Teach Better Talk

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123: Personal and Authentic. - Thomas C Murray chats with us about being personal and authentic, and designing learning experiences that impact a lifetime. Nov 26, 2019

Show notes

Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, Tom Murray, chats with us about being personal and authentic, and designing learning experiences that impact a lifetime.

Tom shares how we can create an environment where people actually want to be, the importance of taking care yourself, and why you are a leader no matter what your title is.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/thomascmurray2

Episode Highlights

1:38 - Talking about our November #TeachBetter Challenge.
6:26 - Previewing the episode with Tom Murray
- Check out Tom on Episode 4 of Teach Better Talk!
10:57 - Tom introduces himself.
13:15 - What to expect from Tom's new book, "Personal & Authentic."
16:43 - How do we create a culture of learning?
20:34 - Talking about leveraging tools and spaces to amplify learning. How do we rethink the tools and spaces we have?
30:51 - Rae turns Tom against Jeff.
31:14 - Tom's advice for teachers who want to create a legacy that impacts a lifetime.
35:00 - Listen to learn how you can win a copy of Tom's new book!
36:13 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
- 39:10 - Looking back at Tom's answers on Episode 4.
40:47 - How to connect with Tom.

Thomas's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Voxer
Book: Anything by Dave Ramsey
Who to Follow on Instagram: @RosaIsiah, @k_shelton
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Inky Johnson
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Taking time to pause and reflect.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: “This job is about loving and caring about kids. Everything else is secondary.”

Links to Connect With Thomas

Website: www.thomascmurray.com
Twitter: @thomascmurray
Facebook Page: ThomasCMurrayEDU
Instagram: @thomascmurrayedu
YouTube: thomascmurray
Books: www.thomascmurray.com/books
- PERSONAL & AUTHENTIC: DESIGNING LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT IMPACT A LIFETIME
- LEARNING TRANSFORMED: 8 KEYS TO DESIGNING TOMORROW'S SCHOOLS, TODAY
- 10 PERSPECTIVES ON INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
- EDUCATION WRITE NOW

AUDIO BLOG - Why Your District Should Stop Worrying About Missed Days Nov 25, 2019

Show notes

This is an audio version of the blog post, "Why Your District Should Stop Worrying About Missed Days" Written by Chad Ostrowski (@chadostrowski). Read by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/why-your-district-should-stop-worrying-about-missed-days.

In This Post:

The problem with time-based learning and why we should move away from it.
A solution to make time more flexible and learning more important.
How Mastery Learning can help you (and your school) make this shift & worry less about unplanned days off.

122: Find the moment and reflect. - William Illingworth chats with us about engaging in the hard topics, admitting when you fail, and the power of finding a moment to reflect. Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

William Illingworth chats with us about engaging in the hard topics, admitting when you fail, and the power of finding a moment to reflect.

William talks about how he is like a 3rd party reflection point, and shares a personal story of why we need to celebrate everything.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/williamillingworth

Episode Highlights

0:58 - Chatting about the new book from Thomas C. Murray, "Personal and Authentic."
5:50 - Previewing the episode with William Illingworth.
8:52 - William introduces himself.
10:22 - William's failure: Rolling out a new vendor solution, and having to go back to the old solution when it failed.
15:13 - William's success: Implementing Nearpod to increase engagement.
20:11 - What's got William excited about education: Discourse.
- William references the Equity Maps App.
23:23 - William's advice for new teachers: Reflect.
26:17 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
29:40 - How to connect with William.

William's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Google
Book: Audiobook: "The Mapmaker’s Apprentice" by CJ Archer
Who to Follow on Twitter: @irvspanish, @LangOnCourse, #SchoologyChat
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: The library.
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Take. Notes.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: "Celebrate everything." - William's dad.

Links to Connect With William

Website: willingworthy.com
Twitter: @willingworthy
LinkedIn: William Illingworth

121: Enjoy the day. - Allyson Apsey chats with us about navigating the challenges and joys of being an educator, being yourself, and making the decision to enjoy the day. Nov 19, 2019

Show notes

Allyson Apsey chats with us about navigating the challenges and joys of being an educator, being yourself, and making the decision to enjoy the day.

