After the Bell: Teaching Tips With a Twist

While recording the final instalment of The Manning Park Sessions, the return of a red squirrel sets the stage for the Stunt Brothers to explore the curious and hilarious world of uninvited guests. From parents dropping in unannounced, administrators wandering into your classroom, to sudden adventures that turn an ordinary day upside down, these unplanned moments teach flexibility, patience, and creative problem-solving. Join Roy and Martin as they share personal stories from handling a surprise visit from a superintendent to dancing in the rain with a Russian musician showing how unpredictability can foster connection, engagement, and even joy. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or someone navigating the unpredictable twists of life, this episode will help you see uninvited guests not as disruptions, but as opportunities that can be turned into lessons, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
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Key  Topics

• The concept of uninvited guests in life and teaching
• Personal stories of unexpected visitors and experiences
• Strategies for managing surprises in the classroom
• The value of flexibility and adaptability in teaching
• Building relationships through unexpected encounters

Keywords
uninvited guests, teaching surprises, classroom management, unexpected guests, teacher stories, school anecdotes, adaptability, guest speakers, parent interactions, platooning

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The Stunt Brothers are back on the road for another field trip and this time they’re sitting down with Dr. Misty Paterson, the educator and creative force behind Pop-Up Studio. Her work blends inquiry, hands-on materials, and playful exploration to help teachers and students become true meaning-makers. Misty’s work shines a light on the beauty of play and the power of intentional learning design. Let’s go!

Key Takeaways

• The importance of inquiry-based learning in education.
• Pop-Up Studio promotes joyful experimentation in learning.
• Teachers need to create emotionally sustainable practices.
• Misconceptions about inquiry learning can lead to confusion.
• Tools and materials enhance understanding in students.
• Creating meaning through experience is vital for learning.
• Care and compassion are essential in educational settings.
• Transforming staff rooms can foster community among teachers.
• Creative exploration can alleviate teacher burnout.
• Building a caring village is crucial for teacher support.

keywords
education, inquiry-based learning, teacher wellness, Pop-Up Studio, Dr. Misty Paterson, creative exploration, teacher burnout, community building, caring in education, professional development

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Dr. Paterson on LinkedIn 

Learn more about Dr. Paterson and Pop Up Studio       

Learn more about Dr. Paterson's PhD Dissertation 

Living Inquiry As Pedagogy by Dr. Paterson 

Dr. Paterson on Instagram 

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The Stunt Brothers sit down with Tim Cavey, host of the podcast Teachers on Fire in this collaborative episode. They compare notes on creating content through the lens of an educator, what led them to explore the world of podcasting and how they discovered that podcasting can be a powerful extension of professional practice. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode uncovers how sharing your voice can foster meaningful connections and amplify your impact across communities. This is a celebration of storytelling, reflection, and the art of elevating educator voices. Let’s dive in.
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• The podcast aims to support teachers with free resources and advice.
• Engaging with dream guests can inspire new ideas and discussions.
• Building relationships with students is crucial for effective teaching.
• Podcasting provides a platform for professional development and learning.
• Consistency in podcasting helps maintain creativity and engagement.
• Community involvement enhances the relevance of educational content.
• Exploring diverse topics can enrich the podcast experience.
• Attention spans can be taught and improved in educational settings.
• Technical challenges are common in podcasting but can lead to creative solutions.
• Sharing personal stories can create memorable moments in education.

Keywords: education, podcasting, teaching, teacher wellness, educational leadership, interviews, community engagement, student relationships, professional development, educational content

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On this field trip, Roy and Martin skip the usual banter and head straight into a conversation with their guest, Andrew Cantarutti, a teacher and author who has spent more than a decade working in classrooms across Canada and around the world. Andrew thinks deeply about how children learn and how schools can more effectively support focus, curiosity, and meaningful thinking in a world overflowing with screens and distractions. He’s the creator of Walled Garden Education, where he shares simple but powerful ideas for building calm, supportive classrooms that help students slow down, pay attention, and truly learn. Join Andrew and the Stunt Brothers for a rich and thought-provoking discussion.
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Keywords
education, teaching, attention, technology, AI, walled garden education, classroom, learning, cognitive development, student engagement

Takeaways

• Attention spans have drastically decreased in the digital age.
• Walled Garden Education aims to create supportive learning environments.
• Boredom is essential for creativity and cognitive development.
• AI's impact on education requires careful consideration.
• Schools need to elevate standards for face-to-face interactions.
• The role of teachers as role models is crucial in education.
• Creating conditions for desired growth is essential in schools.
• The marketplace mirror reflects societal trends in education.
• Cognitive struggle is necessary for meaningful learning.
• Evidence-based practices can lead to positive changes in education.

