Episodes

This is an audio version of the blog post, "Recharging Yourself and Your Students After Winter Break" Written by Kendall Lawson (@ELAwithLawson). Read by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/recharging-yourself-and-your-students-after-winter-break. In This Post: The excitement and frustrations of returning back to school after break. Some tips to help ease your students (and yourself) back into the routine and rigor of school. Ideas to start the new year and k...

Instructional coach, Lauren Vaclavik, chats with us about being a part of something bigger, the power of reflection, and creating a culture of coaching. Lauren talks about how change is difficult, but she sees teachers out there putting in the time, and how she wants to open doors for her students. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/laurenvaclavik Episode Highlights 1:26 - Chatting about our Winter Break Live PD Series in our Private Facebook Group. 7:00 - Previewing the episode with Lauren...

Gifted intervention specialist, instructional coach, and author, Jen Molitor, chats with us about choosing to embrace all the things thrown at you every day, following your heart, and believing that all kids deserve to learn. Jen talks about deciding to love your job, being 200% in, and reconnecting with your why. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/jenmolitor Episode Highlights 0:33 - Shoutout to Katie Alvarez. (@freshfromthe4th) 3:19 - Shoutout to Katelynn Giordano. (@Mrs_Giordano on Twitt...

4th grade teacher, poet, and author, Toney Jackson, chats with us about making an impact beyond your classroom, exploring everything in education, and why he thinks now is one of the most exciting times to be a teacher. Toney shares how he brings his passions into his classroom, how we can accept criticism and use it to be better, and why we need to strive to be at the level of significance. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/toneyjackson Episode Highlights 2:41 - Avoiding the "early check o...

Adam Renard chats with us about bringing others with you on the adventure, finding the fun in your content, and creating experiences kids love. Adam shares how to make things more fun, the power of relationships, and why love is a choice. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/adamrenard Episode Highlights 1:52 - Chatting about Rae going to the AIMS Network Institute. 6:53 - Previewing the episode with Adam Renard. 9:12 - Adam introduces himself. 11:10 - Adam's failure: Not recognizing how hi...

Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host, Dave Schmittou, chats with us about getting out of the way so teachers can try something big, being authentic for the right reasons, and why he calls himself the chief cheerleader of teaching. Dave shares how teaching his son to ride a bike changed how he looks at education, how this is your opportunity to go try something, and why you need to go out and look for the good. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/d...

This is an audio version of the blog post, "Reflecting On #TeachBetter19" Written by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read by Rae Hughart (@raehughart). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/reflecting-on-teachbetter19 In This Post: A reflection on the first and very successful #TeachBetter19 conference. Jeff's personal highlights from putting on this incredible event. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teach-better-talk/message

Instructional coach, and 21 year veteran teacher, Jennifer Appel, chats with us about the little things that can have big impacts, staying open-minded, and why we have to keep learning. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/jenniferappel Episode Highlights 4:10 - #TeachBetterTalk challenge for you: Reflect on the things you are thankful for. Use #TeachBetter and #TeachBetterTalk. 6:00 - Previewing the episode with Jennifer Appel. 11:51 - Jen introduces herself. 13:58 - Jen's failure: Not gett...

Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, Tom Murray, chats with us about being personal and authentic, and designing learning experiences that impact a lifetime. Tom shares how we can create an environment where people actually want to be, the importance of taking care yourself, and why you are a leader no matter what your title is. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/thomascmurray2 Episode Highlights 1:38 - Talking about our November #TeachBetter Challenge. 6:26 - Previewing the epi...

This is an audio version of the blog post, "Why Your District Should Stop Worrying About Missed Days" Written by Chad Ostrowski (@chadostrowski). Read by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/why-your-district-should-stop-worrying-about-missed-days. In This Post: The problem with time-based learning and why we should move away from it. A solution to make time more flexible and learning more important. How Mastery Learning can help you (and your school) make thi...

William Illingworth chats with us about engaging in the hard topics, admitting when you fail, and the power of finding a moment to reflect. William talks about how he is like a 3rd party reflection point, and shares a personal story of why we need to celebrate everything. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/williamillingworth Episode Highlights 0:58 - Chatting about the new book from Thomas C. Murray, "Personal and Authentic." 5:50 - Previewing the episode with William Illingworth. 8:52 - Wi...

Allyson Apsey chats with us about navigating the challenges and joys of being an educator, being yourself, and making the decision to enjoy the day. Allyson shares why we need to value what our students value, not being afraid to ask questions, and how loving kids is a prerequisite for teaching. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/allysonapsey2 Episode Highlights 1:34 - Discussing the November #TeachBetter Challenge on social media. 4:13 - Jeff gives his answer for Day 2 of the challenge. S...

