Teach Better Talk

Teach Better Talk

By Teach Better TeamEducation
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Teach Better Talk episodes

  • 97: Start A Revolution - Derek McCoy chats with us about loving what we do and who we do it with, bringing the excitement and joy, and how magic can take place if we embrace it.

    Director of Learning and Innovation, and author of "The Revolution," Derek McCoy, chats with us about loving what we do and who we do it with, bringing the excitement and joy, and how magic can take place if we embrace it.

    Derek talks about doing better for our learners, taking care of ourselves, and how change is the only constant we have in our lives.

    More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/derekmccoy

    Episode Highlights
    • 1:07 - Highlighting some featured speakers at the Teach Better Conference.  Use  code "PodcastTalk" to save $50.
      • Phil Strunk
      • Kristen Nan
      • Alex Oris
      • Dave Burgess
      • Shelley Burgess
      • Tal Thompson
      • Adam Welcome
      • Ryan Sheehy
      • Tara Martin
      • 6:39 - Previewing the episode with Derek McCoy
      • 9:30 - Derek introduces himself.
      • 11:27 - Derek dives into the details of his book "The Revolution: It's Time to Empower Change in Our Schools" written with Darren Ellwein.
      • 14:18 - Derek's failure: Managing change at schools is an ongoing challenge.
      • 18:07 - Ways Derek's district tries to communicate to their community that they care and are there for the right reasons.
      • 22:08 - What's got Derek excited about education right now: Seeing and hearing stories of schools/teachers/principals/districts taking risks to abandon practices that we've just been doing out of tradition or habit.
      • 24:16 - Derek's advice to new teachers: Take your K-16 experience, love it, but put it in a small jar. Know that your learners are going to need something fundamentally different.
      • 33:26 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
      • 37:16 - How to connect with Derek.
        • 41 min
      • AUDIO BLOG - Integrating Technology in Education: Are You Making These Top 5 Mistakes?

        This is an audio version of the blog post, "Integrating Technology in Education: Are You Making These Top 5 Mistakes?" Written by Tiffany Ott (@TechieTeachOtt). Read by Rae Hughart (@RaeHughart)

        Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/top-5-mistakes-integrating-technology-in-education

        In This Post: 

        • Benefits of technology integration
        • If it doesn’t actually improve the learning process, it doesn’t really belong in your classroom.
        • There is a danger in jumping on an edtech tool bandwagon too quickly.
        • There are dozens of reason why a teacher would hold off on trying a new tech tool.
        • It is really easy to fall into the trap of technology as a babysitter.
        • The overwhelming majority of teachers have access to and regularly use technology in their daily life. It becomes very easy to assume that our students do also.
          • 13 min
        • 96: AR/VR in EDU - Jaime Donally chats with us about AR and VR in education, how we need to adjust technology to fit our classrooms, and why we need to let our students be partners in the experiences

          Jaime Donally chats with us about AR and VR in education, how we need to adjust technology to fit our classrooms, and why we need to let our students be partners in the experiences.

          Jaime shares why you don't need to be the most tech savvy person to use tech in your classroom, what the first step to implementing AR/VR is, and why it's really not about the tech tool at all.

          More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/jaimedonally

          Episode Highlights
          • 0:33 - Rae explains her descriptive word choice...and makes fun of Jeff.
          • 2:05 - One  of the biggest mistakes people make with AR/VR.
          • 9:17 - Jaime introduces herself.
          • 11:00 - Jaime's failure: Not naturally enjoying writing. Supporting Rachelle in a session, and sharing an article that created a very awkward atmosphere in the room.
          • 16:01 - Jaime talks about her book "Learning Transported: Augmented Virtual Mixed Reality For All Classrooms."
          • 17:38 - Jaime's success: Finishing the book. Working on a second book. Going out on her own, consulting with school districts.
          • 19:38 - What's got Jaime excited about education right now: Augmented Reality, and the tend that it's not just for techies anymore.
          • 22:25 - Jaime explains the differences between AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality).
          • 26:32 - Jaime's advice for teachers new to AR/VR: There is no one tool. Every classroom is different. Address where your students are struggling.
          • 29:12 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
          • 33:07 - How to connect with Jaime.
            • Links to Connect With Jaime
            • Website: www.arvrinedu.com
            • Twitter: @JaimeDonally
            • Instagram: @JaimeDonally
            • YouTube: Jaime Donally
            • Hashtags to Follow: #ARVRinEdu
              • 36 min
            • 95: A Team Approach - Nick Sutton, chats with us about getting back to good instruction, working as a team, and why you shouldn't be afraid of your evaluations.

              Superintendent, Nick Sutton, chats with us about getting back to good instruction, working as a team, and why you shouldn't be afraid of your evaluations.

              Nick shares why he thinks we're in such a cool time as educators right now, what leads to a building's success, and how administrators really just want to do what's best for kids, too.

              More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/nicksutton

              Episode Highlights
              • 0:34 - Shoutout to Janelly (@JanellyArc) for Rae's descriptive word.
              • 1:16 - Going on and on about our AMAZING guest bloggers. Check them out here!
              • 2:46 - Challenging you to focus on your goals.
                • Tweet out your 3-week goal - Use #TeachBetter and tag @RaeHughart and @JeffGargas.
                • 6:46 - Previewing the episode with Dr. Nick Sutton.
                • 9:16 - Nick introduces himself.
                • 10:33 - Nick's failure: Not addressing someone who needed to grow, out of fear of hurting the relationship.
                • 13:20 - Nick's success: The professional development plan they've put into place in their district.
                • 17:40 - What's got Nick excited about education right now: Getting back to good instruction.
                • 19:57 - Nick's advice for new teachers: Don't forget that you made the best career decision in the world. You're going to love it. Appreciate that and find other likeminded people. Don't be scared of your evaluations. If they wanted to fire you, they  wouldn't have hired you in the first place.
                • 22:32 - Chatting about Nick's podcast, "Learning Through Leading."
                  • Connect with Nick's cohost Matt Jacobson (@yodamatt68).
                  • 25:48 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
                  • 27:16 - How to connect with Nick.
                    • Links to Connect With Nick
                    • Website: drnicksutton.blogspot.com
                    • Twitter: @DrNickSutton
                    • Podcast: "Learning Through Leading.
                      • 29 min
                    • AUDIO BLOG - Student Teacher Mentoring 101

                      This is an audio version of the blog post, "Student Teacher Mentoring 101" Written by Rae Hughart(@RaeHughart). Read by Rae Hughart

                      Read the post at www.eachbetter.com/blog/student-teacher-mentoring-101/

                      In This Post: 

                      • Student teacher mentoring is an ART
                      • Anytime you have a new student teacher, the first priority is learning about your mentee.
                      • It is essential to build a trust-filled relationship with your mentee.
                      • After understanding your mentee, and building a strong relationship, you need to provide tactical next steps for them to continue to grow.
                        • 6 min
                      • 94: A Two-Way Conversation - Christine Witcher chats with us about the importance of feedback, and how to make sure our students are emotionally ready for it, and prepared to learn from it.

                        Christine Witcher chats with us about the importance of feedback, and how to make sure our students are emotionally ready for it, and prepared to learn from it. Christine shares how fixing a problem in her classroom lead to creating an app to help others solve the same problem, and why we need to ask our students everyday what they need, and then listen to them. 

                        More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/christinewitcher

                        Episode Highlights
                        • 0:35 - Shoutout to Jess Hamilton for Rae's descriptive word.
                          • Tweet @RaeHughart or join our Facebook Group to give Rae a word and get a shoutout!
                          • 1:54 - Talking about how much Rae loved this episode.
                          • 3:05 - Talking about feedback and why it is so important in our classrooms.
                          • 6:30 - Previewing the episode with Christine Witcher.
                          • 8:59 - Christine introduces herself.
                          • 9:54 - Talking about Floop; the feedback tool that Christine co-created.
                          • 14:40 - Christine's failure: Was experiencing "student resistance" and surveyed Felt stuck. Total flop. Conducting  anonymous survey to get feedback. Almost quit teaching after seeing their feedback. Students where telling me exactly how to be  a better teacher.
                          • 19:15 - Christine's success: Switching entirely to self-assessment. Listening to her students' feedback on her teaching.
                          • 28:17 - Christine's advice to teachers: Understand that feedback is a conversation. It is a two-way conversation between you and each student.
                          • 29:50 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
                          • 33:10 - How to connect with Christine.
                            • Links to Connect With Christine
                            • Website: blog.floopedu.com
                            • Twitter: @FloopEdu
                              • 37 min
                            • 93: Practice What You Preach - Robert Breyer chats with us about setting the tone, leading by example, and practicing what you preach.

                              Elementary Principal, Rob Breyer, chats with us about setting the tone, leading by example, and practicing what you preach. Rob shares why he loves classrooms that are never quiet, the reason he has the best kids in all of North Carolina, and what you need to do in order to successfully implement change.

                              Why he loves classrooms that are never quiet.

                              More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/robertbreyer

                              Episode Highlights
                              • 0:55 - Discussing how Jeff torments Rae.
                              • 1:50 - Resetting and remembering what our focus should be on right now.
                              • 4:43 - Previewing the episode with Robert Breyer.
                              • 7:57 - Rob introduces himself.
                              • 11:32 - Robbie Wobbie's failure: When he first  took over his school, fell into the trap of feeling like he always has to be at  work. Lost his balance.
                              • 15:37 - The Robster's success: Taking his school's morale and culture to a positive. Was a D rated school. Found that there was actually a lot of celebrations. Made them feel important. Had a teacher pushing back hard against doing small group work. Rob went with her to another school to see it in action. She came back and did it, and rocked it. At the end of the year, she thanked him for pushing her.
                              • 22:03 - What's got Robertooski excited about education right now: Huge fanatic  about project-based learning, STEM, STEAM education, anything that gets kids engaged with learning and gets them excited.
                              • 24:21 - Robert The Great's advice to young teachers: Take initiatives. Find opportunities for personal growth. Ask to go see veteran teachers teach. Get involved in Twitter Chats.
                              • 26:22 - 6 questions answered in 15  seconds or less.
                              • 29:50 - How to connect with Sir Robert of Educationadia.
                                • Links to Connect With Rob
                                • Website:  www.beyondthedeskleadership.com
                                • Twitter: @rbreyer51
                                • Facebook Page: The Guiding Principals Facebook Group
                                • Podcast: “The Guiding Principals Podcast” on Anchor and Apple
                                  • 33 min
                                • AUDIO BLOG - How to Fight Mental Illness Through Authenticity

                                  This is an audio version of the blog post, "How to Fight Mental Illness Through Authenticity" Written by Christine Ravesi-Weinstein (@RavesiWeinstein). Read by Rae Hughart (@raehughart) 

                                  Read the post at www.teachbetter.com/blog/fight-mental-illness-through-authenticity/ 

                                  In This Post: 

                                  • Authenticity is a growing necessity in education, for both teachers and students. 
                                  • A job may be just a job, but teaching is more than that; it’s a work of love and sacrifice. 
                                  • Although there are certain things we must temper when we are in front of our students, the inherent qualities that define who we are must be conspicuous and unchanged. 
                                  • The foundations of authenticity are compassion, patience, positivity, and humor. 
                                  • Positive relationships and authenticity give students cause to be authentic in return.
                                    • 10 min
                                  • 92: Mic Drop Moments - Brianna Shaner chats with us about staying true to yourself, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and looking for your "mic drop moments."

                                    Brianna Shaner chats with us about staying true to yourself, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and looking for your "mic drop moments." Brianna talks about trying new things, the importance of focusing on your strengths, and why we all need to embrace the "suck." 

                                    More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/briannashaner

                                    Episode Highlights
                                    • 0:32 - Shoutout to Rachelle Dene Poth for Rae's descriptive word.
                                      • Check out Rachelle on Episode 89!
                                      • 1:16 - Talking about the craziness of the start of the year, and advocating for yourself when you need support.
                                      • 7:32 - Jeff tells a story...because Jeff tells stories...
                                      • 9:28 - Previewing the episode with Brianna Shaner.
                                      • 12:16 - Brianna introduces herself.
                                      • 14:05 - Brianna's failure: Spending time trying to create the perfect "show" for an evaluation, and not staying true to herself. It fell flat. A  student  actually said "Ms. Shaner, this lesson is not going well."
                                      • 16:49 - Brianna's success: "Mic drop moment." Working with a student with severe anxiety. Student wouldn't even come into a classroom. Having that student take the initiative to go across the room to help another student.
                                      • 19:28 - What's got Brianna excited about education right now: The push for personalized education.
                                      • 23:12 - Brianna's advice for teachers: Make a list of your strengths in the classroom. From there, think about your goals. Celebrate your goals.
                                      • 27:42 - Tools Brianna uses for setting goals, planning, and reflecting.
                                      • 29:04 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
                                      • 32:10 - How to connect with Brianna.
                                        • Brianna's Recommendations
                                        • EdTech Tool: Flipgrid for student use and Flocabulary for content based technology.
                                        • Book: "Above the Line" by Urban Meyer
                                        • Who to Follow: @burgessdave @loveandlogic
                                        • YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Focus3.com and cultofpedagogy.com
                                        • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Feet up Friday- Not as a way to post a picture of your cute shoes on Instagram, but as a reminder to sit back and reflect on the week you had and what you have coming up. Truly taking time to reflect and not just “reflecting” while you are running around making last minute copies.
                                        • Best piece of advice you've ever received: Embrace the “suck.”
                                          • Links to Connect With Brianna
                                          • Twitter: @brianna_shaner
                                          • Instagram: @shaner_stories
                                            • 35 min
                                          • 91: Just A Dreamer - Amanda Fox shares how we need to really think through the problems we're trying to solve, and why you should surround yourself with dreamers.

                                            Author, speaker, and dreamer, Amanda Fox, chats with us about the importance of recalibrating after a failure, building relationships for the foundation of how we help students, and how to make sure technology is for our students, not just us.

                                            Amanda talks us through AR and VR in education, how we need to really think through the problems we're trying to solve, and why you should surround yourself with dreamers.

                                            More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/amandafox

                                            Episode Highlights
                                            • 1:15 - Talking about purposeful tech integration.
                                            • 6:07 - Preview the episode with Amanda Fox.
                                            • 8:30 - Amanda introduces herself.
                                            • 9:59 - Amanda's failure: Seeing early success with after school programs, expanding quickly, and renting an actual brick and mortar makerspace for after school programs. Focused on her problem of moving equipment, NOT what students and parents needed.
                                            •  15:11 - Chatting about Amanda's books:
                                              • "Teachingland" written with Mary Ellen Weeks
                                              • "Zom-Be A Design Thinker"
                                              • 19:34 - Your chance to win your own Zip the Zombie!
                                              • 22:56 -  What's got Amanda excited about education right now:  Figuring out the best uses for new technology. AR/VR in education getting outside of the fad and getting used in ways that get students creating.
                                              • 25:35  - Amanda's advice to teachers: It comes down to relationships. Build a PLN.
                                              • 27:56 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less.
                                              • 30:13 - How to connect with Amanda.
                                                • Amanda's Recommendations
                                                • EdTech Tool: Google Suite
                                                • Book: "Educated By  Design" by Michael Cohen and "One Drop of Kindness" by Jeff Kubiak
                                                • Who to Follow: @GameboyDrew, @sarahdateechur, @burgessdave
                                                • YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Steve Bambury AR/VR on YouTube
                                                • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Blogging. Period.
                                                • Best piece of advice you've ever received: "Surround yourself with dreamers."
                                                  • 33 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.