Teach Me, Teacher

Latest Episodes:

#245 From Compliant to Engaged with Kelly Gallagher (pt.1) Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

Hello everyone! When it comes to getting students to engage with content, we often focus on compliance. We want to see students doing the work as we say to do it and during the timeframes we determine are correct. This over emphasis on compliance, however, can actually work against us. Students may be "doing the work," but is it registering meaningfully in their minds? Is it enriching their lives for the better, or is it simply getting them a grade in a class? Or... more importantly, who is doing the work in a class where compliance is the primary goal? In this episode, Kelly Gallagher returns to the show to take us on a deep dive into these ideas and more. We discuss not only why we should focus on engagement, but why engagement will benefit students for far longer than simply "getting work done." Kelly explains the thinking behind his latest book, 4 Essential Studies, and how this has led to truly opening up genre studies to empower readers and writers. If you missed out on his first time on the show, you can check that out here. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices by Lorena Escoto Germán. With Culturally Sustaining Practice as its foundation, Textured Teaching helps secondary teachers stop wondering and guessing how to implement teaching and learning that leads to social justice. Lorena Germán shares her framework for creating a classroom environment that is highly rigorous and engaging, and that reflects the core traits of Textured Teaching: student-driven and community-centered, interdisciplinary, experiential, and flexible. The actionable strategies Lorena uses to bring Textured Teaching values to life illuminate what is possible when we welcome all types of texts, all types of voices, and all forms of expression into the classroom. Learn more about how to become a culturally sustaining educator. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Textured Teaching.

#244 2022 Resolutions for Teachers Jan 03, 2022

Show notes

Hello everyone! For the last few years, I have made new year resolutions for teachers episodes. I find it a great way to reset, refocus, and share some ideas with you all, one to one. It helps me stay focused, and many of you have reached out to say you appreciate these as well. 2020 resolutions can be found here. 2021 resolutions can be found here. This year, it seems like we have all at once, much of the same and more chaos all at once. What's the solution to it? How do we manage so much of what we can't control with what we want and need to get done? What should we focus on as educators? I have some thoughts. Let me know if you agree or disagree. 2022 resolutions for teachers: Check fear at the door. We can no longer make decisions based on fear. Fear of Covid Fear of change Fear of failure Fear of judgment Fear of not fitting in Fear of Sundays Re-align with yourself and understand yourself. Humanize how you interact with others in your class, school, and community at large. Fight for what you believe is right, but do it within reason and evidence. BONUS: Check out our top 10 most downloaded episodes of 2021 here! This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices by Lorena Escoto Germán. With Culturally Sustaining Practice as its foundation, Textured Teaching helps secondary teachers stop wondering and guessing how to implement teaching and learning that leads to social justice. Lorena Germán shares her framework for creating a classroom environment that is highly rigorous and engaging, and that reflects the core traits of Textured Teaching: student-driven and community-centered, interdisciplinary, experiential, and flexible. The actionable strategies Lorena uses to bring Textured Teaching values to life illuminate what is possible when we welcome all types of texts, all types of voices, and all forms of expression into the classroom. Learn more about how to become a culturally sustaining educator. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Textured Teaching.