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Time for another field trip! Roy and Martin have a delightful and engaging conversation with  educator, facilitator and author Lisa Baylis. Explore practical strategies for educators to foster self-compassion, build resilience, and find moments of joy amidst the chaos of teaching. Lisa shares personal stories, evidence-based practices, and actionable tips to support teacher well-being and create a positive classroom environment. The conversation dives deep into topics covered in her book Self-Compassion for Educators and  explores how compassion, mindfulness, and self-kindness can transform not only our classrooms, but our everyday lives. Join Lisa and The Stunt Brothers for this thought provoking and helpful discussion.

Key Topics

• The importance of modeling authentic self-compassion for students and staff
• Simple mindfulness and self-care practices teachers can integrate into their day
• The role of community, connection, and staffroom culture in well-being
• How to navigate internal critics and embrace imperfection
• Incorporating play, gratitude, and joy into daily routines
• Recognizing signs of stress and the power of mindful pause
• The systemic value of self-compassion for educational reform
• Practical techniques: quick mindfulness moments, walking meditations, and kindness rituals

Resources & Links

• Self-Compassion for Educators Book by Lisa Baylis
• Thich Nhat Hanh on Suffering and Mindfulness
• Joe Dispenza's Walking Meditation

Connect with Lisa Baylis

• Website

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Roy takes the reins in this episode as Martin admits he is not feeling 100%. Reflecting on a recent last-minute call to substitute in an elementary classroom, Roy describes what started out as an ordinary day quickly became an eye-opening snapshot of the state of math instruction in many schools. As the Stunt Brothers compare notes, a picture emerges of teachers stitching together units from multiple sources, students working through worksheets pulled from online marketplaces, and everyone doing their best to make it work despite resource shortages. With all of this going on it raises the question of what does a good elementary math program actually look like? To find out, our duo decides to go on a field-trip-style quest for answers. And where better to start than with someone who studies math education, teaches it, and trains others to teach it well?

Dr. Lily Yen is a professor of mathematics at Capilano University and the driving force behind the SNAP Math program. Dr. Yen’s work centers on building mathematical thinking, deepening conceptual understanding, and helping future teachers develop clarity and confidence in their own math instruction.

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Takeaways

• The importance of removing the fear associated with math education.
• Teachers should focus on building connections with their students.
• Diversity in the classroom is a strength that should be embraced.
• Math education should be inquiry-based and engaging.
• The SNAP Math program fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Mentorship for new teachers is crucial for their development.
• Understanding is more important than rote practice in math education.
• Technology can enhance learning but should be used wisely.
• Teachers need to be equipped with a deep understanding of math concepts.
• Creating a love for math in students is essential for their success.

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In this episode, The Stunt Brothers reflect on the growth of their podcast and preview an exciting lineup of upcoming guests, including educators, researchers, authors, and thought leaders from across Canada. The discussion then turns to a deeper theme: the role of data in education. As Roy and Martin draw on personal stories and listener feedback, our hosts question whether data truly supports students and teachers or simply adds stress and drives unhelpful comparisons. They emphasize that data only has value when it leads to meaningful action, resources, and support. This episode encourages educators, parents, and administrators to share their experiences, rethink how success is measured in schools, and focus on what really matters: relationships, learning, well-being, and authentic student growth. And just don't mention the F word!

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Key Takeaways:

• Data collection in education often overwhelms teachers without providing tangible support.
• The overemphasis on data can detract from meaningful teaching and learning experiences.
• Despite extensive data collection, teachers frequently lack the resources needed to address identified issues.
• FSAs (Foundation Skills Assessments) are criticized for adding stress without improving educational outcomes.
• Teachers feel that data-driven approaches often fail to capture the nuances of student learning and engagement.
• The promise of data leading to additional classroom support is rarely fulfilled, leaving teachers frustrated.
• Data should be used to inform and enhance teaching practices, not just to evaluate performance.
• FSAs are seen as a tool for ranking schools rather than supporting student and teacher needs.
• Effective use of data requires a balance between quantitative metrics and qualitative insights.
• Teachers advocate for a more holistic approach to data that includes emotional and social aspects of learning.

Sound Bites:
"Teachers are drowning in data."
"Data for data's sake is frustrating."
"You can't put a number on feeling valued."

