Teach Me, Teacher (Teach Me, Teacher LLC)

Hello everyone! Many teachers work within districts and schools that value and understand the importance of teacher autonomy, yet this is not the case everywhere. With the pressure of accountability and an ever increasing eye on education in the political sphere, some districts and schools are opting for LESS teacher autonomy—often limiting teachers to just being program pushers or curriculum guide readers.

To discuss this and more, I have brought on Patrick Harris II, an educator and the author of The First Five: A Love Letter to Teachers.

In this discussion we talk about:

1. The world of middle school teachers
2. The importance of story-telling
3. Knowing our why
4. How teachers and students need room to be themselves to get the most out of education

...and so much more!

 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, Whispering in the Wind: A Guide to Deeper Reading and Writing Through Poetry, by Linda Rief.

Do your students cringe when you teach a poetry unit? Do you? Whispering in the Wind is Linda Rief’s latest book and it’s a
cure for poetry agony.

This book shows you how to launch a simple, self-directed student poetry project that will help your students read more
poetry, respond to it authentically, and maybe even discover that they actually enjoy it.

Focusing on poetry really can make your students stronger readers and stronger writers.

And you’ll finally have a plan for teaching poetry that you’ll love too.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/Whispering.

Hello everyone! If you missed part 1 of this discussion—check it out here. Today, we are diving in DEEP about how to motivate young people by listening to experts Dr. Wallace Panlilio II and Artyom Zinchenko, PhD.

As the minds behind “Wisest Learners (Parent Edition),” they delve into the intricacies of student motivation from a parent’s perspective, emphasizing the pivotal role of role modeling in nurturing encouragement. Join us as we explore the nuances of discussing academic success with children and unravel the secrets to fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Tune in as we unlock the secrets to nurturing the wisest learners and set your child on a path to academic success.

Catch the FULL video and episode by supporting the show on Patreon. 

Hello everyone... Due to life circumstances, I am taking a brief break from the show. This brief episode explains more. 

If you'd like to stay in touch with me, please find me on my Instagram—where I spend most of my free time. You can also email, or find me over at the Craft & Draft podcast. 

I won't be gone forever, but it's time for a small break. 

All the love, 

-Jacob 

Hello everyone! After hosting this podcast for 7 years, running my second podcast Craft & Draft, and talking about the importance of authentic writing instruction, I have come to learn an unsettling fact... writing is so often overlooked in professional development and curriculum documents. 

Too often, writing is pushed to the side or given a steady diet of drills, programs, or rules for kids to follow, rather than being a vehicle for self expression, discovery, and learning. 

Joining me today to try and answer why this is, and why writing is so important to teach well, is Dr. Miah Daughtery. Miah Daughtery is the literacy director of content advocacy and design at NWEA. Prior to joining NWEA, she was a classroom reading and English teacher for almost 10 years, a district literacy specialist, the state literacy coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Education, the director of literacy for Achieve, and the executive director of professional learning for Odell Education.

In this episode we discuss: 

• The value of seeing the classroom in different professional roles
• Scaling greatness in a classroom to other classrooms
• Why writing is often ignored in PD and curriculum
• What is writing and why is it important?

...and so much more! 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.

Hello everyone! Teach Me, Teacher has been very fortunate to feature so many amazing educators—especially in the literacy space. Our Top 10 Literacy Podcasts list gets tens of thousands of hits every month and spans educators all over the United States and grade levels. It’s truly an honor to bring so many great talks to educators for free.

Today, we get to continue adding to this list of amazing people and giants in the world of literacy who’ve been on the show with part two of our talk with Linda Rief. Linda is the author of Whispering in the Wind: A Guide to Deeper Reading and Writing Through Poetry, The Quickwrite Handbook, and Read Write Teach, to name a few. In 2021 she was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from NCTE and in 2020  received the Kent Williamson Exemplary Leader Award from the Conference on English Leadership, in recognition of outstanding leadership in the English Language Arts.

Today we are discussing her latest book, Whispering in the Wind, engaging kids with poetry, improving schools, engaging kids through choice, creating Heartbooks, and so much more

On a connected note: check out Linda on the G2Great chat on Twitter this week!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Tuned-In Teaching: Centering Youth Culture for an Active and Just Classroom.

Ever feel like your classroom culture is stuck? Or that you’re a little out-of-tune with your students?

If so, Tuned-In Teaching is for you.

This book is the road map for creating a classroom that is transformative for your students and revitalizing for you. You’ll read about six practical ways to connect with your students and build a more active and engaging learning environment.

By tuning in to the lives and culture of your students, you’ll connect with them more meaningfully and teach them more effectively.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/TunedIn.

Hello everyone! Teachers and administrators live busy lives. We make hundreds of decisions every single day and dedicate the majority of our time serving and supporting others. This often leads us making little time for ourselves, especially with health and fitness. 

I am guilty of this just like many of you probably are. My health often sits on the back burner while I work to do my job to the best of my ability. And just like you, I know this is unsustainable and wrong minded. 

To hopefully help you and myself focus on steps we can take to insure we get to serve students and families long into the future, I have brought on Big Ron Jones to give us practical, real world advice on health and fitness. Ron Jones is a health and  wellness trainer who reaches tens of thousands of people with his videos and advice. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• What health is and how to define it
• Setting realistic goals
• Common myths in fitness
• The basics of calories 
• Fad diets and predatory gyms 

...and much more! 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Tuned-In Teaching: Centering Youth Culture for an Active and Just Classroom.

Ever feel like your classroom culture is stuck? Or that you’re a little out-of-tune with your students?

If so, Tuned-In Teaching is for you.

This book is the road map for creating a classroom that is transformative for your students and revitalizing for you. You’ll read about six practical ways to connect with your students and build a more active and engaging learning environment.

By tuning in to the lives and culture of your students, you’ll connect with them more meaningfully and teach them more effectively.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/TunedIn.

Hello everyone! We know education is a difficult place to be right now for many of us. The mounting pressure made worse by problems that never seem to go away. Unsustainable work/life balance. Toxic work places… the list can go on.

Not everyone is enjoying teaching the way they once did, and passionate educators are walking away.

Halee Sikorski, a previous elementary teacher and friend of the show, did just that after 5 years in the classroom.

In part 1, we dove into her history with teaching, the changes she tired to make, and ultimately, when she made the decision to quit her teaching job.

In part 2, we look at what has changed for her since leaving the classroom, and what her advice would be for anyone thinking this is their last year.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The Literacy Studio: Redesigning the Workshop for Readers and Writers, by Ellin Oliver Keene.

Do your reading and writing workshops seem to fly by, with never enough time for your students to really dig into the work of either one?

What if we could redesign our workshops to create more time for independent reading and writing, conferring, and choice?

Welcome to The Literacy Studio, a new, integrated approach to reader’s and writer’s workshop. Here you’ll learn how to plan and execute lessons that weave reading and writing together into one literacy block, giving you much more flexibility to meet your students’ needs.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/LitStudio.

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!

Transform learning in your school or district with PLC at Work^® from Solution Tree. Our resources are designed to empower educators so all students learn at high levels.

We have an abundant library of resources from bestsellers like Learning by Doing, which has seen over one million copies sold and provides a practical guide to establishing effective PLCs, to The Foundation for Change, Beyond PLCLite, The Way Forward, Training Teacher Leaders in a PLC at Work® and The 15-Day Challenge.

Looking to develop a PD workshop that allows your teams to witness the power of PLC through the eyes of a struggling student? Stream the video Through New Eyes, and experience one student’s journey through four years in a traditional school compared to four years in a PLC.

All these resources and more can be found at SolutionTree.com/PLCAtWorkResources.

Hello everyone! 2024 is here and I hear you all... There is no tired like TEACHER TIRED. It feels like the work is piling up. It feels like there is always something new to do or focus on—or worse—attempt to survive. Personal lives are taking a hit. Your sanity... 

But you still love what you do. You just need some refocus. 

So... ALL WEEK LONG, the Teach Me, Teacher podcast is releasing every resolutions episode made. Take a trip through remembering our focus as a community and why we do what we do. Use these days as reminders about what got us excited to go to work, and how we may rekindle that excitement to be the change we want to see in our work and lives. 

To begin this week, we are jumping back in time to the end of 2019. Tomorrow, the end of 2020. The next day... well... you get it. 

Enjoy, and thank you for starting the year with the show. 

FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE: 

We did it… we made it to the last Monday of 2019, and it is kind of unreal. It’s time to look ahead, plan for what we want to achieve, and begin the new decade with energy and positivity.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I love new beginnings. I love Sunday, because of what Monday has in store, and I love the end of the year because of what the new year has in store. There is just TOO MUCH possibility to NOT get excited.

