Mr. Bryan's Classroom

As many of us start another year of teaching, Bryan shares an article from Mike Roberts (@BaldRoberts) on 20 simple-yet-meaningful things teachers can do every day to improve the classroom atmosphere for themselves and their students.

No smiling till Christmas? Do we need to act like a drill instructor the first few weeks of school?

It’s that time of year again! Summer vacation is winding down, and a brand-new school year is about to begin. The first few weeks can set the tone for everything that follows, and your mindset and attitude can make a major difference. In this episode, Bryan and Dr. James Hughey discuss practical ways teachers can approach the new school year with the right perspective, build a positive classroom environment, and establish a strong foundation from day one.For more of Dr. James content visit ⁠PFPL.US

 Many teachers are doing a variety of side hustles like tutoring, food delivery, or pet sitting. Why? Because many are trying to better their financial situation, especially with current high cost of living.   Others are working to pay off debt. 

Is it worth it to be debt free? For many people the answer is yes. 

 For many, getting out of debt is one of the best things you can do for your financial well-being. The teaching profession is difficult enough to manage with all the various stresses we encounter everyday. Financial stress can add to that.

This brief episode is a prequel to the upcoming season. Bryan checks in and share his thoughts about this podcast series which aims to encourage educators and provide them a voice. This series will also provide teachers helpful tools and strategies.

While we get ready to start our summer break in the States my time away from the classroom will be extended. Since the field of education doesn't seem to be making positive changes for teachers it's time for me to make a change.

Almost every teacher has a classroom where there is one unmotivated student, regardless of what you try. The parents have lost hope. Is this failure your fault? Could a better teacher have done better? Not likely.

Shyness is often misunderstood because it is not one emotion, but a mixture of fear, tension, apprehension, or embarrassment. Shy children seem to lack confidence and are self-conscious especially in new surroundings or when they are the center of attention. Changes in the environment and school pressures are also factors that affect a child’s demeanor.

It is noteworthy that shyness is not necessarily a negative attribute. Many shy children exhibit an ability to please and think for themselves. Being reserved can also be a worthy personality trait. It is when shyness is severe that educators need to be concerned.

Join Bryan as he and education writer Leah Davies (@Kellybearbooks) converse about students who are quiet thinkers and observers. She also manages http://www.kellybear.com

What strategies help you in reaching your quiet and shy students?

 This season of the podcast concludes with some holiday cheer. Teachers, may your holiday break be merry and bright!

 It's Christmas time in the city, and that means we not only get to enjoy the holiday season but also some much needed time off. It's halftime for us as teachers...a time to rest and also maybe think of how the 2nd half of the year will go.

 Bryan shares some inspiring stories from teachers to remind you that we as educators can make a difference. Enjoy this episode on why you are a big deal.

 Child abuse is not something we like to discuss, especially this time of year. However, sexual child abuse is going on somewhere right now. Often we as teachers hear this information at the start of the year when we have a ton of responsibilities on our plate and we haven't even met our students.

 Now as we approach the halfway mark of the year and know our students, The Teachers Lounge goes back to this topic and invites special guests from Darkness to Light (http://www.d2l.org). They are an organization dedicated to helping those children who suffer from sexual abuse. We discuss the myths, our roles as teachers, and useful strategies in dealing with this very dark topic.