perseverance.

23. What’s meant for you will not miss you.

24. Go do it!

25. Be bold. Be brave. Be you!

Connect with Natalie:
X: @NataliePoliU46

Natalie’s Book;
https://www.amazon.com/Sparkles-Special-Adventures-Friends-Collection/dp/B0CWKWBB85/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1WCRHGRI72JA5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3FJS6YopMaoWRWrEhikowCsLIDOprX2DNJpX3RYZ7hc6gFfBdDm2P2_bi5Em8fO5pvJ0U9Qz7_QKq6vbvvJ3HQ.0AutoBvF7jbRrvHoaQPCKR-_PcG0mlYtsRqQ-FcmNnk&dib_tag=se&keywords=sassy+sparkles+her+special+heart&qid=1719111135&sprefix=sassy+sparkles%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1

Today I’m joined by LaVonna Roth – she is a former educator, an author, speaker, consultant, and founder of IGNITE your SHINE. And in this episode listen as LaVonna talks about ways to create confidence, the power of being vulnerable, what it means to fear less, why we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help from those around us, ways to amplimfy our SHINE and so much more.

Connect with LaVonna:
https://www.igniteyourshine.com/leadership/

Instagram: @igniteyourshinenow

Facebook: Ignite Your Shine

On Demand Educators Virtual Bash:
https://rfvbash.com/

This week on the podcast we dive into three strategies that we can use to stay positive and be more optimistic.

This episode I dive into three lessons I learned from others this week. These reminders challenge me to be a little better this week and hopefully will do the same for you!

In this conversation I’m joined by Dr. Genelle Morris. Dr. Morris has over 30 years in education and is currently serving the role as superintendent. She is passionate about education and has dedicated her life to ensuring each child graduates from high school ready for college or a career. And in this conversation Dr. Morris dives into leadership lessons she has learned from her various experiences, she discusses the importance of building relationships, creating trust, and being authentic. We also dive into the future of education, AI, and planning for the future.

Dr. Morris is proud to serve as Superintendent of the Olean City School District. She joined the district in July of 2022. A passionate advocate for providing high-quality education for all children, Dr. Morris has spent more than 30 years in education, dedicating her life to ensuring each child graduates from high school ready for college or a career. While pursuing that goal, she worked in varying roles, including science instruction, curriculum and assessment development, and leading work in assessment, accountability, research, and evaluation at the district level.

Before joining Olean, Dr. Morris worked in Buffalo Public Schools and the Rochester City Schools. While in Rochester, she served as Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning and Deputy of Operations and Systems Innovation. Her last role in the Buffalo Public Schools was the Chief Accountability Officer/Chief Information Officer. She began her career as a Biology teacher with the Buffalo Public Schools and has also served as Assistant Superintendent of Shared Accountability, Director of Data Analysis, Supervisor of Data Analysis, principal, and assistant principal. She has a strong history of working with community, city, and county organizations and is committed to developing partnerships with the Olean community.

Dr. Morris earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University at Buffalo, receiving the prestigious “Thinking Outside the Box” award for her thesis, which studied the implementation of the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) in New York State. She earned a master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership and Policy and a master’s degree in Science Education from the University at Buffalo. Her bachelor’s degree in biology was earned from Canisius College.

Dr. Morris has also served on various educational committees and boards at the local, regional, state, and national levels. She has served as an adjunct faculty member for several years and has served on various education committees and councils at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Her passion for student advocacy, diversity, and progress ignites everything she does.

As the end of the school year is rapidly approaching do you find yourself in a positive headspace? In this episode we share a strategy you can use to keep yourself in a positive headspace and finish the year on a high note.

Are you feeling stress, anxiety, burnout, or frustration? If you are this is the episode for you!

Today we are joined by Kim Strobel. She is an internationally known motivational speaker for schools, businesses, and organizations, and she travels the globe sharing the impact of happiness and its connection to success.

In this conversation listen as Kim talks about:

Giving yourself credit for what you accomplish.
Understanding real power lies when we move out of victim mode and into warrior mode.
The science of happiness.
The importance of setting boundaries.
Extending compassion to ourselves.
The power of gratitude and so much more.

Bio:

22 years in motivation and leadership as a keynote speaker, coach, teacher, and leadership consultant.

Book https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Happy-Small-Steps-Big/dp/1948334712/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3830COGHVQGN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.j2EJlEVn8Pk-Me99ggXF-w.YHKOoWIXpY8zBj-nSLs72y8xp6wUoUtjVo0q0zMDPNQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=teach+happy+kim+strobel&qid=1714796600&sprefix=teach+ha%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1

:

Connect:

X: @strobeled

Instagram: kimstrobelijoy

Website: https://kimstrobel.com

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The thrill of March Madness brings so many unforgettable moments. Within those moments there are so many amazing lessons for us to learn from. This episodes dives into a few lessons provided during a special time of the year.

If you ever feel tired, stressed out, or worn down from the work week then this episode is for you. This week we are joined by Kevin Jost and Jason Paurus. They are two experienced educators and hosts of the 2Principals Podcast.

In this conversation we dive into:

Strategies to handle the daily stressors that come your way.
The power of routines.
Gratitude Practices
Creating Moments of Connection
And so much more!

Connect with Kevin and Jason.

Podcast: https://the2principalspodcast.podbean.com/

Website:
https://www.2principals.com

Social:
X: @2Principals

Instagram: @2Principals

In this episode Dr. Chad Lang takes a deep dive into assessments, grading practices, and being clear about what matters.

Dr. Lang will challenge you to think about your own grading practices and how you communicate with parents the learning standards. He discusses ways to make learning targets visible for our students and their parents. Dr. Lang also dives into ways we can make our practices more effective.

This is a great episode so break out your notepad and be prepared to do some self reflection.

Dr. Chad Lang Bio:
With nearly two decades of PK-12 school experience from teaching to coaching, school administration, and central office, Dr. Chad Lang has a wealth of experience to bring to your school improvement planning and needs.

Link to his book:
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781475868029/A-Parents'-Guide-to-Grading-and-Reporting-Being-Clear-about-What-Matters

Connect:
X: @Chad_mLang

In this episode we are joined by Josh Korb. He is a dynamic and multifaceted educator who passionately strives to revolutionize the world of education. Josh is currently a director of technology and innovation. He is also an author, a speaker, and a consultant,

And in this conversation listen as we dive into the importance of moments, ways we can positively EFFECT our classrooms, Fostering creating, Energizing the classroom, Celebrating Diversity, Being the Cause, and so much more.

Josh's book "Be the Cause" will be released soon.

Josh Korb's Bio:
Josh Korb, a dynamic and multifaceted educator, passionately strives to revolutionize the world of education. Beginning his career as a math teacher, Josh's innate drive to innovate led him to become a Director of Technology and Innovation. This role allowed him to merge his love for teaching with his profound experience in instructional technology, in hopes of transforming the educational landscape.

As an accomplished author, educational consultant, and captivating speaker, Josh shares his insights on the intersection of technology and education, inspiring audiences and unboxing potential. His ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction has cemented his reputation as a thought leader in his educational community.

In addition, Josh's entrepreneurial spirit and software engineering skills gave birth to Master3DU Inc., an EdTech startup with a mission to empower leaders, teachers, and students through mastery-based teaching and learning. This venture has positioned Josh as a pioneer in the edtech space, garnering accolades and inspiration.

In addition to his many accomplishments, Josh's dedication to continuous learning is evident in his pursuit of a doctorate degree. As a doctoral candidate, he further explores the transformative power of technology in education and standards-based learning, honing his skills as a trailblazer in the industry.

Throughout his career, Josh Korb has proven himself to be an unstoppable force for change in education. By empowering others to embrace innovation and harness the power of technology, he continues to ignite the potential of countless leaders, educators, and students.

Connect with Josh:
X: @mrjkorb and @BeTheCauseBook
Instagram: @mrjoshkorb

Websites:
www.youcanbethecause.com

www.joshkorb.org

www.master3du.com

Creating learning spaces, fostering a school atmosphere that encourages risk taking, and living with Balance, Boundary, and Breaks. These are just. a few of the topics that we dive into in this conversation.

Today I'm joined by Evan Whitehead. He is the executive director of the Forte Therapeutic Day School. He is an experienced school leader, consultant, and mental health advocate.

In this conversation we dive into:

Taking time to be present and evaluate where you're at.
Being open to feedback.
Creating thriving learning spaces.
Recognizing Mistakes are a part of learning.
Vulnerability
Taking Risks
Balance, Boundaries, and Breaks.
And so much more…

Connect with Evan:
X: @EvanWhitehead00

Bio:
Evan Whitehead M.Ed., Executive Director

Evan Whitehead brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Forte Academy.

Evan has been an educator for twenty five years spanning three decades in private, public, and state level education. Over the course of his career, Evan has held positions ranging from special education paraprofessional, crisis interventionist, teacher, community outreach coordinator, director and assistant superintendent of special services.

In his most recent role, prior to joining Forte Therapeutic Day School, Evan was the director of special services for a PK–8 school district in Illinois. In his previous role, Evan oversaw special education, English learners, early childhood education; multi-tiered system of support (MTSS); Federal grant writer, Title I Services, Health Services, social emotional learning, and worked on equity, diversity, and cultural competency.

Evan is also National Consultant, Trainer, Presenter,International Keynote Speaker; Frequent Podcast Contributor; Mental Health Advocate; Mindfulness Practitioner; and proponent of Equity, Diversity and Intercultural competency.

His 3 Bs “Balance, Boundaries, and Breaks” a mantra and system for taking care of your own mental health and well being has been implemented and adopted by the mainstream media and celebrities such as multi-platinum artists Saweetie, and shared with Mary J. Blige and Kelly Rowland, and has been highlighted in mainstream media outlets such as People Magazine.

In this episode we dive into two things that can have a profound effect on your life inside the classroom as well as your personal life.

In this episode I take a look back and reflect on some of the gems that past guests have shared and how they will influence the week ahead.

In this special book study episode we are diving into the first few chapters of a Legacy of Learning by Meghan Lawson.

We dive into:

Creating memorable moments.
Savoring Walks.
Strategies for capturing moments.
Wholeheartedness
Ways to cultivate joy.
Connect with others.
So much more!

Please fill out the link below and we look forward to connecting with you soon!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVwaRVj1X7xWPP_XOIDnUc5JbJovbzW9VXtSQ7_pQEmymRpg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Connect with us on social media:

Meghan Lawson - X - @Meghan_Lawson
Instagram - meghanlawsonblog

Livia Chan - X - @LiviaChanL
Instagram - liviachanl

Brian Martin - X - @bmartinreal
Instagram - teachingchampionspodcast

Pick up a copy of Legacy of Learning
https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Learning-Teaching-Lasting-Impact/dp/1948334682/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TL43XIW0Y7RG&keywords=Legacy+of+learning&qid=1707879341&sprefix=legacy+of+learning%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1

In this special book study episode we are diving into the first few chapters of a Legacy of Learning by Meghan Lawson.

We dive into:

Controlling the controllable.
Being present.
Making mosquito moves.
Nourishing the Bloom
Notice, Name, and Nurture.
Connections are gifts.
So much more!

Please fill out the link below and we look forward to connecting with you soon!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVwaRVj1X7xWPP_XOIDnUc5JbJovbzW9VXtSQ7_pQEmymRpg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Connect with us on social media:

Meghan Lawson - X - @Meghan_Lawson
Instagram - meghanlawsonblog

Livia Chan - X - @LiviaChanL
Instagram - liviachanl

Brian Martin - X - @bmartinreal
Instagram - teachingchampionspodcast

Pick up a copy of Legacy of Learning
https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Learning-Teaching-Lasting-Impact/dp/1948334682/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TL43XIW0Y7RG&keywords=Legacy+of+learning&qid=1707879341&sprefix=legacy+of+learning%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1

If you are looking for some motivation, high energy, and some inspiration this conversation is for you.

Today I'm joined by Dr. Brandon Beck. Dr. Beck is a National Board Certified Educator, a speaker, author, and a leadership coach. In this conversation listen as Dr. Becks dives into how you can unlock your unlimited potential. We dive into how bringing his service dog to school has completely changed the school culture and has helped bring out so many leadership qualities in his students. He also shares the importance of knowing your story, your why, your purpose, and so much more!

Connect with Dr. Beck at: https://brandonbeckedu.com

Book: https://brandonbeckedu.com/shop/ols/products/autographed-copy-of-unlocking-unlimited-potential

In this special book study episode we are diving into the first few chapters of a Legacy of Learning by Meghan Lawson.

We dive into:

The power of connection and what it means inside our schools.
The importance of celebrating our goals, effort, and progress.
Teaching students about the comfort zone, stretch zone, and not yet zone.
Why we should be looking for the good.
The most important work we do is the work we do on ourselves.
The need to be conscious of our self talk.
And so much more.

Please fill out the link below and we look forward to connecting with you soon!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVwaRVj1X7xWPP_XOIDnUc5JbJovbzW9VXtSQ7_pQEmymRpg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Connect with us on social media:

Meghan Lawson - X - @Meghan_Lawson
Instagram - meghanlawsonblog

Livia Chan - X - @LiviaChanL
Instagram - liviachanl

Brian Martin - X - @bmartinreal
Instagram - teachingchampionspodcast

Pick up a copy of Legacy of Learning
https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Learning-Teaching-Lasting-Impact/dp/1948334682/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TL43XIW0Y7RG&keywords=Legacy+of+learning&qid=1707879341&sprefix=legacy+of+learning%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1

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In today's episode we are talking about something that can transform your teaching: How Teachers Turn Challenges Into Opportunities For Impact.

Joining me for this impactful episode is Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson. She has been in the education field for decades serving as educator, administrator, college professor, and consultant. She is also a TEDX Speaker. In this episode she shares how the power of pausing, pondering, and persisting.

We will also be discussing:

One important thing that we can do to help self regulate.
The impact that personal mantra can make.
The power of humble inquiry.
Questions that we should be asking ourselves.
The importance of knowing that each day will bring its own challenges.
Why we should show others grace and show ourselves grace.

Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson's website
https://www.julieschmidthasson.com

Book: Pause, Ponder, and Persist
https://www.amazon.com/Ponder-Persist-Classroom-Schmidt-Hasson/dp/1032383429/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1N8XMUNURT94I&keywords=pause+ponder+and+persist+in+the+classroom&qid=1707631700&sprefix=Pause%2C+ponder%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1

Connect on social:
Facebook: Dr. Julie Hasson
Instagram: drjuliehasson
X: @JulieSHasson

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Are you feeling a little down? Is your motivation running low as we hit our midyear stride? If you need a pick me up and want to connect with an awesome group of people who are all about connecting, supporting, and lifting others up then come join Meghan Lawson, Livia Chan, and myself throughout the month of February. We are framing a community around Meghan's book a Legacy of Learning. Every Wednesday for the remainder of the month we will be dropping a podcast episode. Coming soon will also be 'X' chats on Thursdays and we would like to connect via email as well so we can connect even more. Please fill out the link below and we look forward to connecting with you soon!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVwaRVj1X7xWPP_XOIDnUc5JbJovbzW9VXtSQ7_pQEmymRpg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Connect with us on social media:

Meghan Lawson - X - @Meghan_Lawson
Instagram - meghanlawsonblog

Livia Chan - X - @LiviaChanL
Instagram - liviachanl

Brian Martin - X - @bmartinreal

Creating authentic learning experiences that make it purposeful and meaningful for our students is pivotal. Today we are joined by an extraordinary educator who creates amazing experiences for his students. His lessons drive learning and engagement. He is also, someone who is deeply passionate about teaching and his belief in his students spurs them to do extraordinary things.

Today I am joined by Antonio Cortes Recio. He has been an educator in Spain for over 30 years. He is a blogger and has presented at various workshops.

In this episode Antonio shares:

How to create authentic learning experiences for your students.
The power of creating virtual trips for your students.
The importance of teaching students about their emotions and giving them tools to handle those emotions.
Creating meaningful projects to help out your community.
Why we should create projects that allow students to analyze who they are, how they feel, and what are the important things in their lives.
Finding magic in our days.
And so much more….

Antonio's blog:
https://tchartantonio.com/author/acrecio/

Instagram:
@tchartantonio

Antonio's Bio:
- I live in a town called Sanlúcar la Mayor, near the city of Seville in the south of Spain.

Proud husband and father of two children.
I’ve been a teacher at Secondary School for 30 years, working with teenagers aged 12 to 16.
Though I started teaching only English as a foreign language through the years I’ve also taught History, Literature and since three years ago I’m teaching an exciting and really helpful subject for use on helping the students develop their emotional and social skills; the subject is named “Emotional and Social Learning”.
I’m the author of two didactic resources to learn English which were awarded nationally in our country because of their innovative approach. They are both inspired by the capital city of United Kingdom, London, and its most popular means of transport, the Underground and the red double decker buses.
I post from my own blog called TchartAntonio, mainly focused on education. Besides the posts there are hundreds of materials to be used in class as I am a content creator for several subjects and share them free with every teacher who might find them helpful. One of them is the “Museum of the School”, a collection of graphic artworks depicting features of life and society in different ages of History, from Prehistory to Contemporary Times.
I’ve also featured at some Teachers Training Meetings and delivered workshops mainly on how to teach English from a communicative an innovative approach.
I have worked with international organisations and projects since 2012; currently I’m liaised with Brentford Football Club, one of the teams competing in the English Premier League, on an educative project for students both here at my school and at schools in west London.

Get ready for an extremely important episode that dives into something that is affecting every district across the country. Today we are diving into how we can create the best learning environment for our EL students.

My guest today is Andrea Bitner. She is an author, speaker, educator, and consultant. In this episodes she shares so many takeaways on lessons that she has learned about creating amazing learning opportunities for EL students and their families.

In this episode we discuss:

Lack of knowledge never equaled lack of intelligence.
When you meet someone learning the language for the first time treat that person as an asset not a deficit.
Establish a school culture that is proactive and not reactive.
Connect with the parents and ask them questions.
Everyone in the building should know who the EL’s are.
Think about how you connect your EL’s school wide, district wide, and county wide.
Give students opportunities to showcase their gifts.
And so much more!

Bio:
Andrea is a proud English Language Learner Educator just outside of Philadelphia, PA and in my 23rd year of teaching! Throughout my 23 years in education, I have worked with students in grades K-12 as a HS English Teacher, Title 1 Reading Specialist, English Language Learner Teacher, and Teacher Mentor. I currently work with EL students in grades K-12, and travel the country inspiring and supporting educators, administrators, and support staff in how to best teach, reach, connect, and communicate with bilingual students and families. I am also the author of "Take Me Home," and a co author of "The Impact of Influence-Volume 3," and "100 No-Nonsense Things ALL School Leaders Shout Stop Doing."

Connect with Andrea:
Twitter/X: @bitnerandrea
Instagram: @andreabitnerbooks

Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Take-Me-Home-Andrea-Bitner/dp/1398418919/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=1M664FDNO8W9D&keywords=take+me+home&qid=1706410771&sprefix=take+me+home%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-5

Take Me Home

Join me and Kip Shubert as we take a deep dive into a very important lesson. Taking our struggles and making them our strength.

All of us have our own unique journey and have experienced many things that have helped shape us. These experiences can help us connect with students and become a more impactful educator.

In this episode Kip Shubert is going to share his amazing journey and how he's used his story to make a difference in the lives of his students and educators across the country.

Listen in as we dive into:

Seeing your story as a superpower.
Recognizing the more we share our stories the more we can connect and make an impact.
Seeing the greatest miracle in the world.
A question we should all ask our students.
Why we need to pay attention to the moments in our day.
The importance of dreaming big.
Creating a strong classroom culture through a vision, goals, your message, and accountability.
Keys to connecting with students.
And so much more....

Kip's Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Struggle-Strength-Finding-Ingredients-Secret/dp/B0C87KHTJX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10K1EUG9R52E3&keywords=struggle+to+strength&qid=1705805845&sprefix=struggle+to+strength%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

Bio:
Kip is a speaker, author, educator, and coach with over three decades of experience. His struggle to strength story is one that empowers staff and students alike to become that greatest miracle in the world that is inside us all. From homelessness, addiction, and recovery, losing custody of his child, and his wife's battle with cancer, Kip's story gives you the blueprint in owning your own and using that as the secret sauce to build relationships and establish a thriving culture in your school, athletics program, or district community. His life mission is to help others discover and define their story so that we all leave a legacy where we are.

Kip lives in the mountains of Colorado with his wife Cindy. He is a proud father and grandfather and is working on the sequel to his book Struggle To Strength - Finding The Ingredients To Your Secret Sauce. Kip is also a high school counselor and boys’ soccer coach at Woodland Park High School.

Website:
https://kipshubert.com/

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In this episode, we discuss how a small mindset shift can help us handle difficult situations that come our way and the effect that it can have on our students if we teach them this strategy on how to handle tough moments.

Do you want great PD at your school? Do you want it to be specific to your students and the needs of your building? In this episode David James discusses an amazing PD program that he has initiated at his school that is having a huge impact on the staff. David also talks about the power of being a teacher leader. Recognizing the hard work that everyone in the building is doing. Why we should all be expecting excellent and so much more.

NCMLE Inspire Conference: https://ncmle.org/2024-inspire-conference
Bio:
David James is a 7th grade social studies teacher at Harold E. Winkler Middle School in Concord, NC. He serves his students and colleagues in multiple leadership capacities including the Lead Mentor as part of the Winkler Middle School Beginning Teacher Program, 7th grade level chair, 7th grade social studies lead and new staff liaison.

David’s leadership extends beyond the walls of Winkler Middle School as he currently serves on the board of directors for the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education as the Marketing Director and the 2024 NCMLE Inspire Conference Director.