So with that, I set out to detail what I believe the most important resolutions for teachers will be in 2020. They are as follows:

1. Find your own way. Think critically and question everything. Do not just accept what you hear. Try it, apply it, research it. Test it.
2. Help others in a way that matters. Just giving others materials or strategies isn’t enough. Help by being a thinker, questioner, and encourager.
3. Have the tough conversations. Teaching is hard and detailed work. None of us get better by catering to one another’s biases or sensitivities. We have to be able to have critical discussions that lead with resect and end with results.
4. Do not blame others—especially students or yourself—for the problems in your class. You are in charge of your room when that door closes, but that does not always mean you are 100% ready for your challenges. If you are struggling, either reach out for help, or keep analyzing your practice and classroom until you fix it. It is ON YOU. Blame wastes time, and it justifies having a class that isn’t amazing.
5. Read professional books and research. You are a practitioner. If you want to be treated like a professional, you have to have the knowledge of one.
6. Put in the work for the results you want. Do not feel guilty for taking breaks and having no work brought home, or no work weekends, or no work holidays…. IF you are getting the results you want in your classes. If you are comfortable, then enjoy. But if you are trying to push to the next level, if you are wanting more for your career, more for your students, and more for yourself, PUSH. Work-life balance isn’t about doing what EVERYONE is telling you to do. Work-life balance is about doing what balances YOU.
7. Ignore the haters. As you push to get better, people will try to hold you back. They will tell you to stop. They will encourage you to take the easy way or the way everyone has always taken. The people that try to pull you down are the people who will not use themselves. People that cannot push themselves to get to the next level hate seeing others do it, and they will hold you down. Many times, this will be friends and family. Ignore them, and keep pushing.
8. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE WORLD wants you to be average, because most people are. But I’m here to tell you to push, hold yourself to a higher standard, respect those who’ve done it before you and use them as mentors. Leave behind those who don’t want to see you succeed and find those who will push you to be better. The job of teaching is impossibly challenging, but you will get from it what you put in. If you’re fine with seeing teaching as just your job, and that make you happy, then I’m happy for you. But if you feel called to do more, to BE more for yourself, your students, and your community, then I hope you face 2020 with a drive to push. It will be difficult, and too many will try to stop you, but you can do it. You can be more for yourself and those around you. You can reach new heights.

Let’s reach them together.

Enjoy!

Welcome to Teach Me, Teacher! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to have Sierra Bohamera, also known as @thattrendyteacher on Instagram. Join us as we explore the art of making teaching fun and engaging, connecting authentically with students, and infusing that all-important math energy into the classroom. Sierra shares her insights on being open to growth and learning in this ever-evolving profession. Get ready for a lively conversation packed with inspiration and practical tips to elevate your teaching game! Let’s dive in!

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:

1. 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.
2. 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!

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we’re diving deep into the misconceptions about student behavior and how traditional behavior management approaches are falling short.

I had the privilege of interviewing the authors of The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Support, a book that challenges the old paradigms and offers a new way to understand and address student needs.

We discuss how shifting our perspective on behavior can lead to more effective and empathetic support for our students, helping to create a more positive and productive school environment. Tune in to hear how this approach can revolutionize the way we manage behavior and elevate student success!

The authors of the book are Joshua Stamper and Dr. Kayla L. Lannin. Joshua is an educator and behavior specialist with years of experience in shaping school culture and supporting student development. Dr. Lannin is an expert in educational leadership, behavior science, and teacher training, with a focus on creating inclusive learning environments that foster success for all students.

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Lauren Horn, author of This Is Not a Sketchbook: It’s a Class. Join us as Lauren dives into the transformative power of creativity in education and shares insights from her innovative approach to teaching.

Discover how she encourages students to express themselves beyond traditional methods, and learn practical tips to foster a more engaging classroom environment.

Whether you’re an educator or simply passionate about learning, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how creativity can shape our educational experiences. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Make sure to use code TeachMe at check out for 15% off your purchase of Lauren's book! 

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! 

You can watch the entire discussion by supporting the show on Patreon here. 

This week on Teach Me, Teacher, we welcome back the incredible Billy Allen (@3kingvisions)! Billy, a librarian and renowned storyteller, also known as one of the "Leaders of the New Cool," joins us to share his infectious positivity, community-focused approach, and unwavering dedication to getting books into the hands of children—an inspiration in itself.

In this episode, we delve into critical topics such as fostering literacy, the multifaceted roles of libraries, the significance of representation, and the complex issue of book censorship.

Tune in for an insightful conversation covering all this and much more on this episode!

Hello everyone! After hosting this podcast for 7 years, running my second podcast Craft & Draft, and talking about the importance of authentic writing instruction, I have come to learn an unsettling fact… writing is so often overlooked in professional development and curriculum documents.

Too often, writing is pushed to the side or given a steady diet of drills, programs, or rules for kids to follow, rather than being a vehicle for self expression, discovery, and learning. It’s also, as we discuss in this episode, often not taught across all of the

If you missed part one or two of this discussion, please do yourself a favor and check those out before listening to this final episode of my discussion with the wonderful Dr. Miah Daughtery.

Miah Daughtery is the literacy director of content advocacy and design at NWEA. Prior to joining NWEA, she was a classroom reading and English teacher for almost 10 years, a district literacy specialist, the state literacy coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Education, the director of literacy for Achieve, and the executive director of professional learning for Odell Education.

In part three we discuss:

• Multiple literacies and how schools can be more aligned to the real world
• Choices we must make as educators around literacy
• Thinking of literacy beyond the classroom 

…and so much more!

Hello everyone! We know education is a difficult place to be right now for many of us. The mounting pressure made worse by problems that never seem to go away. Unsustainable work/life balance. Toxic work places... the list can go on. 

Not everyone is enjoying teaching the way they once did, and passionate educators are walking away. 

Halee Sikorski, a previous elementary teacher and friend of the show, did just that after 5 years in the classroom. 

In this episode, we dive into her history with teaching, the changes she tired to make, and ultimately, when she made the decision to quit her teaching job. 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The Literacy Studio: Redesigning the Workshop for Readers and Writers, by Ellin Oliver Keene.

Do your reading and writing workshops seem to fly by, with never enough time for your students to really dig into the work of either one?

What if we could redesign our workshops to create more time for independent reading and writing, conferring, and choice?

Welcome to The Literacy Studio, a new, integrated approach to reader’s and writer’s workshop. Here you’ll learn how to plan and execute lessons that weave reading and writing together into one literacy block, giving you much more flexibility to meet your students’ needs.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/LitStudio.

Hello everyone! America is a melting pot. Always has been and hopefully, always will be. Even so, immigrant education hasn't shared the spotlight with other issues, yet it is at the foundation of the charge of public education. Laws, court cases, advocates, and critics abound on this issue, but the issue should be taken to to heart and understood by every educator.

Luckily, an expert on the subject has decided to share her work with us on the show today.

Jessica Lander teaches history and civics to recent immigrant students in an urban Massachusetts public high school and has won several teaching awards, including being named a Top 50 Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize in 2021, presented by the Varkey Foundation and being named a 2023 MA Teacher of the Year Finalist, presented by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Previously she has taught students in middle school, high school, and university in the U.S., Thailand, and Cambodia.

She is author of Making Americans, a comprehensive look at immigrant education as told through key historical moments and court decisions, current experiments to improve immigrant education, and profiles of immigrant youth and schools across the country. (Beacon Press, Fall 2022.)

Today, she is talking about her book, Making Americans, but more importantly, setting the ground work for understanding the nuance and beauty around the project of public education in America. 

Find more of her work here:

• Twitter: @jessica_lander

• Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lander-07b38239/

• Instagram: Jessica_Lander9

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, A Teacher’s Guide to Mentor Texts, Grades K-5 by Carl Anderson.

Using mentor texts in the writing classroom can be a real game-changer for teachers.  But how can we help teachers find mentor texts on their own, analyze them for teaching points, and use them effectively in the classroom?

Carl Anderson’s newest book offers a five-step plan for improving student writing using mentor texts. Over 23 classroom videos, annotated samples, student samples, and online resources bring the content to life and give teachers the confidence to find and use mentor texts as powerful teaching tools.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/MentorK5.

Hello everyone! Many dedicated professionals ignore their mental health. They put it off, hide their struggles, and often suffer in silence. Todd Nesloney not only understands this, but has lived through it and came out on the other side.

In this episode, we touch on:

1. His new book, In This Season
2. The importance of mental health
3. The value of community

...and much more!

Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). We previously spoke to Nesloney about the power of community and literacy, and we are happy for his return for this discussion.

Enjoy!

 

 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, Whispering in the Wind: A Guide to Deeper Reading and Writing Through Poetry, by Linda Rief.

Do your students cringe when you teach a poetry unit? Do you? Whispering in the Wind is Linda Rief’s latest book and it’s a
cure for poetry agony.

This book shows you how to launch a simple, self-directed student poetry project that will help your students read more
poetry, respond to it authentically, and maybe even discover that they actually enjoy it.

Focusing on poetry really can make your students stronger readers and stronger writers.

And you’ll finally have a plan for teaching poetry that you’ll love too.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/Whispering.

Join us on Teach Me, Teacher as we delve into the critical topic of teaching reading across all subjects with Jennifer Seravallo, author of the groundbreaking book "Teaching Reading Across the Curriculum".

In this episode, we explore the research-backed strategies that truly enhance literacy skills, contrasting them with the flood of ineffective programs schools often invest in. Together, we uncover why these programs fail to deliver and discuss practical solutions for educators feeling overwhelmed.

Tune in for an insightful conversation that promises to empower teachers with actionable insights to foster a culture of reading in every classroom.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out my other talks with Jen here and here. 

You can hear the FULL episode with Evan Robb right now by clicking this link and supporting Teach Me, Teacher. 

Evan Robb returns to the podcast and joins me in this amazing episode to discuss instructional leadership. Evan Robb has served for more than twenty years as a building-level principal. Prior to being a school principal, he was an English teacher, department chair, and assistant principal. Evan is a recipient of the Horace Mann Educator of the Year Award. In addition, the NCTE Commission on Reading selected him to serve on its national board.

In this episode, we dive into his perspectives on what leadership is, why leadership can so often seem at odds with what teachers need, and why instruction is often overlooked entirely by leaders. 

All of that and MORE on this episode. 

Enjoy! 

PS: If you missed Evan on his last trip to the podcast, check that episode out here. 

