→ How can principals do better than superficial gestures of teacher appreciation?

→ How can we address teaching colleagues who seem caught in a martyr mindset?

→ How can school leaders work efficiently without building a toxic culture of rushing?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

About This Guest, Ruth Poulsen

Ruth is an international school leader who has spent her career building cultures of care—from China to Colorado, and next up, Jordan. She’s currently on sabbatical and writing Regenerative Schools, a newsletter exploring the mindset shifts and systems changes needed to prevent the crisis of educator burnout and ultimately, to support student wellbeing.

Connect with Ruth

on LinkedIn, 

on Substack at regenerativeschools.substack.com

In This Conversation

0:00:00 - Ruth Poulsen is a school principal and education writer.

1:31 - Stepping from an industrial paradigm to a regenerative mindset

4:56 - Distinguishing between efficiency and frantic rushing

9:19 - The "fertilizer" in our schools: toxic element or asset?

11:48 - How can teachers show appreciation beyond superficial efforts?

14:52 - Surveys: How to take the pulse of teachers effectively

20:13 - How to set up tree lines in our schools: boundaries that preserve and protect

29:04 - Managing parent complaints

30:25 - How to coach colleagues caught in a martyr mindset

35:01 - Creating intentional moments in schools that connect with mission

36:53 - Ruth talks about Regenerative Schools, her Substack

38:58 - How and where to connect With Ruth Poulsen online

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ What does it mean to lead with curiosity over expertise?

→ How can we make our schools places where the adults like to come to work?

→ How can school leaders build a presence that feels more supportive, less policing?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

About This Guest, Dr. Danny Steele

Danny is a former award winning principal who speaks to educators around the country about the difference they make for kids. He’s also the author of several best-selling books for educators, including The Instructional Leader in You: 10 Strategies for Every School Leader, Essential Truths for Principals, and The Total Teacher: Understanding the Three Dimensions that Define Effective Educators.

Connect with Danny

on LinkedIn, 

on X @SteeleThoughts,

on Instagram @SteeleThoughts,

on his blog at https://www.steelethoughts.com/

In This Conversation

1:50 - Passion drift for school leaders

4:09 - Leading with curiosity over expertise

6:48 - Creating cultural conditions to overcome stagnancy

7:53 - Staff come first, students second

8:57 - Admitting vulnerability as a building leader

10:31 - Observing the student experience instead of teacher performance

12:09 - When an expert teacher struggles to integrate into the community

13:15 - Being a supportive resource instead of a policing presence

15:11 - Shouting out teachers for their great work

16:49 - Building fun and meaningful traditions in your school

19:14 - Danny raps about the power of good choices

21:06 - Danny Steele's six education books

22:19 - Danny Steele's speaking services and other resources on his website

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ How should we approach the tensions around the Science of Reading?

→ What does the art of teaching literacy look like in today’s classroom?

→ How can we set up our students for successful independent writing?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

About This Guest, Leah Mermelstein

Leah collaborates with school districts, educational professionals, learning organizations, and families to enhance K-6 literacy instruction and promote literacy development.

Connect with Leah

on LinkedIn, 

on X @MermelsteinLeah,

on Instagram @leahmermelsteinconsulting, 

on her website, leahmermelstein.com, and 

on her Substack at leahmermelstein.substack.com.

In This Conversation

0:00:00 - Leah Mermelstein is a literacy consultant based in Hoboken, New Jersey.

1:19 - The gradual release model for independent writing

5:42 - How to navigate the Science of Reading

11:15 - Collaborative writing as the missing link

17:53 - The "art" of teaching in a research-aligned classroom

23:38 - How to think about teacher feedback

29:36 - How parents can support their children in ELA

32:46 - Literacy toolkits, personalized coaching, and learning cohorts from Leah

34:56 - Where to connect with Leah Mermelstein online

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ Why must attention become the curriculum of our schools?

→ How are classrooms disrupting student attention and learning?

→ What is the important choice that our schools and districts must make?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

About this guest, Andrew Cantarutti

Andrew is an educator and writer with over a decade of experience teaching in public and private schools across Canada and the world. His work bridges classroom practice with educational theory, drawing on insights from philosophy, developmental psychology, and cognitive science to reimagine how learning environments can cultivate focus, depth, and intellectual resilience. 

