The EDVERYTHING Podcast: For Everything Education

Latest Episodes:

Episode 78: 5 ways to make your virtual classroom feel like home—for you and your students Apr 23, 2020

Show notes

As the new normal of working from home actually begins to feel a bit more normal, it may be time to make our digital classrooms feel a little bit more like the home away from home our physical classrooms have always been. So many teachers pride themselves on making their classrooms a comfortable, welcoming space, full of personality, and inspiration. But can we say the same for our virtual classrooms? Though this may have been overlooked when the sudden transition to remote learning occurred, now that it seems likely that many schools will be settling into distance learning for an extended time, potentially even ending the year in this way, we can turn our attention to the small ways that we can make our online classrooms replicate the physical ones we left behind.

Whether these customizations help you infuse a bit of your personality as a reminder to your students that you truly are there on the other side of the screen, instill a little humor or positivity to help brighten a tough time, or create motivation when it could be lacking, this effort helps make the continuation of learning feel like a true extension of the classroom you and your students have developed all year.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-Reasons why customization of your classroom benefits you, your students— and your side hustle

-How bitmojis can help you make your classroom feel more personal even without sharing an actual image of yourself

-Ways beyond the visual to make your classroom feel like your space

Links mentioned:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Sellers-Im-Following/Add/Edverything-For-Everything-Education

@helloteacherlady

Ep. 75: Going the Distance with @VirtualElementaryTeachers

https://anchor.fm/edverything/episodes/Episode-75-Going-the-Distance-Successful-Strategies-for-Remote-Learning-from-Virtual-Elementarys-Cara-Piper-ec9037

Ep. 63 Wonderful, Wonder-filled Classrooms with @BuildingBookLove

https://anchor.fm/edverything/episodes/Episode-63-Wonderful--Wonder-filled-Classrooms-for-Any-Age-Group-with-Ashley-Bible-e9kcgn

Ep 67: Personally Speaking

https://anchor.fm/edverything/episodes/Episode-67-Personally-Speaking-Showcasing-Your-Personality-In-and-Out-of-the-Classroom-eahbtp

Episode 77: Remote Learning Project Idea: Using Virtual Summits in the Virtual Classroom Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

Danielle & Nicole are here to discuss their favorite topic - virtual summits! Whether you're curious about the behind the scenes end of creating a the #totalteachersummit or you're seriously considering implementing a virtual summit in your classroom this school year, Danielle & Nicole are here to walk you through the "How-To" of virtual summit creation.

When you listen to episode 46 you know why a virtual classroom meet-up is worthwhile, and today we're building on that point, bringing you the how. In just 9 easy steps, we break down questions to ask yourself, factors to consider, and potential roadblocks to look out for.

Step 1: Pick a unit that makes sense to host as a virtual summit

What unit is so large in scope that you always feel like you just scratch the surface with how you traditionally cover it? (Nothing comes to mind? In episode #18, we talked about how to teach topics you can’t stand— this very well might be one of them)

Step 2: Select what students will be responsible for in terms of creating the virtual summit. Think outside just the presentation itself. Student autonomy is key!

Name of Summit. You have the general topic/concept, but let students choose a name for more ownership and creativity. How can you make this happen— have students work in small groups to come up with their name and a pitch for why.

Step 3: Craft a corresponding rubric or rubrics to use for each of the requirements students must meet

Identify Common Core Standards you are looking to address
What you’ll probably want included for this rubric or to have separate rubrics for:

Presentation— creativity, accuracy, understanding audience
Networking/Engagement—how do they interact with others “in chat.” The quality and quantity of what is said, how it is said
The “extras”— do students need to create a corresponding PowerPoint for their talk? Do they need to create a virtual or physical thumbnail display of their talk

Step 4: Decide what technology you need to use to make this happen. When will students be viewing the presentations? How will they give their feedback?

Step 5: Determine how to model the concept and any related technology in your classroom

Don’t assume students know how to use a particular piece of technology. Time will probably need to be built in for students to learn this. Do students need to edit their videos? Upload them? These small logistics are things that can cause a lot of problems come the due date if you don’t plan for it as students are unlikely to know what they don’t know

Step 6: Get students HYPED

Step 7: Decide what students will need extra support with to create their virtual summit and select how much class time to devote to it

Step 8: How can the summit live on/be shared with others?