David believes effective teacher-leadership is a core component of the K-12 school building that is built on passion, trust, and a growth mindset.

David is married to his Ohio University sweetheart Erin and they have a son Aiden who is a 1st grade student in Cabarrus County Schools as well. They enjoy their time traveling to athletic fields, race tracks, and concert venues.

Social Media:

@HeroicHistory22 on Twitter/X

@HeroicHistory22 on Instagram

@HeroicHistory22 on TikTok

@NCMiddle on Twitter/X

@NCMiddle on Instagram

@NCMiddle on TikTok

@NCMLE on Facebook

www.ncmle.org

In this episode, we discuss small things that we can do daily to put us in a better headspace for the remainder of the school year.

In this episode I connect with Dr. Darrin Peppard from the Leaning Into Leadership Podcast. In this collaboration we dive into a variety of topics. Be sure to check out Dr. Darrin Peppard's phenomenal podcast "Leaning Into Leadership".

Be sure to check out Dr. Darrin Peppard's Leaning Into Leadership Podcast.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-114-a-holiday-collaboration-with/id1605493835?i=1000639582344

Road to Awesome: https://roadtoawesome.net

Connect with Darrin:
X: @DarrinMPeppard
Instagram: darrin_m_peppard

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Awesome-Journey-Darrin-Peppard/dp/B0BTVJ8NPR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26CJP5939US5D&keywords=road+to+awesome&qid=1703429408&sprefix=road+to+awesome%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1

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Today we are joined by Dr. Zac Bauermaster. He is an author, a speaker, and a school administrator. In this conversation Dr. Bauermaster talks about making connections in school, the importance of prioritizing people, creating a strong school culture, the power of encouragement, and so much more.

Books:
Leading with People https://www.amazon.com/Leading-PEOPLE-Framework-Fruitful-Leadership/dp/B0CKCGL3S8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=W0ATDP77XUUV&keywords=leading+with+people&qid=1702784559&sprefix=leading+with+people%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-1

Leading with a Humble Heart: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Humble-Heart-Devotional-Leaders/dp/B0B677K6LL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14Z6CIGLTIFPY&keywords=leading+with+a+humble+heart&qid=1702784595&sprefix=leading+with+a+h%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-

Bio: Zac Bauermaster is an educational leader passionate about people. Zac’s mission field is public education. One of his main tag lines is, “It’s all about people.” His leadership style exemplifies a people-first approach as he seeks to glorify God in all he does.

Zac currently serves as an elementary school principal in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Zac has the tremendous opportunity to lead teachers, support staff, families, and, most importantly, the next generation daily. His greatest joy in education is seeing adults leverage their God-given talents and abilities through inspiring kids to find and use their gifts. Before becoming a principal, Zac served public education in various K-12 roles such as assistant principal, administrator of online learning, teacher, and coach. These experiences have grown Zac’s sphere of influence and allowed him the opportunity to develop and maintain lifelong relationships.

Connect:
instagram: zbauermaster
X: Bauermaster

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Today we are joined by Matt Matkovich. He is a high school guidance counselor, an ultra marathoner, and one half of M and P Presentations which is a motivational speaking duo that travel across the country cultivation self confidence and promoting a positive mindset.

And in this conversation listen at Matt dives into the importance of taking healthy risks, listen as he talks about the importance of taking care of yourself, connecting with others who have a different skill set than you, becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, and the importance of recognizing our ordinary and realizing it’s extraordinary.

Bio:
born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago. He is a proud high school Guidance Counselor, having degrees in Special Education and his Master’s in School Guidance and Counseling. His love of public speaking grew out of high school where he picked up a microphone for the first time while running for class president. Matt’s speaking interests led him to his best friend, Phil, and the insanely, positive, energetic M&P Presentations was born! When Matt isn’t spreading good vibes with the M&P Nation, he is spending time with his wife (Bridget), two sons (Ben and Will), and family who are extremely supportive in all of his passions. Matt LOVES to go running (Ultra Marathoner), prepare mean lentil soups, and watch professional wrestling while striving to live his life by following the three step motto: Be Nice, Work Hard, and Stay Confident.

Website: https://www.mppresentations.com

Social Media:
X: https://twitter.com/mr_matkovich
Instagram: matt_matkovich

She’s a best-selling author, an award – winning educator, and an international speaker. And the message she shares is an important one. She shares a message about gratitude, she dives into the power of journaling and shares about her new journal “Bold Gratitude”. She discusses the importance of praise, why we need to be conscious about noticing the good in our days, different ways to practice gratitude, the importance of being a great listener and so much more.

Topics Covered:
1. Gratitude improves well being, nurtures relationships, activates learning, and prosocial thing that makes the world a better place.

Praise is a form of gratitude.
Notice the good in our lives.
When we focus on what we have we have enough.
The negative emotions are signals and signposts that something are wrong.
Gratitude for happiness, gratitude with my peeps, and gratitude for the world.
Notice - Think - Feel - Do
Think about how do you express your gratitude.
Chain of grateful memories, gratitude letters.
Share instagram reels that illustrates people expressing gratitude.
Spread good vibes.
Be thankful for yourself
Learn to be a really good listener.
Everyone has lessons to teach me.
We all want to be seen, heard, and valued.
Even just the doing… can bring us joy.
Feed the gratitude muscle.
We have to retrain the brain to notice the good and not the bad.
Book - Happier Hour - Cassie Holmes, Awe - Dacher Keltner, Limitless - Jimi Kwik
Podcast - Kwik Brain by Jimmy Kwik, Happiness Lab, Armchair Expert, Huberman Lab, On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Bold Gratitude Journal - https://www.amazon.com/Bold-Gratitude-Journal-Designed-You/dp/1948334666/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MK3ISPCMGGXV&keywords=bold+gratitude+journal&qid=1701579322&sprefix=bold+grati%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

Connect with Lainie:

Website: https://www.lainierowell.com
Twitter: @LainieRowell
Instagram: @lainierowell

Bio:
Lainie Rowell is a bestselling author, award-winning educator, and TEDx speaker. She is dedicated to human flourishing, focusing on community building, social-emotional learning, and honoring what makes each of us unique and dynamic through learner-driven design. She earned her degree in psychology, and went on to earn postgraduate degrees in education. An international keynote speaker, Lainie has presented in 41 states as well as in dozens of countries across 4 continents. As a consultant, Lainie’s client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools.

Bold Gratitude: The Journal Designed for You and by You

Every school year has an ebb and flow to it. With the ups and downs of the school year our motivation can be affected. The thing to remember is that there are strategies that we can use to keep ourselves in a healthier head space. In this episode we discuss a few of these tools.

**This week on the Teaching Champions Podcast we are joined by Joshua Stamper. He is an author, podcaster, former administrator, and a training and development specialist for the Teach Better Team.

Topics Discussed:
1. How can we be creative in our positions and not just revert back to traditional practices.**

2. Greet students as they come into class. This has positive effect on attention and behavior.

3. Incorporate brain breaks and relationships circles.

4. Restorative circles

5. It’s about teaching the behavior rather than just punish the behavior.

6. Empathy is not a weakness. (Exercise where most of us were never to the principal)

7. Everyone wants connection.

8. Time in vs. Time out

9. For any learner to get knowledge to the brain you have to go through the heart.

10. When something works share it out.

11. Think outside the box to help your students out.

12. It’s a must to take care of yourself.

13. When we start taking care of ourselves we are better for other people.

14. When we try to be everything to everyone we become a little to a lot of people because we don’t take care of ourselves.

15. Be in-tune with your staff

16. What resources do we have to support our teachers so that they can be the best versions of themselves.

17. Take time to pour into others.

18. Teach Better Team

19. Teach Better Podcast Network

20. Podcast Recommendations - Tim Ferris, Rich Roll, Mike Burbiglia “Work it Out”, Smartless

**21. Find your folks.

Book: Aspire to Lead
https://www.amazon.com/Aspire-Lead-Joshua-Stamper-ebook/dp/B09D4NR5MV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11B0XD8HPGCZO&keywords=aspire+to+lead&qid=1700376839&sprefix=aspire+to+lea%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1

Website:
https://joshstamper.com

Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-to-lead/id1384210762**

Aspire to Lead

Today we are joined by Derek Danziger. He is the author of the book “I’m Autistic and I’m Awesome”. This is an important episode to raise awareness and educate ourselves on how to best serve our students.

Topics Covered
1. Every change this on the spectrum is going to show it in different ways.

2. Autism doesn’t discriminate.

3. The national institute of health says that 1 out of 44 children nationally is on the autism spectrum.

4. It is important for the parent and teacher to know how to best work with this child and best prepare them for success.

5. The level of attention that needs to be provided to a child on the spectrum is a lot of individualized attention

6. It’s important that schools understand how prevalent this is and we invest in resources to help them out.

7. Look at this as a superability not a disability.

8. As a parent talking to the school district is extremely important.

9. Alternative Behavior Therapy

10. They deserve to be celebrated and to be here.

11. Book recommendations: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, The God Equation by Michio Kaku, The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo.

**12. Always be curious and be looking to learn more.

Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Autistic-Awesome-Derek-Danziger/dp/B0C1HRTBFT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=93BGRU9VW3Z2&keywords=i%27m+autistic+and+i%27m+awesome+book&qid=1699764605&sprefix=i%27m+autistic+and+i%27m+awesome+book%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1

Bio:**Derek Danziger is the author of the children's book "I'm Autistic and I'm Awesome". Also, he has nearly 30 years of strategic public relations, marketing, media relations and communications experience, primarily in the public sector, real estate, and development arena, with nonprofit organizations, and for major civic events. He currently serves as president of the San Diego office of OPR Communications.

In this episode Meghan Lawson shares strategies that can help educators navigate the school year. Meghan has worked in all levels of K-12 education as a teacher, school administrator, district administrator, she’s an educational consultant, she’s a blogger, and a newly published author.

Topics Covered:
1. Our brain on positive is 31 percent more productive then when it is at negative, neutral, or stressed.

2. Mirror neurons - we take on the energy and emotions of other people.

3. When in a negative state we should ask ourselves how long am I going to stay in this space? How am I going to get out of this space?

4. Send a text to a friend and ask them to share something great about their day.

5. Let others know that you appreciate the good things that they do. 7:30

6. When you are lacking something be intentional and go and do that for someone else. Often times that will come back to you.

7. Where is the love turns into there is the love.

8. Celebrate progress. Help people celebrate along the way.

9. Focus on the steps you are taking.

10. Our schools need less perfect shiny people and need more deeply human people

11. You can’t do your best most creative work if you can’t get to a place where you’re trying new things and you’re not afraid to take risks and you’re not afraid to let other people see that you messed up.

12. Be willing to share your mistakes.

13. Don’t tie your value as a human being or our value as an educator to how perfect something was on the first try.

14. How many opportunities have our students heard that we shouldn’t be perfect the first try.

15. Talk about kindly about our learning process, mistakes, and capabilities.

16. Use 30 second feedback. Write a note naming something specific that you see others doing.

17. Every little kind word of encouragement matters in a big way. You never know what that’s going to do for a person.

18. Share specific positive feedback.

19. Share a positive word that you see in your students.

20. Book recommendation: Unreasonable Hospitality - Will Guderra

21. TV show recommendation: The Bear

**22. You matter so deeply to students and to this world.

Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Learning-Teaching-Lasting-Impact/dp/1948334682/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1B4E6CE2BTLJ0&keywords=meghan+lawson+legacy+of+learning&qid=1698976793&sprefix=meghan+lawson%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1

Connect:
email:** meghanlawsonblog@gmail.com

X: @meghan_lawson

Instagram: @meghanlawsonblog

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In this episode principal Adam Stolzer discusses the importance of relationships, mentors, the energy that we share, and so much more.

Topics Discussed:
1. Look, learn, and listen.

2. Be intentional with building relationships and trust.

3. Give genuine and specific feedback to help build trust.

4. Reinforce the positive things that you see on a daily basis

5. Be consistent

6. Focus on the good things

7. Positivity is contagious.

8. You are who you surround yourself with.

9. What legacy are you leaving?

10. A great mentor doesn’t judge. It’s all about getting better.

11. Look to get feedback from different lenses.

12. Is it a positive or negative snowball.

13. Passion - have passion in what you do. How can we find passion in our students.

14. Don’t be afraid to share your passions and show your passions.

15. Unique - what are we doing to bring the art out in teacher?

16. We accept who we are! We celebrate who we are!

17. When students see people stepping outside of their comfort zone that is powerful.

18. Reflect - find growth opportunities.

19. Show our students it’s ok if you do make a mistake because you are going to grow.

20. You don’t always have to be the same. You can continue to change and adapt.

21. Ask leading questions.

22. Pride - be prideful where your from. Have pride in what you do.

23. Are you watering your grass where your feet are at or are you watering the grass on the other side of the fence.

24. Legacy - what are you doing to make that lasting impact.

25. Evolve - model continuous learning!

26: Book Recommendations: Lead From Where You Are by Joe Sanfellipo and Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath

27. Every single moment we have makes an impact.

**28. Are you creating a positive snowball for those around you.

Bio:**Mr. Adam Stolzer is in his second year as the Jr./Sr. High School Principal at Burwell Public Schools located in Burwell, Ne. Previously he served as the Jr./Sr. High School Math instructor at Burwell Public Schools where he took his first teaching position in 2015. While teaching he was the head boys basketball where he led the Longhorns to the State Tournament three times, finishing third in 2022. Mr. Stolzer earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Wayne State College in 2015. A Masters of Arts in Education Degree in 7-12 School Principalship from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2021. He is currently pursuing his educational specialist degree from Wayne State College. Mr. Stolzer loves being around students and staff and out and about in his building. He believes the best way to lead and know about your school and its day to day happenings is to be involved in it. We are in a people business and being around the people is the most important thing we can do! Mr. Stolzer is dedicated to serving Burwell Public Schools and the community of Burwell by strengthening the Power of Purple each and every day.

Social Media:
X/twitter: @Adam_Stolzer28
Facebook: Adam Stolzer

In this episode 3rd grade teacher Arick Close goes into detail how he creates deep connections with his students, ways in which he celebrates them, and different mindsets that can benefit all educators.

Topics Covered:
1. Every student has different needs and as an educator I have to change myself to meet the needs of the student.

2. Spend those first few weeks really making strong connections with the students so that they form trust in you.

3. I want each kid to be the hero in their story.

4. Do whatever it takes for them to succeed.

5. Let them know that you will never give up on them even if they have given up on themselves.

6. Let them know you will always believe in them even if they don’t.

7. Get to know them as a person. Treat the students as individual - learn who they are.

8. You should be able to say at least 10 good things about a student

9. A lot of the tougher students aren’t expecting people to care and when they see a little bit of kindness then a little bit of firmness goes a lot farther.

10. Keep athletes motivated by showing improvement and having a good time.

11. When an athlete loses let them know that you care about them more about them as an individual rather than just an athlete.

12. Get animated when students find success.

13. Create a movie with your students to get them motivated with your students.

14. Have a conference at the end of the year to let the parents and students know the great traits that you see in them.

15. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

16. Write personalized letter to those you serve.

17. The right words at the right time can give someone exactly what they need.

18. Be whatever they need.

19. Book Recommendations: 7 Habits of Highly Successful People by Dr. Steven Covey, Keep Moving by Maggie Smith,

20. Teachers are afraid to talk about their successes with their coworkers.

21. Let’s make it a point to celebrate one another’s successes.

22. It is about doing whatever you can to help the student succeed.

**23. Every student you come across you can make better.

Social Media:
Facebook: Arick Close**

In this episode we dive into lessons learned from three past guests and how they can positively impact our teaching.

In this episode Dr. Rachel Edoho - Eket shares lessons learned from being a high level athlete, a teacher, and an administrator.

Topics covered:
1. College athletics can be very humbling.

2. College coach taught “If you’re on time, you’re late.”

3. It’s important to be prompt and on time for meetings.

4. We need to understand that we have choices on how we handle different situations.

5. Focus on what’s in your control. Control how you respond to situations.

6. One of the best things we can do is pause and think “What can I do now”?

7. One of the best things that you can do is get a mentor.

8. Collect different experiences to increase your skills set.

9. Align with others that have similar mindsets and goals to yours.

10. During hard conversations - look at them through a lens of this is a learning experience.

11. Think back on experiences that you’ve had on the past and ask how you can use them in current situations.

12. Come from a perspective - I’m not the best, I’m not the worst.

13. Know who you are independent of the role itself.

14. Be able to accept feedback.

15. Use an anonymous survey. What am I doing well? What do I need to improve upon? Is there anything else that you want to tell me?

16. Be aware of your blind ways.

17. Give people your undivided attention when you’re with them.

18. Don’t be above apologizing.

19. Acknowledge your mistakes and try to fix them moving forward.

20. It’s important to understand that there are always options.

21. Try putting boundaries on your work time and your home time.

22. Put your job in perspective.

23. Book Recommendations: The Principals Journey, EQ, The Assistant Principal Identity - Principal Kafele

24. Trust the process. Everything that you are doing is preparing you for your next role.

**25. If you are helping someone you are definitely on the right track.

Book: The Principal's Journey
https://www.amazon.com/Principals-Journey-Navigating-School-Leadership/dp/B0BVC8MXNB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36576W8KNUQHP&keywords=the+principal%27s+journey&qid=1696038202&sprefix=the+principals+journey%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/the-principals-journey-website

Social:
Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/the_principals_journey/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelEdohoEket
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@racheledoho-eket
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rachel-edoho-eket-2b0ab7221/

Bio:
Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, author, and speaker. With decades as a teacher and leader in public education, she has earned the reputation as a strong instructional leader, passionate educational advocate, and dedicated mentor. As the Principal of a top ranked school in Maryland, she is a life-long learner who strives for excellence not only for herself, but also for everyone she serves. Dr. Edoho-Eket’s belief in fostering meaningful relationships serves as the foundation for everything she does. During her educational career, she has proudly served as a classroom teacher, instructional team leader, mentor teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal.

This is a solo episode where I dive into some thoughts that have been running through my mind recently. There are three important reflections on the words we speak and the impact that we have on others. The importance of showing appreciation for those around us and making sure that those under your care know that you believe in them!

In this episode we are joined by Jason Blair. He has been an art educator at the primary level for over 20 years. He is the teacher leader in residence at the Columbus Museum of Art and he is working with Project Zero out of Harvard.

In this episode we discuss:
**1. It’s important that we take a step back and think how do we apply learning. How do we make connections between disciplines instead of just focusing on one discipline.
2. Students come to us creative it’s important that we help sustain it and develop it further.
3. Set expectations that you want your students to be creative and imaginative in your space.
4. There is a hundred languages that every child speaks.
5. Create a space where all the voices and languages can be heard.
6. Inconvenient creativity - we want creativity when it is convenient for us. The problem is. kids are creativity 24/7/365.
7. How we respond to inconvenient creativity is extremely important. Do we see the mess or do we have see the potential.
8. As adults we often see creativity first as the mess first before what the potential is. 9. Slow down and notice the world.
10. Take a noticing walk - have a theme for what you are noticing. There are things that we pass everyday that we don’t notice.
11. When you are slowing down to notice things you’ll notice body language of another student, a passing comment, a smile about something, and other nuances.
12. When we notice the humans to the left and right of us before the content it would be a different education field.
13. Help students become not just problem solvers, but problem finders.
14. Are we creating an environment where questions are welcomed and questions are expected. Questions are fuel where learning is going to go.
15. The Question Focus Technique.
16. Design challenges that help students become curious, develop empathy, notice the world.
17. Students need to practice working in teams.
18. Create activities and challenges that give you real life talking points to teach the students.
19. As an educator have a research question that guides your practice.
20. Ask yourself how can we get students to learn with, thru, and for other kids.
21. How can we step back so that the students can step up.
22. There’s power in having different age groups working together.
23. How do we create conversations and environments that foster creativity.
24. Find ways to showcase the intellectual capacity of students to parents.
25. As educators we should be trying to lift one another up.
26. Book Recommendations: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, Big Potential by Shawn Anchor
27. Podcast Recommendations: Experience Matters by Steve Shapiro
28. We need to help students become curious about themselves, others, and the world.

Website: https://www.growcreativethinkers.com

Connect:
Twitter:** @_JasonBlair

Bio: Jason Blair believes the creativity of our children will change the world. As a 20 year veteran arts educator, everyday he is fortunate to learn from the creative geniuses that step into his art studio. He believes that we can empower students to tap into their creative potential, if we as educators nurture our own growth as creative change agents. To empower creativity in his students, Jason believes the educator must be the classroom creativity whisperer, building a community in which creativity is valued and thinking different is not just safe, but celebrated. Jason has established himself as a creativity specialist, capable of cultivating the creative dispositions that will illuminate imaginative ideas and help inspire innovative practice. He received his MA in art education from The Ohio State University. Currently, he teaches elementary art in Dublin, Ohio.

This episode dives into three easy ways that you can make it a better school year for yourself.

This episode is a throwback to when the podcast very first started. It originally aired in January of 2021. The message that was shared then remains true today!

In this episode Suzanne Dailey dives into different tools and strategies that we can use to help stay a healthy mental space throughout the school year.

Topics discussed:
1. What do I need to do to know that I am getting in a good head space, a good heart space, conserving my limited energy, and maximizing the capacity that I have.

2. We need to support one another when things are going really well and we need to acknowledge and support one another when we are collectively really tired.

3. We need to feel content, aligned, and balanced.

4. When our cup is empty it doesn’t mean that we are doing life wrong. I firmly believe that means we’re doing it right.

5. Happiness is an inside job.

6. Gratitude is the single practice that can permanently increase our happiness baseline.

7. Gratitude is consistent practice.

8. Find three things that you are grateful for.

9. When we are looking to be grateful we are scanning around to look for things that are good and are right.

10. Choose what you lean into and pay attention too!

11. If we can show our 2nd graders what gratitude looks like imagine what it will look like to them when they are 18, 28, or 38.

