Episodes

In episode 155, I introduced the idea that there are many aspects of our jobs as educators that we do not get paid to do. Instead, these details are expected. I talked about these three areas for example: 1. Connect with kids, parents, and the community...

So what do we get paid to do as educators? When you sign on to work in schools there may be things that you are expected to do that you didn't realize were part of the job. Do we get paid to teach? Do we get paid to be at work? Do we get paid to prepare...

Why do you do what you do? Have you thought about it? If so or if not, how could you use those thoughts to keep you focused on what matters? I recently read Simon Sinek's book, Start With Why. Simon notes, "we say what we do, sometimes how we do it, but...

I have a unique opportunity right now. I am overseeing the repurposing of an elementary school that was originally built in the 60's. It is now becoming an education training center. The other day, I peered into one of the old classrooms and it was emp...

With all of the focus on superheroes, I thought that I would reflect on those individuals who made a difference in my life. They are my superheroes. They all had something in common. They ... 1. Believed in me 2. Encouraged me 3. Pushed me. So how about...

3 Ways to Stay in Contact with Parents: 1. Postcards 2. Your Own YouTube Channel 3. Use Google Voice Today, I'm talking about making a promise to use your summer to learn and use a new way to stay in contact with the parents of your students. What do y...

Apex Fun Run offers the opportunity to fund raise for schools without depending upon traditional "product-based" programs. I don't know about you but as a kid I sold my share of Turtles (the candy not the critter), candy bars like Snickers and Milky Wa...

Last episode I talked about creating a 9th Grade Transition Program for Kids. This week I am focused on creating a 9th Grade Transition Program for Parents. Today, I'm sharing my 16 ideas for a parent transition program. Do you have one? What would you ...

Do you have a 9th grade transition program for your rising 9th graders? If you don't, you should. If you do, do you have kids help run it? If you don't, you should. Kids don't have all of the answers but they do know what they like and don't like. Man...

Field trips are important. There is nothing like experiencing something first hand or putting your hands on whatever the content is. Virtual trips are nice for those trips that would be too expensive, but nothing takes the place of being front and cen...

40 Years of Star Wars and School! Wow! Were you there in line on May 25th, 1977? Do you have any favorite memories of any of the Star Wars movies? How about favorite characters or scenes? Let's think about school? Any special memories as a kid or tea...

Have you figured out that to help you with the classroom you need to buy stuff that will help you?  Don't get me wrong the school often will have supplies that will help, but to really get a leg up on working with the kids you need to buy stuff. Well, ...

Today, I'm talking about my 11 wants for what I consider my perfect classroom. Have you ever thought about this? You know, if money was not an issue what would you like to have? What changes would you make to your current classroom or if you haven't st...

You may remember Suzy from a couple of earlier interviews: Episode 2 where we talked about her instructional program called Math in the Fast Lane and on Episode 43 we talked about her book Learning in the Fast Lane. She is a national presenter, life-lo...

In episode 141, I explain four reasons why field trips are important.  Yes, technology has made it possible to take virtual trips but there is still nothing like being there. Nothing replaces getting your hands dirty or learning first hand in the enviro...

Field trips are important. There I said it. Too often the experience of good interaction with the real world get axed in the name of ..."not enough time." This is so not right. Kids get excited to learn more by experiencing those activities, events...

Did you ever feel like saying, "No one ever told me about this?" Come on you know what I'm talking about. One day, while thinking about this issue or challenge you are facing, your mind says to you, "You know you asked to be an administrator."   You s...

Did you listen to my last episode? What? If you did not I hope that you will go back and check it out...follow this link 138. In that episode I spoke about the need to be a lifelong learner. Matter of fact, I had a list of 14 ways to follow this pled...

When we become educators we sign on to be lifelong learners. Whether you knew it or not it is a major aspect of what we do. We have to keep learning. By the way, notice that I said educators. That is because I'm not only talking about the classroom teac...

Today, I'm talking with Michael Miller of Michael Miller Solutions. He is an entrepreneur, tutor, and photographer. Michael and I go way back. I was an assistant principal at his high school. By the way, he never was in trouble just in case you were thi...

This is part 2 of Visitors , Customers, and Guests. Today, I am talking about our schools not other organizations. Have you ever taken a close look at your school to observe how people are greeted and treated? We have people who help people. We have pe...

Do you treat your visitors like guests? Do you pay attention to how your staff answer the phones or treat people as they walk through the door? You should. Today, I am talking about several bad experiences which I had at a local spot that I like to visi...

Mr. Jake Collins is a high school math teacher from Statesboro, Georgia. He likes "being in the classroom and seeing the light come on when the kids enjoy the mental exercise of mathematics." Additionally,  he knows that the kids don't always come to ma...

Today, I am talking with Dr. Jessica Tsang, one of three authors of the book The ABCs of How We Learn (2016).  The other two authors are Dr. Dan Schwartz and Dr. Kristen P. Blair. All three are colleagues in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford...