Those Who Can't Do

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Nell from Upworthy to discuss their heartwarming book, Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity. We explore the power of small acts of kindness, the impact of storytelling, and how positivity can counteract the negativity in today's world.

Takeaways:

The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Even small, seemingly insignificant acts can leave a profound and lasting impact on someone's life.

Combating 'Mean World Syndrome': Focusing on positive stories can restore faith in humanity and counteract the overwhelming negativity in media.

Storytelling as Connection: Sharing personal stories fosters empathy and reminds us of our shared humanity.

The Role of Teachers: Inspirational educators leave lifelong impressions, shaping the way students see the world and themselves.

Practical Positivity: Tips for curating your social media experience to balance information with uplifting content and mindfulness.

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Want to Learn more about Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell?

Instagram, X, Facebook: @upworthy

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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This week Denver Riley is back to dive into the quirky and chaotic moments that make up daily life in the classroom. From a “bagel ban” created by Denver’s students to navigating E.E. Cummings' poetry with skeptical high schoolers, they share the ups and downs of engaging students. Denver recalls being humorously bullied by her middle schoolers and admits the trials of working within a scripted curriculum while keeping her teaching style fresh. Denver and I explore why teachers love (and sometimes hate) certain poems, how they handle student antics, the problem with sleepy stickers, and why staying flexible keeps their classrooms fun and productive. This episode brings both the humor and the honesty of what it's really like to teach English to a room full of teenagers.

Takeaways:

Student-Led Humor and Inside Jokes: Embracing humor, including quirky student terms like dependapotomus, helps teachers build a fun, inclusive classroom culture.

The Struggle with Scripted Curriculum: Scripted lessons often limit teacher creativity, highlighting the need for flexibility to make lessons more engaging and relevant.

Navigating Challenging Literature: Teaching poets like E.E. Cummings can be daunting, but breaking down difficult works offers students fresh perspectives and critical thinking skills.

Teacher Growth Through Reflection: Andrea and Denver emphasize that learning from students, sharing laughs, and adapting strategies keep teaching fresh and fulfilling.

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Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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In this week's episode "Family Trolls and Hosting Goals", I welcome my sister Becca Cousins, creator of Host in Your Home, for a lively discussion about the ups and downs of party hosting. From family trolling on social media to sharing tips on how to host stress-free gatherings in less-than-perfect homes, this episode has it all. Becca and I dive into the joys of hosting on a budget, dealing with real-life hosting disasters (like rotting pumpkins!), and how growing up together shaped their party-planning skills. Plus, get insights into creating community and handling guests who just won’t leave.

Takeaways:

Hosting Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect: Becca emphasizes that anyone can host a great party, even if your home isn't picture-perfect. It’s about creating connections, not impressing guests with perfection.

Use What You Have: Becca shares creative ideas for budget-friendly decor and simple menu planning that makes hosting accessible for everyone.

How to Deal with Overstaying Guests: From Midwest goodbyes to sneaky tactics like turning off lights, Becca explains how to politely encourage guests to leave when the party is over.

Build Community through Hosting: Andrea and Becca discuss how hosting neighbors and friends can create a sense of community, even if you're an introvert or don’t know everyone well.

Sibling Rivalry in the Kitchen: The sisters relive their family baking competitions, with Becca accusing Andrea of using crowd-pleasing tricks like frosting on scones to win.

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Want to Learn more about Becca Cousins?

insta: @hostinyourhome

tiktok: host.in.your.home

web: hostinyourhome.com

pinterest @hostinyourhome 

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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In this week's episode "Haunted Classrooms and Mormon Wives", Denver Riley and I tackle the rollercoaster of being a teacher, from Denver’s near-miss with HR over a missing credential to the spooky fun of Halloween in the classroom. But the real fun begins when they hilariously compare the cast of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to the types of teachers they’d be. Would Demi be the no-nonsense English teacher? Is Jen Affleck the ultimate kindergarten teacher? Tune in to see how these reality stars would navigate the world of education! Alongside the humor, the episode delves into why facing tough situations in teaching leads to growth and resilience.