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: 

1. Face reality no matter what that is
2. Give yourself compassion
3. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling
4. There is no objective timeframe. Go at your own pace
5. LISTEN

...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! 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! Spring is here—and everything that means for school. State testing. Unknowns. Changes. Student behavior struggles...the list goes on. This time of year can be stressful and miserable at times for teachers. If you know, you know...

But this time can also be a moment for clarity. A moment for reimagining and refocusing on what you need to do to make an impact in the classroom. This time of year can be the difference between ending on a high note, and ending in a way that isn't a representation of what you can truly accomplish in your work. 

This episode is all about acknowledging the struggles of this time of year, but not staying there. It's about moving forward and taking action that will help you reach the finish line of your school year. 

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we sit down with Tal Thompson, a National Board Certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, to dive deep into the essential principles of classroom engagement. Tal, a finalist for America’s Top Teacher on Live with Kelly and Michael and recipient of numerous teaching accolades—including the Golden Apple Award—shares his expertise on pushing the status quo in education.

If you missed part one, click here. 

From transforming middle school classrooms in Charlottesville, Virginia, to advocating for what truly works for students, Tal discusses strategies that ignite passion, creativity, and real connection in the classroom. We explore how educators can break away from outdated systems, focus on what’s truly effective, and, most importantly, meet the diverse needs of students.

Whether you’re a teacher, a coach, or just passionate about the future of education, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring ideas to create a classroom where every student thrives.

Tune in for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Hello everyone! Last week, we spoke to the wonderful Chris Pombonyo about the upcoming Get Your Teach On national conference in Dallas, Texas and what their focus would be in their sessions.

This week, we expand upon that, plus dive into the wonderful world of data in schools! If you fear data, hate it, or just want a positive look at powerful tools for your instructional decisions, this episode is the one for you!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and brand-new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers.

Reading matters because it changes us: the way we think, the way we see the world, and the way we process information.

But when kids don’t read, when they can’t read, they miss out on lots of learning and growth.

That’s why this book is such a valuable addition to any teacher's toolkit.

The new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do is extensively rewritten and filled with scaffolds and strategies that support different ways to help students become more skilled, engaged, and curious readers.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/WKCR.

Hello everyone! We all know that teachers are leaving the classroom in droves. There is a teacher shortage (or more accurately, a shortage of people who want to work in an underpaid and under-appreciated profession). 

But, not everyone leaving the classroom is doing so because they are unhappy. Many—including myself—have stepped out because of the LOVE we feel for the class, and the passion we have to help as many people as we can in schools. 

Jennifer Buchholz (also known as @skatingthroughliteracy on Instagram), is a literacy consultant and instructional coach who left the class she loved to serve classes elsewhere. Not only is she spreading great literacy knowledge on social media, but she is also open about her story and why she changed her role this year. 

Whether you are thinking about leaving, want to know there are people still enjoying the work they do, or want a different perspective on why a teacher would choose a different role, this episode is for you! 

If you want more great literacy focused content, check out our sister show, Craft & Draft and our upcoming training on January 7th, 2023. 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices by Lorena Escoto Germán.

With Culturally Sustaining Practice as its foundation, Textured Teaching helps secondary teachers stop wondering and guessing how to implement teaching and learning that leads to social justice.  Lorena Germán shares her framework for creating a classroom environment that is highly rigorous and engaging, and that reflects the core traits of Textured Teaching: student-driven and community-centered, interdisciplinary, experiential, and flexible.  The actionable strategies Lorena uses to bring Textured Teaching values to life illuminate what is possible when we welcome all types of texts, all types of voices, and all forms of expression into the classroom.

Learn more about how to become a culturally sustaining educator. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Textured Teaching.

Hello everyone! Classroom management has never been more important in schools. Study after study cites one of the biggest reasons for teachers leaving the classroom has to do with student behavior. While we can’t control everything, we can come together and think about how to create classrooms that support the best behavior students can have and cultivate a great learning environment.

To help with this, I have brought on Claire English — a fellow podcaster, classroom management trainer, and all around fantastic educator. If you missed part one, check it out here. 

In this episode, we discuss what modern classroom management looks like, how to reframe to focus on the key factors that lead to effective classroom management, and so much more.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.

Hello everyone! Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman (Stenhouse 2018) is by far one of the most influential books I’ve read in my teaching career. It’s a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students. 

So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

In part 1 of the podcast, we dove deep into the increasingly alarming practice of talking about students as if they are data points and not children. We discussed why we need to humanize our classrooms, and how to think about our school culture in a way that fosters equitable practices.

Today, we take a look at some practices we are letting happen in our classes and schools that are hurting students, and what to do about them.

Among other topics, we hit on:

• Why breaking everything into parts makes learning harder for students
• Why “training” is not professional learning
• How modeling can elevate your lessons
• What it takes to begin innovating as a teacher, and as a student

Do not miss it! 

Enjoy!

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we sit down with Tal Thompson, a National Board Certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, to dive deep into the essential principles of classroom engagement. Tal, a finalist for America’s Top Teacher on Live with Kelly and Michael and recipient of numerous teaching accolades—including the Golden Apple Award—shares his expertise on pushing the status quo in education.

From transforming middle school classrooms in Charlottesville, Virginia, to advocating for what truly works for students, Tal discusses strategies that ignite passion, creativity, and real connection in the classroom. We explore how educators can break away from outdated systems, focus on what’s truly effective, and, most importantly, meet the diverse needs of students.

Whether you're a teacher, a coach, or just passionate about the future of education, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring ideas to create a classroom where every student thrives.

Tune in for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

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:

1. Check fear at the door. We can no longer make decisions based on fear. 
   • Fear of Covid 
   • Fear of change 
   • Fear of failure
   • Fear of judgment
   • Fear of not fitting in
   • Fear of Sundays
2. Re-align with yourself and understand yourself. 
3. Humanize how you interact with others in your class, school, and community at large.
4. 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!

Hello everyone! Teach Me, Teacher is back and I cannot believe we are at season 9 of the podcast... For those that have been along for this journey, can you believe it? Truly, this has been a ride of a lifetime. 

But, we aren't done yet. 

In this intro, we debut the new theme of the season, and detail what's to come, including guests, ideas, and goals for the coming months (such as posting every podcast video on the Teach Me, Teacher Youtube channel.)

I want this season to be bigger, smarter, and more helpful to education as a whole. The only way I can do this is with your support and time. For those that continue to support the show, thank you! Reviews, shares, and support on Patreon really do mean the difference. 

Enjoy! 

Hello everyone! I get questions all of the time about how to start podcasting, how to grow a podcast, and what I did to start the Teach Me, Teacher podcast.

Because of this, I decided to be the guest today and let my Craft & Draft co-host, Pam Ochoa, take the seat as host and ask me all the questions about what I have learned after 300 episodes of Teach Me, Teacher.

We talk about technical issues, purchases, microphones, and even how I got guests on the show.

If you are interested in starting a podcast, or want ideas on how to grow yours, use my experience to help you!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and brand-new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers.

Reading matters because it changes us: the way we think, the way we see the world, and the way we process information.

But when kids don’t read, when they can’t read, they miss out on lots of learning and growth.

That’s why this book is such a valuable addition to any teacher’s toolkit.

The new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do is extensively rewritten and filled with scaffolds and strategies that support different ways to help students become more skilled, engaged, and curious readers.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/WKCR.

Hello everyone! Last week, we launched episode 300 with my talk with the wonderful Joe Dombrwoski! I cannot believe we are at episode 300 of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast. Truly astounded by their support everyone has had for the show over the years, and am grateful for every guest who has ever come to the show.

In this episode, we continue talking about authenticity, but also stray into how accurate of a show Abbott Elementary is, Goats, and of course, the big topic of changing education for the better. 

Joe Dombrowski—Mr. D—comedian extraordinaire—has returned to Teach Me, Teacher and has done so with full force! We cover A LOT in this episode, but mainly, we discuss why authenticity in your life matters. What it can do for you. What doors it can open… 

Joe Dombrowski (aka Mr.D) took the world by storm in 2017 with a viral April Fools’ Day spelling test prank that landed him multiple appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Don’t get it twisted though! It takes at least 20 years to be an overnight sensation! Joe has been doing stand up comedy since he was eight years old in his third grade talent show. He’s never stopped! Since Joe rise to fame, he has been traveling the globe with his stand-up comedy which often highlights his crazy life as an elementary school teacher. When he’s not getting creative on screens and stages, Joe spends his time in Seattle, Washington producing his podcast “Social Studies” where he recaps absolutely insane stories from teachers all over the world.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, A Teacher’s Guide to Mentor Texts, Grades K-5 by Carl Anderson.

Using mentor texts in the writing classroom can be a real game-changer for teachers.  But how can we help teachers find mentor texts on their own, analyze them for teaching points, and use them effectively in the classroom?

Carl Anderson’s newest book offers a five-step plan for improving student writing using mentor texts. Over 23 classroom videos, annotated samples, student samples, and online resources bring the content to life and give teachers the confidence to find and use mentor texts as powerful teaching tools.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/MentorK5.

Hello everyone! America is a melting pot. Always has been and hopefully, always will be. Even so, immigrant education hasn’t shared the spotlight with other issues, yet it is at the foundation of the charge of public education. Laws, court cases, advocates, and critics abound on this issue, but the issue should be taken to to heart and understood by every educator.

Last week, Jessica Lander spoke to us about her book, Making Americans, but more importantly, setting the ground work for understanding the nuance and beauty around the project of public education in America. 

This week, she is talking about what it takes, and why we should put in the effort, to build strong communities with the families we serve. 

