If you identify in a public space as a Christian, it's pretty inevitable that when you make a mistake or have a bad day, someone will be thinking (or say outloud), "You shouldn't act like, that. I thought you were a Christian!"

Let me know what you think!

IG: ⁠@drivetimediary⁠ ⁠@mrcbaker4math⁠

On this episode, I interviewed fellow educator and life-long co-sympathizer, my sister, Jennifer Bearden.

Jen is a 23 year veteran elementary teacher - ALL in the same school! After much persuasion that I would be nice, I was able to coerce her to allow me to interview her for the podcast! Jen shares her story of being influenced to become a teacher, what she geeks over to stay interested in the job, how she's been able to find a work-life balance that works for her and her family, and who the favorite child in the family is.

I also wanted to give her an opportunity to promote her sugar cookie business, JennySue Bakeshop - she's a real LLC and everything!

You can contact Jen on IG @jennysuebakeshop or via email at [email protected] to place an order!

Listening to the news on the way to school recently, it was reported that teaching hirings are up 16% over the last four years in Illinois!

That seems like great news, but how did they do it? Without being able to research it while driving, my assumption is that they have strong avenues to alternative certification in Illinois.

What's more important, that someone went through a traditional 4 year teacher-development program as an undergrad at a university, or that they have the desire and will to join our ranks?

Happy Veteran's Day in the U.S.!

I have mini-US, Navy, and Marine Corps flags in my classroom, so kids often ask if I was in the military, and I always have to sort of dodge the question because its a bit complicated in my opinion. Here's the story why.

Along with that, my parents' stories as veterans helps informs my own, so I would have been remiss to not get them on the episode talking about their own experiences as Vietnam-era veterans of the US Air Force!

This episode is half family story time, half a discussion on vets in America, and chock full of love for 'Merica

I mention in the episode that I would post a link to 2023 Veteran's Day perks at restaurants/stores - here you go!

https://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html

Are you intentional about where and how you consume your media and news?

I had a conversation on Friday night with a friend (and fan of the pod) about an app he had just started using to make sure that he wasn't just consuming liberal or conservative news perspectives.

It's important how and why we consume our media - what's your favorite news or media app? Does it matter to you if it is biased?

Apps/podcasts mentioned in this episode:

The Pour Over Newsletter - ⁠⁠https://ref.thepourover.org/a8ad545e/⁠⁠

The Culture Translator from AXIS - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4mV3kwxLcTOvAIpVJPqQT9?si=684a045455dc4bbd⁠

The Holy Post - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuW6iCQVmwGCpHN4BzC8K?si=f6468ce451b247da⁠

Ground News App - ⁠https://ground.news/app⁠

UpFirst from NPR - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTUnDkuKUkhiueKcVWoP0?si=36cfc4b9dc1b4acf⁠

1440 Newsletter - ⁠https://join1440.com/

I was asked recently if I am a "hardcore" Christian... the way most people would think about it, yes, probably! I am deeply devoted to following Jesus and putting Christ first in all aspects of my life. But do I think that's "hardcore"? No, I don't. I think that's what Jesus tells us to do if we are going to follow him.

In this episode:

What makes me a "hardcore" Christian?

My problems with the "hardcore" label

What DOES define me

Let me know what you think!

IG: ⁠@drivetimediary⁠ ⁠@mrcbaker4math⁠

Some people might say...it doesn't matter what I have to say about diversity, equity, and inclusion because I do not share much intersectionality with basically any "marginalized" groups. So, if that's you, this episode might not be for you.

However, I am of the opinion that everyone should be knowledgeable about diversity, equity and inclusion if we are ever going to meet the goals we set for our organizations. I may need to listen more than I speak, but its definitely important that I know where my understandings and convictions lie with respect to this topic

Here's my first thoughts on diversity.

#dei #diversity #equity #inclusion