Takeaways:

Credential Panic is Real: Denver recounts her brush with HR over a missing teaching credential and the importance of staying on top of certifications as an educator.

Comparing Mormon Wives to Teachers: Andrea and Denver bring the fun by imagining which teacher roles the stars of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives would fill. From cheer coach to high school math teacher, the comparisons are both hilarious and spot-on.

Halloween Fun in the Classroom: Spooky season takes over as Denver shares how she incorporates Halloween themes into her teaching, from activities to costumes.

Union Support Matters: Denver discusses how crucial union representation is when facing issues with HR or administration, especially when your job is on the line.

Why the Hard Road Pays Off: Choosing not to take the path of least resistance in the classroom leads to stronger teacher-student relationships and a more fulfilling teaching experience.

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Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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In this week's episode "Homework Horror Stories: When Parents Say ‘No Way!", I chat with Gabe Dannenbring about the challenges of modern-day education. From managing work-life balance post-pandemic to evolving classroom dynamics, we explore how teachers and students alike are navigating an ever-changing landscape. Gabe shares his perspective as a middle school teacher, while I bring insights from the university level. Together, we reflect on the impact of the shifting attitudes toward education, homework debates, and what it takes to keep both students and teachers engaged. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on teacher burnout, student resilience, and the delicate balance between structure and innovation in the classroom.

Takeaways:

The Shift in Student Attitudes: Post-pandemic students exhibit a different approach to work-life balance, focusing more on mental health and less on pushing through discomfort.

Homework Debate: Some parents, like the TikTok mom mentioned, are pushing back on excessive homework for young children, raising questions about the balance between school expectations and student well-being.

Classroom Management Challenges: Teachers today are dealing with increasingly chatty, distracted students, but there's a need to push through discomfort and maintain structure.

Teacher Burnout is Real: A recent Wall Street Journal study shows that teacher satisfaction has dropped dramatically, with only 42% of teachers feeling that their job is worth the stress.

The Importance of Doing Hard Things: Andrea and Gabe both highlight the value of resilience and persistence in both teaching and learning, emphasizing the growth that comes from pushing through challenges.

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Want to Learn more about Gabe Dannenbring?

TikTok: @g_unit24

IG / YT / FB: @gabedannenbring

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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In this week's episode "Turning Stickers into Classroom Gold", I chat with the ever-popular "Sticker Teacher" Andrea Miller, known for her viral classroom content and sticker-based student motivation. Andrea shares her journey from middle school math teacher to content creator with millions of followers, and how her love of stickers has transformed classroom behavior and engagement. We dive into the fun, the awkwardness of being recognized at VidCon, and the power of using stickers as an extrinsic motivator in education. Get ready for an insightful conversation filled with laughter, classroom tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at teacher fame in the social media age.

Takeaways:

Stickers as Extrinsic Motivation: Using stickers as rewards can help motivate students, making learning fun and keeping classroom behavior in check.

Teacher Fame and Social Media: Balancing a social media presence while being a full-time teacher comes with unique challenges, including the occasional awkward public recognition.

Project-Based Learning in Math: Andrea shares how project-based learning can make math more engaging by incorporating real-world applications, like her students creating cities and graphing them.

Personal Branding as a Teacher: The importance of finding your unique teaching style and how it can lead to unexpected success—both in the classroom and online.

Balancing Humor and Education: Humor plays a big role in Andrea’s classroom, helping students relate better to lessons while maintaining a lighthearted, productive environment.

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Want to Learn more about Andrea Miller?

Tiktok: @mrs_miller

Instagram: @andyxmiller

Youtube: @mrs_miller 

Snapchat: @mrsxmiller

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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In this week's episode "Pep Rally, Tooth Picks, and Gen Z Teachers", I am joined by Jennifer Cerda & Denver Riley who share their experiences in teaching and leadership, along with some unforgettable classroom moments. From managing classroom dynamics to the infamous pep rally incident that shocked the entire school, they dive deep into the challenges and rewards of teaching today. The discussion touches on everything from building relationships with students and administrators to the importance of humor and leadership in the classroom. They also reflect on how these moments shaped their careers, and why sometimes, things don’t go as planned—especially at school events. This episode offers a blend of humor, insight, and advice for educators navigating the unpredictable world of teaching.

