Hello everyone! Join us in this episode of Teach Me, Teacher as we delve into the core principles of professional learning communities (PLCs) with insights from the book "Simplifying the Journey: Six Steps to Schoolwide Collaboration, Consistency, and Clarity in a PLC at Work" by authors Bob Sonju, Maren Powers, and Sheline Miller. Together, we explore the essential roles within PLCs, the transformative power of data-driven decision-making, and the indispensable nature of collaboration in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just beginning your journey, this episode offers invaluable guidance for building a collaborative community dedicated to student success. Tune in to discover practical strategies for streamlining your school's journey towards collaboration, consistency, and clarity.   The pressure on school leaders to effectively navigate change, implement new programs, and keep teachers motivated can be intense. Solution Tree has the tools you need to rise to any challenge. Our curated library of resources features new titles like The Emerging Teacher Leader, a guide to equip new leaders, Groups at Work to foster productive teamwork, and Implement with IMPACT to ensure initiatives hit the mark. Titles like Grading Reform That Lasts and Competency-Based Education Ignited offer methods to address critical school issues while Navigating the Unexpected provides essential strategies for facing unforeseen challenges. Be sure to stream Passion and Persistence, a motivational video designed to inspire a collaborative team environment in your school or district. Elevate your leadership skills and discover how these powerful resources can help you lead with confidence at SolutionTree.com/LeadershipResources

Hello everyone! Tune in to Teach Me, Teacher for a deep dive into strategies from Triage Your School on preventing teacher burnout. If you miss part 1, click here.  Author Christopher Jenson unpacks how traditional self-care approaches fall short and explores practical solutions rooted in healthcare practices. Discover how to effectively manage workload, share responsibilities, and establish emotional boundaries to reignite passion and resilience in teaching. Whether you’re an administrator or educator, this episode equips you with actionable steps to navigate challenges and foster a healthier school environment. Join the conversation and reclaim joy in education. Enjoy!

Hello everyone! Tune in to Teach Me, Teacher for a deep dive into strategies from Triage Your School on preventing teacher burnout. Author Christopher Jenson unpacks how traditional self-care approaches fall short and explores practical solutions rooted in healthcare practices. Discover how to effectively manage workload, share responsibilities, and establish emotional boundaries to reignite passion and resilience in teaching. Whether you're an administrator or educator, this episode equips you with actionable steps to navigate challenges and foster a healthier school environment. Join the conversation and reclaim joy in education. Enjoy!

Hello everyone! Welcome to Teach Me, Teacher. This episode is a version of one of my favorite keynotes I do. It's my favorite because it's filled with real world stories about my life and the teachers that saved me growing up.  Now, I don't mean "saved" in the religious sense. I mean "saved" as in BEING THE DIFFERENCE.  What did that look like to me? What did it sound like as I navigated growing up around drugs and violence? All of that and more in this talk. If you want to see the digital presentation, click here to support the show.

Hello everyone! Being in the teacher podcast space for over 8 years has shown me a lot about the state of education and how it has changed. Mainly, professional development is dying. If you missed part 1 of this talk, find it here.  Conferences are filled with sessions that appeal to ideology instead of quality pedagogy. District PD’s are all about how to log in to the latest tool and assign work to kids. Books are expensive and not worth reading when state laws restrict what resources teachers can use. So, what’s the deal? Why is teaching PD in such a state of despair? To think and talk through this (and maybe have some hope at the end of the tunnel), I brought on Pam Ochoa, my co-host on the Craft & Draft podcast. Pam is an Abydos Learning International Diamond level trainer and has trained teachers in the teaching of writing and reading for 26 years. She provides professional development for those who want to become more student centered in their instructional approach. She was an Instructional Coach where she worked with Jacob Chastain and collaborated on the Craft and Draft Notebook system.

Hello everyone! Being in the teacher podcast space for over 8 years has shown me a lot about the state of education and how it has changed. Mainly, professional development is dying.  Conferences are filled with sessions that appeal to ideology instead of quality pedagogy. District PD's are all about how to log in to the latest tool and assign work to kids. Books are expensive and not worth reading when state laws restrict what resources teachers can use.  So, what's the deal? Why is teaching PD in such a state of despair?  To think and talk through this (and maybe have some hope at the end of the tunnel), I brought on Pam Ochoa, my co-host on the Craft & Draft podcast. Pam is an Abydos Learning International Diamond level trainer and has trained teachers in the teaching of writing and reading for 26 years. She provides professional development for those who want to become more student centered in their instructional approach. She was an Instructional Coach where she worked with Jacob Chastain and collaborated on the Craft and Draft Notebook system.

