PodcastPD

We’re starting to wrap up 2019 and that means the 12 Days of PodcastPD is coming soon! From December 25 – January 5 we will be sharing 1 podcast recommendation per day. We’d love for you to be a part of it and contribute! Go to podcastpd.com/feedback to send us audio and tell the PodcastPD community about an entire podcast or one episode we should listen to and why. Also, tell us about you and how people can connect with you. Get us your submissions by December 20, 2019.

Mike Brilla is currently a TOSA at Owen J. Roberts Middle School in Pottstown, PA. The school is located about 40 miles west of Philadelphia and they house grades 7 and 8 with roughly 900 students. Before becoming a TOSA, Mike taught Social Studies (since 2004) in both 7th and 8th grade at OJR. Aside from being a teacher, Mike is also an assistant wrestling coach at OJR and believes that much of what he does in his teaching and coaching is easily transferable.

We discussed:

1. Technology: When used correctly technology can absolutely bring us closer to one another and not further. I used to be one of those teachers that had kids work on projects in my room or watch videos on Zaption so I could check email and grade–it took me a while to fully take advantage of using that time to connect with my kids through conversation. I also have found and used a bunch of ideas to get to know your students and to constantly allow for them to express their own thoughts and feelings in class. 
2. Focus on the Kids: I once had a parent tell me I was a pretty good teacher but would be even better when I have kids of my own. At first, I was offended but then I thought about it and how right she was. I have constantly tried to remember that we are teaching people’s children, not just students. That framework has really helped me to put my students first. 
3. Kids Need It: I see it in my own kids, they are good with technology but they need to learn how to use it responsibly, productively and educationally. I recently read Marching off the Map and it hammered home the idea that now, more than ever, we need to be teaching the “soft skills” in class so our kids can develop meaningful relationships and navigate the uncertain waters their futures hold. 

AJ: The 5 AM Miracle with Jeff Sanders – Episode 307: Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention w/ Nir Eyal – Nir Eyal is the author of the bestselling book, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life., which is about the many options we have to keep our eye on the prize.

Chris: Work Your Podcast – Bonnie L. Frank and Emily Prokop deliver weekly podcasting and business strategies to help you balance podcasting and life, simplify the process, and grow your business.

Episode 1 – Why Podcast?

Mike: https://www.edmylett.com – Toney Gonzalez

Welcome to the first in an ongoing series we’re calling “Why Podcast?” In this and future editions, we will be speaking to podcasters in and out of education about their podcasts. We will get into there why and talk about how they podcast.

Our first guest in this series is Dan Kreiness, host of the Leader of Learning Podcast. Our conversation with Dan dives deep into his podcast’s origins and where he believes his podcast is going.

Dan Kreiness is an instructional leader, podcast host, and doctoral candidate who constantly searches for the most effective ways to advance education and produce high student achievement. Dan began his teaching career by spending nearly eight years in the New York City Department of Education as an eighth grade English language arts teacher, academic intervention specialist, and middle-level literacy coach, then spent nearly five years at Derby Middle School in Derby, Connecticut as a reading teacher and instructional coach. He is currently an ELA Instructional Coach in the Norwalk Public School District in Norwalk, Connecticut. Dan holds master’s degrees in adolescent education and educational leadership and is currently a doctoral student in the field of educational leadership. His dissertation, “Transformational Leadership to Inspire Growth Mindset in Classroom Teachers,” will be defended in Spring, 2020. Dan was named to the 2017 class of ASCD Emerging Leaders. He is also a Google Certified Educator, Nearpod PioNear, Flipgrid Ambassador, and Wakelet Ambassador.

AJ: Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast 

Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Rick Wormeli 

In education we talk about the power of differentiated learning, but what about differentiated grading? Rick Wormeli is an expert in differentiated assessments and grades. In this episode Josh and Rick discuss: 

Differentiated Grading, Fair Isn’t Always Equal, Traditional Grading Scale and the impact it has on Learning, The role of Homework, Redos, and Retakes done right, Busting Myths about Differentiated Instruction, and the Impact of a Zero and GPA and the Future of Grading. 

@joshua__Stamper @RickWormeli2

Chris: Art of Manliness #557 – Grow, Adapt, and Reinvent Yourself Through Ultralearning

• Many of us want to learn a new skill or master a new area of expertise, either to further or change our career or simply for the sake of personal fulfillment. But going deep in a subject seems like it would take a long time, and even require going back to school, something most of us don’t have the time, money, and desire to do.
• Scott Young and he’s the author of Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition and Accelerate Your Career. We begin our conversation with Scott’s successful experiment of doing all the course work for a computer science degree from MIT in less than a year and for free and how this opened Scott up to the idea of “ultralearning.”