Grab our bulletin board print outs and utilize QR codes
Use Class Dojo to share with parents

Step 9: Reflection to help you iterate

Build-in time for you and your students to reflect on the project, stay organized, student growth and ownership, make it even smoother next time or for next year

Episode 76: Routines for Remote Learning Apr 09, 2020

Show notes

When school is in session, whether knowingly or not, you likely have a routine. That set of tasks you do regularly, perhaps even unconsciously, from the time you wake up through your commute and continue straight through til the final bell rings and you head home for the day. And while everyone’s typical routine may look a little different, the COVID 19 outbreak has almost certainly caused a major disruption to your daily schedule. With the sudden shift to remote learning, you may feel like you are at a loss for how to manage your time and what to prioritize when things seem so far from ordinary.

When working from home, it can be more challenging to put together routines, but it can also be that much more important for creating and maintaining healthy boundaries. When your home is your office, it can be tempting to have no exact end time to your work day or to try to take each morning at a leisurely pace. While far from experts, we’ve each started settling into our new routine, and we are hoping that this episode inspires you to do just the same.

We know that everyone's routine will look a little different based on what your home situation looks like, what grade level you teach, what your school expects-- and a myriad of other factors. While we are routine enthusiasts, we don't think there is one right way to go about your day; as a result, instead of a prescriptive checklist, we have provided you with a framework—in the form of this very episode and a free, fully customizable workbook and checklist so you quickly determine your priorities and develop a routine for what actually works for you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-What does NOT work for us in terms of our new morning routines

-Changes we’ve made to our classroom routines from day 1 of remote learning til now

-Why a classroom routine students can expect is great—but isn’t synonymous with being rigid

-A few things that you can celebrate crossing off your typical after school rings to-do list

-Why boundary setting is extra important during remote learning

Links mentioned:

-Episode 22

https://www.edverything.com/podcast/2019/time-tasks-trauma-troubleshooting-common-teacher-stressors-with-amanda-murtaugh-lmhp?rq=amanda%20murtaugh

-Our TpT Store to get your free workbook and checklist https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Remote-Learning-Routines-Teachers-Work-from-Home-Workbook-and-Daily-Checklist-5431307

-Episode 9

https://www.edverything.com/podcast/2019/healthy-routines?rq=michele%20hamilton

Episode 75: Going the Distance: Successful Strategies for Remote Learning from Virtual Elementary’s Cara Piper Apr 02, 2020

Show notes

In the midst of the coronavirus, as so many schools have begun online instruction, it seems like we all became virtual teachers overnight, figuring out how to translate our lessons to the online space. And while we are all still adjusting to our new normal, now more than ever it is great to get advice from someone who is a pro at this, literally, as online instruction is the way she delivers all her lessons. Cara Piper is a traditional classroom teacher turned online kindergarten teacher for Florida Virtual School.

Whether you love online teaching and want to figure out how to make the transition to virtual education even when buildings reopen or you need tips for how to cultivate community even when students are physically attending class from separate spaces, Cara offers valuable insight whether you want to make the virtual classroom your permanent home or how to to make the most of this experience for your students for the time being.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-what a typical day in the life of a virtual elementary school teacher looks like (at an institution that has open enrollment)

-what the job application and interview process to be a virtual teacher looked like

-how parent partnership and communication is key (and why we should be thinking of them as the home educator)

-how to make the students in your classroom feel like they know you (and each other) when they may never meet you in person

-how to motivate your students on your Zoom calls (or in whatever video platform you are using)

Episode 74: Time Saving Tech, Techniques & Templates That Still Work (Even During Remote Learning) Mar 26, 2020

Show notes

When a lesson is going really well, it seems like time absolutely flies by. But how often have we had that same sensation, not knowing where the time went, when our daily prep period comes to an end--yet you have nothing to show for it?

We want to instill time management skills in our students, but if we are being truly honest with ourselves, we don’t always use our own as strategically as possible. When unexpected parent emails, makeup exams, and copying machine jams come up, we too often resort to dealing with what is urgent and not what should be a priority. We’ve heard all the suggestions about setting boundaries and we want to bring home less school work, but how we can do that effectively when required meetings after school or providing extra help claims that chunk of time as well? Add in the desire to grow your teacher side hustle account after the bell rings, and it can seem like there is no time at all left.

