Annie chats with Russell Van Brocklin, the “Dyslexia Professor,” about supporting dyslexic learners in the classroom. Russell shares practical strategies, insights into how dyslexic brains learn, and ways technology and AI can enhance learning.

To connect with Russell, check out his website here: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

(00:00) Dyslexia Overview
(02:58) Spotting Signs & Strengths
(05:38) How Dyslexic Brains Learn
(08:10) Teaching & Classroom Strategies
(21:08) Research & Tech Tools
(33:34) Relationships & Management Tips

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Recognize signs of dyslexia in students
✅ Understand how dyslexic brains process information differently
✅ Use student strengths and interests to boost motivation
✅ Apply effective teaching and research strategies
✅ Integrate AI tools ethically to support learning
✅ Hear success stories of dyslexic students thriving

Packed with practical advice and insights, this episode helps educators spot dyslexia early, leverage student strengths, and create supportive, personalized learning environments.

#DyslexiaEducation #TeacherStrategies #LearningDifferences #StudentStrengths #AIinEducation #ClassroomSupport #EducatorUniversity #RussellVanBrocklin

Annie chats with Laurel Roberts-Meese about using the Enneagram to improve teaching, collaboration, and teacher well-being. Laurel shares practical insights on the nine types and how understanding personality can prevent burnout and strengthen classroom and staff relationships.

To connect with Laurel, check out her website here: https://www.laureltherapy.net

(00:00) Intro: Enneagram for Educators
(02:57) Overview of Enneagram Types
(24:48) Applying the Enneagram in Teaching & Collaboration
(36:04) Preventing Burnout by Type
(40:18) Using the Enneagram with Students
(42:10) Fun Insights & Favorites

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Build self-awareness with the Enneagram
✅ Prevent burnout with type-specific strategies
✅ Improve communication and collaboration in schools
✅ Use personality types to strengthen teaching and relationships
✅ Apply emotional intelligence in the classroom
✅ Support students through understanding motivations and learning styles

Packed with practical tools and Enneagram insights, this episode helps educators grow, prevent burnout, and create healthier, more connected classrooms.

#EnneagramForEducators #TeacherWellness #BurnoutPrevention #TeacherCollaboration #ClassroomStrategies #SelfAwareness #EducatorUniversity #LaurelRobertsMeese

Annie chats with Dr. Travis Schachtner about recognizing and surviving toxic school environments. He shares strategies for reclaiming professional agency, advocating for yourself, and building healthier workplaces.

To connect with Dr. Travis Schachtner, check out his website here: https://www.ftsleaders.com/

(00:00) Why Toxic Schools Burn Out Teachers
(03:14) Spotting Bad Leadership & Taking Action
(08:14) Taking Back Control
(13:14) The Truth About Leadership
(18:14) Fair Pay & Workload Matter
(25:14) Real Teacher Struggles
(32:14) Self-Care & Advocacy

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover the red flags that signal a toxic school environment
✅ Learn why leadership needs to be a two-way relationship, not just top-down
✅ Understand how teacher workload awareness can prevent burnout
✅ Explore the importance of fair wages and professional respect
✅ Hear why self-care and setting boundaries are essential for teachers
✅ Find out how to advocate for yourself and your students’ futures
✅ Get practical steps to reclaim your power and build healthier workplaces

Packed with real-world advice and empowering strategies, this episode helps educators take control of their work lives, fight burnout, and thrive professionally.

#TeacherWellness #ToxicSchools #EducatorAdvocacy #TeacherBurnout #SchoolLeadership #SelfCareForTeachers #ProfessionalGrowth #EducatorUniversity #TravisSchachtner

Annie chats with Joel Bouchard, philosopher and doctoral student, about how ancient philosophy shapes modern teaching. Joel explores the Socratic method, student-centered learning, and strategies for fostering critical thinking and respectful dialogue in the classroom.

To connect with Joel, check out his website here: https://jbouchard.podbean.com

(00:00) Why Ancient Philosophy Still Matters
(04:12) What Is the Socratic Method?
(08:07) Why Student-Centered Learning Works
(10:48) The History of Student-Led Learning
(14:13) Philosophical Chairs: Respectful Debate
(18:31) Handling Difficult Classroom Talks
(30:15) Embracing Uncertainty & Growth Mindset

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover why philosophical methods have lasted thousands of years
✅ Learn how the Socratic method encourages critical thinking and inquiry
✅ Understand the roots of student-led learning and engagement
✅ Explore how philosophical chairs foster respectful classroom dialogue
✅ Find out why embracing uncertainty is key to real learning
✅ Hear why modeling a growth mindset helps students face challenges
✅ Get tips for creating space for difficult but meaningful discussions

Packed with thoughtful insights and practical strategies, this episode helps educators deepen critical thinking, build meaningful classroom discussions, and foster lifelong learning.

#PhilosophyInEducation #SocraticMethod #StudentCenteredLearning #CriticalThinking #ClassroomDiscussion #GrowthMindset #InquiryBasedLearning #EducatorUniversity #JoelBouchard

To connect with Ron, check out the Soil Health Academy website: https://soilhealthacademy.org

In this episode, we explore why every student needs to learn about regenerative farming. Guest Ron Nichols breaks down how regenerative agriculture restores soil, builds resilient ecosystems, and teaches lessons that go beyond the classroom.✅ Discover how farming principles can transform teaching✅ Bring sustainability and soil health into your lessons✅ Inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship 🌱✅ Hands-on activities to connect students with the natural world✅ Storytelling tips to make complex systems relatable🎯 What You’ll Learn:How regenerative farming mirrors effective teaching 💡Classroom ideas to spark curiosity and real-world learning 🌿Ways to help students understand ecosystems and sustainability 🎓

Packed with practical tips and fresh insights, this episode will help educators teach with purpose, inspire action, and bring the natural world into every lesson.00:00 Why Regenerative Farming Matters05:34 Soil Health Secrets11:04 The Microbe World Beneath Us16:37 Regenerative Farming Principles20:48 Engaging Students Through Stories34:51 Teachers’ First Steps in the Classroom46:47 Key Takeaways for Soil & Learning

Annie chats with Jeaneen Tang, an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist, about how teachers can identify and support students with speech and language challenges. Jeaneen shares practical strategies for early intervention, classroom support, and collaboration with SLPs.

