powerED Up

By Ken EhrmannEducation

powerED Up episodes

October 24, 2024175: STRIVE to Teach Happier
In this episode of the Powered Up Podcast, hosts Ken Ehrmann, Rob Dunlop, and Suzanne Dailey discuss their experiences in education, focusing on the challenges and triumphs of returning to the classroom, the importance of teacher energy, and the role of happiness in teaching. They explore the complexities of supporting new teachers, the expectations for professional growth, and the significance of building relationships in the classroom. The conversation emphasizes the need for grace and optimism in the teaching profession, especially during the early years. In this conversation, Rob Dunlop and Suzanne Dailey discuss the importance of rational optimism in education, emphasizing the need for teachers to maintain a positive mindset while acknowledging challenges. They explore strategies for supporting new teachers, the significance of agency in personal well-being, and the balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. The discussion highlights the necessity of self-reflection, gratitude practices, and the importance of community support in navigating the complexities of teaching.
Takeaways
Happiness is essential for effective teaching.

The start of the school year felt more normal post-pandemic.

Supporting new teachers is crucial for retention.

Teacher energy significantly impacts student engagement.

Year one is often about survival for new teachers.

Building relationships is key to classroom success.

Teachers need to give themselves grace during transitions.

Optimism can help navigate challenges in education.

Instructional practices should evolve over time.

Professional growth is a continuous journey in teaching. Rational optimism involves recognizing challenges while maintaining a positive outlook.

Practicing gratitude daily can enhance emotional resilience.

Agency in our actions can significantly impact our well-being.

It's essential to focus on strengths in conversations with colleagues.

Self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Finding a grounding word each day can help maintain focus.

Physical reminders can aid in staying present and mindful.

Work-life balance is vital for sustaining a teaching career.

Year two teachers should focus on specific areas for improvement.

Community support is invaluable in navigating teaching challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds

03:11 Navigating the New School Year

06:00 Returning to the Classroom: Rob's Experience

08:51 The Importance of Teacher Energy

11:56 Instructional Practices and Teacher Development

14:52 Expectations for Teacher Growth

18:03 The Role of Happiness in Teaching

28:20 Navigating Challenges with Rational Optimism

31:59 The Power of Agency in Education

34:38 Understanding Rational Optimism vs. Toxic Positivity

38:55 Strengths-Based Conversations for Support

41:46 Finding Internal Rational Optimism

43:13 Work-Life Balance in Teaching

48:45 Grounding Practices for Challenging Seasons

52:58 Advice for Year Two Teachers
Suzanne Dailey
Website: www.suzannedailey.com

Social Media: @DaileySuzanne
Robert Dunlop
Website: www.motivatedu.com

Social Media: RobDunlopEDU

Help us out!
Help us reach new listeners on iTunes by leaving us a rating and review! It takes just 30 seconds, and instructions can be found here. Thanks! We appreciate it!
Apple Podcast Review
1 hr 2 min
October 10, 2024 174: Empowering High School Students for a Life After Education
Alhassan Susso, an educator, shares his experience of teaching a personal development course to high school students in the South Bronx. The course aims to prepare students for life after high school, focusing on mindset, vision, communication, leadership, and financial management. Alhassan emphasizes the importance of community-building, trust, and relationship-building activities in the classroom. He shares success stories and data to support the impact of the course on student outcomes. The conversation covers the importance of building a community in the classroom, the challenges of implementing new teaching strategies, and the impact of personal development on students and teachers. It also delves into the principles of mindset and emotional mastery, vision and goals for the future, interpersonal communications, leadership, and financial management. The discussion emphasizes the need for teachers to make students feel seen, heard, and valued, as well as the importance of lifelong learning and personal mission statements for educators.
Takeaways
• The importance of community building and trust in the classroom for student success
• The impact of a personal development course on student outcomes and future success
• The value of building a positive and supportive learning environment for students Building a community in the classroom is essential for creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Implementing new teaching strategies can be challenging, especially when faced with curriculum demands and administrative expectations.
• Personal development and self-awareness have a significant impact on both students and teachers, influencing the classroom dynamic and learning outcomes.
• The principles of mindset, emotional mastery, vision, goals, leadership, and financial management play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience for students.
• Teachers should prioritize making students feel seen, heard, and valued, as it contributes to a positive and empowering classroom environment.
• Lifelong learning and the development of personal mission statements are key factors in the continuous growth and improvement of educators.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Al Hassan Suso
07:16 The Personal Development Course: Purpose and Creation
15:05 Student Outcomes and Impact of the Course
33:57 Building a Community in the Classroom
36:10 Challenges of Implementing New Teaching Strategies
44:24 The Impact of Personal Development on Students and Teachers
51:12 Principles of Mindset, Emotional Mastery, and Vision
56:35 Empowering Students through Leadership and Financial Management
01:00:10 Prioritizing Student Well-Being and Classroom Dynamics
01:03:33 The Role of Lifelong Learning and Personal Mission Statements
Website: http://www.alhassansusso.com
Twitter: @alhassan_susso
1 hr 11 min
October 03, 2024173: Rebooting and Reinvigorating the powerEDUp Podcast
In this episode, Ken Ehrmann reintroduces the Powered Up Podcast after a brief hiatus, sharing personal reflections on balancing family life with professional commitments. He emphasizes the importance of relationships in education and how they impact both students and teachers. Ken discusses the significance of finding joy in work and the need for educators to engage in tasks that feel fulfilling. He also outlines exciting changes for the podcast, including a new guest lineup and a shift to bi-weekly episodes to enhance audience connection.
Takeaways
Ken shares his excitement about returning to the podcast after a break.

