Episodes

We are back for season three! And we are thrilled to deep dive into new and purposeful topics. But for now, a summer recap of lessons learned and a conversation of convictions for the coming year, such as: - Have a plan. Be intentional - Shed the need to be perfect (Hi Ren) - Empower the individual; increase responsibility - Be reliable. Just like Atticus - Be the best. Just like Shohai Ohtani - Do what is uncomfortable. TeachBetter.com⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated t...

Dr. Jim Knight, is the "Founder and Senior Partner of Instructional Coaching Group (ICG)" and "a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. He has spent more than two decades studying professional learning and instructional coaching" (via). And in this episode, Kasey has the opportunity to sit down and chat with the mind who created the position we now call, "instructional coach." It is a must-listen. You can learn more about Dr. Knight at his website, Inst...

Sheri and Kate

Better PD

"Build relationships," we say. But what does that mean? What does that look like? In this episode, Brian and Kasey (well, mostly Kasey) provide some purpose to the over generalized statement, breakdown what it means and looks like, and provide tangible guidelines to building healthy relationships. Sometimes love . . . Looks like structure Lacks emotion Looks selfish Keeps what is ours Looks uncomfortable Looks like intolerance Excludes a behavior, never the kid. Show Sponsors: ⁠⁠Teach...

Acknowledging culture is to see the person. Their heritage, their values, and their familial norms. Ignoring culture is to frustrate, separate, suppress, and oppress. Healthy schools celebrate culture and share stories. In this episode, Brian and Kasey invite Dr. Tina Curry in to discuss how schools can best recognize all students, celebrate stories, and embrace cultural difference. Dr. Tina Curry is an award-winning coach, professor, and teacher and is current lead instructional coach at Fer...

Few people understand the current and future landscape of education like Steve Bollar. As an educational leader and master motivator, "Stand Tall Steve" "works with forward-thinking organizations to generate new ideas, improve climate/culture and maximize leadership skills." In this episode, Brian and Kasey sit with Mr Bollar and discuss culture and climate, the art of public speaking, and much more. If you are interested in mastering the art of educational speaking, check out Within Our Ranks...

What does it mean for a school to be whole-child centered? What does it mean to be a mentally and physically healthy school? And more importantly, what do they look like and how do we get there? In this episode, Brian and Kasey sit with Timothy Dohrer and Thomas Golebiewski and wrestle through those questions, discover real and purposeful answers, and gain a further understanding of what schools are and what they need to be. Tim and Tom are authors of The Schools We Need Now: A Guide to Design...

AI is here to stay. And as educators, we've been told that we must be prepared to embrace it, to teach about it, with it, and around it. But how? In this episode, Brian and Kasey invite Vera Cubero, a GenAI Enthusiast, AI Literacy Trainer, and Content Creator to share her experience, expertise, and wisdom of AI integration. Vera Cubero is also an experienced educator with a wide range of experience in K12 education at the school, district, and state levels. As the Western Region Digital Teac...

The best runners run hardest at the end. And as we enter the final weeks of the school year, as our exhaustion threatens to overcome and encourage us to coast, it is imperative that we dig in and finish the year strong. In this episode, Brian and Kasey share stories and ideas of how we might do that, intentionally and purposefully. References: - World's slowest marathon time: 54 years - Michael Phelps Gold-Medal Relay Race - Classifying MLB's Closer Mentalities - Team Hoyt - The Wright Brother...

Voldemort was the one “who shall not be named.” In The Village, the creatures in the woods were “those we don’t speak of.” Yet, they were the driving force to the story. Engagement is no different. It may be the tabu word we often avoid, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t directly impacting our schools. Through clarity and empathy for demands of this profession, Brian and Kasey confront that which shall not be referenced in a way that reopens hope and excitement for engagement. Types of Engageme...

