The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know
This podcast helps high school teachers better reach students and gain self-fulfillment by doing so. It discusses essential strategies and stories for new, experienced, burned-out, or growth-focused teachers. The focus is on real strategies with proven results in real classrooms, not on polish or pretty. The podcast aims to provide tangible and applicable advice for educators.
Episodes
Episode #1: August Investments Make the Difference
We're back on the podcast and back in school! Start the year by investing in your students and yourselves. The people must always come before the process, particularly in August. Bring your best and carry that energy all the way to May!
Episode #26: Zero Apologies for Focusing on Students
Don't give apologies or make excuses when it comes to advocating for students. Being an effective teacher means that we focus on relationships and creating a process and environment that are conducive to learning. Sometimes, advocating means we have to also make tough and unpopular decisions (especially in the minds of students). Still, we have to be leaders. We have to be educators.
Episode #25: You'll Regret It...
I am asked constantly to name some common pitfalls educators make. While the entire podcast is that list to some degree, this episode includes some mistakes regularly made by classroom teachers. Becoming an effective educator means avoiding them (or learning from them after you make them). If you don't you'll absolutely regret it.
Episode #24: X-Men and X-Women
We've said it many times...teachers are superheroes. In this episode, we discuss the importance of identifying and leveraging your unique superpowers as an educator. What makes you effective? What moves the needle? What makes you and your process amazing? Answering these questions will help you improve outcomes in a big way.
Episode #23: Warm Up to Administrators
Administrators are people too! Seriously, take the time to build a genuine relationship with your admin. It will typically help you and those you serve. Most importantly, it will make your job and day-to-day much more meaningful.
Episode #22: Vary Your Vantage Points
Teachers love ideas that are effective and efficient. Here's one that will save you so much time, spare you from needless headaches, and help you become better at your job: make it a regular practice to vary your vantage points. You'll be so glad you did...and so will your students.
Episode #21: Under Pressure Isn't Always a Bad Thing
All students need experience solving problems, making decisions, advocating for themselves, applying skills, and completing assignments under pressure. It's a crucial instructional approach, that when used in a balanced and productive way, generates better, more meaningful outcomes. While effective teachers never intentionally humiliate, power struggle, or leave students to drown in the cla
Episode #20: Too Much Telling and Not Enough Action
Effective teachers know that action is necessary to make change and positive impact happen. All too often, we talk too much, make too many excuses, or give in to inaction. Whether it's in how you manage your classroom, your process, or yourself, don't be afraid to take action. Don't make empty promises or underestimate your ability. Trying to improve and grow are extremely impor
Episode #19: Stop with the Credit Recovery Mindset
The more we focus on grades and policies like "credit recovery" the less we focus on the things that really matter - learning and mastery. It really is a mindset that must play out in classrooms each and every day. Unfortunately, too many teachers fail to recognize this and/or are simply unaware of how to create a "mastery classroom." As a result, they become highly ineffect
Episode #18: Rise of the Rot
Excessive negativity and overreaction seems to be creeping into the classroom from all around us. It can make our jobs seem counterproductive or even impossible. However, effective educators use philosophical approaches and practical strategies to keep the rot at bay. Will there always be problem stakeholders and problem situations that come up in the classroom...absolutely. Can we overcome an
Episode #17: Quit Normalizing Dysfunction
It's amazing how much dysfunction is ingrained in our classrooms, schools, and the education system itself. Much of it is so prevalent that we have resigned ourselves to accept it as reality. We can do better. Effective educators identify normalized dysfunction in their classrooms and then take steps to begin eliminating it. For things we can't completely control, we advocate for cha
Episode #16: Public vs. Private Lives
Teachers live a dual existence as very public figures trying to also have a private life. It is difficult for many educators to understand and achieve a balance between the two. It's important that we don't let awareness of our public perception become worry or fear. Also, we can't be scared to be ourselves inside or outside of the classroom. Being unauthentic reduces your quali
Episode #15: Octopus Mentality
The Octopus Mentality is crucial for any effective educator. If you're not familiar with it, you should definitely tune in to this week's episode. It could change your whole perspective on working with your students, your process, and even with yourself. This is an episode of self-reflection that could lead to real improvement for your students and a longer and more successful career
Episode #14: Nothing is Black and White
Effective teachers know that functioning in absolutes is very difficult and often counterproductive to authentic learning. Learning to expect, navigate, and plan for the gray is both a skill and professional necessity in education. As a teacher, becoming more comfortable working in the gray will have lasting benefits for you and your students.
