In the opening essay of Good Teaching: a Provocation, Zach Czaia writes that, collectively as a country, we have “reduced what it means to be a teacher, let alone a good teacher.”

But what does “good teaching” even look like? In today’s conversation, Zach shares his thoughts within and beyond his new collection of essays and poems—and in doing so invites all of us to consider what our own definitions are, where they come from, and how they collide with the current discourse around teaching.

To follow more of Zach’s writing and work:

* Good Teaching: a Provocation

* One Subject Press (mentioned at end of episode!)

* Zach’s newsletter, Teacher/Poet

* His recent essay, “I Don’t Teach Like a Champion”

Thanks, as always, to Alberto Lugo, one of Jim’s former students, for writing and recording original intro music; and Tom Csatari for allowing us to use his band’s recording of “Woodstock” from their 2020 album, Garden.

* Find Tom’s work at uncivilizedtom.com, and on Instagram @banduncivilized.

* Find Alberto’s work at djsynchro.weebly.com, and on Instagram @djsynchro.

You can email us here with feedback or any other questions as well: [email protected].

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