While actually getting more time is impossible, a handful of mindset shifts, online tools, and smart techniques can help you make the most of the time you do have, making those 2020 goals within reach.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why letting go of perfectionism is a vital first step for implementing almost any time-saving strategy
How templates can be the time-saver you need for regular interactions at home-- and how to keep those organized
The free website for lesson planning that helps you stay standards focused while saving time
What a social media scheduler is-- and how to pick one without getting overwhelmed
The monthly social media template pack, by teachers, for teachers, so you never post on Instagram without a plan again

Links mentioned:

EDverything Social

https://www.edverything.com/edverythingsocial

Ashley Bible @buildingbooklove

https://anchor.fm/edverything/episodes/Episode-63-Wonderful--Wonder-filled-Classrooms-for-Any-Age-Group-with-Ashley-Bible-e9kcgn

Amy Porterfield’s Interview with Atomic Habits author James Clear

https://www.amyporterfield.com/2019/12/295/

Total Teacher Summit talk: Permission Slips for Perfectionists

https://www.edverything.com/totalteachersummit

Asana

https://asana.com/

Trello

https://trello.com/en-US

Episode 73: A Prime Example: An Amazon Storefront Side Hustle with Brooke Hubbard Mar 12, 2020

Show notes

For many motivated teacherpreneurs, we strive to be successful in the classroom and online. But for so many teacher side hustlers, the latter half only takes one form, and that’s TeachersPayTeachers. Like many entrepreneurs, Brooke wanted to explore what multiple streams of income look like rather than limiting herself to the traditional classroom/TpT combo. For Brooke, the natural extension of her classroom lessons was to create and curate an Amazon Storefront.

Brooke’s Instagram account, like her Amazon storefront, is all-encompassing. You won’t find just Classroom Transformation products there. Brooke realized that serving all of a teacher's needs—from providing gift guides and outfits of the day to solutions for flexible seating— would yield the greatest profit and provide teachers with #allthethings they are looking for.

Stop thinking about Amazon as just the place where you shop for the next thing you need; it’s about to start looking at it as an opportunity for generating the kind of income you want while providing your fellow teachers with tried and true recommendations that they are looking for.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-Why making connections on Instagram is the first step— literally

-Why you shouldn’t just limit yourself to one category

-How to make your Storefront turn your Wishlist into a reality

-The Do’s and Don’t of starting your Amazon storefront

Links mentioned:

Aliana Lowe's @theyoungeducator episode

https://anchor.fm/edverything/episodes/Episode-13-How-To-Document-Your-Teaching-Journey-And-Why-Every-Educator-Should-with-Aliana-Lowe-e2olre

@Teacherbestill

https://www.instagram.com/teacherbestill/

Episode 72: Mentor Opportunities from Virtually Anywhere: How To Be an Outstanding Digital Mentee Mar 05, 2020

Show notes

As teachers, we wear many hats: educator, support system, advocate, mentor. But how many of us--even knowing the benefits--participate actively in a relationship in which we are being mentored?
It goes without saying that we are big proponents of on-going professional development--after all, it's why we host The Total Teacher Summit each year. But many teachers mistakenly don't realize that being part of a mentor/mentee relationship can be an extension of that type of PD. It can be a way to combat the isolation so common in the field of education. It can be a way to take care of ourselves.
And it doesn't need to take place in person.
In this episode, we debunk some of the most pervasive myths about mentorship, and we focus on how to be a good mentee when your mentor is only someone you know in the digital space. Viewing those Teacher influencers we look up to on social media as mentors rather than individuals we follow reframes the conversation about who can be mentors--and we share some ideas on how to give back so these are the mutually beneficial relationships that the mentor/mentee experience should be.
In this episode, you'll hear:
-Why you probably already have a virtual "mentor" but you'd never put that label on it before
-Why passively "liking" posts is not enough--and what you should do instead
-How to ask questions in a way that truly helps the mentor
Links mentioned:
-Episode 30: How To Be A Good Mentor/Mentee

https://anchor.fm/edverything/episodes/Episode-30-A-How-To-Guide-For-Being-A-Good-MentorMentee-e3oufk

-Guest blog post link

https://www.teachonamission.com/blog

Ashley Bible @BuildingBookLove

https://www.instagram.com/buildingbooklove/

Mandy Rice @TeachOnAMission

https://www.instagram.com/teachonamission/

Macy Gilson @MacyGilson

https://www.instagram.com/macy.gilson/

Cara Piper @VirtualElementary

https://www.instagram.com/virtualelementaryteachers/

Episode 71: Showcasing and Celebrating Inclusivity—Inside and Out Of The Classroom with SLP Macy Gilson Feb 27, 2020

Show notes

Make sure to tell your story; your followers want to see you. It’s the advice that we hear time and time again when it comes to Instagram.

