New Teacher Talk

In this episode of New Teacher Talk, we invite Keon Ruiter, a dedicated second-grade teacher with 18 years of experience at Maria Sanchez Elementary School, to share his time-tested approach to classroom management through relationship building.

Keon reveals how positive connections with students and families create the foundation for everything else that happens in the classroom. From the moment students arrive, he demonstrates how simple door greetings can set the tone for the entire day while providing valuable insights into each child's emotional state.

Discover the power of morning meetings as Keon walks us through his straightforward structure that builds classroom community and supports social-emotional learning. Learn how to create collaborative "respect agreements" with your students that cover student-to-student, student-to-teacher, teacher-to-student, and environment interactions, plus how to adapt these agreements for today's technology-rich classrooms.

Keon shares practical family engagement strategies, including the beloved "all about me bag" activity that serves as a perfect first homework assignment while helping teachers learn about their students' interests and backgrounds. He also discusses effective communication techniques for building positive relationships with families, from dismissal-time interactions to using apps for sharing good news.

The episode concludes with Keon's innovative "chance slip" system for positive reinforcement, showing how non-material rewards can motivate students while reinforcing classroom expectations.

Whether you're a new teacher looking to establish strong classroom management from day one or a veteran educator seeking fresh relationship-building strategies, this episode offers practical, proven techniques that will transform your classroom community. Keon's approach proves that when students feel safe, supported, and valued, both learning and positive behavior naturally flourish.

#ClassroomCommunity #RelationshipDrivenTeaching #PositiveClassroomManagemetn #EducationTips #Newteachertips #newteachers #newteachertalk #podcast

Join us for an essential conversation with Brad Sever, assistant principal and PBL expert, as he breaks down the secrets to making project-based learning sustainable in your classroom. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by PBL or wondered how to make it work long-term, this episode is for you.

Brad takes us through the seven "gold standard" design elements of project-based learning as defined by PBLWorks: challenging problems with driving questions, student voice and choice, authenticity, reflection, critique and revision, sustained inquiry, and public culminating products. But here's the game-changer – he shows us how to make these elements sustainable through his innovative SPBL (Sustainable Project-Based Learning) approach.

Discover Brad's practical five-step implementation process that integrates social-emotional learning and teacher action research within collaborative teams. Learn how to plan units with clear standards alignment, develop assessments that capture surface, deep, and transfer learning, and establish team goals that actually stick.

New to PBL? Brad shares four essential reflective questions that any teacher team can start with today. Feeling overwhelmed by all seven design elements? Learn his brilliant "stereo equalizer" approach that lets you adjust each element based on your readiness, your students' needs, and your specific unit.

This isn't just theory, it's a roadmap for creating powerful, authentic learning experiences that engage students while remaining manageable for teachers. Whether you're a PBL newcomer or veteran looking to refine your approach, you'll walk away with concrete strategies and renewed confidence.

Brad’s Website: https://perseveranceeducation.com/

#ProjectBasedLearning #PBL #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #EducationalLeadership #StudentEngagement #AuthenticLearning #TeacherCollaboration #EducationPodcast #NewTeachers #SustainablePBL #TeachingStrategies #StudentVoice #EducationalInnovation #ClassroomManagement #TeacherSupport

What if changing just a few words could transform your entire classroom management approach? Join us as district administrator, author, and blogger Heather Lyon reveals how the simple shift from "No running" to "Walk please" can revolutionize student behavior and classroom dynamics.

Inspired by a classic "Who's the Boss?" episode where "No parking" became "Park elsewhere," Lyon shares the science behind why positive language works better than negative commands. Drawing on research from parenting expert Alana Pace, she explains how our brains process positive directions more efficiently, requiring less mental gymnastics from students who are already navigating countless rules and expectations.

This isn't about avoiding discipline or being overly permissive, it’s about providing crystal-clear guidance that helps establish your authority as a new teacher. Lyon offers four actionable strategies: reframing classroom rules positively, practicing positive corrections, maintaining consistent language, and modeling this approach with colleagues.

Whether you're struggling with classroom management or simply want to refine your communication skills, this episode provides immediately applicable techniques that will make your instructions clearer, your students more responsive, and your teaching more effective.

Perfect for new teachers, student teachers, and veteran educators looking to enhance their classroom communication.

#NewTeacherTalk #ClassroomManagement #PositiveLanguage #TeachingTips #NewTeachers #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport #ProfessionalDevelopment #StudentBehavior #TeachingStrategies #ClassroomCommunication #TeacherLife #EducationLeadership #TeachingSuccess #BackToSchool

Join PE teachers and education veterans Tom Rocco and Mike Gillespie on New Teacher Talk as they break down the four pillars every new educator needs to master. Whether you're stepping into your first classroom or looking to refine your approach, this episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

Discover proven methods for building authentic student relationships through surveys, conversations, and school involvement. Learn how backward design and solid preparation can transform your lesson planning, while practical organization tips help you establish routines that actually stick. Plus, get insider advice on communication strategies that strengthen both student connections and family partnerships—from weekly newsletters to those game-changing positive phone calls home.

Packed with real classroom experiences and no-nonsense advice, this episode gives new teachers the confidence and tools to thrive from day one. Perfect for educators at any level who want to build stronger classrooms and deeper student relationships.

#NewTeacher #TeachingTips #Education #PodcastLife #TeacherLife #ClassroomManagement #StudentSuccess #NewTeacherTalk

1 of 3 in a Series:

Join education professor Ken King from Aurora University as he debunks one of education's most persistent myths: that repetition alone leads to learning mastery. In this essential episode for new teachers, King reveals why the brain science shows repetition isn't enough and introduces four evidence-based strategies that actually work for long-term retention.

King explores the dangerous "fluency illusion" that tricks students into thinking they've mastered material when they haven't, and explains how our brain's limited working memory makes simple repetition ineffective. Then he dives deep into four game-changing strategies: retrieval practice (the power of self-testing), spaced repetition (strategic review timing), elaboration (connecting new info to existing knowledge), and interleaving (mixing different problem types).

Whether you're a first-year teacher struggling with student retention or a veteran educator looking to upgrade your methods, this episode provides practical, science-backed techniques you can implement immediately. King's clear explanations of the neuroscience behind learning will transform how you think about teaching and help your students move information from short-term memory into long-term mastery.

Perfect for: New teachers, education students, veteran educators interested in cognitive science, and anyone wanting to understand how the brain really learns.

#BrainBasedLearning #EffectiveLearning #RetrievalPractice #MetacognitionMatters #Newteachertips #newteachers #newteachertalk #podcast

Join Executive Principal Jesse Kraft as he reveals the missing piece in most classrooms: the "why" behind every lesson. While teachers excel at explaining what students will learn and how they'll learn it, Jesse discovered through his classroom observations that students rarely understand why the content matters to their lives.

In this insightful episode, Jesse shares a pivotal moment observing an excellent fifth-grade teacher whose students couldn't articulate the purpose behind their learning beyond "it'll be on the test." This eye-opening experience led Jesse to advocate for explicitly establishing the "why" in every lesson—creating age-appropriate, compelling reasons that connect learning to students' real lives.

Jesse draws powerful parallels between student engagement and adult professional development, demonstrating that understanding relevance is crucial at every age. He provides practical strategies for incorporating purpose into lesson design and delivery, showing how this simple shift leads to deeper learning, better classroom behavior, and increased student investment.

The episode concludes with Jesse's actionable framework for teachers: name the purpose at the beginning of each lesson and end with reflective questions—"What did we do today? How did we do it? Why?" This approach transforms passive learners into engaged participants who understand not just what they're learning, but why it matters.

Whether you're a classroom teacher looking to boost engagement or an administrator seeking to improve instruction, this episode offers concrete tools for making every lesson meaningful and relevant to your students.