Hello everyone! The reading wars carry on, believe it or not. In nearly every corner of the internet—even outside of education—people are concerned about literacy in America. This has resulted in some dynamic, and at times volatile, discussion about how to teach reading to children. In part 1, we discussed curriculum expectations, the expertise of teachers, and the misuse of computer programs.  In part 2, we discuss providing authentic reading experiences for students, tasks around reading, and creating an environment kids want to be in.  Jennifer McCarty Plucker, author of Inspiring Lifelong Readers, has her own thoughts on the matter. Jennifer McCarty Plucker is the director of learning and development and a literacy consultant at Mackin Educational Resources in Burnsville, Minnesota.Dr. Plucker has spent more than twenty years in public education as an English teacher, reading specialist, speech coach, teaching and learning specialist, and district administrator. Her doctoral research focused on student engagement and motivation in literacy. Her current work with educators is grounded in an inquiry approach that puts students in the driver’s seat of their learning.           This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree:   As a new teacher, your first year is sure to come with unexpected challenges. Solution Tree’s resources give you the tools and knowledge to lay the groundwork for a lifelong career as an educator. Go to SolutionTree.com/NewTeacherToolkitfor must-read books and free resources. Since 1998, Solution Tree has worked to transform education worldwide by empowering educators to raise student achievement.

Hello everyone! The reading wars carry on, believe it or not. In nearly every corner of the internet—even outside of education—people are concerned about literacy in America. This has resulted in some dynamic, and at times volatile, discussion about how to teach reading to children.  Jennifer McCarty Plucker, author of Inspiring Lifelong Readers, has her own thoughts on the matter. Jennifer McCarty Plucker is the director of learning and development and a literacy consultant at Mackin Educational Resources in Burnsville, Minnesota.Dr. Plucker has spent more than twenty years in public education as an English teacher, reading specialist, speech coach, teaching and learning specialist, and district administrator. Her doctoral research focused on student engagement and motivation in literacy. Her current work with educators is grounded in an inquiry approach that puts students in the driver’s seat of their learning. In this discussion, we cover curriculum expectations, the expertise of teachers, and the misuse of computer programs to teach struggling readers.          This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree:   As a new teacher, your first year is sure to come with unexpected challenges. Solution Tree’s resources give you the tools and knowledge to lay the groundwork for a lifelong career as an educator. Go to SolutionTree.com/NewTeacherToolkitfor must-read books and free resources. Since 1998, Solution Tree has worked to transform education worldwide by empowering educators to raise student achievement.

Hello everyone! Personally, I believe this episode to be the best episode of Teach Me, Teacher in a long time. If you missed part one, check it out here.  James Nottingham is most known for his work with The Learning Pit, but he has also written several books, and consults regularly around the world. His newest book, Teach Brilliantly, can be found here. In this episode, we discuss the power of quality feedback, student choice and agency on their work, and how different cultures want different things in public schools.  Truly, I loved this talk so much. Enjoy!         This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree:   As a new teacher, your first year is sure to come with unexpected challenges. Solution Tree’s resources give you the tools and knowledge to lay the groundwork for a lifelong career as an educator. Go to SolutionTree.com/NewTeacherToolkitfor must-read books and free resources. Since 1998, Solution Tree has worked to transform education worldwide by empowering educators to raise student achieve

Hello everyone! Personally, I believe this episode to be the best episode of Teach Me, Teacher in a long time.   James Nottingham is most known for his work with The Learning Pit, but he has also written several books, and consults regularly around the world. His newest book, Teach Brilliantly, can be found here.    In this episode, we discuss the state of education around the world, the embattled nature of teaching, what matters in pedagogy, and what constitutes effective feedback for students.   Truly, I loved this talk so much. Enjoy!       This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree: As a new teacher, your first year is sure to come with unexpected challenges. Solution Tree’s resources give you the tools and knowledge to lay the groundwork for a lifelong career as an educator. Go to SolutionTree.com/NewTeacherToolkitfor must-read books and free resources. Since 1998, Solution Tree has worked to transform education worldwide by empowering educators to raise student achievement.