Takeaways:

Building Relationships Is Essential: Strong connections with students and administrators create a more effective and supportive teaching environment, helping educators manage challenges with ease.

Classroom Leadership Evolves: With time and experience, teachers learn to balance authority, humor, and empathy to foster a classroom culture where students feel respected yet engaged.

Unpredictable School Events: As seen in the infamous pep rally moment, school events can go off-script, and it’s important for educators to maintain professionalism, especially in unexpected situations.

Humor Can Be a Powerful Tool: Incorporating humor in the classroom helps diffuse tension, build rapport with students, and keeps learning enjoyable, as long as it’s used appropriately.

Support for New Teachers Is Key: Mentorship and leadership support are crucial for new teachers, helping them build confidence, navigate school politics, and handle the complexities of teaching.

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Want to Learn more about Jennifer Cerda & Denver Riley?

Jennifer Cerda

Instagram: @ms_cerdafied

Denver Riley

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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In this week's episode "Dropped in the Classroom: WTF are State Standards", I'm joined by Valerie Dominy, a high school business teacher and the founder of The Highest Standard. Valerie shares her insights into teaching, from navigating state standards and alternative certification to helping new teachers survive their first years in the classroom. They discuss the importance of parent communication, student relationships, and how administrators can better support educators. Valerie also reflects on her role as a business owner, bridging the gap for alternative certification teachers to feel confident in their profession.

Takeaways:

Navigating State Standards: Understanding and mastering state standards is essential for teachers, especially those from alternative certification programs.

Supporting New Teachers: Schools need to offer real mentorship programs where experienced teachers regularly support new hires, not just for evaluations.

Parent-Teacher Communication: Clear communication with parents can alleviate many classroom issues, building trust and improving student success.

Work-Life Balance: Teachers must set boundaries and take care of themselves to avoid burnout, especially with the pressures of adapting to new curriculum and standards.

Teaching is Ever-Evolving: Whether it’s mastering new standards or adjusting to different student needs each year, teaching is a continuous learning process.

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Want to Learn more about Valerie Dominy?

Instagram: @the_highest_standard_pd

Facebook: The Highest Standard

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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In this week's episode "Mastering Work-Life Balance in Teaching", I sit down with Natalie Ringold, founder of Always Upper Elementary, to talk about effective teaching strategies and work-life balance. Natalie shares her viral experience teaching kindness, discusses the impact of social-emotional learning (SEL), and explains how structured schedules help her manage time efficiently in a busy classroom. We also touch on the challenges of integrating technology, the importance of setting boundaries, and balancing personal life while being a dedicated educator. If you're looking for practical teaching tips and an honest conversation about the realities of teaching, this episode is for you!

Takeaways:

Effective time management and structured schedules are key to maintaining a work-life balance for teachers.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential for teaching students life skills like empathy and resilience.

Setting boundaries, such as leaving work at work, can help prevent teacher burnout.

Digital tools can enhance learning but require careful monitoring to avoid distractions and misuse.

Teachers must collaborate with students to resolve conflicts, encouraging respect even when students have personal disagreements.

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Want to Learn more about Natalie Ringold?

Instagram: @always.upper.elementary

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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We’re doing something a little different today. We’re sharing an episode from another podcast. It’s called Opportunity Gap: How to get kids to talk about school. It’s hosted by Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal in Philadelphia who has spent nearly 20 years working in public schools. Kids of color who have things like ADHD or dyslexia often face a double stigma. This show offers knowledge about how to support those students better, so that we can close the opportunity gap in our communities. If you have any students in your class who are in special education, this is an excellent resource.

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube:  @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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