#TheWhyOfTheLesson #TeachingTips #StudentEngagement #EducationPodcast #PrincipalLife #ClassroomManagement #LessonPlanning #EducationalLeadership #TeachersOfInstagram #MeaningfulLearning

Join educator Byron Earnest as he shares transformative insights on student engagement and contextual learning. Drawing from years of teaching experience, Byron reveals why traditional abstract learning falls short and how connecting education to real-world applications creates those magical "light bulb moments" every teacher dreams of.

In this episode, Byron explores the philosophy that "schoolwork must be like and look like real work," sharing compelling examples from kindergarten pumpkin counting to high school community garden projects. He discusses how a welding class building wheelchair ramps naturally led students to discover the Pythagorean theorem, and how an Indiana school revolutionized education by teaching everything through soccer.

Byron emphasizes the importance of "skill mixing" in our rapidly changing world, where future careers demand hybrid skill sets rather than isolated abilities. He provides practical strategies for creating engaging learning environments through connections, collaboration, and student choice, while stressing that passionate, prepared teachers who genuinely care about their students are the foundation of effective education.

Whether you're a new teacher seeking inspiration or a seasoned educator looking to reinvigorate your practice, this episode offers actionable insights on making learning personal, relevant, and deeply engaging for every student.

#Education #Teaching #StudentEngagement #ContextualLearning #RealWorldLearning #TeacherTips #EducationPodcast #LearningMatters #ClassroomInnovation #TeachingTips

Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth as they dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of teaching success that often gets overlooked, building meaningful professional relationships. In this episode, our hosts share personal experiences and actionable strategies for new teachers to connect with colleagues, support staff, and the entire school community.

Discover how to integrate into your grade-level team or department without stepping on toes, navigate Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) effectively, and build trust through reliability and curiosity rather than trying to change everything on day one. Learn why school secretaries are the "nerve center" of your building and how cafeteria staff can provide unique insights into student behavior.

From writing thank-you notes to volunteering for the right committees, Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth provide a roadmap for transforming your teaching experience through authentic connections. Remember: teaching isn't a solo journey. It’s a collaborative effort that thrives on strong professional relationships.

Perfect for new teachers, student teachers, and anyone looking to strengthen their school community connections.

#NewTeacherTalk #TeachingTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #NewTeachers #TeacherSupport #EducationPodcast #SchoolCommunity #TeachingSuccess #CollaborativeTeaching #TeacherMentorship #BackToSchool #EducationLeadership #TeacherLife #SchoolCulture #ProfessionalGrowth

Join us for an essential conversation about one of teaching's most critical skills: classroom management. Executive Principal Jesse Kraft from Fairfax County Public Schools shares his comprehensive approach to creating classrooms that run effectively while keeping students focused, respectful, and engaged.

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Perfect for: New teachers, student teachers, veteran educators looking to refine their management approach, and anyone supporting classroom teachers.

#NewTeacherTalk #ClassroomManagement #TeachingTips #EducationPodcast #TeacherLife #NewTeacher #TeachingSkills #EducationLeadership #FairfaxCounty #WarmDemander #TeacherBurnout #ClassroomRules #TeachingSuccess #EducatorSupport #PodcastEpisode

Join Todd Leban, a passionate middle-level  board-certified art teacher from suburban Chicago, to explore his transformative teaching philosophy: "Think Big, Not Small."

In this inspiring episode, Todd shares how new and early career teachers can develop bold visions for their classrooms without feeling overwhelmed. He breaks down his refined approach of "Think Big, Start Small," offering practical strategies across four crucial areas: student growth, classroom culture, equity, and mental health support.

Whether you're struggling with classroom organization, looking to support all students equitably, or seeking ways to believe in every student's potential, Todd provides actionable steps that any teacher can implement. From using alphabetical seating charts to creating "take what you need" mental health resources, this episode is packed with real-world advice from an educator who's transformed his own teaching practice.

Perfect for aspiring teachers, student teachers, and early career educators across all subjects and grade levels. Discover how small, strategic actions can help you achieve your biggest teaching goals.

#NewTeacherSupport #ThinkBigStartSmall #ClassroomCulture #TeacherMentalHealth #EquityinEducation #newteachers #newteachertalk #podcast