Jessica Lander teaches history and civics to recent immigrant students in an urban Massachusetts public high school and has won several teaching awards, including being named a Top 50 Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize in 2021, presented by the Varkey Foundation and being named a 2023 MA Teacher of the Year Finalist, presented by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Previously she has taught students in middle school, high school, and university in the U.S., Thailand, and Cambodia.

She is author of Making Americans, a comprehensive look at immigrant education as told through key historical moments and court decisions, current experiments to improve immigrant education, and profiles of immigrant youth and schools across the country. (Beacon Press, Fall 2022.)

Find more of her work here:

• Twitter: @jessica_lander

• Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lander-07b38239/

• Instagram: Jessica_Lander9

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, A Teacher’s Guide to Mentor Texts, Grades K-5 by Carl Anderson.

Using mentor texts in the writing classroom can be a real game-changer for teachers.  But how can we help teachers find mentor texts on their own, analyze them for teaching points, and use them effectively in the classroom?

Carl Anderson’s newest book offers a five-step plan for improving student writing using mentor texts. Over 23 classroom videos, annotated samples, student samples, and online resources bring the content to life and give teachers the confidence to find and use mentor texts as powerful teaching tools.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/MentorK5.

Hello everyone! What a title for a podcast. But, this is a real one. No guest, just me (Jacob Chastain,) the reality of changes in my life, and my continued frustration with the discussions around education. 

For followers of the show, you have seen a lot of "Greatest Hits" episodes dropping. This is due for a lot of reasons that I go into, but the short of it is that life has thrown some major curveballs my way and it has been hard to balance everything. I am slowly getting there, but some things take time. 

This episode details changes in my life and where I am finding it hard to navigate the changing landscape of discourse in education. Come along and dialogue with me! 

Welcome to Part 2 of our podcast featuring Evan Robb! If you missed Part 1 last week, don't worry, you can catch up on it right here.

In this episode, Evan Robb returns to the podcast, joining me for an engaging discussion on instructional leadership. With over two decades of experience as a building-level principal, Evan's insights are invaluable. Before becoming a school principal, he served as an English teacher, department chair, and assistant principal, earning recognition as the Horace Mann Educator of the Year. Additionally, the NCTE Commission on Reading has chosen him to serve on its national board.

We'll be delving into Evan's unique perspectives on the nature of leadership, the challenges leaders face in meeting teachers' needs, and the unfortunate oversight of instructional aspects by educational leaders.

You can access the full episode with Evan Robb right now by clicking this link and showing your support for Teach Me, Teacher. Supporting the show truly does help, and every patron gains early access to each episode.

Enjoy!

Welcome to Teach Me, Teacher – the premier podcast for educators! We're thrilled to be an award-winning show that's dedicated to bringing you insightful conversations with some of the brightest minds in the world of education. Our roster of distinguished guests includes luminaries such as Eric Weinstein, Kelly Gallagher, Donalyn Miller, Secretary Miguel Cardona, and Alfie Kohn.

At Teach Me, Teacher, we're passionate about preserving the integrity of education. We believe that it should be shaped by educators and learners, not corporate interests. That's why we've launched our Patreon page – to empower our dedicated listeners and supporters to help sustain the show without resorting to advertising deals with companies that don't belong in the education space.

By becoming a patron, you'll not only support our mission but also gain exclusive benefits. You'll enjoy early access to full episodes before anyone else, access to video interviews, and a host of exciting perks we have in store for you.

Join us in our journey to celebrate and enhance the world of education. Together, we can keep the conversation focused on what truly matters – quality learning experiences for all. Thank you for being a part of the Teach Me, Teacher community!

Click here to support the show and get early and exclusive access to our Season 8 opener with Jennifer Serravallo on Reading Strategies 2.0 and Educational Research. 

Hello everyone! Leadership is challenging. Everyone has an opinion and many think they can do it better than whoever is currently in a leadership role. In a way, it's just like what teachers face in many circles of the public. 

Regardless, leadership is essential to any healthy organization. It can make or break the focus of a campus, at times, and it can be the change agent many teachers and families need. 

But what makes a good leader? What are pitfalls to avoid and perspectives to shift? More importantly, what does it take to be a leader that supports students and staff and also create a highly effective learning environment? 

To answer these questions and whole lot more, we have brought on Rhonda Roos, author of The Deliberate and Courages Principal. 

Rhonda is an educational speaker who coaches principals, district leaders, and administrative teams in the complex and ever-challenging work of leading schools. She is a former director of middle schools in New Albany, Indiana, where she led curricular improvement, aligning those efforts with the district's progress in becoming a professional learning community. 

Rhonda serves on the leadership team of the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute and is a regular keynote speaker. Her honors include the 2009 Indiana Middle School Principal of the Year, the 2011 Solution Tree Redefining Excellence District Award, and the 2015 Indiana University Southeast Educator of the Year. 

Far too often educators give up teaching the love of reading and writing during instruction.  They feel pressure from the curriculum developed due a need to perform on high stakes testing.

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss how to help students develop a love for reading and writing while maintaining a high level of learning that will meet the rigorous requirements necessary for high stakes testing.

Pam explains how she never shirks self selected reading and writing time.  She shares how she ties that time to her lessons.  Jacob remembers how he designed his lessons so the students would create their own learning goals and set a purpose for the reading and writing.

Join Jacob and Pam as they talk about how to keep the joy in the reading and writing instruction and more!

Part 2 can be found by clicking here and heading to the Craft & Draft podcast.

As season 7 comes to a close, we look back on where it all started. Take a trip with me down memory lane to the first ever episode of Teach Me, Teacher and see how it began, so we can move forward in the coming weeks. Below is the original blurb for the episode. Enjoy. 

Hello everyone! Welcome to the first ever episode of Teach Me, Teacher! I’m super excited to let everyone hear the great interview I had with my colleague, Ms. Katie Ingram (now Mrs. Warren… YAY!)  of Richland Middle School.

In this episode, we attempt to debunk a lot of the myths about teaching (both as a first year and seasoned vet), and talk a little bit about why this is important to do as professionals in our field.

From there, we dive into Katie’s experience from her humble beginnings as a college student, all the way through her first year, highlighting successes and struggles along the way.

This is a great episode for any teacher, new or old. It doesn’t matter if you are excited to start a new year, or are feeling a little burnt out, this conversation is sure to lift those spirits.

See you in the classroom!

Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.

Hello everyone! Today it’s my pleasure to bring you my conversation with Jared Cooney Horvath, a cognitive neuroscientist based out of the University of Melbourne specializing in human thought, learning and brain stimulation.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best episodes of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast.

In this episode, we dive deep into the brain science behind how students learn, retain, and apply the information we give them in our classes.

In part one of our talk, we hit on everything from the role of technology in learning (how it hurts and helps), why note taking can be powerful, and how physical print media can be such a boon when reading longer texts.

Of course, there is more than this sprinkled in this episode, but you’ll have to listen to get the rest!

When you’re done with this episode, please check out Jared’s work here and support him by buying his book! I’ve read it twice, and it is amazing every time.

Enjoy!

Hello everyone! Educators are some of the hardest working people on this earth. Few people outside of education understand what it truly takes to move kids, support families, and build schools to be powerful tools for all who enter them.

At times the demands of this job can take their toll, however, and when they do, consequences can be dire.

To discuss what it takes to build powerful educational environments and the cost that can be present with such work is the brilliant Dr. Nadia Lopez.

Dr. Nadia Lopez is an award-winning global educational thought leader, who became a viral sensation after the popular blog Humans of New York featured her as one of the most influential people of this life. Disrupting the school to prison pipeline, Dr. Lopez founded Mott Hall Bridges Academy, a STEAM-focused middle school in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, in 2010, and served as the principal for ten years. She was named Linkedin’s 2019 Top 10 Voices in Education and received the Black Girls Rock award–alongside Michelle Obama in 2015.

In 2020, Dr. Lopez ended her tenure as Mott Hall Bridges Academy’s principal as an act of self-preservation after developing a stress-related illness that threatened her life. The experience inspired her to develop a coaching program for women of color in educational leadership designed to build their capacity, with a focus on sustainability.

In part two we discuss:

• What happened to Mott Hall Bridges when Dr. Lopez came back
• The importance of supporting teachers and building trust 
• Where education is headed and how we can support a better tomorrow

…and so much more!

 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

 

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.

Hello everyone! As Teach Me, Teacher readies to enter it's seventh season, I wanted to take some time to let the summer breathe a bit with an "off season" mini-series of the show. Today you are listening to a Q&A episode from my second show, Craft & Draft, and next week we are going back in time to highlight some other episodes of the show you may have never heard or have forgotten about.

Below is the episode description!

Jacob and Pam love answering questions from their patrons!  In this episode, they answer two separate questions:

1. How do you implement technology into the writing and reading workshop?
2. How do you use the Craft and Draft Books with GT fifth graders in a writing, reading, science, and social studies workshop?

Jacob and Pam share how they use technology while maintaining their Craft and Draft Books in their workshops.

They each follow-up with several ideas regarding how to use the Craft and Draft Books with gifted and talented students.  Jacob shares how he would use the Books to help the students to explore a plethora of genres and disciplines.  Pam shares ideas that she has used in the past that would bring in a multi-disciplinary thinking approach.

Join Jacob and Pam as they explore ideas while they do one of their favorite things–answering audience questions!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices by Lorena Escoto Germán.

With Culturally Sustaining Practice as its foundation, Textured Teaching helps secondary teachers stop wondering and guessing how to implement teaching and learning that leads to social justice.  Lorena Germán shares her framework for creating a classroom environment that is highly rigorous and engaging, and that reflects the core traits of Textured Teaching: student-driven and community-centered, interdisciplinary, experiential, and flexible.  The actionable strategies Lorena uses to bring Textured Teaching values to life illuminate what is possible when we welcome all types of texts, all types of voices, and all forms of expression into the classroom.