Keywords:
data collection, education, teacher support, FSAs, emotional metrics, classroom challenges, student success, educational data, teaching methods, school rankings, counselling support, educational assistants, emotional labor, data overuse

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Martin and Roy kick things off on one of those cold, rainy, grey days when five degrees or lower means snow is piling up on the North Shore mountains. With the weather closing in and the Christmas holidays behind them, the conversation turns to honest reflections on indulgent eating, missed workouts, and good intentions to get back outside and move more. Things get a little personal when Martin admits that hauling the recording gear up the library stairs felt harder than it should have. That realization leads to a timely field trip to meet Tine Parker, an Olympic sailor, coach, educational leader, and North Vancouver vice-principal whose work with Healthy Futures focuses on physical literacy, healthy eating, and getting kids outdoors. And just maybe, Tina has a few words of advice for our podcasters too.
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Keywords

Olympic sailor, physical literacy, outdoor learning, Healthy Futures, experiential learning, community support, wellness, education, North Vancouver, Tine Parker

Takeaways

• Tine Parker emphasizes the importance of physical literacy for lifelong health.
• Outdoor learning enhances student engagement and understanding.
• The Healthy Futures program supports wellness and healthy eating in schools.
• Experiential learning fosters deeper connections with the material.
• Community support is vital for successful educational programs.
• Tine's Olympic experience shaped her approach to education and coaching.
• Physical activity is crucial for mental and physical well-being.
• Teachers can integrate outdoor learning into various subjects.
• Healthy eating programs in schools promote equal access to nutrition.
• Tine's leadership inspires educators to prioritize student wellness.

Sound bites

"Physical literacy is key to lifelong health." "Outdoor learning transforms student engagement." "Healthy Futures supports wellness in schools." "Experiential learning deepens understanding." "Community support is essential for success." "Olympic experiences shape educational approaches." "Physical activity boosts mental well-being." "Integrate outdoor learning into all subjects." "Equal access to nutrition is vital." "Inspire wellness through leadership."

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For Season 2 Episode 20 of After The Bell, The Stunt Brothers are back in the box with their second episode of 2026. Roy gets creative with numbers while Martin seems overwhelmed at the odds he was ever born. This brings this episode to the challenges and preparations for retirement in the teaching profession. The Stunt Brothers know the perfect guest, the iconic Linda Watson, a well-respected figure in British Columbia's education community, who shares her insights on her amazing career, retirement planning, pensions, and the importance of being financially prepared for life after teaching. Their conversation covers various aspects of retirement, including the emotional readiness to leave teaching, the financial implications of retirement, and the changes in pension plans over the years. Linda's experiences and advice provide valuable guidance for all teachers no matter at what point they are in their career.

Takeaways
Teachers often feel overwhelmed with work even after students leave.
Retirement requires careful planning and preparation.
Linda Watson is a respected figure in the education community.
Pension plans have evolved, impacting retirement benefits.
Teachers should consider their emotional readiness for retirement.
Financial planning is crucial for a successful retirement.
Health benefits change significantly after retirement.
TTOC work can supplement retirement income but shouldn't be relied upon.
Understanding pension options is essential for teachers.
Retirement offers the gift of time to pursue new interests.


Sound bites

"I wore a ball gown to school."
"Retirement is fabulous."
"You get the gift of time."

Keywords

teaching, retirement, pension, wellness, education, teacher support, After the Bell, Linda Watson, career transition, financial planning

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The Stunt Brothers celebrate the New Year from a beautiful location on Pender Island, one of the Gulf Islands in British Columbia, Canada. They discuss New Year's resolutions, with Roy trying to bring light to the Dark Lord and Martin, after initially insisting that he is perfect, agrees not to interrupt Roy so often. The conversation transitions into the excitement of new beginnings in the teaching profession, as they prepare to interview four enthusiastic teacher candidates who have just completed their first practicum. The Stunt Brothers reflect on the passion and energy of these new educators, reminiscing about their own teaching experiences and the challenges that come with it.

Their conversation with teacher candidates Caitlyn, Emma, Chris, and Olivia reveals a delightful group who so willingly share their experiences and reflections on their journey into teaching. They discuss their backgrounds, the challenges and surprises they faced during their two-week practicum, and the importance of building relationships with students. The candidates also share heartwarming moments from their time in the classroom and offer advice for new teacher candidates. The discussion highlights the passion and dedication of these future educators as they navigate their early teaching experiences.

Takeaways
Teaching is a journey that requires continuous learning.
Building relationships with students is crucial for effective teaching.
Mistakes are part of the learning process for both teachers and students.
The practicum experience is a valuable opportunity for growth.
Creativity in lesson planning can make learning more engaging.
Teaching is not just about delivering content; it's about connecting with students.
Every teacher has a unique story and path to the profession.
Support from peers and mentors is essential in the teaching journey.
Reflecting on experiences helps improve teaching practices.
The joy of teaching comes from the connections made with students.

Keywords
teacher candidates, teaching journey, practicum experience, classroom management, building relationships, teaching challenges, education, personal stories, future teachers, teaching advice

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