Episodes

In this episode 3rd grade teacher Arick Close goes into detail how he creates deep connections with his students, ways in which he celebrates them, and different mindsets that can benefit all educators. Topics Covered: 1. Every student has different needs and as an educator I have to change myself to meet the needs of the student. 2. Spend those first few weeks really making strong connections with the students so that they form trust in you. 3. I want each kid to be the hero in their story. 4....

In this episode we dive into lessons learned from three past guests and how they can positively impact our teaching.

In this episode Dr. Rachel Edoho - Eket shares lessons learned from being a high level athlete, a teacher, and an administrator. Topics covered: 1. College athletics can be very humbling. 2. College coach taught “If you’re on time, you’re late.” 3. It’s important to be prompt and on time for meetings. 4. We need to understand that we have choices on how we handle different situations. 5. Focus on what’s in your control. Control how you respond to situations. 6. One of the best things we can do ...

This is a solo episode where I dive into some thoughts that have been running through my mind recently. There are three important reflections on the words we speak and the impact that we have on others. The importance of showing appreciation for those around us and making sure that those under your care know that you believe in them!

In this episode we are joined by Jason Blair. He has been an art educator at the primary level for over 20 years. He is the teacher leader in residence at the Columbus Museum of Art and he is working with Project Zero out of Harvard. In this episode we discuss: 1. It’s important that we take a step back and think how do we apply learning. How do we make connections between disciplines instead of just focusing on one discipline. 2. Students come to us creative it’s important that we help sustain...

This episode dives into three easy ways that you can make it a better school year for yourself.

This episode is a throwback to when the podcast very first started. It originally aired in January of 2021. The message that was shared then remains true today!

In this episode Suzanne Dailey dives into different tools and strategies that we can use to help stay a healthy mental space throughout the school year. Topics discussed: 1. What do I need to do to know that I am getting in a good head space, a good heart space, conserving my limited energy, and maximizing the capacity that I have. 2. We need to support one another when things are going really well and we need to acknowledge and support one another when we are collectively really tired. 3. We n...

As the school year starts up many educators have a sense of excitement and are ready to get the school year on its way. However, after several weeks everyone settles in to the daily grind and that motivation starts to fade. In this episode learn five ways to help keep that motivation and stay in a positive mindset.

In this episode we are joined by Phyllis Fagel. Phyllis is a school counselor, she’s has a private practice serving teens and adults, she a journalist making frequent contributions to the Washington Post, she writes a weekly column for PDK International, has also contributed to the New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and many more. She is also the author of Middle School Matters and her newest book that has just been released “Middle School Super Powe...

Today we are joined by Jeffrey Pax. He is a children’s author who has taught special ed pre-K and a middle school self-contained program. He lives in Savannah, GA and is also an Army Reservist. His picture book, The Rules, uses realistic behavior and natural consequences to teach kids that kindness is the way to get along at school, daycare, and everywhere else. Topics Discussed: 1. Clarity of instruction and expectations is essential 2. When we don’t know what is expected of you it can lead t...

Today we are joined by Dr. Joy Karavedas. She has 25 plus years of executive level leadership in independent schools and nonprofits. She holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and teachers courses at the bachelor and masters level. She is also an author, consultant, and coach. Topics Covered: 1. Leadership is about your influence and impact. 2. Lead those around you. 3. Those who are the best influencers take time to build authentic and intentional. 4. Leaderships by walking around - ge...

In this conversation Kyle Hill talks about ways that we can strengthen bonds with parents, he talks about the importance of connection and transparency, the value of student mentoring, and so much more. Topics Discussed: 1. At formalized meetings with parents how are we looking to support the parents. 2. Make it a point to connect with a parent. We want to make parents and caregivers to be as comfortable as we can. 3. Talk to parents in terms that they would understand. They might not know all ...

Today’s guest is Domonic Armano. He is a proud educator, an innovative principal a speaker, author, and most importantly a loving husband and father. Over the course of his career, Dominic has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, assistant principal and currently he is serving as an elementary school principal. In all of these roles, he has made it his priority to promote a positive culture for students, staff, and the community. Topics Covered: 1. In order for students to get the...

Every school year holds lessons. It is important that we reflect back on these lessons so that we can grow and become better educators.

Today we are joined by Jessica Pack. She has taught middle school for 18 years. She was the 2014 California Teacher of the Year. She has continually worked to redefine what learning looks like in her classroom. She is an author of the book Moviemaking in the Classroom. She is an advocate for student voice and choice. She is also a co-host on the podcasts Storytelling Saves the World, and the ISTE Edge. Topics discussed: 1. Movie making is powerful because that is the zone where a lot of kids li...

Today's episode is with Martin Silverman. He is a father, grandfather, husband, and long-time educator in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. He is committed to providing the best educational experience for the students and families at Salinas Elementary school where he is the principal. Martin has worked as a teacher and administrator in urban, suburban, and rural districts. His interests are creating and nurturing school culture, providing enriching experiences for students and families, and develop...

In this episode Dr. Rachel Cullen shares ways that we can make feedback more effective in our classrooms and how we can create a culture where the students seek out feedback. She discusses how to create a positive classroom culture and ways that we can front load skills to help students when they face adversity. Topics covered. Make it clear to thee students that you love them more than you love the content area. Be authentic in what you do. Engage with students that fit who you are. Have a do...

In this episode Coach Jim Johnson shares lessons learned from a basketball Hall of Fame coaching career. He shares lessons on leadership, communication, and one special night that found him and his team surrounded by national attention and a special member of the team beating out Kobe Bryant for an ESPY award. Topics discussed: When you can shine the light on someone else that’s good leadership. When you show up for others in a positive way you influence the culture. People respect a great w...

Today's conversation is with Cathleen Beachboard. She is a teacher, author, and researcher. Her research focuses on psychological tools schools can use to help students and staff increase psychological hope, resiliency, achievement, and happiness. Topics Discussed: 1. Psychological Hope rewires the brain and it allows you to form grit, determination, and the ability to think, evolve, change, grow, and thrive. 2. Agency, Goals, and Pathways combine to form psychologic hope. 3. You can strength...

There's always a lot of excitement for summer vacation, but how we spend the last few days of the school year matters. It is important that we finish strong and on a positive note. There are little things that we can do to make that happen. This episodes dives into three ways that we can end our school year on a positive note.

This week's guest is Dr. Naphtali Hoff. He is a former school headmaster and currently he is the president and executive Coach for Impactful Coaching and Consulting. Dr. Hoff is also a podcaster, and an author. Topics Discussed: 1. As educators it is important that we are collecting evidence. 2. It is important to remember we are facilitators of learning. 3. It is important to embrace CHANGE not resist that 4. View every challenge as the next opportunity for us to grow. 5. We can live in a ...

Today's conversation is with Maxwell Roach. He is someone who has traveled a very unique path. He has performed onstage with music icons such as Beyonce and the Rolling Stones, he’s someone who has started several businesses and has been the CEO of a multi centered child care organization, and now he is bringing all this knowledge to the education space as the founder of the JonAyves Learning Club. Topics Discussed: 1. When it’s time to make a decision MAKE the decision. 2. Ask yourself “What’...

Danielle Dahlinger is an educator with over 20 years of experience who is doing great things inside the classroom. In this conversation listen as Danielle talks about the power of connecting with students, listen as she dives into ways to create engagement and anticipation inside the classroom, listen as she talks room transformations, Get Your Teach on, Letting Go of the Ego, and so much more. Topics Covered: 1. Love our students first and teach them second. 2. Dr. Kagan found that a cooperat...