We reflect on the first ever Teach Better Conference. We discuss our favorite moments, give some shoutouts, and let you in on a few secrets for 2020. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/teachbetter19 Episode Highlights 0:55 - Tweet @teachbetterteam using #TeachBetter19 and let us know: How long did it take you to recover from the conference? 3:08 - Shoutout to Becky Schnekser (@schnekser) for taking Rae to the airport...and being awesome. Check out Becky's episode of Teach Better Talk! 4:01...

11 year veteran teacher, Bryon Carpenter, chats with is about being unrelenting, connecting with others, and making it your own. Bryon shares why you need to connect with others outside your space, how to always be reflective, and why every obstacles is an opportunity waiting to happen. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/bryoncarpenter Episode Highlights 2:03 - 3 things you can do right now to be better at self care: Just move. Take an intentional moment for yourself. Take small steps to ...

ISTE STEM Co-Chairs, Charles Randolph and Steven Jones, chat with us about listening to your students, putting your ego aside, and personalizing learning for everyone. We talk about connecting content to real world solutions, exploring artificial intelligence, and the rise of esports. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/charlesrandolph-stevenjones Episode Highlights 0:35 - Shoutout to Marcela for Rae's descriptive word for Jeff! 1:22 - Chatting about being connected virtually. 4:49 - Previe...

Assistant Principal, and host of the ASPIRE Leadership Podcast, Joshua Stamper, chats with us about relationships, passion projects, and going further to be a leader. Joshua talks about changing the structure of education, looking at what you're doing to affect your district, and why we cannot be afraid to ask questions. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/joshuastamper Episode Highlights 4:23 - What id you cannot make it to the Teach Better Conference? 8:30 - Previewing the episode with Jos...

Teacher, psychologist, and author, Michael Rousell, chats with us about how we can use surprise to change the way our students think about education and themselves. Michael delves into the science of surprise, shares a story of how he became "the master of the pause," and talks about hypnotizing his students. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/michaelrousell Episode Highlights 3:36 - Rae asks the most important question about the Teach Better Conference. Use code "PodcastTalk" to save $50 ...

This is an audio version of the blog post, "Waiting to Have Those Conversations is Hurting Students" Written by Rae Hughart (@RaeHughart). Read by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/waiting-to-have-those-conversations-is-hurting-students. In This Post The importance of conversations about our students' futures. Helping our classrooms become avenues for discovering passion & practical uses for it! Using your content to help students find their futures. --- ...

Educator and explorer, Becky Schnekser, chats with us about teaching science the way it is meant to be taught, have phalange wars with her students, and being unapologetically you. Becky shares why you need to get connected, the fact that she has probably internet stalked you, and how we're going to change the world through the power of education. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/beckyschnekser Episode Highlights 3:05 - Talking about keeping our energy and positivity up during the tougher...

Angela Maiers chats with us about changing the world, chasing big dreams, and understanding that you are enough. Angela shares how we can have an impact even if we aren't perfect, the power of daily affirmations, and why the same thing has kept her excited for 32 years. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/angelamaiers Episode Highlights 4:10 - Shoutout to our good friends at IDEA (www.ideaillinois.org) Come see Jeff and Rae at IDEA Con in February, 2020! 5:51 - Previewing the episode with A...

This is an audio version of the blog post, "5 Characteristics of Strong School Leaders" Written by Chad Ostrowski (@ChadOstrowski). Read by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/5-characteristics-of-strong-school-leaders. In This Post: The 5 qualities successful most school leaders have. Ideas on how to become a more successful leader in your school - no matter your position! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teach-better-talk...

Mike Washburn chats with us about appreciating people, being fearless, and having "good stress." Mike shares why it's critical to have realistic expectations, the importance of learning to reflect and grow, and why we need to go after those big ideas. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/mikewashburn Episode Highlights 0:00 - Previews of sessions at the Teach Better Conference in November. Use "PodcastTalk" to save $50 on your 2-day registration. 3:55 - Highlighting the importance of networ...

First year teacher, Delaney Brummel, chats with us about being cool with being "the loud one" in her school, helping kids get comfortable sharing failures with each other, and focusing on keeping things student-centered. Delaney shares how she keeps a smile on every day, the power of remembering there are actual humans in our classrooms, and reminds us that you don't need to be a veteran teacher to bring value to others. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/delaneybrummel Episode Highlights 1...

Jason Habisch chats with us about taking care of yourself, being a part of a championship team, and recruiting your own board of advisors. Jason talks about the power of reflection, leaning into a challenge and learning from it, and explains why it's not what you know, or who you know, but both. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/jasonhabisch Episode Highlights 3:11 - Chatting about our favorite parts of the "Teach Better" book. 6:52 - Tweet to win a FREE signed copy of the book! Include t...