Teach Better Talk

Teach Better Talk

By Teach Better TeamEducation
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Teach Better Talk episodes

  • 128: Video games, dad jokes, and higher education. - Dr. Matthew Barr chats with us about his research with video games, creating a work-based element in higher education, and telling too many dad jok

    Dr. Matthew Barr chats with us about his research with video games, creating a work-based element in higher education, and telling too many dad jokes.

    Matt shares how he accidentally enrolled in the wrong degree program, what he calls the "art of failing," and why we need to stop wasting time over-preparing for things.

    www.teachbetter.com/podcast/mattbarr

    Episode Highlights
    • 1:15 - Talking about Rae's sister and her veterinary program.
    • 5:30 - Previewing the episode with Matt Barr.
    • 8:40 - Matt introduces himself.
    • 9:35 - Diving into Matt's research into video games.
    • 11:57 - Matt's failure: Accidentally enrolling in geology.
    • 17:13 - Matt's success: Students taking positive things away from games, and getting positive coverage in the press.
    • 22:02 - What's keeping Matt excited about education: Their apprenticeship degree program.
    • 26:55 - Matt's advice for teachers: Don't overthink it. Don't waste energy on over-preparing.
    • 29:39 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
    • 34:03 - How to connect with Matt.
      • Matt's Recommendations
      • EdTech Tool: Recorder app on his phone.
      • Book: "The Secret Commonwealth" by Philip Pullman. "Video Gamers and Games in Therapy" by Antony Bean.
      • Who to Follow on Instagram:
        1. Dr Vicki Dale - @vhmdale 
        2. Dr Nathalie Sheridan - @drnsheridan  
        3. @femedtech
        4. YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: The Higher Education section of the Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/education/higher-education) and the Imgflip.com meme generator (https://imgflip.com/memegenerator).
        5. Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Reflect.
        6. Best piece of advice you've ever received: Learn to say ‘no’!
          7. Links to Connect With Matt
          • Website: matthewbarr.co.uk
          • Twitter: @hatii_matt
          • Facebook Page:
          • Instagram:
          • YouTube:
          • Book: "Graduate Skills and Game-Based Learning" (Palgrave Macmillan) - http://bit.ly/GradSkillsGBL
            • 37 min
          • 127: Impact beyond the classroom. - Toney Jackson chats with us about making an impact beyond your classroom, exploring everything in education, and why he thinks now is one of the  most exciting time

            4th grade teacher, poet, and author, Toney Jackson, chats with us about making an impact beyond your classroom, exploring everything in education, and why he thinks now is one of the  most exciting times to be a teacher.

            Toney shares how he brings his passions into his classroom, how we can accept criticism and use it to be better, and why we need to strive to be at the level of significance.

            More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/toneyjackson

            Episode Highlights
            • 2:41 - Avoiding the "early check out" of being close to Winter break.
            • 6:42 - Previewing the episode with Toney Jackson.
            • 10:14 - Toney introduces himself.
            • 11:27 - Discussing how Toney brings hip-hop and poetry into his classroom.
            • 12:38 - Toney's failure: A story from before her started teaching, when he was in a hip-hop group.
            • 16:11 - Toney's success: A story about a poet that Toney looks up to, crediting Toney as an inspiration.
            • 18:10 - What's keeping Toney excited about education: Seeing that what I do in the classroom has an impact beyond the classroom.
            • 19:40 - Toney's advice to teachers: Explore the edu-world.
            • 23;37 - 6  questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
            • 26:27 - How to connect with Toney.
              • Toney's Recommendations
              • EdTech Tool: Flipgrid
              • Book: "The Art of Pixar" by Amid Amidi, "Children of Blood and Bone" by Tomi Adeyemi.
              • Who to Follow on Instagram: #EduColor #ClearTheList
              • YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Cult of Pedagogy  and education.microsoft.com
              • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Daily reflection.
              • Best piece of advice you've ever received: "People live life at 3 levels: Survival, success, and significance. Strive for and reach the level of significance." - Toney's dad.
                • Links to Connect With Toney
                • Website: www.toneyjackson.com
                • Twitter:  @HeRhymesWithMe
                  • 30 min
                • 126: Finding the fun in teaching. - Adam Renard chats with us about bringing others with you on the adventure, finding the fun in your content, and creating experiences kids love.