Learn more about how to become a culturally sustaining educator. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Textured Teaching.

Hello everyone! The job of being an educator can be difficult. For a profession that has so many highs, like seeing the growth of young people, it can also have many lows. In such times, it can be hard to be alone or feel like you are. Having educators in your corner, whether that's digitally on social media or in your building, can be career saving.

To talk about this and how to build up your tribe, I have brought on Rae Hughart! Rae is a Middle Level Math Educator in Illinois, creator of the Teach Further Model, Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University, and the Director of Training & Development for the Teach Better Team.

In this episode we discuss:

• The value of talking with people you disagree with
• The power of community
• Finding your people
• The creativity present in all educators

...and so much more!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Tuned-In Teaching: Centering Youth Culture for an Active and Just Classroom.

Ever feel like your classroom culture is stuck? Or that you’re a little out-of-tune with your students?

If so, Tuned-In Teaching is for you.

This book is the road map for creating a classroom that is transformative for your students and revitalizing for you. You’ll read about six practical ways to connect with your students and build a more active and engaging learning environment.

By tuning in to the lives and culture of your students, you’ll connect with them more meaningfully and teach them more effectively.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/TunedIn.

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:

1. Being HONEST about our needs, wants, feelings, perspectives, and thoughts
2. Working for our PERSONAL BALANCE, not balance dictated to us by social media
3. Focusing on where we need GROWTH in our lives to be better and happier individuals

Support this show on Patreon and get early access to FULL episodes, bonus videos, and so much more to come. 

Hello everyone! Welcome to a special episode of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, where we’re joined by Hunter Flesch, the brilliant mind behind the EdEssentials podcast. If you missed part 1, check it out here. 

In this enlightening conversation, we explore the profound impact of communion within the educational sphere, shedding light on the transformative journey of educators. Hunter shares his insights on personal growth, the crucial steps toward leadership in education, and the enduring importance of self-development. We also dive into how to overcome being new to a position and how to set meaningful goals as challenges mount up. 

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just embarking on your teaching journey, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration. Tune in as we uncover the keys to thriving in the world of education.

Hello everyone! 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: 

1. Being HONEST about our needs, wants, feelings, perspectives, and thoughts 
2. Working for our PERSONAL BALANCE, not balance dictated to us by social media 
3. Focusing on where we need GROWTH in our lives to be better and happier individuals

...and as a bonus I read from our Facebook page and recite some of their resolutions they shared! 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The Literacy Studio: Redesigning the Workshop for Readers and Writers, by Ellin Oliver Keene.

Do your reading and writing workshops seem to fly by, with never enough time for your students to really dig into the work of either one?

What if we could redesign our workshops to create more time for independent reading and writing, conferring, and choice?

Welcome to The Literacy Studio, a new, integrated approach to reader’s and writer’s workshop. Here you’ll learn how to plan and execute lessons that weave reading and writing together into one literacy block, giving you much more flexibility to meet your students’ needs.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/LitStudio.

Hello everyone! As the school year closes out and we begin to look to the future, many of us are taking the time to look back and offer advice for new teachers from our experiences. Ciara Bennion, otherwise known as @ciarak.beauty on Instagram has been doing just that! 

I have been a fan of Ciara’s for awhile now, but what made me reach out to get her on the show was her video on what she would say to her first year self if she could. There were so many great pieces of advice in that video that I wanted to address them in a longer form on the podcast. 

In this part, we continue our talk from last week and talk about some much needed nuanced advice for first year teachers.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we’re diving deep into the misconceptions about student behavior and how traditional behavior management approaches are falling short. Part 1 can be heard here. 

I had the privilege of interviewing the authors of The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Support, a book that challenges the old paradigms and offers a new way to understand and address student needs.

We discuss how shifting our perspective on behavior can lead to more effective and empathetic support for our students, helping to create a more positive and productive school environment. Tune in to hear how this approach can revolutionize the way we manage behavior and elevate student success!

The authors of the book are Joshua Stamper and Dr. Kayla L. Lannin. Joshua is an educator and behavior specialist with years of experience in shaping school culture and supporting student development. Dr. Lannin is an expert in educational leadership, behavior science, and teacher training, with a focus on creating inclusive learning environments that foster success for all students.

You can watch the entire discussion by supporting the show on Patreon here. 

This week on Teach Me, Teacher, we welcome back the incredible Billy Allen (@3kingvisions)! Billy, a librarian and renowned storyteller, also known as one of the “Leaders of the New Cool,” joins us to share his infectious positivity, community-focused approach, and unwavering dedication to getting books into the hands of children—an inspiration in itself.

Last week, we dove into critical topics such as fostering literacy, the multifaceted roles of libraries, the significance of representation, and the complex issue of book censorship.

This week, we talk about how to innovate, take risks, and push to the next level for communities, promoting literacy, and expanding your reach to help others.

Enjoy!

Hello everyone! In our previous episode, we touched on the many facets of engagement in teaching, from lesson design and teaching style to the content itself. But let’s dive deeper. If you’re seeking ways to make engagement more actionable and less of a mystery, you’re in for a treat!

This week, we’re thrilled to have Dave Burgess—author of the bestselling book Teach Like a Pirate, publisher, and internationally acclaimed speaker—joining us. Dave brings a fresh perspective on engagement, one that’s accessible to every educator, regardless of their teaching style or experience level.

In our conversation, Dave will share his insights on how to break down engagement into practical, manageable components. He’ll offer strategies for analyzing and refining your lessons to ensure you're maximizing their impact. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher looking to inject some new energy into your classroom or someone just starting out, Dave’s approach promises to offer valuable, actionable advice.

Tune in to get inspired and discover how you can make engagement work for you in your teaching practice. Enjoy the episode!

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 

Join us in this powerful episode of Teach Me Teacher as we welcome Stephanie Edmonds, also known as TeachingLiberty on Instagram and YouTube. After losing her teaching position in New York due to Covid vaccine mandates, Stephanie transformed her experience into a platform for advocacy and education. She passionately discusses the importance of healthy dialogue and political activism in the teaching community, shedding light on the real-world consequences educators face amid political battles.
Tune in to hear her inspiring story, insights on fostering constructive conversations, and how teachers can stand strong in the face of adversity.
Agree, disagree, or land somewhere in the middle, this talk will ignite your thinking.

This episode was previously published as episode 93 of the podcast.

__

Hello everyone! In a world where too many educators want the short and easy answers to literacy education, Evan and Laura Robb are here to help us see the value and purpose for putting in the real work and time it takes to learn our craft, and support kids the way they need to be supported.

I couldn’t be more excited for part two of this conversation!

In part two, we discuss where public education is going wrong in how we judge quality literacy teaching, why teachers should be learners along side their students, and how modeling from coaches and leaders is powerful for both the teachers and students to see.

As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the most important episodes Teach Me, Teacher has to offer. Do not miss it.

Enjoy!

Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes! 

If you enjoyed this conversation, I highly recommend my discussion with Dr. Mary Howard (who we mention in this episode.)

Hello everyone! This time of year means a lot to different people. For many, it's a time for reflection, family, and friends. For others, it can be lonely, dark, and isolating. This is also true for the kids we teach and the families we support. 

Jenna Edwards, author of the upcoming novel Aggressive Optimism, is no stranger to the harder topics or moments of life. Her life has made it into this story, and has filled its pages with truth and a passion for getting through the hardest moments we can face. 

There is a lot to love in this episode. We discuss the real effects of trauma on the mind, moving forward, and choosing to be an optimistic rebel in a society where being miserable is the norm. 

Hello everyone! As the school year closes out and we begin to look to the future, many of us are taking the time to look back and offer advice for new teachers from our experiences. Ciara Bennion, otherwise known as @ciarak.beauty on Instagram has been doing just that! 

I have been a fan of Ciara's for awhile now, but what made me reach out to get her on the show was her video on what she would say to her first year self if she could. There were so many great pieces of advice in that video that I wanted to address them in a longer form on the podcast. 

In this episode we cover: 

1. The best grades to teach (according to us)
2. Pitfalls with being young
3. Dealing with toxic adults in the workplace
4. Making a change of school if you need something better 

...and so much more! 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.

Hello everyone! Classroom management has never been more important in schools. Study after study cites one of the biggest reasons for teachers leaving the classroom has to do with student behavior. While we can't control everything, we can come together and think about how to create classrooms that support the best behavior students can have and cultivate a great learning environment.

To help with this, I have brought on Claire English — a fellow podcaster, classroom management trainer, and all around fantastic educator.

In this episode, we discuss what modern classroom management looks like, how to reframe to focus on the key factors that lead to effective classroom management, and so much more.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.

Catch the video of this interview right now on Patreon by supporting the show directly. Click here to become a Patron of Teach Me, Teacher. 

Welcome back to the podcast as we kick off another exciting season! If you missed part one, check that out here. We’re thrilled to have Jennifer Serravallo back with us.

In this episode, Jennifer dives into her latest masterpiece, the Reading Strategies Book 2.0. But it’s not just about the book; we explore the complex world of educational research and the challenges it presents in gaining valuable insights. We also take a deep dive into the reading wars, discussing how they have both aided and hindered the pursuit of high-quality literacy instruction in the United States.

Jennifer shares her evolving journey and how her work has transformed over the years, offering valuable insights for teachers. Tune in as we unravel the intricacies of education, literacy, and the passion that drives Jennifer’s invaluable contributions to the field. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Hello everyone! Engagement can come in many forms. It can be the lesson design. It can be the teacher's style. It can be the content itself...But what if there was a way to think about engagement that demystified it a bit? What if there was a way to analyze each lesson to make sure you were getting the most out of it?

Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like a Pirate, publisher, and world renowned speaker, joins us this week to discuss his vision of engagement and why it applies to ALL teachers—not just the most over the top educators.

Whether you are needing ideas or just want to be encouraged to try something new, this episode is for you!

Enjoy.

(NOTE: Due to a special and TIMED announcement in part 2, if you are a Patreon supporter or are subscribed to the Youtube channel, the video is delayed until the announcement is closer. Stay tuned!)

Hello everyone! 

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring the one and only Kari Byron from Mythbusters! We dive into the exciting world of STEM education and its profound impact on creativity and innovation. Kari shares her insights on the upcoming National STEM Festival and discusses how hands-on experiences can ignite a passion for science in students of all ages.

Discover how to foster curiosity in the classroom, the importance of integrating creativity into STEM subjects, and Kari’s personal journey in breaking down barriers in science education. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or simply a science enthusiast, this episode is packed with ideas to spark imagination and learning. Tune in and let’s explore how to make science more engaging and accessible for everyone!

For over a decade Kari Byron has been a strong presence in the world of science adventure and travel television. She is best known as a host on Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters but has gone on to host and produce shows spanning several networks. Today you will find her continuing her mission to inspire, empower, entertain and educate through the digital storytelling of EXPLR.

Fostering her curious nature, she spent a lifetime acquiring odd skills and interests. After graduating college and traveling the world she decided to settle in San Francisco and pursue a career as a sculptor. Special effects and prop making seemed like a perfect fit. Trying to break into the field, she got an internship at M5 industries with Jamie Hyneman. Her first day turned out to be the beginning of Mythbusters, and a career in television. Though her dream was to be a working artist somehow handling poop, eating bugs, wiring explosives and scraping chicken guts off the ceiling turned out to be the catalyst of her real dream job as a science communicator., STEM advocate, and Cofounder of the National STEM Festival.

You can listen this episode in it's entirety right now on Patreon, by supporting the show directly. Click here to become a Patron of Teach Me, Teacher. 

Welcome back to the podcast as we kick off another exciting season! We're thrilled to have Jennifer Serravallo back with us, following her incredible debut in season 5. She's among the esteemed guests like Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, and Kelley Gallagher who have set the tone for our school year.

In this episode, Jennifer dives into her latest masterpiece, the Reading Strategies Book 2.0. But it's not just about the book; we explore the complex world of educational research and the challenges it presents in gaining valuable insights. We also take a deep dive into the reading wars, discussing how they have both aided and hindered the pursuit of high-quality literacy instruction in the United States.

Jennifer shares her evolving journey and how her work has transformed over the years, offering valuable insights for teachers. Tune in as we unravel the intricacies of education, literacy, and the passion that drives Jennifer's invaluable contributions to the field. It's a conversation you won't want to miss!

If you are not a Patron and do not want to support the show (link above), part two will release as usual, next Monday. 

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.

Hello everyone! As we head into another school year, many educators and administrators are asking themselves if we are on the right track. School boards, parents, and students are increasingly asking this as well. We all deeply believe in the power of a quality education, and yet many of us are concerned about the future in this regard.

To discuss this, and much more, is friend of the show Todd Nesloney. Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). We previously spoke to Nesloney about the power of community and literacy, and we are happy for his return for this discussion.

In this episode we touch on:

1. Changes to Nesloney's world
2. Mental health
3. The challenges facing teachers and admin
4. The hope for the future of education and educators

Enjoy!

 

 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, Whispering in the Wind: A Guide to Deeper Reading and Writing Through Poetry, by Linda Rief.

Do your students cringe when you teach a poetry unit? Do you? Whispering in the Wind is Linda Rief’s latest book and it’s a
cure for poetry agony.

This book shows you how to launch a simple, self-directed student poetry project that will help your students read more
poetry, respond to it authentically, and maybe even discover that they actually enjoy it.

Focusing on poetry really can make your students stronger readers and stronger writers.

And you’ll finally have a plan for teaching poetry that you’ll love too.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/Whispering.

Hello everyone! I cannot believe we are at episode 300 of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast. Truly astounded by their support everyone has had for the show over the years, and am grateful for every guest who has ever come to the show. 

But I couldn't just have any guest for episode 300. It had to be a favorite—someone who connects to our audience on a deep level. And someone who is still passionate about the work we all do. 

With that, I knew there could only be one person who fit all of that criteria... 

Joe Dombrowski—Mr. D—comedian extraordinaire—has returned to Teach Me, Teacher and has done so with full force! We cover A LOT in this episode, but mainly, we discuss why authenticity in your life matters. What it can do for you. What doors it can open... 

Joe Dombrowski (aka Mr.D) took the world by storm in 2017 with a viral April Fools’ Day spelling test prank that landed him multiple appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Don't get it twisted though! It takes at least 20 years to be an overnight sensation! Joe has been doing stand up comedy since he was eight years old in his third grade talent show. He's never stopped! Since Joe rise to fame, he has been traveling the globe with his stand-up comedy which often highlights his crazy life as an elementary school teacher. When he’s not getting creative on screens and stages, Joe spends his time in Seattle, Washington producing his podcast “Social Studies” where he recaps absolutely insane stories from teachers all over the world.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, A Teacher’s Guide to Mentor Texts, Grades K-5 by Carl Anderson.

Using mentor texts in the writing classroom can be a real game-changer for teachers.  But how can we help teachers find mentor texts on their own, analyze them for teaching points, and use them effectively in the classroom?

Carl Anderson’s newest book offers a five-step plan for improving student writing using mentor texts. Over 23 classroom videos, annotated samples, student samples, and online resources bring the content to life and give teachers the confidence to find and use mentor texts as powerful teaching tools.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/MentorK5.

Hello everyone! 2024 is here and I hear you all… There is no tired like TEACHER TIRED. It feels like the work is piling up. It feels like there is always something new to do or focus on—or worse—attempt to survive. Personal lives are taking a hit. Your sanity…

But you still love what you do. You just need some refocus.

So… ALL WEEK LONG, the Teach Me, Teacher podcast is releasing every resolutions episode made. Take a trip through remembering our focus as a community and why we do what we do. Use these days as reminders about what got us excited to go to work, and how we may rekindle that excitement to be the change we want to see in our work and lives.

To begin this week, we started with jumping back in time to the end of 2019. Today, the end of 2020. The next day… well… you get it.

Enjoy, and thank you for starting the year with the show.

FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE: 

After the success of the Teach Me, Teacher resolutions for 2020, I knew I had to have a follow-up for this year. And as promised, this is a bonus episode, meaning you will still get the regular scheduled Monday episode in just a few days!

In the meantime, let’s discuss where our minds should be going into this next year.

There are 4 resolutions detailed in this episode, and they are:

1. Be a leader 
2. Don’t reinvent the wheel, improve it 
3. Play to your strengths, not the limitations and weaknesses of others 
4. Listen to people doing your job

Thank you for listening to the podcast ALL THROUGHOUT the pandemic, and thank you for starting 2021 with the podcast!

Enjoy!

Hello everyone! This episode was previously published on the Craft & Draft podcast—my second show all about literacy! If you enjoy this one, go subscribe and support the show so you can be in line for all the bonus content coming soon! 

Jacob and Pam begin the episode with a segment regarding the best way to communicate in order to have difficult conversations.  This leads into a conversation about how communication styles impact education.

Pam shares how teachers need to approach students with a countenance that says, ‘I’m glad you are here!”  She uses examples from her own life as well as from her experiences in the classroom to illustrate how to make this happen.  Jacob brings his insight and examples of how conversations and approaches to teaching impacts learning and classroom environment.

Join Jacob and Pam as they share the importance of framing conversations in a manner that is best for students!

Hello everyone! I had Colby Sharp on the podcast back in 2017, and we talked about sharing our stories as educators.Years later, Colby has released new books, podcasts, and so much more, as he spreads the good news of literacy and books with his audience. 

Today, we spend our time talking about classroom libraries, how Covid changed Colby's perception on what's important, and how proximity to books and having multiple access points to literature is key to building independent readers. 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and brand-new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers.

Reading matters because it changes us: the way we think, the way we see the world, and the way we process information.

But when kids don’t read, when they can’t read, they miss out on lots of learning and growth.

That’s why this book is such a valuable addition to any teacher’s toolkit.

The new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do is extensively rewritten and filled with scaffolds and strategies that support different ways to help students become more skilled, engaged, and curious readers.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/WKCR.

Hello everyone and welcome back to Teach Me, Teacher. if you missed part one of this discussion, you can listen here. You can also catch the video of the whole podcast here.

In this episode, we continue talking about why relationships are KING in the classroom, but we also talk about not arguing with kids, not bringing your baggage into the class, and being the adult in the space those kids need today.

All of that and more on this episode!

Enjoy!

Hello everyone! We know that change is happening in our society. For many, this change has been difficult and has put strain on the very systems we support and are a part of.

In education, counselors are often a key piece to supporting students, staff, teachers, and families, yet what they do is often misunderstood. Like teachers, many believe they know what counselors do every day because everyone has had a school counselor. And like teachers, often this knowledge is rooted in a different time.

To talk about the counselor life and the realities of working in this field in today’s schools are some of the best people I have ever met—Laura and Kim of the Counselor Accents podcast. Their show is amazing and their work is stellar and filled with heart.

Last week, we discussed:

1. Why they chose to be counselors
2. The changes in schools
3. Realities of what counselors can and cannot do

This week, we dive deep into the question of whether kids are different now, if society is, and if schools are equipped to handle the shifts occurring right now. 

