powerED Up

By Ken EhrmannEducation

powerED Up episodes

February 01, 2024156: When We Focus on the Needs of Our Students, We Focus on Success
Summary
In this episode, Matt Rogers discusses his career in education, with a focus on special education. He shares his passion for working with students with special needs and the challenges and rewards of teaching in special education classrooms. Matt emphasizes the importance of collaboration and stakeholder involvement in supporting students with special needs to be included in regular education classrooms. He also discusses the benefits of inclusion for all students and the role of empathy in education. Matt shares his experiences as an advocate for students with special needs and provides insights into the work of the California Collaborative for Education Excellence.
Takeaways
Collaboration and stakeholder involvement are crucial for supporting students with special needs to be included in regular education classrooms.

Inclusion benefits all students by fostering empathy, developing soft skills, and creating a sense of belonging.

Approaching education with empathy and understanding is essential for building positive relationships with students and their families.

Teachers should constantly seek to innovate and adapt their teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:35 Passion for Special Education
06:17 Understanding Special Education Classrooms
11:36 Strategies for Inclusion
14:18 Importance of Collaboration and Stakeholder Involvement
15:23 Benefits of Inclusion for All Students
18:50 Challenges of Advocacy in Special Education
25:25 Importance of Empathy and Understanding
27:08 The Power of Collaboration and Breaking Stereotypes
30:42 Creating Collaborative Opportunities for Teachers
33:28 Balancing Advocacy and Legal Requirements in Special Education
39:32 Approaching Education with Empathy
43:34 Role of California Collaborative for Education Excellence
47:17 Working with Upper-Level Administrators to Improve Education Systems
49:39 Making a Difference in Students' Lives
52:15 The Importance of Collaboration and Systems in Education
53:41 Exit Ticket: Best Thing a Teacher Can Do
55:45 Exit Ticket: Best Piece of Advice Received
57:24 Exit Ticket: Message for Educators in Moments of Struggle
01:00:30 Exit Ticket: Overcoming Resistance to Change
01:08:36 Exit Ticket: Seeking Innovation and Change
01:09:30 Continuing to Follow Matt Rogers' Work
Website: ccee-ca.org
Twitter: @MatthewNavo

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1 hr 19 min
January 25, 2024155: Teach Happier
Summary
In this conversation, Suzanne Dailey, an instructional coach, shares her experiences and insights on creating a positive classroom environment, supporting multilingual learners, promoting teacher wellness, and practicing happiness as a discipline. She emphasizes the importance of validation and asking questions in coaching conversations and staying in touch with the classroom as an instructional coach. Suzanne also discusses her work in teaching happiness and the impact it has on teaching and learning. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of creating a nurturing and empowering environment for both students and teachers. In this conversation, Suzanne Dailey shares insights and experiences from her teaching career. She discusses the importance of reflection and improvement in teaching math, gaining perspective and experience, and the value of observing other teachers. Suzanne also talks about the benefits of filming oneself for teaching and the rigorous process of National Board Certification. She highlights the cost and benefits of certification and its recognition across different states. Additionally, Suzanne emphasizes the importance of utilizing positive psychology, surrounding oneself with good people, and modeling emotional wellness. She concludes by discussing the significance of reflective practice and innovation in teaching.
Takeaways
Creating a positive classroom environment involves greeting students, setting high expectations, and nurturing relationships.

Supporting multilingual learners requires empathy, cultural sensitivity, and personalized approaches.

Promoting teacher wellness involves practicing self-care, gratitude, and maintaining healthy relationships.

Asking questions and providing validation are essential in coaching conversations to empower teachers and promote problem-solving. Reflection and improvement are essential in teaching math effectively.

Gaining perspective and experience from observing other teachers can enhance teaching practices.

Filming oneself for teaching can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.

National Board Certification is a rigorous process that offers professional development and recognition.

Utilizing positive psychology and surrounding oneself with good people can improve well-being and teaching effectiveness.

Modeling emotional wellness is important for creating a positive classroom environment.