                  Adam Renard chats with us about bringing others with you on the adventure, finding the fun in your content, and creating experiences kids love.

                  Adam shares how to make things more fun, the  power of relationships, and why love is a choice.

                  More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/adamrenard

                  Episode Highlights
                  • 1:52 - Chatting about Rae going to the AIMS Network Institute.
                  • 6:53 - Previewing the episode with Adam Renard.
                  • 9:12 - Adam introduces himself.
                  • 11:10 - Adam's failure: Not recognizing how his relationship with other people is reflected in his classroom.
                  • 15:55 - Adam's success: Working a superhero theme into a unit. Truly gamifying a unit and having the kids love it.
                  • 24:05 - Adam's advice for teachers: Look at every piece of content you have, and don't be afraid to make it look completely different.
                  • 25:50 -  6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
                  • 29:30 - How to connect with Adam.
                    • Adam's Recommendations
                    • EdTech Tool: Peardeck
                    • Book: "Play Like A Pirate" by Quinn Rollins.
                    • Who to Follow on Instagram: @staceyreeder, Megan Lawson , @Doidlife518
                    • YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Gamably
                    • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Look at your lessons, find the weakest piece, and figure out how you can shift it.
                    • Best piece of advice you've ever received: Love is a choice.
                      • Links to Connect With Adam
                      • Website: renardsquest.blogspot.com
                      • Twitter: @Renard_Teach
                        • 32 min
                      • 125: Chief Cheerleader of Teaching - Dave Schmittou chats with us about getting out of the way so teachers can try something big, being authentic for the right reasons, and why he calls himself the ch

                        Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host, Dave Schmittou, chats with us about getting out of the way so teachers can try something big, being authentic for the right reasons, and why he calls himself the chief cheerleader of teaching.

                        Dave shares how teaching his son to ride a bike changed how he looks at education, how this is your opportunity to go try something, and why you need to go out and look for the good.

                        More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/daveschmittou

                        Episode Highlights
                        • 1:30 - Chatting about the upcoming FREE PD Series in our Private Facebook Group.
                        • 7:37 -  Previewing the episode with Dave Schmittou.
                        • 11:28 - Dave introduces himself.
                        • 13:00 - Chatting about Dave's books, "Bold Humility" and "It's Like Riding A Bike."
                        • 17:30 - Talking about Dave's podcast, the "Lasting Learning Podcast."
                        • 21:13 - Dave's failure: Defining himself as a failure.
                        • 24:39 - Dave's success: Being able to come on a podcast like this and allowing others to get to the real story.
                        • 27:42 - Throwing a little love to Mandy Froehlich.
                        • 29:40 - What's keeping Dave excited about education: EduRockstars
                        • 32:03 - Dave's advice for teachers: Do it. Stop waiting til next year.
                        • 34:44 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
                        • 36:32 - How to connect with Dave.
                          • Dave's Recommendations
                          • EdTech Tool: Instagram
                          • Book: "Un-Offend-Able" by Brant Hansen
                          • Who to Follow on Instagram: Brian Mendler (@BrianMendler), Daniel Patterson (@cdmveep), Jessica Lahey (@jesslahey)
                          • YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: quinnrollins.com
                          • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Sing the praises of someone new. When you go out and you look for the good, you're going to find the good.
                          • Best piece of advice you've ever received: Don’t ever begin a sentence with, I can’t wait until….
                            • 39 min
                          • AUDIO BLOG - Reflecting On #TeachBetter19

                            This is an audio version of the blog post, "Reflecting On #TeachBetter19" Written by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read by Rae Hughart (@raehughart). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/reflecting-on-teachbetter19

                            In This Post:
                            • A reflection on the first and very successful #TeachBetter19 conference.
                            • Jeff's personal highlights from putting on this incredible event.
                              • 9 min
                            • 124: Be a learner. - Jennifer Appel chats with us about the little things that can have big impacts, staying open-minded, and why we have to keep learning.

                              Instructional coach, and 21 year veteran teacher, Jennifer Appel, chats with us about the little things that can have big impacts, staying open-minded, and why we have to keep learning.