#243 Understanding the Purpose Behind Avid with Dr. Lynn Kepp Dec 27, 2021

Show notes

Hello everyone! Coming right off of the holiday, we head into a fantastic discussion with the Vice President of Avid Center all about deep learning and remembering the WHY behind our practices. I have come into contact with Avid teachers a few times in my career, and I'm always delighted by their practices and work they do with young people. I'm also, as listeners of the show know, wary of anything that is pushed or seen as a "program." Programs are often where good ideas go to die in public education. So why is Avid different than any other professional development? Is it their beliefs? Approach? Research? All of the above? I asked Dr. Kepp why good ideas and practices, such as the ones found in Avid, get turned into check boxes (programs) in many schools, and I loved her response. Not only do it give me a new perspective, but it also verified that Dr. Kepp's work, and the work of Avid as a whole, are doing great things for education. Dr. Lynn Kepp is the Vice President, Executive Communications and Project Management Office at AVID Center where she works closely with the CEO, COO, and Executive Team to enhance and improve internal communication, ensure accurate and timely Board communication and support special projects. She oversees the AVID Project Management Office that implements project management best practices for the benefit of the organization in a way that encourages collaboration, standardization, and overall improvement in project results across the organization. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, The Power of Teaching Vulnerably: How Risk-Taking Transforms Student Engagement by David Rockower. In The Power of Teaching Vulnerably, David Rockower illustrates the transformational impact on student learning that results when teachers lean into their own discomfort and share personal stories, write with their students, and navigate difficult classroom conversations. David unpacks three dimensions of what it means to teach with vulnerability (personal, relational, and dialogic), shows what each of these dimensions look like in the classroom, and offers action steps to get started. Learn more about how to transform student engagement in your classroom. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from The Power of Teaching Vulnerably.

#242 Tech Cannot Replace Teacher Expertise (Jon Corippo pt.2) Dec 20, 2021

Show notes

Hello everyone! A few weeks ago, I woke up in a snarky mood. In this mood, I scrolled through Twitter and came across this video from Jon Corippo. I responded by saying something along the lines of "this has nearly 0 educational value..." or something like that. Well, Jon responded, we talked, and now he is on the show! And... I have to be honest, he changed my mind. Not all that glitters is gold, but some things are. In part two of our talk we discuss: How tech can be used to amplify workshop teaching Used to cover and review ground Why many programs are atrocious How teacher expertise is being undermined by bad programs and policy in schools ...and so much more! You do NOT want to miss this one! Jon had served a decade at the K-8 level, opened a 1-1, PBL, Google-based high school, served in two county offices, including as an Assistant Superintendent and It Director. Jon has been recognized a County Teacher of the Year, a 20 to Watch Educator by the NSBA, and was a finalist in the EdTech Digest Awards. Jon also holds the Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator badges. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, The Power of Teaching Vulnerably: How Risk-Taking Transforms Student Engagement by David Rockower. In The Power of Teaching Vulnerably, David Rockower illustrates the transformational impact on student learning that results when teachers lean into their own discomfort and share personal stories, write with their students, and navigate difficult classroom conversations. David unpacks three dimensions of what it means to teach with vulnerability (personal, relational, and dialogic), shows what each of these dimensions look like in the classroom, and offers action steps to get started. Learn more about how to transform student engagement in your classroom. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from The Power of Teaching Vulnerably.

#241 This Discussion Changed My Mind About Tech with Jon Corippo (pt.1) Dec 13, 2021

Show notes

Hello everyone! A few weeks ago, I woke up in a snarky mood. In this mood, I scrolled through Twitter and came across this video from Jon Corippo. I responded by saying something along the lines of "this has nearly 0 educational value..." or something like that. Well, Jon responded, we talked, and now he is on the show! And... I have to be honest, he changed my mind. Sort of. Depending on the context, he definitely opened my eyes to better ways of understanding and using tech, but we also hit on why I, and many others, fear for students in a tech obsessed school or classroom. Not all that glitters is gold, but some things are. In this episode we discuss How tech can be used for low level tasks Tech can speed up processes How tech is being used incorrectly Why teacher expertise is still needed even with tech present ...and so much more! You do NOT want to miss this one! Jon had served a decade at the K-8 level, opened a 1-1, PBL, Google-based high school, served in two county offices, including as an Assistant Superintendent and It Director. Jon has been recognized a County Teacher of the Year, a 20 to Watch Educator by the NSBA, and was a finalist in the EdTech Digest Awards. Jon also holds the Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator badges. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, The Power of Teaching Vulnerably: How Risk-Taking Transforms Student Engagement by David Rockower. In The Power of Teaching Vulnerably, David Rockower illustrates the transformational impact on student learning that results when teachers lean into their own discomfort and share personal stories, write with their students, and navigate difficult classroom conversations. David unpacks three dimensions of what it means to teach with vulnerability (personal, relational, and dialogic), shows what each of these dimensions look like in the classroom, and offers action steps to get started. Learn more about how to transform student engagement in your classroom. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from The Power of Teaching Vulnerably.