He emphasizes the importance of balancing family and professional life.

Ken reflects on the significance of relationships in education.

He encourages educators to find joy in their work.

The podcast will feature a new guest lineup and bi-weekly episodes.

Ken acknowledges the support of his family and co-hosts.

He highlights the need for educators to prioritize self-care.

Ken believes in the power of genuine connections with students and teachers.

He discusses the importance of being organized while maintaining authenticity.

Ken expresses gratitude for the podcast's audience and their engagement.
Chapters
00:00 Reintroducing the Powered Up Podcast

07:41 Balancing Family and Professional Life

10:09 The Importance of Relationships in Education

16:01 Finding Light in Your Work

18:24 Looking Ahead: Exciting Changes and Guest Lineup
Website: [email protected]
Twitter: @PowerEDUup
Help us out!
Help us reach new listeners on iTunes by leaving us a rating and review! It takes just 30 seconds, and instructions can be found here. Thanks! We appreciate it!
Apple Podcast Review
23 min
June 06, 2024172: Stop Planning Lessons and Start Planning Experiences
Shelley Jeoffroy, a 5th-grade teacher from Irving, Texas, shares her experiences in education and the importance of embracing diversity in the classroom. She discusses how her travels and teaching overseas have opened her perspective and inspired her to bring innovation and creativity into her teaching. Shelley emphasizes the need to have authentic relationships with students and create a welcoming and respectful classroom environment. She also highlights the value of making connections between students and finding common ground. Ken Ehrmann and Dr. Ramon Benavides discuss the challenges of building relationships with adults and the importance of being genuine and caring in all interactions. The conversation explores the importance of authenticity and building relationships in education. It emphasizes the value of allowing authentic moments and recovering from mistakes. The guests discuss the significance of being intentional about building value and relationships based on value, as well as the power of owning mistakes and apologizing. They highlight the impact of modeling authenticity and humanity for students, and the importance of creating memorable experiences in the classroom. The conversation also touches on the balance between providing meaningful experiences and meeting professional responsibilities, and the role of assessments in gauging growth.
Takeaways
Embrace diversity in the classroom and recognize the value that different experiences and backgrounds bring to education.

Teaching overseas can provide valuable insights and inspiration for bringing innovation and creativity into the classroom.

Authentic relationships with students are key to creating a welcoming and respectful classroom environment.

Finding common ground and making connections between students can help foster a sense of community and acceptance.

Building relationships with adults, such as colleagues and parents, requires genuine care and effort.

Apologizing and taking responsibility for mistakes is important in maintaining trust and repairing relationships. Allowing authentic moments and recovering from mistakes is important in education.

Building relationships based on value and owning mistakes can have a powerful impact on students.

Creating memorable experiences in the classroom helps students learn and retain information.

Balancing meaningful experiences with professional responsibilities is crucial.

Assessments play a role in gauging growth and demonstrating knowledge.

Twitter: @ShellJeoffroy
Help us out!
Help us reach new listeners on iTunes by leaving us a rating and review! It takes just 30 seconds, and instructions can be found here. Thanks! We appreciate it!
Apple Podcast Review
1 hr 6 min
May 29, 2024171: Place-Based and Community Driven Learning
Aziza Malik, the 2024 Vermont State Teacher of the Year, shares her journey in education and her passion for place-based and community-driven learning. She discusses her background in environmental and farm-based education and how it has influenced her teaching. Aziza emphasizes the importance of bringing the community into the classroom and giving students opportunities to make a difference in their community. She shares examples of projects where students work on climate goals, create public service announcements, and revamp cafeteria menus. Aziza also highlights the leadership role of fifth-grade students and the importance of giving every student a voice and a role in projects. In this conversation, Aziza Malik, the 2024 Vermont Teacher of the Year, discusses the challenges and opportunities of teaching in a diverse community. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and meeting them where they are. Aziza also shares her experiences with integrating technology into the classroom and the benefits it brings to student learning. She highlights the value of personalized feedback, differentiated instruction, and the use of various digital tools. Despite the administrative pressures and data-driven expectations, Aziza encourages educators to focus on what truly matters: the holistic growth and well-being of their students.

