S2 EP 029 | Next Step Education: a Conversation with Former Classroom Teacher & Co-Founder, MeghanOn this next episode, a local guest from the Boston podcast scene (thanks Kim!) shares how she successfully founded and scaled her learning center, "Next Step Education”. Meghan’s journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of curiosity and passion in shaping the future of learning.Despite her fulfillment in the classroom & having a “dream class”, Meghan’s curiosity about exploring new avenues in education led her to launch "Next Step Education." Her dedication to empowering young learners shines through as she works with early elementary-age students, guiding them on their educational journey.Meghan explores the importance of following curiosities, the journey of starting something new, and the importance of staying true to what feels best for you. This episode covers the power of personalized education, the possibilities for supporting young learners outside the traditional classroom, & how she holds a high bar for all students. Tune in to discover how Meghan is making a difference in the lives of students and learn practical tips for navigating the world of education entrepreneurship! Find out more about Meghan here!Meghan’s links: Website -https://www.nextstepeducationtutoring.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenextstepeducation/Follow Making the Grade!Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/Instagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!) Support the Show.

S2 EP 028 | Encouraging Creativity in Early Childhood Education: a Conversation with Pre-K Teacher, HannahIn this episode of Making the Grade Podcast,  Georgia & Christine sit down with Hannah, a passionate PreK teacher from Fort Worth, Texas. With eleven years of experience in both public and private settings, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for early childhood education to the table.Hannah shares her journey in education, from her beginnings as a teacher to her current roles as a member of NAEYC and a valued member of the Scholastic Advisory Board for three years running. As a team leader in both public and private schools for early childhood education, Hannah's dedication to fostering a love of learning in both children and families shines through.The episode delves into Hannah's blog, "Creative Pre-K Minds," where she shares insights, tips, and resources for educators and parents alike. Through her blog, Hannah advocates for the importance of creativity in early childhood, emphasizing its role in nurturing young minds both inside and outside the classroom.Join in exploring the power of creativity in early childhood education, and learn from Hannah's wealth of experience and passion for making learning a joyful experience for all. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or simply curious about the world of early childhood education, this episode is sure to inspire and enlighten you!Find out more about Hannah here!Hannah’s links: Website: https://www.creativeprekminds.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeprekminds/?hl=enFollow Making the Grade!Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/Instagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

S2 EP 027 | Beautiful Stuff Project: a conversation with former teacher & founding executive director, MarinaOn the 27th episode of Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia and Christine connect with Marina, a former teacher & executive director of the Beautiful Stuff Project. The Beautiful Stuff Project increases access to play and the arts through the creative reuse of materials. Marina is passionate about allowing children the space to explore & create, and this is possible through the organic roots of this project.Marina’s story highlights the viewpoints of a lifelong educator: her curiosity, advocacy & belief in access for children & families began when she first started teaching in Cambridge Public Schools in 1986. She has some great wisdom from her teacher years, being a mom, and growing Beautiful Stuff in her community. She highlights some of the reasons why she left the classroom in 2002 with reasoning around the lack of play in early childhood settings, and you don’t want to miss how she got her nickname!  This episode covers a lot: how early childhood teaching has changed over the years, parenting children who thrive outside traditional classroom settings & the importance of unstructured play in classrooms. Marina’s idea of making the world a bit better by everyone doing their part to move the needle is so inspiring & hearing the story of how her idea to help people has snowballed. Tune in if you want to hear the grassroots approach of a community project turned success story! Find out more about Marina here!Marina’s links: Website: https://thebeautifulstuffproject.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautifulstuffproject/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautifulstuffproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCELBPD2Ex18FQLN_PqAYCYQ?app=desktop&fbclid=IwAR2kgB-Qo7KQ_onZun0eifrPyZbwD3Y_3J-n23QV9j50vj9U-mvMeqCNgXIFollow Making the Grade!Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/Instagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