Episode #13: Most People Aren't Terrible
Most people aren't terrible. You have to believe that to survive and thrive in education. It's both a mindset and a philosophy. If you let the negative control you or your process, everyone will suffer.
Episode #12: Lord of the Flings and Zings
This week's episode is a good old fashion reminder of some key classroom management mistakes. If you are the teacher that "throws" or the teacher that "quips" with your students, or you know someone who is, you better listen up.
Episode #11: Kids Need ______.
Effective teachers regularly ask themselves, "What do kids need?" in order to understand their own teaching philosophy and measure effectiveness. It's difficult to improve outcomes if you don't know what you actually value as an educator and subsequently set goals to achieve it.
Episode #10: Judge Professional Development Fairly
This week's episode is all about challenging ourselves to open our minds to growing and developing as a professional. Yes, "PD" can be time-consuming and terrible, but it doesn't have to be! Start advocating and getting involved! Be a part of the solution and not the problem. Professional development provided by your school or other organizations should supplement your own
Episode #9: Intelligence is NOT the Same as Compliance or Experience
In this week's episode, we look at some commonly confused words that have huge implications for the education system, and most importantly, our students. Effective educators must understand these words, as well as how they impact their teaching philosophy and academic process.
Episode #8: Hero Worship
Your students respect and love you...even if they don't show it or even know it yet! It's hard for secondary teachers to get that much needed affirmation from students in the short-term (which is important for making adjustments in the learning process AND finding confidence and self-worth in our roles). Trust me though, the signs are there! Keep your focus on building relationships a
Episode #7: Go from Good to Great with Grading Using These 5 Things
In this episode, we discuss 5 things that can transform your classroom from "good" to "great" when it comes to grading and giving feedback. Don't miss this opportunity to improve mastery and outcomes for your students!
Episode #6: Fear and Fight Standardization
Diversity, exploration, curiosity, innovation, and motivation are all on the opposite side of the spectrum from standardization. From instruction and assessment to student and colleague interactions, effective teachers are brave enough to be different and individually impactful.
Episode #5: Evaluate the Endpoints
Please listen to this episode for your students, for your school, and for yourself. In order to be successful, educators MUST look backward as much as they look forward. This is one of the most crucial aspects of classroom success, but unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked and underutilized. This combination is devastating to learners.
Episode #4: Drive Consistency Over Improvement
We have said it many times. Educators have to focus on understanding where students are on their academic journeys and building consistency BEFORE driving improvement, starting a new unit, etc. Consistency, comprehensive/cumulative approaches, and a firm foundation of knowledge and skills will allow for enduring learning.
Episode 3: Choose Children and Teachers
In this episode, we talk about the importance of advocating for students and teachers beyond our classroom walls. We are important in creating policy, driving positive change, and improving academic outcomes. Educators know that...we just wish the rest of the world knew it.
Episode #2: Bridging Gaps and Extending Learning with References
If you are looking for a way to bridge gaps in learning or extend learning opportunities for your students, you should absolutely take the time to listen to this week's episode. Effective teachers know that when it comes to student ownership and success, individualized learning is key.
Episode #1: All of These Lines Across My Face
We are back for Season 7! Sometimes we look in the mirror and get down about the wrinkles and scars we see. In this episode, we talk about the importance of those wrinkles and scars in who you are as a person and as an educator. They tell an amazing story. Be proud of that story. Our kids need you, and you need you. Thank you for being a teacher.