Allyson shares why we need to value what our students value, not being afraid to ask questions, and how loving kids is a prerequisite for teaching.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/allysonapsey2

Episode Highlights

1:34 - Discussing the November #TeachBetter Challenge on social media.
4:13 - Jeff gives his answer for Day 2 of the challenge.
- Shout out to Matt White (@matthew_j_white)
- Check out Matt's book at www.stopsellingstarthelping.com.
6:03 - Previewing the episode with Allyson Apsey.
10:54 - Allyson introduces herself
- See how Allyson answered this way back on Episode #5!
12:16 - Allyson's failure: Failing at communication and hurting relationships.
- Shoutout to Tara Martin and "Cannonball In!"
14:53 - Allyson's success: Publishing a book. People having an interest in what she writes.
16:09 - Allyson shares the books she has published:
17:38 - Allyson talks about her next book!
20:33 - What's keeping Allyson excited about education: Working on a multi-tiered system of support for student behavior.
24:09 - Allyson's advice to new teachers: Value what students value. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
29:08 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
34:36 - We review Allyson's answers from episode 5.
37:06 - How to connect with Allyson.

Guest's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Lapel microphone.
Book: "America’s First Daughter" by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie.
Who to Follow on Instagram: Tamara Letter, Jon Wennstrom, Hans Appel, and Jennifer Appel.
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Real Rap with Reynolds
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Every morning, tell yourself that you a

120: #TeachBetter19 Recap - Jeff and Rae reflect on the first ever Teach Better Conference Nov 17, 2019

Show notes

We reflect on the first ever Teach Better Conference. We discuss our favorite moments, give some shoutouts, and let you in on a few secrets for 2020.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/teachbetter19

Episode Highlights

0:55 - Tweet @teachbetterteam using #TeachBetter19 and let us know: How long did it take you to recover from the conference?
3:08 - Shoutout to Becky Schnekser (@schnekser) for taking Rae to the airport...and being awesome.
- Check out Becky's episode of Teach Better Talk!
4:01 - Shoutout to CJ Reynolds
4:50 - Reflecting on the first ever Teach Better Conference
6:59 - Shoutout to Kristen Nan (@nankr1120) for the awesome Voxer message to our team before the conference.
8:30 - Shoutout to Alex Oris (@mrORIStech), Chad Stebbins (@mr_stebbins), and Brianna Shaner (@brianna_shaner).
9:27 - Something about love languages.
12:03 - Shoutout to Kevin Butler
- Instagram
- Twitter
13:29 - Talking about the things that made the experience for our presenters special at the conference.
14:56 - Why we labeled everyone as a "featured speaker."
22:10 - Discussing our focus for creating an experience for attendees.
28:36 - Talking about this picture
29:46 - We give you some "secret" insight about 2020.
31:43 - Rae's favorite moments from #TeachBetter19.
- Sharing a video of her students.
- Receiving a challenge coin from Bradford Hubbard.
  - Listen to Bradford on episode 75 of Teach Better Talk!
35:50 - Jeff's favorite moments from #TeachBetter19.
- The story of his brother, Mark.
- Standing back with Chad..."how did we do this?"
38:55 - What's the mission?
40:35 - What would you change for #TeachBetter20?

Links to Connect With Rae and Jeff

Twitter: @RaeHughart @JeffGargas
Instagram: @RaeHughart @_JeffGargas

119: Connected, reflective, and unrelenting. - Bryon Carpenter shares why you need to connect with others outside your space, how to always be reflective, and why every obstacles is an opportunity wai Nov 12, 2019

Show notes

11 year veteran teacher, Bryon Carpenter, chats with is about being unrelenting, connecting with others, and making it your own.