                              More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/jenniferappel

                              Episode Highlights
                              • 4:10 - #TeachBetterTalk challenge for you: Reflect on the things you are thankful for. Use #TeachBetter and #TeachBetterTalk.
                              • 6:00 - Previewing the episode with Jennifer Appel.
                              • 11:51 - Jen introduces herself.
                              • 13:58 - Jen's failure: Not getting into the education program.
                              • 19:32 - Jen's success: A student of hers becoming a teacher and sharing why she became a teacher.
                              • 24:27  - What's got Jen excited about education: Innovation.
                              • 26:00 - Jen's advice to teachers:
                              • 27:51 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
                              • 30:19 - How to connect with Jennifer.
                                • Jennifer's Recommendations
                                • EdTech Tool: Google.
                                • Book: Audio book: "The Moment of Lift" by Melinda Gates.  "Educated" by Tara Westover. "EDrenaline Rush"  by John Meehan.
                                • Who to Follow on Instagram: IG: @maya.sheltie Twitter: @DonEppsEDU
                                • YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Newsela
                                • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Exercise every single day for at least an hour.
                                • Best piece of advice you've ever received: Be yourself in your lesson.
                                  • Links to Connect With Jennifer
                                  • Website: www.awardwinningculture.com
                                  • Twitter: @jennifermappel
                                  • Instagram: @awardwinningculture
                                    • 33 min
                                  • 123: Personal and Authentic. - Thomas C Murray chats with us about being personal and authentic, and designing learning experiences that impact a lifetime.

                                    Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, Tom Murray, chats with us about being personal and authentic, and designing learning experiences that impact a lifetime.

                                    Tom shares how we can create an environment where people actually want to be, the importance of taking care yourself, and why you are a leader no matter what your title is.

                                    More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/thomascmurray2

                                    Episode Highlights
                                    • 1:38 - Talking about our November #TeachBetter Challenge.
                                    • 6:26 - Previewing the episode with Tom Murray
                                      • Check out Tom on Episode 4 of Teach Better Talk!
                                      • 10:57 - Tom introduces himself.
                                      • 13:15 - What to expect from Tom's new book, "Personal  & Authentic."
                                      • 16:43 - How do we create a culture of learning?
                                      • 20:34 - Talking about leveraging tools and spaces to amplify learning. How do we rethink the tools and spaces we have?
                                      • 30:51 - Rae turns Tom against Jeff.
                                      • 31:14 - Tom's advice for teachers who want to create a legacy that impacts a lifetime.
                                      • 35:00 - Listen to learn how you can win a copy of Tom's new book!
                                      • 36:13 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
                                        • 39:10 - Looking back at Tom's answers on Episode 4.
                                        • 40:47 - How to connect with Tom.
                                          • Thomas's Recommendations
                                          • EdTech Tool: Voxer
                                          • Book: Anything by Dave Ramsey
                                          • Who to Follow on Instagram: @RosaIsiah, @k_shelton
                                          • YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Inky Johnson
                                          • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Taking time to pause and reflect.
                                          • Best piece of advice you've ever received: “This job is about loving and caring about kids. Everything else is secondary.”
                                            • Links to Connect With Thomas
                                            • Website: www.thomascmurray.com
                                            • Twitter: @thomascmurray
                                            • Facebook Page: ThomasCMurrayEDU
                                            • Instagram: @thomascmurrayedu
                                            • YouTube: thomascmurray
                                            • Books: www.thomascmurray.com/books
                                              • PERSONAL & AUTHENTIC: DESIGNING LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT IMPACT A LIFETIME
                                              • LEARNING TRANSFORMED: 8 KEYS TO DESIGNING TOMORROW'S SCHOOLS, TODAY
                                              • 10 PERSPECTIVES ON INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
                                              • EDUCATION WRITE NOW
                                                • 44 min
                                              • AUDIO BLOG - Why Your District Should Stop Worrying About Missed Days

                                                This is an audio version of the blog post, "Why Your District Should Stop Worrying About Missed Days" Written by Chad Ostrowski (@chadostrowski). Read by Jeff Gargas (@jeffgargas). Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/why-your-district-should-stop-worrying-about-missed-days.

                                                In This Post:
                                                • The problem with time-based learning and why we should move away from it.
                                                • A solution to make time more flexible and learning more important.
                                                • How Mastery Learning can help you (and your school) make this shift & worry less about unplanned days off.
                                                  • 5 min
                                                • 122: Find the moment and reflect. - William Illingworth chats with us about engaging in the hard topics, admitting when you fail, and the power of finding a moment to reflect.