Takeaways
Place-based and community-driven learning can have a significant impact on students' education and their connection to their community.

Giving students opportunities to make a difference in their community helps them develop leadership skills and a sense of agency.

Projects should be driven by student interests and community needs, and every student should have a role and a voice in the project.

Building partnerships with community organizations and government agencies can enhance the learning experience and create meaningful connections.

Teachers should have a passion for their projects and find like-minded individuals to collaborate with.

Differentiation and support are essential to ensure that every student can participate and contribute to the project. Building relationships with students is crucial for creating a positive school experience.

Technology can enhance instruction and provide personalized feedback and targeted instruction.

Teachers should focus on what truly matters and prioritize the holistic growth and well-being of their students.

Meeting the needs of diverse learners requires a collaborative approach and utilizing available resources.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
09:44 Place-Based and Community-Driven Learning
21:21 Creating Meaningful Partnerships
24:25 Passion Projects and Differentiation
28:14 Navigating State Testing and Professional Expectations
45:49 The Benefits of Integrating Technology in the Classroom
49:09 Prioritizing Holistic Growth and Well-being
53:48 Collaboration and Utilizing Available Resources for Diverse Learners
Email: [email protected]

Help us out!
Help us reach new listeners on iTunes by leaving us a rating and review! It takes just 30 seconds, and instructions can be found here. Thanks! We appreciate it!
Apple Podcast Review
1 hr 3 min
May 23, 2024170: The Power of Literacy in Students’ Future Success
Aimée Couto, the 2024 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year and a first-grade teacher, shares her journey into education and the importance of creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment. She emphasizes the need for teachers to have an open mind and heart, to build relationships with students, and to avoid labeling them. Aimée also discusses the value of literacy and the role it plays in students' future success. She highlights the importance of allowing students to be kids and creating developmentally appropriate expectations. Finally, she emphasizes the power of having fun and being engaged in the classroom to foster student engagement and excitement for learning. In this conversation, Aimée Couto, the 2024 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year, discusses the importance of labels and the impact they can have on students. She emphasizes the need for teachers to be mindful of the labels they unintentionally apply to students and the importance of using positive and empowering language. Aimée also highlights the significance of tone and the power of giving students a voice. She shares her approach to literacy instruction, including the explicit teaching of phonemes and providing students with ample opportunities to practice. Aimée also discusses the value of reflection and the importance of giving oneself grace as an educator. She encourages teachers to be innovative and constantly seek new ways to improve their practice.

Takeaways
Build positive and inclusive classroom environments by having an open mind and heart, building relationships with students, and avoiding labeling.

Emphasize the importance of literacy and ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop strong reading and writing skills.

Create developmentally appropriate expectations for students, allowing them to be kids and fostering a love for learning.

Have fun and be engaged in the classroom to promote student engagement and excitement for learning. Be mindful of the labels you unintentionally apply to students and use positive and empowering language.

Consider the tone you use when interacting with students and give them a voice in the classroom.

Explicitly teach phonemes and provide students with ample opportunities to practice literacy skills.

Reflect on your teaching practice and give yourself grace when facing challenges.

Be innovative and constantly seek new ways to improve your teaching.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 Creating a Positive and Inclusive Classroom Environment
07:29 Avoiding Labeling and Building Relationships
09:26 The Power of Literacy in Students' Future Success
14:07 Developmentally Appropriate Expectations for Students
30:25 The Power of Labels and Language
36:57 Creating an Empowering Classroom Environment
42:01 Effective Strategies for Literacy Instruction
49:38 The Importance of Reflection and Grace in Teaching
51:16 Fostering Innovation in the Classroom
1 hr 9 min
May 16, 2024169: Empowering Students with High Expectations and Rigorous Learning
Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, shares her insights on building relationships with students and their families, and the importance of getting children's literacy right from the beginning. She discusses her approach to teaching English language learners and the challenges of communication with families who speak different languages. Missy emphasizes the need for high expectations for students and the importance of creating a supportive and rigorous classroom environment. She also highlights the impact of experienced teachers in promoting a culture of high expectations in schools. In this conversation, Missy Testerman, the 2022 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, and Christopher Albrecht discuss the importance of writing instruction and fostering a love for writing in students. They emphasize the need for teachers to maintain high expectations while providing support and creating a purpose for writing. They also highlight the significance of building relationships with students and creating a positive classroom culture. The conversation concludes with a discussion on maintaining joy and avoiding burnout as a teacher, setting boundaries, and advocating for the profession.