12. Have a gratitude journals with your students.

13. Things don’t get easier we just learn to do hard better.

14. Small shifts, biggest gifts

15. Have 2 degree shifts in our thoughts, goals, and actions.

16. What is the energy that we are choosing to surround ourselves with.

17. You have the influence on how much of someone’s energy you get. Leaves us 80 to 90 percent to choose.

18. There is power to intentional acts of kindness.

19. If you perform an intentional act of kindness you feel better.

20 .If you are having a tough day and do a kind act it can truly help you.

21. Have students come up with an intentional act of kindness for your students.

22. Bid for connections.

23. Podcast recommendations: Happiness Lab

24. Book recommendation: Strive for Happiness by Rob Dunlop, Bold Gratitude by Lanie Rowell

**25. What did your summer self do to help you feel rested, rejuvinated, and calm? How can you bring that into your school self?

Book:
Teach Happier This School Year: 40 Weeks of Inspiration and reflection:
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Happier-This-School-Year/dp/1416631666/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZBC2VSAWZMC4&keywords=Teach+Happier&qid=1692370889&sprefix=teach+happier%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1

Podcast:
Teach Happier: https://suzannedailey.com/podcast

Bio:
S***uzanne Dailey is an instructional coach in the Central Bucks School District where she has the honor and joy of working with elementary teachers and students in 15 buildings. Suzanne is Nationally Board Certified, a Fellow of the National Writing Project, and has a Masters Degree in Reading. She is the author of Teach Happier this School Year: 40 Weeks of Inspiration & Reflection (ASCD, January 2023). She also writes for the Teach Better Team in her monthly blog series, "Teach Happier" and hosts the "Teach Happier" weekly podcast. She is dedicated to nurturing and developing the whole child and teacher and loves sharing strategies at workshops and conferences. Suzanne lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with her husband, two children and English Bulldog.

Connect:
Twitter (X) : DaileySuzanne
Instagram: @teachhappier*

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As the school year starts up many educators have a sense of excitement and are ready to get the school year on its way. However, after several weeks everyone settles in to the daily grind and that motivation starts to fade. In this episode learn five ways to help keep that motivation and stay in a positive mindset.

In this episode we are joined by Phyllis Fagel. Phyllis is a school counselor, she’s has a private practice serving teens and adults, she a journalist making frequent contributions to the Washington Post, she writes a weekly column for PDK International, has also contributed to the New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and many more. She is also the author of Middle School Matters and her newest book that has just been released “Middle School Super Powers”.

Topics Covered:
1. It’s important that we understand strategies to self regulate so that we can teach them to our students.

2. Only one percent of friendships stay intact from 7th grade to 12th grade.

3. Look to understand the temperament of the students that you are working with.

4. Let students know that they will experience tough times and that is normal.

5. Share social stories with students that have gone through similar experiences.

6. Anticipatory Decision Making - talk about different options with the students.

7. Talk with students about the fact that you don’t always know if getting what you want is a good thing or a bad thing.

8. Use visualization to help students try new things.

9. Imaginable exposure - walk through a situation. What do you see? What do you hear?

10. Walk students through the worst case scenario. Talk about what they could do if this happened.

11. Help students feel the feelings ahead of a situation as this will help students prepare for those emotions.

12. The way you extinguish anxiety is through exposure.

13. Scaffold risk taking for students.

14. Students feel empowered if they know there is something that they can do in stressful situations.

15. Students who are aggressors often haven’t acquired proper social skills.

16. How we phrase things to our students matters.

17. Rough Draft Thinking

18. Remember that students often want to do the right thing.

19. Help students focus on what they can control and the actions that they can do going forward.

20. Validate a child’s feelings.

21. Help students think expansively.

22. Self Talk

23. Reference yourself in the third person. This will help with self talk.

24. Podcast recommendation - Ed’s Not Dead

25. Book - Action Mind’s Workbook

26. Make sure you incorporate self care strategies into your own life.

Books:
Middle School Superpowers
https://www.amazon.com/Middle-School-Superpowers-Resilient-Turbulent-ebook/dp/B0BP2JMBY2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Q1A99UDD0MQ9&keywords=Phyllis+Fagell&qid=1691161671&sprefix=phyllis+fagell%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-1

Middle School Matters
https://www.amazon.com/Middle-School-Matters-Beyond-Parents-ebook/dp/B07L2W2HFQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1Q1A99UDD0MQ9&keywords=Phyllis+Fagell&qid=1691161671&sprefix=phyllis+fagell%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-2

Connect:
Twitter: @Pfagell

Website:
https://phyllisfagell.com

Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond--and How Parents Can Help

Today we are joined by Jeffrey Pax. He is a children’s author who has taught special ed pre-K and a middle school self-contained program. He lives in Savannah, GA and is also an Army Reservist. His picture book, The Rules, uses realistic behavior and natural consequences to teach kids that kindness is the way to get along at school, daycare, and everywhere else.

Topics Discussed:
1. Clarity of instruction and expectations is essential

When we don’t know what is expected of you it can lead to struggles.
Find different ways to communicate your expectations.
Teachers have to prep students with expectations before different activities.
It’s important that we model behaviors.
Walk students through a thought process to handle behaviors.
Have visual reminders for the students.
Adapt activities to meet students ability levels.
Meet students where they’re at.
Book recommendations - The First Days of School by Harry and Rose Marie Wong, Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck, Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss, and Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges.
Be Kind
If you’re being kind then you’re not wrong.

Connect:
Facebook: Jeffrey Pax
Twitter: @jeffrey_pax

Book:
The Rules: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09XWQYX4Q

Today we are joined by Dr. Joy Karavedas. She has 25 plus years of executive level leadership in independent schools and nonprofits. She holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and teachers courses at the bachelor and masters level. She is also an author, consultant, and coach.
Topics Covered:
1. Leadership is about your influence and impact.

2. Lead those around you.

3. Those who are the best influencers take time to build authentic and intentional.

4. Leaderships by walking around - get out and walk around your campus and develop relationships with other faculty and students.

5. Help others build skills once you’ve built those relationships.

6. Open your eyes to seeing people.

7. Place yourself into intentional spaces to connect with others.

8. Pour into others.

9. Be an active listener.

10. Listen for the words behind the words.

11. Sometimes it’s important to step back and remember what’s important.

12. Ask yourself what can I learn from the role that I’m in.

13. Sometimes we have to give us our own professional development.

14. Find a reflection practice that works best for you.

15. Make a decision to reflect whenever you can.

16. Be brave enough to look inside and be honest with ourselves.

17. Reflection doesn’t have to happen immediately. Sometimes it’s best to have been separated from it for awhile.

18. Be like a goldfish. Learn from it and move forward.

19. If others make a mistake allow them to move on from their mistakes.

20. Be a little more gracious to others.

21. To thrive step back and ask what do I want to do, how do I want to spend my day, what will give me purpose in life, and make me want me go to work each day.

22. Find where the impact is.

23. SWOT - strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

24. Name your strengths and weaknesses.

25. Sometimes we have an idea in our head about what something looks like, but we haven’t looked at the reality of the situation.

26. Book recommendations - Think Again by Adam Grant and Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader

27. Podcast - Brene Brown - Daring Greatly, Sharon McMann - Isn’t That Interesting, Teaching and Learning Podcast - D2L

28. You have the opportunity to take responsibility for your own leadership journey.

**29. Be brave, Be bold, and be yourself.

Website: http://www.drkaravedas.com

Social Media:
Twitter: @JKaravedas
Instagram: @drkaravedas

Book: From Striving to Thriving: A Practical Guide to Growth in Leadership and Life
https://www.amazon.com/Striving-Thriving-Practical-Growth-Leadership/dp/B0BYRDX9LQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=striving+to+thriving+karavedas&qid=1681185147&sprefix=karavedas+str%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1**

In this conversation Kyle Hill talks about ways that we can strengthen bonds with parents, he talks about the importance of connection and transparency, the value of student mentoring, and so much more.

Topics Discussed:
1. At formalized meetings with parents how are we looking to support the parents.

2. Make it a point to connect with a parent. We want to make parents and caregivers to be as comfortable as we can.

3. Talk to parents in terms that they would understand. They might not know all the educational jargon.

4. What are we doing to build up parents knowledge about the different services that we are providing for their child.

5. Some districts are creating videos to help explain IEP’s and 504’s for the families.

6. Be transparent with the parents so that they are not blindsided.

7 . Connect early with parents to help establish a relationship.

8. We want to create the least amount of friction with the home and the school that we possibly can 16:19

9 The best way to chip down barriers with parents is to be human with them.

10. If you have a relationship with parents it makes it easier to have the hard conversations with them.

11. To best support our students make it a point to understand them.

12. Find ways to embrace each students unique personality.

13. Help students. Then help them figure out themselves. As they grow older help them advocates for themselves.

14. Verbalize students responses back to them.

15. School mentoring allows students to connect with other adults outside of the classroom.

16. Bringing another layer of support for a students can be extremely beneficial.

17. School mentoring can help kids be energized about coming to school.

18. It is important to have a connection with behavior challenges.

19. It takes a village.

20. Back to School Virtual Bash

21. Book Recommendation - Education Bandwith

22. Podcast Recommendation - Teach Better Podcast Network, Aspire to Lead by Josh Stamper, Punkrock Classroom by Mike Earnshaw, Teach Me, Teacher by Jacob Chastain

**23. As hard as it is to be in education is one of the impactful work that you can do.

Back to School Virtual Bash Summit
https://rechargedfamily.podia.com/recharged-family-back-to-school-virtual-bash-over-50-workshops

Kyle's Bio:**Kyle Hill has worked in special education for 25 years. His first 20 years were as a special education teacher in an elementary school. Currently, he works district-wide as a resource lead, in an attempt to help educators support all the students within their diverse classrooms. His greatest passion and job though is being a father of 3 kids who all have their own unique needs. Because of his experiences in education and parenting, Kyle became the founder of the RechargED Family. This organization provides content and resources for both parents and educators through his podcasts, the Xhausted Educators RechargED show, the Parents RechargED show, and various RechargED Family projects. You can connect with Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or YouTube @rechargedfamily. Find out more about the work that he is doing to help youth and those who support kids by visiting

https://www.rechargedfamily.com/

Teach Better Podcast Network
https://teachbetter.com/podcasts/

Today’s guest is Domonic Armano. He is a proud educator, an innovative principal a speaker, author, and most importantly a loving husband and father. Over the course of his career, Dominic has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, assistant principal and currently he is serving as an elementary school principal. In all of these roles, he has made it his priority to promote a positive culture for students, staff, and the community.

Topics Covered:
1. In order for students to get the most out of their education they need to have a genuine love for school.

If you love what you do and you love where you’re going it makes it easier and the learning happens.
Create a map of what is happening at your school (Social Emotional Learning, Whole Child, Academic, Guaranteeing Student Success (Community))
Make sure every person is in the building is part of the building and has a voice and a say.
Focus on the fun parts of school and that can make the academics get stronger.
People felt valued and when you feel valued you do better at what you do.
Be authentic and real.
Focus on who you are (school) and what we’re about.
Share expectations of each other.
Work together as a team. “We are one.”
Let others know that you are there for them.
Take time to acknowledge everyone. Celebrate the school community.
Go above and beyond for the school community.
You don’t necessarily see the difference that you make on the day in and day out.
Take a step back and look at the difference that you make. It’s right there under our noses and often we don’t see it or we’re not trained to see it.
Create a place that you would want to go to.
Really talk to people with the purpose of really listening to them.
Think about what you do well and what you want to improve upon.
Create a monthly fun week!
Family Friday’s - find ways to connect families to the school.
Book Recommendation - Road to Awesome by Darrin Peppard, Staying Grounded by Mike Hines
You have to take care of yourself.
Don’t take yourself so seriously. Social Media:Twitter: @DominicArmano
Instagram:@dominicarmano

Domonic's Bio:Dominic has an undergraduate degree in elementary education and graduate degrees in both special education and school district leadership. Through his years in education, Dominic has become passionate about social-emotional learning and has developed programs that encourage education through a whole child approach. This pathway strengthens the core of instruction and helps to build a community of eager, enthusiastic, and passionate learners.

In addition to his work as an educator, Dominic is a motivational speaker and blogger. He is the President of the Education Chapter of the Dowling College Alumni Association. In 2019, he was inducted into the New York Academy of Public Education, and he is a member of the New York City Elementary School Principals Association.

He has previously served with the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying as both a member of the Board of Trustees and as the Chair of the Education Committee.

Dominic has been featured on several podcasts and in articles about school leadership. At his core, he is nothing more than a devoted Yankees fan who loves spending time with his family and closest friends.

Back to School Virtual Bash Registration:
https://rechargedfamily.podia.com/recharged-family-back-to-school-virtual-bash-over-50-workshops

Every school year holds lessons. It is important that we reflect back on these lessons so that we can grow and become better educators.

Today we are joined by Jessica Pack. She has taught middle school for 18 years. She was the 2014 California Teacher of the Year. She has continually worked to redefine what learning looks like in her classroom. She is an author of the book Moviemaking in the Classroom. She is an advocate for student voice and choice. She is also a co-host on the podcasts Storytelling Saves the World, and the ISTE Edge.

Topics discussed:
1. Movie making is powerful because that is the zone where a lot of kids live now.

2. Movie making is a great way to shift students from consumers to producers

3. Students learn about the emotion that movie making creates in others and how to put their emotions into it as well.

4. Storytelling helps create sticky learning.

5. Don’t let the barriers of time, technology, and truth hold you back from being a digital storyteller.

6. Lesson frames and scripts should be used in the beginning.

7. The more you make movies the more efficient students get at it.

8. There’s nothing our kids can’t do if we scaffold it correctly and make it part of the learning routine.

9. Pick a piece of instruction that you want to formatively assess.

10. Start with something that you understand well that you can translate into a story.

11. You have to be willing to fail forward.

12. Embrace the fact that often the students are better on technology than we are.

13. In movie your script is key.

14. The “Golden Share”. Share some of your own writing and storytelling before you ask kids to share theirs.

15. Be vulnerable with your students and that will open doors for them to share.

16. Students want to share they just have to feel safe enough and valued enough to share.

17. It’s valuable, transformative, and necessary to get to know our kids on a human level.

18. Movie making gives students who might be quieter the opportunity to share a lot of themselves.

19. Be brave. Admit that you aren’t an expert and that’s ok. Dive in. Don’t look back.

20. ISTE - Global community

21. Here’s an idea I have, how could you make this better.

22. Book recommendation - Drive by Daniel Pink, EDU Protocals books

23: Podcast: Shakeup Learning - Casey Bell, Protcals - by Rebel Teacher Alliance

24. Recognize and value that every kid has a story to share.

Bio:
*Jessica is a middle school teacher for 18 years and a California Teacher of the Year (2014), Jessica has continually worked to redefine what learning looks like in her classroom. An ISTE author, Jessica's book, Moviemaking in the Classroom, was released in October 2021. She is an advocate for student choice and voice, as demonstrated by the original content her students regularly publish for a global audience. She also spent over a decade as a professional development instructor and Consulting Teacher for a digital storytelling non-profit organization called DIGICOM Learning, aimed at promoting moviemaking in southern California classrooms. Jessica co-hosts two podcasts, Storytelling Saves the World, and the ISTE Edge, an ISTE Community Leader podcast

Book: Moviemaking In the Classroom
https://www.amazon.com/Moviemaking-Classroom-Lifting-Student-Storytelling/dp/1564849287/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LDN40K4994P4&keywords=Moviemaking+in+the+classroom&qid=1687142830&sprefix=moviemaking+in+the+classroom%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1

Website:
http://www.jessicapack.com*

None

Today's episode is with Martin Silverman. He is a father, grandfather, husband, and long-time educator in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. He is committed to providing the best educational experience for the students and families at Salinas Elementary school where he is the principal. Martin has worked as a teacher and administrator in urban, suburban, and rural districts. His interests are creating and nurturing school culture, providing enriching experiences for students and families, and developing future teachers and administrators. As a former bilingual teacher and administrator, Martin is committed to providing ELL students with quality programs to develop their unique skills. He hosts a podcast called The Second Question, which highlights educators and provides them a forum to discuss ideas, and honor the teachers that have influenced their lives. He is also part of a trio of Texas educators that host the podcast The Texan Connection.
1. We control the culture, climate, our own attitudes, etc.

2. We can have a mindset that we create the experience that our students have with school.

3. Keep perspective on the bad days.

4. When students have a bad day think about the internal turmoil that they might be having.

5. When you think that you can do something to alleviate the internal turmoil of others that can be a pretty good day.

6. You have to be deliberate and find joy in moments.

7. Recognize the fact that sometime we have to go look for those positive moments.

8. Find ways to help recalibrate yourself.

9. In education we tend to focus on deficits.

10. Create moments where you are not in deficit. This benefits you and your students.

11. You don’t fix a deficit by just focusing on it. As it can be what you become.

12. If all I do is tell you what you do wrong all you’ll think is that you do stuff wrong.

13. When all students hear about their deficits what type of identity will they create for themselves.

14. Recognize when students are only hear negative things about them and make it a point to tell them something positive.

15. Build trust with others.

16. Don’t always solve every problem for a child.

17. Learn about people as individuals. It takes time, but it has great benefits.

18. Honor each other. What works for someone else doesn’t have to work for me and that is alright.

19. Create a place where everyone knows - You belong here!

20. You may never realize the impact that you make.

21. Allow yourself to absorb those special moments.

22. All of the things that you think are important probably not as important as you think they are.

23. Don’t sweat things that you perceive to be huge, but really are nothing.

24. Create a place where you can truly say “You belong here” and be able to back that up with conscious efforts to make.

Social Media:
Twitter: @MrSilverman116

Facebook: Martin Silverman

In this episode Dr. Rachel Cullen shares ways that we can make feedback more effective in our classrooms and how we can create a culture where the students seek out feedback. She discusses how to create a positive classroom culture and ways that we can front load skills to help students when they face adversity.

Topics covered.

Make it clear to thee students that you love them more than you love the content area.
Be authentic in what you do.
Engage with students that fit who you are.
Have a doodle board that the students can use before the class starts.
Joy can be found in the simple things.
Capturing Kids Hearts program
Provide students opportunities to collaborate.
Give students feedback. Let them know what success looks like.
Create a culture where students can see that you are trying to set them up for success and they can see the steps to success.
Feedback is more effective when the teacher changes their perspective on it and the students change their perspective on it.
Feedback is a process towards success.
Be intentional about talking to your students about feedback and model how to accept it.
Let students see you hear feedback, process it, ask about feedback that was given, and apply it.
When students see teachers accepting and utilizing feedback.
Students will see that the grade will come when they are focused on their feedback and learning and skills.
Model different skills and thank out loud.
Celebrate the process as well the outcome.
The little things is what really makes relationships flourish.
Make success visible.
Have students do a personal reflection where students reflect on their own skills as well as a mental health reflection.
Let students see that you are excited over their success. Celebrate and affirm them to what they are doing in class.
Often times we may see the good that our students are doing, but we don’t always acknowledge.
When you have relationships with the students you have an understanding of what that student needs in the moment.
Front load skills - Discuss what happens when a tough moment happens.
Role play handling certain situations.
Journal - Write about what their worried about, what they are excited about.
The unexpected is often what causes us to fumble. So prepare…. What are we going to do if ____________________,
Books - Flash Feedback by Mathew Johnson, The Count of Monte Crisco, The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains and The Glass Castle - How our Computers are Changing US
It’s not relationships or rigor, it’s relationships and rigor.
It’s not about the grades. It’s about the learning.

Connect:Instagram @ rachcullphd

Bio: Dr. Rachel Cullen is a high school English teacher in Colorado. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in building relationships with students while maintaining high expectations and being intentional about all elements of teaching from creating a positive classroom culture to providing meaningful feedback to her students. She brings the energy and enjoys being silly with her students. Outside of the classroom, Rachel is a wife, mother, and gymnastics coach.

In this episode Coach Jim Johnson shares lessons learned from a basketball Hall of Fame coaching career. He shares lessons on leadership, communication, and one special night that found him and his team surrounded by national attention and a special member of the team beating out Kobe Bryant for an ESPY award.

Topics discussed:

Today's conversation is with Cathleen Beachboard. She is a teacher, author, and researcher. Her research focuses on psychological tools schools can use to help students and staff increase psychological hope, resiliency, achievement, and happiness.

Topics Discussed:
1. Psychological Hope rewires the brain and it allows you to form grit, determination, and the ability to think, evolve, change, grow, and thrive.