Episode #26: Zero to Sixty
In our final episode of the season, we will talk about the prevalence of "zero to sixty" in education. Things change fast in our dynamic profession, and the journey from year one to beyond is a roller coaster. Effective teachers need to be prepared for the ride. We are also joined by two special guests this week that will provide interesting takes - former students and a college senio
Episode #25: Young and Restless
Do you remember being a teenager? The struggle is real for them. How are we supposed to get them to focus on things like algebra, Spanish, and biology with all of THAT going on in their heads? The good news is that the answer really comes down to what teaching has always been about: coaching, empathizing, and leading by example.
Episode #24: XL Egos Lead to XS Results
XL educator egos have no place in a classroom. They undermine relationships, productivity, and learning. They also make for bad colleagues and lifelong learners. Instead, learn with your students and model the behaviors you want to produce.
Episode #23: Watch Others Teach Constantly
Watching others teach is the number one way to grow as an education professional. Unfortunately. too many teachers and administrators fail to make it a priority. If you don't observe others, you miss out on valuable perspective, ideas, and growth. You also inevitably underserve your students.
Episode #22: Vampire Teachers vs. Sunshine Warriors
Please stop judging teachers for working at night or whenever they are able to find time to be creative, innovative, productive, or anything else. Stop expecting teachers to think the same, act the same, or lead their classrooms the same. Collaborate without strings attached. Teachers have to be at their best as often as they can. If that means grading papers and fighting fires at 11pm for you
Episode #21: Undeniable Teacher Truths
For educators, a few things in this world are certain - death, taxes, and the undeniable teacher truths mentioned in this week's episode. Remember, as an educator, you are never alone. Connect and collaborate with the amazing people in our field. In addition to making you better at your job, it will also help you find support.
Episode #20: Time to Utilize Backwards Design (and Celebrating 150 Episodes!)
It's hard to believe, but this week we are celebrating 150 episodes! Thank you for making this journey so special! We have thousands of listeners from six continents, many of which have been with the podcast for years, all working to find support, collaboration, and better ways to serve our students. You are superheroes! This week, we continue with a discussion of the importance of "
Episode #19: School Soap Operas CAN be Minimized Using These Strategies...
School soap operas are a real thing, and effective teachers know how to minimize their involvement. This episode will discuss some crucial strategies that will help you be happier AND more effective as an educator in today's world. It's time to reduce the drama!
Episode #18: Reeling in the Lost, the Space Cadets, and the Just Plain Checked-Out
Students have changed, along with the rest of the world. Effective teachers don't complain - they adjust. We have to continue to work hard to reel students back into our lessons and process. Even better, let's not lose them at all. This episode will offer up some crucial strategies on how to do just that.
Episode #17: Quit Giving Grades Away
Stop giving zeroes for assignments, awarding bonus points for non-content, increasing grades as part of class "curves," providing extra credit to "help" grades, and all other practices that distort or misreport a student's level of mastery. Effective teachers know that grades should reflect mastery. They also know that it's better to barter behavior with privileges,
Episode #16: Primary School Performance Can Lead to Secondary Wounds
Students cycle through several academic and developmental transitions in their K-12 journey. Effective teachers know that we have to prioritize supporting them through these transitions, particularly academically. We have to build academic soft skills, be intentional about bridging gaps, give clear feedback based on mastery, and set clear expectations. We can't simply say "the best o
Episode #15: Overcome the Magnet at the Bottom
Effective teachers realize that underperformance is easier than putting the effort in to find success - this is the magnet at the bottom. This magnet affects your classroom in a big way. Start developing a "+1 mentality" and help your students develop both motivation and academic stamina.
Episode #14: Not Your Grandma's Classroom
Students and classrooms have changed in some key ways. I'd encourage you not to waste too much energy reminiscing about the past. Instead, use that energy to help the students of today. The experience you have as an educator, student, and/or parent offers perspective and leadership. Use that experience and influence to model successful strategies and shape powerful classroom experiences.