MAKING THE GRADES2 EP 026 | Teacher Career Transition Academy: a Coversation with Co-Founder, Lisa With teacher burnout being a buzzword in the news lately, it’s nothing new that teachers are considering new careers after many struggles in the classroom. What would it be like for teachers if they had a playbook of how to handle the stress & a way to figure out their next chapter? With 15 years of experience as a tech CEO, Lisa shares her story about what drove her to create Teacher Career Transition Academy, a team of experts and playbook for transitioning teachers.The Teacher Career Transition Academy simplifies the career pivot process with a step-by-step approach. There is a group of trusted experts offer diverse areas of expertise; providing teachers with all the resources needed for a seamless career transition in one place. This episode covers exploring education curiousities, different roles in education, & the Teacher Career Transition Academy platform. Lisa’s encouragement will make you want to explore the possibilities available to you as a teacher, both in and out of the classroom. Tune in if to hear Lisa’s #1 tip for transitioning teachers, & stay for the crazy but true story of a teacher who didn’t want to miss PD!Find out more about Lisa here!Lisa’s links: Website: https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/Instagram: teachercareertransitionacademyFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/626869095257238Exclusive Discount for MTG listeners:Code: makingthegradeRedeem for the 1 year membership $497 on this page: https://www.learnworldtraining.com/course/teacher-career-transition-academyFollow Making the Grade!Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/Instagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

S2 EP 025 | Motivating Minds: a Conversation with Educational Consultant & Author, IvanaIn this next episode of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine talk with Ivana, the founder of Motivating Minds & Achievement Solutions. Formerly of Georgia & currently in DC, Ivana didn’t always know that she wanted to become a teacher. Prior to consulting, she was teaching at the high school level. Additionally, Ivana is the author of “It’s Time to Get Your $#!@ Together”, a book to empower young adults to improve their lives with an approachable and easy-to-understand guide.Ivana opens up about how she actually didn’t want to be a teacher, but her journey to become a veterinarian pivoted when she started getting into science classes. After realizing that she loved witnessing the connections children were making at a daycare job, she embarked on the journey to become a teacher. Reflecting on her career, Ivana emphasizes the importance of the first 5 years of teaching & how crucial support is to be successful. Currently, Ivana continues to make a difference in education as a an educational consultant. Her dedication to improving life for young adults is evident in her work through her book.This episode covers how to motivate students, reasons for student disengagement, & an overview of student motivation. Tune in to gain valuable insights and perspectives on reinventing yourself for the better! Find out more about Ivana here!Ivana’s links: Social Media Handles:Instagram: mmfasolutionsWebsite: https://www.mmfasolutions.com/category/all-productsBook: “It’s Time to Get Your $#!@ Together” Follow Making the Grade!Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/Instagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

S2 EP 024 | Believing Beyond You: a Conversation with Education Entrepreneur, Rebecca In this episode we’re chatting with Rebecca, an incredible educator and entrepreneur, and basically sunshine in human form. We recorded this episode back in October (eek!) but reliving our conversation with Rebecca was exactly what we needed during a cold February in Boston! She speaks to our soul and we know you will love her wisdom, advice, and motivational words, too!We cover Rebecca’s extensive 15+ years in education taking on multiple roles in both public and charter school settings, from reading interventionist to special education teacher, to testing coordinator, to school leadership! She’s an inspiring reminder of the many roles one can have in education depending on their current circumstances and passions.We chat about Rebecca’s adult gap year, her incredible program for Educators turned Entrepreneurs, and how excellent she is at pausing when necessary to think about her purpose and pivoting accordingly.  As educators, the “go go go” mentality can get the best of us, and though Rebecca fell victim to this lifestyle too, she has since learned to make slowing down a priority and chooses a holistic approach to success.Rebecca’s an educator at heart with an entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing a successful tutoring business, online reading course for students, and consulting business.  She reminds us that being a teacher is not limiting - it’s expansive! There is so much you can do in and out of the classroom to reignite your passion and all it takes is putting one foot in front of the other even if you’re unsure of the outcome.Tune in and be reminded to celebrate all the things you’ve accomplished,  find your teacher besties and support system, and remember that no matter how hard it gets you’re never stuck - you have the power!  Plus, stick around to the end to hear the crazy story of the time her cell phone went missing in her classroom for three entire days!!!  Find out more about Rebecca here! Rebecca's Links:Website:  https://www.believebeyondyou.com/Instagram: believebeyondyouPodcast: youtube.com/@believebeyondyou Follow Making the Grade!Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/Instagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!) Support the Show.