Reflective practice and innovation are key to continuous improvement in teaching.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background

01:20 Mrs. Daley, the Fourth Grade Teacher

03:18 Creating a Positive Classroom Environment

04:48 Challenges in Teaching

06:14 Supporting Multilingual Learners

08:32 Promoting Teacher Wellness

10:46 Teach Happier and Impact on Teaching

12:38 Practicing Happiness as a Discipline

15:00 Recognizing the Need for Self-Care

17:26 Influencing the Energy in the Room

21:44 Blending Happiness Practices into Instructional Coaching

23:46 The Importance of Validation and Asking Questions

30:48 Staying in Touch with the Classroom

36:18 Ideal Administrator Position

40:35 Teaching Math: Reflection and Improvement

41:24 Gaining Perspective and Experience

42:20 The Value of Observing Other Teachers

43:19 Filming Yourself for Teaching

45:33 National Board Certification

48:19 The Rigorous Process of National Board Certification

51:46 Cost and Benefits of National Board Certification

51:58 National Certification and Teaching in Different States

53:41 Utilizing Positive Psychology

55:24 Surrounding Yourself with Good People

57:30 Modeling Emotional Wellness

59:06 Reflective Practice and Innovation
Website: https://suzannedailey.com
Twitter: @suzannedailey
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1 hr 8 min
January 18, 2024154: Creativity Lives in the Craft of Writing
Summary
In this conversation, Ken Ehrmann and Gary Whitehead discuss the changes in high school English education, including the impact of technology and online teaching. They also explore the influence of being a poet on teaching and the importance of analyzing poetry with students. Gary shares his experience as the advisor of the school newspaper, discussing its history and transformation, as well as the integration of media platforms in the journalism class. They also touch on the influence of the journalism class on students' future career paths. In this conversation, Gary Whitehead discusses his experiences as a teacher and his impact on his students. He shares how he inspires passion and mentorship, explores different paths for students, and balances teaching with his writing. Gary also provides financial advice for teachers, emphasizes the importance of self-preservation and mental health, and discusses the role of creativity and innovation in teaching. He concludes by sharing ways to continue learning alongside him.
Takeaways
Technology has significantly changed high school English education, with the Internet and online teaching becoming more prevalent.

Being a poet can positively impact teaching, as it allows for sharing personal experiences and a deeper understanding of language and literature.

Analyzing poetry requires attention and multiple readings, but it can be a powerful form of writing to teach and learn.

School newspapers provide authentic opportunities for students to explore journalism and media and can have a lasting impact on their future career paths. Teachers can inspire students by providing opportunities for them to become passionate about something and by listening to and guiding them.

Taking a creative writing class can enrich students' lives, even if they pursue other careers.

Self-preservation and taking care of one's mental health are essential for teachers.

Creativity is vital in being an effective teacher and can help keep learning enjoyable for both students and teachers.

Teachers should start investing in retirement plans, such as a 403B, as early as possible.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Upload
00:46 Introducing Gary Whitehead
02:04 Changes in High School English
06:17 Teaching Online
08:30 Adapting to Technology in Education
10:28 Benefits and Challenges of Online Learning
13:33 Influence of Online Teaching on Face-to-Face Instruction
19:41 Impact of Being a Poet on Teaching
25:01 Analyzing Poetry with Students
35:05 The History and Transformation of the School Newspaper
40:24 Integration of Media Platforms in Journalism Class
45:34 Influence of Journalism Class on Students' Future Paths
47:24 Inspiring Passion and Mentorship
49:13 Exploring Different Paths
51:15 Balancing Teaching and Writing
54:35 Making Learning Fun and Purposeful
55:01 Financial Advice for Teachers
57:33 Self-Preservation and Mental Health
59:23 Fostering Creativity and Innovation
01:01:57 Continuing to Learn with Gary
Website: https://www.garyjwhitehead.com/
Instagram: @gwhiteheadgeoy
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1 hr 9 min
January 11, 2024153: The Leader's Algorithm
Summary
In this conversation, Pablo Munoz, a former superintendent of schools, shares his personal and professional journey in education. He discusses the importance of personal stories in education and how his background influenced his leadership style. Munoz also introduces the concept of the leader's algorithm and the personal theory of action, which he used to guide his work as a superintendent. He emphasizes the significance of policy and setting clear expectations for student achievement. In this conversation, Pablo Munoz shares his insights on improving teaching and learning. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the instructional core, which is the relationship between the teacher, the student, and the content. Munoz highlights the need for cognitively challenging tasks and the impact they have on student performance. He also discusses the importance of leading with love and providing unconditional support to students. Munoz encourages educators to reflect on their teaching practices and constantly seek ways to innovate and adopt new strategies. He concludes by reminding educators of their power to improve the lives of children and shape the future of the country.
Takeaways
Personal stories can be powerful tools in education, helping students and teachers connect and understand each other better.

