Hello everyone! I hope you’re ready for an energy filled inspirational episode, because today Chris Pombonyo is on the podcast!

Chris is a teacher, coach, the creative director of Get Your Teach On, and all around ball of inspiration. His dedication to his craft, and his drive to help teachers embrace their passions is phenomenal.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. Why doing so many different things inspires Chris
2. How embracing what makes us happy as teachers will make students happy
3. No teacher needs to look the same
4. The power of working together to create something great

and MUCH MORE! (including our opinions on coffee and fitness…)

Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, 180 Days: Two Teachers and the Quest to Engage and Empower Adolescents by Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle.

180 Days was inspired by a teacher’s question: “How do you fit it all in?”

To answer that question, Kelly and Penny spent an entire school year planning, teaching, and reflecting together.

Through their collaboration, they identified the most essential everyday practices for helping middle and high school students become more engaged readers and writers.

180 Days maps out a year of the most powerful, engaging literacy practices.

It provides insights about time management, teaching strategies, and how to effectively use both whole class and independent work.

You’ll also find a library of accompanying videos that support each chapter.

So, if you want to make every moment matter in your classroom, and empower your students to live more literate lives, visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from 180 Days or order your copy.

Hello everyone!

Last week, I sat down with the amazing Korey Collins and talked all about graphic novels, test prep, and the limits of BASAL reading programs.

This week, I continue my talk with him and dive even deeper into what reading workshop looks like at the Ron Clark Academy!

Korey Collins is a certified reading specialist and reading teacher at the Ron Clark Academy, and he brings the inspiration and heat for our discussion today.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Korey’s typical class and his view on engagement in a reading classroom
2. The power of conferencing with readers
3. The power of choice in reading
4. Why teachers should want to be master’s of their craft

…and MUCH MUCH MORE!

You do NOT want to miss this episode!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, 180 Days: Two Teachers and the Quest to Engage and Empower Adolescents by Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle.

180 Days was inspired by a teacher’s question: “How do you fit it all in?”

To answer that question, Kelly and Penny spent an entire school year planning, teaching, and reflecting together.

Through their collaboration, they identified the most essential everyday practices for helping middle and high school students become more engaged readers and writers.

180 Days maps out a year of the most powerful, engaging literacy practices.

It provides insights about time management, teaching strategies, and how to effectively use both whole class and independent work.

You’ll also find a library of accompanying videos that support each chapter.

So, if you want to make every moment matter in your classroom, and empower your students to live more literate lives, visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from 180 Days or order your copy.

Hello everyone!

You all know that I love talking reading workshop and Ron Clark Academy, and for this episode I got to do both!

Korey Collins is a certified reading specialist and reading teacher at the Ron Clark Academy, and he brings the inspiration and heat for our discussion today.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Korey’s evolution as a teacher
2. How test prep is NOT backed by research
3. Why BASAL reading programs were never meant to be the core reading in classes
4. The power of graphic novels

…and MUCH MUCH MORE!

You do NOT want to miss this episode!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, 180 Days: Two Teachers and the Quest to Engage and Empower Adolescents by Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle.

180 Days was inspired by a teacher’s question: “How do you fit it all in?”

To answer that question, Kelly and Penny spent an entire school year planning, teaching, and reflecting together.

Through their collaboration, they identified the most essential everyday practices for helping middle and high school students become more engaged readers and writers.

180 Days maps out a year of the most powerful, engaging literacy practices.

It provides insights about time management, teaching strategies, and how to effectively use both whole class and independent work.

You’ll also find a library of accompanying videos that support each chapter.

So, if you want to make every moment matter in your classroom, and empower your students to live more literate lives, visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from 180 Days or order your copy.

Hello everyone! We did it… we made it to the last Monday of 2019, and it is kind of unreal. It’s time to look ahead, plan for what we want to achieve, and begin the new decade with energy and positivity.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I love new beginnings. I love Sunday, because of what Monday has in store, and I love the end of the year because of what the new year has in store. There is just TOO MUCH possibility to NOT get excited.

So with that, I set out to detail what I believe the most important resolutions for teachers will be in 2020. They are as follows:

1. Find your own way. Think critically and question everything. Do not just accept what you hear. Try it, apply it, research it. Test it.
2. Help others in a way that matters. Just giving others materials or strategies isn’t enough. Help by being a thinker, questioner, and encourager.
3. Have the tough conversations. Teaching is hard and detailed work. None of us get better by catering to one another’s biases or sensitivities. We have to be able to have critical discussions that lead with resect and end with results.
4. Do not blame others—especially students or yourself—for the problems in your class. You are in charge of your room when that door closes, but that does not always mean you are 100% ready for your challenges. If you are struggling, either reach out for help, or keep analyzing your practice and classroom until you fix it. It is ON YOU. Blame wastes time, and it justifies having a class that isn’t amazing.
5. Read professional books and research. You are a practitioner. If you want to be treated like a professional, you have to have the knowledge of one.
6. Put in the work for the results you want. Do not feel guilty for taking breaks and having no work brought home, or no work weekends, or no work holidays…. IF you are getting the results you want in your classes. If you are comfortable, then enjoy. But if you are trying to push to the next level, if you are wanting more for your career, more for your students, and more for yourself, PUSH. Work-life balance isn’t about doing what EVERYONE is telling you to do. Work-life balance is about doing what balances YOU.
7. Ignore the haters. As you push to get better, people will try to hold you back. They will tell you to stop. They will encourage you to take the easy way or the way everyone has always taken. The people that try to pull you down are the people who will not use themselves. People that cannot push themselves to get to the next level hate seeing others do it, and they will hold you down. Many times, this will be friends and family. Ignore them, and keep pushing.
8. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE WORLD wants you to be average, because most people are. But I’m here to tell you to push, hold yourself to a higher standard, respect those who’ve done it before you and use them as mentors. Leave behind those who don’t want to see you succeed and find those who will push you to be better. The job of teaching is impossibly challenging, but you will get from it what you put in. If you’re fine with seeing teaching as just your job, and that make you happy, then I’m happy for you. But if you feel called to do more, to BE more for yourself, your students, and your community, then I hope you face 2020 with a drive to push. It will be difficult, and too many will try to stop you, but you can do it. You can be more for yourself and those around you. You can reach new heights.

Let’s reach them together.

Enjoy!

A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Coming off the major release of my spoken word poem THESE KIDS, where I say the line, “I’m tired of hearing ABOUT these kids, I want to hear from them…” I decided to do just that on this episode of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast.

I sat down with one of my school’s top students and discussed with her what it was really like to be an 8th grader. Along with this, we covered:

• Do phones really cause that many problems?
• Should adults be worried about student stress/depression/sadness levels?
• What do teachers do to make you want to be in class?
• What do teachers do to make you not want to be in class?
• What was it like transitioning from elementary to middle school?

And even how she has grown over her 2 and half years as a middle schooler.

This was such a fun talk, and something I’d love to do again if you all enjoy it!

Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman (Stenhouse 2018) is by far one of the most influential books I’ve read in my teaching career. It’s a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students.

So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

In part 1 of the podcast, we dove deep into the increasingly alarming practice of talking about students as if they are data points and not children. We discussed why we need to humanize our classrooms, and how to think about our school culture in a way that fosters equitable practices.

In part 2, we took a look at some practices we are letting happen in our classes and schools that are hurting students, and what to do about them.

And now in part 3, we are wrapping it all together in a discussion about why learning should be joyful—for teachers and students—and should drive us into the beauty and gift that is TEACHING.

Do not miss it!

Enjoy!

To listen to my talks with other literacy giants, such as Kelly Gallagher, Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Mary Howard and Laura Robb, click here.

About Regie: REGIE ROUTMAN has more than forty-five years of experience working in diverse, under-performing schools across the U.S. and Canada as an educational leader, mentor teacher, literacy coach, classroom teacher, and teacher of students with learning differences. Her current work involves on-site demonstrations of highly effective literacy and leadership practices and side-by-side mentoring and coaching of principals, administrators, and lead teachers in order to improve reading and writing engagement, achievement, and enjoyment—across the curriculum–for all learners. Her many research-based books and resources have supported hundreds of thousands of teachers, principals, and educators at all levels to create and sustain trusting, intellectual school cultures where hearing all the voices and ongoing, professional learning are priorities. Regie’s most recent book is Literacy Essentials: Engagement, Excellence, and Equity for All Learners. (Stenhouse, 2018) To listen to “Literacy Essentials: The Stories”–personal and professional Stories integrated into the book—go to https://voiced.ca/project/literacy-essentials-the-stories-2/ or wherever you get your podcasts.For full information on Regie’s publications including her Transforming Our Teaching video-based, online literacy series, her PD offerings, and blogs, see www. regieroutman.org

A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman (Stenhouse 2018) is by far one of the most influential books I’ve read in my teaching career. It’s a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students.

So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

In part 1 of the podcast, we dove deep into the increasingly alarming practice of talking about students as if they are data points and not children. We discussed why we need to humanize our classrooms, and how to think about our school culture in a way that fosters equitable practices.

Today, we take a look at some practices we are letting happen in our classes and schools that are hurting students, and what to do about them.

Among other topics, we hit on:

• Why breaking everything into parts makes learning harder for students
• Why “training” is not professional learning
• How modeling can elevate your lessons
• What it takes to begin innovating as a teacher, and as a student

Do not miss it!

Enjoy!

To listen to my talks with other literacy giants, such as Kelly Gallagher, Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Mary Howard and Laura Robb, click here.

About Regie: REGIE ROUTMAN has more than forty-five years of experience working in diverse, under-performing schools across the U.S. and Canada as an educational leader, mentor teacher, literacy coach, classroom teacher, and teacher of students with learning differences. Her current work involves on-site demonstrations of highly effective literacy and leadership practices and side-by-side mentoring and coaching of principals, administrators, and lead teachers in order to improve reading and writing engagement, achievement, and enjoyment—across the curriculum–for all learners. Her many research-based books and resources have supported hundreds of thousands of teachers, principals, and educators at all levels to create and sustain trusting, intellectual school cultures where hearing all the voices and ongoing, professional learning are priorities. Regie’s most recent book is Literacy Essentials: Engagement, Excellence, and Equity for All Learners. (Stenhouse, 2018) To listen to “Literacy Essentials: The Stories”–personal and professional Stories integrated into the book—go to https://voiced.ca/project/literacy-essentials-the-stories-2/ or wherever you get your podcasts.For full information on Regie’s publications including her Transforming Our Teaching video-based, online literacy series, her PD offerings, and blogs, see www. regieroutman.org

A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman is by far one of the most influential books I’ve read in my teaching career. It’s a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students.

So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

To my delight, Regie is just as honest and passionate in person as she is in her many books. She doesn’t waste time in our talk getting to the heart of the matter, which is that if we want to make an impact on kids in a positive way, we can’t see them as numbers, or data points, or problems. If we want true equity in our schools and classrooms, we have to see them as PEOPLE first.

We have to be energetic if we want them to care about the class.

We have to get them to feel loved and comfortable in our spaces.

We have to allow them to be themselves, in their writing, and in their reading.

We have to humanize school, and use research supported practices to move them in meaningful ways.

Together, we address these topics and many more in this 3 part discussion, so do not miss a minute of it!

Enjoy!

To listen to my talks with other literacy giants, such as Kelly Gallagher, Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Mary Howard and Laura Robb, click here.

About Regie: REGIE ROUTMAN has more than forty-five years of experience working in diverse, under-performing schools across the U.S. and Canada as an educational leader, mentor teacher, literacy coach, classroom teacher, and teacher of students with learning differences. Her current work involves on-site demonstrations of highly effective literacy and leadership practices and side-by-side mentoring and coaching of principals, administrators, and lead teachers in order to improve reading and writing engagement, achievement, and enjoyment—across the curriculum–for all learners. Her many research-based books and resources have supported hundreds of thousands of teachers, principals, and educators at all levels to create and sustain trusting, intellectual school cultures where hearing all the voices and ongoing, professional learning are priorities. Regie’s most recent book is Literacy Essentials: Engagement, Excellence, and Equity for All Learners. (Stenhouse, 2018)For full information on Regie’s publications including her Transforming Our Teaching video-based, online literacy series, her PD offerings, and blogs, see www. regieroutman.org

A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! It’s time to talk about where we go now as educators. We live in a world of gun violence, quick fixes, and with communities that would rather see education fail than succeed.

So, what do we do?

We addressed some of this in part 1 of this series, but now we are going to talk about the rest.

This is an honest conversation between Emily from @teachingsaveslives on Instagram, and myself, about how teachers can pave the way forward with a focus on mastery teaching, beginning to take back the conversation about educators FOR educators, and how remembering our why can keep us going when things get tough.

I’m so thankful that this teaching community exists, and we have a platform to host such honest discussions.

Enjoy!

But before you go off and listen, consider supporting the podcast by grabbing a copy of Teach Me, Teacher, Life Lessons that Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher. Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life. If you need to remember your why, or gain insight into the mind of a child who endured trauma at home, and how school saved him (me), this is the book for you.

Check out the book here.

—

A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

With the seemingly endless gun violence plaguing our schools in America, both physically and mentally, it’s time we have an honest talk about the toll this is taking on teachers and students.

This is not a political discussion. This is not a right versus left. This is not an episode where two teachers have a biased talk.

This is an honest conversation between Emily from @teachingsaveslives on Instagram, and myself, about how gun violence is affecting our school cultures, our students minds, and the wellbeing of America as a whole.

We welcome you to listen and provide your insight, but we do not welcome partisan and inflammatory language. This issue is bigger than any party or political ideology. This issue—this epidemic—is about our students and our communities.

But before you go off and listen, consider supporting the podcast by grabbing a copy of Teach Me, Teacher, Life Lessons that Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher. Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life. If you need to remember your why, or gain insight into the mind of a child who endured trauma at home, and how school saved him (me), this is the book for you.

Check out the book here.