#240 Diverse Libraries Instill a Love for Reading (Billy Allen pt.2) Dec 06, 2021

Show notes

Hello everyone! We have talked a lot about the power of making learning relevant for students. It gets kids engaged and excited to be in class. But what happens when we look at ourselves? Are we staying relevant with the kids? Do we know that they like? Do we attempt to know their world and connect our lessons to what they are already engaged with? Billy Allen, founder of 3kingvisions, is here to help guide us to discover, not only why we should try to be relevant to the kids we serve, but also why being relevant included being diverse with what books we carry. In part two of this chat we discuss: The need for diversity Learning about other's experiences Letting passion drive your mission …and so much more! This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, The Power of Teaching Vulnerably: How Risk-Taking Transforms Student Engagement by David Rockower. In The Power of Teaching Vulnerably, David Rockower illustrates the transformational impact on student learning that results when teachers lean into their own discomfort and share personal stories, write with their students, and navigate difficult classroom conversations. David unpacks three dimensions of what it means to teach with vulnerability (personal, relational, and dialogic), shows what each of these dimensions look like in the classroom, and offers action steps to get started. Learn more about how to transform student engagement in your classroom. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from The Power of Teaching Vulnerably.

#239 Relevancy Builds Literacy with Billy Allen (pt.1) Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

Hello everyone! We have talked a lot about the power of making learning relevant for students. It gets kids engaged and excited to be in class. But what happens when we look at ourselves? Are we staying relevant with the kids? Do we know that they like? Do we attempt to know their world and connect our lessons to what they are already engaged with? Billy Allen, founder of 3kingvisions, is here to help guide us to discover, not only why we should try to be relevant to the kids we serve, but also understand that you don't have to be something you're not to do this. You just need to be AUTHENTIC. In this chat we discuss: Why Billy became a librarian How his career has changed over time Being a male teacher/librarian can be a difference maker The power of relevancy with young people ...and so much more! This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Four Essential Studies: Beliefs and Practices to Reclaim Student Agency by Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher. Four Essential Studies is based on the belief that secondary students can only be prepared for life after high school when we purposefully shift the decision-making in our classrooms over to them. By reimagining how we teach essay, poetry, digital composition, and sustain talk in book clubs, we can ignite student curiosity, independence, and decision-making skills. Penny and Kelly share the strategies and activities they use in their own classrooms over the course of each unit, and show us what is possible when we expect more than compliance from our students. Learn more about how to transform students' relationship with literacy. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Four Essential Studies.

