Some classes just need more time to practice. Especially when the unit you're working on gets tested by the food you make in the kitchen. Amelia Bowles shares her love for cooking and encouraging students to learn and try new things that will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives.

What is traditional education and how many teachers in your school promote programs that develop real skills? Kurt Jensen talks about his experience teaching students the mysteries of metal. He helps them gain confidence and solve problems that give them a view of real world career possibilities from mountain bikes to aerospace. Check out what instruction in Mr. Jensen's classroom is like!

How does a teacher know they're using best practices in their direct instruction? Sheree Christensen illustrates how she balances direct instruction with small group and individual practice. Sheree discusses how teachers can help motivate students to participate and learn for themselves, whether they think they will use your content or not.

Students are distracted. How do teachers get students ready to learn, receive instruction, and absorb new concepts? Jana Coates shares her expertise in helping students understand what is expected of them and how they can do those things regardless of how anxious or doubtful they are.

Jana is willing to help anyone who wants to improve their instructional practice, specifically showing students how they can participate and achieve in any classroom. It's not just for the classroom, though. Coaches can get their team to connect and achieve in second circle.

Dave and RaDon talk about learning, studying, and a little about Level 2 in the High Reliability Schools structure. HRS isn't a program, it's a structure to help teachers prove that what they are doing in the classroom is working, or use the data from student scores and work to improve process to help students learn more effectively.

How do you reach out to students and help them feel included? How do you hold students accountable and encourage them to try without harping on them? How do you encourage without them shutting down? Turns out stickers, among other things work for high school kids too.

How much work is required to graduate? How much of that work is on the teacher, and how much is on the student? What can teachers do to encourage more students to pass their classes and graduate? Kim Child has some ideas to help us keep on doing what good teachers do. Teach, care, follow up, encourage, and accept when students keep trying. It's definitely not easy!

Balcony Bunch, Corner Crew, whatever you call them, they're there supporting each other and connecting with kids in the hall. They give advice about connecting with other teachers and helping others feel included and appreciated. Listen to this episode and start your own Corner Crew today!

What are you looking for? If you're looking for something to complain about, you'll find it. She might be a newer teacher, but Madisen Brown has some enlightening nuggets of wisdom on managing her math classroom, and how to encourage kids to try and even enjoy solving problems.

Are you happy teaching? How do you stay positive throughout the year? What do you really have control over in your classroom? Tanner has some great thoughts about connecting with students, reflecting on what you have committed to, and remembering why teaching is a rewarding profession.