powerED Up

In this conversation, Leroy Slanzi discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in education, sharing insights from his 25 years of experience in various educational roles. He emphasizes the need for early emotional education, the impact of technology on students' emotional development, and practical strategies for teachers to foster emotional intelligence in their classrooms. Slanzi advocates for a holistic approach that includes parents and highlights the significance of teaching children about their emotions and how to manage them effectively. In this conversation, Leroy Slanzi discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and mindfulness in education. He emphasizes the need for a common language among educators and students to foster a culture of understanding and respect. Slanzi shares insights on embedding emotional intelligence into the curriculum, the impact it has on student behavior and academic success, and the importance of creating a supportive school environment. He also highlights the value of integrating indigenous practices and encourages educators to stay curious and innovative in their teaching methods.

Takeaways

• Emotional intelligence is crucial for building relationships in education.

• Technology has negatively impacted students' emotional skills.

• Starting emotional education in kindergarten is essential.

• Parents often struggle to monitor their children's technology use.

• Children can teach parents about emotional intelligence.

• Teachers should embed emotional intelligence in everyday lessons.

• Breathing techniques can help students regulate their emotions.

• Creating a calming space in schools supports emotional well-being.

• Conflict resolution skills are developed through play.

• Emotional intelligence should be a school-wide initiative. Emotional intelligence fosters a culture of mindfulness in schools.

• Students who understand their emotions are more successful.

• Embedding emotional intelligence into lessons enhances learning.

• Creating a common language among staff and students is crucial.

• Proactive measures in education can mitigate behavioral issues.

• Teachers should respect students' intelligence and capabilities.

• Outdoor and experiential learning are vital for student development.

• Emotional intelligence can lead to improved academic performance.

• Building relationships with students is essential for their success.

• Educators must remain curious and continue learning. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence in Education

02:58 The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Awareness

06:08 Technology's Impact on Emotional Development

08:56 Building Emotional Intelligence from Kindergarten

11:50 The Role of Parents in Emotional Education

14:52 Strategies for Teaching Emotional Intelligence

18:11 Breathing Techniques for Emotional Regulation

20:48 Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment

24:04 Real-Life Applications of Emotional Intelligence

30:23 Building a Culture of Mindfulness

32:12 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Education

35:52 Embedding Emotional Intelligence in Curriculum

38:13 The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Academic Success

40:59 Creating a Supportive School Environment

43:27 Integrating Indigenous Practices in Education

46:50 Key Takeaways for Educators

49:26 Advice for Innovative Teaching

Website: www.leroyslanzi.com, www.emotionalschools.com 

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In this conversation, Christine Miles emphasizes the critical importance of listening in education and personal interactions. She shares her journey from psychology to education, highlighting how listening has been a foundational skill in her life. The discussion covers various aspects of listening, including its role in classroom settings, strategies for improving listening skills among students, and the significance of comprehension in effective communication. Christine also provides practical tips for educators to enhance their listening abilities and foster better conversations with students and parents. In this conversation, Christine Miles and Ken Ehrmann explore the importance of active listening and empathy in communication, particularly in educational settings. They discuss techniques for engaging listeners, the significance of storytelling, and strategies for teachers to foster better listening habits among students. Christine emphasizes the need for understanding before problem-solving and shares practical tips for navigating conversations effectively. The discussion also highlights the role of humor and vulnerability in teaching, as well as the importance of acknowledging when one is not listening. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights for educators looking to enhance their communication skills and improve student engagement.

• Listening is a foundational skill that can transform interactions.

• Effective listening requires training and practice.

• Educators can guide students to articulate their thoughts better.

• Comprehension is key to effective listening and communication.

• Active listening involves summarizing what has been said to ensure understanding.

• Listening is not just about hearing; it's about understanding and responding appropriately.

• Creating a culture of listening in classrooms enhances student engagement.

• Body language plays a crucial role in demonstrating active listening.

• Asking the right questions can provoke deeper conversations.

• Listening education should be integrated into teaching practices. Empathy is crucial for effective communication.

• Understanding must precede problem-solving.

• Active listening involves engaging with the speaker's story.

• Asking open-ended questions can enhance conversations.

• Modeling listening behaviors is essential in classrooms.

• Humor can facilitate better learning experiences.

• Acknowledging when you're not listening fosters trust.

• Celebrating both successes and mistakes is important in education.

• Using reflective listening techniques can deepen understanding.

• Creating a common language around listening improves classroom dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Listening

03:01 Listening as a Skill for Educators

06:09 Guiding Conversations in the Classroom

09:00 Building Listening Skills in Students

12:02 The Importance of Comprehension in Listening

15:03 Training for Effective Listening

18:04 Creating Engaging Conversations

21:12 The Role of Body Language in Listening

24:58 The Power of Empathy in Communication

26:54 Engaging Through Active Listening

29:29 Techniques for Effective Storytelling

32:07 Navigating Conversations with Care

34:35 Strategies for Classroom Listening

39:13 Acknowledging Listening Gaps

40:05 Empowering Educators for Student Success

42:49 Innovative Strategies for Listening in Education

Website: https://www.christinemileslistens.com/ 

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In this episode of the Powered Up Podcast, Dr. Dakeyan Graham, a music educator and former Florida Teacher of the Year, shares his journey through the education system, discussing the complexities of parental choice in education, the evolution of school choice in Florida, and the importance of advocacy for teachers. He emphasizes the need to understand the education system from various perspectives and the role of student leadership in fostering independent citizens. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Dré and Ken Ehrmann explore the transformative power of student leadership and ownership in education. They discuss the importance of shifting the focus from teachers to students, redefining success in educational contexts, and the necessity of treating students as individuals. The dialogue emphasizes celebrating small victories, the relevance of teaching content, and the need for educators to adopt a mindset that empowers students to pursue their best selves.

Takeaways

• Dr. Dre emphasizes the importance of parental choice in education.

• Florida's school choice system has evolved significantly over the years.

• Traditional public schools offer unique opportunities for socialization.

• Advocacy for teachers is crucial in navigating the education system.

• Understanding the law is essential for effective advocacy.

• Student leadership is vital in music education.

• Teachers need to articulate their value and impact effectively.

• Creating independent citizens is a key goal of education.

• The role of big business in education can complicate school choice.

• Empathy in leadership can enhance student engagement. Empowering students as leaders fosters ownership and accountability.

• Students need clear goals and understanding of their progress.

• Success is subjective and varies for each student.

• Teachers should treat students as individuals, not numbers.

• Celebrating small victories is crucial for motivation.

• Experiential learning shifts the focus from teacher to student.

• Relevance in teaching content enhances student engagement.

• Differentiation is essential for meeting diverse student needs.

• Building a supportive environment encourages student growth.

• Teachers should not take themselves too seriously and enjoy the process.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Dakeyan Graham

• 03:06 Understanding Parental Choice in Education

• 05:54 The Evolution of School Choice in Florida

• 09:13 The Role of Traditional Public Schools

• 11:58 Advocacy and Communication in Education

• 14:58 Navigating the Education System as an Assistant Principal

• 18:03 The Importance of Teacher Advocacy

• 20:57 Creating Independent Citizens through Music Education

• 33:20 Empowering Student Leadership and Ownership

• 38:38 Shifting the Focus from Teacher to Student

• 45:37 Redefining Success in Education

• 51:33 The Importance of Treating Students as Individuals

• 56:10 Celebrating Small Victories in Teaching

• 58:10 Relevance and Connection in Teaching

Website: https://dregraham.wixsite.com/drdre 

Twitter: @2020FLTOY 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dregraham3/ 

Email: [email protected]

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In this conversation, Dr. Rachael Mahmood, the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year, shares her insights on the importance of elementary education, building relationships with parents, and innovative teaching methods. She emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive learning environment and the role of project-based learning in engaging students. Dr. Mahmood discusses her strategies for effective communication with parents and the value of student-led conferences, highlighting the need for unconditional positive regard in education. In this conversation, Dr. Rachael Mahmood discusses her innovative approaches to teaching, emphasizing the importance of project-based learning, student engagement, and creating a positive classroom culture. She shares her experiences with creative teaching strategies, the significance of reflection in learning, and how to embrace student behaviors as gifts. Dr. Mahmood also highlights the need for teachers to see themselves as learners and leaders in the classroom, fostering an environment where students feel valued and motivated to grow.

Takeaways

• Dr. Rachael Mahmood is the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

• Elementary education sets the foundation for a child's future learning.

• Building relationships with parents is crucial for student success.

• Unconditional positive regard can transform student-teacher relationships.

• Effective communication with parents enhances the educational experience.

• Student-led conferences empower children to take ownership of their learning.

• Project-based learning fosters engagement and critical thinking skills.

• Innovative teaching methods can make learning more enjoyable.

• Creating a supportive classroom environment is essential for student growth.

• Teachers should advocate for their students and their families. Be creative and think about what excites you as a teacher.

• Engagement is key; students learn better when they are excited.

• Project-based learning allows for limitless student creativity.

• Building a positive classroom culture leads to better learning outcomes.

• Reflection helps students take ownership of their learning.

• Embrace student behaviors as gifts rather than problems.