—

A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! I have been asked over and over again to get more math teachers on the podcast. So much so, I have been working diligently to make this happen. Knowing I couldn't just get anyone, I made sure to reach out to some top minds in the field, and today, I have brought on one of my favorites!Kathleen, otherwise known as @misscraftymathteacher on Instagram, is such a star on social media, and her ideas beam with honesty and energy.In this episode, we chat about how to make some small moves to get kids up and moving, and maybe even spice up those reviews in your class!Whether you're a math teacher, or just want to do something a little different this week, this episode is for you!Enjoy!But before you go off and listen, consider supporting the podcast by grabbing a copy of Teach Me, Teacher, Life Lessons that Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher. Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life. If you need to remember your why, or gain insight into the mind of a child who endured trauma at home, and how school saved him (me), this is the book for you. Check out the book here. —A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Today I have brought on one of my favorite Instagram friends, Haylee Harwick, to continue talking TECH, but more importantly, to discuss how we can all use podcasts in the classroom to extend and support learning! If you missed part 1, check it out here.Using podcasts in the classroom is something you'd think I would have done by now, considering my roots with Teach Me, Teacher, but believe it or not, I haven't made the jump yet. However, after this talk, I AM ALL IN!You can always tell when I get excited about an idea because the podcast becomes a brainstorming session, and that's exactly what happens in this one.Lots of ideas pop up as Haylee and I discuss podcasts, and you don't want to miss any of them!Have you used podcasts before? Let me know!Enjoy!But before you go off and listen, consider supporting the podcast by grabbing a copy of Teach Me, Teacher, Life Lessons that Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher. Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life. If you need to remember your why, or gain insight into the mind of a child who endured trauma at home, and how school saved him (me), this is the book for you. Check out the book here. —A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Today I have brought on one of my favorite Instagram friends, Haylee Harwick, to discuss her journey to using tech, and how she views the roles of technology in her 5th grade class!Haylee is such a fantastic resource for teachers and has some AMAZING ideas and advice for using tech in the classroom.This episode is a solid primer for anyone who is skeptical of the role of technology in the classroom, and how it could not only benefit student now, but far into the future.Major talking points in this episode are:Haylee's interest in tech How she handles technological issues when they happen Why she loves teaching it Why it is important to teach quality tech literacy in schools today...and much much more!Don't miss this one!But before you go off and listen, consider supporting the podcast by grabbing a copy of Teach Me, Teacher, Life Lessons that Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher. Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life. If you need to remember your why, or gain insight into the mind of a child who endured trauma at home, and how school saved him (me), this is the book for you. Check out the book here. —A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Today we are talking about how teachers can support teachers by sharing and creating resources with the amazing Kayse Morris, one of the thought leaders in “Teachers as CEOs” and a truly magnificent human. Her work with the Go-Getter’s Podcast is phenomenal, and a great resource for any teacher wanting to make money and run their own business.If you missed part one where we aired out and discussed issues and the wonders of Teachers Pay Teachers, check it out here!In any case! This turned out to be such an empowering episode. It's more than just sharing your resources. When you create, share, or inspire the cultivation of great resources online, you are helping equity spread to places where equity is not the norm. Many teachers do not have access to great curriculum or a district that can fund resources. By sharing yours, you are helping entire groups of communities.We cover a lot in this episode, and you don't want to miss it!Enjoy!For more episodes about using platforms to learn from and grow businesses with, check out my talk with Mr. D!But before you go off and listen, consider supporting the podcast by grabbing a copy of Teach Me, Teacher, Life Lessons that Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher. Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life. If you need to remember your why, or gain insight into the mind of a child who endured trauma at home, and how school saved him (me), this is the book for you. Check out the book here. —A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! I just realized that we have had "edgy" topics on the show for two weeks in a row now (here's last week's episode on phones shouldn't be banned from classrooms). Middle school attitudes must be affecting my judgement...In any case! I'm bringing a topic to the podcast I have wanted to for awhile now, and that is the BIG discussion of Teachers Pay Teachers, it's value to educators, the dangers it raises, and how teachers can potentially use it for good in their personal lives and the lives of others.To help me with this talk, I brought on the amazing Kayse Morris, one of the thought leaders in "Teachers as CEOs" and a truly magnificent human. Her work with the Go-Getter's Podcast is phenomenal, and a great resource for any teacher wanting to make money and run their own business.We cover a lot in this episode, but if you're curious about the Teachers Pay Teachers debate, or are wanting to start selling your resources online, this episode is the one for you!Enjoy!For more episodes about using platforms to learn from and grow businesses with, check out my talk with Mr. D!But before you go off and listen, consider supporting the podcast by grabbing a copy of Teach Me, Teacher, Life Lessons that Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher. Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life. If you need to remember your why, or gain insight into the mind of a child who endured trauma at home, and how school saved him (me), this is the book for you. Check out the book here. —A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Today I'm super excited to bring you part two of my talk with the one and only Jessica Golz (@teachergolz)! If you missed part one, check it out here.In this episode, we continue our discussion about STEM, why it's important, and why we should all be embracing it in our schools. But we also hit on a special topic that I see floated around in the teacher sphere quite often... CELL PHONES in the classroom (gasp).Are they evil?Are they nothing but distractors?Do they hurt the learning in classrooms?Well, if you read the title of this episode, you might know how we feel, but what do you think? Listen to our talk, and then share your thoughts on the issue! I know you have some...Jessica is such a great force for good in education. She has her eyes on the horizon for what’s new, but she also has a healthy idea for quality literacy and what it means to meet students where their interests are.Don’t miss this episode.But before you go off and listen, consider supporting the podcast by grabbing a copy of Teach Me, Teacher, Life Lessons that Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher. Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life. If you need to remember your why, or gain insight into the mind of a child who endured trauma at home, and how school saved him (me), this is the book for you. Check out the book here. —A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.0 Comments

Hello everyone! Today I couldn't be more excited to talk with Jessica Golz (@teachergolz) about STEM!In this episode, we discuss how Jessica got started in STEM, how she transitioned to being a librarian, and pretty much everything innovation and creation!Jessica is such a great force for good in education. She has her eyes on the horizon for what's new, but she also has a healthy idea for quality literacy and what it means to meet students where their interests are.Don't miss this episode!Enjoy!Support Teach Me, Teacher by checking my memoir for educators here.Check out Teach Me, Teacher Presents: Reading – Writing Workshop here.Like our the show’s music? Check out our theme music creator, Bryan Pascarella, here.A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! This past July, I went to the Get Your Teach On national conference, and it was absolutely astounding, to say the least.I knew I wanted to talk about my experience, but I needed someone special to help me, so I brought back friend of the show and fellow attendee of the conference, Halee Sikorski (otherwise known as @ALatteLearning on Instagram.)In part 1 of our talk, we took an overview of the experience, detailing what we saw from the beginning to end. In this episode, we dive deep into our takeaways, and explain the biggest pieces that are shaping our classes this year!A few mentioned in the episode are:- Using music more often- Using theater and acting for vocabulary- Re-examining our practices to better fit the needs of our studentsPlus, we talk about our favorite presenters and how they affected us for the positive!Enjoy!Support Teach Me, Teacher by checking my memoir for educators here.Check out Teach Me, Teacher Presents: Reading – Writing Workshop here.Like our the show’s music? Check out our theme music creator, Bryan Pascarella, here.A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! This past July, I went to the Get Your Teach On national conference, and it was absolutely astounding, to say the least.I knew I wanted to talk about my experience, but I needed someone special to help me, so I brought back friend of the show and fellow attendee of the conference, Halee Sikorski (otherwise known as @ALatteLearning on Instagram.)Together, we discuss our experience, all the way from funding Halee's trip, to our biggest takeaways from the many presentations we got to experience.Between the hype that DJ Earworm brought on night one and the next level energy the GYTO team brings every moment, we had SO MUCH to discuss.Enjoy!PS: Here's some pictures of me at the conference!Support Teach Me, Teacher by checking my memoir for educators here.Check out Teach Me, Teacher Presents: Reading – Writing Workshop here.Like our the show’s music? Check out our theme music creator, Bryan Pascarella, here.A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Today on Teach Me, Teacher, I am continuing my talk with Nicholas Ferroni! Last week, we discussed why men in the classroom needs to be something seen more often, and this week we dive deep into what teaching is, how powerful it can be, and how we should all take part in making the messaging about teaching POSITIVE.I had the pleasure of hearing Nicholas speak at Get Your Teach On this year, and I KNEW I had to have him on the show to share his insight and perspective on education.Nicholas Ferroni is a nationally recognized educator and activist who educates, mentors and inspires students to reach their goals while driving a national dialogue about education reform.Named “Upstander of the Year” by the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) for his outspoken advocacy and support for LGBTQ youth, Nick was also noted as one of the “100 Making a Difference” and one of the “Most Influential Educators in America.” His expertise and strong opinions about education and revisionist History have made him a sought after expert on national platforms including ABC’s ‘The View,’ MSNBC, ABC, HLN and more.It’s hard to find someone as outspokenly POSITIVE about education than Nicholas, and I’m honored to have him on the show.Enjoy!Support Teach Me, Teacher by checking my memoir for educators here.Check out Teach Me, Teacher Presents: Reading – Writing Workshop here.Like our the show’s music? Check out our theme music creator, Bryan Pascarella, here.A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Today on Teach Me, Teacher, we are talking about the power of men in the classroom with none other than Nicholas Ferroni. I had the pleasure of hearing Nicholas speak at Get Your Teach On this year, and I KNEW I had to have him on the show to share his insight and perspective on education.Nicholas Ferroni is a nationally recognized educator and activist who educates, mentors and inspires students to reach their goals while driving a national dialogue about education reform.Named "Upstander of the Year" by the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) for his outspoken advocacy and support for LGBTQ youth, Nick was also noted as one of the "100 Making a Difference" and one of the "Most Influential Educators in America." His expertise and strong opinions about education and revisionist History have made him a sought after expert on national platforms including ABC's 'The View,' MSNBC, ABC, HLN and more.It's hard to find someone as outspokenly POSITIVE about education than Nicholas, and I'm honored to have him on the show.Enjoy!Support Teach Me, Teacher by checking my memoir for educators here.Check out Teach Me, Teacher Presents: Reading – Writing Workshop here.Like our the show’s music? Check out our theme music creator, Bryan Pascarella, here.A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Welcome to part 2 with Kelly Gallagher! Today we are continuing our talk about authentic literacy, and we are diving DEEP into the practice of conferencing and why you should be doing it everyday.Since 1985, Kelly Gallagher has devoted himself to the teaching of reading, writing, listening and speaking—first and foremost, as a high school ELA teacher in Anaheim, California, and also as an author/consultant who works with educators around the world. Today, he is considered one of the leading voices in literacy education. He is the author of 180 Days, Readicide, and In the Best Interest of Students.How Kelly has grown over the years, conferencing, and more, all in this episode. I could not be any more excited than to bring this talk to you today.Enjoy!Support Teach Me, Teacher by checking my memoir for educators here.Check out Teach Me, Teacher Presents: Reading – Writing Workshop here.Like our the show’s music? Check out our theme music creator, Bryan Pascarella, here.A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! Welcome to season 4 of the Teach Me, Teacher Podcast!If you're new to the podcast, welcome! If you're returning, then you know how I like to start things off every season...WITH LITERACY.Season 2 started with the wonderful Donalyn Miller.Season 3 started with none other than the amazing Penny Kittle.And now season 4 is starting with Kelly Gallagher himself!Since 1985, Kelly Gallagher has devoted himself to the teaching of reading, writing, listening and speaking—first and foremost, as a high school ELA teacher in Anaheim, California, and also as an author/consultant who works with educators around the world. Today, he is considered one of the leading voices in literacy education. He is the author of 180 Days, Readicide, and In the Best Interest of Students.In this episode we talk about how to create authentic experiences both in reading and writing, and how not to kill the love for reading and writing.Books, equity, clubs, representation, and more, all in this episode. I could not be any more excited than to bring this talk to you today.Enjoy!Support Teach Me, Teacher by checking my memoir for educators here.Check out Teach Me, Teacher Presents: Reading - Writing Workshop here.Like our the show's music? Check out our theme music creator, Bryan Pascarella, here.A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! With the new school year upon us, I know you all are gearing up to make MAGIC happen in our classrooms! You're planning great experiences, sitting through PD, and trying to catch some sleep.To support you, I'm planning an AMAZING season of great podcasts coming for season 4, but I wanted to cover some key pieces first, as usual.In this intro, you'll hear about who is coming on the show for the season opener, how to win a FREE copy of my book, and why I left literacy coaching.(If you want to know why I went into literacy coaching, click here!)Thank you all for supporting the podcast and thank you for listening! Season 4 is going to be amazing!-Enjoy!A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! I couldn’t be any more excited to bring you none other than Hamish Brewer for part 2 of our close out to season 3 of the podcast! If you missed part 1, check it out here.If you don’t know who Hamish is... the relentless, tattooed, skateboarding principal in Northern Virginia isn’t your normal principal. Hamish is high octane, constantly calling on his students to “Be Relentless. Mr. Brewer has become known as an educational disrupter and game changer who transcends the status quo and typical educational norms.He is known for working with some of the most at risk students in America and getting results, and that’s exactly what we discuss in this episode!This is the perfect listen for starting the new school year, because those kids in our schools need us to be excited, they need us to be motivated, and they need us to be our best.Hamish knows how to get it done, and he takes us along for the ride!Enjoy!Support Hamish by checking out his book here.Support the podcast by checking out my new book, Teach Me, Teacher – Life Lessons that Taught Me How to Be a Better Teacher.A special thank you to Viewsonic for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Please check out their amazing resources for teachers here.

Hello everyone! I couldn't be any more excited to bring you none other than Hamish Brewer to close out season 3 of the podcast!If you don't know who Hamish is, the relentless, tattooed, skateboarding principal in Northern Virginia isn’t your normal principal. Hamish is high octane, constantly calling on his students to “Be Relentless. Mr. Brewer has become known as an educational disrupter and game changer who transcends the status quo and typical educational norms.He is known for working with some of the most at risk students in America and getting results, and that's exactly what we discuss in this episode!This is the perfect listen for starting the new school year, because those kids in our schools need us to be excited, they need us to be motivated, and they need us to be our best. Hamish knows how to get it done, and he takes us along for the ride!Enjoy!Support Hamish by checking out his book here.Support the podcast by checking out my new book, Teach Me, Teacher – Life Lessons that Taught Me How to Be a Better Teacher.

Hello everyone! It is my absolute pleasure to bring you one of my favorite people in the world, Nicole Marte, otherwise known as @MarteintheMiddle on Instagram to continue our discussion about the power of teaching middle school, why it's the best school, and debunking (and validating) myths about teaching middle schoolers.If you missed part 1, check it out here.A lot of personal anecdotes in this one, both from Nicole and I, and just a lot of pure fun.This is one of those great episodes of the podcast where we just talked and enjoyed our mutual love of teaching. Nicole is definitely one of the coolest teachers out there, and you owe it to yourself to be fueled by her kindness and honesty.Come and listen along and laugh with us!Enjoy!Support the podcast by checking out my new book, Teach Me, Teacher – Life Lessons that Taught Me How to Be a Better Teacher.For more science in middle school, check out my episode with Josie Bensko from @maniacsinthemiddle on Instagram here!

Hello everyone! It is my absolute pleasure to bring you one of my favorite people in the world, Nicole Marte, otherwise known as @MarteintheMiddle on Instagram.In this episode, we dive into why we both LOVE middle school so much, the magic of teaching 6th grade, and why relationships at this critical age are so extremely important. We also spend a healthy amount of time praising how teaching science is an amazing experience.A lot of personal anecdotes in this one, both from Nicole and I, and just a lot of pure fun.This is one of those great episodes of the podcast where we just talked and enjoyed our mutual love of teaching.Come and listen along and laugh with us!Enjoy!Support the podcast by checking out my new book, Teach Me, Teacher - Life Lessons that Taught Me How to Be a Better Teacher.For more science in middle school, check out my episode with Josie Bensko from @maniacsinthemiddle on Instagram here!

Hello everyone! Today I have a special announcement: Teach Me, Teacher: Life Lessons That Taught Me How to be a Better Teacher is now available for purchase!To celebrate, I took some time to talk about the book, and read a few pages from the opening chapter.I hope that you'll take the time to listen and read the book. I wrote it for you.Buy on AmazonBuy on B&NABOUT THE BOOK:Jacob Chastain grew up in an environment filled with drugs and violence. Inside the home that should have felt safe, fear and anxiety were the desperate norm. Stability and security eluded him as he was shuffled between family and friends that would take him in. But at school, things were different. There, day after day, year after year, Chastain’s teachers saved him.Teach Me, Teacher is the true story of a childhood marked by heartache—a story that may be similar to that of the children sitting in your classroom. It’s the story that shaped Jacob Chastain into the educator he is today. Lessons learned from his experiences as a child and as a growing educator offer reflections on the trials and triumphs facing teachers and students everywhere. From these lessons, we learn that one’s darkest moments can ultimately lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life when someone cares enough to step in and make a difference.Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life.————————————————PRAISE FOR TEACH ME, TEACHER“Jacob Chastain pours his heart out on the pages of Teach Me, Teacher by sharing his personal journey through childhood trauma. His message that “action is the antidote to suffering” is a powerful reminder to us all to do more, be more, understand more, and care more for our students.” —Kim Bearden, co-founder and executive director, The Ron Clark Academy, author of Talk to Me“Teach Me, Teacher is one of the most courageous, heartbreaking, hopeful books I’ve ever read.” —Regie Routman, author of Literacy Essentials“Jacob Chastain’s raw honesty is something that we need more of in the education world.” —Halee Sikorski, A Latte Learning“Teach Me, Teacher is both an uplifting memoir and a message to all of us in education of the power we have to build relationships and make a difference for all of our students.” —Dr. Sue Szachowicz, senior fellow, Successful Practices Network“Jacob Chastain takes us on a transformational journey where past and present converge into possibility. His story of resilience and hope is a celebration of the impact each of us can have when professional purpose leads the way.” —Dr. Mary Howard, author of Good to Great Teaching“Everyone has their past, and Jacob’s had challenges. At times raw and emotional, this book allows you to experience Jacob’s journey towards understanding, acceptance, and redemption. Jacob shares example after example of how negatives in life can open doors, and his experiences can help the reader to better define a sense of purpose.” —Evan Robb, author of The Ten-Minute Principal and coauthor of TeamMakers“My heart bled for children of shattered and dysfunctional families when I read Jacob Chastain’s Teach Me, Teacher. Jacob has an insight many of us don’t inherently have as teachers. His powerful story is a reminder that as teachers, we can and do make major impacts in the lives of our students. I applaud Jacob’s willingness to be open and share his story. His book is filled with life lessons for us all, both in and out of the classroom.” —Haley Curfman, elementary educator, The Weary Teacher“Jacob Chastain has done something that is extremely difficult—he has shared parts of his abusive childhood as well as his teaching experiences to show how he transformed negatives into positives to create a meaningful life, start his own family, and becoming a reflective teacher who responds to his students’ needs. By sharing his painful memories,

Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you part 2 of my fantastic discussion with Todd Whitaker on what great educators do differently! If you missed part 1, click here.Dr. Todd Whitaker is recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, and his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world.In this discussion, we focus on what great teachers do differently, and what great principals do differently, and why just being good isn’t enough.Together we hit on why our roles are too important to let the small stuff slide, what to do about toxic teachers around you or in your school, how to talk to parents, and how an ineffective campus all depends on one factor…You DO NOT want to miss this episode!Whether you’re a teacher, principal, or college student, you need to hear this talk with Todd Whitaker!Enjoy!

Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you my fantastic discussion with Todd Whitaker on what great educators do differently!Dr. Todd Whitaker is recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, and his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world.In this discussion, we focus on what great teachers do differently, and what great principals do differently, and why just being good isn't enough.Together we hit on why our roles are too important to let the small stuff slide, what to do about toxic teachers around you or in your school, how to talk to parents, and how an ineffective campus all depends on one factor...You DO NOT want to miss this episode!Whether you're a teacher, principal, or college student, you need to hear this talk.Enjoy!For more on leadership and accountability, check out my episode of Ron Clark Academy native, Kirk Brown!PS: If you'd like to support the podcast and Todd, use the links above to his fantastic work!

Hello everyone! Today I have part 2 of my discussion with Jennifer from Jennuine Teaching (Instagram, Youtube) to talk with us about EVERYTHING LESSON PLANNING and REFLECTIVE PRACTICES! If you missed part 1, catch it here.If you haven’t heard of Jennuine Teaching, you’re in for a treat because it is a fantastic resource and Jennifer is one of my favorite teachers to watch and learn from.As expected, this episode dives into the ins and outs of lesson planning from Jennifer’s point of view, all the way from start to finish and every thing in between.If you’re new to lesson planning, want to hear about a new way to do it or think about it, or simply want to listen to two teachers talk shop, this is the episode for you!You can also catch Jennifer at her blog here!Enjoy!

Hello everyone! Today I have Jennifer from Jennuine Teaching (Instagram, Youtube) to talk with us about EVERYTHING LESSON PLANNING!If you haven't heard of Jennuine Teaching, you're in for a treat because it is a fantastic resource and Jennifer is one of my favorite teachers to watch and learn from.As expected, this episode dives into the ins and outs of lesson planning from Jennifer's point of view, all the way from start to finish and every thing in between.If you're new to lesson planning, want to hear about a new way to do it or think about it, or simply want to listen to two teachers talk shop, this is the episode for you!You can also catch Jennifer at her blog here!Enjoy!Oh! One last thing, I referenced Esther Brunat's episode in this talk so the link to that is HERE if you want to check it out (you really should)!

Hello everyone! Today it’s my pleasure to bring you part 2 of my conversation with Jared Cooney Horvath, a cognitive neuroscientist based out of the University of Melbourne specializing in human thought, learning and brain stimulation.If you missed part 1, check it out here.Without a doubt, this is one of the best episodes of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast—if not THE BEST.In this episode, we dive deep into the brain science behind how students learn, and how to move students from surface learning to DEEP LEARNING.This is one of those episodes where I feel like any teacher who spends time listening to Jared's insight will come out far better at the end. I know this is the case for me!When you’re done with this episode, please check out Jared’s work here and support him by buying his book! I’ve read it twice, and it is amazing.If you’d like to win a copy of his book, make sure to sign up for the Teach Me, Teacher email list this week and next! I’ll be choosing two winners.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today it's my pleasure to bring you my conversation with Jared Cooney Horvath, a cognitive neuroscientist based out of the University of Melbourne specializing in human thought, learning and brain stimulation.Without a doubt, this is one of the best episodes of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast.In this episode, we dive deep into the brain science behind how students learn, retain, and apply the information we give them in our classes.In part one of our talk, we hit on everything from the role of technology in learning (how it hurts and helps), why note taking can be powerful, and how physical print media can be such a boon when reading longer texts.Of course, there is more than this sprinkled in this episode, but you'll have to listen to get the rest!When you're done with this episode, please check out Jared's work here and support him by buying his book! I've read it twice, and it is amazing every time.If you'd like to win a copy of his book, make sure to sign up for the Teach Me, Teacher email list this week and next! I'll be choosing two winners.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today it’s my pleasure to bring you part 2 of my discussion with the two authors of Welcome to Writing Workshop, Stacey Shubitz and Lynne Dorfman. If you missed part 1, click here!If you are like me, you might have heard the term writing workshop repeatedly, nodding along with enthusiasm, but in the back of your mind be wondering what the heck it actually is.For years, I didn’t really know what workshop was, and I often wished there was a resource to not just tell me what it was, but show me as well.NOW THERE IS! Welcome to Writing Workshop is an amazing resource of strategic routines, tips, resources, and short focused video clips to view and learn with.From explanations of writing process and writing traits to small-group strategy lessons and minilessons, this book provides the know-how to feel confident and comfortable in the teaching of writers.If you’re a fan of the podcast, you know that literacy talk is MY JAM, and writing workshop is something I’m incredibly passionate about. Stacey and Lynne do an amazing job at talking about what writing workshop is and is not, and this episode is a perfect primer for anyone who might not know exactly what it is or what it looks like.Once you have finished the episode, come back and subscribe to the email list (right) so you can be entered to win a FREE COPY of Welcome to Writing Workshop!Thank you to Stenhouse Publishers for sponsoring this episode and providing the books for the giveaway!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!***For more on writing, check out my episode with Jeff Anderson on the Patterns of Power!

Hello everyone! Today it's my pleasure to bring you my discussion with the two authors of Welcome to Writing Workshop, Stacey Shubitz and Lynne Dorfman.If you are like me, you might have heard the term writing workshop repeatedly, nodding along with enthusiasm, but in the back of your mind be wondering what the heck it actually is.For years, I didn't really know what workshop was, and I often wished there was a resource to not just tell me what it was, but show me as well.NOW THERE IS! Welcome to Writing Workshop is an amazing resource of strategic routines, tips, resources, and short focused video clips to view and learn with.From explanations of writing process and writing traits to small-group strategy lessons and minilessons, this book provides the know-how to feel confident and comfortable in the teaching of writers.If you're a fan of the podcast, you know that literacy talk is MY JAM, and writing workshop is something I'm incredibly passionate about. Stacey and Lynne do an amazing job at talking about what writing workshop is and is not, and this episode is a perfect primer for anyone who might not know exactly what it is or what it looks like.Once you have finished the episode, come back and subscribe to the email list (right) so you can be entered to win a FREE COPY of Welcome to Writing Workshop!Thank you to Stenhouse Publishers for sponsoring this episode and providing the books for the giveaway!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!***For more on writing, check out my episode with Jeff Anderson on the Patterns of Power!

Hello everyone! Last week, the podcast took a look at the dark side of public education, examining one teacher’s experience with burnout and stress.But this week, I’m talking with one of my co-workers, Pam Ochoa, and we are discussing why she is not only still in love with education, but why after 7 years of being an academic coach and out of the classroom, she is stepping back into the trenches!If you’re in need of a pick me up, this is the episode for you!Filled with honest anecdotes, encouragement, and a little laughter, you’re guaranteed to feel better after this podcast.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! This week's episode is a little different, but I think you'll get so much out of my talk with Sariah McCall, an ex-teacher who's viral resignation letter has made rounds around the internet recently.In this discussion, we discuss why she got into teaching and why she ultimately had to leave. We discuss her love for education, the students, and her hate for how teachers are treated. But more importantly, we address a problem in education I fear more than anything...the total and absolute burnout from stress of THE JOB.If you've ever felt like you wanted to quit or that it was all too much, this episode is for you.If you want to feel connected to an honest talk about the stress of teaching, this episode is for you.If you are a leader in a school district, this episode is for you.I believe all we have is our testimonies, and this is Sariah's. I thank her for sharing with us her experience so we can all learn and grow from it.Enjoy.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today we have the rare one part episode where I discuss what's best for kids with Dr. Michael J. Hynes!Dr. Hynes is the Superintendent of Schools for the Patchogue Medford School District, and has begun to make waves in the educational community with his approach to supporting schools, teachers, and students. He emphasizes the importance of play and recess in schools and yoga and mindfulness in the classroom. He believes in teaching the whole child, as well as keeping up with his own teaching abilities by stepping into the class and teaching a lesson!There aren't a lot of superintendents like Dr. Hynes, even fewer who openly discuss how teachers should buck and push at the system in order to do what's right for kids!I absolutely love the message and effort Dr. Hynes puts forth, and I know you will too.Don't forget to check out his TedTalk here!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today, it is my pleasure to bring you part 2 of my discussion with Kim Yaris, one of the authors of my latest favorite professional book, Who’s Doing the Work: How to Say Less So Readers Can Do More. If you missed part 1, get it here.Kim was an elementary teacher for several years, and now travels the world helping teachers with the hard and rewarding work of fostering meaningful literacy in our students.I love her passion and ability to take complex concepts and say them in a way that is immediately illuminating. Who’s Doing the Work has been infinitely influential in my work already, and I can’t wait for you all to experience this fantastic talk.I can't stop talking about this book with everyone I meet!If you’re struggling to get kids to want to do the thinking, reading, or are feeling like you’ve reached a ceiling with your reading instruction, this is the podcast for you! Though the book is mainly geared to elementary teachers, as a 7th grade teacher myself, who teaches students who are behind in their reading achievement, this book has been invaluable.Once you have finished the episode, come back and subscribe to the email list (right) so you can be entered to win a FREE COPY of WHO’S DOING THE WORK!Thank you to Stenhouse Publishers for sponsoring this episode and providing the books for the giveaway!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today, it is my pleasure to bring you Kim Yaris, one of the authors of my latest favorite professional book, Who's Doing the Work: How to Say Less So Readers Can Do More, and we are discussing "next generation" reading instruction.Kim was an elementary teacher for several years, and now travels the world helping teachers with the hard and rewarding work of fostering meaningful literacy in our students.I love her passion and ability to take complex concepts and say them in a way that is immediately illuminating. Who's Doing the Work has been infinitely influential in my work already, and I can't wait for you all to experience this fantastic talk!If you're struggling to get kids to want to do the thinking, reading, or are feeling like you've reached a ceiling with your reading instruction, this is the podcast for you! Though the book is mainly geared to elementary teachers, as a 7th grade teacher myself, who teaches students who are behind in their reading achievement, this book has been invaluable.Once you have finished the episode, come back and subscribe to the email list (right) so you can be entered to win a FREE COPY of WHO'S DOING THE WORK!Thank you to Stenhouse Publishers for sponsoring this episode and providing the books for the giveaway!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today, we are continuing our flexible seating Q&A! If you missed part 1, check it out here!With the help of one of my favorite Instagram teachers, Shane Saeed (@fantasticallyfourth), we are hitting on just about every question and concern you could have about flexible seating.If you’ve ever thought about making the commitment to flexible seating, but were concerned about pricing, effectiveness, logistics, or even if you were concerned it was just a fad, this is the episode for you! We cover all of these points, and much much more!In part 2, we dive DEEPER into what flexible seating is all about, and hit on everything from "when things break," to how does it help the kids to have flexible seating!Shane is absolutely amazing, and I loved talking with her.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!For more on flexible seating, check out my first episode on the subject here!

Hello everyone! Today, we are having a flexible seating Q&A!With the help of one of my favorite Instagram teachers, Shane Saeed (@fantasticallyfourth), we are hitting on just about every question and concern you could have about flexible seating.If you've ever thought about making the commitment to flexible seating, but were concerned about pricing, effectiveness, logistics, or even if you were concerned it was just a fad, this is the episode for you! We cover all of these points, and much much more!Shane is such a power for good in the educational community, and I know you're going to love my talk with her!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!For more on flexible seating, check out my first episode on the subject here!

Hello everyone! Does an ELA teacher need to be a practitioner of reading and writing? Teri Lesesne, a former middle school teacher and Professor in the Department of Library Science at Sam Houston State University, says YES YES YES!And I agree.In part one of our discussion, we hit on popular disagreements between what educators and other commentators think quality reading instruction is, why there is a battle at all, and what the best research in the field is inviting teachers all over to implement into their classrooms.In part two, we really hit on this idea of teacher as a practitioner, and why that makes such a big difference in the quality of instruction happening in the classroom.We also take a few minutes to hit on the Lexile obsession in schools, and how it's bad for everyone involved.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!For more on reading instruction, check out my episode with Mary Howard (as mentioned in the episode!)

Hello everyone! Is there a reading war?Teri Lesesne, a former middle school teacher and Professor in the Department of Library Science at Sam Houston State University, is here to help us answer and face this question head on!In our discussion, we hit on popular disagreements between what educators and other commentators think quality reading instruction is, why there is a battle at all, and what the best research in the field is inviting teachers all over to implement into their classrooms.If you're interested at all in the "reading war" happening across educational circles, this is a must listen to episode.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!For more on reading instruction, check out my episode with Donalyn Miller!

Hello everyone! We are back with Kirk Brown this week and we are continuing our talk on Leadership and Accountability in our schools!Kirk Brown is the head fundraiser at The Ron Clark Academy and Cofounder of Emerging 100 Atlanta. His vision, leadership, and honest opinions are what we should all want to hear and strive to be like in our own spaces, regardless of if we are administration or the teachers in classrooms.I love this talk, because we talk about leadership in every context. Not just admin leadership, but teacher leadership. And not just teacher leadership, but student leadership.We hit at all, and more, and it’s an episode definitely worth your time.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!For more on RCA: Check out my episode detailing my first visit to The Ron Clark Academy!

Hello everyone! Podcast release day is always a good day, but podcast release day with a visionary and leader from The Ron Clark Academy is even better!Kirk Brown, head fundraiser at The Ron Clark Academy and Cofounder of Emerging 100 Atlanta, is here to discuss the power of leadership and the accountability that goes a long with it.I love this talk, because we talk about leadership in every context. Not just admin leadership, but teacher leadership. And not just teacher leadership, but student leadership.We hit at all, and more, and it's an episode definitely worth your time.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!For more on RCA: Check out my episode with RCA co-founder, Kim Bearden.

Hello everyone! For episode #101, I'm continuing my FANTASTIC talk with one of my favorite educators, Halee from @alattelearning, to talk about what changes she went through going from her first year of teaching to her second!I couldn’t be any more proud of this young educator, the positivity she brings to the teachers who follow her, and the work she will surely do in the future. This discussion is filled with honesty and passion, and it’s surely to bring out the best in your day.Part two is all about the changes Halee went through from year one to two, a little about the fantastic KAGAN structures she uses, and a lot of great advice from one of the rising teachers on Instagram!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! We did it! We made it to episode 100 of the podcast! How absolutely crazy is that?It's amazing that so many of you come and listen to the show every week, but it's equally amazing that you've supported the show through a 100 episodes! I truly can't be thankful enough for this journey we've had together.In the spirit of the 100th episode, and to celebrate a milestone of one of the most positive podcasts in education, I've brought on one of my favorite educators, Halee from @alattelearning, to talk about what changes she went through going from her first year of teaching to her second.I couldn't be any more proud of this young educator, the positivity she brings to the teachers who follow her, and the work she will surely do in the future. This discussion is filled with honesty and passion, and it's surely to bring out the best in your day.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!PS: having a tough year? Check out this episode from season 1 !

