Teach Me, Teacher

Latest Episodes:

Greatest Hits: Beyond Grades, Rewards, and Standardized Testing with Alfie Kohn Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Hello everyone! Today, I am releasing what I believe is the most important podcast in the history of the show. Not only is it filled with honest and real world talk, it is filled with research based advice and insight from one of the premier thinkers on education today.

In this episode, I sit down with Alfie Kohn and discuss a range of topics, such as why grading hurts more than it helps, why rewards do more harm than good, and why the testing obsession leads to bad teaching.

I consider these the three pillars of what holds up an outdated educational model, and Alfie Kohn is the main reason for that perspective. Without a doubt, Alfie has influenced my teaching in such fundamental ways, and I know his thinking, research, and expertise will encourage you to question some of the norms of our educational climate.

Alfie Kohn writes and speaks widely on human behavior, education, and parenting. The most recent of his 14 books are SCHOOLING BEYOND MEASURE…And Other Unorthodox Essays About Education (2015) and THE MYTH OF THE SPOILED CHILD: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom About Children and Parenting (2014). Of his earlier titles, the best known are PUNISHED BY REWARDS (1993), NO CONTEST: The Case Against Competition (1986), UNCONDITIONAL PARENTING (2005), and THE SCHOOLS OUR CHILDREN DESERVE (1999).

#379 The Language of Behavior with Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper (pt.2) Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we're diving deep into the misconceptions about student behavior and how traditional behavior management approaches are falling short. Part 1 can be heard here.

I had the privilege of interviewing the authors of The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Support, a book that challenges the old paradigms and offers a new way to understand and address student needs.

We discuss how shifting our perspective on behavior can lead to more effective and empathetic support for our students, helping to create a more positive and productive school environment. Tune in to hear how this approach can revolutionize the way we manage behavior and elevate student success!

The authors of the book are Joshua Stamper and Dr. Kayla L. Lannin. Joshua is an educator and behavior specialist with years of experience in shaping school culture and supporting student development. Dr. Lannin is an expert in educational leadership, behavior science, and teacher training, with a focus on creating inclusive learning environments that foster success for all students.

#378 The Language of Behavior with Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper (pt.1) Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we're diving deep into the misconceptions about student behavior and how traditional behavior management approaches are falling short.

#377 Keeping the Joy of Reading Instruction with Pam Ochoa Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Far too often educators give up teaching the love of reading and writing during instruction. They feel pressure from the curriculum developed due a need to perform on high stakes testing.

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss how to help students develop a love for reading and writing while maintaining a high level of learning that will meet the rigorous requirements necessary for high stakes testing.

Pam explains how she never shirks self selected reading and writing time. She shares how she ties that time to her lessons. Jacob remembers how he designed his lessons so the students would create their own learning goals and set a purpose for the reading and writing.

Join Jacob and Pam as they talk about how to keep the joy in the reading and writing instruction and more!

Part 2 can be found by clicking here and heading to the Craft & Draft podcast.

Greatest Hits: The Real Work of Teaching Literacy with Evan and Laura Robb pt.2 Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

This episode was previously published as episode 93 of the podcast. __

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.)

Greatest Hits: The Real Work of Teaching Literacy with Evan and Laura Robb Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

This episode previously aired several years ago. While I am out at a conference, I wanted to bring this one back for those who may have missed it. Enjoy!

Original blurb:

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!

#376 Micro-celebrations (Tal Thompson pt.2) Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we sit down with Tal Thompson, a National Board Certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, to dive deep into the essential principles of classroom engagement. Tal, a finalist for America's Top Teacher on Live with Kelly and Michael and recipient of numerous teaching accolades—including the Golden Apple Award—shares his expertise on pushing the status quo in education.

If you missed part one, click here.

From transforming middle school classrooms in Charlottesville, Virginia, to advocating for what truly works for students, Tal discusses strategies that ignite passion, creativity, and real connection in the classroom. We explore how educators can break away from outdated systems, focus on what's truly effective, and, most importantly, meet the diverse needs of students.

Whether you're a teacher, a coach, or just passionate about the future of education, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring ideas to create a classroom where every student thrives.

Tune in for a conversation you won't want to miss!

#375 Essential Engagement Principles with Tal Thompson (pt.1) Jan 20, 2025

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Tune in for a conversation you won't want to miss!

#374 A New Year Resolution for Teachers Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Hello everyone! I am back from my small break and ready to dive back into all things education.

This episode provides some behind the scenes insights into where I was, my thinking of the podcast, and where the show could be headed in the next few months.

Enjoy!

Taking a Break... Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

Hey everyone! Just wanted to make this quick post. All will be well. Just lots of changes coming and I need some time.

Thank you.

-Jacob