Episode Archive - Spirit of Teaching

TT54 – Teaching students the bigger picture and connecting content to humanity: Jennifer, teacher of ELA, ELL, Spanish in MS and HS

Teacher Tales

TT54 - Teaching students the bigger picture and connecting content to humanity: Jennifer, teacher of ELA, ELL, Spanish in MS and HS

00:00 / 00:32:48

In this episode, our guest teacher from North Caroline, Jennifer, goes big and deep into making connections to humanity through what we teach students. We touch on all the important C’s – curriculum, content, celebrations, communication, conversations, conferences, community, cross-curricular, cross-cutlural, and most of all, connections! As Jennifer showed participants at a recent conference, these big C’s are like strands of thread that should be woven into a lesson in order to help them see a bigger “tapestry” of life and to greater appreciate the humanity that connects us all. Jennifer shares that her goal in every lesson is to “highlight, celebrate and build bridges” of connection, communication and community. She also points out that when we present our tapestry of learning in this way, we are also tapping into diversity and inclusion as core elements that will help us connect with the humanity in each of us! These are the teachers we remember and cherish for the rest of our lives because they answer the the core questions all students have: why am I learning this? what does it have to do with me and the real world?. Tell that teacher “thank you”!

TT53 – Shifts, pivots and adjustments in teaching: Alexandra, international teacher and world traveler

Teacher Tales

TT53 - Shifts, pivots and adjustments in teaching: Alexandra, international teacher and world traveler

00:00 / 00:28:16

In this episode, we meet an international teacher, Alexandra, who started out teaching in the USA, but has now taught in China, Viet Nam and Saudi Arabia. Through these experiences, she has learned to shift, pivot and adjust not only what she teaches, but how, where and who she teaches. Alexandra is a fabulous example of how much the teaching profession expects and relies on teachers to be able to be flexible, “multi-dimensional” and skilled enough to be able to teach whatever subject and levels are needed, to create and develop their own curriculum, to find their own resources, AND to coach or sponsor whatever sport or club that the school might offer. Teachers are so adaptable and flexible, and all for the greater good and to the benefit of their students! Alexandra offers up insights into what teaching is like in other countries and how one not only may need to adjust to a new language and culture, but also to a new school culture with different colleagues and a new curriculum. If you are a teacher and you love to travel or you are exploring other possibilities to seek a teaching adventure outside of the USA, this episode is for you!

TT#52 – Rural school needs, making real world connections and investing in our future: Shannon, rural school French teacher, Founder of non-profit STaRLT

Teacher Tales

TT#52 - Rural school needs, making real world connections and investing in our future: Shannon, rural school French teacher, Founder of non-profit STaRLT

00:00 / 00:31:19

In this episode, we gain new perspectives and insights to the needs of our rural schools from Shannon, a rural school teacher in Georgia who founded the non-profit STaRLT. Shannon moved from an urban school to a rural school and realized that she nor her students had the same resources or support in a rural school setting that were available in an urban setting. These resources and support are critical to not only the success of the teacher, but more importantly, to that of the student! So, Shannon created the Small Town and Rural Language Teachers (STaRLT) non-profit in order to fill that gap. Shannon believes we need to create opportunities to make connections, share and build a strong, supportive community for each other. She says, “we are not a competitive business, but rather, we are a community”. I couldn’t agree with her more!!! Shannon also has some fabulous advice for new teachers and any teacher who feels overwhelmed with the demands of today’s teaching context. Have a listen, and be inspired!