Agency, Goals, and Pathways combine to form psychologic hope.
You can strengthen these.
You can start building hope in your classroom by measuring your students hope level.
Take high hope kids and put them near low hope kids. They will raise up the psychological hope for students around them.
Create a google slide show that is blank for every kid. Tell them to go online and create a slide show about who they want to be when that are 40 years old. Create them about who they want to become.
Focus on who you want to be as a person.
Little goals ultimately project who we are going to become.
Learning goal cycle - you put the criteria for success - I know I am successful when ______”
Have students set their own goals. Every time they reach a personal goal they reach higher and set tougher goals.
The whole goal of learning is to get better.
Growing fuels hope.
Interweave hope into your day.
Start the day intentional good. We can’t control everything, but interweave those intentional moments.
Have protected time during the day that you can use to do something that resets you.
Behaviors are a form of communication.
Create a self care plan for yourself and help your students develop one. Create a plan for what you will do on your worst day and your best day.
Every child has their own coping mechanism.
Little acts can help save us and keep us hopeful
To fight learned helplessness show students that they can.
Help students see what their good at.
Have students write letters to adults in the building thanking them.
Point out students strengths (You write such beautiful stories you tell me. I just need you to write them and I believe you have the ability to get there)
Have students list all their strengths. Ask how can you use your strengths to help solve their problems.
Don’t focus on the problem, focus on the person.
Remind people that you are more than your problem.
Use hope from the past to fuel future hope.
Make phone calls home to point out the great things students are doing.
End your day intentionally. Remind yourself that your are grateful for this child that did ________________.
Send out three emails a day to colleagues who support you everyday. Be a cheerleader for others.
Have students write a thank you for those who helped them.
As soon as you take ownership of your problems you control the outcomes.
Create a staff strength directory.
It is important to remember that you are not alone.
When you start looking for the good you’ll realize there’s more good than bad
Book recommendations: Dr. Schneider - The Psychology of Hope
Podcast recommendation: Brene Brown’s podcast
Teacher’s you are valuable and you can lead from where you are.
Hope is measurable and malleable within 90 minutes of intervention

Book: The School of Hope https://us.corwin.com/books/school-of-hope-278455
40% off code: AUTHOR40

Website: https://theschoolofhope.org

Social Media:
Twitter: @CathleenBeachbd

There's always a lot of excitement for summer vacation, but how we spend the last few days of the school year matters. It is important that we finish strong and on a positive note. There are little things that we can do to make that happen. This episodes dives into three ways that we can end our school year on a positive note.

This week's guest is Dr. Naphtali Hoff. He is a former school headmaster and currently he is the president and executive Coach for Impactful Coaching and Consulting. Dr. Hoff is also a podcaster, and an author.

Topics Discussed:
1. As educators it is important that we are collecting evidence.

It is important to remember we are facilitators of learning.
It is important to embrace CHANGE not resist that
View every challenge as the next opportunity for us to grow.
We can live in a 21st Century World with 20th Century mindset
Focus on building relationships.
Our students need to know there are a lot of adults that care for them.
Do we instill in a child the ability to push through difficulties.
Your students will remember more about how you made them feel rather than what you taught them.
If I believed somebody somewhere believed in me and gave me skills is going to be extremely valuable.
As teachers we need to think differently how we frame success.
Recognize the worlds definition of success mirror the definition of success in school.
Put students in positions to think creatively and as an entrepreneur.
Help students define success at a young age through multiple options.
We have to help our students see their success early on so that they don’t wait too later in life to discover that they are more capable than they were lead to believe.
Successful people often want to get their message out and give back.
I’ve great person has made a lot of mistakes.
All of us make mistakes. The big question is how do you view them and what do you do with them and how do you respond to them.
Make an effort to listen and build equity.
Take an interest in people. People are motivated by people who care for them.
Teachers are leaders. They lead their classroom, but also peers and leading up to administration.
To be more productive schedule everything.
Determine what is the most important task.
Think how you schedule the most important things.
Book Recommendations - Atomic Habits by James Clear, One Minute Manager
Be kind to yourself. We all make mistakes and it’s easy to live in a world of regret.
Focus on what can I learn from this mistake and how can I take the next best step forward.

Website:
https://www.impactfulcoaching.com/home

Social Media:
Twitter: @impactfulcoach
Instagram: naphtalihoff

Books:
Becoming the New Boss: The New Leaders Guide to Sustained Success
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-New-Boss-Leaders-Sustained-ebook/dp/B074BPC18Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CO9A987L6WVQ&keywords=Dr.+Naphtali+Hoff&qid=1683421766&sprefix=dr.+naphtali+hoff%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1

Becoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing Teams
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Productive-Boss-Leading-Performing-ebook/dp/B0BVRW2F6T/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?crid=2CO9A987L6WVQ&keywords=Dr.+Naphtali+Hoff&qid=1683421766&sprefix=dr.+naphtali+hoff%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained Success

Today's conversation is with Maxwell Roach. He is someone who has traveled a very unique path. He has performed onstage with music icons such as Beyonce and the Rolling Stones, he’s someone who has started several businesses and has been the CEO of a multi centered child care organization, and now he is bringing all this knowledge to the education space as the founder of the JonAyves Learning Club.

Topics Discussed:
1. When it’s time to make a decision MAKE the decision.

Ask yourself “What’s the worst that is going to happen?”.
Choose your priorities wisely.
There is something special in having a degree in touching people’s souls.
Practice and repetition is paramount.
If you repeat the process over and over again you will master a skill.
Success doesn’t happen by accident. Practicing, networking, and the individual make it happen.
Know what your barometer is and let it guide you.
Pay attention the linguistic behavior: I AM MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Once you connect with a person on what brings them joy you will make a strong connection.
Be interested in others.
Take what other people are saying and take it up another notch.
Take other people and elevate them.
Practice listening and practice being positive in conversation.
Appreciate people for who they are.
Artists who are extremely successful have an important support system behind them.
Environment is essential in become great at something.
Greats are fostered early and continue to work at their craft.
Allow the process to take place when working toward a goal.
Be yourself.
See what your students are interested in and tailor it towards them.
Love it. Learn it. Live it.
If you are looking to start a tutoring side hustle word of mouth is powerful.
Book recommendations - The Art of War
Podcast recommendations - Alex Hormozi
Train your mind to believe I will overcome whatever I need to.
Life rewards consistency.

JonAyves Learning Club Books (Amazon): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BYMCPYL4
JonAyves Learning Club Full Book Listing - https://www.jonayves.com/shop

Twitter - @JonAyvesTV
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellroach
Facebook - JonAyves Learning Club
Website - https://www.jonayves.com
Digital Tutoring - https://www.jonayves.com/jamdigital

Count By Numbers and Nursery Rhymes
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AJsHouseKids
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/AJsHouseKids
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@AJsHouseKids

Fun Academic Kids Videos
YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@JonAyvesTV
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/JonAyvesTV
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@JonAyvesTV

Danielle Dahlinger is an educator with over 20 years of experience who is doing great things inside the classroom. In this conversation listen as Danielle talks about the power of connecting with students, listen as she dives into ways to create engagement and anticipation inside the classroom, listen as she talks room transformations, Get Your Teach on, Letting Go of the Ego, and so much more.

Topics Covered:
1. Love our students first and teach them second.

Dr. Kagan found that a cooperative classroom exceeded growth capacity in both social and academic.
We can learn from the teachers that we had that were fantastic and we can learn from the ones that we did not connect with.
Build novelty into your routine.
There are daily things that you do that you can build into your classroom to bring novelty and engagement into it.
Look and listen for the small moments of joy.
Have a balance between practice and exploration
Room transformations - look at students interest and try and incorporate that into the classroom.
Room transformation - build it around the tough concepts that need a little engagement boost, you can do it all day, have a build up to it.
Room transformations build enthusiasm, engagement, and those experiences stay with the students.
Use the downtime to build relationships.
Play games with them and talk and have fun.
Look for the hidden skills that the different students have and make it visible for them.
Create space in your day to build connections.
Bring humor into your day.
Open it up to laugh at yourself in front of the students.
Create safety inside the classroom
If you create safety inside the classroom the students will be more willing to take risks.
Books - The Knowledge Gap
Take the ego out of your head and question if your ego is holding things back
Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable.
The world is changing and growing and we need to change and grow along with it.
Our brain has so much plasticity which enables us to do so much.
Podcast - Melissa and Lori Love Literacy, Triple R Teaching, Get Your Teach ON (Instagram)
Books - The Wild Card
You never know what you are to that kid
Unpack your Impact
Building Authenticity
Don’t let the white noise of your job take away from the joy in the day.

Connect:
Instagram: coffeecups_n_lessonplans

Bio:
Danielle a Dahlinger and I’ve been an educator for 20 years. I started my journey in education as a fourth grade teacher at a private school. My stay at the private school was short and I went to work for Kagan Professional Development. There, I had the honor of working with some of the greatest minds in education. I learned the value of research and how to design and implement high quality instructional practices.

After 9 years at Kagan, I missed the classroom. I stated teaching in second grade and I have been there the last 10 years. Second grade will forever have my heart.

As an educator, I believe loving the child first is the surest way to reach and teach any student. I believe engagement is a shared set of experiences that happen in big or small moments each day. I am blessed to have a career I am passionate about, one that affords me the chance to be a life long learner, and brings me joy each day.

This episode is all about improving school mental health. My guest today is Charle Peck! Charle is the cofounder of a revolutionary behavioral health program where she’s partnering with school districts to improve the well being of both staff and students. She has 20 years of education and mental health leadership experience. This has given her a unique lens of a seasoned teacher and licensed therapist and her clinical work in trauma and crisis intervention gives her clear insight to truly understand our fractured mental health system.

Topics Covered:
1. There are kids sitting in our classrooms struggling with something and we will never know about it.

As human beings we have to learn to step outside of ourselves and look out for the other person.
Learn to understand that we have internal and external influences all the time.
Know who you are in this moment and be ok with that.
When we are stuck in guilt, pain, and shame it takes a toll on us.
Understand that what I’ve done doesn’t mean that’s who I am and I can move on.
We have to get out of the wheel of self defeat
Listen the messages that you are sending yourself.
When you notice you’re saying to yourself “should”, reframe it and say “could”.
Ask yourself is this helpful or hurtful and if it’s hurtful how do I get out of it.
We need to expose our students to strategies to reframe their thoughts.
Create a common vocabulary that students can use and have strategies for.
Focus on what is on your circle of control.
Adults need to be equipped with these strategies too.
Alloy skills is about stepping outside ourselves and think about how we show up for others people.
We are going to make assumptions, we have to catch ourselves when we do that. We all have implicit bias.
Be CURIOUS - Ask “What am I missing?” This humanizes that student or colleague.
When we mislabel kids, we misguide them.
What is going on with this student? What has happened to them?
When you ask questions and are curious it allows space for you to forgive others.
Hope is incredible powerful.
Be that person that believes in others.
Lean on people that are looking out for you.
Collaborative Resolution - Ask what you need and what I need and how can we make that happen.
Lead student in figuring out what they need.
Know when you are with other people
Relationship reciprocity -know what you are willing to give from someone and what am I willing to take from someone.
Book - Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents
If you’re stuck with yourself or stuck with someone else ask what is it that I need or what is it that they need? Then try and fill that need.

Website:
https://www.thrivingschool.org/charlepeckspeaking

Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Improving-School-Mental-Health-Community/dp/B0BTS3MN2P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39KK3JUNYOD6K&keywords=improving+school+mental+health+the+thriving+school+community+solution&qid=1681587423&sprefix=Improving+school+mental+health%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1

Podcast:
Thriving School Community: https://thrivingschoolcommunity.podbean.com

Social Media:
Twitter: @CharlePeck
Instagram: @charlepeck

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Who doesn't want to bring more joy into their day? All of us do! Cultivating more joy in our days isn't something that happens passively. We have to be intentional and set up routines and habits to create more of it in our days. In this episode we explore an amazing blog post by Livia Chan titled "5 Tips for Cultivating Atomic Love and Joy". Be sure to check out Livia's blog post and connect with her.

Livia Chan
Twitter: @LiviaChanL

5 Tips of Cultivating Atomic Love and Joy: https://teachbetter.com/blog/5-tips-for-cultivating-atomic-love-joy/

Dr. Efrain Martinez is an administrator and the host of the Wisdom and Productivity podcast. In this conversation listen as Dr. Martinez talks about learning from those around you. He shares his own journey and the lessons that we can learn from that. He also talks about empathy, discovering and sharing the art that you have within you, and so much more!

Topics Discussed:
1. Learn how other professions do things. What are things we can takeaway from them?

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Pay attention to how you phrase things.
Before you get to the intellect you have to go through the heart - RELATIONSHIPS
Learn to show yourself and others grace.
You are the author of your own story so go ahead and write it! ~ Brene Brown
Treat yourself as if you are someone you care for.
Be aware of what you are doing, how you are doing it, and how you are feeling about things.
Self regulate - how often do you feel anxious and don’t do anything about it.
Motivation - how do you get yourself motivated.
Empathy - Listen to understand.
Social Skills - How do you get all your knowledge to help people learn.
Shadow successful people - see how they communicate, body language they use, how they listen.
Everyone is in their own land of emotions, struggles, and beliefs. Lead from understanding of where people come from.
You do your art, whatever that is for you, because at the end of the day the children in your school will benefit.
We cannot be better humans if we can’t learn from the past.
Trauma lives both in the wealth and the poverty.
Productivity is your relationship with time.
Imagine you were going to give someone advice - imposter syndrome 48:30
Book recommendation - 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Life is to short to hold onto jealousy and anger
Be present and embrace the moment

Wisdom and Productivity Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-and-productivity-the-podcast/id1553468377

Website:
https://linktr.ee/wisdomandproductivity

Twitter:
@EMartinezEdD

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

Bio:
Efraín Martínez is a father, husband, principal, and podcaster that lives in Chicago, IL. He has 17 years of experience as an educator serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Chicago Public Schools 299 and currently in North Shore School District 112. He hosts the Wisdom & Productivity podcast, reflecting on life and interviewing luminary figures.

Many educators try and develop a growth mindset in their students. Is our best of intentions though creating a false growth mindset. In this episode I discuss four misconceptions about Growth Mindset that Carol Dweck lays out in her groundbreaking book.

This episode we are going to learn about strengthen your physical, mental, and spiritual fitness to help you in and out of the classroom! We are also going to talk about communication and the ways that we can communicate better, making each interaction count, reflection, and so much more.

Today I'm joined by Bobby Pollicino. He is the Head of Upper School at Bullis School in Potomac, MD. He has served as a school administrator for over 15 years, also in dean of students and assistant principal roles. Before becoming an administrator he was a high school teacher and varsity soccer and lacrosse Coach. Bobby is also the author of the book Pricipled Leader.

Topics discussed:
1. If we want something to happen then we need to take control of that.
2. Help students understand the need to develop great habits.
3. You need to have a different approach with the different people that you work with.
4. Communication - How are we communicating with people? Are we connecting effectively?
5. What are you doing to make sure others on your team know. What do I know? Who else needs to know it? Have I told them.
6. Are we hearing what others are saying? Am I hearing what’s not being said?
7. It’s important for us at times to step back and say to ourselves who are the important people in our life and how are you showing them that they’re important to you.
8. Assume best intentions
9. In all of our interactions we are either growing that relationship or we’re damaging it.
10. Be curious. Ask questions and look to hear more about what others experiences have been.
11. Not everyone has a chance to be heard and you might be the only one who does that for that student, colleague, or parent.
12. Before going into a conversation take a moment and recognize where you are at mentally and emotionally.
13. Teach students breathing and relaxation techniques.
14. Journaling can lead to great growth. Try writing about what were your wins from the day before. What were the lessons that you learned? What’s next? What are you grateful for and list three things that you are grateful for. Also, do weekly and monthly reflections.
15. Look for negative and positive patterns that are happening in your life.
16. Too often we focus on what we have to stop, but if we see the areas that we’re strong and work off of that it can be even more beneficial.
17. Get feedback from people around you. How are people seeing you?
18. Pay attention to the words you speak and where you’re putting your focus.
19. Journaling helps you remember what happened. The wins, moments, etc. and these can help motivate you for the next week.
20. Teachers don’t realize all the great things they are doing.
21. Identify the areas in which you want to grow and improve.
22. It’s important that we have mental, physical, and spiritual fitness.
23. Make sure to write down your wins and your successes.
24. You have a choice every day on how you choose to face the world.
25. Book Recommendations: Edith Egar - Choices, Adam Grant - Think Again, Kate Murphy - You’re Not Listening, Simon Sinek - Start with Why
26. Podcast Recommendations: Lainnie Rowell - Evolving With Gratitude, Leaning Into Leadership - Dr. Darrin Peppard, Essentialishm - Greg McCewon
27. You’re in control of your mindset and the choices that you make every day.

Book:
Principled Leader - https://www.amazon.com/Principled-Leader-Bobby-Pollicino/dp/B0BR72SBRY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TOPFCBNW39DJ&keywords=Principled+leader&qid=1679764804&sprefix=principled+leader%2Caps%2C234&sr=8-1

Social Media:
Twitter: @BobbyPollicino

Website: https://bobbypollicino.com

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A question that all of us should ask ourselves is how do we define failure in our classroom. Is our words and actions sending the message that aligns with our beliefs about failure. This episode dives into my belief about failure after listening to the story of the self made billionaire Sara Blakely.

In this conversation author and educator Gina Giordano Byrne shares strategies that we can use to create a thriving classroom culture.

Topics Covered:
Gina:

Create a classroom environment where students feel safe and comfortable to push outside of their comfort zone
Make it visible to the students that success is filled with mistakes and learning moments.
Normalize mistakes in the classroom
Put ideas and concepts into terms students understand.
Make concepts relatable to students.
You can give the same message to multiple different ages by bringing content down or up to the students level.
Creative a classroom culture where positive peer pressure helps encourage students.
Help your students create a “Band of Believers” that will cheer them on.
Teach students about positive self talk vs. negative self talk
Make students truly feel heard.
Walk students through a problem. Help them find their own solutions.
Get to know who the students are and let the students know who you are.
Let your students know that they are part of a family. Help create that safe place feeling.
The mood and tone of the building makes the students feel safe.
Students should have people in the building that they feel safe talking to.
When getting students to step outside of their comfort zone start with something that peaks their interest.
Give students different opportunities and environments to challenge themselves.
We are our own Superheroes!

Gina's Bio:
Gina Giordano is the author of Otis the Trash Talking Octopus to be released in 2023 by Mascot Kids (Amplify Publishing). She also published Yet in 2022. She is an educator in Virginia Beach City Public Schools with over 20 years experience working with elementary school aged children, most of those years in gifted education. She has written many stories and poems over the years to teach her students about a variety of topics and is now putting them into the world for all to enjoy.

Book link:
https://www.amazon.com/Yet-Gina-Giordano/dp/164543513X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=K89HR8OBX96U&keywords=yet+gina+giordano&qid=1679201293&sprefix=Yet+gina%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1

Website:
https://www.ginagiordanoauthor.com

Social Media:
Twitter: @ginabyrne68

Instagram: @ginagb68

The episode dives into the power and importance of celebrating wins!

Today I am joined by Dr. LaQuanta Nelson. Over the last 20 years she has served in education as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, mentor, district level New Teacher Coordinator, motivational speaker, and consultant. She currently serves scholars and all educators on their journey to become Bold, Optimistic, Spontaneous, and Substantial. Over the years, Dr. Nelson’s background and experience in leadership has helped her to transform underperforming schools in her state, support culture transformations in schools across the United States, and help curate thriving cultures in organizations across multiple spectrums of business.

As the product of a single mother living in poverty, Dr. Nelson completely understands the dire importance of the work that must be done in schools that directly support children from underserved backgrounds and that of black and brown students.

Topics covered in this episode:
1. It’s important that we cultivate cultures that are thriving so that every single person that walks through the door they feel seen, valued, and heard.
2. All of us need to feel seen
3. Research shows that we can be extremely stressed and extremely grateful at the same time
4. Creating positive cultures is all about helping others know who they are and helping them understand the amazing limitless possibilities that are there for them.
5. Building relationships are created through micro interactions at a time.
6. Small things have an amazing impact on the culture of the building.
7. Do you know who you’re in the building with.
8. We can’t affirm others if we don’t see them.
9. We should have collective efficacy
10. Game day is every day and we are all on the same team to win.
11. You have the courage to be vulnerable
12. How are you intentionally make opportunities for your students
13. You have to be present to appreciate the moment
14. You have to be very specific about your goals
15. What are you celebrating.
16. Make sure that you are celebrate academic effort.
17. Be Bold - show up as your truest most authentic self.
18. Advocate for your students.
19. If you help people feel value, seen, and heard they will be willing to share what they see.
20. Be optimistic - negativity is dead weight.
21. When we train our brains to be more positive we can become 31 percent more productive and creative.
22. Be spontaneous - the brain responds to novelty.
23. Substantial - fill your days. Be intentional with how I move, what I do.
24. How well do you know your students?
25. The more of a person you truly see the more authentic connections you truly can hove.
26. If you are only leaning into the bad and leading into the negative that all we will see.
27. Celebrate failing forward - what are we learning around the way.
28. Life is too long and too short to do anything that doesn’t make your heart smile.
29. Book recommendations - Principal Kafele - Equilty Social Justice - Jon Gordon - The Power of a Positive Team
30. Energy is contagious. What is the energy that you are giving others today.

Connect with Dr. Nelson:
Twitter: @DrLMNelson
Facebook: The BOSS Educator

In this episode educator and author Crystal Frommert breaks down the importance of establishing a relationship with parents, she talks about the importance of remembering that we are working with parents greatest gifts and to be mindful of that when we connect, she gives tips that we can use to help strengthen that connection between the home and school, and so much more. This is such an awesome conversation!

Topics:

It’s important that we help new teachers understand the art of calling parents.
It’s important to remember that parents send us their most precious gift.
Use your experience to know when to call a parent and when not to call a parent
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.
Listen to other teachers talk to parents.
Collect emails, thoughts, write down the way someone worded something that you thought was good to refer back to.
Allow student teachers contribute during parent teacher conference.
Remember when parents see the phone number pop on the screen they get nervous.
If you are making a phone call home and it’s not a major emergency let the parents know that the child is alright.
Remember parents are nervous when we are talking to them to and we are talking to them about the most important thing in their life.
We have to be aware of what is going on right now in that child’s and parents life and sometimes make
Creating boundaries are extremely important. Think about what is healthy with you.
Having a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative comments with parents about their child.
Start the year off with a positive personalized note with every family.
Give students the benefit of doubt.
There is benefits too relaxing.
Give students a “Freebie”. You get one time per grading term where they say they didn’t do their work or maybe dropping someone’s lowest grade.
Book recommendation - Building Thinking Classrooms #ThinkingClassroom
Podcast Recommendation - Leaning into Leadership by Dr. Darrin Peppard, Steve Barkley
Respect your own boundaries. No one will set them up for you. You have to set them up for yourself.