The leader's algorithm and personal theory of action provide frameworks for effective leadership and decision-making in education.

Policy plays a crucial role in shaping the direction and goals of a school district.

Improving student achievement requires a focus on rigorous instruction, professional development, and high expectations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background

11:14 The Importance of Personal Story in Education

30:50 The Leader's Algorithm and Personal Theory of Action

49:40 Improving Student Achievement

56:04 The Instructional Core

59:26 Task Predicts Performance

01:03:43 Improving the School Experience

01:06:12 Listen and Learn

01:09:35 The Power to Improve Lives

01:11:42 Reflective Teachers
Website: https://www.themunozcompany.com/
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1 hr 22 min
January 04, 2024152: How to Inspire Writers in your Classroom
In this conversation, Meghan Sheriff and Gretchen Gales discuss various aspects of teaching writing, including engagement, balancing content and writing skills, providing feedback and revisions, the value of writing conferences, and peer editing strategies. In this conversation, Meghan Sheriff and Gretchen Gales discuss their experiences teaching writing and running a tutoring business. They highlight the challenges of sharing personal narratives in writing assignments and the importance of creating a safe and supportive student environment. They also discuss time efficiency in writing instruction and their strategies to maximize their time with students in small group settings. Meghan and Gretchen share insights into their tutoring business, including the types of students they work with and the benefits of personalized attention. They emphasize the importance of building confidence and soft skills in students and the impact that teachers can have on their students' lives.
Takeaways
Engagement is crucial in teaching writing, and building relationships with students can help foster their excitement and investment in writing.

Balancing content and writing skills is essential, and gradual progression in teaching grammar and other writing elements can be more effective than overwhelming students with too much information at once.

Providing feedback and revisions is a challenging but essential part of teaching writing, and using conferences and written comments can help students improve their writing and build confidence.

Writing conferences are valuable opportunities for one-on-one conversations with students about their writing, addressing their questions and concerns, and providing personalized feedback.

Peer editing can be effective when students are given specific tasks and guidelines, such as using a PQP (praise, question, polish) format, to ensure meaningful feedback and avoid superficial editing. Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for students to feel comfortable sharing personal narratives in writing assignments.

Efficiency of time is essential in writing instruction, and teachers need to find ways to maximize their time with students in small group settings.

Tutoring businesses can provide personalized attention and support for students' writing and academic pursuits.

Building confidence and soft skills in students is an important aspect of teaching writing.

Teachers should continuously seek new ideas and strategies to stay innovative in their teaching and meet the changing needs of students.
Highlights:
00:00 Introductions and Background
03:02 Importance of Engagement in Writing
11:02 Balancing Content and Writing Skills
18:03 Providing Feedback and Revisions
25:06 The Value of Writing Conferences
28:53 Peer Editing and Revision Strategies
40:31 Challenges of Sharing Personal Narratives
41:20 Efficiency of Time in Writing Instruction
42:30 Maximizing Time in Small Group Settings
46:17 Overview of the Tutoring Business
47:52 Reasons to Work with the Tutors
50:44 Building Confidence and Soft Skills
51:06 Making Students Feel Seen
53:08 Best Piece of Advice Received
55:22 Powering Through Moments of Struggle
57:50 Staying Innovative and Adopting New Teaching Strategies
01:03:39 Connecting with the Guests
Website: https://www.smartsolutionsva.com/

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1 hr 12 min
December 21, 2023151: When Outdoor Experiences Can Inspire a Love for Learning
Lori Danz is the Wisconsin 2023 State Teacher of the Year. A career-long high school biology teacher has leveraged the unique opportunities of her district to add a whole other facet to her day. She manages and teaches the outdoor forest for her school district. All teachers, K-12, can come experience the forest for instructional purposes.
Utilize the resources available in your district to create immersive experiences.