Hello everyone!In last week's post/episode, I talked about how guided reading has been somewhat of a hot button issue for me over the past two years. With Kelli Sanders at my side, I have started opening up about why I was reluctant, and correcting my thoughts on the practice at a middle school level.Kelli is one of my favorite educators and people in the world. She’s such a wonderful person and teacher, and her passion for kids is infectious.In part two of our discussion, she helps me through my thinking in what a guided reading lesson should look like, what the other students should be doing when you're with a group, and gives some fantastic advice on HAVING FUN while teaching.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!PS: Want more book love? Check out my episode with Jeff Anderson!

Hello everyone!Guided reading has been somewhat of a hot button issue for me over the past two years. When guided reading was brought to my middle school last year, I was...reluctant to try it. I mean, I'm a middle school teacher, why should I be doing something that is CLEARLY only for elementary. Right?Wrong.Not only have I had a change of heart about practicing guided reading at the middle school level, but now I'm actively seeking ways to get good at it.If you're in the same boat, or just want to re-engage with the practice, then you're in the right place!To help us, I've brought on one of my favorite educators and people in the world, Kelli Sanders, also known as @sandersinsecond on Instagram. She's such a wonderful person and teacher, and her passion for kids is infectious.She brings her experience and honesty to our talk, and I just love that I get to bring episodes like this to you all.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!PS: Want more book love? Check out my episode with Donalyn Miller!

Hello everyone! In this episode, I am talking with Christina (also known as @teachlikeagirl on Instagram) about student stress levels, and what public school teachers should be focusing on to make sure students are ready for college.Of course, we talk about a lot more than that (just like every Teach Me, Teacher episode), ranging from her passion for psychology, the need for adults to have engaging lessons just like our students, and how and why burnout happens to teachers.This episode is a little different than the usual 2 part episode we release. Due to time and a want for experimentation, this is the whole episode in its entirety. Be sure to let me know if you like shorter 1 off episodes like this so we can do more in the future!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!Links mentioned in the episode:Alfie Kohn: The Case Against GradesScience behind learning

Hello everyone! I am so excited to bring you part two of my discussion with Marie Morris about how to have your students do more with less.I love this conversation because it's honest. We don't fudge what it's like working with students. In fact, we are as honest as possible about the challenges we are faced with day in and day out, and that's where the magic of this episode shows.Marie Morris, also known as @thecaffinatedclass on Instagram, is here to help us work through some of our difficulties, as well as shed some honest light on possible ways to get our heads out from under water and into the bright sunshine of a great classroom!You don’t want to miss this episode! It is one of the best of the podcast, for sure.For more from Marie Morris, check here out here.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Teachers are constantly being pushed to do more with less. Usually, this isn't a good thing. It ends up being just a way to cater to the high stakes testing environments we all experience.But what if we focused on what mattered? What if we decided to have our students practice talking to one another? What if we decided to do what's best for kids, but without a focus on using more materials, resources, and "stuff?"Marie Morris, also known as @thecaffinatedclass on Instagram, is here to help us answer some of these questions, PLUS provide us with tons of helpful insights ranging from her first year as a teacher, to how being a mom has changed her for the better as an educator.You don't want to miss this episode! It is one of the best of the podcast, for sure.For more from Marie Morris, check here out here.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone!Today I am honored to share with you part 2 of my discussion with Eric Crouch (if you missed part 1, click here.) Part 2 is all about doing what's right vs being right. Meaning, we should all be more concerned with doing the best work for our students, so they can do their best work.Throughout the episode, we really hit on how Eric runs his classroom workshop, his view on his role as the teacher, and how it all comes together to create the magic of learning.Eric Crouch is a national award-winning educator from Columbus, Ga. Eric is also Harvard PZ Fellow, a Lowell Milken Center Fellow and currently serves on both the State Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory and the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Council for the state of Georgia.His work with project-based learning is well known throughout the education community, and that’s exactly what he shares with us in this podcast episode.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!________________________________________________Eric’s work with charities, Teach Your Heart Out, and most importantly, with his own students, is phenomenal to say the least. And yet, he is in need of our help!Eric was hosting at PepTalk with Mr D And Gerry Brooks. He brought his camera to help take photos of the event. He laid his camera down on the sound table in a secure area with two security guards watching the table. Later, it was gone, and they saw nothing...Long story short, Eric is trying to raise money to get his camera back. He uses the camera many afternoons to take family photos or do some real estate photos to make ends meet financially, and this is a huge loss for him.If you'd like to help him out, please go here and do so.

Hello everyone!Today I am honored to share with you my discussion with the one and only Eric Crouch. Eric Crouch is a national award-winning educator from Columbus, Ga. Eric is also Harvard PZ Fellow, a Lowell Milken Center Fellow and currently serves on both the State Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory and the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Council for the state of Georgia.His work with project-based learning is well known throughout the education community, and that's exactly what he shares with us in this podcast episode.Eric's work with charities, Teach Your Heart Out, and most importantly, with his own students, is phenomenal to say the least.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! In a world where too many educators want the short and easy answers to literacy education, Evan and Laura Robb are here to help us see the value and purpose for putting in the real work and time it takes to learn our craft, and support kids the way they need to be supported.I couldn't be more excited for part two of this conversation!In part two, we discuss where public education is going wrong in how we judge quality literacy teaching, why teachers should be learners along side their students, and how modeling from coaches and leaders is powerful for both the teachers and students to see.As far as I'm concerned, this is one of the most important episodes Teach Me, Teacher has to offer. Do not miss it.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!If you enjoyed this conversation, I highly recommend my discussion with Dr. Mary Howard (who we mention in this episode.)About the guests:EVAN ROBB AUTHOR, PRINCIPAL, & SPEAKER I am a middle school principal in Clarke County, Virginia. I am a committed educator, progressive thinker, author, speaker, and fitness enthusiast. All learning begins with a question.The Robb Review Blog will contain my thoughts and thoughts of my guests about preparing our students for their future. This blog is focused on looking ahead, not looking back. Follow Evan here.LAURA ROBB AUTHOR, TEACHER, COACH, & SPEAKER Author, teacher, coach, and speaker, Laura Robb has completed 43 years of teaching in grades 4-8.She presently coaches teachers in reading/writing workshop at Powhatan School in Virginia and coaches teachers in grades K-8 in Staunton, Virginia, Long Island, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, and West Nyack, New York. Follow Laura here. Get her books here.

Hello everyone! In a world where too many educators want the short and easy answers to literacy education, Evan and Laura Robb are here to help us see the value and purpose for putting in the real work and time it takes to learn our craft, and support kids the way they need to be supported.I couldn't be more excited for this one.Evan, Laura, and I discuss what balanced literacy education is, why kids need books and time to read them, and why reading programs are often the worst thing you can sit a struggling child in front of.As far as I'm concerned, this is one of the most important episodes Teach Me, Teacher has to offer. Do not miss it.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!PS: This episode was inspired by an episode on Evan and Laura's own podcast, which I highly recommend. Click here for more details.About the guests: EVAN ROBB AUTHOR, PRINCIPAL, & SPEAKER I am a middle school principal in Clarke County, Virginia. I am a committed educator, progressive thinker, author, speaker, and fitness enthusiast. All learning begins with a question.The Robb Review Blog will contain my thoughts and thoughts of my guests about preparing our students for their future. This blog is focused on looking ahead, not looking back. Follow Evan here. LAURA ROBB AUTHOR, TEACHER, COACH, & SPEAKER Author, teacher, coach, and speaker, Laura Robb has completed 43 years of teaching in grades 4-8.She presently coaches teachers in reading/writing workshop at Powhatan School in Virginia and coaches teachers in grades K-8 in Staunton, Virginia, Long Island, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, and West Nyack, New York. Follow Laura here. Get her books here.

Hello everyone! Today, we are diving even deeper into teacher self-care with part two of my talk with Dr. Woodly! This is by far the MOST REQUESTED TOPIC of the show, and I’m extremely happy to bring it to you today. If you missed part 1, click here.Teachers are stressed. Overworked. Guilty for working too much. Guilty for taking time for themselves. Worried they aren’t going to survive the next week, let alone this one.What to do? What about teacher self-care?I partnered with my friend Dr. Woodly from Urban and Educating for this question, and he brings some amazing advice we all need to hear. His points on teacher self-care are real, honest, and exactly what many of us need to hear.If you’re struggling right now and need a great reflection and pick me up, this is the episode for you.If you like what you hear in this episode, be sure to pick up Dr. Woodly’s book MC Means Move the Class: How to Spark Engagement and Motivation in Urban and Culturally Diverse Classrooms. It is worth it!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!This episode was made possible by Stenhouse Publishers. Their commitment to publishing and producing great books and resources for teachers is truly remarkable, and it’s an honor to partner with them to support great content for the amazing teachers who listen to Teach Me, Teacher.As mentioned in the episode, Practicing Presence is filled with ideas, exercises, checklists, personal anecdotes, and practices you can use to reframe and establish a mindset that will enhance your focus and engagement in the classroom.When teachers care for themselves deeply and deliberately, they are better able to care for the people that matter most in their lives—their students, friends, and families. Practicing Presence focuses not on doing, but rather on being present in the life of the classroom.Each chapter includes self-care strategies to explore how to self-regulate, nurture self-acceptance, and promote compassion. This book will give readers the feeling of having a personal coach who provides suggestions and routines so that they not only can deal with being overwhelmed, but rise above it.Get the book now!

Hello everyone! Today, we are diving deep into teacher self-care. This is by far the MOST REQUESTED TOPIC of the show, and I'm extremely happy to bring it to you today.Teachers are stressed. Overworked. Guilty for working too much. Guilty for taking time for themselves. Worried they aren't going to survive the next week, let alone this one.What to do? What about teacher self-care?I partnered with my friend Dr. Woodly from Urban and Educating for this question, and he brings some amazing advice we all need to hear. His points on teacher self-care are real, honest, and exactly what many of us need to hear.If you're struggling right now and need a great reflection and pick me up, this is the episode for you.If you like what you hear in this episode, be sure to pick up Dr. Woodly's book MC Means Move the Class: How to Spark Engagement and Motivation in Urban and Culturally Diverse Classrooms. It is worth it!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!This episode was made possible by Stenhouse Publishers. Their commitment to publishing and producing great books and resources for teachers is truly remarkable, and it’s an honor to partner with them to support great content for the amazing teachers who listen to Teach Me, Teacher.As mentioned in the episode, Practicing Presence is filled with ideas, exercises, checklists, personal anecdotes, and practices you can use to reframe and establish a mindset that will enhance your focus and engagement in the classroom.When teachers care for themselves deeply and deliberately, they are better able to care for the people that matter most in their lives—their students, friends, and families. Practicing Presence focuses not on doing, but rather on being present in the life of the classroom.Each chapter includes self-care strategies to explore how to self-regulate, nurture self-acceptance, and promote compassion. This book will give readers the feeling of having a personal coach who provides suggestions and routines so that they not only can deal with being overwhelmed, but rise above it.Buy the book now!

Hello everyone! I can’t possibly be more excited to bring you part 2 of this episode with Ron Clark Academy cofounder, Kim Bearden!In part 1, we really hit on the staff portion of effective communication. In this half of our conversation, we hit on the classroom, and how to support effective communication between the teacher and students.Both of us share stories from our past and current lives and how that influences how we approach communicating with students, and then Kim brings her practical and heartfelt advice on how to elevate our ability to communicate to the next level.If you’ve listened to the podcast for any amount of time, you know how passionate I am about the work everyone at RCA does, and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to record this episode for you all.I can’t recommend Kim’s book enough, or the Ron Clark Academy enough, so I’m just going to let the episode do it for me.BUT BEFORE YOU GO, make sure to sign up to our mailing list (right side) so you can be entered in to win a FREE COPY of Kim’s Talk to Me.If you don’t want to wait to win a copy, check out the book here.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! I can't possibly be more excited to bring you this episode with Ron Clark Academy cofounder, Kim Bearden!If you've listened to the podcast for any amount of time, you know how passionate I am about the work everyone at RCA does, and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to record this episode for you all.In this two part series, we discuss the principles of effective communication, as discussed in Kim's latest book, Talk to Me. We hit on why communication breaks down, where to begin when it's hard to start talking, and how the power of listening can revolutionize the relationships around you.I can't recommend Kim's book enough, or the Ron Clark Academy enough, so I'm just going to let the episode do it for me.BUT BEFORE YOU GO, make sure to sign up to our mailing list (right side) so you can be entered in to win a FREE COPY of Kim's Talk to Me.If you don't want to wait to win a copy, check out the book here.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today, we are discussing why teachers should be modeling themselves as readers AND writers, with one of my favorite Young Adult authors, Brendan Kiely.Brendan Kiely is The New York Times bestselling author of All American Boys (with Jason Reynolds), Tradition, The Last True Love Story, and The Gospel of Winter, and together, we discuss why modeling being a reader and writer can be a powerful force in our classrooms.Penny Kittle often talks about how the teacher is the best writer in the room, so they should model their thoughts, feelings, and struggles aloud with their students. Brenden and I dive into this idea, and share how this works when we are working with students, as well as why we think you should practice this as well.We also reference the episode I did with Jeff Anderson, as well as discuss the AMAZING On Writing, by Stephen King, a must for anyone looking for writing inspiration. I think this is a great book for teachers feeling shy or unsure about sharing their own writing with their students.If you’ve ever read a Brendan Kiely novel, or if you care about diversifying your school/classroom library to incorporate fiction that speaks to your students, you’re in for a treat with this talk.If you’ve never read a Brendan Kiely novel, you’re still in for a treat, but I need you to grab one of his books and see his great work for yourself. Click on the images below to check out his work!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today, we are discussing why teens need diverse fiction, with one of my favorite Young Adult authors, Brendan Kiely.Brendan Kiely is The New York Times bestselling author of All American Boys (with Jason Reynolds), Tradition, The Last True Love Story, and The Gospel of Winter, and together, we discuss the power fiction can have in our student's lives, and why we should make our libraries as diverse as the kids in our classrooms.Before Brendan found success with his fiction, he taught in schools in New York. This background of his allowed our talk to branch beyond author to teacher, and into a deeper world of really asking the tough questions about the role literature has in our schools, why certain books are necessary (even if they're controversial), and how we should be using modern fiction to inspire kids to check out the classics, not the other way around.If you've ever read a Brendan Kiely novel, or if you care about diversifying your school/classroom library to incorporate fiction that speaks to your students, you're in for a treat with this talk.If you've never read a Brendan Kiely novel, you're still in for a treat, but I need you to grab one of his books and see his great work for yourself. Click on the images below to check out his work!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today we are taking part in part 2 of our Ron Clark Academy Reflection with @abubblyclassroom, otherwise known as Brianna Johnson.Brianna has become one of my friends over on Instagram, and I got a chance to sit down with her for an hour to discuss her trip to The Ron Clark Academy! We recorded this episode all the way back during the summer, and I’m amazed at how much of our conversation connects to our teaching lives in October. A testament to the power of RCA, for sure.Throughout this episode, Brianna takes us through her experience (I share a little of mine from my trip all the way back in season 1), and we connect what she saw to the world inside of her school and classroom.I believe reflection is the KEY to taking our practices and skills to the next level, and I love episodes where we get to do just that… REFLECT!If you’ve ever been curious as to what the RCA experience is all about, this is a great place to start.Enjoy!PS: We mention books by both Ron Clark and Kim Bearden in this episode. Because I love them so much, I’m linking them below for you. They are AMAZING resources. Just click on the pictures!

