Teach Better Talk

Latest Episodes:

AUDIO BLOG - Waiting to Have "Those Conversations" Is Hurting Students. Oct 25, 2019

Show notes

This is an audio version of the blog post, "Waiting to Have Those Conversations is Hurting Students" Written by Rae Hughart (@RaeHughart). Read by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/waiting-to-have-those-conversations-is-hurting-students.

In This Post

The importance of conversations about our students' futures.
Helping our classrooms become avenues for discovering passion & practical uses for it!
Using your content to help students find their futures.

114: Be unapologetically you. - Becky Schnekser chats with us about teaching science the way it is meant to be taught, have phalange wars with her students, and being unapologetically you. Oct 23, 2019

Show notes

Educator and explorer, Becky Schnekser, chats with us about teaching science the way it is meant to be taught, have phalange wars with her students, and being unapologetically you.

Becky shares why you need to get connected, the fact that she has probably internet stalked you, and how we're going to change the world through the power of education.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/beckyschnekser

Episode Highlights

3:05 - Talking about keeping our energy and positivity up during the tougher times of the school year, and the support resources in place for you. Including our private facebook group.
7:51 - Previewing the episode with Becky Schnekser
12:27 - Becky introduces herself.
14:54 - Becky's failure: Postcard exchange with students around the U.S. It flopped. Flipped it to an expedition experience in her classroom.
20:02 - Becky's success: Thumb war with student.
28:44 - Becky's advice for teachers to be a part of the change: You have to connect.
32:32 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
39:00 - How to connect with Becky.

Becky's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Twitter
Book: "Teach Better" by the Teach Better Team
Who to Follow on Instagram:
- Elijah Carbajal @carbaeli (elementary education)
- John Mead @evo_explorer (science)
- Andres Ruzo @georuzo (explorer)
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: ArtHub for Kids
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Daily, weekly, or monthly positive communication home--choose the time frame that works for you and do it!
Best piece of advice you've ever received: Be unapologetically you

Links to Connect With Becky

Website: www.expeditionschnekser.com
Twitter: @schnekser
Facebook Page: Becky.Schnekser
Instagram: @schnekser
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4TpX6oPM3jbqrW3zJpXEA

113: You are enough. - Angela Maiers chats with us about changing the world, chasing big dreams, and understanding that you are enough. Oct 20, 2019

Show notes

Angela Maiers chats with us about changing the world, chasing big dreams, and understanding that you are enough.

Angela shares how we can have an impact even if we aren't perfect, the power of daily affirmations, and why the same thing has kept her excited for 32 years.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/angelamaiers

Episode Highlights

4:10 - Shoutout to our good friends at IDEA (www.ideaillinois.org)
- Come see Jeff and Rae at IDEA Con in February, 2020!
5:51 - Previewing the episode with Angela Maiers.
8:46 - Angela introduces herself.
11:20 - Angela's failure: Waiting for others to define the conversation.
15:50 - Angela's success: Joining Seth Godin's "The Domino Team."
21:00 - What's keeping Angela excited about education right now: It's been the same for 32 years.
28:24 - Angela's advice for new teachers: You are enough.
31:59 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
38:05 - How to connect with Angela.
42:23 - Angela gives us all a FREE course!

Angela's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Zoom
Book: "Linchpin" by Seth Godin
Who to Follow on Twitter or Instagram: People outside your network--will talk about why! Anyone who inspires you can push your thinking can offer different perspectives. People who do that for me:
- @GaryVee Gary V
- @ariannahuff Arianna Huffington
- @ThisIsSethsBlog Seth Godin
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Again--I suggest in addition to following people in your network--step outside.
- vlogBrothers
- Journey of Purpose
- Big Inspired
- School of Life
- TedTalks
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Daily affirmations. Every day teachers need to affirm that THEY MATTER--not just their kids but WE MATTER. Worthiness is a daily practice!
Best piece of advice you've ever received: Stand for something.

AUDIO BLOG - 5 Characteristics of Strong School Leaders Oct 19, 2019

Show notes

This is an audio version of the blog post, "5 Characteristics of Strong School Leaders" Written by Chad Ostrowski (@ChadOstrowski). Read by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/5-characteristics-of-strong-school-leaders. In This Post: The 5 qualities successful most school leaders have. Ideas on how to become a more successful leader in your school - no matter your position!

112: Good stress. - Mike Washburn chats with us about appreciating people, being fearless, and having "good stress." Oct 16, 2019

Show notes

Mike Washburn chats with us about appreciating people, being fearless, and having "good stress."