• Growth is expected; create an environment that supports it.

• Teaching is a journey with ups and downs, much like a marriage.

• Teachers should see themselves as learners alongside their students.

• Every teacher is a leader in fostering equity in education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:03 The Importance of Elementary Education

06:03 Building Relationships with Parents

09:01 Effective Communication Strategies

11:52 Student-Led Conferences

14:56 Project-Based Learning in the Classroom

17:47 Innovative Teaching Methods

20:50 Engaging Students through Mock Trials

23:57 Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

35:51 Understanding the Food Chain and Pollution

37:08 Creative Teaching Strategies and Engagement

39:11 Balancing Creativity and Real-World Application

41:51 Project-Based Learning and Student Growth

45:04 Building a Positive Learning Culture

51:01 The Importance of Reflection in Learning

01:00:47 Embracing Student Behavior as Gifts

01:01:05 Advice for Teachers: Love and Growth

01:04:41 Innovative Teaching: The Teacher as a Learner

Website: www.Mahmood-ILTeacheroftheYear.com

Twitter: @DrRMahmood

YouTube: Equityteacherleader.com

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In this conversation, Bryan Kerns shares his unique journey from being a math teacher to becoming the 2025 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and a fire science educator. He discusses the importance of building relationships with students, innovative teaching methods, and the challenges faced by students in his community. Kerns emphasizes the need for a supportive environment and the impact of education on breaking the cycle of poverty. He also provides insights into his engaging fire science curriculum and the excitement it brings to students. In this conversation, Bryan Kerns shares his innovative approach to teaching fire science, emphasizing real-world experiences, teamwork, and personal responsibility. He discusses the transformative impact of his program on students, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Kerns also reflects on the importance of grit and resilience in education, advocating for a teaching philosophy that prioritizes student engagement and personal growth. The discussion highlights the power of forgiveness and the need for educators to create meaningful connections with their students, ultimately shaping their futures and communities.

Takeaways

• Bryan transitioned from math to fire science due to his passion.

• Building relationships with students is crucial for their success.

• Kerns uses innovative methods to boost students' confidence in math.

• He believes in giving students a fresh start in the classroom.

• Understanding students' backgrounds helps tailor education to their needs.

• Grades can sometimes hinder true learning and understanding.

• Kerns' community is supportive, helping students succeed despite challenges.

• His fire science curriculum prepares students for immediate careers.

• Engagement and hands-on learning are key in Kerns' teaching style.

• Kerns aims to break the cycle of poverty through education. Students engage in real firefighting experiences.

• Classroom responsibilities foster teamwork and accountability.

• Fire science education transforms students' lives.

• Grit developed in math applies to real-world challenges.

• Forgiveness is a powerful lesson for students.

• Innovative teaching keeps educators excited and engaged.

• Students find purpose and belonging in their squads.

• Real-world applications enhance learning and retention.

• Teaching grit prepares students for future challenges.

• Building relationships is key to student success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bryan Kerns and His Journey

03:03 Transition from Math to Fire Science Teaching

05:58 The Importance of Relationships in Education

09:11 Innovative Approaches to Teaching Math

12:04 Creating a Fresh Start for Students

14:49 Understanding Student Backgrounds and Challenges

17:50 The Role of Grades in Education

20:58 Community Context and Student Demographics

23:46 Overview of Fire Science Curriculum

27:10 Engaging Students in Fire Science Learning

29:36 Engaging Students with Real-World Firefighting Experience

34:40 Building Teamwork and Responsibility in the Classroom

39:55 Transformative Impact of Fire Science Education

40:54 Lessons from Teaching: Grit and Real-World Applications

49:52 The Power of Forgiveness in Education

54:43 Innovative Teaching: The Key to Student Engagement

Connect with Bryan:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://sites.google.com/k12k.com/dbhs-pulaski-club

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In this episode of the Powered Up Podcast, host Ken Ehrmann speaks with Heather Smith, the 2024 Burroughs Welcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year. They discuss the importance of building relationships with students, innovative teaching strategies, and the role of community in education. Heather shares her passion for math and STEM education, emphasizing the need for empathy and real-life connections in teaching. The conversation also touches on the challenges teachers face and the importance of gratitude and intentionality in fostering a positive classroom environment.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heather Smith and Her Journey in Education