Hello everyone! Today we are taking part in a Ron Clark Academy Reflection with @abubblyclassroom, otherwise known as Brianna Johnson.Brianna has become one of my friends over on Instagram, and I got a chance to sit down with her for an hour to discuss her trip to The Ron Clark Academy! We recorded this episode all the way back during the summer, and I'm amazed at how much of our conversation connects to our teaching lives in October. A testament to the power of RCA, for sure.Throughout this episode, Brianna takes us through her experience (I share a little of mine from my trip all the way back in season 1), and we connect what she saw to the world inside of her school and classroom.I believe reflection is the KEY to taking our practices and skills to the next level, and I love episodes where we get to do just that... REFLECT!If you've ever been curious as to what the RCA experience is all about, this is a great place to start.Enjoy!PS: We mention books by both Ron Clark and Kim Bearden in this episode. Because I love them so much, I'm linking them below for you. They are AMAZING resources. Just click on the pictures!

Hello everyone! Today I have on Matthew Kay, the author of the AMAZING book, Not Light, But Fire, and we are continuing our discussion about how and why we should all step up and lead meaningful race conversations in our classrooms. It matters, now more than ever, especially if you're an educator in America.Teach Me, Teacher has never shied away from controversial or hard topics. This is a fact I'm extremely proud of in the work of the show.We took on Betsy DeVos all the way back in season 1.We discussed the lack of diversity in our curriculum.We examined the role of social justice in our classrooms.And now, we are discussing how we can have powerful and meaningful race conversations in our schools.I'm in love with Matthew's book. He writes with clarity, passion, and backs up everything he says with experiences or history that hits you right in the chest. As an educator in the world today, we owe it to our students to listen to what Matthew Kay has to say.About Matthew Kay:Matthew R. Kay is a proud product of Philadelphia’s public schools and a founding teacher at Science Leadership Academy (SLA). He is a graduate of West Chester University and holds a Masters in Educational Leadership with a Principals’ Certificate from California University of Pennsylvania. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of Philly Slam League (PSL), a non-profit organization that shows young people the power of their voices through weekly spoken word competitions. The PSL is the only season-long, school-based slam poetry league in the United States.Special thank you to Stenhouse Publishers for sponsoring this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, and supporting the constant professional development of educators around the world.

Hello everyone! Today I have on Matthew Kay, the author of the AMAZING book, Not Light, But Fire, and we are discussing how we can all step up and lead meaningful race conversations in our classrooms.Teach Me, Teacher has never shied away from controversial or hard topics. This is a fact I'm extremely proud of in the work of the show.We took on Betsy DeVos all the way back in season 1.We discussed the lack of diversity in our curriculum.We examined the role of social justice in our classrooms.And now, we are discussing how we can have powerful and meaningful race conversations in our schools.I'm in love with Matthew's book. He writes with clarity, passion, and backs up everything he says with experiences or history that hits you right in the chest. As an educator in the world today, we owe it to our students to listen to what Matthew Kay has to say.About Matthew Kay:Matthew R. Kay is a proud product of Philadelphia’s public schools and a founding teacher at Science Leadership Academy (SLA). He is a graduate of West Chester University and holds a Masters in Educational Leadership with a Principals’ Certificate from California University of Pennsylvania. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of Philly Slam League (PSL), a non-profit organization that shows young people the power of their voices through weekly spoken word competitions. The PSL is the only season-long, school-based slam poetry league in the United States.Special thank you to Stenhouse Publishers for sponsoring this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, and supporting the constant professional development of educators around the world.

Hello everyone! Today we are discussing Sparks in the Dark: Lessons, Ideas and Strategies to Illuminate the Reading and Writing Lives in All of Us, a wonderful book and resource for teachers who want to ignite the fire that keeps their students’ reading and writing lives rich and rewarding.In part one of this episode, Travis Crowder and Todd Nesloney discussed the beliefs that formed the book Sparks in the Dark, and in part 2, we move into essential tips and practices you can put in place TODAY to inspire your students to become readers and writers.Sparks in the Dark is a beautiful book that needs to be read by everyone.Don’t forget to stick around to the end of the episode to discover how to win a copy of Sparks in the Dark for yourself! Or you can buy it above.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today we are discussing Sparks in the Dark: Lessons, Ideas and Strategies to Illuminate the Reading and Writing Lives in All of Us, a wonderful book and resource for teachers who want to ignite the fire that keeps their students' reading and writing lives rich and rewarding.In part one of this episode, Travis Crowder and Todd Nesloney discuss the beliefs that formed the book Sparks in the Dark, why they wrote it, and the road they took to get where they are today.I love episodes like this one It's pure and raw. It's honest about struggles, and fierce about overcoming them for our students.Sparks in the Dark is a beautiful book that needs to be read by everyone.Don't forget to stick around to the end of the episode to discover how to win a copy of Sparks in the Dark for yourself! Or you can buy it below or in the link above.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!Travis Crowder, M.Ed., is a middle school English/Language Arts teacher at East Alexander Middle School in Hiddenite, NC. He has taught for ten years and has experience in both middle and high school levels. He currently teaches 7th grade ELA and social studies, and works with the gifted and talented students in his school.Todd Nesloney is the Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author for his work in co-authoring Kids Deserve It!, Flipping 2.0: Practical Strategies for Flipping Your Class and his brand new release Sparks in the Dark. He has also written the 2018 book Stories from Webb and published a children’s book, Spruce & Lucy.Todd has been recognized by the National School Board Association as one of the “20 to Watch” in Education, by the Center for Digital Education as one of their “Top 40 Innovators in Education”, by the BAMMYs as the “National Elementary Principal of the Year” and the “National Elementary Teacher of the Year”, by the Texas Computer Education Association as their “Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year”, and by the White House as a Connected Educator “Champion of Change”.

Hello everyone! I am so excited to bring back DeAnna Morgan for part 2 (you can listen to part 1 here) to discuss why we should all be practicing what we preach and modeling the behavior and actions we want to see in our students, as well as hitting on the WHY behind what we do. DeAnna opens up in part 2 of our discussion about a powerful moment she had with a student, and it's truly inspiring.This is a timely and passionate episode, and one of my personal favorites. You owe it to yourself to listen and remember why you show up everyday for your students.DeAnna puts this outlook in such beautiful words for us to reflect on.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! I am so excited to bring you DeAnna Morgan of Instagram fame to discuss why we should all be practicing what we preach and modeling the behavior and actions we want to see in our students.This is a timely and passionate episode, and one of my personal favorites. Overall, this is the core of great advice for teachers. We can't be lazy and bored and expect our students not to be. We have to lead any example!DeAnna puts this outlook in such beautiful words you would be doing a disservice to yourself not to listen.Plus, check out her art in this post. AMAZING right?Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! In part 2 with Monica Genta, we continue our discussion about amazingly small, but powerful ways, to take your class to the next level, and we are also discussing her amazing 21 day challenge for educators!I love Monica’s advice in this episode because it’s advice everyone can take to heart. It’s broad enough we can all learn from her, and deep enough that it will bring meaningful change to our lessons and practices.Monica is the author of two books, Game Changers and 180 Days of Awesome, a middle school science teacher, and nationwide educational consultant and motivational speaker. Her goal is to transform teachers, leaders, and schools from seeing education as an ordinary job into an extraordinary adventure. Genta feels that every person who walks into a school deserves to love their experience! She is a believer in finding awesome and celebrating life every day! Genta is full of energy, full of passion, and full of love for helping others on their journey in life and learning.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!This episode was made possible by Stenhouse Publishers. Their commitment to publishing and producing great books and resources for teachers is truly remarkable, and it’s an honor to partner with them to support great content for the amazing teachers who listen to Teach Me, Teacher.As mentioned in the episode, Who’s Doing the Work? Lesson Sets by Jan Burkins and Kim Yaris, is a collection of 30 short lessons that guide teachers as they encourage students to take ownership of their own reading development, and it is an amazing resource for teachers of grades K-2. You can check it out here.

Hello everyone! I've brought on Monica Genta to help us spice up our classrooms and bring our lessons to the next level!I love Monica's advice in this episode because it's advice everyone can take to heart. It's broad enough we can all learn from her, and deep enough that it will bring meaningful change to our lessons and practices.Monica is the author of two books, Game Changers and 180 Days of Awesome, a middle school science teacher, and nationwide educational consultant and motivational speaker. Her goal is to transform teachers, leaders, and schools from seeing education as an ordinary job into an extraordinary adventure. Genta feels that every person who walks into a school deserves to love their experience! She is a believer in finding awesome and celebrating life every day! Genta is full of energy, full of passion, and full of love for helping others on their journey in life and learning.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!This episode was made possible by Stenhouse Publishers. Their commitment to publishing and producing great books and resources for teachers is truly remarkable, and it's an honor to partner with them to support great content for the amazing teachers who listen to Teach Me, Teacher.As mentioned in the episode, Who’s Doing the Work? Lesson Sets by Jan Burkins and Kim Yaris, is a collection of 30 short lessons that guide teachers as they encourage students to take ownership of their own reading development, and it is an amazing resource for teachers of grades K-2. You can check it out here.

Hello everyone! Today, we are learning how to learn with Barbara Oakley PhD, and giving away some FREE BOOKS!Barbara Oakley is an amazing advocate for learners of all ages, and has put together an amazing piece of work along side her partner on the project, Terrence Sejnowski, PhD. This book is all about understanding the brain and how it processes and remembers information, and putting it in a way that not only we can understand, but so can our students!A few of the points we hit on in this episode are:The importance of processing time Why ADHD exists, and why it can be a benefit to a child Science behind how we learn and why certain strategies JUST WORK!…AMONG OTHERS!I love Learning How to Read, I loved this conversation with Barbara, and I can’t wait for you guys to dive into this amazing detailed and insightful part 2.You can win a copy of Learning How to Learn by sharing your #TMTtakeaways on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Make sure to tag me (@teachmeteacherhost, @jacobchastain_ , Teach Me, Teacher) and use the hashtag so I can pick a winner! More details in the show.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today, we are learning how to learn with Barbara Oakley PhD, and giving away some FREE BOOKS!Barbara Oakley is an amazing advocate for learners of all ages, and has put together an amazing piece of work along side her partner on the project, Terrence Sejnowski, PhD. This book is all about understanding the brain and how it processes and remembers information, and putting it in a way that not only we can understand, but so can our students!A few of the points we hit on in this episode are:What the book is intended for Why procrastination is such a big deal and how to handle it Why the brain needs rest, and what that looks like in our busy classrooms...AMONG OTHERS!I love Learning How to Read, I loved this conversation with Barbara, and I can't wait for you guys to dive into this amazing detailed and insightful episode.You can win a copy of Learning How to Learn by sharing your #TMTtakeaways on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Make sure to tag me (@teachmeteacherhost, @jacobchastain_ , Teach Me, Teacher) and use the hashtag so I can pick a winner! More details in the show.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! You asked, so I delivered! If you're a new teacher, this episode is for you! I gathered my best advice, as well as some great advice from my friends over on Instagram, Megan Medina of Beauty, Brains, and Other Things, and Rachel Fairchild of Chalk and Coffee, to help you in your new year.This is your crash course! Make sure to take some great notes, and continue to dive into the back catalogue of the podcast, because we have episodes on all sorts of subjects YOU need to make your year great.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!PS: Make sure to check out this episode on relationships in the classroom, and why they are so important!

Hello everyone! Today, we are continuing our talking about social justice in our classrooms! Megan Forbes, otherwise known as @toocoolformiddleschool on Instagram and Youtube , brings the heat again and helps us not only understand why we need social justice, but what it looks like in the classroom.In this episode, we discuss:That education is political, but it doesn't have to be partisan How to implement social justice into our classrooms A free lesson idea to encourage academic conversations about big issuesThis is an important episode, and I’m extremely proud I get to bring this type of content to the Teach Me, Teacher audience.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes! For episodes on social justice in our schools, click here.

Hello everyone! Today, we are talking about social justice in our classrooms! To discuss, I brought on the amazing Megan Forbes, otherwise known as @toocoolformiddleschool on Instagram and Youtube !In this episode, we discuss:Misconceptions about social justice What social justice is and isn't The difference between political and partisan Why we should all try to understand the power of social justice in school and our classroomsThis is an important episode, and I'm extremely proud I get to bring this type of content to the Teach Me, Teacher audience.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes! For episodes on social justice in our schools, click here.

Hello everyone! It's time for part two with Penny Kittle! We continue talking about 180 Days, as well as:What do you do in a conference with a student? What are the other kids doing?How do you know if your student is becoming a better reader and writer?Are digital lexile programs good assessment data for our students?What is good assessment data?And much, much, more! You do not want to miss this episode!Don't forget, you can win a copy of 180 Days by sharing your #TMTtakeaways on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Make sure to tag me (@teachmeteacherhost, @jacobchastain_ , Teach Me, Teacher) and use the hashtag so I can pick a winner! More details in the show.Enjoy the show.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!For more episodes like this, click here.

Hello everyone! Welcome to season 3. I am overly excited to bring this episode with Penny Kittle to you.If you're in ELA, you probably know who Penny Kittle is. If you don't know who she is, you're in for a treat, regardless if you teach ELA or another subject.In this episode, Penny and I discuss her new book (co-written with Kelly Gallagher), 180 Days, and how we can better our literacy practices and deepen the learning of our students. We hit on:Beliefs that drive teaching decisions Why teaching a LOVE for reading and writing is paramount The power of modeling The need for conferencing with students...and much much more.What's even better is that you can win a copy of 180 days by sharing your #TMTtakeaways on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Make sure to tag me (@teachmeteacherhost, @jacobchastain_ , Teach Me, Teacher) and use the hashtag so I can pick a winner! More details in the show.Enjoy the show.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone. I'm leaving the classroom.

Hello everyone! Today, I have the pleasure of bringing you one of the most important episodes of the show, and the season 2 finale! If you missed part one, listen here.Danny Steele is a fantastic principal, writer, and speaker, and someone I’ve followed for a long time. I brought him on to talk about culture and empowering teachers and students, but we ended up talking about so much more.In this episode, we talk about appreciating teachers, supporting students, and the top 3 issues Danny feels are affecting our schools the most. You DO NOT want to miss this amazing close out to an amazing podcast season.Enjoy the show.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today, I have the pleasure of bringing you one of the most important episodes of the show.Danny Steele is a fantastic principal, writer, and speaker, and someone I've followed for a long time. I brought him on to talk about culture and empowering teachers and students, but we ended up talking about so much more.Yet, it's not the topics that make this episode shine bright, it's the depth that Danny speaks to. He speaks to the soul of an educator. He directs us back to the heart of it all--the why, and the how of what we do.Anything I say here is less than the amazingness of this episode, so I'll leave it here.Enjoy the show.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Welcome to a FANTASTIC episode about how it’s important to not only know your why, but how it’s also important to use it to fuel your work in the classroom.To discuss this, I’ve brought on Hal Bowman, of Teach Like a Rockstar and Be The One fame.We hit on a lot in part 2, but specifically, we hit on some amazing self reflective questions we all need to be asking ourselves in order to get better, and make better choices for us and our classrooms.Hal Bowman can see the future, and he is determined to do all he can to change it for the better, one life at a time. He is certain that schools are the key to a better world down the road. “Every school can be a phenomenal school” is his mantra, and it shows in his actions. Most days, you are likely to find him with his shirtsleeves rolled up and doing at least one thing to make it so. He is constantly mulling over the possibilities while designing programs, road maps, and materials to help make it happen. Hal has dedicated his life to helping the nation’s best teachers and schools reach a new level of excellence. Each year, he captivates tens of thousands of students and teachers with his powerful message of hope and what can be. His attitude and demeanor may be unconventional and unexpected in the historically reserved world of education, but he is real; he is solid; and his deep and genuine compassion for students, teachers, and schools shines through.Check it out, share, and enjoy the show.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Welcome to a FANTASTIC episode about how it's important to not only know your why, but how it's also important to use it to fuel your work in the classroom.To discuss this, I've brought on Hal Bowman, of Teach Like a Rockstar and Be The One fame.We hit on a lot in this episode, and it is definitely one for the record books. Whether you're a coach, a new or veteran teacher, or an educational leader, you will get something from Hal!Hal Bowman can see the future, and he is determined to do all he can to change it for the better, one life at a time. He is certain that schools are the key to a better world down the road. “Every school can be a phenomenal school” is his mantra, and it shows in his actions. Most days, you are likely to find him with his shirtsleeves rolled up and doing at least one thing to make it so. He is constantly mulling over the possibilities while designing programs, road maps, and materials to help make it happen. Hal has dedicated his life to helping the nation’s best teachers and schools reach a new level of excellence. Each year, he captivates tens of thousands of students and teachers with his powerful message of hope and what can be. His attitude and demeanor may be unconventional and unexpected in the historically reserved world of education, but he is real; he is solid; and his deep and genuine compassion for students, teachers, and schools shines through.Check it out, share, and enjoy the show.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Now more than ever, there is a need for relationships in our classrooms. What some might call “the hidden standards” of teaching, need to come out in the open, and drive our decisions and how we conduct ourselves daily.It could be argued that the younger generations are less equipped to deal with emotions than other generations were. Due to the sterilization of human emotion they see in social media, they spend more and more time operating with ideas that aren’t exactly the most accurate way to view the world. This can, and does, cause many issues in their social and emotional development.Because of this, I believe educators should lead their classes with relationships first, then use those relationships to push kids into bigger and better places academically, socially, and emotionally.To talk about how to do this, I brought on Esther Brunat, a fantastic math teacher who has developed quite a following on Instagram for her stories and realness. Esther details how she thinks about relationships in the class, how she makes herself available, and just how exhausting it can be to do this correctly.If you missed part 1, you can listen to it here.You don’t want to miss this episode!Check it out, and enjoy the show.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!For more insights into the power of relationships, here is an episode from season 1 about relationships and coaching.