Takeaways
Building relationships with students and their families is crucial for success in the classroom.

Explicit reading instruction from the beginning is essential for children's literacy development.

Teaching English language learners requires a combination of language immersion and explicit instruction.

Creating a supportive and welcoming environment for students and families is key to their success.

High expectations and rigorous instruction are important for promoting student achievement.

Experienced teachers play a vital role in establishing a culture of high expectations in schools. Maintaining high expectations while providing support is crucial in fostering a love for writing in students.

Building relationships with students and creating a positive classroom culture are essential for successful writing instruction.

Teachers should set boundaries and take care of themselves to avoid burnout.

Advocating for the profession and speaking up about what is and isn't working in education is important for creating positive change.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:08 Creating a Supportive and Welcoming Environment for Students and Families
30:05 Fostering a Love for Writing: High Expectations and Support
46:46 Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences
55:39 Advocating for the Profession: Speaking Up for Positive Change

Website: www.ntoy.ccsso.org/
Twitter: twitter.com/Missytesterman

Help us out!
Help us reach new listeners on iTunes by leaving us a rating and review! It takes just 30 seconds, and instructions can be found here. Thanks! We appreciate it!
Apple Podcast Review
1 hr 9 min
May 09, 2024168: Creating a Safe and Authentic Classroom Environment
Kimberly Jones, the 2023 Burrows Welcome Fund North Carolina State Teacher of the Year, discusses her career in education and her focus on teaching world literature and Holocaust and human rights education. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and authentic classroom environment where students feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves. Jones also shares her approach to teaching difficult topics, such as the Holocaust, by contextualizing the events and highlighting the resilience and humanity of the people affected. She motivates her students by emphasizing the real-world relevance of reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Kimberly Jones emphasizes the importance of teaching essential skills that are necessary for success in life. She believes that there is no path to success that doesn't include these skills, and she challenges her students to come up with one. Jones also highlights the significance of relating what students learn in the classroom to real-life situations, helping them understand the relevance of their education. She encourages students to see the importance of a well-rounded education and the impact it can have on their future. Jones assesses success in her classroom through growth in students' skills and confidence, as well as their ability to take academic risks. She believes in creating a classroom environment where students feel safe and valued, and where their unique voices are heard and respected. Jones also emphasizes the importance of self-care for educators and the need for validation and appreciation in a thankless profession. Finally, she discusses the importance of adapting teaching strategies to meet the needs of each unique group of students.

Takeaways
Creating a safe and authentic classroom environment is crucial for students to feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves.

Teaching difficult topics, such as the Holocaust, involves contextualizing the events and highlighting the resilience and humanity of the people affected.

Motivating students to read, write, and engage in critical thinking involves emphasizing the real-world relevance of these skills.

Fiction and nonfiction texts, as well as speaking and listening skills, are essential facets of life and contribute to personal growth and understanding. Teaching essential skills is crucial for students' success in life.

Relating classroom learning to real-life situations helps students understand the relevance of their education.

A well-rounded education is important for students to see the value in their learning.

Assessing success in the classroom involves measuring growth in skills and confidence.

Creating a safe and respectful classroom environment encourages students to take academic risks.

Educators need to prioritize self-care and seek validation and appreciation in a challenging profession.

Adapting teaching strategies to meet the needs of each unique group of students is essential.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background

