Jonathan Alsheimer is back on the podcast, and this conversation is every bit as powerful as his first appearance.

We dig into what it really means to show up for kids—not just being present in the room, but being fully engaged, intentional, and committed to their success. Jonathan shares how building strong, authentic relationships can transform not only the classroom environment, but also the learning that happens within it.

We also tackle one of the biggest balancing acts in education: delivering rigorous, meaningful content while also teaching the life skills, resilience, and character our students need beyond school walls.

If you enjoyed our first conversation, you’ll love this one even more. It’s a reminder that great teaching isn’t just about the curriculum—it’s about the connection.

Welcome to Season X of Teach Me, Teacher—the podcast that refuses to stay silent while public education is under attack.

This season, we stand shoulder to shoulder with teachers, parents, and communities across the nation, fighting back against the tech giants, profiteers, and bad actors who want to see our schools shuttered, our classrooms emptied, and our children turned into data points.

They want kids to learn from screens, not people. From algorithms, not relationships. They want to strip the soul from education so they can monetize it.

But we won’t let them.

On Teach Me, Teacher, we believe in the power of real educators, real communities, and real learning. Join us as we expose the threats, elevate voices on the frontlines, and champion the future of public education—one episode at a time.

Hello everyone!

In this closing episode of Season 9, host Jacob Chastain takes a heartfelt look back at the journey so far. We get real about where the show stands today, the challenges and growth behind the scenes, and the exciting direction we’re headed.

Looking ahead to Season 10, big changes are on the horizon—new formats, fresh perspectives, and deeper conversations that push the boundaries of what Teach Me, Teacher has always been about: real talk for real educators.

If you’ve been with us since the beginning, or just found us this season, this finale sets the stage for an evolution you won’t want to miss. The best is yet to come.

Subscribe now and stay tuned—Season 10 launches soon.

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we delve into the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds. Joining us are Coach Alex Compton and Coach Kevin Dalafu, authors of Wisest Learners: Guiding Your Child’s Athletic Journey.With over a decade of experience in coaching, parenting, and education, they offer invaluable insights into how sports can be a powerful tool for teaching young people morals, work ethic, and resilience.

Drawing from their extensive backgrounds, Compton and Dalafu discuss how youth sports go beyond physical development, serving as a platform for instilling essential life skills. They share practical strategies for parents and coaches to foster environments where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in the development of young athletes, offering a fresh perspective on the integral role sports play in holistic education.

Tune in to explore how guiding young athletes through their sports journey can lead to the cultivation of wisdom, resilience, and character.

SPONSOR LINK: The School Me Podcast from NEA

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we delve into the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds. Joining us are Coach Alex Compton and Coach Kevin Dalafu, authors of Wisest Learners: Guiding Your Child’s Athletic Journey.With over a decade of experience in coaching, parenting, and education, they offer invaluable insights into how sports can be a powerful tool for teaching young people morals, work ethic, and resilience.

Drawing from their extensive backgrounds, Compton and Dalafu discuss how youth sports go beyond physical development, serving as a platform for instilling essential life skills. They share practical strategies for parents and coaches to foster environments where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in the development of young athletes, offering a fresh perspective on the integral role sports play in holistic education.

Tune in to explore how guiding young athletes through their sports journey can lead to the cultivation of wisdom, resilience, and character.

 

SPONSOR LINK: The School Me Podcast from NEA

 

In part 2 of this powerful episode, host Jacob Chastain sits down with Dr. John B. King Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, to discuss his new book Teacher by Teacher.

They explore Dr. King’s journey from classroom teacher to national education leader, offering a rare insider’s perspective on the state of American education.

Together, they unpack the challenges educators face today, including the growing politicization of the profession and its impact on schools and communities. A must-listen for anyone passionate about teaching, policy, and the future of education.

John B. King Jr. served in President Barack Obama’s cabinet as the tenth U.S. Secretary of Education. Over the course of his extensive and influential career in public education, he has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal, the first African American and Puerto Rican to serve as New York State Education Commissioner, a college professor, and the president and CEO of the Education Trust, a national education civil rights organization.

King is currently the chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education. Both of King’s parents were career New York City public school educators.

 

SPONSOR LINK: The School Me Podcast from NEA

In this powerful episode, host Jacob Chastain sits down with Dr. John B. King Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, to discuss his new book Teacher by Teacher.

They explore Dr. King's journey from classroom teacher to national education leader, offering a rare insider’s perspective on the state of American education.

Together, they unpack the challenges educators face today, including the growing politicization of the profession and its impact on schools and communities. A must-listen for anyone passionate about teaching, policy, and the future of education.

John B. King Jr. served in President Barack Obama’s cabinet as the tenth U.S. Secretary of Education. Over the course of his extensive and influential career in public education, he has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal, the first African American and Puerto Rican to serve as New York State Education Commissioner, a college professor, and the president and CEO of the Education Trust, a national education civil rights organization.

King is currently the chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education. Both of King’s parents were career New York City public school educators.

SPONSOR LINK: The School Me Podcast from NEA

Hello everyone! In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we dive into one of the most vital—and often overlooked—elements of teaching success: building genuine, lasting partnerships with parents. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, gaining parent support can transform your classroom culture, student outcomes, and your overall teaching experience.

Join us as we explore five actionable steps to connect with parents on a deeper level: Invite, Communicate, Extend, Follow-Up, and Educate. These steps go beyond surface-level interactions and help foster real trust, meaningful collaboration, and shared investment in student success.

Tune in to learn how to move from parent contact to true parent partnership—and why this shift is essential for modern educators.

Are you currently working on building parent relationships or preparing for future connections?

Hello everyone! What a title for a podcast. But, this is a real one. No guest, just me (Jacob Chastain,) the reality of changes in my life, and my continued frustration with the discussions around education. 

For followers of the show, you have seen a lot of "Greatest Hits" episodes dropping. This is due for a lot of reasons that I go into, but the short of it is that life has thrown some major curveballs my way and it has been hard to balance everything. I am slowly getting there, but some things take time. 

This episode details changes in my life and where I am finding it hard to navigate the changing landscape of discourse in education. Come along and dialogue with me! 

Hello everyone! Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman (Stenhouse 2018) is by far one of the most influential books I’ve read in my teaching career. It’s a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students. 

So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

In part 1 of the podcast, we dove deep into the increasingly alarming practice of talking about students as if they are data points and not children. We discussed why we need to humanize our classrooms, and how to think about our school culture in a way that fosters equitable practices.

In part 2, we took a look at some practices we are letting happen in our classes and schools that are hurting students, and what to do about them.

And now in part 3, we are wrapping it all together in a discussion about why learning should be joyful—for teachers and students—and should drive us into the beauty and gift that is TEACHING.

Do not miss it! 

Enjoy!