Teacher Tales #51 – Professional Learning, finding our strengths and team building: Michelle, professional learning provider, guide and wayfinder

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #51 - Professional Learning, finding our strengths and team building: Michelle, professional learning provider, guide and wayfinder

00:00 / 00:30:43

In this episode, we have the great pleasure of meeting Michelle, a dear friend and teacher guide on the side for so many. Michelle shares her very interesting story of how she became a teacher and how she has been a wayfinder her entire life and career. She reminds us that our path in life is a winding one and that we are always finding our way on that path. There is no “one size fits all” professional learning that can happen in an hour or even a day. It is more a journey of small shifts in small ways that transform who we are and how we teach. Michelle also talks a great deal about the impact the Gallup Clifton Strengths Finder has had on how she sees what she and others can bring to the table as team. There is a difference between collaboration and collegiality. It all comes down to connection and community and finding your PFF. Michelle now shares her experiences and expertise through her consulting business by “empowering teachers, guiding leaders and transforming programs”…one small shift at a time!You can check out her wisdom and services and connect with Michelle here. She can help us all make those small shifts and get back on our true path of teaching.

Teacher Tales #50 – SEL, Impact and the Power of Read Alouds: Christine, elementary teacher and children’s book author

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #50 - SEL, Impact and the Power of Read Alouds: Christine, elementary teacher and children’s book author

00:00 / 00:29:32

In this episode, we have a delightful chat with Christine about her love of animals, reading and the impact her life experiences had on becoming the teacher, and now author, she is for children. Like many children we have in our classrooms, Christine was shy as a child and did not feel comfortable being “in the spotlight”. So, as a teacher, she decided to do “Read Alouds” with her students in which every student had a choice to join in or not. She understood the impact that giving students choice to experience real world, personalized and meaningful connections were to hook and empower student learning, especially with reading. We talk about how many reading programs today are too impersonal and computerized and don’t really give our students or their teachers the choice to follow their own interests, preferences and heartfelt joy of reading and learning. However, Christine shared with us how we can still be creative, be individual and at the same time cover the standards and academic expectations for the most impact and successful outcomes. You will be inspired by Christine and want to learn more about how she has found another path to be of service to the profession, to give back and to make a difference in the lives of children. If you want to learn more about Christine and her services, you can check out her website here and purchase her book, Elephant Beach, here. Stay tuned for her elephant series to be released as well as her book on how to help children process grief. Thank you, Christine!

Teacher Tales #49 – Authentic learning, immigrant family needs and community connections: Stephanie: regional T.O.Y., DLI teacher and reading advocate

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #49 - Authentic learning, immigrant family needs and community connections: Stephanie: regional T.O.Y., DLI teacher and reading advocate

00:00 / 00:32:41

In this episode, we meet Stephanie who was just named the SCOLT regional teacher of the year. Stephanie’s story of being a first generation American born to immigrant parents from Argentina, of being a struggling reader and also, not following a traditional path to become a teacher will inspire all our listeners. What is especially interesting about Stephanie is how she has taken her family connections to the equine industry from Argentina to Kentucky and related it to her community and industry there. Stephanie has a real passion and dedication to creating authentic learning experiences for her students, which is even more important in the classroom today than ever before. As students become more and more connected to their devices and less connected to the real world around them and even more disconnected, more reluctant and more “bored” with traditional learning in the classroom, Stephanie makes great points and shares wonderful examples and inspiration to advocate for teachers to create authentic and more meaningful learning experiences for their students. She is a part of the national “Knowledge Matters Campaign” and has a lot of data and research to share with listeners about reading and the impact it has on our student confidence, competence and success. You can check out more about Stephanie on her website “Teaching, Stitches and Fixes”.

Teacher Tales #48 – Sound, transitions and developing student executive function skills: Hayes, teacher, award-winning jazz musician and founder of Creative Sound Play

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #48 - Sound, transitions and developing student executive function skills: Hayes, teacher, award-winning jazz musician and founder of Creative Sound Play

00:00 / 00:33:58

In this episode, we will meet Hayes, a fascinating man of many talents…and sounds! As a jazz musician and film composer, Hayes understands the power that sound has on humans…and we are not talking music, but sound. Having worked as a teacher with young people in all kinds of capacities since the early 90s, Hayes is now using his love of the art of sound to help teachers in the classroom. He is about to release a new book, Creative Sound Play for Young Learners: A Teacher’s Guide to Enhancing Transition Times, Classroom Communities, SEL, and Executive Function Skills (Routledge, Eye on Education Series, June 6, 2024). Hayes shares with us the 3 primary elements of sound and how they can help you as a teacher during transition times to focus and engage student learning. He also explains how using his techniques help develop student executive function skills, addresses student social emotional learning and is especially powerful when used with students with a language delay, students with special needs and those students on the spectrum. Additional info can be found at https://www.creativesoundplay.com/ and https://www.hayesgreenfield.com/

