In this episode, I ask Ryan Cowden (former teacher and current education podcast host) about how his experiences building credibility as a teacher and what he remembered from his most impactful teachers as a student.

I share and reflect on a quote regarding how important it is for teachers to model the expectations we may create to begin the school year. Also, why it's critical to communicate where we are at as teachers regarding the expectations so students know we are human too. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Dan defines what it means to be authentic and shares an article to help us us understand what we can do to be more authentic. Thanks for listening!

I share and reflect on a quote from Christopher Emdin about how important the process of building relationships with students are. Specifically, remembering to take time to get to know students throughout the year and realize that the teaching/learning process is a two way street. And, that how we view ourselves impacts how we show up for our students.

In this episode, Dan shares an article that helps us understand what it means to get feedback and why it's so important for growth.

I share how I used to play video games a lot as a young person and how judging my current students for doing the same thing does not help me become more impactful,or credible, from their perspective.

I share a quick story about asking a high school student who her favorite teacher is (and why) and reflect on the realization that being everyone's favorite is impossible...but students know who is trying which builds credibility.

I share a story about an interaction I had online that made me think about how important assuming the best intentions of others is usually the best route. I share how this relates to being a teacher and why believing our students are doing the best they can has decreased my stress over the years.

I share a story about a cashier telling me about all the 'bad kids' she sees and how this narrative plays into a student's reputation, one that's hard to shake. I share how my mindset has changed over the years and that teachers have the power to help their students make a new choice by meeting them where they are at...one day at a time.

I met Alexis Shepard at the Teacher Self Care Conference in June of 2019 and attended her session on teacher self care and the 'Good Teacher' myth. It was amazing and so is this conversation as I learned about her thoughts on what makes a teacher credible in the eyes of their students. Alexis shares her insights on how honesty and transparency (among other things) have helped her not only take better care of herself but also become more credible along the way. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us Alexis!