Bryon shares why you need to connect with others outside your space, how to always be reflective, and why every obstacles is an opportunity waiting to happen.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/bryoncarpenter

Episode Highlights

2:03 - 3 things you can do right now to be better at self care:
1. Just move.
2. Take an intentional moment for yourself.
3. Take small steps to eat healthier
4. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. (yes, we said 3, but gave you 4.)
8:06 - Previewing the episode with Bryon Carpenter.
10:59 - Bryon introduces himself.
13:21 - Bryon shares some of the challenges of his unique blended learning environment.
16:43 - Bryon's failure: As a research scientist, completely failing at a crucial (and expensive) project.
21:49 - Bryon's success: Mother's Day project, and the response.
27:37 - What's got Bryon excited about education: Making connections outside my educational space.
32:17 - Bryon's advice that teachers can take and put in place right now: Get connected more than you are.
33:40 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
36:46 - How to connect with Bryon

Bryon's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Adobe Spark and Google Classroom
Book: "Teach Better"
Who to Follow on Instagram:
- Tim Cavey (@TeachersOnFire)
- Sarah Johnson (@SarahSajohnson)
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Global Community Foundation Learning
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: #freshairatfive. For more details about #freshairatfive, check out Bryon's blogpost on www.bryoncarpenter.com
Best piece of advice you've ever received: “Do an honest days work and you’ll have no regrets.”

Links to Connect With Bryon

Website: bryoncarpenter.com
Twitter: @bryoncar

118: Listen. Reflect. Personalize. - Charles Randolph and Steve Jones chat with us about listening to your students, putting your ego aside, and personalizing learning for everyone. Nov 07, 2019

Show notes

ISTE STEM Co-Chairs, Charles Randolph and Steven Jones, chat with us about listening to your students, putting your ego aside, and personalizing learning for everyone.

We talk about connecting content to real world solutions, exploring artificial intelligence, and the rise of esports.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/charlesrandolph-stevenjones

Episode Highlights

0:35 - Shoutout to Marcela for Rae's descriptive word for Jeff!
1:22 - Chatting about being connected virtually.
4:49 - Previewing the episode with Charles Randolph and Steven Jones
7:55 - Charles and Steven introduce themselves.
9:49 - Charles and Steven share how they got connected.
12:05 -
- Charles' failure: Not being able to work with all his teachers on PD.
- Steven's failure: Creating his own curriculum, taking feedback, and having to adjust.
12:54 -
- Steven's success: Implementing his STEM program.
- Charles' success: Deploying personalized devices to his entire district.
20:48 - What's got you excited about education right now:
- Steven: ISTE STEM programs and the opportunities they're providing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and using 3-D printing.
- Charles: Working with ISTE STEM and driving diversity in STEM and STEAM. Loving AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and drones.
26:25 - Jeff rudely interrupts Rae to rant about esports.
29:45 - Charles and Steven's advice for new teachers who want to be progressive:
- Charles: Research and talk to different educators. Go out to different schools and talk to people.
- Steven: Observe others. Don't get discouraged when things get difficult.
33:38 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
35:53 - How to connect with Charles and Steven.

117: ASPIRE To Lead - Joshua Stamper chats with us about relationships, passion projects, and going further to be a leader. Nov 03, 2019

Show notes

Assistant Principal, and host of the ASPIRE Leadership Podcast, Joshua Stamper, chats with us about relationships, passion projects, and going further to be a leader.

Joshua talks about changing the structure of education, looking at what you're doing to affect your district, and why we cannot be afraid to ask questions.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/joshuastamper

Episode Highlights

4:23 - What id you cannot make it to the Teach Better Conference?
8:30 - Previewing the episode with Joshua Stamper.
11:17 - Joshua introduces himself.
11:50 - Joshua's failure: Proving to his district that he could go beyond his subject matter and be a leader.
15:51 - Joshua's success: Creating a program for peer groups and partnering with PTA members and community members.
18:38 - Joshua shares what he'll be speaking on at the Teach Better Conference.
20:43 - What's got Joshua excited about education right now: Technology.
- Joshua mentions Chad's episode of the ASPIRE Podcast. Listen here!
23:44 - Joshua's advice for new teachers: Don't be afraid to ask questions.
26:26 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
30:25 - How to connect with Joshua.