S2 EP 023 | Aspiring to Lead: a Conversation with Training & Development Specialist, JoshIn this next episode of Making the Grade, Christine & Georgia are joined by Josh, the Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team and manager of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a middle school Administrator, classroom art educator, and coach. Joshua is the author of Aspire to Lead, podcaster, leadership coach, and education presenter. Josh opens up about his experiences as a student, and his reason for returning to the classroom is “he wanted to go into education to make school a place where kids wanted to be”, & if you listen to the description of his art room - it sounds like he has succeeded! He doesn’t remember school being a happy place sharing, “I was told to sit down and shut up all day." Despite facing obstacles, he found himself back in the classroom & advocating for a better future for the next generation. Reflecting on his career, Josh emphasizes the knack for reinventing himself at every crossroad. From struggling as a student to becoming a leader in education, he demonstrates his ability “to take lemons & make lemonade”. At every difficult decision he has faced, he seems to always choose passion and that has served him well.Currently, Josh continues to make a difference in education as a Training Development Specialist for Teach Better. His dedication to improving teaching practices and empowering educators shines through in his work as a podcaster, author & training & development specialist through the network.This episode covers different roles in education, leading with intention, & an overview of the Teach Better community. Tune in to gain valuable insights and perspectives on reinventing yourself for the better! Find out more about Josh here!Social Media Handles:Twitter: @Joshua__Stamper (@Joshua__Stamper)Instagram: @Joshua__Stamper (@Joshua__Stamper)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper/Aspire to Lead: www.bit.ly/aspirelead Aspire to Lead Podcast: www.joshstamper.comTeach Better Team Twitter: @teachbetterteamTeach Better Team Instagram: @teachbetterteamTeach Better Team LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachbetterteamCompany Website: www.teachbetter.comFollow Making the Grade!Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/Instagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

S2 EP 022 | Chat GPTeacher - Exploring AI: a Coversation with 7th Grade History Teacher, JackWith AI being the buzz over the last year in all industries, have you wondered about how this could translate (in a positive way) to education? Florida 7th grade history teacher & AI enthusiast, Jack, shares the unique moment when he knew he wanted to be a teacher & the research he is doing to explore educators implementing AI in schools. With 7 years of experience as a middle school teacher, Jack shares some insights from avoiding burnout and how his curiosities have extended beyond his teacher role.Jack’s passion for learning about new ways to support students and other teachers has evolved since he cofounded a social studies TPT resource page for other middle school history teachers. Since then, he has been exploring the ways AI can be used strategically to work smarter, not harder. He is still exploring the ways that AI becomes developmentally appropriate for students, and his cautious yet optimistic approach for educators is very encouraging.This episode covers AI in the classroom, the key to avoiding burnout & loving what you do, & teaching while exploring other passions. Jack’s obvious motivation & joy in what he does is contagious & will make you want to open Chat GPT to explore extension activities as a classroom teacher. Tune in if you are looking for some new ideas around AI in the classroom, & stay for the tangible ways you can get started today!Find out more about Jack here!Jack’s links: Website - govdogs.comSubstack - (GPTEACHER) https://govdogs.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2mn9ddInstagram - @govdogs                 @_gpteacherYoutube - @govdogsFollow Making the Grade!Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/Instagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

S2 EP 021 | Starting Before You’re Ready: a Conversation with SandyMaking the Grade podcast is back for Season 2 with the 1st episode of 2024 coming at you from sunny San Diego with the lovely Sandy Patterson! After 14 years as an elementary school teacher, Sandy realized that she was in need of some guidance and sought out a life coach. And little did she know how the student would become the teacher.Sandy evaluated her current situation & realized that her values had shifted - so she became a life & business coach herself! She specializes in working with teachers to build businesses and financial freedom. She specializes in mindset work, business strategy, & taking messy action.From Taylor Swift to a butterfly release gone wrong (also fun fact: Sandy is a former NFL Cheerleader!), Sandy is truly practicing what she preaches & the amazing advice she has for educators. This episode covers teacher transition, life coaching & the importance of choosing to start rather than feeling ready . If you are looking for a fresh perspective from a former teacher & renowned coach, look no further!Find out more about Sandy here !Follow Making the Grade!Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#homeInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 020 | Georgia & Christine: Recap Season 1 On the last episode of Season 1 of Making the Grade podcast, Georgia & Christine recap season 1: what they have learned, surprising takeaways, & what’s to come in season 2! Their journey into podcasting has been an eye-opening & surprisingly liberating experience - and in helping other educators elevate their teacher voices, they seem to have re-found their own.This conversation covers it all: from the behind the scenes of creating a podcast, the updates to come in season 2 & why they are grateful to be on this endeavor together (aww!)