In this week's episode "Pep Rally, Tooth Picks, and Gen Z Teachers", I am joined by Jennifer Cerda & Denver Riley who share their experiences in teaching and leadership, along with some unforgettable classroom moments. From managing classroom dynamics to the infamous pep rally incident that shocked the entire school, they dive deep into the challenges and rewards of teaching today. The discussion touches on everything from building relationships with students and administrators to the importance of humor and leadership in the classroom. They also reflect on how these moments shaped their careers, and why sometimes, things don’t go as planned—especially at school events. This episode offers a blend of humor, insight, and advice for educators navigating the unpredictable world of teaching.

Takeaways:

Building Relationships Is Essential: Strong connections with students and administrators create a more effective and supportive teaching environment, helping educators manage challenges with ease.

Classroom Leadership Evolves: With time and experience, teachers learn to balance authority, humor, and empathy to foster a classroom culture where students feel respected yet engaged.

Unpredictable School Events: As seen in the infamous pep rally moment, school events can go off-script, and it’s important for educators to maintain professionalism, especially in unexpected situations.

Humor Can Be a Powerful Tool: Incorporating humor in the classroom helps diffuse tension, build rapport with students, and keeps learning enjoyable, as long as it’s used appropriately.

Support for New Teachers Is Key: Mentorship and leadership support are crucial for new teachers, helping them build confidence, navigate school politics, and handle the complexities of teaching.

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Want to Learn more about Jennifer Cerda & Denver Riley?

Jennifer Cerda

Instagram: @ms_cerdafied

Denver Riley

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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