This episode of VIBE Edu continues the Teaching and Learning Myths series by zooming in on one of the most overlooked variables in student success the learning environment itself. Mitch Weathers, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, and Joshua Stamper unpack common assumptions about “good” classrooms, including the idea that more posters, more color, and more stuff automatically create a better space for kids.​

They explore how visual and physical clutter increase cognitive load, why at least some blank wall space matters, and how designated teaching zones, clear routines, and thoughtful furniture choices can actually make it easier for students to focus and feel safe. From “homie baskets” and carpet spaces for fifth graders to therapy lizards, flexible seating, anchor charts, and even office desks that unintentionally signal power and distance, the crew offers practical, research aligned ways to declutter, redesign, and use the environment as a true teaching tool rather than classroom wallpaper.

***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz- https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper- https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari- https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers- https://organizedbinder.com/

In this episode of the VIBE Edu Teaching and Learning Myths series, Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, and Mitch Weathers take on the myth that great teaching is mostly about delivering content while students sit still and listen. They explore why developing the learner through relationships, predictable routines, movement, and executive function supports is not extra but essential if content is going to stick.The crew also challenges trendy but misused ideas such as 30 minutes of “productive struggle,” clarifies when struggle is actually unproductive frustration, and explains how clarity, formative assessment, and brief, well placed challenge moments make learning both challenging and successful. With stories about homie baskets, slow starts, turn and talk, and noisy versus quiet classrooms, this conversation gives teachers practical ways to redesign lessons so students feel seen, regulated, and ready to learn.***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz- https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper- https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari- https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers- https://organizedbinder.com/

In this bonus crossover episode of VIBE Edu and Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, and Mitch Weathers share everything you need to know about the Thriving Educators Summit 2026 and how it was born from a desire to help teachers move from surviving to truly thriving after years of running hard and lean in schools. Listeners will hear the story behind the free virtual summit, what makes its fast paced, highly practical sessions different from typical PD, and how districts are using past summit recordings as a no cost professional learning library all year long.​The crew also spotlights Kim’s Becoming the Bison session on intentional teaching and leading, Joshua and TJ’s new leadership focused session, and the growing speaker lineup that blends inspiration with concrete next steps educators can act on immediately. Finally, they preview the in person VIBE Edu event at the ARTIC in Anaheim and explain how both gatherings are designed to give educators community, clarity, and energy heading into a new school year.Thriving Educators Summit 2026: https://thrivingeducatorssummit.com/Vibe EDU Event 2026: https://www.teachinginsideout.com/vibe-edu#VIBEEdu #EducationalSystem #FutureOfEducation #TeacherLeadership #EdReform***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz: https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper: https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari: https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers: https://organizedbinder.com/

This episode of the VIBE Edu podcast kicks off a new series on the myths of teaching and learning that quietly shape classrooms and often work against what students actually need. Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, and Mitch Weathers unpack popular but misleading ideas such as fixed learning styles, choice boards as the answer to differentiation, and project based learning without a solid foundation of content and routines.​

The crew explains why most students learn more alike than different, how universal design and differentiation get misapplied, and why predictable routines and “boringly consistent” systems free up working memory so kids can truly think, struggle, and grow. They share concrete examples of teaching note taking, building automaticity, and using Tier 1 supports before trying to Tier 2 and Tier 3 your way out of a Tier 1 problem. If you are ready to leave behind buzzwords and anchor your practice in the science of learning, this conversation will give you clarity, language, and moves you can use tomorrow.

***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz- https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper- https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari- https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers- https://organizedbinder.com/

In this VIBE Edu mailbag episode, the crew tackles real questions from teachers and leaders who are in the thick of behavior, burnout, and broken systems. Listeners hear practical responses to scenarios that feel all too familiar, including how to reset a class after things have gone sideways, what to do when support feels inconsistent, and how to lead up without a title.Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, and Mitch Weathers offer concrete strategies that blend systems, SEL, and honest communication so educators do not feel like they are carrying it all alone. If you have ever thought “Is it just me?” this episode proves you are not the only one asking these questions and gives you language and moves you can try tomorrow.#VIBEEdu #EducationalSystem #FutureOfEducation #TeacherLeadership #EdReform***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz- https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper- https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari- https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers- https://organizedbinder.com/