! Also, as promised, they dish on the real reasons they both decided to pivot in their education careers (& how this pause reignited their passion for the field).In creating the Making the Grade Podcast, the initial goal was always to connect with other educators in an organic way & share conversation from the field in a digestible way. The response & support for MTG has been overwhelming (in the most wonderful & surprising ways), and it’s just getting started!In the spirit of the month of November, Georgia & Christine would be remiss to not share the incredible gratitude that they feel for all those who have listened, shared & supported the show. Hoping for warm wishes for the holiday season to your & yours, and see you in January 2024 for Season 2 with a new lineup & alternating format!Follow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

MAKING THE GRADEEP 019 | Finding Teacher & Life Balance Through Overcoming Overwhelm: a Conversation with Teacher & Life Coach, KrystalOn the 19th episode of Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia and Christine connect with Krystal, a middle school teacher & life coach who has over 18 years of experience in the classroom. A fellow educator from Canada, Krystal is passionate about supporting educators to avoid burnout through intentional practices. Krystal candidly shares her own personal story of feeling burnt out, which just so happens to coincide with the year she won an award for teaching.As relatable and funny as Krystal is, she’s also pointedly honest in unpacking the feeling of being overwhelmed (hint: maybe it is all the sports your kids do!). She has some great wisdom from balancing teaching full-time, being a mom, and coaching teachers. She highlights some of the differences between being a teacher in Canada vs the US, and you don’t want to miss her incredible idea for a book!  This episode covers a lot: time management, letting go of unreasonable expectations (that we put on ourselves), & helping to identify “struggle strategies”, like procrastination. Krystal’s realistic approach to finding balance will inspire you to get brutally honest about taking something off your plate. Tune in if you want to hear a “Golden Apple” worthy educator! 🍎Find out more about Krystal here !Krystal’s Coaching Website l https://www.krystalmillscoaching.com/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/krystalmillscoaching Instagram l https://www.instagram.com/lessons_fromthemiddle/ &https://www.instagram.com/krystalmillscoaching/Follow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 018 | KaiPod Learning: a conversation with founder & CEO, Amar“I want to try something different” is the sentiment that began a new classroom model & organization for educators. With experience teaching in the US & India, Amar has spent many years in many different classroom models and roles. A fellow Boston-based founder, Amar Kumar, shares how he went from trying to meet all students’ needs to creating a space where students lead their learning through goal setting and coaches support their pathways in a classroom community. A former high school teacher and school principal, Amar took his passion for education and translated it into KaiPod Learning. KaiPod now empowers more parents to choose microschools for their children and supports teachers in launching their own microschools across the country.This episode covers: entrepreneurship, microschools, & teachers looking to try something different. Amar’s approachable demeanor in creating an intrinsically motivated classroom & empowering students to take control of their learning has yielded some impressive results. Listen up if you are itching to try something new this school year!Find out more about Amar here !Amar’s links: IG: kaipodcoWebsite: www.kaipodlearning.comKaiPod Learning has launched applications for a 2nd cohort of KaiPod Catalyst, an accelerator to help people launch or grow their own microschools. If you have a dream to start your own microschool and want the support, coaching, and community to do it, learn more here. Deadline to apply is October 31, 2023.Follow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 017 | Modern Classrooms Project: a Conversation with CEO, KareemThis week Georgia & Christine chat with Kareem Farah, CEO and co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project. Kareem spent his teaching career as a math educator in Hawaii and Washington, DC. Instead of using a traditional lecture model, Kareem taught math through a blended model where students accessed content through his self-made videos. The cornerstone of his classroom was the ability for students to work at their own pace and Kareem’s ability to assess students on mastery. Modern Classrooms Project is a non-profit organization that empowers teachers worldwide to redesign their classrooms around blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning.Kareem believes that this concept of competency based learning is “evolutionary, not revolutionary” & that educators creating content adds the personalized piece of learning & connection that drives student engagement. This episode covers competency based learning, the benefits of self-paced instruction (good bye writing sub plans!), & differentiation for learners with diverse needs .Kareem is passionate about keeping effective educators in the classroom and he believes in highlighting this in his program through his mentorship of exemplary educators (see link below). His opt-in program has been adopted by over 60,000 educators worldwide and check out how you can join in the