Mike shares why it's critical to have realistic expectations, the importance of learning to reflect and grow, and why we need to go after those big ideas.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/mikewashburn

Episode Highlights

0:00 - Previews of sessions at the Teach Better Conference in November.
- Use "PodcastTalk" to save $50 on your 2-day registration.
3:55 - Highlighting the importance of networking.
7:56 - Previewing the episode with Mike Washburn.
10:59 - Mike introduces himself.
14:36 - Chatting about Mike's podcast, OnEducation.
22:18 - Mike's failure: Staying late at school the entire year. Setting up a video project and not accounting for the need of him to be there for every piece of it.
28:23 - What keeps Mike excited about education: Having conversations with people about working together. And of course, the podcast.
31:54 - Mike's advice for teachers: Have realistic expectations, and focus on always getting better.
25:11 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
36:00 - Jeff wastes a whole bunch of everyone's time...
43:35 - How to connect with Mike.

Mike's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Explain Everything
Book: Just bought 4 python books.
Who to Follow on Instagram:
1. 1. Glen Irvin @irvspanish
  2. Ann Kozma @annkozma723
  3. Steve Isaacs @mr_isaacs
  4. SHOUT OUT TO RAE whose insta game is top tier.
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Everyday Astronaut
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine:
1. Daily - Watch a YouTube Video or read a wikipedia article about something outside your wheelhouse.
2. Weekly - Make someone’s day better by telling them something they’ve done that you appreciate
3. Monthly - Think of a big idea, something you’ve never done before, and start to make plans to make it happen. Review your progress for other big ideas. Keep pushing forward.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: Be myself. Do what I do for me, and trust that what I’m saying will resonate

111: Being "The Loud One" - Delaney Brummel chats with us about being cool with being "the loud one" in her school, and focusing on keeping things student-centered. Oct 14, 2019

Show notes

First year teacher, Delaney Brummel, chats with us about being cool with being "the loud one" in her school, helping kids get comfortable sharing failures with each other, and focusing on keeping things student-centered.

Delaney shares how she keeps a smile on every day, the power of remembering there are actual humans in our classrooms, and reminds us that you don't need to be a veteran teacher to bring value to others.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/delaneybrummel

Episode Highlights

1:44 - Rae talks about what it was like having Delaney as a student teacher.
5:05 - Chatting about education organizations and the value they can offer.
- AMLE
- NEA
- NAGC
- IDEA (Come see us at IDEAcon in February 2020!)
- AIMS
- SECO
- NSTA
- OAGC
8:48 - Previewing the episode with Delaney Brummel
13:43 - Delaney introduces herself.
15:22 - Delaney's failure: Failing her lesson on failure.
17:36 - Delaney's success: Her students writing "books" and throwing a "publishing party."
22:57 - How Delaney keeps her smile on every day: Truly excited to see her students every day.
25:14 - What's got Delaney excited about education: Making things student-centered.
26:41 - Delaney's advise for teachers: Don't forget that these are actual humans in front of us.
28:42 - Jeff yells at Delaney.
30:05 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
32:28 - How to connect with Delaney.

Delaney's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Grammarly
Book: "Miles Morales: Spiderman" by Jason Reynolds
Who to Follow on Instagram: ELA TEACHERS should follow @texaslonestarteacher. Into teacher fashion? Follow @teacherdresscode
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: monicagenta.com
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Let you kids know they should ask WHY what they’re learning is important.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: "You don't have to grade everything!" - Rae Hughart

Links to Connect With Delaney

Instagram: @ms.brummel

110: It's not what you know. - Jason Habisch chats with us about taking care of yourself, being a part of a championship team, and recruiting your own board of advisors. Oct 10, 2019

Show notes

Jason Habisch chats with us about taking care of yourself, being a part of a championship team, and recruiting your own board of advisors.

Jason talks about the power of reflection, leaning into a challenge and learning from it, and explains why it's not what you know, or who you know, but both.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/jasonhabisch

Episode Highlights

3:11 - Chatting about our favorite parts of the "Teach Better" book.
6:52 - Tweet to win a FREE signed copy of the book!
- Include the hashtags: #TeachBetter #TeachBetterTalk #NotJustAnEbook
- Tag @RaeHughart and @jeffgargas (or @_jeffgargas on IG)
11:01 - Previewing the episode with Jason Habisch
14:24 - Jason introduces himself.
15:30 - Jason's failure: Stepping away from education and starting a business.
20:53 - Jason's success: Being part of a championship football program.
29:13 - What's keeping Jason excited about education right now: The moments he gets to coach a kid into a vision of themselves that's much bigger than what they had.
34:01 - Jason's advice for teachers: Be brave enough to be the adult. And recruit your own board of advisors.
37:48 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
39:54 - How to connect with Jason

Guest's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: quizizz/quizlet
Book: "Atomic habits" by James Clear
Who to Follow on Instagram:

YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Relaxingsoundzzz
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Plan your personal week on a Sunday night.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: "Don’t miss out on your own kids coaching everyone else’s." - Bill Kerbel

109: Lifelong Learning. - Jorge Valenzuela chats with us about how a lot of failures equate to small successes, but a lot of little successes lead to bigger successes. Oct 07, 2019

Show notes

Jorge Valenzuela chats with us about how a lot of failures equate to small successes, but a lot of little successes lead to bigger successes.