What if the biggest drain on your district is not budget or behavior but leaders drowning in email, constant crises, and a culture that worships being busy? In this final episode of the VIBE Edu leadership series, Kim Gameroz, Joshua Stamper, TJ Vari, and Mitch Weathers pull back the curtain on district level work, from teachers on special assignment to assistant superintendents and beyond.​They unpack how visionary district leaders get out of the cubicle, into schools, and out of their inbox by using systems such as Voxer, intentional scheduling, and multi modal communication instead of living inside email all day. You will hear how Kim turned call Kim for every behavior into a well oiled support machine across 18 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 4 high schools, and why TJ says that if you are reading emails twice, emailing at two in the morning, or starting every day at the central office, your systems and not your heart are the problem.​If you have ever dreamed of district impact or wondered why the work feels like constant triage, this episode will challenge your habits, sharpen your vision, and give you concrete ways to lead at scale without losing your life or your why.🎧 Tune in and join the conversation as we close out this powerful series with bold ideas, hard questions, and a vision for the future of leadership.#VIBEEdu #EducationalSystem #FutureOfEducation #TeacherLeadership #EdReform***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz- https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper- https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari- https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers- https://organizedbinder.com/

***Don't forget to click LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on the VIBE Edu YouTube channel!

What if the biggest threat to your school isn’t student behavior or test scores—but a principal stuck cutting the cake instead of leading? In this episode of the VIBE Edu Podcast, Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, and Mitch Weathers pull back the curtain on principal leadership and expose how much power, autonomy, and influence this role truly has over teachers, students, and families.​From “every student, every teacher, every hallway, every classroom, every day” to the three buckets of effective leadership—vision, evaluation, and innovation—the crew explores what powerful principals actually do with their time and why so many get trapped in chaos instead of systems. They dig into vision that doesn’t live on a wall, but in bathroom mirrors and daily decisions; teachers who want to lead next; and why every principal needs a coach as badly as new teachers need a mentor.​If you’ve ever wondered what principals should be doing all day—or you feel that tug toward the office yourself—this conversation will challenge, convict, and seriously level up how you think about leadership in schools.🎧 Tune in and join the conversation as we close out this powerful series with bold ideas, hard questions, and a vision for the future of leadership.#VIBEEdu #EducationalSystem #FutureOfEducation #TeacherLeadership #EdReform***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz- https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper- https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari- https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers- https://organizedbinder.com/***Don't forget to click LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on the VIBE Edu YouTube channel!

What if the most powerful leader on your campus isn’t the principal?

In this episode of the VIBE EDU Podcast, Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, and Mitch Weathers expose how the AP role can quietly make or break a school’s culture, systems, and sanity. They dig into what happens when an AP is treated like the “campus sheriff” versus the strategic backbone who protects instructional time, builds systems instead of putting out the same fires, and actually grows teachers instead of just managing discipline.You’ll hear candid stories about APs who refuse to step back into classrooms, principals who regret not mentoring their second-in-command, and campuses transformed when assistant principals own their domain and lead SEL, behavior, and instruction with clarity and courage. If you’ve ever wondered what an AP really does all day, or what they could do if unleashed, this conversation will change how you see leadership in your building.🎧 Tune in and join the conversation as we discuss leadership, from teacher to district leaders. #VIBEEdu #EducationalSystem #FutureOfEducation #TeacherLeadership #EdReform***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz- https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper- https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari- https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers- https://organizedbinder.com/

In the first episode of the leadership series, Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, and Mitch Weathers dismantle the phrase “I’m just a teacher” and show how real school improvement starts with the influence already inside your classroom. Hear powerful stories of teachers who quietly sparked district-wide change, became teacher of the year, or launched new initiatives simply by sending one bold email or sharing what works in their room.​The crew digs into practical ways to step into leadership without a title—investing in yourself, finding your niche, saying yes to opportunities, and creating harmony (not “balance”) between school and life. They also challenge principals to actively cultivate teacher leaders, rotate roles, and build a culture where every educator and student can see a clear path to lead. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you do really matters, this conversation will remind you: your influence is the leadership your school needs.🎧 Tune in and join the conversation as we close out this powerful series with bold ideas, hard questions, and a vision for the future of schools.#VIBEEdu #EducationalSystem #FutureOfEducation #TeacherLeadership #EdReform***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz- https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper- https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari- https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers- https://organizedbinder.com/

In this VIBE EDU Mailbag episode, Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, and Mitch Weathers answer raw, real questions straight from classroom teachers and coaches. From a sub who swore they’d never return to a “most disrespectful class” note that crushed a teacher’s heart, the crew unpacks what’s really happening beneath those behaviors and how to respond without losing your sanity or your systems.​Listeners will hear practical ideas for goal-setting with students, using TAG (Thoughts–Action–Goal), resetting expectations after a rough sub day, and creating proactive plans for individual kids and whole classes so everyone is set up for success—not sabotage. Along the way, they also challenge school leaders to rethink how substitutes are trained, supported, and treated so consistency and community actually stick.#VIBEEdu #EducationalSystem #FutureOfEducation #TeacherLeadership #EdReform***Connect with our hosts:Kim Gameroz- https://www.selebrategoodtimes.com/Joshua Stamper- https://joshstamper.com/TJ Vari- https://theschoolhouse302.com/Mitch Weathers- https://organizedbinder.com/***Don't forget to click LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on the VIBE Edu YouTube channel!