To connect with Jeaneen, check out her website here: https://www.playdumbandsabotage.com/

(00:00) What SLPs Do in Schools
(02:50) Signs a Student Needs Speech Support
(05:53) How to Refer a Student to Speech
(11:02) Classroom Tips to Support Language
(16:22) How Teachers and SLPs Can Work Together

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Understand what speech-language therapy actually includes
✅ Learn how to spot early signs of speech and language delays
✅ Discover how behavior issues can be rooted in communication struggles
✅ Get tips for making stronger referrals
✅ Explore easy ways to support language development in class

Packed with practical strategies and classroom insight, this episode helps educators support students with speech, language, and social communication needs effectively.

#SpeechLanguagePathology #SLPinSchools #TeacherStrategies #StudentSupport #LanguageDevelopment #CollaborationInEducation #EarlyIntervention #EducatorUniversity #JeaneenTang

Annie chats with Brittany Cessar, a certified Somatic Activated Healer, about how teachers can reconnect with their bodies, manage stress, and stay grounded throughout the school day. Brittany shares simple, practical tools for both educators and students to regulate their nervous systems.

To connect with Brittany, check out her website here: https://pages.magnetic-mermaid.com/free-SAH-Emotion-Class

(00:00) What Is Somatic Healing?
(02:15) How Stress Hits Your Nervous System
(05:12) Are You Tired or Dysregulated?
(09:01) Grounding Tools for Teachers
(12:45) Somatic Practices for Students
(16:16) How to Unwind After Teaching

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Understand what somatic healing really is
✅ Learn how to spot nervous system dysregulation
✅ Try easy, body-based tools to stay calm and focused
✅ Discover ways to unwind after teaching
✅ Explore somatic practices that support students too

Packed with practical strategies and mindful techniques, this episode helps teachers reduce stress, stay present, and bring somatic awareness into the classroom.

#SomaticHealing #TeacherWellness #StressManagement #NervousSystemRegulation #MindBodyTeaching #SelfCareForTeachers #EducatorUniversity #BrittanyCessar

Annie chats with Dr. Roxanne Forgave about building engaging, budget-friendly classroom libraries. She shares practical strategies to help teachers foster a love of reading, even with limited resources.

(00:00) Why Classroom Libraries Matter
(03:00) Starting Your First Library
(10:00) Finding Books: Community & Funding
(19:00) Organizing and Maintaining Your Library
(30:30) Inspiring Reading & Teacher Tips (Stories, Behavior, Mentorship)

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Find affordable books through community resources
✅ Ask for teacher discounts when purchasing
✅ Build around your students’ interests and backgrounds
✅ Keep your library fresh and regularly updated
✅ Share your own love of reading to engage students

Packed with practical ideas and inspiration, this episode helps teachers create meaningful reading environments that spark curiosity and a lifelong love of books.

#ClassroomLibrary #NewTeacherTips #TeacherPodcast #ReadingCulture #BackToSchool #EducatorUniversity #RoxanneForgave

Annie chats with Laurel Roberts-Meese, a licensed therapist, about recognizing and preventing teacher burnout. Laurel shares practical strategies for self-care, setting boundaries, and building a sustainable, fulfilling teaching career.

To connect with Laurel, check out her website here: https://www.laureltherapy.net

(00:00) Burnout: What It Really Is
(04:46) Signs You’re Burning Out
(09:45) Real Self-Care That Works
(16:40) Why People Matter
(23:36) Boundaries + What Actually Matters
(33:17) Final Advice for Tired Teachers

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Identify the signs of burnout early
✅ Set healthy work boundaries
✅ Build supportive relationships at work and beyond
✅ Use personal values to guide a sustainable teaching career

Packed with practical strategies and real-life advice, this episode helps educators care for themselves, stay grounded, and thrive in their teaching careers.

#TeacherBurnout #SelfCareForTeachers #TeacherWellness #BoundariesInTeaching #StressManagement #EducatorUniversity #LaurelRobertsMeese

Annie chats with Tom, a computer engineer, to demystify artificial intelligence for educators. Tom shares practical examples, free tools, and strategies for using AI safely and effectively while keeping learning meaningful.

(00:00) What is AI, Really?
(02:39) How AI Is Changing the Job Market for Students
(06:33) The Skills Students Need
(17:29) Using AI in the Classroom
(25:43) AI Concerns for Students
(31:04) AI Teacher Tools

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Understand what AI really is and how it works
✅ Explore the skills students need for an AI-driven future
✅ Learn practical ways to use AI safely in the classroom
✅ Address common concerns and ethical considerations for students
✅ Discover free tools and strategies to enhance teaching and learning

Packed with clear explanations and actionable tips, this episode gives educators the confidence to integrate AI into their teaching while maintaining meaningful learning experiences.

#ArtificialIntelligence #EdTech #TeacherResources #AIinEducation #ClassroomInnovation #EducatorUniversity #TomLowry