Teach Me, Teacher

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! Welcome to Teach Me, Teacher. This episode is a version of one of my favorite keynotes I do. It's my favorite because it's filled with real world stories about my life and the teachers that saved me growing up.  Now, I don't mean "saved" in the religious sense. I mean "saved" as in BEING THE DIFFERENCE.  What did that look like to me? What did it sound like as I navigated growing up around drugs and violence? All of that and more in this talk. If you want to see the digital presentation, click here to support the show.       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! Being in the teacher podcast space for over 8 years has shown me a lot about the state of education and how it has changed. Mainly, professional development is dying. If you missed part 1 of this talk, find it here.  Conferences are filled with sessions that appeal to ideology instead of quality pedagogy. District PD’s are all about how to log in to the latest tool and assign work to kids. Books are expensive and not worth reading when state laws restrict what resources teachers can use. So, what’s the deal? Why is teaching PD in such a state of despair? To think and talk through this (and maybe have some hope at the end of the tunnel), I brought on Pam Ochoa, my co-host on the Craft & Draft podcast. Pam is an Abydos Learning International Diamond level trainer and has trained teachers in the teaching of writing and reading for 26 years. She provides professional development for those who want to become more student centered in their instructional approach. She was an Instructional Coach where she worked with Jacob Chastain and collaborated on the Craft and Draft Notebook system.     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! 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! The reading wars carry on, believe it or not. In nearly every corner of the internet—even outside of education—people are concerned about literacy in America. This has resulted in some dynamic, and at times volatile, discussion about how to teach reading to children. In part 1, we discussed curriculum expectations, the expertise of teachers, and the misuse of computer programs.  In part 2, we discuss providing authentic reading experiences for students, tasks around reading, and creating an environment kids want to be in.  Jennifer McCarty Plucker, author of Inspiring Lifelong Readers, has her own thoughts on the matter. Jennifer McCarty Plucker is the director of learning and development and a literacy consultant at Mackin Educational Resources in Burnsville, Minnesota.Dr. Plucker has spent more than twenty years in public education as an English teacher, reading specialist, speech coach, teaching and learning specialist, and district administrator. Her doctoral research focused on student engagement and motivation in literacy. Her current work with educators is grounded in an inquiry approach that puts students in the driver’s seat of their learning.           This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree:   As a new teacher, your first year is sure to come with unexpected challenges. Solution Tree’s resources give you the tools and knowledge to lay the groundwork for a lifelong career as an educator. Go to SolutionTree.com/NewTeacherToolkitfor must-read books and free resources. Since 1998, Solution Tree has worked to transform education worldwide by empowering educators to raise student achievement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello everyone! All last week, I released resolution episodes to get us all back into the swing of things. Today, as promised, I am releasing the 2024 resolutions I am walking into this year with, and resolutions I think that can help us all have an amazing 365 days.  Resolutions for 2024:  Face reality no matter what that is Give yourself compassion Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling There is no objective timeframe. Go at your own pace 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! 2024 is here and we are keeping the inspiration coming! Today marks the 4th day in a row where we are looking at our past so that we can move forward. Re-energizing. Re-focusing. Remembering who we are and why we do the things we do—why we push to be better every single day. This one hits on a lot of levels for me personally, so I hope it does for you, too. Enjoy, and thank you for those who are listening and sharing these episodes. Let’s keep pushing forward to the 2024 resolutions coming later this week!   FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE:  It has become quite the tradition around here to have a New Years episode where I lay out what I think are solid resolutions for teachers. Not the be-all, end-all, of course…but maybe a little something to set you on a path for success in your work. Resolutions for 2020, 2021, and 2022 can be found by clicking on the dates in this sentence! For this year, I am laying out the top 3 resolutions I believe are going to serve us the best in our work. They are: Being HONEST about our needs, wants, feelings, perspectives, and thoughts Working for our PERSONAL BALANCE, not balance dictated to us by social media Focusing on where we need GROWTH in our lives to be better and happier individuals

Hello everyone! 2024 is here and we are keeping the inspiration coming! Today marks the 3rd day in a row where we are looking at our past so that we can move forward. Re-energizing. Re-focusing. Remembering who we are and why we do the things we do—why we push to be better every single day. This one hits on a lot of levels for me personally, so I hope it does for you, too. Covid was here and very real. Times were changing. But it was time to check fear at the door and face the new world... whatever that was. Enjoy, and thank you for those who are listening and sharing these episodes. Let's keep pushing forward to the 2024 resolutions coming later this week!   FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE:  Hello everyone! For the last few years, I have made new year resolutions for teachers episodes. I find it a great way to reset, refocus, and share some ideas with you all, one to one. It helps me stay focused, and many of you have reached out to say you appreciate these as well. 2020 resolutions can be found here.  2021 resolutions can be found here.  This year, it seems like we have all at once, much of the same and more chaos all at once. What’s the solution to it? How do we manage so much of what we can’t control with what we want and need to get done? What should we focus on as educators? I have some thoughts. Let me know if you agree or disagree. 2022 resolutions for teachers: Check fear at the door. We can no longer make decisions based on fear.  Fear of Covid  Fear of change  Fear of failure Fear of judgment Fear of not fitting in Fear of Sundays Re-align with yourself and understand yourself.  Humanize how you interact with others in your class, school, and community at large. Fight for what you believe is right, but do it within reason and evidence.   BONUS: Check out our top 10 most downloaded episodes of 2021 here!

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: Be a leader  Don’t reinvent the wheel, improve it  Play to your strengths, not the limitations and weaknesses of others  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! 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: Find your own way. Think critically and question everything. Do not just accept what you hear. Try it, apply it, research it. Test it. Help others in a way that matters. Just giving others materials or strategies isn’t enough. Help by being a thinker, questioner, and encourager. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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!