04:07 The Transition from Elementary to Middle School Teaching

07:11 Understanding Math Education: Bridging Gaps

10:08 Building Confidence in Math: Strategies for Success

13:02 Creating a Positive Math Environment

16:17 The Role of Schools in Community Resilience

28:59 Advice for New Teachers in Rural Areas

30:12 Building Community Connections in Education

36:18 Understanding Students' Home Lives

40:17 Exploring the Importance of Local Context

44:17 Innovative Teaching Strategies and STEM Education

51:55 Empathy in Teaching and Student Engagement

Twitter: @Teach_HSmith 

Instagram: H_SmithTeaches 

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In this episode of the Powered Up Podcast, Ken Ehrmann speaks with De'Shawn Washington, the 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, about the importance of executive functioning skills in education. They discuss De'Shawn's journey into teaching, the strategies he employs to teach organization and time management, and the significance of feedback and peer review in the writing process. The conversation also touches on the challenges of grading writing, the need for reflection in learning, and innovative practices that foster community in the classroom. De'Shawn emphasizes the role of teachers as models of learning and the importance of building relationships with students to enhance their educational experience.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to De'Shawn Washington

04:35 Journey into Education and Personal Growth

08:57 Teaching Executive Functioning Skills

15:46 Building Interdependence in Learning

23:02 Feedback: Supportive vs. Constructive

28:47 Grading Writing: A Collaborative Approach

39:08 The Importance of Reflection in Teaching

44:24 Strategies for Effective Writing Feedback

48:42 Innovative Approaches to Writing Conferences

52:17 Creating a Positive Classroom Environment

55:27 Embracing the Role of a Learner

57:25 Building Community Through Empathy Circles

01:01:26 Connecting with Educators and Changemakers

In this episode of the Powered Up Podcast, Lee Perez returns to discuss effective strategies for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between social and academic language, the need for patience, and the value of viewing students from an asset perspective. Lee shares his experiences and insights on instructional strategies, the silent phase of language acquisition, and creating a welcoming environment for ESL students. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of teaching multilingual learners and the necessity of culturally responsive teaching practices. In this conversation, Lee Perez discusses the importance of culturally responsive teaching and the effective use of students' native languages in the classroom. He emphasizes the need to lower the effective filter for English Language Learners (ELLs) during their silent phase and the benefits of dual language strategies. The discussion also covers modifying expectations for ELLs in mainstream classrooms and the significance of making learning engaging and relevant to combat chronic absenteeism. Lee shares insights on the challenges of writing for ELLs and the necessity of sheltered curriculum to support their learning.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Powered Up Podcast, hosts Ken Ehrmann and Jessica Saum engage with educators Paul Garcia and Leana Malinowsky to explore the intricacies of co-teaching. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships between co-teachers, the need for flexibility in teaching styles, and the effective use of technology to enhance collaboration. The conversation highlights personal experiences, challenges, and strategies for creating a successful co-teaching environment that benefits all students. This conversation delves into the intricacies of co-teaching, focusing on strategies for effective collaboration between general and special education teachers. The speakers discuss the importance of empowering paraprofessionals, utilizing various instructional models, and fostering a supportive environment for both teachers and students. They emphasize the need for communication, collaboration, and continuous professional development to enhance teaching practices and student outcomes.

Takeaways

Chapters

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Chelsea Tompkins, a school-based occupational therapist, shares her experience working with students and teachers to support their educational needs. She discusses the importance of real-time interventions and the challenges of generalizing skills. Chelsea emphasizes the need for accommodations and modifications to address executive functioning skills, such as organization and planning. She also highlights the impact of sensory issues on behavior and the importance of understanding and addressing these needs. Collaboration between teachers and occupational therapists is crucial in creating a supportive learning environment. In this conversation, Chelsea Tompkins, an occupational therapist, discusses the importance of providing sensory support and motor labs in the classroom. She emphasizes the need for flexible seating options, sensory breaks, and sensory input tools such as fidgets and weighted blankets. Chelsea also explains the significance of motor labs in helping students develop motor skills and integrate reflexes. She suggests that teachers can implement strategies such as visual supports, consistent expectations, and grading rubrics to support students with executive functioning abilities. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of considering the individual needs of students and providing them with the necessary support to succeed in the classroom.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:09 Working with Different Age Groups

03:56 Skills Addressed by OTs

08:15 Common Classroom Practices that Impact Students' Processing

11:18 Understanding Sensory vs. Behavioral Needs

14:25 Examples of Sensory and Behavioral Issues

18:51 Accommodations and Modifications for Students

22:28 Supporting Students with Sensory Needs

24:22 Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

24:50 Supporting Students with Sensory Needs

26:14 Developing Motor Skills through Motor Labs

30:53 Allowing Infants to be Active for Kindergarten Readiness

34:13 Supporting Students with Executive Functioning Abilities

38:15 Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment

44:44 Assuming Positive Intent and Understanding Roles

46:24 Providing Consistent Expectations and Visual Supports

Email: [email protected] 

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