Episode #13: Message in a Battle
In the heat of conflict between students or with you, it's important to ask yourself a critical question before speaking or acting. This practice is a major component of effective classroom (and life) management. In this episode, we will discuss that question and so much more.
Episode #12: Ladders of Discipline are Inadequate in Schools
Not surprisingly, a one size fits all approach to discipline management is usually ineffective. Of course, building strong and productive relationships and communities are key. Beyond that, we have to remind ourselves that our students are individuals with different experiences, personalities, and perspectives. Standardizing discipline to fit in a box will inevitably fall short of serving you o
Episode #11: Keep the Focus on Students and Classroom Management Will Follow
Many teachers struggle with classroom management, despite their efforts to create and enforce policies and procedures. Effective teachers know that if you focus on the people more than structure, the classroom management will almost certainly follow.
Episode 10: Job & Role Changes are Often Healthy & Productive
Changing jobs or roles can be challenging. However, effective teachers know that sometimes we have to do one or both to better serve our students. As we grow personally and professionally, we often have to choose change - that's what being a lifelong learner is all about.
Episode #9: Intelligence is NOT Experience
Effective teachers know that intelligence is not the same as experience. Neither is superior, but differentiating the two is crucial to building and managing your process.
Episode #8: Hardened Criminals or Hardened Circumstances?
Effective teachers run counter to the notion that some students are just "hardened criminals" with a history of underperformance and bad behavior. We focus on being a supporter, challenger, and champion for all. Whether self-created or not, many students become victims of hardened circumstances. Effective teaches focus on helping them rise.
Episode #7: Gauge Group Work Correctly
Effective teachers know that group work can be a powerful tool, or completely undermine your learning objectives, depending on how you use it. This episode discusses the only two scenarios group work should be used, and more importantly, how to gauge its use in achieving learning objectives.
Episode #6: Futures Happen Now
The future happens each and every day. What we invest in our students (and ourselves) on a daily basis helps develop what tomorrow will look like. Each day absolutely matters. That shouldn't be a burden, but instead an opportunity. Make the most of it!
Episode #5: Evaluations that Actually Matter
There is a barrage of tools and talking heads ready to evaluate us, observe us, and tell us we aren't good enough. Don't get lost or overwhelmed by all the noise. Instead, live by the "Golden Rules" of teaching and learn to self-evaluate. When you do those things, you actually generate a meaningful measure of effectiveness.
Episode #4: Deliver on Your Promises
Effective teachers know that delivering on your promises to students, parents, teachers, and administrators is key to a successful career in education. The actions that we take and the words that we say make all the difference in the world, particularly to those we want to impact most - our students.
Episode #6: Craft Powerful Lessons
Effective teachers know that there are common elements in every powerful lesson. In this episode, we will talk about them. Also, we will discuss example lessons that illustrate and utilize these elements.
Episode #2: Bandage the Wounds
Please take the time to listen to this week's episode. Do it for YOU! Effective teachers know that learning to bandage our wounds will lead to both better student outcomes and increased professional longevity. Letting things go, establishing a healthy perspective, and focusing on the victories will move the needle for you, your career, and your effectiveness.
Episode #1: Affect Change, Even While You're Swimming Upstream
We're back! In this week's episode, we talk about the importance of affecting change, even though it feels like we're sometimes swimming upstream. Effective teachers know that spending a disproportionate amount of time on students that don't want or refuse to learn is a losing proposition. It's also time for us to actively and intentionally engage with parents. Togethe
Episode #26: Zapped and Zits: Navigating the 4th Nine-Weeks
In our final episode of the season, we look at how to turn the challenges of the 4th nine-weeks into incredible learning opportunities that improve outcomes. Simply put, effective teachers are at their best in May. We don't "mail it in" or give up. We aren't just trying to survive. Instead, we are leveraging the relationships we have built and the academic grit we have deve
Episode #25: Your Life Sentence
If you had to sum up your impact in the classroom in one sentence, what would it say? How similar would it be to the sentence your kids would write? Effective teachers strive to make a positive difference. They also realize that being remembered for that impact is far more important than being remembered as a person.