07:39 Creating a Safe and Authentic Classroom Environment

23:56 Motivating Students to Read, Write, and Think Critically

30:35 The Importance of Fiction and Nonfiction in Personal Growth

38:43 Assessing Success: Growth and Confidence

46:14 Prioritizing Self-Care and Seeking Validation

Help us out!
Help us reach new listeners on iTunes by leaving us a rating and review! It takes just 30 seconds, and instructions can be found here. Thanks! We appreciate it!
Apple Podcast Review
1 hr 5 min
May 02, 2024167: Facilitating Learning and Discourse to Empower Civics Education
Tara Cocanower, the 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year, shares her passion for teaching and the importance of empathy in the classroom. She emphasizes the value of connecting with students and helping them develop their worldviews. Tara discusses the use of primary and secondary sources, AI technology, and hands-on activities to engage students in learning. She also highlights the need for flexibility and adaptability in education, as well as the importance of teacher autonomy and voice in driving change and equity discussions. The conversation explores strategies for helping students form their own identity as historians and world changers. It emphasizes the importance of making connections between different subjects and real-world issues, particularly in rural areas where civic engagement may be lacking. The guests discuss the significance of involving students in decision-making and creating a space for open dialogue. They also highlight the need for teachers to advocate for themselves and their ideas. The conversation concludes with the importance of knowing students' anchors and providing support during challenging times. She emphasizes the importance of knowing and supporting students' anchors, reminding them of what brings them joy and makes them feel safe. Tara also discusses the best advice she's received, which is to believe that she is enough. She highlights the need for educators to connect with each other and seek support during challenging times. Additionally, Tara encourages teachers to embrace failure and constantly seek to innovate and adapt their teaching strategies.
Takeaways
Empathy is a crucial value in the classroom, allowing students to connect with the material and develop their own worldview.

Using primary and secondary sources, AI technology, and hands-on activities can engage students and help them analyze information from different perspectives.

Flexibility and adaptability are essential in education, as change is inevitable and necessary for progress.

Teacher autonomy and voice are important in driving change and equity discussions in education.

Help students form their own identity as historians and world changers

Make connections between different subjects and real-world issues

Involve students in decision-making and create a space for open dialogue

Advocate for yourself and your ideas as a teacher

Know students' anchors and provide support during challenging times Teachers should know and support students' anchors, reminding them of what brings them joy and makes them feel safe.

Believe that you are enough and deserving of your role as an educator.

Connect with other educators and seek support during challenging times.

Embrace failure and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Constantly seek to innovate and adopt new teaching strategies.
Twitter: @T_Cocanower
Help us out!
Help us reach new listeners on iTunes by leaving us a rating and review! It takes just 30 seconds, and instructions can be found here. Thanks! We appreciate it!
Apple Podcast Review
1 hr 6 min
April 25, 2024166: The Importance of Inclusive Education
Summary
Diana Fannon, a director of special education, discusses her career journey from being a classroom teacher to a school psychologist and administrator. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive education and the need for teachers to be familiar with special education accommodations and modifications. Diana also highlights the significance of universal design for learning and creating a welcoming and accessible learning environment for all students. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by teachers in implementing inclusive practices and the need for ongoing professional learning and support. The conversation explores the challenges and strategies of inclusive education, with a focus on special education and the importance of collaboration and communication between teachers, administrators, and parents. The guests discuss the difficulties of balancing the needs of students with disabilities in general education classrooms and the limited time and resources available for special education support. They also highlight the significance of frequent contact with parents, transparency, and preparation in the process of assessing, identifying, and placing students in effective programs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of high expectations for all students and the power of inclusive experiences in fostering growth and success.
Takeaways
Inclusive education requires teachers to create a welcoming and accessible learning environment for all students.

Teachers should be familiar with special education accommodations and modifications and know how to implement them in the classroom.

Universal design for learning can help address the diverse needs of students and create a more inclusive learning experience.

Professional learning and support are essential for teachers to effectively implement inclusive practices.

Understanding the standards and curriculum is crucial for special education teachers to support students in accessing grade-level content. Collaboration and communication between teachers, administrators, and parents are crucial in ensuring the success of inclusive education.

Balancing the needs of students with disabilities in general education classrooms can be challenging due to limited time and resources.

Frequent contact with parents, transparency, and preparation are essential in the process of assessing, identifying, and placing students in effective programs.

Having high expectations for all students and providing inclusive experiences can foster growth and success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Career Journey

03:07 Challenges of Classroom Teaching and Transition to School Psychology

08:05 Implementing Accommodations and Modifications

10:56 Creating a Welcoming and Accessible Learning Environment

13:10 The Need for Ongoing Professional Learning

15:13 Supporting Students in Accessing Grade-Level Content

30:02 Assessing, Identifying, and Placing Students

33:58 Supporting Teachers and Schools

36:31 Innovation and Growth in Education
Help us out!
Help us reach new listeners on iTunes by leaving us a rating and review! It takes just 30 seconds, and instructions can be found here. Thanks! We appreciate it!
Apple Podcast Review
59 min

About powerED Up

From the publisher's feed

We are powering education up by empowering you! Join us to talk about everything education with the hosts and weekly interviews. We will interview teachers to find out what makes great teachers and…

Share powerED Up

Sign up to save your podcasts

powerED Up

powerED Up episodes

About powerED Up