Teacher Tales #47 – Student agency, spotlight learning, NUTS-SATS-TCOL strategies: Matt R, lucky teacher, mentor and expert in student-centered learning

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #47 - Student agency, spotlight learning, NUTS-SATS-TCOL strategies: Matt R, lucky teacher, mentor and expert in student-centered learning

00:00 / 00:36:49

In this episode, we will have a truly inspiring conversation with Matt, an award-winning teacher in New Jersey whose enthusiasm and passion for teaching is contagious. Need a lift to rise up to your greatest potential, just listen to Matt! He says that his greatest passion is to make kids feel like they can flourish and be risk-takers in their learning journey. Matt believes that students are just an extension of the teacher and that we need to be coaches, role models and lifelong learners in order to inspire our students to experiment and let their creativity and curiosity run wild. In order to do this, Matt really focuses on developing student agency and has come up with 3 highly effective strategies that empower student learning and allow them to see the relevance of what they are learning. These strategies are NUTS, SATS and TCOL. Listen to Matt explain them and give examples for his Spanish class. BUT the great thing is that these strategies can be implemented in any content area! Check them out, try them out and share with others!

Teacher Tales #46 – The “perfect” teacher, erosion of trust, building a community: Ebony, Spanish teacher in Georgia

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #46 - The “perfect” teacher, erosion of trust, building a community: Ebony, Spanish teacher in Georgia

00:00 / 00:30:59

In this episode, we meet Ebony, a Spanish teacher of color who gets real with us about what it is like to be a teacher post-pandemic and in a large metropolitan city in Georgia. Ebony reminds all teachers that we are only ONE person with limited time, and that we are only ONE brick in a foundation of lifelong learning. WOW! Teachers cannot expect to be perfect, should set boundaries and have healthy outlets to prevent burnout. Ebony says that perfection is the enemy of good and that students don’t need a perfect teacher, but rather one who cares and works toward their good. We talk about how one of the biggest obstacles in schools today is the erosion of trust and how it is important to build a community of trust, collaboration and unlimited possibilities for learning. Students must be seen and heard and see themselves and their potential in their teachers as role models, mentors, leaders and guides. Finally, Ebony has some FABULOUS advice for new teachers, although, I think veteran teachers could benefit from her suggestions and insights as well. Check it out!

Teacher Tales #45 – Reaching students, creating stories and setting pathways: Grant, college professor, PD podcaster and one who helps shape our profession

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #45 - Reaching students, creating stories and setting pathways: Grant, college professor, PD podcaster and one who helps shape our profession

00:00 / 00:38:48

In this episode, we will gain another perspective on education and be deeply inspired by yet another fabulous educator, this time from the post-secondary world. Grant is a college professor at Georgia Southern where he not only researches and is an expert on chivalry, but he also is a Medievalist and Renaissance scholar. Additionally, he teaches a methods/pedagogy class and prepares teachers for the profession. But wait…there’s more… he also teaches courses in LSP (Language for Specific Purposes) and produces a podcast for teacher “PD on the go” entitled The World Languages Collaborative podcast. I invite you to check it out and share with others. No matter what you teach, you will find ideas and inspiration on Grant’s podcast! He strongly believes that teachers are like fisherman. We cast a net as wide as we can and “hook” our students. Then, through professional development and our lifelong passion for learning, we increase the size of our net and the ability to “hook” more students. Grant also shares so many inspirational insights to the stories that teachers can create for a student through their caring, encouragement and support. As Grant and I explore the power teachers have to set a student on the best pathway toward their future, our conversation travels the depth and breadth of being lifelong learners. I hope you will take a listen, be inspired and travel along with us!