Bio:
Crystal Frommert, M.Ed, has over 20 years of experience as an educator in public, parochial, and international schools. Beyond teaching middle and high school, she has served as an instructional coach, school board member, adjunct college instructor, technology coordinator, and administrator. She currently teaches middle school math in Houston, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and fluffy dog.

website: https://about.me/cfrommert
twitter: @mrs_frommert

Be on the lookout for Crystal's book: When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling

Today my guest is Jed Stefanowicz. He is a 25 year elementary educator, an author, a speaker, a blogger, and a former Massachusetts Teach Plus Policy Fellow. In this interview Jed is going to talk about different ways we can publish students work, student podcasting, the power of learning from others, and so much more.
Topics:

The new 4 C’s : Connect, compassion, culture, and climate
Innovation sometimes is nothing more than giving a kid what they need at the right time.
Find activities that are meaningful, memorable, and also measurable - if those connect you find lessons that are innovative
Think beyond the bulletin board - what are different ways that students can demonstrate their learning
When you can capture a students voice on a podcast and parents can listen with a click of a button that is pretty transformational.
Student podcasting allows transfer of learning. Justification of ideas, persuasive thinking, debate skills, etc.
Through student podcasting you give a window into your classroom.
Share thinking to others outside of your classroom. It makes students engage with learning differently.
Teachers should give them more credit then they do about how flexible they truly were.
Coaching T Cycle - time, talk, teach, try, think, and tweak
Set goals that are meaningful and achievable
There’s something that we can always learn from a lesson whether it be a great lesson or one that struggles
Make connections and learn from others
Find people in your building. Our buildings are filled with expert teachers that need opportunities to share the amazing things that they are doing.
We don’t need to be printing to be publishing. We just need to put it out into the world.
Try something. Reach out and let someone know that they are doing something cool and how do they do it.

Connect:
Blog - stefanowiczclass.blogspot.com
Website - www.jedpd.com
Twitter - @Stefanowicz135

Books:
Take AIM at Digital Literacy - https://www.amazon.com/Take-AIM-Digital-Learning-Activate-ebook/dp/B09VTFWT4P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GP2LFP400O3Y&keywords=jed+stefanowicz&qid=1676869439&sprefix=Jed+Stef%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1

Impact to Influence - https://www.amazon.com/Impact-Influence-Risk-Takers-Rule-Breakers-Changemakers-ebook/dp/B0BNP6LR31/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3GP2LFP400O3Y&keywords=jed+stefanowicz&qid=1676869439&sprefix=Jed+Stef%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-2

Jed's Bio:
As a Digital Learning Coach in Walpole, Massachusetts, Jed Stefanowicz provides job-embedded professional development and instructional coaching for academic technology. Through conferences, workshops, and coaching, Jed aims to engage and build staff/student digital learning capacity, keeping the focus on practice over product. Jed shares his passion for effective tech integration to transform teaching and learning, creating engaging and equitable digital learning environments and experiences that activate, innovate, and motivate digital learning. He is the author of Take AIM at Digital Learning: Activate, Innovate, Motivate and Impact to Influence.

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This episode is for all the educators who have felt rundown and low on energy. Meredith Rubin Daniels joins the podcast and shares strategies that all of us can use for ourselves or for our students to help keep emotionally regulated and our energy high.

Topics discussed in this episode.
1. Having a practice that puts you physically and emotionally in a place where you feel safe allows you to be open to other emotions throughout the day.

It’s important that we provide our students with ways to regulate their emotions and energy as well.
Tapping - check out Brad Yates or Shel Woodruff
Bubble of Peace - Create a safe space in your mind around yourself and only invite things inside your bubble that makes you feel at peace.
Gratitude - find something everyday that you can feel grateful for
When you start looking for things to be grateful for, things to be grateful for start showing up.
Pick one thing that you are grateful for and then pick 5 reasons why you are grateful for that one thing
When visualizing - incorporate all of your senses (how it sounds, feels, smells, taste)
Stomp in the grass - send the energy that isn’t serving your highest good into the ground it is a good way to release that energy
Find a community of like minded people that lift you up
No matter how much is thrown at you remember that you are in control of your mindset
When the teachers are aligned and feeling good and that passes onto the students

Meredith Rubin Daniels bio:
Meredith Ruben Daniels has a B.S. and M.A. in Education and spent nine years in the classroom before becoming a certified Generational Emotional Mapping Ancestral Healer, Reiki Master, Psychic Medium, doTERRA Wellness Advocate, speaker, co-author of the best-selling book, Energy Healing and Soul Medicine, author of The Aligned Teacher: A Guide to Sanity When You Just Want to Quit, and creator of The Aligned Teacher Community. Meredith is passionate about helping others, especially those who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place. She is thrilled to be able to have an impact to reach thousands of teachers, and therefore, their students, as well. Meredith lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband and their three boys. In her spare time, you can find Meredith cheering on her kids at their activities or sitting in a carpool line.

Meredith Rubin Daniels:
Instagram: **Soulful Wellness
Facebook: Soulful Wellness

Website: https://www.soulful-wellness.com

Link to Meredith's book: https://www.amazon.com/Aligned-Teacher-Guide-Sanity-When-ebook/dp/B0BTCZ836F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=W9RE0KXDREGW&keywords=the%20aligned%20teacher%3A%20a%20guide&qid=1675272989&sprefix=the%20aligned%20teacher%20a%20guide%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1**

The Aligned Teacher: A Guide to Sanity When You Just Want to Quit

In this episode I take a dive into lessons I've learned from some of my favorite podcasts. We talk about the power of being present and staying in the moment. The importance of community and ways that we can find those creative sparks. Take a listen and find out about some new podcasts that you might want to checkout!

Fresh Air at Five - Bryon Carpenter
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fresh-air-at-five/id1547552441

Evolving with Gratitude - Lainie Rowell
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-43-freshair-is-better-together-with-guest/id1617309262?i=1000598465599

Aspire to Lead - Joshua Stamper
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundations-of-instructional-coaching-featuring/id1384210762?i=1000598080590

Teach Better Team - Rae Hughart and Brad Hughes
https://www.youtube.com/@TeachBetterTeam

Leaning Into Leadership - Dr. Darrin Peppard
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-57-the-grass-fire-analogy-with-hal-bowman/id1605493835?i=1000598050778

Coaching U - Brendan Suhr
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-255-bob-starkey-lsu-tigers/id1498048309?i=1000596650561

There is something important that all of our students need to know. Something that they deserve to know. In this mini episode we discuss this and the difference that it can make in the lives of our champions!

In this episode I'm joined by Nikki Jones. She has been an educator for 16 years teaching 1st and 3rd grade and is currently and instructional technology coach.
Nikki is passionate about using technology to challenge students to think critically, problem solve and be creative. In this conversation we explore taking risks, creativity, connecting and being inspired by learning communities, one point rubrics, gratitude practices, and so much more!

Topics:
1. Choice and voice to empower students to share their learning that is best for them.
2. Microsoft Flip - extremely versatile and students can use it at any level
3. Middle of the year is a great time to rebuild those relationships especially coming off of break.
4. Whenever implementing new technology focus on three things that you want students to try.
5. Single Point Rubric - There is one goal or one thing to create.
6. Use and borrow ideas that you see others doing. Make tweaks and make them your own.
7. Fear of failure holds people back.
8. Our littlest ones are ready to be creative and take chances and along the way it can get stifled out of them.
9. Use technology to enhance instruction
10. Steal Like an Artist - People have great ideas
11. Be on the look out for things that spark your ideas
12. Take one idea that you’re looking at and turn it into multiple different designs
13. Teach students that if their first few ideas don’t work that’s alright. We take feedback and adjust.
14. Build resilience in your students.
15. Have a form of daily gratitude. Consider something like Flip to make nightly gratitude videos.
16. Take risks as an educator.
17. Model what gratitude looks like.
18. Use Flip to create folders that you can keep throughout the year.
19. Use social to connect with communities such as Microsoft Flip and Adobe team. 20. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. Be around others that spark your creativity.
21. Take risk and try at least one thing.
22. Don’t compare yourself to others and steal your joy.
23. Give yourself credit for the things that you are great at.

Connect with Nikki: @mrsjones72812 on Twitter

Nikki's Bio:
Nikki Jones is an Instructional Technology Coach in Northern Virginia. Prior to moving into her current role where she supports K-5 with meaningful tech integration, she taught 1st and 3rd grades. Nikki has a master's degree in education and 16 years of experience using technology to challenge students to think critically, problem solve and be creative. To educate future-ready students Nikki focuses on creativity, STEAM and computer science! She is passionate about helping, inspiring and training educators to integrate technology in ways that are innovative, highly engaging and promote student choice, voice and creation. She works closely with staff members to help them build their technology skills and become more confident while integrating technology that empowers student learning! Nikki is a Flip Student Voice Ambassador, a SMART Ambassador, Novel Effect Ambassador, Ozobot Certified Educator, Adobe Creative Educator Leader, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, HP Fellow in Cohort 4, Quizizz Game-Changer and Class Dojo Mentor.

This episode is inspired by a chapter in Dear Teachers, written by Dr. Brad Johnson and Hal Bowman, that was title "Why Would a Kid Want to be Successful if He Doesn't Remember What Success Feels Like?". As we are deep into the midpoint of the school year it is important that we ask ourselves if all of our students have felt success lately. Do they remember what success feels like?

This episode is a solo episode where we look to tap into the knowledge of others outside the teaching profession. Today's episode is about three lessons learned from Kobe Bryant. When you think of one of the greatest players of all time Kobe is one of the names at the top of this least. However, he was much more than just a basketball player. He was most importantly a proud girl dad, an individual who spoke three languages, an academy award winner, and so much more. This episode dives into three lessons that I have taken away from listening and watching countless episodes of this extremely wise man.

Kobe Bryant on Valutainment - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9GvDekiJ9c

Jay Shetty w/Kobe Bryant - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kobe-bryant-on-how-to-be-strategic-obsessive-to-find/id1450994021?i=1000449110208

Lewis Howes w/Kobe Bryant - https://lewishowes.com/podcast/kobe-bryant-mamba-mentality-nba-championships-and-oscars/

Relationships are at the core of teaching. One of the best ways to strengthen a relationship is by letting others know that you appreciate them. This mini episode is all about a strategy from Dr. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, called gratitude visits. Learn what a gratitude visit is and how it can help strengthen relationships.

Taking time to look back and reflect on what we've learned is important. Too often we take information in, but we fail to put it into practice. This episode takes a look back at some recent guests on the podcast and some of the wisdom that they have shared. In this episode we talk about the power of the people we surround ourselves with from Phil Januszewski. The importance of letting our students know that we appreciate them early and often with Livia Chan. Becoming a great storyteller and understanding on how others receive information with Dan Garrity. Recognizing that we can do so much with so little with Cari Matejka and the 8 pillars of belonging with Jessica Lander.

Have you ever had a morning where you wake up and you just feel down. Where you can't shake that feeling no matter what you do. This episode is all about a simple strategy that you can use to help lift you up on those tough days. It's something that is simple. Something that any of us can do. It's something though that we have to be very intentional about. Check out this episode to help you maintain that positive mental state.

In this conversation Jessica Lander discusses educating immigrant and refugee students. We talk about her book Making Americans that is a wonderful book about the exploration of immigrant education across the country. She talks about seeing these students for their energy, talents, and drive. Jessica discusses the lessons she learned from traveling around the country and meeting innovative schools who are leading the way in innovation for these students. The tips and knowledge that Jessica shares during this interview is something that is not limited to students who are new to the United States. The principles that she discusses is something that all students would benefit from.

Topics discussed:
1.Think about the different strengths, gifts, and perspectives that the students bring.
2. Don’t lower standards and expectations for students. Keep high expectations
3. Sometimes we sell students short because we can associate language acquisition with intelligence.
4. Think thoughtfully and intentionally how you support immigrant students.
5. If we are serious about reimagining immigrant education we have to ask the young people who are attending out schools about what they need.
6.How can schools foster a strong sense of belonging where students feel that this is their home and they can build a future there.
7.Schools need to think about how can we create a sense of belonging
8.Eight pillars of belonging - opportunities for new beginnings, supportive communities, assurance of securing, chances to dream, committed advocates, recognition of students strengths, acceptance, opportunities for students to develop their voice.
9.Schools can be a community hub. Connect school to the community.
10. Collaborate with community partnerships.
11.Global Village Project - the only school in US dedicated to refugee girls who have spent a lot of time outside of school.
12. Honor students identity
13. Bring laughter and joy into the classroom
14. Create a community that is supportive
15. Family engagement is pivotal - seeing it as an equal partnership
16. When meeting with parents lead with questions. For example What are hopes and dreams for your kid? How can we build trusting relationships together?
17. Recognize that students might come to school with different sorts of trauma
18. Trauma sensitive garden
19. Use complex and interesting language.
20. Meet teacher where they are and help them with what they need.
21. Get students involved in action civics.
22. Help them develop their skills to share their voices.
23. The way that we learn from each other is extremely powerful.
24. Learn from each other’s history
25. We Are America Project

Jessica Lander Bio:
Jessica Lander is an award-winning teacher, writer and author. She teaches history and civics to recent immigrant students in a Massachusetts public high school and has won numerous awards for her teaching, including being named a Top 50 Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize in 2021, presented by the Varkey Foundation and being named a MA Teacher of the Year Finalist in 2022, presented by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Jessica writes frequently about education policy and teaching. She is the author of Making Americans: Stories of Historic Struggles, New Ideas, and Inspiration in Immigrant Education, a coauthor of Powerful Partnerships: A Teacher’s Guide to Engaging Families for Student Success and the author of Driving Backwards.

Book:
Making Americans https://www.amazon.com/Making-Americans-Struggles-Inspiration-Immigrant-ebook/dp/B09PQM33FS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TV7F6ZB1Q3MO&keywords=making+americans&qid=1673760376&sprefix=making+americans%2Caps%2C568&sr=8-1

Website: https://www.jessicalander.com

One strategy that we can use to fuel gratitude and appreciation within the classroom can be to notice the great things that are happening, to name the great things that are happening, and that helps you nurture this. Past guest Livia Chan discussed this and how she uses this to fuel gratitude and appreciation in our classroom. We can use this strategy for ourselves as well to help spark these positive feelings in our own lives as well. This episode discusses this.

In this conversation I'm joined by Phil Januszewski. He is a science teacher and a nationally renowned motivational speaker. In this conversation we discuss the power of taking healthy risks, how to protect our mental currency, different strategies that we can use to lead with positivity and so much more.

We are a model for our students and our family.
Take health risks.
It’s good for your kids and students to see you try and fail.
Find healthy people to feed off of the energy of others
As soon as students walk into your classroom let them know that you are there to accept them for who they are and where they are and you are genuinely excited to see them.
Keep healthy boundaries to keep yourself in a positive demeanor.
Don’t be afraid to show your students your flaws, your human side.
If we say it over and over again eventually it will stick. The more we say it the more likely their going to remember that and hopefully impact them.
The more we talk about and practice making the best possible outcome from tough situations the more resilient we become
Build up your mind so that when failure comes your way you are able to handle it.
Show students that failure can happen but we can learn from that
Help students see all the little things that they have gained along the way.
Empower with them by showing them they are growing everyday.
More isn’t better, better is better
Individual human conversation you have in the downtime are invaluable
Let students know the path that others took because it can be empowering
Look to schedule your day - include the things that fill you up
Become more confident by getting more experience. The more you do it the more resilient and natural things become.
Surround yourself with people who push you forward.
Protect your mental currency with the people you choose to be around. Are they engines or anchors?
Everyone we know is our teacher
There are little things that we do that the students really look forward to.
Surround yourself with positive people on social media feeds
Build bonds through a human first approach
Learn from others

Bio:
Phil Januszewski resides in the Chicagoland area, where he is a proud high school Chemistry and Physics teacher; holding a degree in Chemistry and a Master's in Teaching Leadership. Phil has had experience with a microphone and a love of entertaining people starting back in high school. Fast forward through years of announcing local sporting events and DJing weddings; and Phil met his “brother from another mother,” Matt Matkovich, to form M&P Presentations. When Phil is not teaching or speaking, he enjoys everyday adventures with his wife and two children or pursuing his personal passions of physical fitness, cooking/baking new recipes, and reading about self-improvement and positive psychology. If you ever meet Phil, be prepared for a great deal of positive energy and enthusiasm.

Social Media:
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @MPPresentations and @PhilJanuszewski

Winter break is over and educators are back to the grind. As the new year settles in this can be a very difficult time of the year for some. This episode discusses one simple way that can help you stay positive throughout the next few months.

This week I have a very special guest. I’m joined by Livia Chan. She is a Head Teacher, writer, presenter, and a member of the Teach Better Team. She is deeply passionate about community, leading with heart and positivity, and daily lifelong learning. In this conversation listen as Liv talks about the power of connections and building relationships. Listen as she talks about ATOMIC interactions, and how we can use these interactions to intentionally uplift others through our love, kindness, and
gratitude.

Other topics discussed are:
1. See the things that we normally take for granted as gifts

Appreciate the students for being them and for what they do in the classroom community
When you notice it be sure to mention it
You create a wonderful classroom community when you encourage them to share and express gratitude to.
Notice, name, and nurture - Gratitude
Maximize those small conversations
Let them know you love them and appreciate them = early and often
Students should hear their names throughout the day in a positive way
Heartfullness - it’s not just with our minds it’s with our hearts that we interact with others
Atomic Interactions - Relationships are key to life - relationships with others and relationships with others - every interaction that we have builds on top of each others
Every single interaction matters
Pay attention to what you give to every interaction
Three simple words “I Love You” can make all the difference in the world
Comfort zone, stretch zone, not yet zone - letting students know you want them in the stretch zone helps
When you see each child as having different needs, passions, strengths, and allow them to be themselves within the curriculum
If you have an idea come to me
Ask yourself how can I make this more engaging? Fun? Novel? How do I make this an experience for them?
IF you bring your passion and what you like into teaching it is so contagious
If we are enjoying ourselves then it pours onto the students
Help students see themselves in roles - we are authors, we are mathematicians
Make those marvelous mistakes
Include movement into your day
Build a relationship with yourself - spend time with yourself - what are my strengths, my core values, my beliefs
Pay attention to yourself
Have visual reminders of the things that are important to you
We can help our colleagues out if we light up when we see them
Every interaction you have you have someone’s heart is in your hand.
Be impeccable with your words -
What are you feeding your mind.

Liv's Bio:
Livia Chan is a Head Teacher, writer, presenter, and a member of the Teach Better Team. She is deeply passionate about community, leading with heart and positivity, and daily lifelong learning. Livia truly believes in the power of connections and loves building relationships. She lives by the belief that in every ATOMIC interaction, it is an opportunity to intentionally uplift others through our love, kindness, and gratitude. We CAN make an impact on lives and an imprint on hearts.

Twitter at @LiviaChanL or at livchan.com.

This episode is a reminder about the difference that can be made by doing the little things. It was inspired by a blog post from Mel Hawkins and is about a gentleman that worked in a school and transformed everyone around him by doing the little things. His story is a reminder to all of us about the difference we can make by the energy that we give off to those around us.

Thank you to Mel Hawkins for the inspiration. Be sure to check out her blog at: https://melhawkinsandassociates.com/blog/

Today’s conversation was an extra special one because it was with someone that I have known for a very long time. Someone who we started our teacher careers very close to one another in the same school. And this conversatioin is just such a great reminder that there are people that all of us work with that are doing amazing things. And if we’re curious, if we take time to listen and ask questions, we can learn so much! This week’s conversation is with Cari Matejka. She is a fifth grade teacher and founder of Literacy of Love through which Cari has created a foster home in Uganda that’s mission is to help destitute, abused, abandoned, vulnerable, and orphaned children in Uganda find hope and a future. In this conversation listen to Cari as she explains her mission and all the life lessons and experiences that she shares from her work in Uganda, listen as she talks about building compassion and creating ripples within your classroom, listen as she talks about creating a common vocabulary that students identify with, and so much more.

Topics discussed:
1. We need true and authentic interaction with one another

Literacy of Love’s mission is to provide a safe nurturing home, education, and provide sustainability.
When you sit with someone and go through something with them it becomes a whole new reality to you.
Trust takes time to build.
It’s amazing what you can do with very little.
The perception of the value of learning matters.
Share other’s stories
Children will be compassionate if you give them the platform to be compassionate
Students want to be involved, they want to help out.
Students feel powerful if they can put their care into action.
Students will not know any different if we don’t share stories that would open their eyes.
If you act interested and care about something they are like sponges and latch onto it.
Valuing something and carrying it throughout the year. Language of the virtues
Share it, practice it, talk about it - things that matter to you
Have a language of your classroom
Start the ripple effect right inside your own classroom
Positive ways that you can effect the world.
If you get one child to care who gets one other child to care
Use yourself as an example
You cannot put a price tag on the value of human connection - a smile, a kind word, being willing to listen

Literacy of Love website:
https://literacyoflove.org

Connect with Cari:
Instagram: carmatejka1
Facebook: Cari Matejka

One of the most important things that we can do for our students is to create a sense of belonging. They need to feel seen, heard, and valued within their classroom community. Our students deserve to feel as if they belong! This mini episode is all about creating belonging within the classroom.

In this episode Professor Dan Garrity shares wisdom on being a great listener, developing durable skills, investing in students, open ended challenges, finding people who excel in their field, and so much more.

