Episodes

Last week you heard Jim talk about the importance of education in his life. This week Jim talks about his experience in the Navy and his role in World War II. Remember that Jim is a primary source. He is recalling his experience. How could you use his t...

This is part 3 of my interview of Jim Spradley. Today we are talking about his military experience in World War II. Here are some samples from our discussion: How Jim ended up in the Navy. What he was trained to do and where he was eventually dropped in...

This is my reflection on part 2 of my interview with Jim Spradley. If you haven't listened to Part 1, it is episode 166. His focus during this segment of the interview is the importance of school. He wanted to go to school. He talks about the desire to ...

This is part 2 of my interview with Jim Spradley. He was born in 1923 in south Georgia. He is in his 90's. Today we are talking about education and a desire to go to school. Jim mentions books that made an impact on him when he was young. He liked the s...

In episode 165 I talked about the upcoming series of shows that would be focused on my interview with Mr. Jim Spradley. In the first segment of the interview (episode 166), Jim shares his thoughts about growing up in rural Dooly County (south Georgia). ...

Mr. Jim Spradley was born in 1923. He was the child of sharecroppers in Dooly County, Georgia. This is the first part of my interview with Jim. At the time of this interview he was 91 years old. (By the way, one of his dogs was sitting with him on the ...

Do you take time to explain the difference between primary and secondary sources of information to your classes? Do you require the kids to learn to use primary sources not just secondary? Today I will introduce you to the difference between primary a...

Do you give homework? If so, do you know why you give homework? Today's discussion centers around questioning why we give homework.  I talk about 3 great reasons for giving homework and 5 problematic reasons. Additionally, I speak to understanding that ...

Corey Knight is a middle school science teacher in Indiana. He also has created a way for you to get started in using technology in the classroom. Even though he has had offers to leave the classroom (since he knows technology) he has chosen to stay and...

Sargy Letuchy is a teacher in suburban Chicago and he has created a book that will hook you up with excellent graphic organizers to help you get the kids to a greater level of understanding. I like to find tools that are easy for teachers and administra...

John Tibbetts is a 21-year veteran of the US Army and he is now the 2018 Georgia Teacher of the Year.  He served in combat as a tank commander in Desert Storm, was deployed to Turkey in the Iraq War and saw service with NATO headquarters in Afghanistan...

Do you have procedures for the electronic devices that the students use in your classroom? Now I don't mean the cell phones and other technology that the kids bring. I'm talking about the laptops, chromebooks/netbooks, and calculators that you have for ...

Attendance, part 2 - Paying attention and following up. This is a continuation of episode 158 where I talked about the importance of taking attendance. I have seen adults take forever to determine if all kids are in class or not. You do not want it to w...

Taking attendance is very important, but it shouldn't take you more than a minute or two. If it is taking you 5 or more minutes then you may be avoiding starting class. 3 Don'ts in taking attendance: 1. Don't take 5 or more minutes to figure out who ...

The first day and week of school and what you need to do to be ready. Wow! Is it that time already? The first day and week of school are so very important. Kids and teachers, believe it or not, worry about the first day and week. Now some of these conce...

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...