Hello everyone! Now more than ever, there is a need for relationships in our classrooms. What some might call "the hidden standards" of teaching, need to come out in the open, and drive our decisions and how we conduct ourselves daily.It could be argued that the younger generations are less equipped to deal with emotions than other generations were. Due to the sterilization of human emotion they see in social media, they spend more and more time operating with ideas that aren't exactly the most accurate way to view the world. This can, and does, cause many issues in their social and emotional development.Because of this, I believe educators should lead their classes with relationships first, then use those relationships to push kids into bigger and better places academically, socially, and emotionally.To talk about how to do this, I brought on Esther Brunat, a fantastic math teacher who has developed quite a following on Instagram for her stories and realness. Esther details how she thinks about relationships in the class, how she makes herself available, and just how exhausting it can be to do this correctly.You don't want to miss this episode!Check it out, and enjoy the show.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!For more insights into the power of relationships, here is an episode from season 1 about relationships and coaching.

Hello everyone! Today, it is my pleasure to bring you part 2 of our episode with Joe Dombrowski, otherwise known as Mr. D, to discuss the revolution in education, and how and why you need to be a part of it. If you missed part 1, you can find it here.The world of education is changing, and Joe asks us a simple question in this episode...do we want to join him?What follows is a series of reflections on Joe's success after coming from his humble beginnings, and how his past fuels his present decisions. You can hear his passion in his voice when he talks about his first few years as an educator, and this shines even more when he discusses why he tries to do as much as possible for new teachers.In short, we need every passionate soul in the classroom. We lose too many great teachers before they ever find their groove, and many of the factors that drive these educators out can be prevented.Because of this, Joe has started The Mr. Dombrowski First Year Teacher Scholarship, which provides support to new, title 1 educators by stocking up their classroom with the funds and supplies they need to provide exceptional instruction to their students. As a fundraising effort, they have partnered with BookCameo which allows him to give you a personalized shout out!Check it out, and enjoy the show.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!Mr. D rose to fame after his video pranking his students went viral, and Ellen brought him on her show. Since then, he has spoken all around the world, and is a featured speaker at Get Your Teach On.

Hello everyone! Today, it is my pleasure to bring you Joe Dombrowski, otherwise known as Mr. D, to discuss the revolution in education, and how and why you need to be a part of it.Mr. D rose to fame after his video pranking his students went viral, and Ellen brought him on her show. Since then, he has spoken all around the world, is a featured speaker at Get Your Teach On, and he's the most aggravated ranter against Mother Nature I've ever heard.If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen my series of videos about what I see as the next NECESSITY in education. Mainly, that teachers and educators of all positions need to be branding themselves online via social media. This theory of mine has been fueled by watching the revolution happening in education on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, but it's also something that hits home in a variety of ways for me personally, as I see how much I can help my own students by becoming a bigger brand. The more people I reach, the more I can help my students and local community.Throughout the episode, Joe repeatedly demonstrates why you need to be on social media and networking with other teachers. He talks about how his online community has served as his "digital PLC," how it allows his teaching to cross boarders, how he's been able to fund his classroom, and how it quite truly changed his life forever.Joe doesn't think EVERY teacher needs to be a social media personality or brand, but he does think every teacher needs to be on and connecting with other teachers.Personally, I feel a little more strongly than Mr. D about why teachers should be branding their own style, personality, and classroom. I speak strongly about doing it, and I think if you want to be relevant or make a difference in education in the coming years, it's a must. Though, I understand why many people don't want to. To each his own, I suppose, but I imagine most of my audience sees why they need to be out there and showing their work to others...There is no better place to learn, adapt, engage, and help others than to be on social media and networking with other educators. If you truly want to be where the action is, and be a part of the revolution in education, then you need to be on social media, branding yourself, and rising to the new levels great educators all over the world are already setting for the rest of us.I could go on and on about why you should be on social media, and how you could be using it to fundamentally change your classroom, school, and life forever, but I'll let Mr. D do that.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!PS: Make sure to check out The Mr. Dombrowski First Year Teacher Scholarship, which provides support to new, title 1 educators by stocking up their classroom with the funds and supplies they need to provide exceptional instruction to their students. As a fundraising effort, they have partnered with BookCameo which allows him to give you a personalized shout out!Check it out!

Hello everyone! Today, it is my pleasure to bring back Josie Bensko, otherwise known as @MANIACSINTHEMIDDLE , for PART 2 of the episode, to discuss how she gets her kids moving, how she thinks about her lesson plans, and a little bit about the power of INSTAGRAM.I just can't say enough about this episode (which is proven, if you listen to my ending ramble about it). Josie is absolutely amazing, and deserves everything that comes her way.Personally, this talk changed a lot about how I'm going about using social media to empower and inform my practices. I think it will help you do the same.Let me know what you get from this episode! My inbox is always open for you guys.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! Today, it is my pleasure to bring you Josie Bensko, otherwise known as @MANIACSINTHEMIDDLE , to discuss how she gets her kids moving to foster that much needed student engagement.If you're not on Instagram, or just haven't come across her yet, you're missing out. Josie is one of my favorite teachers to watch. Her energy and her style of teaching is inspiring, but it's her ability to get kids to learn through experiences that really get me.More and more, educators are realizing that talking at kids isn't the way to get them to learn. The problem is though (and this was true for me too), we don't always know how to make the shift from direct teaching only, to letting kids learn through discovery, movement, and inquiry.If this sounds like you, this episode is the perfect tool. Josie's honesty about what she does, why she does it, and why it works for her students, is applicable to all of our classrooms, and something that shouldn't be ignored by anyone.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! It is my pleasure to bring Ryan Sheehy back for part 2 of the podcast. Ryan is an Educator/Author/Speaker Elementary Principal @HighlandsMDUSD, and author of Be The One For Kids. Part one can be heard here.In this episode, we talk about the importance of parent involvement, administrative leadership, the importance of relationships, and getting away from excuses.Ryan comes from a sports background, and you can tell as he gets going on this episode. He speaks the truth when it comes to taking charge and getting stuff done, but he also speaks with authority as he helps us realize how important our jobs are.We can all make an impact. We can all be the one our kids need…RIGHT NOW.GET Be the One for Kids HEREEnjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! It is my pleasure to bring Ryan Sheehy to the podcast. Ryan is an Educator/Author/Speaker Elementary Principal @HighlandsMDUSD, and author of Be The One For Kids.In this episode, we talk about administrative leadership, teacher leadership, getting away from excuses, and Ryan's amazing brand new book, Be The One For Kids.Ryan comes from a sports background, and you can tell as he gets going on this episode. He speaks the truth when it comes to taking charge and getting stuff done, but he also speaks with authority as he helps us realize how important our jobs are.We can all make an impact. We can all be the one our kids need...RIGHT NOW.GET Be the One for Kids HEREEnjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone!As much as I enjoy highlighting the big voices in the educational community, I love finding the new ones too. In this episode, I continue my conversation with Katie Tollitt of For Teachers, and dive into about as many subjects as we could.This is truly one of the best conversations of the podcast. You'll hear about new technology, ideas, insights into teaching at private schools and schools abroad, how and why to help other teachers...EVERYTHING.For Teachers, and Teach Me, Teacher, firmly believe that being an educator is amazing, should be celebrated, and we should all be aiming to help each other get better at what we do, no matter what.This is a fantastic episode, and Katie is wise beyond her years.Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone!As much as I enjoy highlighting the big voices in the educational community, I love finding the new ones too.Katie Tollitt of For Teachers, a new Youtube channel dedicated to helping teachers at all stages of their career, came on the show to discuss the negative stigma that has recently attached itself to teaching. This stigma is perpetuated by politicians, community members, and even teachers themselves.Well... We're not about that life.For Teachers, and Teach Me, Teacher, firmly believe that being an educator is amazing, should be celebrated, and we should all be aiming to help each other get better at what we do, no matter what.This is a fantastic episode, and Katie is wise beyond her years.Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!Learn how to support the show here

Hello everyone!Last week, Haley Curfman and I discussed how kindness is at the center of everything she does in her classroom. This week, we dive deeper into this idea, and hit on some connecting ideas which really focus on bringing humanity back into the classroom.Our students need more love, not more drills. They need more compassion, not more tests. They need more stability, not more data thrown at them.Our students need us.We owe it to them to be the best we can be for them.Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!Learn how to support the show here

Hello everyone! Sometimes, I really like who I get on the show, and sometimes I'm a big fan of the guest... in the case of Haley Curfman, also known as The Weary Teacher, it's both.Haley is an educator who embodies what it means to teach kids...she's kind, smart, humorous, and has an eye for the WOW factor that gets kids engaged. Her ideas and insights are truly worth listening to, and her energy is infectious.Inspiration abound in this episode, and you won't want to miss any part of it.Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!Learn how to support the show here

Hello everyone!It’s time to talk about diversity in our curriculum, and I’ve brought on an educator from New York, Marguerite Thompson, to help us through this complex and hot topic issue.I found Marguerite after her post sharing her door decoration went viral. Just seeing it, a massive depiction of a black woman with big and grand hair, I knew Marguerite had something to say.Sure enough, I was right.In part 2, we dive deeper into diversity in schools, curriculum, and how biases come out even if we don’t intend them to be.This episode is a celebration of the people who are often slighted by the system as it exists, and a call for everyone to hear and be a part of the discussion.Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!Learn how to support the show here

Hello everyone!It's time to talk about diversity in our curriculum, and I've brought on an educator from New York, Marguerite Thompson, to help us through this complex and hot topic issue.I found Marguerite after her post sharing her door decoration went viral. Just seeing it, a massive depiction of a black woman with big and grand hair, I knew Marguerite had something to say.Sure enough, I was right.We discuss diversity in schools, curriculum, and how biases come out even if we don't intend them to be.This episode is a celebration of the people who are often slighted by the system as it exists, and a call for everyone to hear and be a part of the discussion.(By the way, it's her birthday this week. Give her a big shoutout if you can!)Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!Learn how to support the show here

Hello everyone!I'm just going to be blunt... I. LOVE. THIS. EPISODE.Adam goes into detail about how a school should go about solving culture issues, why it's important to tackle culture first, and how, even though he struggles like the rest of us, the work still must happen. The lives of our students and of our teachers are too important to ignore glaring issues in the culture of our schools and classrooms.We all have to work together to make it happen.Adam Dovico is an accomplished teacher, author, speaker, and professor. He began his career in North Carolina as an elementary school teacher, then worked as a teacher and the school implementation specialist for the renowned Ron Clark Academy, where he traveled across the country conducting professional development and on-site training to schools and districts for over 15,000 educators in thirty states.You can grab The Limitless School: Creative Ways to Solving the Culture Puzzle now.Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!LINK TO THE BRIEF SURVEY

Hello everyone!Today, I have the honor and privilege of bringing you Adam Dovico, a first time principal at Moore Magnet Elementary in North Carolina, and co-author of The Limitless School with Abe Hege.Adam Dovico is an accomplished teacher, author, speaker, and professor. He began his career in North Carolina as an elementary school teacher, then worked as a teacher and the school implementation specialist for the renowned Ron Clark Academy, where he traveled across the country conducting professional development and on-site training to schools and districts for over 15,000 educators in thirty states.In this episode, we discuss not only Adam's new book, but also what it takes to create great teams as a leader, make the right decisions, and even how to keep teaching when you're a principal.But truly, this two part episode is about culture, what that means in our classrooms, and how to make it the best it can be. Culture isn't on the admin to solve, it's on all of us.If you have problems in your school or classroom related to the culture puzzle, then this episode is for you.You can grab The Limitless School: Creative Ways to Solving the Culture Puzzle now.Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone!Today, it is my pleasure to bring you Sue Szachowicz, a retired principal of Brockton High School and now a Senior Fellow for the International Center for Leadership in Education, to close out our 3 part episode on how to change a failing school.She chronicled the turn-around of Brockton High in her book Transforming Brockton High: High Standards, High Expectations, No Excuses,and this week she is on the show to discuss exactly how she, and her team, did it.I can’t say enough positive things about this episode, as well as part 2 and part 1. Sue is a no nonsense educator. Excuses are cheap, and effort is king.It isn’t enough to want to change a school, you have to believe there is no other option.Don’t miss this one.Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

What if I told you about something revolutionary? Something so BIG, that it could literally transform your students and your school? Would you be interested, or doubtful?What if I said it was the most high-tech, costly product?...but what if it wasn't?What if it was free?What if it wasn't technology?What if you don't need to visit costly seminars to learn it?In part two with Sue Szachowicz, we continue our talk about how she, and her team, saved their failing school with the power of their literacy initiative.We discuss her doubts about the process, criticisms she's faced about her approach being "cookie-cutter," as well as how she used basic skills, focus, and team work to accomplish a seemingly impossible task.I believe this series with Sue is going to go down as one of the best of the podcast. She's inspiring, honest, and above all, no nonsense about her approach.Got to love it!Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone!Today, it is my pleasure to bring you Sue Szachowicz, a retired principal of Brockton High School and now a Senior Fellow for the International Center for Leadership in Education.She chronicled the turn-around of Brockton High in her book Transforming Brockton High: High Standards, High Expectations, No Excuses,and this week she is on the show to discuss exactly how she, and her team, did it.I can't say enough positive things about this episode and Sue. Sue is a no nonsense educator. Excuses are cheap. Effort is king. Science is superior.It isn't enough to want to change a school, you have to believe there is no other option...even if there are toxic people who resist getting better, and resist making the school better.Don't miss this one.Share and enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone!Last week, I talked about how I had trouble naming our two-part episode with Todd Nesloney, but this week is different...because we dive DEEP into his new book STORIES FROM WEBB, and the amazing story behind this fantastic tribute to educators.But again, we didn’t just discuss his book on this episode, either.Truly, we discussed how community, and supporting communities, can be more powerful than any one book, idea, or person.We discussed how amazing educators are.We gushed over the Ron Clark Academy (both in part one and two).We give shout outs to all the teachers not on a podcast, or who don’t have books coming out, because of how great and amazing they are.We signal boost great educators doing their thing on the internet, like Adam Dovico, Hope and Wade King, Mary Howard, Kim Bearden, and Colby Sharp (part one and two for all).We unpack what it means to lead a school.We affirm what it means to be an educator.I couldn’t be more excited for you all to hear this two-part episode, and nab Todd’s newest book, Stories from Webb: The Ideas, Passions, and Convictions of a Principal and His School Family , as well as his other superb work, Kids Deserve It!: Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Conventional Thinking .Todd Nesloney is the Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author for his work in co-authoring “Kids Deserve It!” and “Flipping 2.0: Practical Strategies forFlipping Your Class” and his brand new release “Stories from Webb”. He has also published a children’s book, “Spruce & Lucy”. Todd has been recognized by the National School Board Association as one of the “20 to Watch” in Education, by the Center for Digital Education as one of their “Top 40 Innovators in Education”, by theBAMMYs as the “National Elementary Principal of the Year” and the “National Elementary Teacher of the Year”, by the Texas Computer Education Association as their “Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year”, and by the White House as a Connected Educator “Champion of Change”.Enjoy! See you next week.Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone! I had trouble naming this two-part episode with Todd Nesloney. On one hand, I wanted to simply call it, Stories From Webb, since that's the name of Todd's fantastic new book. But as I edited the show this week, I realized this discussion was bigger than that.We didn't just discuss his book.Truly, we discussed how community, and supporting communities, can be more powerful than any one book, idea, or person.We discussed how amazing educators are.We gushed over the Ron Clark Academy (both in part one and two).We give shout outs to all the teachers not on a podcast, or who don't have books coming out, because of how great and amazing they are.We signal boost great educators doing their thing on the internet, like Adam Dovico, Hope and Wade King, Mary Howard, Kim Bearden, and Colby Sharp (part one and two for all).We unpack what it means to lead a school.We affirm what it means to be an educator.I couldn't be more excited for you all to hear this two-part episode, and nab Todd's newest book, Stories from Webb: The Ideas, Passions, and Convictions of a Principal and His School Family, as well as his other superb work, Kids Deserve It!: Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Conventional Thinking.Todd Nesloney is the Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author for his work in co-authoring “Kids Deserve It!” and “Flipping 2.0: Practical Strategies forFlipping Your Class” and his brand new release “Stories from Webb”. He has also published a children’s book, “Spruce & Lucy”. Todd has been recognized by the National School Board Association as one of the “20 to Watch” in Education, by the Center for Digital Education as one of their “Top 40 Innovators in Education”, by the BAMMYs as the “National Elementary Principal of the Year” and the “National Elementary Teacher of the Year”, by the Texas Computer Education Association as their “Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year”, and by the White House as a Connected Educator “Champion of Change”.Enjoy! See you next week.Don't forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!