Embrace humor
Have a legitimate love and care to hear someone else’s story
Become a good storyteller and understand the language that your audience speaks
Excite, put it into terms students understand, and then challenge them
Ask ourselves how do our students speak, how do our students learn
Develop durable skils
Look someone in the eye, show up on time, solutions instead of excuses
We need to help students learn how to work in teams.
How can we get students to invest into each other.

10 Invest in community building.

What’s wonderful? Tell me something cool that’s going on in your life.
Every voice should be heard
Make it known in your class that we are interested in you and we’re glad something wonderful happened to you
Celebrate the students missteps
Make sure your students have a smile when they walk in the door
Make it mean something to be in your class, this is where I fit in.
Have a good TAC (Technical Advisory Committee)
If you ask, people will be willing to help
Keep things fresh
Develop social listening
Give students open ended challenges that have a realness element to them
You can’t keep up with everything - so find people who are excelling in their field
You are part of something way bigger
Let others know I see your gifts so clearly - if you look for it you will find it.

Dan Garrity's Bio:
Professor Dan has 15 years experience in the professional television news industry. Starting out as a videographer and editor, he quickly took on reporting and anchoring roles then moved on to newsroom management. He's worked in variety of markets; from very small (San Angelo, TX) to top ten (Seattle). After leaving TV, Dan spent the entirety of the 21st Century dedicating his professional life to academia. In 2001 he accepted the role of Director of Broadcast Studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. In 2018, he and his wife moved to Boise to be closer to family. Dan is a proud Air Force Veteran, where he flew combat reconnaissance missions during the Cold War as an airborne Russian linguist. He has an Associate's degree in Russian, a BA in Broadcasting, and a Master's degree in Communication Leadership. Most of all, he's proud and happy to have the opportunity to continue his vocation of teaching at the College of Western Idaho.

Twitter and Instagram: @ProfDanG

Winter break is quickly approaching and while there is much excitement over the break there is one gift that you need to give your students before having that time off. This gift will fill them with joy and help build their confidence. Take a listen to hear what that gift is.

This episode is a reflection of learning that I experienced this week. We speak to our students about being a life long learner so it is up to us to model what that means. In this episode I share some teachings from the amazing thought leader John Maxwell on how we can enhance learning. Also, the role of hype teams and what it means to build community within our schools is discussed.

John Maxwell Podcast https://johnmaxwellleadershippodcast.com

Are you interested in writing a book. Connect with Dr. Darrin Peppard and make that dream a reality!
https://roadtoawesome.net

Making a difference can be easy. Sometimes we think it has to be a grand gesture or a heroic act. Making a difference can be as easy as making those around you feel seen. This episode talks about the importance of making our peers feel seen.

In this episode award winning author, national speaker, and former educator of 25 years shares wisdom on creating a growth mindset with our students, different strategies that we can use to help our students become more resilient, ways to create a classroom full of thriving writers and so much more.

Topics covered:
1. Empower students with the knowledge that our brain is growing as we learn the things that we want to know.

Let students know they might not know or be good at something because of a lack of exposure, background knowledge, or experience with it.
Give students the tools to know how their brain works.
Success Cycle - you try something and you fail, look at the failure and learn from it, then you change and improve something.
If you’re not learning from the mistakes then you’re not growing
Celebrate our Failures - you tried and the mistakes help us learn even better.
Teach students that mistakes are "Growth spurts".
Be conscious of praise - praise effort over results.
Students feed off of our energy.
Provide real life writing experiences.
Give students a purpose and an authentic audience.
Recruit an audience for your students to share their writing with.
Make your students feel like real author and that it is a meaningful communication with the world gets them fired up .
Bring in guest experts into the classroom to see that what they are learning in the classroom are used in real life as well.
Create a list for your day - Identify the four or five most important things
Jot down your ideas.
Eke Guy - Purpose for living - what your good at, what you love to do, what the world needs, and what you can be valued for - find the intersection of those four these four things to help find your purpose.

Connect with Shannon at: www.shannonisteaching.com

Shannon's Bio: SHANNON ANDERSON IS AN AWARD-WINNING CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR AND NATIONAL SPEAKER. SHE TAUGHT FOR 25 YEARS, FROM FIRST GRADE THROUGH COLLEGE LEVEL AND WAS NAMED ONE OF THE 10 TEACHERS WHO "AWED AND INSPIRED" THE TODAY SHOW IN 2019. SHANNON LOVES DOING AUTHOR VISITS, PROVIDING PD FOR TEACHERS, MENTORING ASPIRING WRITERS, AND KEYNOTING AT EVENTS. HER BOOK I LOVE STRAWBERRIES WAS NAMED THE TOP RATED 2022 PICTURE BOOK BY GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MAGAZINE.

There are an endless amount of things that we should be teaching our students. However, one of the most important skills that we should be teaching them that often gets neglected is how to be more confident. Having confidence in oneself and their abilities is vital in all that we do. In this episode I discuss one specific skill that I've learned from a major league baseball sports psychologist. This skill is taught to pro athletes and is something that we should be talking about with students of every age.

This episode dives into ways that you can bring more joy, fulfillment, and create stronger connections in the classroom. I share 5 lessons that I've learned from recent guests on the show to tap into all of these. You will walk away from this episode with five simple reminders that will be guaranteed to give you a better day and will also make those around you have a better day as well!

Every day is filled with awe and wonder. However, when we experience something over and over again it loses some of its magic. This episode is a small reminder that a friend gave me to always take time to see the awe and wonder that is around you!

Lainie Rowell: Evolving with Gratitude https://www.amazon.com/Evolving-Gratitude-Practices-Communities-Difference-ebook/dp/B0B2KQ88GV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=237A4RUV8FBQ0&keywords=evolving+with+gratitude&qid=1669163779&sprefix=evolving+with+gratitude%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

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In this episode I am joined by an Olympic gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen and her mother and sister, Nancy and Liz Jorgensen. In this episode we discuss Gwen’s amazing journey to Olympic Gold and lessons learned that we can share with our students.

Some of the topics discussed:
1. Find the right group of people that can help you.
2. People that believe in you.
3. Stick with it and learn lessons along the way
4. Give students permission to find what they love to do
5. Provide balance
6. Consistency over intensity - if you do it everyday, you will learn everyday.
7. Surround yourself with people who can give you feedback
8. Microgoals
9. Process goals over
10. Build a culture of feedback. Never attach your feedback to a grade
11. Feedback safe and neutral - every criticism gets 3 compliments
12. Show them what they do well - give them the power, control, and language
13. Teach students how to be their own critics
14. Give students the opportunity to reflect on others and themselves.
15. Failure is part of the process
16. You sometimes have talents that you don’t even know exist and learn to listen
17. You can change the trajectory of a kids life when you share with them a talent that you see in them
18. The student’s don’t know what they don’t know.
19. Give students opportunities to lead
20. Process goals helped persevere through failures
21. Control the process
22. Set up concrete practice, rehearse
23. Give permission to do what they love
24. Make positive connections
25. Make incremental progress
26. Delayed gratification - did what was hard over and over again

Book link for Amazon: Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal TriathleteSigned copies: https://www.booksco.com/signed-copy-gwen-jorgensen
Free educator guide: https://download.m-m-sports.com/extras/GwenJorgensen/Teacher_Guide.pdf
For author visits, email nancy.l.jorgensen@gmail.com or elizabeth.jorgensen@gmail.com
Websites: lizjorgensen.weebly.com and nancyjorgensen.weebly.com
Our family story: Go: Gwen, Go: A Family's Journey to Olympic GoldElizabeth’s teaching book: Hacking Student Learning Habits
Nancy’s choral education book: Things They Never Taught You in Choral MethodsOn Twitter: @LyzaJo and @NancyJorgensen

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This episode gives you a key to unlocking a better school day.

In this episode I am joined by Pamela Hall. She is an award winning teacher, a blogger, and an author. During this conversation we cover topics such as engagement, intentionality, the power of listening, and many more topics from her book Be Their Warrior.

A few topics covered:

To help students become more excited and engaged about learning become a great LISTENER
Match the students interests to the learning standards you have to teach
Be that role model and talk and explain behaviors, actions, and feelings.
Give students tools and strategies to communicate with each other.
Teach students what coaching looks like and sounds like
You don’t have to be the teacher that goes to all the parties or the ball games
When one of us is struggling all of us are struggling so let’s help. When one of us is winning were all winning let’s celebrate.
Listen, be intentional, and give students experiences
Be consistent, love what you do, bring your passions into the classroom.
Be intentional in all that you do.
Name it to tame it!
Stop and remember your why! Your why can be different on different days. ( told about young man that she kept a picture in her lesson plan books, lost mom, dad incarcerated)
Daily trio - what are three things that you are thankful for.
Where your attention goes your energy flows.
You will do the actions that meet the beliefs that you have about a child.
Negative is our automatic default, omit negative,
Never give up on yourself. Connect students that is the best fit for them
Go Deeper - Personal and professional development
Who are the five people you spend the most time with and last five books you read
You are the author of your life.

Connect with Pamela at:
website: https://www.pamhall2inspire.com/about-me

twitter: @PamHall2inspire

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Their-Warrior-Students-Community-ebook/dp/B09LJYZD73/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EFGNLH8ZFAXZ&keywords=pamela+hall+be+their+warrior&qid=1668322399&sprefix=pamela+hall+be+their+warrior%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1

This episode talks about a lesson that I learned from a Hall of Fame basketball coach that I had the honor of coaching with. In his last seconds of his coaching career he did something that I will never forget!

In this episode educator, international consultant, podcaster, TEDx speaker, and author Lainie Rowell shares some unbelievable takeaways on gratitude and how it can change our lives.

Some of the things that we will discuss are:
1. Being present, intentional and authentic.
2. The power of praise and the 6:1 ratio.
3. Bring more gratitude into your life by noticing, thinking, feeling, and doing.
4. Keeping an eye out for the students who go unseen.
5. Best partnerships focus more on the good than the wrong.

Lainie Rowell bio:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, she is dedicated to building learning communities and her areas of focus include learner-driven design, social emotional learning, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Lainie’s work has been highlighted in many publications, including Edutopia, OC Family Magazine, eSchool News, ASCD K-12 Leadership SmartBrief, PBS NewsHour, and K-12 Dive. Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development. Learn more about Lainie at lainierowell.com and see highlights of her work at /linktr.ee/lainierowell. You can also subscribe to her newsletter at lainierowell.com/subscribe.

Lainie's books:
Evolving With Gratitude : https://www.amazon.com/Evolving-Gratitude-Practices-Communities-Difference/dp/1948334542/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E5GYGA2C3MXZ&keywords=Lainie+Rowell&qid=1667699134&sprefix=lainie+rowel%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

Evolving with Gratitude: Small Practices in Learning Communities That Make a Big Difference with Kids, Peers, and the World

This episode is about a quote taken from the hit show Ted Lasso. It is a timely reminder for the moments when things don't go as expected and if you work in a school you fully understand how every day presents unique and interesting challenges. So heed Ted Lasso's advice.

In this conversation Laura Williams shares the importance of connecting with others, agile classrooms, and the Authentic Learning Alliance. Some of the other topics that we discuss.

Emersion is important in figuring out what you want to do
Ask yourself: Are learners connecting to experts to further their learning in an experience or project? Are you producing or creating something for someone beyond the classroom? Are students using or engaging in a real process that helps them develop skills and knowledge?
How do experts engage in this (processes) Look to learn from others
Look to solve problems in your community
Connect your school to your community
Be part of the solution in making our communities better
Win - Win - Win : Students are learning, businesses are benefitting, and teachers are having fun
Learn about industries practices - how do real businesses create processes
Four things
1. Safety a prerequisite
2. Deliver value continuously
3. Make People Awesome
4. Experiment and learn rapidly
Two things - Daily Stand Up (share out what they have been working on, what are they working on today, what are my impediments)
Scrum board -Sticky notes with physical board ( To do, doing, and done) map out and plan, this is how I’m going to do it, chunk it, )
Teachers can see who is working on what and when
Making it visible makes it easier for students
We’re constantly getting feedback from our environment all the time. Reflect on it.
It’s important to know what you want, it is also important to know what you don’t want.
You don’t know what you don’t know. Learn from others.
How do we get kids comfortable with new ideas, new propositions.
How can we help them find joy in living, learning, and working.
Help students learn how to identify action steps.
Network, talk to people who have already been there.
No business has ever said know, look to connect
Connections that lead to opportunities that can lead to changing trajectories for kids.

Lauara Williams bio:
Laura Williams (MAT, MA- ELPS) is your resident authentic learning expert, facilitates the Iowa Authentic Learning Network, and is the founder of the Authentic Learning Alliance. She also is a Project Manager of a statewide project board for PK-12 Students across Iowa serving the Iowa Area Education Agencies. Her educational background includes B.A. in Interdepartmental Health Studies: Emphasis on Multidisciplinary Sciences, M.A.T. in Secondary Science Education, and Principal Licensure and M.A. in Ed. Leadership and Policy Studies. Over the past 10 years, she’s dedicated herself to transforming education through incorporating authentic learning experiences with area partnerships into PK-12 classrooms as an educator, consultant, and 21st Century Learning Specialist. She believes that education can be “the great equalizer” if we can leverage our student’s interests and passions. “We have ~6.5 instructional hours a day and I believe we can be the difference. We just have to dedicate the time, space, and connections to "up the ante" for students. I believe we can help each learner find their superpowers and help them develop 21st Century skills to be successful in living, learning, and working. We can help learners develop a mindset that they can be and do whatever they want in order to find their greatest human potential and live in their element.”Follow Laura on Twitter @mrswilliams21c or email at laura@authenticlearningalliance.org

There are students that you have extremely strong connections with and there are students where there is a lack in connection. This episode dives into one of the most impactful lessons I have ever learned about making connections with students. The lesson comes from Dr. Darrin Peppard and was from his book The Road to Awesome. It centers around two questions that transformed Dr. Pepppard career and may just do the same for you.

Road to Awesome by Dr. Darrin Peppard https://www.amazon.com/Road-Awesome-Empower-Lead-Change/dp/1777225515/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MALIRBHASD5G&keywords=road+to+awesome+book&qid=1666749780&sprefix=road+to+awesome+boo%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1

Road To Awesome: Empower, Lead, Change The Game

On this episode of the Teaching Champions Podcast I am joined by Josh Tovar. He is a principal and one of the hosts of Unlock the Middle Podcast. In this episode we discuss:
1. Your past doesn’t define you.

Come from the side of connection and love.
Be vulnerable, open your armor, and show your holes.
Be around others who have the same love, passion, and vision for students success.
Establish patterns of positive behavior.
Coach others up in a positive way.
If you connect with others you will see the results.
Body language speaks volumes.
Use visuals when working with ELL students.
Use social media to enhance PD.

And so much more!

Josh Tovar's Bio:
Josh Tovar is the proud son of Virginia and Jesus Tovar. Josh and Berenice are the proud parents to Matthew, Aaron and Josh II aka Cashew. Josh was born in Cd. Juarez, Mexico and immigrated with his family in the late 70’s to El Paso, Texas. After trouble years in high school, he joined the US Marines Corps as a 0811 artillery man. Proudly joining the Marines, it allowed him to serve his country and attend UTEP. Where he earned his degree in History and Minor in Education. As a public educator, he has been a member of 13 schools at the elementary, middle, high school level all the way to teaching Master level courses at a University. He has a Masters in School Counseling and Administration from Sul Ross State University. He also has a Masters in History from UTEP and he finished his Superintendent course work at Sul Ross. He was a middle school and high school teacher for 8 years, Assistant Principal for 13, worked in Operations for 2 years, and now he’s on his 6th year as Principal at Memorial Pathway Academy in Garland ISD, Texas. He was honored by his colleagues at Parkland Middle School by being selected as Teacher of the Year and made it to the Top 10 in the district. As an Assistant Principal he began to use social media to promote his student and the positive thing they did at school. He was entrusted to head the Medical Magnet at Bel Air High School where he worked with this colleagues and the use social media to increase recruitment by 30% the two years he was the administrator in charge. While principal at Socorro High School, he used social media to help support his colleagues in the classroom and his students. As Principal Socorro HS, “The Familia” and the use of social media (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/Periscope/Snapchat), allowed for school’s report card increased from a D- to B- in three years and earning state distinctions. The graduation rate increased by 8% and it could be seen that the campus Familia culture had increased as reflected by the last climate survey where 80 out of 88 items increased to include 100% of items by students and parents. Josh understands the power of Social Media and how our customers are deeply connected to these platforms. He understands that we need to meet our students where they are at and connect with them, as Ryan Scott says, “connections before content.”

Josh Tovar's Social Media:
Twitter: @MPA_GOJAGUARS and @JTSPOTLIGHTS

Unlock the Middle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRUChU4R0kTH9x9N0WyvZg

Ohio State Marching Band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hYWLZLgrR8

Educators are intentional with a lot of things. We are intentional with the set up of our classroom, the flow of our school day, and the designs of our lessons. Sometimes though we are not as intentional with the things that we notice. The small things that are happening all around that could lift us up. This episode is all about finding those moments and embracing them.

In this interview I have a conversation with best selling children's author Dennis Mathew. He shares with us the world through the eye of a creative and someone who it looking to uplift and promote social emotional wholeness, critical thinking, character development, and conflict resolution within others. In this conversation we dive into ways we can help our students embrace their creativity, keeping a healthy perspective, communication, and building strong relationships.

Dennis Mathew's Bio:
Dennis Mathew is a husband, father, elementary school speech pathologist, singer-songwriter and author.

For over 20 years Dennis has had the joy and honor of working with children in public schools and through non profit work.

In 2018, he launched his authorship, bringing children’s stories integrating social emotional wholeness, language enrichment, critical thinking, conflict resolution and character development to life.

His published works so far are “Bello the Cello”, “My Wild First Day of School”, and “How Grizzly Found Gratitude”.

He is also a singer-songwriter with a published music album for schools called, “The Let’s Roar Experience”.

Through his books and music Dennis has reached tens of thousands of students worldwide since 2018.

He eagerly looks forward to hearing from you, to work with your school community to spread joy through story and song!

Website:
https://booksbydennis.com

Bello the Cello: https://booksbydennis.com/dennis-mathew-shop-and-store/products/bello-the-cello/

How Grizzly Found Gratitude: https://booksbydennis.com/dennis-mathew-shop-and-store/products/how-grizzly-found-gratitude/

My Wild First Day of School: https://booksbydennis.com/dennis-mathew-shop-and-store/products/wild/

This mini episode is from an experience that I had with a student recently. Through a single moment this young lady reminded me of the magic that we have in our days. The school day is filled with stress and there's always going to be an endless amount of things that need to be done, but this student reminded me that it's important to be present and embrace the special things that the day holds for us.

In this episode we take a look back at some valuable insights that have been shared by some of my most recent guests. Topics such as project based learning, communication, and the power of modeling for your students are discussed.

As the school year is picking up traction it is important for educators to be able to find inspiration and motivation when it is one of those days when you just don't have it. The answer can be found in the classroom next to you, in the hallways, and everywhere else where positive interactions take place. This episode dives into a reminder on the importance of being present and taking time to appreciate the wonderful and inspiring things that are happening all around you.

This episode of the Teaching Champions Podcast features a conversation with Johnny Tiersma. He is educator who has been teaching for over 16 years. He loves learning and he loves kids. He seeks a classroom environment in which students feel safe and loved so that they can thrive. In this conversation he offers some fantastic tips on how to create a connected classroom that is engaged and where the students feel loved. Johnny also talks about his new book, If I Were a Teacher, and the process that went into creating it. There are a lot of fantastic takeaways in this conversation.

Book: If I Were The Teacher https://www.amazon.com/dp/195884828X

Website: https://ifiweretheteacher.com

Social Media:
Twitter: @johnnytiersma

This episode dives into a reminder a former student gave me that are students are always listening and the words we speak matter.

In this week's episode Ashley Hubner shares wisdom that she has acquired over the years from serving multiple roles throughout the field of education. She talks on topics such as the importance of building relationships and things we should focus on when laying the foundation of our relationships. Tips for being a better communicator. The strength of connecting with others and so much more. This is a fantastic episode with a lot of great takeaways.

Ashley Hubner is an Instructional Coach and Curriculum Specialist who has served in many roles in education from elementary school teacher to Curriculum Lead. Her degrees include a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and Principal Certification. She served 13 years in the public school system, then transitioned into an educational consultant role where she has worked with curriculum companies to build quality educational experiences for students and with school districts to build instructional capacity among staff.

Ashley's Book: The Foundations of Instructional Coaching: https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Instructional-Coaching-Instruction-Increase/dp/B0BD2TRYMG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EAT7BEHOAMG6&keywords=foundations+of+instructional+coaching&qid=1664080119&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=the+foundations+of+instructional%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1

Social Media:
Twitter: @ashley_hubner

Website: https://coachingaccess.net

This episode was inspired by a passionate educator who reminded us that moments matter not just for our students, but they matter for all educators as well. Moments such as greeting your students at the classroom door is important for the students to have a great start to their day. These moments are also very special to educators as well. This episode is a little reminder to embrace those moments and to take time and feel them.

Tweet that inspired this episode.
@BrittneyMohr
We tend to talk about the positive effects on students while greeting them at the door. Why have we not talked about the positivity for teachers? There is a special moment that happens everyday with every student while greeting them at the door. Moments matter!

In this episode EdTech specialist Debbie Tannenbaum shares some great knowledge on how to implement technology into the classroom, tools that she has found beneficial when working with students, 3 C's, Project Zero Learning, and so much more. Debbie also talks about her journey, the power of being vulnerable, and being an example of a risk taker for her students and colleagues. Debbie dropped so many great gems of wisdom in this interview.