Learn about the outdoor forest classroom available to Wisconsin students.

Provide students time to learn on their own and learn from each other.

We have to find confidence in the vulnerability that comes from student-centered learning

Just get your students outside for a walk and fresh air. It’s so beneficial to interrupt the traditional rhythm of the classroom.
Twitter: @LoriDanz2
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1 hr
December 14, 2023150: Cracking the Coaching Code
In a rare opportunity, we had the pleasure of speaking to a superintendent and a long-time school board president in the same conversation. PJ Caposey, Illinois Superintendent of the Year, and Bryan Wills, school board president, are colleagues, friends, and co-authors of the book Cracking the Coaching Code. PJ and Bryan share their experiences as district leaders and the insights one can learn from the Enneagram Personality Test.
How leaders face challenging situations and tougher decisions.

Behind the scenes look at how decisions are from a place of fiscal responsibility and the heart of the situation.

Introduction to the Enneagram personality test, the personality types, and how interactions stem from that.

Acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses and how to best handle a situation based on our known defaults.
Website: www.crackingthecoachcodebook.com
Twitter: MCUSDSup - OCUSDSup
Website: www.pjcaposey.com
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1 hr 23 min
December 07, 2023149: Balance Your Teacher Life
Grace Stevenson is focused on creating positive mindsets and habits for teachers. After leaving a career in the business world, she launched a twenty-year teaching career in the trenches. Her experiences, passion, and research have driven her new career. She is focused on identifying why she has a positive experience and helping other teachers find the same joy.
Creating practical small habits to recognize joy.

Retrain your brain to see the moments of joy.

Involve the students in your intentional habits so they can help support the sustainable.

Habit stack: build a habit in conjunction with another habit you complete

It’s important to set boundaries with others and yourself. It’s not just about leaving your work bag at school; it’s the emotional boundaries.

Do not focus on the number of hours you work but the quality of the hours.
Website: www.gracestevens.com/happy
Podcast: Balance Your Teacher Life
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1 hr 9 min
November 30, 2023148: Mentoring Students and New Teachers to Take Flight
Kimberly Radostits is the 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year, and she is focused on supporting students to grow and take flight to their maximum potential. She has spent her entire career building a program that targets at-risk freshmen to increase the graduation rate dramatically.
Community-based program for at-risk freshmen to help them sustain a successful high school career.

New teachers have one mentor, as opposed to a grade-level partner.

The freshman onboarding program has dramatically decreased the amount of students not graduating.

Motivate students with data and allow them to access the data we are utilizing to track their success so they can invest in it themselves.

Use the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) as a framework for designing all lessons.

Create systems to allow students to be challenged, build self-confidence, and thrive in the classroom.
Twitter: @Srtarad
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1 hr 15 min
November 16, 2023147: Reaching the Students Who Need It Most
Dani is the 2023 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year and clarified why in this conversation. She is dedicated to the quality education for every child she interacts with daily. She spends most of her time supporting the students who need it most. Dani acknowledges her strengths and weaknesses as a teacher and how that helped her find her best position in alternative education.
Bias is all around us, even in the situation of handedness. Scissors were made for right-handed people, not left-handed.

The students in alternative education have failed at every “traditional” educational opportunity and need to have opportunities created for them.

Educators of all geographic areas have challenges; we must support each other.

Our students face challenges, and we need to acknowledge them before we can teach them.

It’s not healthy for educators to negatively compare one position or district to another. We need to encourage each other and acknowledge we all face challenges positively.

Teachers cannot be the only audience for their work. We need to create authentic audiences for our students, and we legitimately need to set up that to be real.

Ask them if we want to evaluate student interest in an authentic project. They may think your idea is the best, or the worst. We must engage with our students and let them bring their ideas.
Website: http://idontteachenglish.weebly.com/
Twitter: @CharbonneauDani
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1 hr 15 min

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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…

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