Happy Spring Break! Here are a few Schurtz and Ties favorites. Hopefully, it can add some beauty and intentionality to your break! Growing Pains, by Alessia Cara Scared to Start, by Michael Marcagi I Wish I Was the Moon, by Neko Case Run Away to Mars, by Talk Epiphany, by Taylor Swift Texas Hold 'Em, by Beyonce Tiny Moves, by Bleachers This Is Me Trying, by Taylor Swift The Old Engine Oil, by Budos Good as Hell, Lizzo Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is sponsored by PeerDrivenPD, a teacher tra...

With Kasey out of town, guest Darrin Peppard steps in to talk about how we can nail our next interview. Darrin is an author, publisher, speaker, and consultant focused on what matters most in leadership. Darrin’s an expert in school culture and climate as well as coaching and growing emerging leaders. He is known for his keen insight, culture-first leadership style, and dynamic personality. He also hosts the Leaning into Leadership podcast, is an authentic educator, and timely leader. Resourc...

Is Education Cultish?

Are kids really struggling? Is their technology-driven life truly as bad as we make it out to be? Maybe. Maybe not! Are phones ruining our students? Is there a romanticism to yesteryear's boredom? Are the dangers real? Unprecedented? Or are they similar struggles that every generation has wrestled with before, just slightly different? Yes, but also, haven't we said this for years? In this episode, Brian and Kasey chat about the doomsday narrative of today's generation and the somewhat dich...

Mental health is a hot topic, especially in public education. The problem is, how do we honestly and purposefully wrestle with it without tripping on the buzzwords? Who do we service first, students or staff? And what role can educators play in helping others when we too are struggling? In this episode, we invite Charlie Peck to help us find answers to some obvious and not-so-obvious questions that surround mental health. Charlie is a K-12 and licensed clinical therapist who specializes in tra...

Are boys lost in education? Are teachers struggling? And should educational leaders be student-centered, or teacher-centered? In this episode, Hal Bowman, the mastermind behind Teach Like a Rockstar, Be the One, and co-author of Dear Teacher: 100 days of Inspirational Quotes and Thank You, Teacher helps us answer these questions and much more. You can find out more about Mr Bowman at halbowman.com as well as Blacksmith Mentors, a life-coaching program built for young boys. Blacksmith Mentors: F...

Erica Heilman

The melancholy of winter is real. Ignoring It won't help. Neither will wallowing in it. Acknowledging it, however, will. In the episode Brian and Kasey discuss the dark side of motivation and wrestle with potential solutions. “Keep showing up” Lesson from semi-rad - “Ideas about changing the world in 7 charts” “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world” - Howard Zinn Go...

Superheroes can save the world, but can they teach children? Should they be in your classroom? Our schools? In this episode, Kasey and Brian discuss the qualities of their favorite superheroes and whether or not they should be allowed to teach children. Do they have reverence? Are they patient? Can we trust them? References: - The Hero's Journey - The Rise of Wolf 8 Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is sponsored by ⁠PeerDrivenPD⁠, a teacher training platform that brings "candid conversations f...

The future of American education is set. Especially when seen through the lens of history. That doesn't mean we don't have a choice. Because we do. Dr. Flamm explains how. Over 20 years ago, Dr. Flamm changed the trajectory of Kasey's life. In this episode, Kasey has the opportunity to thank his treasured professor, discuss the history of education, and wrestle with how it can (and should) influence the future of schools and teaching. Dr. Flamm is a highly respected professor at the University...

Jim Papoulis is a world renowned conductor (not trains). He also works directly and consistently in schools and with students from all walks of life, using music as a bridge to guide students toward "self empowerment, self esteem, cooperation, commitment, and discipline." He is also a master teacher. In this episode, Jim connects the art of conducting to the intricacies and difficulties of teaching, as well as the struggles and unknowns of life. You can learn more about Jim Papoulis at his we...

Happy New Year

"You can either entertain guests or clean up the house, but you can't do both." The same can be said about reflection and action. In this episode, Brian and Kasey discuss the importance of reflection, what we can learn from the actions of bison and not cows, and how mirrors do more than reflect. References: - Friday Thought : The Patience of Repair - Unexpected Kindness - Before bears hibernate and the kids move out - Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again - M...