Hello everyone! The other day, I came across a post about a viral lesson where a history teacher used the video game Assassin's Creed Odyssey to show a famous ancient battle. After looking at his content online for a bit, I KNEW I had to talk to him.  Dale Mahathey is a middle school Social Studies teacher who is finding success with using social media to connect with his kids. He is also a passionate historian who wants to help kids find new ways to connect to the stories of the past—and is doing a wonderful job so far.  Episodes like this remind me of why Teach Me, Teacher exists in the first place. Heartwarming stories about teachers doing what they need to in order to get buy-in from students.  Enjoy!

Join Dr. Shaun Woodly and host Jacob Chastain in the latest episode of Teach Me, Teacher as they delve into the ever-evolving landscape of education. Shaun Woodly, PhD, has dedicated his career to education, first as a decorated K-12 teacher and later as a university professor, author, and speaker. He is the architect behind the educator movement “Teach Hustle Inspire,” which seeks to redefine teaching as well as learning experiences in urban and culturally diverse schools so that the extraordinary gift of education unlocks the potential of every student, in every classroom. Catch Up and Connect: In the opening segment, the host catch up on personal growth and share insights into their educational journeys, setting the stage for a candid and insightful conversation. Mindset Shifts for Engagement: Delve into the crucial topic of mindset shifts in education, particularly regarding student engagement. Learn how adopting a proactive approach to expecting students to show up to learn can transform teaching practices and enhance student outcomes. Adapting to Changing Classrooms: Navigate the changing dynamics of today's classrooms as the hosts discuss how educational spaces are evolving. From technology integration to diverse student needs, discover strategies for creating inclusive and dynamic learning environments. Putting Students at the Center: Uncover the power of centering students in the educational experience. Explore practical techniques for fostering meaningful connections with students and empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey. Reflection and Growth: Wrap up the episode by examining the importance of reflective practices in teaching. Learn how shifting perspectives and embracing continuous growth can lead to greater effectiveness and fulfillment as an educator. Tune in for a dynamic conversation that promises to inspire and empower educators to thrive in today's educational landscape. Check out our previous episode here.

Hello everyone! Teaching reading may have the spotlight currently in teacher PD land, but writing should not be missed. In fact, Melissa Morrison argues, it should be at the forefront of literacy instruction. If you missed part 1, click here. In this episode we cover:   The Nuances of Teaching Writing: Melissa delves into the intricacies of teaching writing, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach. Learn how she navigates the delicate balance between guidance and freedom, providing students with the tools to express themselves authentically.Embracing the Creative Journey: Explore Melissa’s insights on nurturing a love for writing in students. Discover practical tips and strategies to make writing an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, transforming the classroom into a canvas for creative expression.   As we conclude this insightful episode, we invite you to join us in celebrating the artistry of teaching writing. Melissa Morrison’s passion and dedication to this craft are truly inspiring, reminding us all of the profound impact writing instruction can have on our students. Don’t miss out on this captivating conversation that will reignite your love for teaching and empower you to approach writing instruction with a fresh perspective. Enjoy!

Hello everyone! Teaching reading may have the spotlight currently in teacher PD land, but writing should not be missed. In fact, Melissa Morrison argues, it should be at the forefront of literacy instruction. In this episode we cover:  From Response to Creation: Melissa shares her transformative perspective on teaching writing. It's not just about responding to prompts—it's about unleashing the creative forces within students. Discover how she shifted the focus from mere response to the true essence of writing as a form of creation.Treating Writing Differently: In a world where subjects are often treated with a one-size-fits-all approach, Melissa advocates for the unique treatment writing deserves. Join us as she explains why teaching writing requires a nuanced approach, distinct from other subjects. It's not just about rules and structures; it's about fostering a love for expression.The Nuances of Teaching Writing: Melissa delves into the intricacies of teaching writing, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach. Learn how she navigates the delicate balance between guidance and freedom, providing students with the tools to express themselves authentically.Embracing the Creative Journey: Explore Melissa's insights on nurturing a love for writing in students. Discover practical tips and strategies to make writing an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, transforming the classroom into a canvas for creative expression. As we conclude this insightful episode, we invite you to join us in celebrating the artistry of teaching writing. Melissa Morrison's passion and dedication to this craft are truly inspiring, reminding us all of the profound impact writing instruction can have on our students. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation that will reignite your love for teaching and empower you to approach writing instruction with a fresh perspective.  Enjoy!