Hello everyone!It's no secret that teaching is hard. Stress builds. Hours grow long, as the papers pile up. Mandates and emails come at us faster than we can process them...all the while teachers are thinking, "What about me?"In this episode, we continue our talk from last week with Amy Fast, and dive deeper into teacher wellbeing, and how administrators, and colleagues, can help teachers be the best they can be.If you’ve ever felt taken advantage of, asked to do more than you can manage, or simply ignored, this episode is for you, and the people making you feel that way.Enjoy!Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes so you never miss an episode!

Do we care about our teachers? Do we make sure to take their wellbeing into account, or do we keep asking more of them, never bothering to fill their tanks back up?Amy Fast, an Assistant Principal and passionate voice on Twitter, has a lot to say on this subject. With an honesty that's refreshing and inspiring, Amy holds nothing back as she discusses the state of teachers, how many places aren't treating educators the way they deserve, and what we can do to mend this wound in our amazing field. Many of the points she makes on this episode, and more, can be found in her book, It's the Mission Not the Mandates: Defining the Purpose of Public Education.If you've ever felt taken advantage of, asked to do more than you can manage, or simply ignored, this episode is for you, and the people making you feel that way.Share and enjoy!Don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes so you never miss an episode!

Hello everyone!As more and more news outlets decide to condemn schools, more and more politicians find it to their liking to tell their version of what public education is (and is not,) it's becoming extremely important for teachers and administrators to step outside of their bubbles and share their stories.I'd argue that educators don't control their narrative right now. Everyone outside of us, the people who want to have a say in our pay, our funding, and how we are held "accountable," control it.I think it's time to take that control back, and I brought Colby Sharp to the podcast to help tell us why. Colby is a fifth grade teacher in Parma, Michigan. He's been a classroom teacher since 2006. In 2011, he started the Nerdy Book Club blog with friend of the show Donalyn Miller. He co-hosts The Yarn podcast with Teacher Librarian Travis Jonker. He also serves on the Nerd Camp, a free literacy event that takes place in Parma, Michigan each summer. His first book, The Creativity Project, hits shelves April 10, 2018. In this episode, Colby says, "We need to share our stories, because if we aren't sharing our stories, other people will," and continues by sharing why he creates the many projects he does, and how it all goes back to helping the kids.I couldn't recommend this episode more. I believe in the message of this episode, and I believe in the power of sharing what we do as educators...Someone will either way, wouldn't you want it to be us?As an added bonus to the conversation, we also briefly discuss his work in his classroom, his philosophy with teaching ELA, and all about his desire to give kids the love of reading.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!Teach Me, Teacher has been around for about a year and half, and I'm amazed at how many great educators I have had the pleasure to speak with. Local gems, like the fantastic Alan Small and Andrew Simmons, to names such as Donalyn Miller and Mary Howard (by the way, limiting that list to just a few names was extremely difficult.)In any case, today, I get to add to the list of AWESOME educators I've got to discuss teaching with.Jeff Anderson, also known as The Write Guy, is a phenom of writing education. His method of "Inviting" writers to notice patterns, and then use those patterns in their own writing, is a powerful force in the classroom. I've seen it in my own classroom, and thousands of educators around the world are finding success with his techniques.I brought him on the show to discuss his newest book, The Patterns of Power, but we also hit on his philosophy with teaching writing, what teachers should do (and stop doing,) and how we should embrace the messiness of writing education. He also corrects me on the proper way to say "aaawwubbis," which was WIN all to itself.Teachers, enjoy and SHARE this one. It's one of the best of the podcast, and you'll get something from Jeff's deep insight into how to teach writing in your classrooms.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!I've been wanting to record an episode on classroom transformations for a while now, so I'm super pumped to get this one out to you guys.I was lucky enough to discuss transformations with Ashleigh Estes, a 4th grade Science teacher in Aledo ISD, and we discussed everything from our most recent transformations, to The Ron Clark Academy and Hope King,to why teachers should be inspired to try something a little "crazy" in their classrooms.Enjoy!

Hello everyone! In connection to our last episode about standardized tests (and should teachers hate it,) we have another episode about testing, but this time we dive into the money behind standardized tests, and why you should pay attention to your federal and local politics.You might have seen the figure of 13.4 billion dollars floating around the internet, when talking about the cost of standardized testing in Texas. I did, and that's why I reached out to the guy who created the figure, Michael Messer, and picked his brain about where this number comes from, and why we should all care about it.A deeply fascinating episode, this is one you should listen to, and then share with anyone who has ever asked about the cost of standardized tests in our schools.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!We hear about it everywhere...The test. Whatever state you're in might change what test you're talking about, but it follows us. It infects our teaching, our conversations, and even how we view our jobs.But is standardized testing as bad as so many make it out to be? Let's find out.Jeff Farely, a Texas principal, has a lot to say on the matter. He tackles why standardized testing exists, how teachers should think about it, and spends a considerable amount of time unpacking the loaded language we use when talking about "the test."You'll want to listen to this episode, and then share it with every educator you can. Jeff gives us an insight much needed in our job.Let me know what you think of the episode on Twitter, @jacobchastain_Enjoy!

"I don't want our conversations to be about strategies, I want them to be about practices."And this is probably that best summary of my discussion with Dr. Mary Howard. Every word Dr. Howard says is fueled with passion and insight. I can't tell you how much fun I had bringing this two-part episode to you all.In this episode, we continue our discussion about Fearless Learning, and how she is helping educators find that zone of fearlessness through Good 2 Great Twitter chats (#G2Great), as well as other tools for educators.Dr. Howard's insight into how to lead conversations among educators is the highlight of this talk. We spend so much time talking about agenda items, that we never, or rarely, get to the 'why' we do what we do, and what that should look like in our classrooms. It's my hope that every educator who listens to this episode, teacher or admin or academic coach, brings back some of her ideas to inspire their fellow teachers to do what they do best...learn and inspire others to do the same.About Dr. Mary Howard:Dr. Mary Howard is known throughout North America as a leading expert in literacy, presenting seminars as an independent consultant and for the Bureau of Education and Research (www.ber.org) in all fifty states and across Canada. Mary has worked with countless educators to create a research-based literacy program grounded in the current brain research.An educator for more than forty years, she combines years of classroom experience as an elementary grade 1-6 special educator, grade K-12 reading tutor, reading specialist and Reading Recovery teacher with a multitude of experiences as a reading consultant, university reading instructor, professional storyteller, author and nationwide lecturer. Her blend of research and practical application has led many to describe her as a teachers’ teacher, demonstrating a clear understanding of the realities of the classroom by translating research into practice.Mary’s seminars are fast-paced and inspiring, filled with engaging strategies that can be immediately implemented into the existing curriculum. Her no-nonsense approach provides teachers with a deeper understanding of the learning process in order to transform the teaching process into a powerful tool to maximize the potential of every child.Get Mary’s Books here

Hello everyone!I can’t believe this show gets to release content like this...Dr. Mary Howard is a professional who is astounding in her insight, her dedication, and her effectiveness in communicating with educators. If you haven't run into her on Twitter, you've probably run into the hashtag she co-created, #G2Great. If not, you're in for a real treat for this two part epic.This episode is the piece that most clearly exemplifies why I created Teach Me, Teacher. It is an episode about empowering educators to grow, to learn, and to fight for their profession in the best way they can...by getting BETTER.I needed to hear what Dr. Mary Howard had to say on this episode, and so do you. Her literacy minded message, and her advice on how to grow professionally are among the best words I've heard on the subject.Enjoy and SHARE SHARE SHARE!About Mary:Dr. Mary Howard is known throughout North America as a leading expert in literacy, presenting seminars as an independent consultant and for the Bureau of Education and Research (www.ber.org) in all fifty states and across Canada. Mary has worked with countless educators to create a research-based literacy program grounded in the current brain research.An educator for more than forty years, she combines years of classroom experience as an elementary grade 1-6 special educator, grade K-12 reading tutor, reading specialist and Reading Recovery teacher with a multitude of experiences as a reading consultant, university reading instructor, professional storyteller, author and nationwide lecturer. Her blend of research and practical application has led many to describe her as a teachers’ teacher, demonstrating a clear understanding of the realities of the classroom by translating research into practice.Mary's seminars are fast-paced and inspiring, filled with engaging strategies that can be immediately implemented into the existing curriculum. Her no-nonsense approach provides teachers with a deeper understanding of the learning process in order to transform the teaching process into a powerful tool to maximize the potential of every child.Get Mary's Books here

Hello everyone!Teach Me, Teacher is all about elevating the voices of teachers IN the classroom. But what happens when that classroom isn't traditional? What happens when great educators are forced out of the classroom, or have to choose not to be?Today, we bring you an episode that deals with those questions and more.Joanne Kaminski is a veteran in reading education, and has a wealth of knowledge about how she made the transition from teaching in the classroom to online tutoring, and why. Her success is sure to inspire many of you, and even help guide you if you find yourself needing, or wanting, a way to keep doing what you love, even though something might be in the way.If you'd like to check out what Joanne does, check out her site here.She also helps run a great Facebook page for online tutors here.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!I'm pleased to bring back Alan Small, author of The Science Club Handbook, to discuss how to WOW students into engagement.In this episode, we talk about what discrepant events are, how and why to use them, and practical advice for implementation into your already made lesson plans.I had a lot of fun on this one. Alan is one of the smartest educators I know, and he's always willing to help.FUN FACT: You can get a FREE copy of his book, The Science Club Handbook, by tweeting at him @TheFort_FW ... Get a copy while you can! It's brilliant, and it will help every teacher who wants to discover ways to engage students outside of the classroom.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!It has been a complete joy to release this two-part episode with Donalyn Miller. Donalyn is one of my biggest inspirations as a teacher. She changed the way I teach my students, and she is one of the "real deals" in education. I hope you have enjoyed this opener of season 2 as much as I have making it.In this episode, we dive even deeper in the weeds of an independent reading classroom, touching on conferencing, limiting reading selections, research supporting independent reading...and much...MUCH MORE (including one of the best rants I have ever heard in support of letting children read.)I can't stress enough how much you need to hear, and share, this episode.Donalyn Miller has taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade language arts and social studies in the Fort Worth, TX area and was a finalist for 2010 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. In her popular book, The Book Whisperer , Donalyn reflects on her journey to become a reading teacher and describes how she inspires and motivates her middle school students to read 40 or more books a year. In her latest book, Reading in the Wild , Donalyn collects responses from 900 adult readers and uses this information to teach lifelong reading habits to her students. Donalyn is the founder of the annual #bookaday event and co-host the monthly Twitter chat, #titletalk. Her articles about teaching and reading have appeared in publications such as Education Week Teacher, The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadershipand The Washington Post.Enjoy.I have.Thank you for listening and supporting this podcast!

Hello everyone!It's finally here, episode 29, the first episode of season 2 of Teach Me, Teacher, and it is my biggest privilege to bring you Donalyn Miller for the two-part opener of the season.I mention Donalyn Miller more times than I can count on the show, and it was just amazing to sit down and talk with her for an hour and half about creating readers, the research behind independent reading, and everything in-between.If you are an ELAR teacher, you need this episode in your life. If you're not, you need to hear what she has to say about literacy and its role in the classroom. It's that simple.Donalyn Miller has taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade language arts and social studies in the Fort Worth, TX area and was a finalist for 2010 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. In her popular book, The Book Whisperer , Donalyn reflects on her journey to become a reading teacher and describes how she inspires and motivates her middle school students to read 40 or more books a year. In her latest book, Reading in the Wild , Donalyn collects responses from 900 adult readers and uses this information to teach lifelong reading habits to her students. Donalyn is the founder of the annual #bookaday event and co-host the monthly Twitter chat, #titletalk. Her articles about teaching and reading have appeared in publications such as Education Week Teacher, The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadershipand The Washington Post.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!Welcome to season 2 of Teach Me, Teacher! I have an amazing season for you coming up, and it is going to be BIGGER, BETTER, and MORE INSPIRING than ever before.In this episode, I talk about the changes being made to the show (the new theme song, to name one,) and some of the future guests coming on this year. I also spend some quality time thanking you (the listeners) of the show, so if you're in need of some positive words your way, make sure to tune in.Please enjoy the episode.Time to get HYPED!

Hello everyone!It's been an amazing first year of podcasting. I wasn't sure where this show was going to go, but with all the love being shown for it, I know it will continue on well into the future.But enough about that (until the season 2 intro episode), and let's get to more Ron Clark!In this episode, Chris Cruz, Malyn Bannister, Lindsey Stewart, and I spend more time reflecting on what we got out of our experience at The Ron Clark Academy (if you missed that, click here), as well as dive into what changes we are planning to make in our own classrooms because of it.This episode is such a great way to close out the season. Most teachers are rocking their summer breaks right now, and for many of us, that means we are planning--or are about to start--the planning process for the next year. Hopefully, our reflections and goals can help you in some way!Let us know!And as always,Enjoy!PS: If you want to stay up to date with all announcements, scroll up and click the Twitter and Facebook links to stay in touch! I would love to talk with you all.

Hello everyone!If you've ever been curious about The Ron Clark Academy, or wondered if the hype is all that it's cracked up to be, then here's your chance to hear all about what a two day trip to it consists of, and what 4 teachers got out of the experience.I couldn't have asked for a better way to end season 1 of Teach Me, Teacher than to have 4 educators energized and pumped to talk about our experiences at The Ron Clark Academy, and how it has changed our lives forever.Creating this podcast has been a blast, and the spirit of the show can all be summed up in the discussion I had with Malyn Bannister, Lindsey Stewart, and Chris Cruz, about our trip.It's the spirit that ignites the joy of education.It's the spirit of learning from each other.It's the spirit of pushing towards the next great thing.It's the spirit of why we do what we do...You can literally hear how excited we all were about the trip through this entire episode. And believe me, the excitement is still there!Enjoy part 1 of the season finale!