Connect with Andrew Cantarutti

on LinkedIn, 

on X @walledgardenedu, 

on Instagram @walledgardenedu, and 

at https://walledgardenedu.substack.com.

In This Conversation

0:00:00 - Andrew Cantarutti is an educator and writer with international experience

1:12 - Imagining schools as walled gardens for deep attention and critical thinking

4:54 - Teacher reactions to "Why Attention Must Become Curriculum"

7:38 - How are we disrupting student attention in the classroom?

12:49 - Why schools must avoid the Marketplace Mirror Model

16:29 - Gamification of learning, "engagement"

18:22 - How do we make attention the curriculum itself?

27:19 - Andrew on the role of AI in schools 

34:29 - The choice facing schools today

37:56 - Where to connect with Andrew Cantarutti online

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ How did a new running habit transform one educator’s life?

→ What’s brewing in the coffee world, and what is one bean that we need to try?

→ How can we take our own next steps of personal and professional growth in 2026?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

About this guest, Edmond Chin

Today’s Teacher on Fire is Edmond Chin. Edmond is a runner, coffee connoisseur, and high school teacher in Vancouver, Canada. He’s also a colleague and personal friend of the host, Tim Cavey, which makes this episode extra special.

Connect with Edmond

on LinkedIn, 

on X @EdmondC87, and

on Instagram @edmondc87

In This Conversation

0:00:00 - Edmond Chin is a runner, coffee connoisseur, and high school teacher in Vancouver.

1:35 - Edmond's running story: how and why it started

5:22 - The challenge of building the habit

6:26 - The benefits of a running habit

8:55 - Keys to consistency

13:16 - Edmond's running goals for 2026

18:46 - How Edmond's coffee quest began

20:36 - Coffee highlights from 2025

22:47 - Why teachers should cultivate passions outside of the classroom

24:37 - Edmond's professional goals for this year

26:13 - How and where to connect with Edmond Chin online

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ What hope is there for the school leader who feels constantly overwhelmed?

→ What’s the most common productivity pitfall that school leaders fall into?

→ How can we manage fires and interruptions without burning out?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

About this guest, Rich Czyz

Rich is a school principal, cofounder of fouroclockfaculty.com, the author of four books on education and leadership. Rich is dedicated to creating productive environments and engaging all stake-holders in meaningful and relevant learning opportunities.

Connect with Rich

on LinkedIn, 

on X @RACzyz,

at his website, https://fouroclockfaculty.com.

In This Conversation

0:00:00 -  Rich Czyz is the principal of an elementary school in New Jersey

1:21 - The vision for school leaders in Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders

2:45 - A misconception about productivity

4:13 - One immediate shift that education leaders can make

5:29 - A common productivity pitfall for school leaders

8:08 - Being visible on campus as a building leader

9:54 - How to manage interruptions in the weekly calendar

12:00 - How to think about delegation when it feels like only you can do it

13:57 - 5th Grade students do the intercom announcements

15:34 - Doing the work that powers the mission before email

18:08 - How to conduct a personal time inventory

20:33 - Rich's daily routine, from wake-up to end of day

24:47 - Managing substitute shortages

27:04 - How and where to connect with Rich Czyz

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ How can direct instruction impact student learning and growth?

→ Where are schools going wrong with technology in the classroom?

→ Is it possible for every student to succeed without lowering expectations?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

About Dr. Zach Groshell

Zach is a highly distinguished teacher, instructional coach, and education consultant. Based in Seattle, he works with schools nationwide and internationally to develop high quality instruction based on the science of how kids learn. Zach is the author of Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching, and hosts a podcast, Progressively Incorrect.

Connect with Zach

on LinkedIn, 

on X @mrzachg,

on Substack at mrzachg.substack.com, and 

at his website, https://educationrickshaw.com/.

In This Conversation

0:00:00 - Introducing Dr. Zach Groshell, author of Just Tell Them

1:23 - The thesis of Just Tell Them

3:00 - The opposite of direct instruction

5:20 - Using examples and non-examples in instruction

8:17 - Zach's take on success criteria

10:14 - Teaching to a group of students effectively

13:59 - The role of teacher talk in the classroom

18:36 - Can all students succeed without lowering expectations?

21:13 - What is effective classroom management?