Teacher Tales #44 – International curriculum, global citizenship and the power of “disruption” in education: Brantley, East Asia Education Director Dwight Schools, fluent in Mandarin and education “disruptor”

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #44 - International curriculum, global citizenship and the power of “disruption” in education: Brantley, East Asia Education Director Dwight Schools, fluent in Mandarin and education “disruptor”

00:00 / 00:34:40

In this episode, we will gain great insight on education from an international perspective. My guest, Brantley, is the East Asia Education Director of Dwight Schools, and she shares with us the great need for students to be exposed to an international curriculum, to develop intercultural skills and to strive for global citizenship through their education. More importantly, she talks about how we are operating within an educational framework that contains “restraints” and that we need to “disrupt the reality of our context” in order to bring about innovation, ideation and change. Brantley explains that we need to get “out of the box” in our thinking and doing in order to bring to light what is really needed for teachers and their students. She also shares some ideas on how to avoid teacher burnout, how to value teachers more and how to treasure and celebrate what is truly wonderful about the American education system. We can all use that pep talk and inspiration, so please share! You can also check out more about Brantley and the Dwight School here.

Teacher Tales #43 – Uplifting words, no judgments, acknowledging our worth: Adrienne, English teacher, Senior Project Coordinator and supportive colleague

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #43 - Uplifting words, no judgments, acknowledging our worth: Adrienne, English teacher, Senior Project Coordinator and supportive colleague

00:00 / 00:31:08

In this episode, I have a personal conversation with Adrienne, a teacher who helped lift me up and kept me going when I was ready to quit and leave the profession. So many teachers are feeling this now, and it is so critical that we realize how important it is to not be negative and pass judgments on each other, but rather to lift each other up with our words and actions. We shouldn’t feel jealousy. It’s not a competition. It is about the profession and acknowledging the worth of EVERY teacher and what strengths they bring to the classroom. Adrienne sums it up well: “we need to motivate and uplift each other to get through our lows.” Amen! Adrienne and I talk about teacher pay, teacher morale and administrative support. But wait…we also talk about how school life is much different than corporate life and how reverence and respect can go a long way toward retaining teachers in the profession. And maybe, THAT is an important part of what each teacher can do to make a difference in education. Reach out and BE THE CHANGE you want to see in your school!

Teacher Tales #42 – Finding a way, showing up and making accommodations: JoAnne, ESL Bilingual District Supervisor, leader/mentor and educational champion for all

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #42 - Finding a way, showing up and making accommodations: JoAnne, ESL Bilingual District Supervisor, leader/mentor and educational champion for all

00:00 / 00:34:59

In this episode, we meet JoAnne, a district supervisor in New Jersey who wears many hats. Originally, JoAnne set out to become a lawyer. However, after working in a refugee center in college, JoAnne became impassioned to become a teacher and champion for ESL bilingual students. She became a mentor, leader and instrument for change. JoAnne realized that she was (just) a piece of a bigger “machine” at work and that she needed to show up and do her part to keep the machine running. She couldn’t control the whole machine, just the piece or part that she was in that machine. JoAnne tells us that this creates real power and a sphere of influence that can make a difference. Also, in a moment of vulnerability, JoAnne shares how an accident left her with a traumatic brain injury and how she had to learn to talk, walk, read and write again. Nonetheless, she doesn’t linger there, but instead shares how this has changed her perspective on learning, how the brain works, communication, accommodations and the power of listening. She also has some great advice about how to best deal with parents, something all teachers could use right now, correct? Enjoy and be sure to tuck those pearls of wisdom away in a safe place where you can find them again when you most need them. Thank you, JoAnne! You are a true inspiration to us all!