links below!Find out more about Kareem here !Instagram: modernclassprojWebsite: https://www.modernclassrooms.org/Mentorship Program: https://www.modernclassrooms.org/partnershipsFollow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 016 | Teacher Training, Montessori Modeling & Classroom Community: a Conversation with Dr. Lisa KuhAfter 6+ months of recording podcasts in different states, Georgia & Christine record in the same room for the 1st time for some great conversation with educator of all trades & author, Dr. Lisa Kuh. Currently practicing in Washington state, Lisa Kuh has over 40 years of experience with young children as an instructional coach, classroom teacher, teacher educator, university professor and researcher, and professional developer. Lisa & Georgia worked together in the classroom (Lisa was Georgia’s mentor!) and they chat about their love and the importance of early childhood education.Lisa is incredibly accomplished: she has published and presented on the importance of outdoor play and classroom environments for young children, teacher professional development, documentation, Montessori education, anti‐bias education, as well as literacy and math content. She attributes part of her long & successful career in education to the most critical time in a teacher’s journey: her 1st year. You don’t want to miss what Lisa considers the recipe for success on how you CAN have a great year even as a 1st-year teacher!This episode covers the history of Montessori education, teacher mentoring & “the apprenticeship of observation”, and how educators’ careers are frequently diminished. Also, make sure to hear about how Lisa & her colleague collaborated to write a book - “Thinking Critically About Environments for Young Children and Complementary Curriculum Approach: Transform Your Practice Through Intentional Teaching!”Find out more about Lisa here !Lisa’s book website: complementarycurriculum.com Instagram: complementary_curriculum Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCApproachFollow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 015 | Behavior Analysis: a Conversation with BCBA, BenWe hear so frequently about student behaviors interfering with learning in the classroom, but what can we do to help stop this growing problem? On this next episode of Making the Grade podcast, Georgia & Christine chat with BCBA Ben about how his journey in studying behavior analysis led him across the country and truly finding his passion. After finishing his graduate degree in Boston, Ben moved to California and has held many different roles in schools, home settings and 1:1 sessions.  This conversation covers it all: from Ben’s practical advice for navigating students with challenging behaviors to some wild classroom stories and the correct acronyms to describe neurodiverse learners. He makes diffusing physical altercations sound like a piece of cake & reminds us all to have a sense of humor in our jobs and day to day!Ben leads with empathy in all areas: for his students, for his families, and for the educators working with his students implementing his behavior plans. This episode brings up topics ranging from using humor to diffuse high stress situations, to the principles of ABA, & how finding something that “you could talk about all day long” is the true indicator of finding happiness in your daily life. Listen in for more!Find out more about Ben here !Follow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 014 | Cultivating Courage & Connection: a Conversation with Coach & Consultant, Kelly“I have this crazy idea!” is a sentence that Kelly loved hearing as a former director. An educator from New Hampshire with 28 years of experience & an entrepreneurial spirit, Kelly is thinking outside the box in supporting educators’ mental health in workshops, professional development series & 1:1 coaching. Can  you imagine walking into a room full of stressed teachers to talk to them about self-care? We can’t, but Kelly makes it sound like a walk in the park!!Kelly shares how her different roles have shaped her story and brought her to her current work - she has been in special education, a school guidance counselor, & assistant principal. It’s a good reminder that it’s never too late to try something new, & as we grow and change, so can our passions. This episode covers supporting educators, advocating for systemic change, & encouraging an entrepreneurial attitude in problem solving. In addition to being a mental health mastermind, she also was able to give Georgia some astrological insights into her recent birthday (she may or may not also be able to read your charts)!She’s truly practicing what she preaches in working with educators to prioritize themselves  - as Kelly says, “the best way to support kids is to support the adults”. If you’re interested in practical ways to open difficult dialogue, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit, & setting boundaries to protect your mental health, you don’t want to miss this one!Find out more about Kelly here !Kelly’s coaching & consulting website: https://kellylynncoaching.comFollow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 013 | Marketing & Sales for Edupreneurs: a Conversation with  Consultant, ChristinaWhen teachers get used to signing a contract each year, it’s no surprise that pricing services is an area where educators need support. Georgia & Christine speak with Christina, an education consultant and former teacher / administrator from Texas. A self-described “edupreneur”, Christina has transitioned out of her roles in the classroom and now works in many different roles as a consultant. She is still serving the education community through her consulting business, Hart for Children, & specializes in helping educators “see their worth”. After seeing the inequities in 2 different