Episode #24; X-Teachers and X-Parents and X-Students, Oh My!
Living in the past, no matter how great it may be, can lead to emotional drag for you and unfair comparisons and contrasts for your students. Effective teachers realize the importance of being fully present for their students and coworkers. They also know that putting good memories where they belong and turning the page on the negative are critical keys to finding longevity and peace in our prof
Episode #23: Who You Gonna Call?
As a regular part of your process, utilize content experts/professionals, interventionists, and strong continuing education resources. Make relationships with people outside of your classroom and leverage them to generate better outcomes for your students. Don't just focus on your output. Feed the starving baker and focus a little more on input. In the long run, you will become more effic
Episode #22: Venture Into the Unknown
As an educator, if you aren't venturing into the unknown, you are reducing your effectiveness as a classroom manager, content leader, and professional colleague. Don't grow or change for the sake of growing and changing. Instead, venture into the unknown to add to your toolbox. Those new tools can impact lives in such an incredible way - including your own.
Episode #21: Unclutter Your Mind and Your Path
Educators have to balance a seemingly endless number of tasks and responsibilities. This can lead to stress, anxiety, fatigue, burnout, and a lack of focus. However, effective teachers know the importance of eliminating clutter and zeroing in on what's important - our students and learning objectives. Clear your path and remind yourself to "make the main thing the main thing."
Episode #20: Top Ten Trademarks of an Anti-Misery Teacher
In this episode, we will talk about ten things that can help reduce or eliminate misery in your classroom. From mindless structure and obsessive bathroom policies to overreactions to gum chewing and more, we will discuss it. It's amazing how being mindful of a few things can transform a below-average classroom to an effective one.
Episode #19: Substitutes Shouldn't Be Your Burden
Let's keep it simple. Both philosophically and practically, the substitute shortage shouldn't be your burden. Educators can advocate for their kids and themselves at the same time. Stop going to work sick. Stop missing family milestones. Stop helping administrators, schools, or districts take advantage of you.
Episode #18: Review Day Revisited
Teachers often use "Review Days" as a regular part of their process, especially before summative assessments. However, if not approached correctly, these days can actually hurt students and even prevent learning. Playing games of random unit trivia and/or attempting to reteach every previous lesson are failing strategies for long-term learning. Instead, effective teachers utilize &quo
Episode #17: Quibbling with Parents is Usually a Waste of Time
Quibbling with parents in emails, parent conferences, or anywhere else is usually a waste of time. Effective teachers know that empathy, clear expectations, and emotional intelligence are key. This week's episode will give you plenty of strategies and reminders to help you rise above the quibbling and focus on helping your students.
Episode #16: Personal, Political, and Professional Lenses
It goes without saying that all of us have different life experiences, political beliefs, and professional practices. These serve as our "lenses" through which we inevitably design and facilitate lessons. Effective teachers are aware of these differences and the potential impact they have on students as both learners and people. How a student receives or interacts with a lesson is aff
Episode #15: Operation Dumbo
The gap between who we are and how we actually come across to our students needs to be as narrow as possible. In addition to being relationship-focused, effective teachers must possess high levels of self-awareness. They need to reflect, seek feedback, and accept coaching on a regular basis. Effective teachers come across as genuine because they ARE genuine. They are liked AND respected. Fall
Episode #14: Not Just One Piece of Pie
Effective teachers know they have to offer different pieces of the "pie" to truly connect with the diversity of students in the classroom. In addition to offering countless ways to learn and show skills and progress, allowing them to "nibble" on different pieces improves the student experience. So, what makes up your pie? How big are the pieces? Is it time to offer more or
Episode #13: Maximizing Effort
This episode discusses crucial strategies that will help your students find success in the classroom and beyond. Effective teachers know that effort is really about motivation. When we don't empathize or emphasize what really drives student motivation, we are building a recipe for underachievement and underperformance.