Teacher Tales #41 – Teacher Talents, Seeing with the Heart and Passing It On!: Jennifer(Ivy), French teacher extraordinaire, Award-winning author and PASSionate educator

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #41 - Teacher Talents, Seeing with the Heart and Passing It On!: Jennifer(Ivy), French teacher extraordinaire, Award-winning author and PASSionate educator

00:00 / 00:25:42

In this episode, you are going to meet many people…well, at least it will feel like that because this individual, Jennifer (author name, Ivy), is a multi-talented, accomplished educator that completely debunks the saying “those who can, do and those who can’t, teach”! Like all outstanding and effective teachers, Jennifer has many talents and passions that she shares from her heart to the hearts of her students and those around her. She lives her passion and like one of her favorite characters, the Little Prince, she helps us all see the world through our hearts. As a teacher in the classroom, Jennifer’s passion propelled her to go above and beyond for her students, even without being monetarily compensated because in her heart, she knew that the best and biggest compensation would always be the positive and lifelong impact she would have on her students and the connected relationships that would be with her forever…in her heart and theirs. Jennifer knew that she was planting seeds of love and passion in her students that would blossom and grow into so much more. Jennifer, like so many teachers, is living proof of the ancient proverb found in many cultures that states that a society grows great when we plant trees under which we know we will never sit in its shade. Thank you! And be sure to explore some of Jennifer’s (Ivy’s) other talents and adventures as an award-winning author on www.jenniferivywalker.com Pass it on!

Teacher Tales #40 – Impact, Legacy and Your Why: Tony, MS Mandarin teacher, successful businessman and committed dreamer

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #40 - Impact, Legacy and Your Why: Tony, MS Mandarin teacher, successful businessman and committed dreamer

00:00 / 00:23:40

In this episode, you will meet Tony, a middle school Mandarin teacher who once believed the most important thing he wanted to achieve in life was to pursue the “American dream” of success by going into business and eventually becoming a millionaire. He did pursue this dream, and was indeed successful. However, he felt unfulfilled and like he needed and wanted to do more. He discovered that money was not a true reward in life, but rather, that the greatest payback and reward that we can get is to make a difference in the life of a child and leave behind a legacy that will live on long after we are gone. Tony explores some deep philosophical questions for teachers…what is our why? and how do we honor those who have come before us and those who will come after us? and what is the true impact of a teacher?

Teacher Tales #39: Red threads, sparks and impact – Mary, teacher, visionary, educational influencer

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #39: Red threads, sparks and impact - Mary, teacher, visionary, educational influencer

00:00 / 00:29:38

In this episode, which comes just as teachers finish up what has proven to be one of the MOST difficult years in their careers, we present this opportunity to rekindle their SPARK in teaching. Meet Mary, a teacher and visionary who, like most teachers, still has a big heart in the teaching game and want to do something to make a difference. So, what little and big things can teachers do to “spark their passion, pride and purpose for measurable improvement in the classroom and meaningful change in their own well-being”? Mary has observed that, for various reasons, teachers “flat line”, “burn out” or “lose their spark”. She believes that teachers “spark the minds of children and fuel them for life,” which is the vision of her company S.P.A.R.K. = Striving Professional Aspiring to Revive K-12 education. How do we measure what really matters in education? Check out what SPARK U has to offer in personalized professional development to help you re-ignite your spark and renew your teaching spirit.

Teacher Tales #38: Empathy, grace, modeling and leadership – Jana, teacher, principal, Associate Superintendent, consultant

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #38: Empathy, grace, modeling and leadership - Jana, teacher, principal, Associate Superintendent, consultant

00:00 / 00:51:59

In this episode, we journey through the career and lessons of a very wise role model in education. Her name is Jana, and she shares with us how she “never” wanted to be a teacher like her mom. Well, the first lesson she learned was to “never say never” because she met a special needs child who touched her heart and lit up all the “teacher buttons”. We can’t even begin to share all the experiences and wisdom here, so you will just have to listen and be touched by her stories that demonstrate what really matters in education – empathy, grace, modeling and leadership. She gives personal examples, shares heartfelt and touching stories that will inspire and touch the teacher heart in all of us. She also ends with a famous quote by Dr. Seuss (her favorite), which sums up what roles we all play in education: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not!” Teachers care so much, and we need to tell them how much we appreciate them and what they do with a kind word, a note of gratitude, a shout out on social media, a kind gesture, and maybe just by asking “how may I help you and support you?”