Hello everyone! It's no secret that teachers are leaving teaching. Many people outside of education don't know why... so I asked educators to tell them.  In this episode, I let the voices of real teachers tell the reasons. I let them voice their concerns in hopes that we can begin to educate people on the realities of the classroom today, not the classrooms people project onto us.  I asked. Teachers answered. Share widely. Join the discussion.

Hello everyone! Welcome to part two of my talk with the wonderful Tara Martin!If you missed part one, click here.  We live in a world of clever marketing strategies, social media highlight reels, and the rise of AI. It’s hard to find much that’s real, let alone authentic, in our daily lives. Yet over and over again, the people seeing the most success—whether that be personal or professional success—are the ones being authentically themselves. At least, that’s how we see it at Teach Me, Teacher. To break down why this is and how to bring your true self into the classroom, I have brought on my friend Tara Martin. Tara is an enthusiastic educator, national speaker, and author who thrives on change and refuses to settle for the status quo. She has served as a classroom teacher, an instructional coach for several years, and most recently, a district administrator. Enjoy! PS: I am SPEAKING SOON! (along with some AMAZING people) — Click here to register

Hello everyone! We live in a world of clever marketing strategies, social media highlight reels, and the rise of AI. It's hard to find much that's real, let alone authentic, in our daily lives.  Yet over and over again, the people seeing the most success—whether that be personal or professional success—are the ones being authentically themselves. At least, that's how we see it at Teach Me, Teacher.  To break down why this is and how to bring your true self into the classroom, I have brought on my friend Tara Martin. Tara is an enthusiastic educator, national speaker, and author who thrives on change and refuses to settle for the status quo. She has served as a classroom teacher, an instructional coach for several years, and most recently, a district administrator. Enjoy!  PS: I am SPEAKING SOON! (along with some AMAZING people) — Click here to register

Hello everyone! All last week, I released resolution episodes to get us all back into the swing of things. Today, as promised, I am releasing the 2024 resolutions I am walking into this year with, and resolutions I think that can help us all have an amazing 365 days.  Resolutions for 2024:  Face reality no matter what that isGive yourself compassionAllow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feelingThere is no objective timeframe. Go at your own paceLISTEN ...and #5 is especially significant, because I want to listen to YOU. Click here to fill out a special feedback form to help me cultivate the best year of this podcast possible for you all. Thank you in advance for taking your time to help me shape the show!  Enjoy! Want to support the show and get exclusive perks? Click here.

Hello everyone! 2024 is here and we are keeping the inspiration coming! Today marks the 4th day in a row where we are looking at our past so that we can move forward. Re-energizing. Re-focusing. Remembering who we are and why we do the things we do—why we push to be better every single day. This one hits on a lot of levels for me personally, so I hope it does for you, too. Enjoy, and thank you for those who are listening and sharing these episodes. Let’s keep pushing forward to the 2024 resolutions coming later this week!   FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE:  It has become quite the tradition around here to have a New Years episode where I lay out what I think are solid resolutions for teachers. Not the be-all, end-all, of course…but maybe a little something to set you on a path for success in your work. Resolutions for 2020, 2021, and 2022 can be found by clicking on the dates in this sentence! For this year, I am laying out the top 3 resolutions I believe are going to serve us the best in our work. They are: Being HONEST about our needs, wants, feelings, perspectives, and thoughtsWorking for our PERSONAL BALANCE, not balance dictated to us by social mediaFocusing on where we need GROWTH in our lives to be better and happier individuals

Hello everyone! 2024 is here and we are keeping the inspiration coming! Today marks the 3rd day in a row where we are looking at our past so that we can move forward. Re-energizing. Re-focusing. Remembering who we are and why we do the things we do—why we push to be better every single day. This one hits on a lot of levels for me personally, so I hope it does for you, too. Covid was here and very real. Times were changing. But it was time to check fear at the door and face the new world... whatever that was. Enjoy, and thank you for those who are listening and sharing these episodes. Let's keep pushing forward to the 2024 resolutions coming later this week!   FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE:  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 failureFear of judgmentFear of not fitting inFear 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!