Stacey: Embedded – This is Not a Joke – When a student starts down the path towards racist extremism, there’s no set plan for how a school should respond. But teachers and fellow students are often the first to spot the warning signs. So what can they do?

Dan Kreiness: Brian Mendler The Brian Mendler Show -My Worst Student https://www.brianmendler.com/my-worst-student/

Reasons you need a PLN:

1. Find great resources, lesson plans, and conferences
2.  Share your resources & ideas
3.  Following amazing educators and their blogs
4.  Get support when needed
5. Make international connections
6.  Flatten your classroom walls
7.  Collaborate globally on projects
8.  Find round-the-clock inspiration
9.  Learn the latest trends in education
10.  Never run out of ideas for new things to try with your students

• 10 Reasons Every Teacher Needs A Professional Learning Network – Teachthought.com

AJ: Planet Money: Episode 947: Some-of-the-Money Ball

Baseball is a winner-take-all career. There is a very small chance of making massive amounts of money. But more importantly, there is a very big chance of making almost no money. Some minor leaguers earn $8,000 dollars per year.

To have more chances of winning the baseball lottery, some players are deciding to get together and face the odds as a group. They are joining “income pools,” which could change the way baseball players, and lots of professionals, think about how we get paid.

Chris:

1. Short Wave (NPR) – New discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines — all in about 10 minutes, every weekday. It’s science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join host Maddie Sofia for science on a different wavelength.
2. Loving this podcast!
3. Office Ladies – The Office co-stars and best friends, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, are doing the ultimate The Office re-watch podcast for you. Each week, Jenna and Angela will break down an episode of The Office and give exclusive behind-the-scenes stories that only two people who were there, can tell you.
4. theofficeladies.com

Stacey: How I Built This – Gimlet Media: Alex Blumberg and Matt Lieber

• “Another outstanding episode from the @PodcastPD crew! Special thx for the shout out for my podcast, Inclusive Technology 4 All! Go to mmatp.com/it4all to subscribe, listen to past episodes, and to read the transcripts of every episode #ATchat #AT4NJ #ATUDL” ~ @mmatp
• Check out Mike’s podcast – Inclusive Technology 4 All
• New @PodcastPD Followers on Twitter:
• @joevalver_htsd
• @TAYLORWITT1
• @HaglerJay
• @OrganizLeaderVB
• @Ms_Brown2019
• @JasmineSaab
• @DigitalVick
• @MisterCavey
• @CollVeitz
• @twstedteaching
• @SkillsSupporter
• @Karrabasse77
• @mcp_idt
• @CuriousKidPod
• @CatherineSteua1

Teaching is about relationships. While students, parents, and administrators all expect you to partner with them, your connections with colleagues will play the largest role in your ability to enjoy your work and grow as a professional.

Tracy from Rhode Island, our guest from episode 56, had some great insight following our episode 57 discussion about the value of Twitter for educators today.

In a vox to our PodcastPD Voxer group, she honed in on AJ’s point about building your PLN and connecting and learning from the teachers closest to you. Those would be your colleagues in your grade level, department, and your building and district.

So today we’re going to talk about ways we’ve been great colleagues, failed at being great colleagues, and we hope to inspire your next positive teaching relationship.

Strategies for Being a Great Colleague:

• Care so you can be cared for
• Give and take
• Learn from others’ experience
• Be a great listener
• Make good choices

• Quiet Leadership: Six Steps to Transforming Performance at Work
• Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World

AJ: Still listening to Feedback (and Other Dirty Words) by M. Tamra Chandler and Laura Grealish as mentioned on episode 56.

Chris: Art of Manliness #551: Inside the Gangsters’ Code – Lou Ferrante was a mobster who worked for the Gambino crime family and made a trade out of hijacking trucks loaded with expensive goods. Eventually, the law caught up with him and he ended up in prison. There, he discovered a love for reading and writing which set off a personal transformation that led to him leaving the mafia. After his stint in jail, Lou went on to become an author and the host of a Discovery Channel documentary series called Inside the Gangsters’ Code.

Stacey: Note to Self-How to Create Good Digital Citizens – Right from wrong. We teach our kids what this means in the classroom and at home. But what about online? The next generation of tech users could be a part of much more civilized digital universe, but only if they learn how now. Manoush talks to Richard Culatta (CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education) about the five steps to creating good digital citizens, and how to turn the current online “culture shift” into something positive, respectful, and more accessible to all.

• “Thank you @Twitter for helping me to grow as an educator and meet people like @iruntech @AJBianco @mrnesi ” ~ @tinamonte
• “Great episode of @PodcastPD on the relevance of Twitter for Educators. Is Twitter still relevant for educators? If it’s not…what is? I’d argue that the relevance hasn’t changed, but maybe the ways that we use Twitter might need to evolve.” ~ @sadieclorinda
• “Twitter is still the best PD. This year I’m teaching Digital Leadership and through Twitter, I was able to connect with @JCasaTodd and @mbfxc It’s amazing I was able to connect with the authors of the two books I read to create the curriculum for the class. @digcitinstitute” ~ @breicher
• “This needs to be a regular conversation!! I get so frustrated with Twitter as an educator anymore. Such a powerful tool, but we aren’t using it like that. #edchat” ~ @micheeaton
• “Big shout out to @PodcastPD I appreciate the honest convo about the value of Twitter. Excited to share the latest episode with #ATUDL Our group is learning about the power of Twitter.” ~ @mmatp
• Check out Mike’s podcast – Inclusive Technology 4 All
• In response to Mike “This podcast DID make me rethink how I use Twitter 2day compared 2 when I 1st joined. I share more resources now & I gain so much via twitter chats…” ~ @ksuding
• “Oh man, YES! It is still very relevant. I’ve made more connections than I ever thought I would with Twitter and I constantly benefit from the PD I can find here. It’s only as good as we make it with participation but I know so many that find it relevant.” ~ @TeachPg21
• New @PodcastPD Followers on Twitter:
• @DrSencibaugh
• @JaneKerslake
• @eyeonaxs
• @AlisaTeSelleOTR
• @LeoniaPrincipal
• @Link_pd
• @SueTranchina

In 2008, Twitter came on the scene as a micro-blogging platform that asked its users, “What are you doing?” The social media platform quickly became a tool and resource used by educators around the world. In this episode, we discussed the relevance and value of Twitter to educators today.

There are points where we agree and disagree. We also know that there is still a lot to say on the topic and we would love to hear from you about the relevance of Twitter in education. Contact us here.

Thank you to Tracy Enos, Mike Brilla, and Stephanie Lewis who all contributed their thoughts for this episode.

Twitter topics discussed:

• Why did you join Twitter?
• Has your use of Twitter changed from when you started?
• Is Twitter still relevant for you? Other educators?
• Positives and Negatives of Twitter for Educators
• If not Twitter, what?

AJ: Feedback (and Other Dirty Words): Why We Fear It, How to Fix It by M. Tamra Chandler and Laura Grealish (audiobook)

Feedback: the mere mention of the word can make our blood pressure rise and our defenses go up. For many of us, it’s a dirty word that we associate with bias, politics, resentment, and self-doubt. However, if we take a step back and think about its true intent, we realize that feedback needn’t be a bad thing. After all, understanding how others experience us provides valuable opportunities to learn and grow.

The authors explain how feedback got such a bad rap and how to recognize and minimize the negative physical and emotional responses that can erode trust and shut down communication. They offer a new and more ambitious definition of feedback, explore the roles we each play as Seeker, Extender, and Receiver, and introduce the three Fs of making feedback focused, fair, and frequent.

When it’s done right, the feedback has been proven to be the most effective means of improving communication and performance for you and your organization. It’s too important to give up, and with Chandler and Grealish’s help, you’ll be able to use it deftly, equitably, and effectively.

Chris: Danica Patrick – Pretty Intense – I’m Danica Patrick and I’m Pretty Intense! I believe that each and every one of us has the power within ourselves to create the life that we really want. And I want to inspire you to go conquer your dreams, both professionally and personally. That’s why I created this podcast.

Stacey: Land of the Giants – In less than two decades, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos scaled an online marketplace for books into the world’s most valuable company. But at what cost? From Prime and HQ2, to the growing adoption of smart speakers and home cameras, to increasing scrutiny of Amazon’s power and its role in the changing nature of work, Vox and Recode’s new podcast, Land of the Giants: The Rise of Amazon, addresses it all with detailed, thought-provoking, measured reporting from host Jason Del Rey. And it’s not just for insiders. This show is an essential guide to Amazon’s backstory for those unfamiliar and offers never-before-told, behind-the-scenes stories for the Amazon-obsessed.

• Dan Kreiness (via Twitter) re: Episode 56
• Ken Morrison, Mylasia (via Speakpipe) – Favorite Podcast: Big Questions with Cal Fussman
• New @PodcastPD Followers on Twitter:
• @MechanicJacki
• @aloah
• @EducatingMe
• @mrsleban
• @EmilyWilk54
• @m5music1
• @cassandrazing
• @McDonoughCST
• @MissJacksonHMS
• @smscoachingWH

Tracy Enos is lucky enough to spend her days surrounded by energetic 8th graders. Tracy an 8th Grade ELA teacher and she is entering her 11th year of teaching English in West Warwick, RI at Deering Middle School. She’s honored to be teaching in the district she grew up in, she is forever a Wizard. Tracy is passionate about opening doors for her students to create, collaborate, and communicate with one another and the world around them.

