Benjamin Koenig has been in education for 8 years, and he is currently the K-6th grade music teacher at Delaware Elementary School in Indiana. The music program at Delaware Elementary has performed with celebrities and Grammy-award winning artists and was featured in USA Today after a performance video went viral.

On this Episode:

• Benjamin talks about the type of teacher he is- a kid at heart and finding the fun in education.
• Benjamin shares how relationships are built in music programs even when their time is limited.
• Benjamin gives examples of relationship integration in music class.
• Kevin and Benjamin discuss the advantages of building relationships with music.
• Benjamin talks to Kevin about time and how the purpose of relationship building has to be a priority.

Tweetable Quote:

“Ninety percent of what I teach is relationships and ten percent is music. Now, the music’s there in the content but it’s so blended in with the relationship building now, it’s hard to tell the difference.” - Benjamin Koenig

Resources:

Visit www.Rclfirst.com to join the Educator Circle Calls that happen three times a week!

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Ryan Scott is a former elementary teacher and former elementary principal who is currently serving as the assistant principal at the Webster County Board of Education in Dixon, Kentucky. Ryan shares with us some of the ways relationships have impacted him as a person and as a principal.

Key Points on this Episode:

• Ryan and Kevin discuss depression and anxiety and the signs to look for in students and teachers alike.
• Ryan and Kevin talk about the differences in the highschool and elementary school levels and give advice for those in leadership at the elementary level.
• Ryan and Kevin explain what needs to happen in relationships to change the world starting in education.
• Ryan and Kevin discuss what we all need to do to do our part!

Tweetable Quotes:

“Perception is reality. Even if we don’t understand it, if this person is feeling this way, that is their reality, and we shouldn’t change it.” - Ryan Scott

“Change needs to be slow.” - Ryan Scott

“But the thing that computers cannot do that we must do is that relationship.” - Ryan Scott

Ryan Scott:

To reach out to Ryan about his dream for his non-profit organization, contact him at his personal email or cell!

[email protected]

(270)860-0211

Resources:

Visit www.Rclfirst.com to join the Educator Circle Calls that happen three times a week!

Want a FREE download of 25 GTKY questions? Visit rclfirst.com and sign up for our newsletter!

On this Mindset Monday, Kevin shares a testimony of the first teacher who impacted him for education. If someone has impacted your life for the better in education, it is important for them to hear that from you!

Reach out and tell someone today that you are grateful for their impact on your life!

Resources:

Visit www.Rclfirst.com to join the Educator Circle Calls that happen three times a week!

Want a FREE download of 25 GTKY questions? Visit rclfirst.com and sign up for our newsletter!

Raymond Porten is the principal of Indian Hill Elementary School in McHenry, Illinois. He is passionate about creating a school where we are “helping every student obtain excellence and social-emotional confidence!” Hear Kevin and Raymond talk all things leadership and how it is centered around relationships!

On this Episode:

• Hear Raymond’s background both in family and in education and learning how climate and culture work together.
• Raymond and Kevin talk about the personal, genuine need for connection.
• Raymond and Kevin give examples of being accessible to students and teachers alike.
• Kevin and Raymond discuss intentionality in forming relationships.
• Raymond and Kevin talk about the obstacles to relationship-centered learning and why it isn’t currently happening more in our classrooms.

Key Takeaways:

• Personalize your reach out- calls, postcards, and communication.
• Give the power and permission to have fun! Fun is important for students and teachers alike.
• Focus on the process not the product.

Tweetable Quotes:

“You can’t wing relationships!” Kevin 

“Be human, and get to know people on their level.” - Raymond

Raymond Porten:

Check out his podcast: Life’s Exponential Impact

Check out his son’s podcast: Livin’ That Online School Life!

Resources:

Visit www.Rclfirst.com to join the Educator Circle Calls that happen three times a week!

Want a FREE download of 25 GTKY questions? Visit rclfirst.com and sign up for our newsletter!

On this episode of Relationship Centered learning, Kevin interviews student Abby Wallace. Abby is currently a college student that comes on to the show to share with us that we are not defined by our limitations. She shares her journey from being born prematurely and how connections in her life have helped her growth in life. 

On this Episode:

• Abby tells of a situation in high school when a teacher made a difference by paying attention to her and talking to her about a difficult moment in her life and how that affected her. 
• Abby and Kevin talk about the obstacles some teachers face when connecting with students.
• Abby shares what it was like having her mother teach as well and the unique connection that brought.
• Kevin and Abby discuss the importance of teachers being comfortable with forming real relationships with students and asking them “how are you?”.
• Kevin surprises Abby with Denise and they discuss some of the challenges students face with online vs. in person education and interaction.

Key Takeaways:

• Look for specific ways to challenge and encourage students. 
• Be approachable and be willing to listen to build trust with your students.
• One of the best things you can help a student with is confidence not just content.

Resources:

Visit www.Rclfirst.com to join the Educator Circle Calls that happen three times a week!

Want a FREE download of 25 GTKY questions? Visit rclfirst.com and sign up for our newsletter!

Joe Dombrowski (aka Mr.D) took the world by storm in 2017 with a viral April Fools’ Day spelling test prank that landed him multiple appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Since then Joe has been traveling the world with his stand-up comedy tour titled “Indoor Recess” which highlights his crazy life as an elementary school teacher. When he’s not getting creative on screens and stages, Joe spends his time in Seattle, Washington producing his podcast “Social Studies” where he humorously studies being social by being social with guests of all walks of life. See more of Joe on any form of social media using the handle @mrdtimes3 or catch him live at one of his shows!