schools in the same zip code, Christina was inspired to apply for Teach for America to work with underserved communities. This episode covers how to market yourself as an educator making sales, why she thinks teachers have trouble seeing their worth, and how to take a safe risk. Christina is passionate about the arts, pouring into teachers to serve students, & creating systemic change for educators. Her encouragement will leave you feeling inspired to put yourself out there - and to price yourself accordingly!Find out more about Christina here !Christina’s Consultant Business: Download Christina's $0 20 page E-book "10 Overlooked Strategies You can Use Now to Book Out Your Education Service: Working 10 hour weeks and making 5 figure months. www.hartforchildren.com/strategies Instagram: @hartforchildrenWebsite: https://www.hartforchildren.com/Email: christina@hartforchildren.comFollow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 012 | Changing your Classroom Calling: a conversation with Early Literacy Coach, AmarisHave you ever felt like your heart belongs in the classroom but you’re itching to try something new? Baltimore ESOL teacher -> early literacy coach, Amaris, took a chance in a new role and shares her motivation to stay in education (and why she doesn’t want to just be “the lady from the district”). With over a decade of experience in the classroom, Amaris shares her 2 passions, early literacy and ESOL, and how these overlap in meaningful ways. In addition to shifting into a coaching role and starting her own business, Amaris also has traveled all over the world teaching English! A semester abroad turned into a lifestyle where she met her husband & had 2 children in Egypt, and since relocated back to the US. Amaris’ easy-breezy attitude about teaching English to students in another country will make you want to pack your bag and book the next flight out!This episode covers shifting your role in education, teaching abroad, and ESOL in the classroom, and an important reminder that it’s always okay to change your mind. Amaris reminds you that everyone has something that is “their thing”, and using social media to monetize those skills is the next big thing for educators.Find out more about Amaris here !Amaris’ links: IG: themerge_consulting TikTok: themerge_consultingFollow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 011 | Mastering your Math Mindset: a conversation with math coach, Mona“I’m just not a math person” is a common expression, but have you ever wondered why? Chicago teacher & math specialist, Mona, shares how she shifted from being a math avoider -> math master! With 15 years of experience as a classroom teacher, Mona shares some insights from allowing her students to struggle & apply problem solving strategies “thinking like mathematicians”.A fellow podcaster, Mona’s passion in sharing her joy of math literacy with her students and other teachers has evolved since she made her own math discoveries as an educator (who knew multiplication as repeated addition could spark so much creativity!). As Mona says, “Teachers’ most powerful tool is themselves”.This episode covers fostering a growth mindset around math in the classroom, transitioning into her new role as a coach, and some helpful tourist hacks on fun foods to try if you visit Chicago (hint: it’s not the deep dish pizza!). Mona’s can-do attitude in tackling math is contagious & will make you want to really dive into your math talks as a classroom teacher. Tune  in if you are looking for some new ideas around approaching math literacy, & stay for the fun tattoo stories ;)Find out more about Mona here !Mona’s links: IG: HelloMonaMathWebsite: MonaMath.com Https://www.monamath.com Podcast: Honest Math Chat https://pod.link/1594635190Follow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.

EP 010 | Finding the Right Fit: a Conversation with International Teacher, GregIn the 10th episode of Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia and Christine connect with Greg, an international teacher who has over 20 years of experience. Avid scuba diver, technology guru, author…& most importantly, a teacher at heart. A fellow podcaster from Wisconsin, Greg is passionate in telling others about “the best kept secret in education”: international teaching. Greg is well-traveled - he has visited over 70 countries, and taught in 7 different countries across 5 continents. Given his unique perspective, he speaks to the similarities rather than the differences in teaching children all around the world.An animated storyteller, Greg has some really incredible (& wild) stories to share from his journeys; some of which may or may not involve scuba diving with great white sharks. Greg speaks to the joy he has found in mixing traveling & teaching, and his desire to “be a tourist, not a traveler”.  He recognizes the privilege in being able to have these experiences & has become so passionate about others doing the same that he wrote a book about it (see notes below)!This episode covers a lot: technology in education, the importance of autonomy in the classroom, & the reason why he won’t teach in the US. Greg is a laugh a minute - he keeps Christine & Georgia on their toes with his own “this or that '' & you definitely don’t want to miss why his students call him “Mr. Chicken!” His lighthearted approach to teaching & life will help remind you “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey”.Find out more about Greg here !Greg’s Podcast, “International Teacher Podcast”: https://www.itpexpat.com/Greg’s book, “Finding the Right Fit”: https://store.bookbaby.com/bookshop/book/index.aspx?bookURL=Finding-the-Right-FItFollow Making the Grade!Website | www.makingthegradepod.comInstagram | Making the Grade IGApple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)Support the Show.