Topics we discuss:

• Giving students control of their learning to foster real-life experiences and build relationships.
• Blended Learning/Playlists/Hyperdocs – Learning at their Own Pace
• What does the process look like?
• What is the reality of the authentic audience? Who’s in the audience?

Connect with Tracy on Twitter

AJ: Work-Life w/Adam Grant – Season 1, Episode 4: Your hidden personality

Are you an introvert … or an extrovert? You might not know yourself as well as you think. Adam Grant talks with “Quiet” author Susan Cain and visits a workplace where personality training starts even before job training, to help you discover what your traits really are — and how you can stretch beyond them.

Chris: Burned-In Teacher Podcast! – The Burned-In Teacher Podcast is all about going from burned-out educator to BURNED-IN human. On this show, I interview teachers who are or have gone through burnout and they share with us what they are doing or have done in the past to beat it. I also interview experts in the field of teacher burnout, education, productivity, happiness, and basically all things BURN IN. There will also be episodes where I share my own experiences and answer questions from listeners and Burned-In Teacher Community Members.

Stacey: Middle Grade Ninja – A podcast about reading and writing middle-grade novels utilizing ninja stealth and skill. Rob Kent interviews fellow authors and various publishing professionals to discuss the craft and business of producing middle grade and young adult novels. Episodes are also available as videos. Learn more at MiddleGradeNinja.com.

Chris, AJ, and Stacey start season 3 of Podcast PD busier than ever before! Two of us are starting the year in new positions, one of us is on the move (literally). We can’t wait to get another school year and another year of Podcast PD underway!

AJ is a new administrator serving as a Supervisor of Instruction and Technology in East Rutherford, NJ.

Stacey is back in the classroom. She will be teaching 5th grade!

Chris has full schedule teaching in a new room, with a new ICS teacher and he’s teaching 3 additional courses at Rutgers this semester!

AJ: The Mindful Educators Podcast – Made for teachers, by teachers. Erin and Dave Tashian, an awesome husband and wife team, are creating a community of educators who are cultivating a positive school culture one mindful classroom at a time. 7 episodes so far and growing… Episodes focus on Mindful practices to start the new year, balance as an educator, mindful listening and finding your personal motivation to stay positive.

@themindfuleducators

Chris: the memory palace – The Memory Palace is a storytelling podcast and occasional radio segment created and produced by Nate DiMeo. It was a finalist for a Peabody Award in 2016. It is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX, a collective of independent podcasts. New episodes come out during the first and third weeks of the month, barring the occasional holiday break. I was exposed to this podcast listening to an episode of RadioLab that featured a number of clips from the memory place and Nate was on the show talking about the clips and how he makes the show.

Stacey: I am not listening to anything new. In fact, I am looking for a strategy to get from 1539 to PodcastZERO! Listeners, if you have a good strategy for me to get through my podcasts, I’m all ears. Vox me at iruntech!

In our final regular episode for the school year we connect with JP Prezzavento of the Bits and Bytes of Education Podcast (@bitsandbytesedu on Twitter). He shares his transition from Instructional Technology Coordinator to Communications and PR Director. We talk “brands”, telling your schools’ stories and making everyone shine!

AJ: Art of Manliness Episode 325: Leading Quietly

When we think of being a good leader, we often think we need to be a bold, visionary, risk-taking type like Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, or Steve Jobs.

Joseph Badaracco argues that most of the day-to-day work that makes the world function is done by individuals who stand outside the limelight and lead with calm confidence. He’s the author of the book Leading Quietly: An Unorthodox Guide to Doing the Right Thing. Joe discusses the heroic archetype of leadership, why most leadership development books and courses focus on it, and why heroic leadership can actually get in the way of an organization’s success. He then shares the qualities of a quiet leader and why they’re often more effective than heroic leaders at getting things done in an organization.

Chris: New Apple Podcasts Categories coming!

Stacey: Primary Ride Home 

Primary Season swings into full gear next week with the start of the 2019 debates. Before you watch the candidates on June 26th and 27th, catch up on their stories, policies, and political moves, thus far.

JP: Reply All– #130 The Snapchat Thief 

This week, a new Super Tech Support: after Lizzie’s Snapchat gets hacked, things start getting really creepy. Alex investigates.