On this Episode:

• Joe explains how his passion for teaching came from an unexpected moment during college as he pursued comedy and how important it is to find your why.
• Joe talks about the similarities between stand-up comedy and the classroom.
• Joe discusses the transition from student to focusing on helping encourage the teacher.
• Kevin and Joe talk about the FORD formula and its importance. 
• Hear Kevin and Joe discuss time perception in education.
• Joe shares some of the themes he shares in his comedy show that relate to teachers.

Key Takeaways:

• Do not be the teacher who teaches simply to collect a paycheck. Have a true passion for teaching.
• Students will love you for being your genuine, organic self. Do not try to be someone else.
• Stand apart by focusing on the simple things like remembering a student’s name even if they aren’t in your class.

Tweetable Quotes:

“This is for you. This is for you to do what you have to do to feel more comfortable in your life. Because if you feel more comfortable in your personal life, you are going to be a better teacher.” - Joe

“You can’t wing relationships!” - Kevin Curtis

“It takes one caring adult. The end.” - Joe

Joe Dombrowski:

Connect with Joe on all social media platforms @mrdtimes3

Check out his website: www.mrdtimes3.com to find out about his virtual comedy show!

Check out his podcast "Social Studies"

Resources:

Visit www.Rclfirst.com to join the Educator Circle Calls that happen three times a week!

Want a FREE download of 25 GTKY questions? Visit rclfirst.com and sign up for our newsletter!

On this episode of Relationship Centered Learning, Kevin dives into the topic of how to be a better listener. Especially during current times, listening has never been more needed. Whenever there is a conflict that occurs whether in education or life in general, the ability to know how to better respond rather than react is so crucial.

Key Takeaways:

• In order to respond correctly, pause before reacting with your first instinct.
• To validate and connect with another, you need to see, hear, and value them.
• Allow yourself to see the different approaches of others. 

Tweetable Quote:

“When you get to the end of “respond road’ hopefully it's not about being right. It’s about a different perspective.” - Kevin

Visit www.Rclfirst.com to join the Educator Circle Calls that happen three times a week!

On today’s episode, Kevin interviews Trevor Muir. Trevor believes every student is a dynamic character with a potential for greatness. And he believes educators hold the key to unlocking that potential by building relationships and crafting learning experiences that are engaging and transformative.

That's why he teaches students with project based learning. It’s why he gives keynotes, workshops, and writes about my work in the classroom and how effective authentic education can be. It’s the reason he presented a TED talk at Tedx San Antonio called "School Should Take Place in the Real World," and writes for publications like EdWeek, The Huffington Post, and WeAreTeachers.

Trevor believes in students and in teachers, and he believes in what school has the potential of being.

On this Episode:

• Trevor talks about the struggles of his past and how he can use it as a tool in his connections now.
• Trevor and Kevin discuss helping teachers navigate vulnerability in the classroom.
• Kevin and Trevor talk about the need for accountability for teachers to make connections with students.
• Trevor explains how even with the differences in education right now, the opportunities to connect are still prevalent. 
• Kevin and Trevor talk about being intentional in connections.

Key Takeaways:

• Let your students know you are human and are the heroes of your story too.
• Find your tools, understand your tools, then be intentional in using your tools to find connections.
• Found your teaching style on relationships.

Tweetable Quotes:

“That’s one of the hardest lessons I had to learn as a young teacher was vulnerability is required.” - Trevor

“I believe until education changes the framework and holds us accountable for making connections with kids, the needle is going to move very slowly.” - Kevin

Trevor Muir:

Check out his online course for tips on teaching virtually:

https://trevormuir.teachable.com/p/thriving-virtual-teacher

Connect with Trevor via all forms of social media!

Website: trevormuir.com

Facebook: Trevor Muir- The Epic Classroom

Twitter: @trevormuir

Instagram: @theepicclassroom

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-muir-645b89158/

Want a FREE download of 25 GTKY questions? Visit rclfirst.com and sign up for our newsletter!

Greg Murille comes from a family line of educators. Kevin first met Greg as Coach Murille. They were rival baseball coaches in Texas. They grew in admiration and a friendship with each other. Greg went on from the classroom to administration, and is currently the Shiner Elementary Principal. He was recently awarded Region 3 Outstanding Principal for TASSP here in Texas. 

On this Episode:

• Greg shares why his job as a principal is the best job in the world, and how his background prepared him for a life in education.
• Greg shares how as an educator you need to be prepared for anything. 
• Greg tells how he developed a new disciplinary plan for his district based on encouraging good behavior then emphasizing bad behavior.
• Kevin talks about the hybrid process of combining restorative practices with traditional consequences. 
• Kevin and Greg discuss the importance of grace in leadership and education.

Key Takeaways:

• Encourage students to make good choices.
• Give students an actual voice in situations. 
• Take time to look at what is important through the lens of a child.

Tweetable Quotes:

“When you’re working with kids you gotta be real. They know fake.”- Greg

“Every decision I make as a principal is with a parent’s heart.” - Greg

Greg Murrile:

You can connect with him on Facebooka: https://www.facebook.com/gmurrile

Find his email on the Shiner ISD website under the Elementary tab.

Want a FREE download of 25 GTKY questions? Visit rclfirst.com and sign up for our newsletter!