In this deeply personal and often hilarious episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Kevin interviews Dr. Debbie Silver, a nationally celebrated educator, author, and speaker. From an accidental start in a rural Louisiana classroom with no curriculum or training, to shaping future teachers and leading national conversations on education, Debbie’s story is one of resilience, humor, and heart. Whether you're struggling to find your place or looking for renewed inspiration, this candid conversation is a reminder that every educator has a story—and every student deserves to be seen.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Teaching isn't always planned—but it can be a calling - Debbie’s journey into education started with no intention or training, proving that connection often trumps credentials.
✔️ “You do you, Big!” - Authenticity matters. Every teacher has a unique style that can resonate with different students.
✔️ Grace and flexibility are critical - Education is serious work, but rigid systems and pacing guides often miss the mark. Reframing and resilience are essential tools.
✔️ Culture begins with the teacher - The classroom culture you create echoes in school-wide relationships, expectations, and student engagement.
✔️ Growth over grades - Debbie encourages formative data over summative punishment—meet students where they are and measure growth, not just scores.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

🗣️ “You saw me.” — Tara, Debbie’s former student and now a full colonel

🗣️ “I wasn’t a real teacher. I was a scared girl in a hot classroom full of crying first graders.”

🗣️ “Don’t worry about being me—worry about being the best version of you.”

🗣️ “The job is serious. But don’t take yourself too seriously.”

🗣️ “If you’re passionate about it, the kids will be too.”

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices:

• Pre-year letters to students: Personal notes that build empathy and connection
• Student surveys & learning inventories: Start the year by understanding how your students learn best
• Flexible rubrics: Let students choose how to demonstrate mastery
• Classroom check-ins: Make eye contact, greet students intentionally, and build trust daily
• Community building through storytelling: Use your own journey as a bridge to student engagement

📚 Resources & Links:

🔗 Dr. Debbie Silver website: https://debbiesilver.com/
🔗 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943
🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5?si=61c80af2fd07497d
🔗 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/
🔗 Check out our website: https://accutrain.com/

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