Phenomenal Collab: Melissa & Lori Love Literacy!We talked podcast origins, The Literacy 50, and vocabulary instruction (Lori even modeled it—Anita Archer would approve!)Full convo drops tomorrow!Be Phenomenal,—Mr. Short #Literacy #ExplicitInstruction #ELA

🎙️ Phenomenal Conversation w/ Mr. Short: Kim Lockhart

I spoke with Kim Lockhart—FSL & Special Ed teacher—about:

✅ Her career journey
🎯 Differentiated instruction
📊 Evidence-based practices
🧠 Improving teacher training

Whether you're a new teacher or seasoned vet, there's something here for you!

Be Phenomenal,
Mr. Short

📲 Connect with me:
Twitter: @Mr100Teacher
Instagram: @thephenomenalstudent
TikTok: ThePhenomenalTeacher
🎧 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-phenomenal-student-podcast/id1607341077

🎙️ New Episode Drop!

On this week’s Phenomenal Student Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Patty McGee to unpack her latest work:
📘 Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful and Engaging Grammar Instruction (co-authored with Tim Donohue)

If you teach Grades 2–8 and want grammar to stick without boring your students to sleep, this episode is for you. 👇

🧩 Rethinking the “rules” of grammar
🎯 Making instruction purposeful and practical
🎒 Creating experiences that actually engage students
✍️ Helping kids write with clarity and confidence

Let’s move beyond worksheets and into something transformational.

🗣️ Tag a teacher who’s ready to ditch the drill-and-kill!

#NotYourGrannysGrammar #PattyMcGee #PhenomenalStudentPodcast #WritingInstruction #GrammarMatters #Grades2to8 #BePhenomenal

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Dr. Nathaniel Swain about his inspiring and unconventional journey in education. In this episode, we dive into:
✅ His unexpected start in the classroom
✅ The winding road to becoming a researcher
✅ The powerful insights behind his new book: Harnessing the Science of Learning

Dr. Swain brings a wealth of knowledge and clarity to the conversation around how we teach and how students truly learn.

📘 Check out his book here: Harnessing the Science of Learning

🎧 Tune in to the episode and let me know what you think. Your feedback means everything!

Be Phenomenal,
Mr. Short

#PhenomenalStudentPodcast #ScienceOfLearning #DrNathanielSwain #EducationMatters #BePhenomenal

🎙️ Phenomenal Conversations w/ Mr. Short: Featuring Zach Groshell

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Zach Groshell—educator, author of Just Tell Them, and co-host of the Progressively Incorrect podcast.

We discussed his dynamic career in education, from teaching a wide range of subjects—including Design—to his current roles as an advocate for explicit instruction and thought leader in the field. We also dove into the inspiration behind his new book and the bold conversations he’s having on his podcast.

Zach brings a refreshing perspective grounded in research, classroom experience, and a clear passion for teaching with clarity and purpose.

🎧 Listen in and be inspired by this powerful conversation!
📘 Book: Just Tell Them
🎙️ Podcast: Progressively Incorrect

Be Phenomenal,
Mr. Short

Phenomenal Spotlight W/Mr. Short: #LiteracyMatters25

🌟 Exciting news! Yesterday, I had an inspiring chat with Dr. Cierra Nickerson, the Director of Professional Learning at Aldine I.S.D. about #LiteracyMatter25! 📚✨

Join us for their FREE Virtual Conference on March 22nd! We covered some amazing topics, including:

🔹 What is Literacy Matters?

🔹 The origin of Chapter 1

🔹 Keynote Speaker highlights

🔹 Sessions offered (including my own!)

🔹 How it aligns with Dr. Goffney’s Science of Reading focus

🔹 Sneak peek into Chapters 6-10 (and the potential for an in-person conference!)

Let’s make literacy a priority! Be phenomenal! 💪 #LiteracyMatters #AldineISD #Education #VirtualConference

#StorytimeSaturday: A Shoutout to Coach Barnes & Mr. Suggs

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to middle school! I was a gifted kid trying to prove I wasn’t just a nerd. Thankfully, I had two amazing mentors in my corner: Coach Barnes, our P.E. coach, and Mr. Suggs, one of our elective teachers. They always had my back, stepping in during tough moments and ensuring I wasn’t unfairly labeled—especially in a school where we were the minority. Their support made a huge difference in my life, and I’m forever grateful!

Challenge: Tag someone who helped shape who you are today!

Be phenomenal, Mr. Short

🌟 Phenomenal Spotlight with Mr. Short: Meet Ms. Laura Stam! 🌟

A few weeks ago, I had an amazing conversation with Ms. Stam, a powerhouse in evidence-based instruction! 🎓✨ We dove into her journey, innovative teaching practices, the Goyen Fellowship, and her exciting vision for the future.

Check out our chat and get inspired! 💡 Be Phenomenal!

#Education #Teaching #Inspiration #GoyenFellowship #BePhenomenal

A

#TalkingThursday: "Are Black Students ESL, Too?"

A thought-provoking question has been on my mind: Why aren’t our Black students considered ESL? It’s time to rethink how we approach their education!

While we emphasize Equity, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Positive Framing, let’s also focus on effective Strategies, Techniques, and Routines that empower Black students to excel.

Join the conversation! How can we shift the paradigm to help our Black students Be Great and Be Phenomenal? Drop your thoughts below! #Education #Equity #BlackExcellence #BePhenomenal