24:23 - The value of starting the class on time

26:44 - How schools are getting it wrong with technology

34:54 - Can AI tools support student learning toward mastery?

37:39 - One idea for teachers from the science of learning

39:38 - Resources for teachers at educationrickshaw.com

42:20 - How and where to connect with Dr. Zach Groshell

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ What are some moves that teachers can make to protect their mental health?

→ What’s better: stay at school til the work is done, or leave as soon as possible?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

Today’s Teacher on Fire is Rae Hughart. Rae is the CEO and Founder of Teachers Deserve It. She’s also a TEDx Speaker and author of two books: Teachers Deserve It and Teach Better. Growing up with IEP support after being diagnosed with Specific Learning Disabilities in Reading, Writing, and Math, Rae has made it her mission to collaborate with educators and districts nationwide to design mastery learning classrooms that reach all learners. Through Teachers Deserve It, she leads a movement dedicated to empowering educators with sustainable, standards-based grading practices that promote clarity, equity, and student success.

Connect with Rae

on LinkedIn, 

on Instagram @RaeHughart,  

on TikTok @RaeHughartEDU,

on Substack at raehughart.substack.com, and  

at her website, teachersdeserveit.com.

In This Conversation

0:00:00 - Rae Hughart is the founder of Teachers Deserve It

2:39 - Boundary 1: Leaving the building after contract hours

4:07 - How Rae followed this boundary as a teacher

5:49 - Boundary 2: Taking a sick day when we're sick

11:58 - Boundary 3: Declining voluntary committees that we don't have capacity for

17:08 - Boundary 4: Taking quiet moments on your lunch break

19:54 - Boundary 5: Setting email hours

23:45 - Should we turn off mobile notifications for email?

27:11 - Resources for teachers available at TeachersDeserveIt.com

31:01 - How and where to connect with Rae Hughart on social media

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ How can our assessment decisions increase equity for all learners?

→ Are learning targets actually a valuable part of instruction and assessment?

→ Should teachers give zeros for cheating or deduct marks for late assignment submissions?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

Today’s Teacher on Fire is Karley Alleyn. Karley is a BC-based assessment consultant, a sessional instructor for the University of Victoria's BEDILR (Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization) program, and a consultant with the Canadian Assessment Centre. Karley's research in assessment identity has led her to speak across BC, Hawaii, London, and in 2026, Singapore.

Connect with Karley

on LinkedIn, 

on Instagram @accessible_assessment, and

in her newsletter at https://www.karleyalleyn.com/assessment-identified.

In This Conversation

0:00:00 - Karley Alleyn is an assessment consultant and former teacher based in BC

1:47 - What IS assessment?

2:40 - What is the purpose of assessment?

4:11 - How can assessment produce greater equity for learners?

5:52 - Making every learner feel good?

6:38 - Assessment identity as an educator

9:54 - Are learning targets valuable or a waste of time?

14:01 - Should teachers ever give zeros?

19:32 - A great formative assessment strategy

23:56 - What does Extending proficiency mean in BC?

32:54 - Assessment resources offered by Karley Alleyn

35:25 - How and where to connect with Karley Alleyn online

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

→ How can we reimagine parent-teacher conferences?

→ What are the issues most responsible for burning out teachers today?

→ What are some rhythms and activities that can keep our fire for teaching alive?

Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.

Today’s Teacher on Fire is Jeff Smith. Jeff has taught in 12 schools over 32 years, with high school courses including mathematics (Pre-Algebra through AP Calculus), AP Comparative Government, Human Geography, and US History. He writes about teacher whitespace on Substack on Teachers' Unmuted.

Connect with Jeff

on LinkedIn and

on Substack at https://jeffuson.substack.com/

In This Conversation

0:00:00 - Jeff Smith is a high school teacher in Illinois

1:46 - Are teachers just customer service representatives?

4:18 - What Jeff means by "whitespace" - where teachers find agency

6:52 - More about whitespace as a metaphor for freedom

7:58 - Bringing one story, one question into our conferences

10:28 - Jeff's view: what causes teacher burnout?

13:11 - What is the Teachers Unmuted blog on Substack all about?

16:10 - Why Jeff writes about his professional practice

20:08 - The hobbies and interests that keep Jeff on fire

23:38 - Where to connect with Jeff Smith and Teachers Unmuted

Visit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.

Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.