Teach Me, Teacher

Latest Episodes:

#21 Let's Get "Lit" Mar 27, 2017

Show notes

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: @realengteacher Email: kecia.dennis@birdvilleschools.net Address: Kecia Dennis Richland Middle School 7400 Hovenkamp, Richland Hills, Tx, 76117 Enjoy!

#20 The Future of Education is Ours (The Betsy DeVos Episode pt.2) Mar 13, 2017

Show notes

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!

#19 The Betsy DeVos Episode Pt.1 Feb 28, 2017

Show notes

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!

#18 How Poverty and Trauma Affect Everything Feb 14, 2017

Show notes

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!

#17 The Science Club Handbook with Alan Small Jan 31, 2017

Show notes

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.)

#16 Curriculum and Instruction with Dr. Clark Jan 16, 2017

Show notes

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!

#15 Teach Sensory Language With Music Jan 03, 2017

Show notes

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 Wrong Original Cover Radioactive Original Cover Girls Just Want To Have Fun Original Cover Hallelujah (a million versions. I picked this one because they know it from Shrek.) Original (sort of) Cover

#14 How to Get Students to Read! Dec 06, 2016

Show notes

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!

#13 Use Instagram and Pets to Engage Students Nov 15, 2016

Show notes

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!

#12 Recovering From a Tough Year Oct 31, 2016

Show notes

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!

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