…and so much more!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The Literacy Studio: Redesigning the Workshop for Readers and Writers, by Ellin Oliver Keene.

Do your reading and writing workshops seem to fly by, with never enough time for your students to really dig into the work of either one?

What if we could redesign our workshops to create more time for independent reading and writing, conferring, and choice?

Welcome to The Literacy Studio, a new, integrated approach to reader’s and writer’s workshop. Here you’ll learn how to plan and execute lessons that weave reading and writing together into one literacy block, giving you much more flexibility to meet your students’ needs.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/LitStudio.

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. 

Transform learning in your school or district with PLC at Work^® from Solution Tree. Our resources are designed to empower educators so all students learn at high levels.

We have an abundant library of resources from bestsellers like Learning by Doing, which has seen over one million copies sold and provides a practical guide to establishing effective PLCs, to The Foundation for Change, Beyond PLCLite, The Way Forward, Training Teacher Leaders in a PLC at Work® and The 15-Day Challenge.

Looking to develop a PD workshop that allows your teams to witness the power of PLC through the eyes of a struggling student? Stream the video Through New Eyes, and experience one student’s journey through four years in a traditional school compared to four years in a PLC.

All these resources and more can be found at SolutionTree.com/PLCAtWorkResources.

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.

If you missed part one, you can catch it here. 

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! Leadership is challenging. Everyone has an opinion and many think they can do it better than whoever is currently in a leadership role. In a way, it’s just like what teachers face in many circles of the public.

Regardless, leadership is essential to any healthy organization. It can make or break the focus of a campus, at times, and it can be the change agent many teachers and families need.

But what makes a good leader? What are pitfalls to avoid and perspectives to shift? More importantly, what does it take to be a leader that supports students and staff and also create a highly effective learning environment?

To answer these questions and whole lot more, we have brought on Rhonda Roos, author of The Deliberate and Courages Principal. 

Part one aired last week here. 

Rhonda is an educational speaker who coaches principals, district leaders, and administrative teams in the complex and ever-challenging work of leading schools. She is a former director of middle schools in New Albany, Indiana, where she led curricular improvement, aligning those efforts with the district’s progress in becoming a professional learning community.

Rhonda serves on the leadership team of the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute and is a regular keynote speaker. Her honors include the 2009 Indiana Middle School Principal of the Year, the 2011 Solution Tree Redefining Excellence District Award, and the 2015 Indiana University Southeast Educator of the Year.

Hello everyone! It is no secret that times are changing...and have changed. Kids seem different. Behavior is all over the place (regardless of the level you work at). There are pressures from seemingly every angle... 

And yet, there is still joy to be found. Don't believe me? Well, no need. I brought back Ms. Chyna to the podcast to talk about all the things she is grateful for in this work, while also acknowledging the many difficulties all educators are facing. 

Ms. Chyna is a behavioral special education teacher, otherwise known as @especiallysped on Instagram, and is insightful, relatable, and always helpful. 

In part 1 of this discussion, we cover: 

1. Why she is a special education teacher
2. How Covid has affected many parts of our jobs
3. Student behavior 
4. The need to find the people who bring you joy (not misery!) 

...and so much more! 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, Whispering in the Wind: A Guide to Deeper Reading and Writing Through Poetry, by Linda Rief.

Do your students cringe when you teach a poetry unit? Do you? Whispering in the Wind is Linda Rief’s latest book and it’s a
cure for poetry agony.

This book shows you how to launch a simple, self-directed student poetry project that will help your students read more poetry, respond to it authentically, and maybe even discover that they actually enjoy it.

Focusing on poetry really can make your students stronger readers and stronger writers.

And you’ll finally have a plan for teaching poetry that you’ll love too.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/Whispering.

Hello everyone! I am back from my small break and ready to dive back into all things education. 

This episode provides some behind the scenes insights into where I was, my thinking of the podcast, and where the show could be headed in the next few months. 

Enjoy! 

Hey everyone! Just wanted to make this quick post. All will be well. Just lots of changes coming and I need some time. 

Thank you. 

-Jacob 

Hello everyone! After hosting this podcast for 7 years, running my second podcast Craft & Draft, and talking about the importance of authentic writing instruction, I have come to learn an unsettling fact… writing is so often overlooked in professional development and curriculum documents.

Too often, writing is pushed to the side or given a steady diet of drills, programs, or rules for kids to follow, rather than being a vehicle for self expression, discovery, and learning. It's also, as we discuss in this episode, often not taught across all of the 

Joining me today to try and answer why this is, and why writing is so important to teach well, is Dr. Miah Daughtery. Miah Daughtery is the literacy director of content advocacy and design at NWEA. Prior to joining NWEA, she was a classroom reading and English teacher for almost 10 years, a district literacy specialist, the state literacy coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Education, the director of literacy for Achieve, and the executive director of professional learning for Odell Education.

In part two we discuss:

• The power of writing
• Meaning before form and how this supports writers
• Cross-curricular writing and its importance 

…and so much more!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Lauren Horn, author of This Is Not a Sketchbook: It’s a Class. Join us as Lauren dives into the transformative power of creativity in education and shares insights from her innovative approach to teaching.

Discover how she encourages students to express themselves beyond traditional methods, and learn practical tips to foster a more engaging classroom environment.

Whether you’re an educator or simply passionate about learning, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how creativity can shape our educational experiences. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Make sure to use code TeachMe at check out for 15% off your purchase of Lauren's book! 

You can hear this entire talk by supporting the show on Patreon here. 

Joining us on the Teach Me, Teacher podcast is the renowned Dwayne Reed, also known as Mr. Reed in the world of social media. He soared to fame with his viral hit, "Welcome to the Fourth Grade," and his impactful work has graced the screens of Good Morning America, World News Tonight, BBC News, The Jimmy Kimmel Live Show, and the pages of The Washington Post and Time Magazine.

In the first installment of our conversation, we dive into Dwayne's career, shedding light on the pivotal role that relationships have consistently played in his educational journey. We also explore the profound significance of "showing up" for our 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. 

This episode previously aired several years ago. While I am out at a conference, I wanted to bring this one back for those who may have missed it. Enjoy! 

Original blurb: 

In a world where too many educators want the short and easy answers to literacy education, Evan and Laura Robb are here to help us see the value and purpose for putting in the real work and time it takes to learn our craft, and support kids the way they need to be supported.

I couldn’t be more excited for this one. 

Evan, Laura, and I discuss what balanced literacy education is, why kids need books and time to read them, and why reading programs are often the worst thing you can sit a struggling child in front of.

As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the most important episodes Teach Me, Teacher has to offer. Do not miss it.

Enjoy!

Hello everyone! Welcome to a special episode of Teach Me, Teacher focused completely on the new Texas STAAR short constructed response item type. 

Here at Teach Me, Teacher, we know testing isn't the be all end all, but it is a reality, and one we must prepare students for. To tackle this task and hopefully support you, I have collaborated with Pam Ochoa, my co-host of Craft & Draft. 

In this episode, Pam Ochoa shares how she is addressing the new short constructed responses on the STAAR test, required from the redesigned. She discusses the two different types of short constructed responses, one for reading and one for revision and editing.

She explains how she is teaching the students how to answer the STAAR short constructed responses, while maintaining a workshop environment. This episode can be heard in FULL on the Patreon, along with hours of bonus episodes never heard before, and bonus training videos not found anywhere else. 

Whether you are or not in Texas, some of the principles Jacob and Pam address will work beyond the test prompt and are applicable for other types of writing as well.

Join Jacob and Pam as they answer a Craft & Draft listener’s question about the short constructed response. May it help you address these types of questions in your workshop!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices by Lorena Escoto Germán.

With Culturally Sustaining Practice as its foundation, Textured Teaching helps secondary teachers stop wondering and guessing how to implement teaching and learning that leads to social justice.  Lorena Germán shares her framework for creating a classroom environment that is highly rigorous and engaging, and that reflects the core traits of Textured Teaching: student-driven and community-centered, interdisciplinary, experiential, and flexible.  The actionable strategies Lorena uses to bring Textured Teaching values to life illuminate what is possible when we welcome all types of texts, all types of voices, and all forms of expression into the classroom.

Learn more about how to become a culturally sustaining educator. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Textured Teaching.

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. 

Hello everyone! As the year closes, many of us start to look at what we can do better next year. We start wondering about small changes we can put in place to yield big results.

One of those changes can be focusing on building up your school community. Involving parents and community members to boost engagement and support for your school's mission.

This is not an easy task, but it is a worthy and achievable one.

To help us with this, I have brought on my good friend Kyle Hill to discuss what he has seen work in this regard, why he believes we should focus on it, and what steps you can take to make your community better and stronger for everyone.

Kyle Hill has worked in special education for 25 years.  His first 20 years were as a special education teacher in an elementary school.  Currently, he works district-wide as a resource lead, in an attempt to help educators support all the students within their diverse classrooms.  His greatest passion and job though is being a father of 3 kids who all have their own unique needs.  Because of his experiences in education and parenting, Kyle became the founder of the RechargED Family.  This organization provides content and resources for both parents and educators through his podcasts, the Xhausted Educators show, the Parents RechargED show, and various RechargED Family projects.  You can connect with Kyle on Instagram, TikTok,Twitter, YouTube, or Clapper @rechargedfamily. Find out more about the work that he and his wife Nicole are doing to help youth and those who support kids by visiting https://www.rechargedfamily.com/

Hello everyone! Data in the classroom has become a buzzword that doesn't have a lot of buzz anymore for teachers. It's often seen as a punitive way to make educators feel like failures—and worse—make kids feel like learning is just percentages to move up on a chart.