Jorge shares who you should look to in order to be successful, where true happiness comes from, and lays out his 5 daily routines you need to get into.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/jorgevalenzuela

Episode Highlights

3:26 - We restart the episode because...well, because Rae.
3:52 - Talking about our network, your PLN, and the power of connecting.
6:23 - Shoutout to our friends at IDEA for featuring Teach Better Talk in their newsletter!
9:06 - Previewing the episode with Jorge Valenzuela
14:26 - Jorge introduces himself.
17:22 - Jorge's failure: Recurring failure of oversharing with colleagues.
20:01 - Jorge's success: Becoming an author.
25:02 - What keeps Jorge excited about education: Project-Based Learning (PBL)
28:22 - Jorge's advice for teachers: If you want to be successful in anything, you need to look at people that have already accomplished what you want to accomplish
30:23 - Jorge provides 7 quick tips for new teachers:
1. Form good relationships with others
2. Know your educational philosophy
3. Understand the theoretical frameworks that inform how you plan and teach
4. Use educational protocols
5. Use learning targets
6. Write your own lesson plans (and if you don’t know, learn how to)
7. And take breaks and do what you love to do on those breaks. Because happiness comes from within by doing what we love to do.
31:56 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
38:00 - How to connect with Jorge.

Jorge's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: littleBits
Book: "Codebreaker" by Brian Aspinal
Who to Follow on Twitter:
- Tim Cavey @TeachersOnFire
- Michelle Moore @Michelle4EDU
- Rabbi Michael Chohen @TheTechRabbi
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Chris Woods @DailySTEM
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Here’s my top 5 things —
1. Start your day with Prayer & meditation.
2. Spend wholesome time with family and friends frequently.
3. Go to the gym at least 3 times a week.
4. Eat healthy at least 80% of the time.
5. Improve your craft on a daily basis. I like to put in 10-15 hours extra each week. I don’t recommend that everyone do the same but start with 30 minutes a day!
Best piece of advice you've ever received: “Know thyself” and that is a quote by Socrotes. Because if I know myself — no one can tell me or make me feel otherwise.

Strategies to Increase Critical Thinking Skills in students Oct 04, 2019

Show notes

This is an audio version of the blog post, "Strategies to Increase Critical Thinking Skills in Students" Written by Dr. Matthew X Joseph (@MatthewXJoseph). Read by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/strategies-to-increase-critical-thinking-skills-in-students.

In This Post:

The importance of helping students increase critical thinking skills.
Ways to promote the essential skills needed to analyze and evaluate.
Strategies to incorporate critical thinking into your instruction.

108: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. - Dan Kreiness chats with us about staying true to your why, rolling with the punches, and finding the positive in every failure. Oct 02, 2019

Show notes

Instructional coach, and host of the Leader Of Learning Podcast, Dan Kreiness, chats with us about staying true to your why, rolling with the punches, and finding the positive in every failure.

Dan talks about the power of getting connected, how we need to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and why you need to think of yourself as a leader.

More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/dankreiness

Episode Highlights

1:27 - Rae slyly plugs our new book, "Teach Better." Get it now on Amazon!
- Get the FREE Book Study here!
8:47 - Previewing the episode with Dan Kreiness.
12:46 - Dan introduces himself.
14:07 - Talking about Dan's recent transitions to a new school.
15:41 - Dan's tips for teachers going through changes in their careers.
18:07 - Dan's failure: Figuring out that sometimes things just aren't the right fit.
21:11 - Dan's success: Being recognized as a 2017 ASCD Emerging Leader.
25:34 - What's got Dan excited about education right now: Adult learning - Helping to inspire teachers.
28:25 - Dan's advice for new teachers: Get connected. Developing yourself as an educator can't happen if you're teaching in isolation.
31:28 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
33:40 - How to connect with Dan.

Dan's Recommendations

EdTech Tool: Google Calendar
Book: "Innovate Inside the Box" by George Couros and Katie Novak.
Who to Follow on Instagram: Sabba Quidwai - @AskMsQ
YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Claudi0 Zavala, Jr. and Baruti Kafele (aka Principal Kafele).
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Daily - try your best to leave work at work.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care" - Teddy Roosevelt