Debbie Tannenbaum:
An educator with over twenty years of experience, Debbie Tannenbaum works each and every day to “transform” learning using technology. During her time in education, she has served both as a classroom teacher in various grades and as an elementary technology coach. Outside of the classroom, Debbie promotes using technology tools to amplify student learning in her work as an educational technology consultant, author, blogger and speaker. You can connect with Debbie at TannenbaumTech.com **.

Debbie's book: Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky

https://www.amazon.com/TRANSFORM-Techy-Notes-Learning-Sticky-ebook/dp/B097S8WLMV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LJ59JXXG0JYJ&keywords=Debbie+Tannenbaum&qid=1663453051&s=digital-text&sprefix=debbie+tannenbaum%2Cdigital-text%2C96&sr=1-1

Debbie's Website:
https://www.tannenbaumtech.com/all-about-tannenbaumtech**

TRANSFORM: Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky

This episode is a reminder of one of the greatest gifts that we can give to our students!

Sheryl Lee Ralph's acceptance speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRw8IFLS1Fs&t=242s

In this episode of the Teaching Champions Podcast I have a conversation with Sarah Said. We discuss listening to your intuition, student check ins, educator wellness, creating boundaries, the power of saying no, and so much more.

Sarah Said has spent 17 years in public education. She has served in the roles of teacher, Director of ELL, Director of Language and Equity, Dean and Assistant Principal. Sarah has been published on numerous educational sites including Learning for Justice, The Teaching Channel, and EdWeek Teacher. Sarah stands strong when it comes to ensuring an equitable school community for all stakeholders. She is an advocate for Multilingual Learners and their families.

Twitter: @MrsSaid17

Road to Awesome Courses: https://roadtoawesome.net/uup-on-the-rta

This episode dives into a reflection that I had after having two different conversations with my colleagues. The perspectives that we have will have a great influence on how we approach the day.

This week on the Teaching Champions Podcast my guest Rae Hughart discusses how her academic struggles as a student helped shape her as an educator. She also discusses her recent TEDx talk about mastery learning, the Teach Better Team, and the power of connections. There are a lot of great takeaways in this episode!

Rae Hughart is the CXO for the Teach Better Team, Former Executive Director of the Association of Illinois Middle-Grade Schools, TEDx Speaker, Educator, and author of “Teachers Deserve It” and “Teach Better” books.

Growing up with IEP support after being diagnosed SLD in Reading, Writing, and Math, Rae has worked with other educators and districts on designing mastery learning classrooms nationwide to reach all learners.

Rae continues to facilitate rich discussions with educators around mastering personalized learning, providing targeted student-focused feedback, and the impact of incorporating purpose into student daily learning. Through building partnerships with local businesses, Rae continues to support educators in designing dynamic, impactful, effective, and connected content - showing the impact of teaching beyond the four walls of a classroom and altering a community into an authentic resource for developing leaders.

After being inducted into The Illinois State University Hall of Fame in 2017, Rae was awarded the 2018 First Place Henry Ford Teacher Innovator Award for her innovative educational impact through the Teach Further Model. In 2021, Rae Hughart presented on the TEDx stage challenging educators, students, and community members to consider progressive, data supported practices to further 21st century learners.

TEDx Talk: TeachBetter.com/TEDxRaeHughart

Connect with Rae on social media.

Twitter: @RaeHughart
Instagram: @RaeHughart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rae-hughart/
Team Twitter: @teachbetterteam
Team Instagram: @teachbetterteam

Team LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachbetterteam Company Websites:

www.teachbetter.com
www.teachbetteracademy.com
www.teachbetterconference.com
www.teachbetterswag.com
Teach Better Logo
Teach Better Talk Podcast
Teach Better Book
Teachers Deserve It Book
TEDx Talk: Better Than Youtube

Teachers Deserve It: What You Deserve. Why You Don't Have It. And How You Can Go Get It.

Teach Better

This mini episode is a thought I had from recently watching a short video that was created by the Cleveland Clinic to help raise empathy among their staff. The video is powerful and moving as it highlights the weight and burden than many of us carry with us. As I watched the video it made me think about the burdens that many of our students and colleagues bring with them to school each day.

Cleveland Clinic video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDDWvj_q-o8

The beginning of the school year always brings such excitement and enthusiasm. But, after a few short weeks we find ourselves getting caught in the daily routine and our enthusiasm begins to wane. This episode is about five ways that you can maintain a healthy mental perspective throughout this school year.

As many districts have started the school year and more and more are starting every week this is a message to remind everyone to enjoy and hold on to the magic of the first few weeks of school.

Today on the Teaching Champions Podcast I am joined by Zach Rondot and Grayson McKinney. Zach is a 4th grade teacher and Grayson is a fifth grade teacher. They are the authors of The Expert Effect: A Three Part system to break down the walls of your classroom and connect Your students to the world and the children’s book Expert Expedition. And in this interview these gentlemen discuss how they take their students from learning from experts, to becoming experts, to teaching like experts. They share the power behind project based learning and they explore different ways that our students can showcase this knowledge beyond the classroom walls. Plus much more.

Books:

The Expert Effect:
Amazon Link paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/195385219X

Amazon Link Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Expert-Effect-Three-Part-Classroom-Students-ebook/dp/B092XQKM9F/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+expert+effect&qid=1621300985&sr=8-2 Expert Expedition:
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Expert-Expedition-Zach-Rondot/dp/1953852858/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=expert+expedition&qid=1660754510&sr=8-1

Personal Bios:

Zach Rondot is a passionate fourth-grade teacher in Troy, Michigan. His mission is to teach students the 21st-century skills, mindsets, and attributes that will help them succeed long after they leave his classroom.

In 2019, Zach was named the Troy School District Elementary Teacher of the Year and the Oakland County Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Zach is an instructor in the Master's program of Learning, Design, and Technology at Central Michigan University. He utilizes technology to create learning opportunities that otherwise would not be possible.

Twitter: @MrRondot, Instagram: @ZachRondot, Blog: zachrondot.com

Grayson McKinney is a fifth-grade teacher from Michigan and a leader in the area of innovative teaching and learning. He has worked with learners at all levels of school from K-6 as a teacher, technology facilitator, and as a program administrator. He is a student podcaster, educational writer, and speaker on the topic of 21st-century student learning and engagement.Together, Zach and Grayson are the authors of the newly released book, The Expert Effect: A Three-Part System to Break Down the Walls of your Classroom and Connect your Students to the World **which was recently released by Edumatch Publishing.

Twitter: @Gmckinney2**, Instagram: @ExpertEffectEDU,

Blog: Innovation4education.wordpress.com

The Expert Effect: A Three-Part System to Break Down the Walls of Your Classroom and Connect Your Students to the World

In this episode of the Teaching Champions podcast I take a look back at some of the lessons learned from some of my most recent guests. These lessons include focusing on the wins that are happening each day in the classrooms, be conscious of the labels that we place on our students, the power of focusing on the strengths of others, and so much more.

This episode dives into the power of believing in oneself and the words that we speak. We can build ourselves up with our words and make ourselves stronger or we can make ourselves weaker. This mini episode dives into this.

In this conversation with Jamie Brown we discuss building relationships with colleagues and students, ways to connect and build relationships with the community, the power behind being authentically you, and so much more.

Jamie Brown is a champion of Social-Emotional Learning and Character Education. Jamie's dedication to School Culture Revitalization and Whole Child Development supported NJ Public Education for 20 years as a teacher, PEER Leadership Coordinator, and district administrator. He is an author with Road to Awesome Publishing, speaker, coach, and promoter of empathy and inclusion among educators, students and the community. Jamie is the founder of Accept University, a presentation series promoting inclusion and empathy in schools, which earned a National Promising Practice from Character.org. Residing in the Hilton Head Island area, Jamie is the proud Assistant Principal at Bluffton High School, SC.

In this week's mini episode I discuss the small moments of joy that are present in our every day lives and if we're not careful will slip past us.

This is a fantastic conversation with Dr. Christopher Jones. He is the 2022 Massachusetts Counselors Association's Administrator. He is also a blogger, vlogger, and podcast. Dr. Jones has also recently published his first book titled Seeing to Lead. In this conversation we discuss how he supports, engages, and empowers his staff so that they become one percent better every day! This is a fantastic conversation with so many great takeaways so have your notepads ready.

Link to Dr. Jones book Seeing to Lead. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990566189

Social media: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook are all under the same name.
@DrCSJones

In this episode Dr. Joe Sanfelippo joins us to discuss his new book Lead From Where You Are. In this conversation we discuss the power of moments and momentum, celebrating the wins, creating a positive school culture, and so much more. Get the notepads ready because Dr. Sanfelippo shares some great knowledge!

Dr. Sanfelippo is an author, a speaker, he’s the superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, he was named the 2019 National Superintendent of the Year, he has over 63 thousand followers on twitter, and he puts on the Weekly Show with Jimmy Casas on Youtube.

Be sure to pickup Dr. Sanfelippo's new book: Lead From Where You Are
https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Where-You-Are-Connection/dp/194833447X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DVP0CNNMKZZ4&keywords=lead+from+where+you+are&qid=1657948372&sprefix=Lead+From+%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1

Lead from Where You Are: Building Intention, Connection and Direction in Our Schools

With summer comes a lot of new opportunities for us to experience and grow from. Often times though we can let fear and worry stop us from experiencing these. This episode is all about how we can step into our worries and strategies that we can use.

This is a fantastic conversation with Coach Brad Stamps. Coach Stamps is the head boys varsity basketball Coach for the Fayettville Bulldogs in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He offers a lot of wisdom on what it takes to build a team, valuable lessons that he has learned along the way, the power of relationships, and so much more. There are so many lessons that we can take away from the knowledge that Coach Stamps shares and bring it back to the classroom.

As a player Coach Stamps won a state championship. As a Coach he has won several conference championships and has been a runner up in the state.

In a world that sometimes feels as if it is filled with so much negative sometimes we have to step back and look through a different lens. We need to change what we are looking for. This mini episode is all about adjusting our perspective and paying attention to the world that we see.

Connect with Jillian DuBois on Twitter.
@JillDuBois22

This episode is an interview with Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez. In this interview we discuss the power of communication and ways that we can be better communicators. The benefits of being curious and being a life long learner. Dr. Perez also talks about reflection and growing from our experiences as well as what she has learned over the course of her career.

Dr. Amy Perez is Texas-born & raised, she is in her 30th year of serving public education. She has served as a JHS General Ed. Teacher, an SLP, a Diagnostician, a SPED Specialist, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Special Programs - including Special Education. She has also worked in the private sector as an Education Coordinator at a JJAEP and in both home health & nursing home settings as an SLP. She currently serves as a Director of Special Programs which includes SPED, 504, Dyslexia, MTSS, and the Liaison for students/families experiencing Foster Care and Homelessness. Her passions are communication, laughter, inspiring & empowering others. As a learner, she considers herself an "Experience Expert." Life is short but our influence is never ending, so she seeks joy and creates smiles through learning, sharing, and highlighting the best in other people.

If you have ever thought of writing a book and sharing your story reach out to Dr. Darrin Peppard at https://roadtoawesome.net/

All too often we look at something we do or something we create and instead of seeing the great things about it we choose to focus on the blemishes. This happens in our personal life, but it also happens in our professional life. Too often we get caught up in comparing ourselves to the educators around us and the only thing that does is rob ourselves of our joy. We should look to celebrate others and celebrate ourselves. This episodes dives into the dangers of focusing on the blemishes and seeing others as much greater than ourselves.

The teamwork that we show can elevate our teams to new heights or it can make the team crumble. Every year our school teams change. Some changes involve what adults work in your classroom while other changes involve getting a brand new group of students. The teamwork every member demonstrates place a big role in defining the culture of the school and the morale of those there. This episode dives into three lessons taken from world renowned author and speaker John Maxwell's book the 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork. If you want to have a more cohesive team next year check out a few tips from John Maxwell's book.

The educators that we surround ourselves with matter. A gentleman by the name of Johnny Tiersma said, "Find a teacher who sees students like you do. It’s really nice to be able to speak the same language.” There is so much truth to this. The people we surround ourselves matter. The words and actions greatly influence us. This mini episode explores this.

This is the 100th episode of the Teaching Champions Podcast. In this episode we dive into some valuable lessons that my first teaching mentor gave me. We will also dive into advice from recent retirees who have over 40 years of teaching experience and how they managed to stay positive throughout the career. Then we will go over some of the highlights from the different guests that have been on the show. This milestone episode is packed with important information for everyone involved in the field of education.

Alex Calderon
Podcast: 1st Gen Teachers Lens
IG: 1stgenteacherlens

Dr. Darrin Peppard
Podcast: Leaning Into Leadership
Twitter: @DarrinMPeppard
Website: https://roadtoawesome.net

Melissa Hayes:
Twitter: @MrsHayesfam

Jessica Saum
Twitter: @JessicaSaum

Dan Wolfe
Twitter: @ServLeadInspire
Book: Becoming the Change

Terry Wetzel
Twitter: @terry_wetzel

This conversation is with Terry Wetzel who has been in the field of education for 28 years. During this conversation we discuss project based learning and how it can help fuel engagement and make the most reluctant learners engaged. We also discuss flexible scheduling, service learning, and so much more.

Terry Wetzel has spent 28 years in education as a teacher, technology director, and in various administrative roles. His experience is primarily at the high school level and also includes oversight of a project based learning charter school.

He is passionate about education as well as his role at his new job, Project Development Director at Fork Farms, an ag-tech company whose mission is to increase access to fresh food and inspire communities to eat it. Fork Farms primary product, the Flex Farm, is in many schools around the nation.

To connect with Terry
Twitter: @terry_wetzel
terry@forkfarms.com
www.forkfarms.com

This midweek pick me up is a small reminder of the power of listening and how we should listen before we judge. I share a personal story that recently made me step back and really think about what we might learn and how we might understand others better if we took the time to listen.

The school year always brings a wide variety of different challenges. In order to navigate these challenges successfully we need to give ourselves different reminders. This episode dives into ten reminders that we can use to navigate the school year.

This mini episode dives into a few moments that happened recently at school that made me pause and think. If you have ever found yourself focused on tomorrow or stuck on yesterday then take a few minutes to listen to the power of appreciating the moment.

In this episode I am joined by Dan Wolfe. He has worked in the field of education for almost 25 years holding various positions from teacher, to instructional coach, curriculum specialist, and administrator. Dan is also a blogger, podcaster, and a newly published author. In this episode we take a deep dive into SEL and ways that we can keep a healthy and positive mindset.

To connect with Dan.
Twitter: @ServLeadInspire
Podcast: Becoming the Change
Book: Becoming the Change: Five Essential Elements that Guide Each of Us Towards Becoming Our Best Selves

This episode dives into one of the teachings from Marshall Goldsmith. If you don't know who Marshall Goldsmith is he is a New York Times best selling author and one of the premier executive coaches in the world. This episode talks about the one thing that Marshall Goldsmith said we all need to become world class at.

Today's episode is with Jillian DuBois. Jillian is a repurposed elementary educator from Clearwater, FL, and currently serves as a Professional Learning Guide for Forward Edge/Edge•U in Ohio. Her passion is to infuse joy to those in educational leadership by focusing efforts on listening, serving, and growing. She uses her voice to foster hope by celebrating equity and empathy.

She is a children’s book author and illustrator of Liv’s Seashells, Road to Awesome: A Journey for Kids, and Look at YOU, Piper Lou!, and Destiny’s Amazingly Different Dreams. She is the founder + Chief Optimistic Originator of Imparted Joy, LLC, which provides services to help others ‘spark their stories’ with confidence.

**Each day is a FRESH opportunity to listen, be slow to criticize, and be quick to empathize. Keep dancing and dreaming with JOY.

To connect with Jillian:
Twitter:**@JillDuBois22
Instagram: @jilliande

As the end of the school year is rapidly approaching it is important that we remind ourselves of what the most important thing is that our students should leave our classroom knowing. This mini episode dives into this topic.

This week I talk to Jessica Saum. She is a native of Columbia, South Carolina but calls Sherwood, Arkansas home. Currently, she is a self-contained special education teacher at Stagecoach Elementary School in Cabot, Arkansas teaching students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Jessica has been an ASTA and AAEF Advocacy Fellow since 2021 and is the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Jessica is a proud military spouse and is passionate about advocating for the unique needs of military families. She can be contacted at jessica.saum@cps.k12.ar.us and at https://twitter.com/JessicaSaum.

In this interview we talk inclusion and how to best serve students needs. We also talk about the power of communication and collaboration with our colleagues. Jessica also shares a lot of wisdom and insight on how to best serve our military families.

Every single day we get to make a choice as the day comes to an end. We can choose to focus on all the things that went wrong with our day and things that were less than perfect. Or we can choose to remind ourselves of the good moments that are sprinkled throughout the day. This episode dives into the importance of remembering the good moments that are in our day.

This episode is based off of reflections and things that I read or listened to this week. In this episode the conversation revolves around the power of the words we speak, finding a crew that makes you laugh, making learning visible for our students, students of the minute, and so much more.

This week's mini episode dives into the power of believing in yourself and how we can effect the beliefs that students have about themselves.

This episode dives into ways that we can build resilience as educators through celebration and appreciation. It also discusses how keeping perspective in the classroom can help us be resilient.

In this mini episode we talk about how we see those around us. Do we take time to get to know our colleagues? Do we take time to get to know our students? In this episode we discuss the importance of this and the difference that it can make.

In this interview Melisa Hayes drops a ton wisdom and ideas that we can use to make our classrooms fun and engaging. Just listening to Melisa speak you can hear the joy, passion, and energy that she brings to the classroom.

To connect with Melisa reach out on Twitter at: @MrsHayesfam

A little more information on this amazing guest. Melisa Hayes is currently a 2nd grade teacher. She has a bachelors & masters degree in education. This is her 25th year in education. She is a Wakelet, Flipgrid, & Night Zookeeper ambassador & an Apple Distinguished Educator. She is part of Our Global Classroom which is a family of educators around the globe who always puts our kids 1st & strives to teach the SDG’s & bring a universal call to action to better our world! She is passionate about many things: inclusion, teaching the whole child, establishing relationships with my kids, creating a FUN, safe, environment where her kids have voice, choice and are empowered daily! In her free time I love to spend time with my family: She loves walking her dog, board games, traveling, and making memories. She also loves being active: walking, biking or running.
Her first year she was a substitute for grades K-8. Then got a job as a 2nd grade teacher at Sunrise Academy which is an Islamic & Arabic school. Finally she has worked in Hilliard City Schools teaching 2nd for 23 years & am currently teaching 2nd grade at Hilliard Crossing Elementary.

This mini episode discusses a question that every educator should ask and answer.

This episode dives into some topics based off of what I have seen, heard, and read lately. The episodes talks about the importance of how we say good bye to our students at the end of the day, the importance of school culture and different components that we should be paying attention to, and the importance of making apologies.

This mini episode is a reminder to take our days in one moment at a time.

This week's podcast explores focusing on the great things that others do around us. It's a little reminder to see others for the great things that they do. The podcast also discusses taking a "Balcony Perspective" and looking at your classroom from afar. Looking at the things that matter most to you and analyzing what's working and what's not. The final part of this episode focuses on a story that every educator needs to hear.

You are strong, but sometimes you don't always see it. This episode dives into seeing your strength and reminding yourself of how strong you truly are.

This week Dr. Darrin Peppard is on the podcast. We talk the power of reflection, controlling the things that are within our control, how to maintain a positive mindset during these times, and much more!

Darrin Peppard is an author, publisher, speaker, and consultant focused on what matters most in leadership and education. Darrin is an expert in school culture and climate, as well as coaching and growing emerging leaders, and is the author of the best-selling book Road to Awesome: Empower, Lead, Change the Game. Darrin is also the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast.

Darrin was named the 2016 Wyoming Secondary School Principal of the Year by WASSP/NASSP and was the 2015 Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year. In 2017, Darrin earned his Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming. Darrin was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame in 2019.

Darrin now shares his experiences from over 25 years in education, specifically those learned as an education leader during the past 13 years. As a ‘recovering’ high school principal, Darrin shares lessons learned and effective strategies from over 25 years in public education to help leaders (both adults and students) to become more effective and positively impact the world around them.

To connect with Darrin:
Facebook: @roadtoawesome.net
Instagram: @darrinmpeppard
Twitter: @darrinmeppard

Road to Awesome - https://roadtoawesome.net

Coach Mike Krzyzewski coached his final game at the Final 4 losing to his biggest rival the University of North Carolina. After the game Coach K talked to the media and gave everyone listening one last lesson. One piece of perspective that all of us should take into consideration. This episode dives into his final lesson as a head coach.

This episode dives into a few thoughts about the power of connections and how the people that we surround ourselves with matter! The episode also explores how we can navigate change and focus on controlling the things that we can control.

If you are looking to increase the impact of your leadership team check out Dr. Darrin Peppard and his program High Performance Leadership Team.
https://roadtoawesome.net/high-performance-teams

There are difference makers in our schools. They are found in every role within the school. Each individual makes a difference. This mini episode explores the difference that one individual in a school can make.

The thoughts that we play in our head have a tremendous effect on us. They can make us stronger or weaker. Our thoughts can fuel positivity or make us more negative. In the book Soundtracks written by Jon Acuff the author talks about how we can control these thoughts and help make thoughts more empowering. One of his strategies is to borrow thoughts from those around us. In this episode I talk about a few sound bytes that I've heard recently that I'm trying to incorporate and make them my own.

In this episode I mention a hotline set up by some elementary students that is pure joy and looks to motivate all of us. This is something that you should definitely check out. The number is 707-998-8410.

This episode was inspired by a friend who chose to let a new student start with a clean slate and allowed the young champion to thrive.

This episode dives into just a few lessons from a master educator. We can learn from everyone around us and this episode is dedicated to a teacher who doesn't teach in the traditional classroom. The master educator that is talked about in this episode is Coach Mike Krzyzewski. He is one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time! This episode dives into lessons that he learns that we can take into our classrooms.