Hello everyone!It's the end of the school year (for most), and that means reflection is in full swing. Our minds are swimming in questions like, Did I have a good year? A bad one? What awesome new things can I do next year? Do I even want to teach in August? Where's the nearest beach?...You get the idea.In any case, this week's episode is all about answering the age old question: So you STILL want to be a teacher? #crazyKatie Warren and I sat down a year ago to talk about her first year as a public school teacher. This year, we took it a step further and talked about why we have stuck with it, and discuss why thousands of others are signing up to quit (the poison of negativity might just have an influence.)So if you're feeling down, doubting your career choice, or just want to boost your inspiration even more, this episode is for you.Let's start a #TeacherRevolution!Enjoy!

Hello everyone!This week's episode deals with a few major myths about reading education that teachers and admin let thrive, when really we should be moving on to greener pastures.My discussion with Kate Nelson begins with our personal experiences with "The Myths," and then we expound on why they exist, why we should leave them behind, and how the basic cure for a system based on these myths is as easy as...wait for it...READING.Kate Nelson is the Literacy Specialist at Richland Middle School. She inspired our ELAR department to embrace Independent Reading as a foundation for great instruction, and I think it's safe to say that we are all better for it. I know my class was/is.Enjoy!

I'm going to share my own story with you today. It's the story of how I was saved from a family of drugs and violence over and over again. It's the story of how I was inexorably changed by the many amazing educators in my life who took the time to care.It's the story of WHY WE TEACH.This is my testimony, and my most honest self, in honor of teacher appreciation week.Enjoy.PS: Thank you all for doing the work you do.

Hello everyone!Exciting times are among us as we are reaching the end of the year! Can you believe it?As the year comes to a close, I like to look back and look forward, each to help myself grow as a teacher and learn from mistakes and successes.In this episode, Andrew Simmons and I do plenty of both as we discuss the growth mindset and how to get students to take ownership of their actions. In doing so, we also talk about Teaching With Love and Logic, learning to let kids fail, and reteaching students what "failing" really means in a class where growth is the ultimate goal.Andrew Simmons is a fantastic math teacher, and an even better person. You're sure to love this episode.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!Today we are talking with Lindsey Stewart of Richland Middle School, taking it back from the topical shows of late, and just having a good ol' conversation.In this episode, we talk about being teacher of the year (Stewart--YAY!), the need for coaching cycles (discussing ours), and how to use "Exitgrams" to formatively assess your students. We also detour and work through several of our own issues occurring in our classes, as well as look to next year and what we will each be doing in our classes, specifically Project Based Learning for our Pre-Ap classes.Stewart brings her energy and passion directly to this week's episode. You will not be disappointed. She's a blast!Enjoy!

Hello everyone!For this week's episode, WE NEED YOUR HELP!Kecia Dennis, of Richland Middle School, is building something great. She is celebrating literacy the only way she knows how, by creating a completely INSANE event for her students to show off all of their hard work, and to be rewarded for it. To do this the way she wants (and the way the kids need) she needs all hands on deck. I know the Teach Me, Teacher audience will show up in a big way!In the episode, Kecia details her madness by giving us an insider look at how she created "Let's Get Lit: Literacy Appreciation," and why she did it.By taking our call to action and supporting Kecia in her project and gift to her students (and the community,) you will literally be the change we all want to see in the world; celebrating literacy in communities that need it most.But we don't want it to stop with us. We want you to celebrate literacy in your communities, too. Listen in on the episode to discover just how Kecia is doing it, and how you can too!If you would like to contact Kecia, you can do so at the following:Twitter: @realengteacherEmail: kecia.dennis@birdvilleschools.netAddress:Kecia DennisRichland Middle School 7400 Hovenkamp, Richland Hills, Tx, 76117Enjoy!

Hello everyone!Here is part 2 of our biggest episode ever, my conversation with Kathy Edwards of The Novus Academy. In this episode, we tackle several big questions, such as:Are private schools in competition with public schools? What happens when private education aims to help public education? Where did the "what if" go in education? Are vouchers nothing but the "boogieman," or do they pose a real threat to education? How should we all react to Betsy DeVos, and where do we go now?I hope you enjoyed this highly political, highly inspirational, visionary episode. Kathy is a true leader in education, and I truly believe we can all learn from her, regardless of what we believe about education and its future.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!You didn't think Teach Me, Teacher would shy away from topics like this, did you?Doing an episode like this is tricky. I didn't want it to be one sided. I didn't want it to have a political agenda. Instead, I wanted it to be an episode for ALL educators, whether you're public or private, or something in between.To do that, I invited Kathy Edwards of The Novus Academy on the show to discuss everything from vouchers, to accountability in schools, the A-F system, a bloated educational system, private school vs public, and yes, Betsy DeVos and the role the Trump administration is choosing to play in the future of American education.Kathy Edwards is the founder and Principal of The Novus Academy and has too many accomplishments to list here. After Richland Middle School visited with her a few months ago and saw the great things she was doing with students with special needs, I knew I had to get her on the show.She did not disappoint.In fact, we talked so long and covered so many issues, I had to split the episode into 2 roughly hour and a half parts. Part two will air in two weeks from this episode!Enjoy!

Hello everyone!Today it is my pleasure to bring you an episode that is sure to hit home for a lot of you. I sat down and talked with Siobhan Mulligan, an educator at Richland Middle School, about poverty and trauma, and how it affects schools and student achievement.Mulligan brought a keen insight into our discussion since she has worked in several schools where poverty was the norm, and has fostered many kids over the years, giving her a view from both sides of the issue.This episode was cut short due to a meeting I was suddenly called to, but hey, that's the life of a teacher, huh? :) I'm sure you all know the feeling.Anyway, enjoy!

Hello everyone!For today's episode, it is my pleasure to introduce you to one of Teach Me, Teacher's biggest advocates, and a fantastic educator, Alan Small. You will hear us talk about everything from the importance of science education, to creating experiences in the class that will keep students engaged long after they leave the classroom (or science club). We also dive into Alan's expertise with science clubs, and how to make your own.Alan Small is a Science Club organizer, STEM enthusiast, dissection aficionado, biology teacher, bug eater, and Family Science Night activist. As the author of The Science Club Handbook, Alan hopes to expand quality OST (out of school time) and informal science learning options for teachers and students.Formerly a science teacher, Alan now organizes science programs for Worth Learning Inc. as Curriculum Coordinator, and also facilitates STEAM programing for Castleberry ISD as STREAM Coordinator for the district.You can purchase Alan's book (IT IS FANTASTIC) HERE.(There was a glitch in the recording of the episode which made me have to chop part of the beginning intro, so pardon the change in format, briefly.)

Hello Everyone!Hands down, this is the most important episode of Teach Me, Teacher recorded so far. Dr. Clark brings over 40 years of experience to our discussion and helps us dive deep into what it means to rediscover the art of teaching, and how teachers should view curriculum to help their classes begin to thrive.Dr. Clark joined Birdville ISD as Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in May 2012. She is responsible for providing direction, evaluation and leadership for the overall curriculum and instruction program of the district.In this episode, we hit on what curriculum is, why teachers shouldn't be afraid to dive deep into their content, the importance of literacy in all subjects, and many, MANY, more topics.She also responds to one of the biggest criticisms of public education and you don't want to miss what she says!Enjoy!

Hello everyone!We are back and ready to roll!I'm alone on this episode, so things are a little different, but it is still worth the listen (if I do say so myself.) In this episode, I talk about our 16th episode milestone, the future of the podcast, and I also lay out a lesson in detail that I had great success with in my classroom.The lesson is great for ELAR teachers of all grades and is easily modifiable to fit your needs. Make sure you have pen and paper ready because you'll want to jot down some notes!Enjoy!SHOW NOTES:These are the songs I used in the lesson. You can use the same ones, or spice things up with your own choices.Am I WrongOriginalCoverRadioactiveOriginalCoverGirls Just Want To Have FunOriginalCoverHallelujah (a million versions. I picked this one because they know it from Shrek.)Original (sort of)Cover

Hello everyone!I've been gone too long! I've missed you all. I really have.But, to make up for it, we have an extra long episode today, where I have a conversation with my partner in crime, Mrs. Smithey!As is common for the podcast, our episode took a life of its own once we got going, so the intro doesn't exactly match what we ended up spending our time discussing. In this episode, we talk about how her past has made her the teacher she is today, and how that shapes everything she does in the classroom, from relationship building, to helping struggling readers gain confidence, and everything in between.I hope you have as much fun with this episode as much as we did making it.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!We have an IMPORTANT episode this week. You will want to share it as much as possible.In this episode, I sat down with my friend and co-worker, Tony Moreau to talk about the importance of science education, teaching the "controversial subjects," and using Instagram and pets to engage students in the learning!Tony brings his awesome personality, ideas, and love for science in this episode and makes it one no one should miss.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!In this episode, I talk with Mrs. West about her toughest year, what went wrong, and how she came out on top afterwards. Not only does she open up and share her personal stories about how she struggled and why, but we also get to see how she recovered, and what steps she took to get her class back on track.This is a fantastic episode for anyone who is having issues, feeling burnt out, or wants to know that they aren't alone in their struggle.Enjoy!PS: Mrs. West was really nervous to be on the podcast. So, if you could, tell her how awesome she was. We all need a boost for our egos sometimes!

Hello everyone!Writing. It can cause stress for the teacher and the student. We push and we push and we push, and we end up not wanting to read final products and the kids don't want to write them.So...What do we do?Malyn Bannister (one of my favorite teachers of all time) is here to help us and teach us what she has been doing to transform her class into a class of writers and creators.In this episode, we hit on recent training she has received that changed how she saw her class, how she has used it, and what simple, yet effective, steps she has taken to get her writing class going.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!We took last week off due to scheduling issues, but we are back with a great episode. We are talking flexible seating (alternative seating) in the classroom.We hit on why you should consider changing your class seating, giving up control of certain things, practical ideas for your class, and a personal look at Jennifer Moreau's experience with changing her class, and how she pulled off such a big task.Jennifer is a fantastic teacher, and this episode is packed full of ideas, musings, and great teaching advice that is sure to help you somehow.Enjoy!Click here for a helpful blog post from Edutopia on the topic of flexible seating.PS -- Check out her room!

Hello everyone!This week's episode is all about having structure in the classroom and using structures to better the interactions and academic success of your students!Kecia Dennis of RMS is here to share her insight into what structure means for her, how she uses it to create a safe classroom environment, and how she uses structures specifically in her class to boost academic achievement. Kecia is brilliant in more ways than I can list here, and has filled this episode with so much useful advice that it's impossible not to learn something new you can use in your room.As a side note, we mention Kagan several times in this episode. This podcast isn't sponsored by them in any way or connected, other than finding the tools they provide invaluable for the classroom. Click HERE to visit their website and learn more.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!I am pumped for this episode. Today we are talking about how to better serve our English Language Learner populations and our Newcomers ! America has always been a home for families all over the world. Today, teachers are being asked to better serve these families more than ever, and we plan on helping you guys out in this episode.Cindy brings her expertise, passion, and insight to the table and offers everyone who listens some great and practical advice that can be used TOMORROW.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!Boy, do we have a great episode for you this week. We are talking about EXCELLENCE, and how to achieve it in your classroom, both academically and behaviorally.I sat down with one of my good friends and colleagues, Chris Alegria, of Richland Middle School, to discuss the "secret" to his successes in his class. Shocking, it's something that we can all do today. Some of us probably do. Many of us might not. In any case, his advice and passion (and humor) are not to be missed or disregarded. Everyone can learn from him.Chris was teacher of the year at RMS two years ago and has an astonishing number of commended students on his state exams. Listen to the episode for more details!Enjoy!

Hello everyone!In episode 6, we are talking about balancing coaching, teaching, and how a passionate educator can use both mediums to build great relationships with their students.The intro to this episode is hilarious to me because of how I stutter. Not sure what was the cause, but it makes me laugh each time. Also, this episode's intro isn't exactly what the conversation ended up being about. The goal was to talk about balancing coaching and teaching solely, but we ended up discussing relationship building far more. Perhaps, that's a sign of which is more important to a successful school year?In any case, this is a great episode, with one of my dearest friends, Mrs. Ha. You'll learn a lot from her during this hour. Her compassion and dedication is evident in every word she speaks.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!School has begun! This means that we are all thinking about how to make our lesson plans better. To do this, we have to think about each student and group, and what their needs are. A group that is commonly misunderstood and worried over is our GT group. Lucky for us, John Bolles, the GT coordinator at RMS, is here to help us understand and serve these students to the best of our ability!This week's episode is all about GT students, how to approach them, and dispelling common myths surrounding these gifted individuals.Have trouble with differentiation? Don't really know what GT means for you, the teacher? This is your episode!Plus, John is a genius. Plenty of nuggets of truth embedded in our conversation.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!In episode 4, we are talking educational leadership. This is a special episode for many reasons, but first and foremost, it is special because of its message. Principal James Whitfield of Richland Middle School (Go Rams!) has a voice and a vision that, at its core, rises from a servant's heart. His passion comes through with every word and his great attitude is infectious.Want to be a leader? Have anxiety when your principal comes into your room? Don't know how to approach your administration with an idea? We cover it all, and more, in this episode.Enjoy!PS: Stay tuned until the end of the episode for a special message from Whitfield to his team at Richland Middle School!

Hello everyone!Ever wish you could still your mind or the minds of your students? Ever feel like you are just missing everything around you because of all the tasks that need to get done in the class?For episode 3, we are taking on the BIG topic of MINDFULNESS. To do so, we are sitting down with Staci Hammer, a vice-principal (and one of my dearest friends in the world) who has committed to a "year in mindfulness" over on her blog. Inspiring, thoughtful, and funny, her blog and this episode are two things you do not want to miss!New to mindfulness? No problem. We cover everything from clarifying definitions and explaining the practice, to applying it in the class, with staff, and even how the science of it all supports the practice.In the show, we reference a few things that I would like to link to below. Feel free to check them out now, after you listen, or as they show up during our discussion.Enjoy!LINKS:Scholarly article on the success of mindfulness in prisons Mindfulness in the classroom hub Further research on mindfulness

Hello everyone!For episode 2 of Teach Me, Teacher, we are diving deep into technology in the classroom. Melinda Bolles (Melbo) was one of my first mentors as a teacher and I was always amazed at how she implemented technology in her class on a daily basis.In this episode we talk about how technology can hurt and help engagement, discuss whether it is the solution for everything (SPOILER: it isn't), and how you can go about using technology in your class. We also discuss a few helpful tools for getting started with tech if you're a newbie, and if you're a seasoned vet.Enjoy!PS: Hate grading? You NEED to hear Melinda's advice on the matter!

Hello everyone!I am so excited to share what we've been working on this summer. Currently, we are ahead of schedule, and each podcast has turned out to be filled with insight and helpful words from great educators. I have no doubt that you will walk away from each episode filled with ideas and inspiration (like I have).This episode is just a brief intro to what I'm calling "Season 1" of Teach Me, Teacher. In it, I discuss why the podcast exists, why I am spending my time with it, and what the future holds (cruise time!) for the show.Enjoy!

Hello everyone!Welcome to the first ever episode of Teach Me, Teacher! I'm super excited to let everyone hear the great interview I had with my colleague, Ms. Katie Ingram (now Mrs. Warren... YAY!) of Richland Middle School.In this episode, we attempt to debunk a lot of the myths about teaching (both as a first year and seasoned vet), and talk a little bit about why this is important to do as professionals in our field.From there, we dive into Katie's experience from her humble beginnings as a college student, all the way through her first year, highlighting successes and struggles along the way.This is a great episode for any teacher, new or old. It doesn't matter if you are excited to start a new year, or are feeling a little burnt out, this conversation is sure to lift those spirits.See you in the classroom!Enjoy!***Want to listen to the podcast directly from iTunes? Click Here.