If you are looking to change the school culture, your classroom culture and just make learning better for all, check out Jana’s company REAL at her website www.realleaderslearn.com

Teacher Tales #37: Why Teachers Matter + the True Value of Teachers – Nilda, bilingual teacher of History and Spanish in Puerto Rico

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #37: Why Teachers Matter + the True Value of Teachers - Nilda, bilingual teacher of History and Spanish in Puerto Rico

00:00 / 00:54:11

In this episode, Nilda, an inspiring teacher in Puerto Rico, is a great example of what the Spirit of Teaching is all about. Listen to her story and her powerful metaphors that capture the true heart of teaching and the real value of teachers to our society and to the world. Her passion is contagious, her insights are inspiring and her heart is full of love, hope, positive encouragement and an undying dedication to a profession she feels is noble, honorable and undervalued in so many ways. If any teacher is looking for an uplifting, validating and loving conversation about their true value as a teacher and the difference they make every day in this world, THIS is the episode they will want to listen to over and over and over again (hopefully, despite the poor audio quality!) Nilda and I had some technical difficulties with the recording that were not evident until after our conversation had finished. Please allow grace and forgiveness for the poor quality of the recording, which I felt I could not ask a teacher to do over because of the value of her time and the value of what she shared from her heart through very authentic, passionate words. Thank you for listening and for encouraging others to listen and subscribe.

Teacher Tales #36 – Counselors, mental health and SEL: Hannah, school counselor and advocate for mental health professional resources and support

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #36 - Counselors, mental health and SEL: Hannah, school counselor and advocate for mental health professional resources and support

00:00 / 00:45:53

In this episode, we get to know Hannah, a multi-faceted and multi-talented educator and mental health professional. Hannah explains how she is a “third culture kid” as well as a product of a military family upbringing. She tells us how these experiences helped her to become highly sensitive and tune in to all the “other stuff” besides the academics in school that may be getting in the way of learning for students. During our powerful and insightful conversation, Hannah talks about how much both teachers and students struggle with anxiety and how their self-worth and identity are often tied to a grade, standard, evaluation or test score. She explains how a counselor, or better yet, mental health professional can be a resource and support to everyone both in school and beyond to help develop the whole child and not just the academic part. As a result, she has started a passion project of resources and support at www.bethinkgrow.com, a “modern wellness initiative that is changing the mental and behavioral health game”. Be sure to check it out! Finally, Hannah says that SEL is more than a worksheet or a PD packet or training module required of teachers by the district. She issues a strong plea for mental health support to “be done correctly and by mental health professionals”. Perhaps mental health professionals could even volunteer and provide community service in schools or become a Business Partner in Education to a school because, you know, it does “take a village”!

Teacher Tales #35 – Teacher champions, vulnerability and inclusive education: Diane, educator, consultant and champion for inclusive education

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #35 - Teacher champions, vulnerability and inclusive education: Diane, educator, consultant and champion for inclusive education

00:00 / 00:42:36

In this episode, we meet Diane, an educator and speech therapist who transitioned from the classroom to start her own company of consultants that has become a champion for children and inclusive education. CMDI – Consulting that Makes a Difference, “focuses on providing professional development that celebrates diversity, promotes the inclusion of all people and supports successful outcomes for school communities, administrators, teachers, parents and students.” But Diane says that it is more than “PD” as professional development. It is also about personal development, relationships, vulnerability and figuring things out. She also emphasizes how important it is in any relationship to be a good listener, to listen with your heart, to care for and support one another, to get along, and to be honest and speak up about your needs. The school community is like a family, and if things are not going well, the “kids” always know. So, Diane’s greatest hope for all teachers is that “they see their value and strengths on their own without waiting for others to point them out to them.” Amen! So, sit back and take note as we get real about what is REALly going on both inside and outside teachers’ worlds right now. Then, we invite you to think about what YOU can do to become a better listener for ALL teachers in order to be more supportive, caring, nurturing and loving. After all, we are all part of the human family!

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