#238 Parents are Concerned about Public School with Jill Simonian Nov 22, 2021

Show notes

Hello everyone! Today, there is a special focus on schools. Across America, people are examining curriculum, going to board meetings and making their voices heard, and posting online about their worries about where schools are going. Many people dismiss these events by saying they are spurred by special interest groups (driven by money). They say the parents railing against Critical Race Theory or what they call inappropriate sex and race education, is all either a misunderstanding or ignorance. While this show has featured many educators who have outlined why race should be addressed in schools, how identity is a part of the real world, and how the cry from parents is misguided, I wanted to bring on the other side, so to speak. I wanted to speak to a parent about her concerns, and the concerns of others, in hopes of at minimum, coming to an understanding, and at best, bridging gaps between schools of thought. To do so, I have brought on Jill Simonian. Jill is the Director of Outreach for PragerU Kids, is the on-camera personality and 'spokesmom' for PragerU's new digital children's edu-tainment for Kindergarten through 12th grade. Jill is a former television host & media contributor, founder of TheFABMom blog and published author. Previously, Jill was best known for her straight-talking parenting segments on Los Angeles' KCBS, KCAL, KTLA, KTTV as well as HLN/CNN, The Doctors, Access LIVE, TODAY Show, E! News, Hallmark Channel and more (totaling over 500 family lifestyle segments and articles between 2011-2020). Connect with Jill via PragerU.com/kids and Instagram/Twitter @jillsimonian. As I say in the intro of this episode... you may not agree with everything said in this episode. I certainly do not. However, I believe that listening to one another, even when we disagree, is our best way to proceed forward. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Four Essential Studies: Beliefs and Practices to Reclaim Student Agency by Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher. Four Essential Studies is based on the belief that secondary students can only be prepared for life after high school when we purposefully shift the decision-making in our classrooms over to them. By reimagining how we teach essay, poetry, digital composition, and sustain talk in book clubs, we can ignite student curiosity, independence, and decision-making skills. Penny and Kelly share the strategies and activities they use in their own classrooms over the course of each unit, and show us what is possible when we expect more than compliance from our students. Learn more about how to transform students' relationship with literacy. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Four Essential Studies.

#237 Listen to This to Empower Your Writing Workshop Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

Hello everyone! Several months ago, I gave a virtual keynote for a workshop the wonderful Jen Jones was conducting. I talked all about empowering young writers, and how I began this work—struggles and all. I discussed the philosophy and big ideas of what an empowered workshop is, but I also talked about the nuts and bolts and growth I saw in my students over time. And now this keynote is available here! Whether you are new to workshop, thriving in your own workshop, or are wondering how to move it to the next level, this is my effort to bring the energy I feel every day to where you are. Enjoy, and remember WHY we do this work day in and day out. The kids deserve it! PS: If you'd like to be entered in to win a review copy (digital at first, then a physical copy once it is released), click here and fill out the form. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Four Essential Studies: Beliefs and Practices to Reclaim Student Agency by Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher. Four Essential Studies is based on the belief that secondary students can only be prepared for life after high school when we purposefully shift the decision-making in our classrooms over to them. By reimagining how we teach essay, poetry, digital composition, and sustain talk in book clubs, we can ignite student curiosity, independence, and decision-making skills. Penny and Kelly share the strategies and activities they use in their own classrooms over the course of each unit, and show us what is possible when we expect more than compliance from our students. Learn more about how to transform students' relationship with literacy. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Four Essential Studies.

#236 Should Everything Be Taught from Both Sides? (Jessica Piper pt.2) Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

Hello everyone! It seems like every single day there is another controversy about public schools. Whether it's about banning books or the curriculum being taught, the media and pundits alike cannot get enough of the discussion. But why? Is it really a fear of what is happening in schools, or is there a different reason? Jessica Piper, a previous middle and high school English teacher and now candidate for Missouri state representative, believes there's a far bigger agenda behind the outrage we are currently hearing about. In part one of our talk, we talk about her experience as an educator, how this has formed her beliefs around politics, and how privatization is a potential devastation for rural communities—a topic that is increasingly marginalized among more controversial issues. In this episode, we dive into the common claim that "everything should be taught from both sides." Is there two sides to every issue that should be taught in schools? Let's discuss! This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Four Essential Studies: Beliefs and Practices to Reclaim Student Agency by Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher. Four Essential Studies is based on the belief that secondary students can only be prepared for life after high school when we purposefully shift the decision-making in our classrooms over to them. By reimagining how we teach essay, poetry, digital composition, and sustain talk in book clubs, we can ignite student curiosity, independence, and decision-making skills. Penny and Kelly share the strategies and activities they use in their own classrooms over the course of each unit, and show us what is possible when we expect more than compliance from our students. Learn more about how to transform students' relationship with literacy. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Four Essential Studies.

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