Episode #12: Leverage Group Work Correctly
Group work is often an obsession for teachers and other stakeholders. The truth is, like any other instructional strategy, if it is not used with appropriate learning objectives in mind, the lesson will be more likely to miss the mark. Effective educators know that we have to be intentional. When used appropriately, group work can lead to powerful outcomes.
Episode #5: Keep the Emphasis on Daily Classroom Value
Effective teachers know that the daily classroom experience has to be the most impactful part of the learning process, particularly in today's world. We have to make each day relevant and valuable. We need to design a daily experience that is R.E.A.L. and set manageable and meaningful expectations for students away from the classroom.
Episode #10: Join the Living
Living at your job is not living at all. We have to strive for balance. Effective teachers know that you serve your students best when you are also at your best. Find happiness and longevity in your job by also finding it in your personal life. Your students will be beneficiaries as well.
Episode #5: Imagine the Ideal Classroom
Spend time thinking about the ideal classroom, knowing that every classroom will look different. What does the physical space look like? How are lessons taught in that classroom? What does assessment and classroom management look like? Once you begin to understand what "ideal" looks like to you, start working towards it every day. In all likelihood, you will never achieve "idea
Episode #8: Hitting Your Stride
Will it get easier? Will you figure it out? Whether you're beginning your career, changing schools or roles, or approaching decades of experience, we are all looking to hit our stride. How do we know we're there, and how do we avoid stagnation? How should we approach the inevitable change in our field? We will unpack these questions and more in this week's episode.
Episode #7: Game Changers
This week's episode is all about "game changers" that have helped me find success in the classroom and in education. From instructional and assessment strategies to time-management, classroom strategies, and more, these are things that can help you become more effective. My hope is that you can better identify what has worked well for you, use any of the "game changers"
Episode #6: Furries and Other Fires
It is absolutely impossible for a teacher to adequately meet all of the mental health and socioemotional health needs of our students - nor should we try. In a world and society that's "all about me" and relative ethics, we have to focus on developing a classroom that is all about driving academic content and building relationships. We can't allow the fires of the world to f
Episode $5: Enrichment > Edutainment
Enrichment is far more effective than edutainment. As students reach high school, they search for more "meaning" in lessons than "fun" alone. Enrichment is the key to both engaging students and establishing that meaning. For effective teachers, striving to make every class "fun" is a secondary concern to building lesson plans that allow students to explore and conn
Episode #5: Don't Forget to Document
Effective and professional teachers document early and often. They document the good and the bad. They document how effective lessons are in meeting their goals. They document patterns in student performance and behavior. They then use this data to improve student outcomes. It's not about paranoia or simply documenting for the major disruptions/issues in class (though that's importa
Episode #3: Chatterbox
It's the age-old question, "How do I keep my students from talking so much in class?" This episode will help you answer that question by looking at why students talk in the first place, as well as why your classroom management techniques might be falling short. In most cases, issues with excess talking in the classroom are signs of larger problems, many of which are related to ins
Episode #2: Ban Bad Discipline Practices
This episode presents a powerful list that educators can use to improve their classroom management, particularly when discipline problems occur. Whether you are new to the classroom or a long-time veteran, we need to realize that effective teachers always reflect on "why" and "how" we respond to discipline issues.
Episode #1: All About People
Effective teachers focus on people, not just lessons or assessments. We learn together, achieve together, struggle together, overcome together, and celebrate together. The classroom and your lessons should reflect the real world because it is the real world with real people. Remembering that will improve your teaching, as well as make it more meaningful for you.
Episode $26: Zero Regrets....Yeah Right
As humans and effective teachers, we will always regret things - certain choices we made, how we taught a lesson, how we reacted to a student, etc. Not only is that natural, it makes us better educators and people. Learning from mistakes is at the center of any authentic learning. To the narcissistic few that say they have "zero regrets," I'll remind them that no one is perfect.
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