                                                  William Illingworth chats with us about engaging in the hard topics, admitting when you fail, and the power of finding a moment to reflect.

                                                  William talks about how he is like a 3rd party reflection point, and shares a personal story of why we need to celebrate everything.

                                                  More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/williamillingworth

                                                  Episode Highlights
                                                  • 0:58 - Chatting about the new book from Thomas C. Murray, "Personal and Authentic."
                                                  • 5:50 - Previewing the episode with William Illingworth.
                                                  • 8:52 - William introduces himself.
                                                  • 10:22 - William's failure: Rolling out a new vendor solution, and having to go back to the old solution when it failed.
                                                  • 15:13 - William's success: Implementing Nearpod to increase engagement.
                                                  • 20:11 - What's got William excited about education: Discourse.
                                                    • William references the Equity Maps App.
                                                    • 23:23 - William's advice for new teachers: Reflect.
                                                    • 26:17 - 6 questions answered in 15  seconds or less.
                                                    • 29:40 - How to connect with William.
                                                      • William's Recommendations
                                                      • EdTech Tool: Google
                                                      • Book: Audiobook: "The Mapmaker’s Apprentice" by CJ Archer
                                                      • Who to Follow on Twitter: @irvspanish,  @LangOnCourse, #SchoologyChat
                                                      • YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: The library.
                                                      • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine:  Take. Notes.
                                                      • Best piece of advice you've ever received: "Celebrate everything." - William's dad.
                                                        • Links to Connect With William
                                                        • Website: willingworthy.com
                                                        • Twitter: @willingworthy
                                                        • LinkedIn: William Illingworth
                                                          • 32 min
                                                        • 121: Enjoy the day. - Allyson Apsey chats with us about navigating the challenges and joys of being an educator, being  yourself, and making the decision to enjoy the day.

                                                          Allyson Apsey chats with us about navigating the challenges and joys of being an educator, being  yourself, and making the decision to enjoy the day.

                                                          Allyson shares why we need to value what our students value, not being afraid to ask questions, and how loving kids is a prerequisite for teaching.

                                                          More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/allysonapsey2

                                                          Episode Highlights
                                                          • 1:34 - Discussing the November #TeachBetter Challenge on social media.
                                                          • 4:13 - Jeff gives his answer for Day 2 of the challenge.
                                                            • Shout out to Matt White (@matthew_j_white)
                                                            • Check out Matt's book at www.stopsellingstarthelping.com.
                                                            • 6:03 - Previewing the episode with Allyson Apsey.
                                                            • 10:54 - Allyson introduces herself
                                                              • See how Allyson answered this way back on Episode #5!
                                                              • 12:16 - Allyson's failure: Failing at communication and hurting relationships.
                                                                • Shoutout to Tara Martin and "Cannonball In!"
                                                                • 14:53 - Allyson's success: Publishing a book. People having an interest in what she writes.
                                                                • 16:09 - Allyson shares the books she has published:
                                                                  • The Path to Serendipity
                                                                  • The Princes of Serendip
                                                                  • Through the Lens of Serendipity
                                                                  • 17:38 - Allyson talks about her next book!
                                                                  • 20:33 - What's keeping Allyson excited about education: Working on a multi-tiered system of support for student behavior.
                                                                  • 24:09 - Allyson's advice to new teachers: Value what students value. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
                                                                  • 29:08 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
                                                                  • 34:36 - We review Allyson's answers from episode 5.
                                                                  • 37:06 - How to connect with Allyson.
                                                                    • Guest's Recommendations
                                                                    • EdTech Tool: Lapel microphone.
                                                                    • Book: "America’s First Daughter" by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie.
                                                                    • Who to Follow on Instagram: Tamara Letter, Jon Wennstrom, Hans Appel, and Jennifer Appel.
                                                                    • YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Real Rap with Reynolds
                                                                    • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Every morning, tell yourself that you a
                                                                      • 40 min

                                                                    About Teach Better Talk

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                                                                    The ultimate must-listen for every teacher and educational leader, Teach Better Talk dives into the key questions that drive education today.