In this mini episode I share a few words of advice that come from a very special student. It's a little advice that we all need to hear from time to time.

In this episode I have a conversation with Alex Calderon.He is the host of the 1stgenteacherlens podcast that talks about issues that concern his identity and other 1st generation students and discusses topics within the education realm. He is also a 7th-grade ELA/S.S. teacher, 1st Generation Latinx American in NYC. He hopes to get involved within the administration field one day. We discuss his origin story, teaching in NYC, how to handle teacher burnout, and so much more. If you would like to connect with Alex his instagram handle is: Mr. C @1stgenteacherlens

This episode is inspired from a story by a Hall of Fame basketball coach. The power of belief and never giving up on our students matters. We might not always see the effects of our belief right away, but it makes a difference.

This episode takes a look at advice by author Elena Aguilar and talk about. building resilience through creativity and play. We also talk about courage inside the classroom and making sure that every student is treated fairly.

Here are some rockstar educators that are worth a follow on Twitter.

Melisa Hayes @MrsHayesfam
Brian Aikens @Insight_Minds

One of the best things about this time of year is that basketball season is winding down and playoffs are beginning. Before the playoffs start though there is senior night. This episode talks about a special senior night and the joy that is found when we celebrate others. When we choose to celebrate others we are brightening up their day and we are also brightening up someone else's day as well. Check out this mini episode to find out about this special moment!

This episode dives into inspiration that can be found by expanding your circle of people who influence you. Finding individuals that will push you outside of your comfort zone, challenge your views, and spark curiosity and courage within you. The episode also touches upon two things that educators should be doing to help promote mentally healthy and strong students.

Some of the greatest lessons that we can learn is from the animal kingdom. This episode dives specifically into the world of geese and a few lessons that we can learn from on teamwork and being there for one another. The school year is long and it is important that we are there to support, encourage, and lift each other up!

One of the greatest ways that we can grow personally and professionally is through reflection. This episode dives into a few lessons that I was given this week. These lessons can be useful in the classroom with our students or in our own personal lives. These lessons include small things to build a positive school environment, letting others know you care, being careful with the assumptions that we make, and the power of taking action.

As my students will be celebrating the 100th day of school this episode is about how fast time goes and making the most of the moments that we have in our classroom.

Recently I had a conversation with a close friend, who is also an educator, and we both agreed that we don't want to be consumed by negativity. This conversation stayed on my mind and I listened to the Tim Ferris podcast featuring Sarah Silverman and she shared a thought about grabbing your joy. Through her inspiration I looked to grab my joy during the work week and within the classroom. This episode is for all the educators who want to keep a healthy mindset and wish to grab their joy!

This mini episode is going to dive into a lesson that NFL quarterback Russel Wilson learned at an early age. Russel explains a belief that his father instilled in him at an early age that helped transform the way that he viewed what was possible and what wasn't. This is an important lesson that all of us should be looking to do for our students.

One of the greatest things that we can be as an educator is to be a lifelong learner. Expand our minds is great from a knowledge standpoint, but it also fuels creativity, perspective, and is good for our mental health. There is no one who embraced being a lifelong learner more than Leonardo da Vinci. This episode takes lessons that Michael Gelp included in his book How to Think Like Leonardo DaVinci. As educators we should look for inspiration and knowledge from some of the great thinkers throughout history and there is no better place to start than looking at Leonardo DaVinci!

This mini episode dives into a valuable lesson from Kobe Bryant. The episode shares a story of the words that his father spoke to him when he was at a low point in his life. These are words that we should share with our students, our families, and ourselves.

This episode dives into a personal experience for me. It talks about past memories and how we can reflect on these memories and use them to grow.

This mini-episode is all about embracing the moment. Being present to enjoy the moments that each day offers us.

This episode dives into small reminders we need to give ourselves on those tough days. This episode also discusses strategies that we can use to help teach our students how to focus on controlling the things that they can control and what to do when their focus goes on things outside of their control.

This episode take a look at the little things that are happening all around us. Those small moments that occur in school that if we pay attention to them can bring so much joy and happiness. We also take a look back at one of the very first episodes of the podcast talking about the power of showing up and what that means to our students just be being present and showing up for them.

Monday mornings can be tough. The weekends go by fast and knowing the stress of the work week that awaits can make it very difficult to handle. There are certain things that educators can do to try and beat the Monday morning blues. This episode discusses techniques and strategies that teachers can use so that they look forward to showing up at school and embracing the opportunity to spend the week with the students.

The education profession isn't easy. There are many struggles that educators face and it's important that educators develop tools and strategies to help them get through the different obstacles and seasons that a teacher faces. This episode dives into how those in the education profession can cultivate resilience through compassion. Educators can build resilience through compassion for others and compassion for themselves. This episode looks at tips and strategies on how to be more compassionate.

The week leading up to break is always a great week. This week brought joy and happiness inside the school. This week also contained moments of imposter syndrome and reflection. This episode dives into the week that was.

Register now for the free live event: Pep Rally: Leaning into Leadership
Streamed live on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.
https://roadtoawesome.net

Over the past year this podcast has discussed many different topics in the field of education. We have dived into different thought leaders and how their expertise translates over into the field of education. This episode takes a look back on these and we discuss the power of belief, failure, building school culture, the words we speak, and so much more.

Thank you for supporting this podcast over the past year! I truly appreciate you and look forward to continuing this journey!

On Thursday December 30th from 1 - 5 EST the Road to Awesome will be putting on a free virtual event. The event will be streamed live on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. Register for the event at: https://roadtoawesome.net

This episode takes leadership lessons from the hit show Ted Lasso that can easily be applied into the classroom. Ted Lasso provides us lessons of positivity and the power of belief. It also reminds us to be curious about others, recognize the value all of us have, understanding we're more than just a teacher, and the power of continuously investing in others. If we set out to do these daily the environment that we create in our schools for our students will truly be transformational.

Belief is a powerful emotion. When you believe in yourself and your abilities you are unlimited in what you can accomplish. When our students believe in themselves what they can accomplish is unlimited. This episode dives into the power of belief and how we can foster stronger beliefs within ourselves and our students through intentionally looking for the bright spots. This episode is important for any educator who wants strategies to help them have a positive and healthy day and encourage that among their students as well.

Inside our classroom the relationships that we have with our students, the growth that is taking place, and the wins that are happening play a large role in the success of our classrooms. Educators would benefit from taking time to reflect on these areas and ask themselves what are they doing well and what are ways that they could be doing better. This episode takes a deeper look into these.

Research has found that gratitude helps foster a positive well being, allows for others to have stronger connections, and become more resilient along with much more. Knowing this it is imperative for our own mental health and the mental health of our students that we start a gratitude practice within the classroom. The first step in becoming more grateful is being willing to see it. Then, we need to take that gratitude in. The third step is to make it a practice of extending gratitude to others. Check this episode out if you want to learn more about gratitude and how to instill it into our students.

Twitter:
Don Epps @DonEppsEDU

Every week in the classrooms brings a range of emotions and thoughts. This episode is a random collection of thoughts that I had over the course of the week in the classroom. This episode dives into the topics of failure, how we handle stress from the work week, celebrating the growth that our students have had to date, and so much more.

In a school year that school teachers are feeling more burnt out than ever it is more important than ever that educators practice self care. This episode dives into five thoughts that I have about self care and reminders that we should use to help us stay focused on what's most important.

The field of education is not easy. When you are serving others and you're pouring your heart and soul into all you do it can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. That is why you need to give yourself little reminders on why being in this field means so much to you as well as reminders on different strategies that you can use to help keep a healthy emotional and mental state of mind. This episode dives into small reminders given by Dr. Brad Johnson and Hal Bowman in their book Dear Teachers: 100 Days of Inspirational Quotes and Anecdotes. Check out some tips by these amazing educational thought leaders.

There are so many educators right now who are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. The expectations and burden that is placed on teachers is a lot. This episode dives into teachings of Justin Sua who is the mental conditioning coach for the Tampa Bay Rays. I will share two strategies that he uses with his players to help their stress levels.

If you would like more phenomenal teachings from Justin Sua check out his podcast:
Increase Your Impact

You have a story to tell and if you would like to explore how to make that happen connect with Dr. Darrin Peppard at the Road to Awesome.

https://roadtoawesome.net

This episode dives into some of the teachings of Dr. Jody Carrington. This amazing woman is a psychologist, an author, and a speaker. She brings energy, enthusiasm, and passion to everything that she does. This episode looks at some of the powerful teachings that she gives on making connections with students, the power of modeling, and remembering the difference that you make.

If you want to hear Dr. Carrington in her own words check out these amazing podcasts.

Rise Together Podcast episode 161
Social Studies with Jon Dombrowski - July 5th episode
Get Your Teach On Podcast: Episode 37 and Episode 9
Tilt Parenting Podcast: Epidsode 247

Through conversations that I've overheard, things I've seen on social media, and how I've felt personally it's easy to see that many educators are starting to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. The school year is long and offers many challenges. That is why it is important for all of us that we are deliberate in things that we do to try and set ourselves up for a successful school day. This episode dives into a few of the strategies.

The episode dives into the power of being present and the power that it can have in creating a positive day. We discuss three ways that we can work on being in the moment inside our classroom based off of Elaina Aguilar's book Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators. Mrs. Aguilar talks about three things that we can do to help stay present. She says being mindful, finding joy, and sharing laughter as ways that we can create a great day for ourselves. This episodes dives into these.

This week's episode takes lesson taught from Les Brown who is one of the greatest speakers of all time. He's a gentleman who has effected others from all over the world with his motivational talks on human potential. This episode is a tribute to him and three lessons that he has taught that we can apply to our classroom. If you are interested in learning how we can improve as an educator and learn from one of the greatest speakers of all time this is definitely an episode to check out.

Educators are always looking for ways to make their classrooms more impactful. This episode dives into lessons from the head coach of Clemson's football team Dabo Swinney. In this episode you will find lessons that he has used to transform Clemson from a football program that no one believed in to one of the premier programs in the country. These lessons have very little to do about football and so much to do with what we can do to bring out the best in our students.

Some other podcasts that have featured Dabo Swinney are:
Ed Mylett - June 15, 2021
The Power of Positive University (Jon Gordon) - Feb. 9, 2018
Getting Real with Grady Jarrett - April 26th, 2021

After teaching remotely for a year and a half I returned to face to face instruction this past week. This episode dives into some thoughts that I had after being inside the classroom with my students for the week.

Coaching from Dr. Darrin Peppard and Dr. Brandon Beck
Open Road - Accelerate - https://roadtoawesome.net/results-coaching

There are little things that we do each day that drive our classroom culture. This episode dives into things to consider for this school year.

Showing up for our students in the right frame of mind is important. There are strategies that we can use to help put ourselves in a positive frame of mind to face the school day. This episode explores a few strategies so that we can show up as our best selves and remain that way throughout the school day.

There is so much buzz and excitement surrounding the beginning of the school year. As educators we are always extremely excited to jump into the new school year full steam ahead. Unfortunately if we are not careful this can lead to us burning out. This episode dives into tips and tricks that Courtney Dauwalter, one of the worlds best ultra runners, uses to navigate those long races. These tips are what an elite athlete uses and could be essential to us successfully navigating the school year.

To find out more about Courtney Dauwalter check out the Rich Roll podcast.

The school year has started for some and is rapidly approaching for many. For some motivation is strong going into the year while for others the effects of last school year can be felt and the motivation is running low. This episode is dedicated to developing strategies that we can use as teachers to help us rekindle and maintain a healthy motivation for the school year ahead.

If you are looking for extra motivation check out the members of the Road to Awesome team out. There are some great minds who are encouraging and working towards lifting teachers, administrators, and school staff members up.

You can check them out at - https://roadtoawesome.net

This summer we have taken a look at several great books that offer tips and strategies that we can use to help keep us mentally and emotionally strong. With school starting up in some parts of the country and getting ready to in many others this episode takes a look back at these strategies in the hopes that you may find a takeaway that you can use to help you in the year to come.

In 2014 Admiral William McRaven addressed the University of Texas's graduating class. In his commencement speech he shared with them lessons that he has learned along his journey. These lessons are valuable to each and everyone of us. They can be applied to our personal lives and our lives within the classroom. This commencement speech has been viewed over 14 million times on youtube and has been turned into a book. This episode takes a look at a few of these lessons and how as educators we can use them to bring out the best in us, our colleagues, and our students.

Make Your Bed by Amiral William McRaven

Olympians face pressure at the highest level. They have learned strategies and tools that allow them to control nerves, stay focused, and perform in the most tense moments. As educators we can use these tools to help us perform at the highest of levels in the classroom and at home. This episode will look at the book Train (Your Brain) Like an Olympian by Jean Francois Menard and discuss some of the strategies that Mr. Menard uses to train his Olympians with. These skills are truly beneficial to us and our students.

Train (Your Brain) Like an Olympian by Jean Francois Menard

We live in an age of distraction and never ending to do lists. As educators the stress that fills our days can lead to us missing out on so many joyful moments. This episode talks about the importance of being present and embracing the little moments that each day brings us.

The words we say to ourselves matter. Those soundtracks that we play over and over again. These words can build us up or tear us down. They can fuel us to take on new and exciting challenges or they can stop us in our tracks. Our personal soundtracks are important. This episode discusses strategies from Jon Acuff's book Soundtracks and focuses on ways we can identify the negative soundtracks and replace them with positive and empowering ones.

As educators this is also important because we need to be able to teach our students about self talk and how they can create soundtracks in their own minds that will take them in a positive direction.

If you like this podcast then check out Jon Acuff's book Soundtracks.

Making stronger connections in our classrooms, schools, and personal life is extremely important. This episode discusses tips from the book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. This book has sold over 30 million copies and is thought of as one of the most influential books of all time. If you are looking to strengthen relationships then check this episode out!

The second episode in the summer series revolves around the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This powerful book talks about four agreements that we can live by that will truly transform us and the way in which we see the world. Check out the podcast and definitely add this book to your must read list.

Anyone that works in education can attest to the fact that this has been a stressful year. It's one where it was very difficult to find that work life balance. This episode is about the power of slowing down, being present, and finding stillness in our lives. We take a dive into Ryan Holiday's book Stillness is the Key to discuss some of the strategies that we can use to be more still.

The way we approach our classrooms and the priorities that we have tremendously effect our students. This episode dives into five different things that make an impact on students, classrooms, and learning.

Reflection is pivotal to growth. Taking time to reflect on tough moments can offer valuable insight and lead to a tremendous amount of growth. That being said let's not just be happy that as teachers we were able to get through this school year. Let's use this school year as something to grow from. This episode dives into reflection and how we can use it to become the best educator that we can be.

This school year has been a year to remember. It's been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and so many unforgettable moments. This episode is all about looking back at this year and the lens that we view it with. Even though it challenged many educators far more than many years in the past we should look back and celebrate the year that it was.

This weeks episode looks at a study conducted by a UC Berkeley professor that measured the effect of positive physical interactions between players on NBA teams. The study found that the more positive interactions that there are the more successful the team was. This should be a lesson for educators as well. The more positive interactions that we have with our students the more engaged they'll be, the more risks they take, and the more they'll feel invested in learning.

As educators we have mastered the art of the to do list. We have lists for everything and we often consider it a good day if we can cross off everything from the list. What if we crossed off the "to do" list and created a "to be" list. This episode explores a "to be" list and the power that it can have.

This episode is a special reminder for all of us. Working in the field of education can be taxing. There is a lot of energy that is poured out each and every single day for all the students that everyone in the school system serves. This episode is just a reminder of what is important and is a lesson that each and every single one of us should hear!

The power of believing in oneself is invaluable. To achieve anything all of us must believe in our abilities. Self belief can be fostered in the classroom. The words we use and how we treat our students plays a big role in the identity that they create for themselves. This episode dives into one question that we should be asking our students daily. It's a question that was instrumental in helping Super Bowl Champion Russell Wilson pave his way into the NFL. As a young man his father would ask him "Why not you?". This single question helped Russel Wilson create a limitless mindset and is a big part of his success today. As educators it is important that we create a limitless mindset in our students.

This school year has been filled with ups and downs. Moments of great joy and moments where we have struggled. This episode is dedicated to all those who helped us get through this school year. The coworkers who made us laugh, who listened to us when we needed to talk, and those who kept us going on those hard days. Recognize those colleagues. Celebrate those colleagues. This episode is for them!

There are lessons that we can learn from in every walk of life. It's important as educators that we look at people who have become ultra successful and look to see what made them that way. Analyze what makes up their mindsets and see if we can pass that on to our students. In this weeks episode the founder of SPANX, is discussed, and a certain mindset that she has that allowed her to take SPANX as a small start up and make it into a global giant! This is an important lesson that everyone can learn from!

There are many times when we leave discussions, read an email, or hear about a transgression that took place and we automatically assume the worst. We assume that others had ill intentions. We create negative stories in our head and this can have a tremendous impact on our emotional, physical, and mental well being. These assumptions can also have a negative effect on us and can greatly impact our relationships with our students, the parents of our students, and our coworkers. What if we change the way we view these interactions. What if we assume that people had the best of intentions and wanted what was best for us. How would this effect our well being? How would this effect the relationship with those we serve. This episode focuses on assuming positive intentions and the impact that this can have.

The teaching world has been transformed this school year. Every teacher has been impacted in one form or another because of the pandemic. At times this has lead many educators to feel stressed, burned out, and as if their impact in the classroom has greatly decreased. This episode tackles this issue and is a reminder to teachers everywhere that your value goes far beyond having the perfect lesson!

Having an optimistic mindset has been shown to increase longevity, motivation, and perseverance among many other positive things. With so much scientific evidence about the importance of optimism we should be teaching our students about how to be more optimistic. In this episode I discuss three ways that we can teach our students about optimism as discussed by Justin Su'a in his book Pep Talk for Parents. Mr. Su'a is the mental conditioning coach for the Tampa Bay Rays and is extremely knowledgeable in mental performance. If you want to learn more about how to increase optimism for our scholars check this episode out.

Justin Su'a
Podcast: Increase Your Impact
Twitter: @Justinsua
Instagram: @justinsua
Book: Pep Talk for Parents

As the NCAA basketball tournament gets on its way there is no better topic to discuss then the relationship between the coaches and the players. We often think most coaches lead with tough love, but in reality many of todays coaches love tough. Coaches today look to build relationships and invest in their players as people. They earn the right to coach hard and bring the best out in them. As educators we need to adopt a similar mentality. Invest in our students. Create those relationships and earn the right to teach them.

The midyear slump is something that can effect every educator at one point or another. When you have been pouring your heart and soul into the school year it can wear you down and make you feel as if you are running on empty. This episode is about pushing back against the midyear slump and regaining that motivation and drive needed to finish the school year strong.

How we view our students matters! It effects the way we talk to them, how we interact with them, and our relationship with them. In this episode a great teaching point from the book Road to Awesome, by Dr. Darrin Peppard, is discussed. Dr. Peppard talks about two questions that were asked one time at a faculty meeting that greatly effected the way that he approaches students and leadership today. Check this episode out as these two questions may just change the way you approach your students as well.

If you are looking for some great professional development check out the book Road to Awesome:Empower, Lead, Change the Game. It is an inspiring and thought provoking read to help transform your classroom and school.

Dr. Darrin Peppard
Book - The Road to Awesome
Twitter @DarrinMPeppard
Instagram - darrinmpeppard
Website: www.darrinmpeppard.com

We have a choice in every situation that we face. We can be a thermometer and let the environment around us determine which version of ourself shows up for the world or we can be a thermostat and control which version of us shows up for the world. This episode discusses the importance of how we handle the different situations that present themselves during our school day and focus on creating a positive classroom environment for our students.

Listening to someone else while they're speaking is one of the most impactful things that we can do. When a teacher takes a moment to listen to their student they are letting that scholar know that he or she is seen, heard, and valued. When you take a moment to listen to your colleagues you are also strengthening a bond and creating a positive school climate. In this episode I talk about the power of listening, how we're not as good as we may think at this, and why it is essential that we become better listeners.

The words we speak matter! They can lift students up or bring them down. In this episode I take about a marathon, a student, and the power of the words that we speak.

Who doesn't want to work in a school that is encouraging, supportive, and positive? Everyone would! School culture plays a pivotal role in the education of a child. The adults in the building set the tone for the energy in the building. This podcast talks about a strategy that can be used in every school to make it more positive and encouraging for all those who work there and as the adults in the building thrive the champions in the building will thrive as well!

As educators we take great pride in the lessons that we teach. We put great effort into planning them out, getting all the materials prepared, and making sure we've done all we can to make it beneficial for our students. Unfortunately there are a million small things that can take a great lesson and make it fall apart. This episode talks about what we do "next" after a lesson falls apart. Do we let the frustration of the failed lesson creep into the next lesson that we teach or do we adopt a "next play" mentality and let go of the past lesson and make this lesson the very best that we can!

Do you teach a subject or do you teach children? When we stop teaching a subject and start teaching children the impact that we make becomes greatly magnified. Seeing our children for who they are and what they can be truly changes us as educators. In this episode I dive into this topic.

Celebrating the wins that are happening each and every single day inside our classroom is extremely important! When you recognize and celebrate students you are creating an amazing classroom culture. This episode dives in to the importance of celebrating those wins!

Each and every single one of us tell ourselves stories about who we are. These stories can empower us and lead us to great heights or they can make us weaker and hold us back. This episode discusses the power of the stories that our students tell themselves and how this can impact them.

As educators we place so much pressure on ourselves to provide our students with the very best education that we can give them. Sometimes we forget that even though our lessons might not be perfect there is great power in us showing up for our students each and every single day.