What's Your Shtick?

In today's impromptu episode, Rachel and Tia discuss the Coronavirus and how it has had an impact on education. They look at the positive things that have come from the chaos and how the educational community has joined together even more to help in any way they can.

In this mini-episode Tia discusses why she wants to change the name of “Passion Projects” in her classroom

Rachel and Tia discuss educational trends they have seen in the classroom and what educators can do to keep up with the new, or the new-again, educational shifts. Some of the hot topics that are touched on are social-emotional learning, homework philosophies, student voice and choice, and STEM education. The conversation leads to generational differences when it comes to the peers you work with and the students you teach and keeping up with those generational changes. We want to hear from you! Share with us some educational trends you’ve experienced that are nostalgic, cringe worthy, or just that makes us laugh.

In this mini-episode Rachel discusses how we need to expose all students to creativity and open-ended projects as much as possible.

“Teacher Imposter Syndrome” Tia shares her belief that educators struggle with being too humble. She attended an event that was designed to celebrate the accomplishments of great educators, but they kept being reminded they deserved to be there. Rachel and Tia tackle the question, “Why are teachers so humble?” Tia believes that teachers should be proud of their hard work and accomplishments and we should all be encouraging each other to highlight each others strengths as educators. Rachel reminds us all to “stop being a secret genius” and share the awesome work educators do on a daily basis. Included in the podcast are also tips to combat the teacher imposter syndrome trap.

In this mini-episode Tia discusses her 30 day journey on avoiding negativity.

Rachel talks about her unique professional development opportunity to go on a teacher field trip to San Diego. Rachel confesses that she is typically an introvert, but was heavily impacted by taking risks and learning in a new way while surrounded by other like-minded educators. Tia talks about the importance of reflecting on your teaching practices through all types of professional growth. Having opportunities that give us a new lens to look through can give us a new perspective to use within our teaching profession and stoke the fire within our profession.

Rachel and Tia tackle the subject of investing and growing in your own professional development. They discuss how to professionally grow on your own to cultivate your own educational passions. Sometimes you have to take your professional learning to the next level to keep the educational fire alive. Several ideas discussed are the traditional steps to professional development and others are outside of the box. It is recognizing that professional development is literally all around you; you must take the knowledge you are already gaining and applying it into your classroom, building, and district.

“The cave you fear…” In this mini-episode Tia discusses the quote from Joseph Campbell about facing your fears.