To really examine what data is supposed to be in the class, and give a fresh perspective on how it can effectively transform your classroom into a positive learning environment, I have brought back my good friend, Jen Kleiber.

Jen is a coach, speaker, author, and educator focused on student growth. Her work in Texas has worked to transform classrooms in significant ways, and her perspectives have helped educators embrace the tools that lead to effective teaching. Her book, Building a Bridge From "I Can't" to "I Did!" is on sale now at a discounted price.

Check out her FREE data one page wonder here. 

You can watch the entire discussion by supporting the show on Patreon here. 

Attention educators! Say goodbye to traditional grading tools and embrace the future of assessment with Gradient by GradeCam – a comprehensive solution designed to elevate your teaching experience!

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For a limited time, GradeCam presents a Winter promotional subscription offer for Gradient! Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity available from Nov 1 to Feb 29, 2024.

👉 Act Now! Click here to explore the future of education with Gradient by GradeCam. Transform your assessments, empower your teaching, and embrace a new era of educational excellence!

Follow Gradient: 

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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. 

This episode previously aired in another season.

Hello everyone! Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman is by far one of the most influential books I’ve read in my teaching career. It’s a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students. 

So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

To my delight, Regie is just as honest and passionate in person as she is in her many books. She doesn’t waste time in our talk getting to the heart of the matter, which is that if we want to make an impact on kids in a positive way, we can’t see them as numbers, or data points, or problems. If we want true equity in our schools and classrooms, we have to see them as PEOPLE first.

We have to be energetic if we want them to care about the class. 

We have to get them to feel loved and comfortable in our spaces. 

We have to allow them to be themselves, in their writing, and in their reading. 

We have to humanize school, and use research supported practices to move them in meaningful ways. 

Together, we address these topics and many more in this 3 part discussion, so do not miss a minute of it!

Enjoy!

To listen to my talks with other literacy giants, such as Kelly Gallagher, Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Mary Howard and Laura Robb, click here. 

About Regie: REGIE ROUTMAN has more than forty-five years of experience working in diverse, under-performing schools across the U.S. and Canada as an educational leader, mentor teacher, literacy coach, classroom teacher, and teacher of students with learning differences. Her current work involves on-site demonstrations of highly effective literacy and leadership practices and side-by-side mentoring and coaching of principals, administrators, and lead teachers in order to improve reading and writing engagement, achievement, and enjoyment—across the curriculum–for all learners. Her many research-based books and resources have supported hundreds of thousands of teachers, principals, and educators at all levels to create and sustain trusting, intellectual school cultures where hearing all the voices and ongoing, professional learning are priorities. Regie’s most recent book is Literacy Essentials: Engagement, Excellence, and Equity for All Learners. (Stenhouse, 2018) For full information on Regie’s publications including her Transforming Our Teaching video-based, online literacy series, her PD offerings, and blogs, see www. regieroutman.org

Hello everyone! It has never been the goal of this podcast to push one side of the current issues education is facing. I value the complexities of what we do in schools, and as a consequence, value wide ranging opinions from people who care about education's future. 

Today is a day where I get to model what it's like to speak with someone who I do not fully agree with, but value and respect their thinking nonetheless. 

Daniel Buck comes to the show bringing his expertise, willingness to dialogue, and unafraid opinions to discuss what he calls the biggest debate no one is talking about... the knowledge vs skills debate as it relates to pedagogy and schools.

For the uninitiated, Daniel has been featured in places such as the New York Post and Wall Street Journal, has a healthy Twitter following, and is the author of the upcoming book, What Is Wrong With Our Schools? The ideology impoverishing education in America and how we can do better for our student.

Hello everyone! In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we’re thrilled to welcome Molly Dugan, a dynamic educator whose journey from novice to seasoned teacher is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as Molly delves into her personal and professional history, sharing how her passion for teaching evolved and what she’s learned along the way.

If you missed part one, catch it here. 

Discover the moments that shaped her approach to education and how her experiences with students and the teaching community have influenced her work. Molly also opens up about her use of humor online—why she integrates it into her teaching persona and the impact it has on her audience.

We’ll explore the lessons she’s learned from building a growing social media presence and reflect on what she wishes her younger self had known about the teaching profession. Whether you’re an educator or simply passionate about the world of teaching, Molly’s insights are sure to inspire and enlighten.

Tune in to get a behind-the-scenes look at a teacher’s journey and the power of humor and social media in education. Don’t miss it!

Hello everyone! Everyone has or will face times when life is just difficult.  When those difficult times show their ugly heads, we still need to teach.  The question is: “How do we keep going?”

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss how they deal with such moments.  Pam shares how she looks at teaching as a way to serve others.  Jacob shares how he turns to teaching to keep himself going.  They each share other ways they get through the tough times while maintaining their roles as educators.

Join Jacob and Pam as they share how to keep on going when they face difficult times.  Maybe you will find a little something to help you keep going, too!

This episode is from the Craft & Draft podcast. Subscribe here. 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do, Second Edition, by Kylene Bears.

Hello everyone! The job of being an educator can be difficult. For a profession that has so many highs, like seeing the growth of young people, it can also have many lows. In such times, it can be hard to be alone or feel like you are. Having educators in your corner, whether that’s digitally on social media or in your building, can be career saving.

Last week, we talked about the value of finding your tribe with Rae Hughart, a Middle Level Math Educator in Illinois, and creator of the Teach Further Model. 

This week, we are discussing moving forward in education and the need to stop putting bandages on everything, but rather,  implement real change in our schools. 

All of that and MORE on this episode. 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.

Hello everyone and welcome to season 7 of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast! If you are new to these intro episodes, I treat these as focuses for the season and update listeners on where I am at as the host and guide of the show.

Times are changing, the new school year is here, and I am moving on to new and exciting adventures.

Enjoy the show and WELCOME to yet another season of Teach Me, Teacher!

I want to let you know about a free, virtual, conference for “cool” science educators coming up on August 5th. Its the 9th ScIC Science is Cool unconference. But of course all science teachers are cool so that means everyone is invited!

 

Your students (and maybe even you) might cringe at the word poetry. For many, poetry feels like finding the hidden meaning the poet worked so hard to hide from the reader. If poetry confuses your students, they’re likely to avoid it altogether.

In Whispering in the Wind, master educator Linda Rief provides a cure for poetry agony. She introduces “Heart Books,” a project inspired by the Heart Maps of Georgia Heard. Linda has used Heart Books throughout her teaching career to help students read more poetry, connect with it, and see how they, too, could write poetically.

Help students find (and respond to) poetry they'll love

Linda explains how to create and use Heart Books in any classroom by:

• helping students discover poets who surprise and delight them
• using Heart Books as a pathway to find poetry that rings true for each student
• encouraging students to deepen their understanding of themselves, and others
• teaching students to respond to poetry with an authentic voice

How do you squeeze one more unit into your curriculum? This is not a book about teaching a standalone poetry unit. Instead, you’ll learn how to use transition times for this learning—all those in-between times throughout the year, such as right before a new unit, and leading up to, or returning from, vacations or holidays.

Linda believes this is work worth doing in any classroom because “poetry is what ‘whispers in the wind,’ guiding us toward deeper reading and a heightened awareness of what makes compelling writing.”

Hello everyone! It is no secret that teachers are facing new levels of elevated behaviors from students. Many seem to struggle with self regulation, attention, and compliance. So much of this can be attributed to schools being closed and Covid changing the amount of tech kids learn with. 

But the reality is, this is currently reality...which means we have to address it and learn to move forward. 

To help with this, I brought back Ms. Chyna to the podcast to talk about all the things she is grateful for in this work, while also acknowledging the many difficulties all educators are facing. Ms. Chyna is a behavioral special education teacher, otherwise known as @especiallysped on Instagram, and is insightful, relatable, and always helpful.

Last week, we discussed finding your people and working towards positivity, and this week we are diving down the long discussion of behavior in schools, and how a mindset shift could help us evolve with the times. 

Enjoy! 

Hello everyone! In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we're thrilled to welcome Molly Dugan, a dynamic educator whose journey from novice to seasoned teacher is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as Molly delves into her personal and professional history, sharing how her passion for teaching evolved and what she's learned along the way.

Discover the moments that shaped her approach to education and how her experiences with students and the teaching community have influenced her work. Molly also opens up about her use of humor online—why she integrates it into her teaching persona and the impact it has on her audience.

We’ll explore the lessons she's learned from building a growing social media presence and reflect on what she wishes her younger self had known about the teaching profession. Whether you're an educator or simply passionate about the world of teaching, Molly’s insights are sure to inspire and enlighten.

Tune in to get a behind-the-scenes look at a teacher’s journey and the power of humor and social media in education. Don’t miss it!

Hello everyone! Patrick Harris II, an educator and the author of The First Five: A Love Letter to Teachers, came on to the show last week to discuss the importance of teacher autonomy. This week, we are diving into the importance of the first five years of teaching and finding a school that fill your cup.

Patrick's journey to his dream school is a wild one, but if anything, it should inspire you if you are hoping your career takes a turn for the better!

 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, Whispering in the Wind: A Guide to Deeper Reading and Writing Through Poetry, by Linda Rief.

Do your students cringe when you teach a poetry unit? Do you? Whispering in the Wind is Linda Rief’s latest book and it’s a
cure for poetry agony.

This book shows you how to launch a simple, self-directed student poetry project that will help your students read more
poetry, respond to it authentically, and maybe even discover that they actually enjoy it.

Focusing on poetry really can make your students stronger readers and stronger writers.

And you’ll finally have a plan for teaching poetry that you’ll love too.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/Whispering.