For Speech and Language Pathologist Macy Gilson, the individuals that she helps find their voice are a critical part of her story and the word she wants to spread, and nowhere is that more obvious than in her online presence on Instagram and the web. Nowadays, the word Instagram is nearly synonymous with the word influence. But what exactly are we trying to do with that influence?

As a Disability Advocate, Macy has leveraged these platforms to make children living with disabilities more visible. Her feed not only shows the behind the scenes of what her life is like as a telecommuting speech pathologist but also highlights the beauty and joy present in these exceptional children living with a wide range of disabilities.

Macy is on a mission to demystify difference, providing resources to help both educators and parents alike have what may initially seem like challenging conversations surrounding the topic of disability.

Do those who are differently-abled feel like they have a space and a voice in your classroom? Macy provides practical, simple solutions for making sure those who are differently-abled feel represented in the classroom as well as tactics to help students focus on areas of shared similarities rather than differences.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-What it’s like to be a telecommuting speech pathologist

-How literature can be leveraged to increase inclusivity

-How to increase the visibility of those who are disabled even in non-humanities/language-focused courses

-How Macy has used Instagram to create a community for parents of children living with disabilities

-How she creates an a cohesive Instagram feed even when so many of the posts aren’t directly about her or her story

Links mentioned:

Macy's website including her blog, stories, resources, videos & more:

https://www.macygilson.com/

Macy's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/

Macy's facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/macygilsonblog/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Macy's pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/macycapen/

Episode 70: Permission Granted: The Why and How of Promoting Your Teacher Side Hustle Feb 20, 2020

Show notes

When it comes to your #teachersidehustle, there are so many parts that come naturally; necessity sparks innovation which inspires great ideas and produces even better products. But when it comes to talking about those products, sometimes nothing could feel less natural. "Self-promotion" is one of the most challenging and critically important aspects of marketing that #teachersidehustle. In this episode you'll hear:

The Why of Promoting Yourself Online

Building your resume for what’s next for you/crossing those other items off your bucket list
Extra $ to help keep you in the classroom—and in the lifestyle to which you’d like to lead
Help your fellow teachers—they need you, they just might not know it yet (or they know that they need you—they just don’t know you)

Why Promoting Yourself is Easier Said Than Done

Addressing those common objections

Who am I to offer/promote this?
I don’t think it’s ready yet—what if people don’t like it
I don’t want to feel "salesy"
I don’t want to feel braggy

Where to promote yourself

Pinterest (lives forever AND feels low risk). Step it up and join a Tribe
TpT—have you maximized what is there?
To your email list—do they even know you have a product?
Podcasts
Social media!

How to promote yourself like a pro

Practice your elevator pitch so you can generally explain what you offer to anyone if it happened to come up
Work on your confidence—you GOT this (and while you are at it, stop playing the comparison game)
Look at all your posts as an opportunity to plug -Stop making once in the blue moon product posts -Tell your story, connect it back to your product -Get guidance—EDverything Social (bonus: it will feel like your being given that permission when you follow the prompts AND by using the curated stock photos, your product will look legit!)
When you feel too scared, go back to step 1 and remember why you are doing this in the first place!

Episode 69: From Posts to Products: A Guilt Free Guide to Leveraging School to Fuel Your Side Hustle Feb 13, 2020

Show notes

If you are living the teacherpreneur lifestyle, you are potentially facing burnout on two fronts. Both teaching and entrepreneurship are time-consuming and energy-intensive efforts, evident in the high attrition rates in the field of education as well as the dismal percentage of small businesses that ever reach success. With so much to do and so much stacked against us, why are so many of making our lives that much more difficult by seeing teaching and our side hustle as separate rather than linked activities? With this simple mindset shift, we can save time and energy without making any sacrifices in terms of either career or ethics.

In episode 69, we talk about how to make your school time work double duty so you won’t have to.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A simple solution for endless, authentic Instagram captions

• A strategy for long-form content post ideas

to put in your TpT, Etsy store, etc

• Questions to consider to help you find your next great product

• A trick for creating those often intimidating product lines

Links mentioned: