Far too often educators give up teaching the love of reading and writing during instruction.  They feel pressure from the curriculum developed due a need to perform on high stakes testing.

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss how to help students develop a love for reading and writing while maintaining a high level of learning that will meet the rigorous requirements necessary for high stakes testing.

Pam explains how she never shirks self selected reading and writing time.  She shares how she ties that time to her lessons.  Jacob remembers how he designed his lessons so the students would create their own learning goals and set a purpose for the reading and writing.

Join Jacob and Pam as they talk about how to keep the joy in the reading and writing instruction and more!

Part 2 can be found by clicking here and heading to the Craft & Draft podcast.

This episode was previously published as episode 93 of the podcast. __

Hello everyone! In a world where too many educators want the short and easy answers to literacy education, Evan and Laura Robb are here to help us see the value and purpose for putting in the real work and time it takes to learn our craft, and support kids the way they need to be supported.

I couldn’t be more excited for part two of this conversation!

In part two, we discuss where public education is going wrong in how we judge quality literacy teaching, why teachers should be learners along side their students, and how modeling from coaches and leaders is powerful for both the teachers and students to see.

As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the most important episodes Teach Me, Teacher has to offer. Do not miss it.

Enjoy!

Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes! 

If you enjoyed this conversation, I highly recommend my discussion with Dr. Mary Howard (who we mention in this episode.)

This episode previously aired several years ago. While I am out at a conference, I wanted to bring this one back for those who may have missed it. Enjoy! 

Original blurb: 

In a world where too many educators want the short and easy answers to literacy education, Evan and Laura Robb are here to help us see the value and purpose for putting in the real work and time it takes to learn our craft, and support kids the way they need to be supported.

I couldn’t be more excited for this one. 

Evan, Laura, and I discuss what balanced literacy education is, why kids need books and time to read them, and why reading programs are often the worst thing you can sit a struggling child in front of.

As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the most important episodes Teach Me, Teacher has to offer. Do not miss it.

Enjoy!

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we sit down with Tal Thompson, a National Board Certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, to dive deep into the essential principles of classroom engagement. Tal, a finalist for America’s Top Teacher on Live with Kelly and Michael and recipient of numerous teaching accolades—including the Golden Apple Award—shares his expertise on pushing the status quo in education.

If you missed part one, click here. 

From transforming middle school classrooms in Charlottesville, Virginia, to advocating for what truly works for students, Tal discusses strategies that ignite passion, creativity, and real connection in the classroom. We explore how educators can break away from outdated systems, focus on what’s truly effective, and, most importantly, meet the diverse needs of students.

Whether you’re a teacher, a coach, or just passionate about the future of education, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring ideas to create a classroom where every student thrives.

Tune in for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we sit down with Tal Thompson, a National Board Certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, to dive deep into the essential principles of classroom engagement. Tal, a finalist for America’s Top Teacher on Live with Kelly and Michael and recipient of numerous teaching accolades—including the Golden Apple Award—shares his expertise on pushing the status quo in education.

From transforming middle school classrooms in Charlottesville, Virginia, to advocating for what truly works for students, Tal discusses strategies that ignite passion, creativity, and real connection in the classroom. We explore how educators can break away from outdated systems, focus on what’s truly effective, and, most importantly, meet the diverse needs of students.

Whether you're a teacher, a coach, or just passionate about the future of education, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring ideas to create a classroom where every student thrives.

Tune in for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Hello everyone! I am back from my small break and ready to dive back into all things education. 

This episode provides some behind the scenes insights into where I was, my thinking of the podcast, and where the show could be headed in the next few months. 

Enjoy! 

Hey everyone! Just wanted to make this quick post. All will be well. Just lots of changes coming and I need some time. 

Thank you. 

-Jacob 

Doing an episode like this is tricky. I didn’t want it to be one sided. I didn’t want it to have a political agenda. Instead, I wanted it to be an episode for ALL educators, whether you’re public or private, or something in between.

To do that, I invited Kathy Edwards of The Novus Academy on the show to discuss everything from vouchers, to accountability in schools, the A-F system, a bloated educational system, private school vs public, and yes, Betsy DeVos and the role the Trump administration is choosing to play in the future of American education.

Kathy Edwards is the founder and Principal of The Novus Academy and has too many accomplishments to list here. After Richland visiting with her, I knew I had to get her on the show.

She did not disappoint.

Enjoy!

Doing an episode like this is tricky. I didn’t want it to be one sided. I didn’t want it to have a political agenda. Instead, I wanted it to be an episode for ALL educators, whether you’re public or private, or something in between.

To do that, I invited Kathy Edwards of The Novus Academy on the show to discuss everything from vouchers, to accountability in schools, the A-F system, a bloated educational system, private school vs public, and yes, Betsy DeVos and the role the Trump administration is choosing to play in the future of American education.

Kathy Edwards is the founder and Principal of The Novus Academy and has too many accomplishments to list here. After Richland visiting with her, I knew I had to get her on the show.

She did not disappoint.

Enjoy!

Join us in this powerful episode of Teach Me Teacher as we welcome Stephanie Edmonds, also known as TeachingLiberty on Instagram and YouTube. After losing her teaching position in New York due to Covid vaccine mandates, Stephanie transformed her experience into a platform for advocacy and education. She passionately discusses the importance of healthy dialogue and political activism in the teaching community, shedding light on the real-world consequences educators face amid political battles. Tune in to hear her inspiring story, insights on fostering constructive conversations, and how teachers can stand strong in the face of adversity. Agree, disagree, or land somewhere in the middle, this talk will ignite your thinking.