Joshua's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Calendly
Book: "The Coach Adventure" by Amy Illingworth
Who to Follow on Twitter:
1. Evan Robb (@ERobbPrincipal)
2. Sarah Johnson (@SarahSajohnson)
3. Nathan Maynard (@NmaynardEdu / Brad Weistein (@WeinsteinEdu)
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Todd Nesloney and Rick Wormeli
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Everyone needs to create. Everyone needs a passion project.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: "In relationships, love is a choice." - Joshua's mom.

Links to Connect With Joshua

Website: www.joshstamper.com
Twitter: @joshua__Stamper
Facebook Page: @AspirePodcast

116: The Future Is Now - James DiDonato chats with us about preparing students for the future, connecting with your community, and being an educational geek. Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

Superintendent, James DiDonato, chats with us about preparing students for the future, connecting with your community, and being an educational geek.

James talks about keeping our passion and excitement for learning, bringing students into the real world right now, and why you need to just keep at it with kids until you help them get there.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/jamesdidonato

Episode Highlights

2:48 - We talk about our weekends
- Did you know Jeff DJ's weddings and is ordained?
- Rae worked with a group of teachers going through our FREE Teach Better Book Study.
- Want to get involved? Connect with the AMAZINg Katie Norton (@MrsNortonKinder) or head over to our Facebook Page to catch our live book study sessions.
9:45 - Previewing the episode with James DiDonato.
13:37 - James introduces himself
17:10 - James' failure: Failing to get a principal's position.
20:35 - James' success: When he was a multiple disabilities teacher. Building the program up. Working with kids and getting them to succeed in reading.
23:08 - What's got James excited about education right now: Bringing the school and the community together.
26:49 - James' advice for new teachers: Keep learning. Keep growing.
29:27 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
33:05 - How to connect with James.

James's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Anything Google
Book: "Learning from Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Successz" by Harvey Alvy and Pam Robbins.
Who to Follow on Twitter:
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Go search for things.
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Prayer, Learning, Healthy habits.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: You can't make people happy.

Links to Connect With James

Twitter: @jamesedidonato

115: Belief formation on steroids. - Michael Rousell chats with us about how we can use surprise to change the way our students think about education and themselves. Oct 28, 2019

Show notes

Teacher, psychologist, and author, Michael Rousell, chats with us about how we can use surprise to change the way our students think about education and themselves.

Michael delves into the science of surprise, shares a story of how he became "the master of the pause," and talks about hypnotizing his students.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/michaelrousell

Episode Highlights

3:36 - Rae asks the most important question about the Teach Better Conference.
- Use code "PodcastTalk" to save $50 on your 2-day registration.
5:35 - Jeff talks about how good-looking Adam Welcome is.
6:57 - Talking about how the conference is structured and why Rae is so excited.
10:21 - Previewing the episode with Mike Rousell
12:34 - Mike introduces himself.
13:56 - Mike's failure: Receiving a low teacher eval from students, and working too hard and not being himself.
18:38 - Mike's success: Starting a class by doing the "Thriller" dance.
20:17 - What keeps Mike excited about education: Reaching students like himself.
24:10 - Mike delves into the element of surprise and how it works.
34:18 - 6 question answered in 15 seconds or less.
38:19 - How to connect with Mike.

Mike's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Blendspace
Book: "Educated" by Tara Westover
Who to Follow on Instagram: Daniel Pink (@DanielPink) and Amy Cuddy (@amyjcuddy)
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Teach Better, Science Versus, A Mighty Girl
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Daily--Find the Funny in your Day. Weekly: exercise, eat well, enjoy life outside the classroom.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: Look after the students who are hardest to reach. They need you the most.

Links to Connect With Mike

Website: michaelrousell.com
Twitter: @rousellm
Facebook Page: michael.a.rousell
Book: "The Power of Surprise" (coming soon)

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