Pushing The Edge with Greg Curran

Do an internet search and one word dominates relating to teaching - SURVIVAL. In this episode, we turn the tables, we're all about helping you THRIVE.

What is thriving? Four quite diverse Educators will give us their perspective:  Jenny Moes, Craig Kemp, Ashley Hurley and Tom Snyder. 

Then we'll zero in on Tips and Strategies for Thriving - with Samantha Bates, Doug Robertson, Erin Stevenson and Jenny Moes.

How do you thrive if you're totally at odds with your colleagues, or your school?

What about if you're feeling disenchanted, lacking energy, and enthusiasm? 

We've got lots of Thrive takeaways for you in this episode. So dig in and have a listen.   For Further Information and Show-Links: PushingTheEdge.org/6   Follow Me: @GregBCurran

It started as a comment whispered in the hallway,"He's the Weird Teacher." 

From there, it became a book, and later a highly unpredictable and outside the box Twitter chat, simply called Weirded.    In this episode, embracing what makes you different with Doug Robertson, an Elementary School Teacher and author of He's the Weird Teacher.   Showing those parts of ourselves that others deem to be weird can be challenging. You can feel a little vulnerable, and it doesn't always go to plan. There's some top insights in this episode from Doug Robertson.    Then it's the Lightning Round, where we're fuelled by Risk, Boundaries, Passion, Voice, and something that Doug's particularly well known for - Intensity and Humor.   And for the Pop Culture Fans, there's Henry Rollins, Steven Tyler, Cloud Atlas, Hunter S Thompson, The Myth Busters, and a Not to Be Missed Quote from The Lorax.    In the spirit of Doug,  Be Yourself, Be Weirdly Weird.    Check out the Show-links: PushingTheEdge.org/5   Follow me (Greg Curran) on Twitter: @GregBCurran

Rachael Lehr is an educator with much insight into Pushing Past Comfort Zones - often pushing past the 'Why Me?' and 'What have I got to offer?' feelings, and saying 'Yes' to the unknown and unfamiliar.  

Connectedness is also a key theme in this episode. In particular, how Twitter has been 'life-changing' for Rachael.

Here we share practical tips for those who are wary of reaching out to connect. And if you're feeling a bit isolated, there's tips here for you as well.

In turn, hear how Rachael has fired up her Year 2 class along with their parents and guardians via a Class Twitter account. Yes that's right - Twitter with Year 2 children.  

There's also the Lightning Round - where Courage, Connection, Making a Difference, Overachieving, and Nature - are all under the spotlight.

To round out an insightful and inspiring episode we have Rachael's Not To Be Missed Book, which offers practical tips for everyday thriving as a teacher. More specifically, how to take care of Number 1 - You.

For Further Information + Show-links: PushingTheEdge.org/4

To Follow Me (Greg Curran): @GregBCurran

It inspires questions. It leads to wondering? It compels action. It fuels a desire to learn more about the Other. 

Social Justice, that's the thread that weaves throughout this podcast episode.

Erin Stevenson takes us on her journey, as she confronts her privilege, and steps outside what's comfortable to her. She's forced to re-assess her taken for granted beliefs and values, and assumptions. Not just once, but over and over.     In so doing Erin learns some pretty significant life lessons that fuel her teaching today.     As someone who is passionate about Social Justice, chatting with Erin really fired me up. There's so many nuggets here.    For Show-Notes, Go to PushingTheEdge.org (Episode 3)

In this episode of Pushing the Edge:

• What resources are crucial to us thriving today as teachers and students? 
• Why must we reach out and connect?
• How do we work with those fears and self-doubts that stop us from reaching out? 

Learn about the power of Edcamps and Twitter and some awesome educators. 

Plus there's the Meteor Shower (also known as The Lightning Round) and some Gung-ho thrown in.

For full Show-Notes go to: PushingTheEdge.org (Episode 2) 

In this episode, we hear from Jason Borton, an Australian principal who questions everyday, taken for granted practices, within education.    Among the topics Jason and I canvas:

• How to really Thrive;
• Key Ways to Connect with awesome educators;
• Taking Care of You.

Jason has some pretty compelling suggestions for our well-being. They're suggestions that you don't hear too often. 

Plus there's the Lightning Round, where speed and agility are key. And stand-by for a few pointed questions from Jason. I'm sure you're going to be inspired.

 For full Show-Notes go to: PushingTheEdge.org  (Episode 1)