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Difficult Student

John Vergarapodcasters.spotify.com
We explore how to connect with students with challenging behavior through real stories and strategies from educators.
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Episodes

How Mentors Transform Lives

Rodney Johnson Jr. (Instructional Coach) shares his journey into education, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, the role of male educators, and the need to teach life skills alongside academic subjects.Follow Rodney Johnson Jr.https://www.tiktok.com/@mr_jrm3https://www.instagram.com/greaterinme/Follow Mr. Vergara the Educatorhttps://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudenthttps://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Mar 02, 20251 hrSeason 2Ep. 62

Understanding Youth in Crisis

Dr. Tara Armstead (Middle School Math Teacher shares her journey in education, highlighting the impact of her own traumatic experiences as a student and her commitment to ensuring that no child faces similar challenges.Follow Dr. Tara Armsteadhttps://www.instagram.com/dr_armstead/https://a.co/d/1LfDQY8Follow Mr. Vergara the Educatorhttps://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudenthttps://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Feb 26, 202553 minSeason 2Ep. 61

Tijuana to University

Nanzi Muro shares her educational journey from Tijuana to San Diego, highlighting the challenges she faced as a bilingual student and the support she received from mentors and professors. She discusses her experiences in community college, the importance of accessible education, and her transition to university life, where she navigated cultural differences and personal struggles. https://www.instagram.com/clements_photography_photos/ https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudent https://www.instagra...

Feb 13, 202539 minSeason 2Ep. 60

Male Role Models in Education

Juan Gomez shares his journey into education, driven by his own negative experiences in the school system. He discusses the importance of male role models in education, particularly for Latino students, and emphasizes the need for educators to connect with their students on a personal level. Follow Mr. Vergara the Educator https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudent https://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Feb 01, 202554 minSeason 2Ep. 59

BJJ in Schools

Coach Chris Ortiz discusses his mission to introduce Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into schools as a means of mentorship and personal development. Follow Coach Chris Ortiz https://www.tiktok.com/@coachortiz09 https://www.instagram.com/chrisortiz3946/ https://www.coachortiz.com Follow Mr. Vergara the Educator https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudent https://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Jan 26, 202556 minSeason 2Ep. 57

Navigating the Challenges of Education Today

Eugene Williams Jr., a veteran educator with 27 years of experience, shares insights into the challenges and rewards of teaching. He discusses the influence of his family background in education, the importance of community in schools, and the impact of social media on students. Williams emphasizes the need for collaboration between parents, teachers, and students to create a positive learning environment. Follow Eugene Williams Jr. Insta:https://www.instagram.com/eugwilljr/ Website: https://www...

Jan 18, 202557 minSeason 2Ep. 57

Autism & Behavior

Mitchell Armstrong-Grundy, a behavior intervention specialist teacher, shares his journey into education, particularly focusing on his experiences working with children with autism. He discusses the importance of inclusion in education, the challenges faced in special education staffing, and the strategies used to support students with behavioral needs.

Jan 11, 202556 minSeason 2Ep. 56

School Mental Health

Alex Cruz, a school social worker, shares his journey. He discusses the challenges and rewards of his role in supporting students' mental health. He highlights the complexities of balancing the needs of students and teachers, especially in the wake of COVID-19, which exacerbated mental health issues among students.

Jan 04, 202545 minSeason 2Ep. 55

Building Relationships: Key to Success

Francisco Macias, a ninth-grade English teacher, shares his journey into education, influenced by his grandfather and a pivotal middle school teacher. He discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching at-risk youth, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and understanding students' backgrounds.

Dec 29, 202444 minSeason 2Ep. 54

Content Creation for Educators

Struggling to connect with your audience online as an educator? This conversation with John Vergara and Ray Singletary offers actionable tips and strategies to help you: Build a stronger online presence Create content that truly engages your audience Overcome common challenges faced by educators on social media Develop a consistent strategy for long-term growth and impact Learn from their experiences and take your social media game to the next level!

Dec 14, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 53

The Emotional Toll of Being a Dean

In this conversation, Vincent Vergara shares his experiences and insights as a first-year dean in a school setting. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from a classroom teacher to Dean, the emotional toll of dealing with various student issues, and the importance of self-care.

Dec 08, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 52

Karen Lemus Director of Programs: Creating Positive Changes Within the Community

Ms. Lemus shares her journey in education, detailing her role as the director of programs at a charter school serving homeless students. She discusses her early influences, including her family's background in education and her experiences working with various educational programs.

Nov 28, 202450 minSeason 1Ep. 51

Empowering Teachers to Thrive

In this conversation, Molly Johnson and I, discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching, the importance of self-awareness and support in education, and we try to answer the question, "Can you find happiness in the classroom?

Oct 28, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 59

Classroom Success Tips for 2024

Mr. Vergara and Ray Singletary (Supervisor of Teacher Talent and Recruitment) delve into the critical role of relationship building in education, discussing personal experiences and the evolution of their teaching philosophies. They explore the importance of setting standards, facing conflicts with courage, and the pressures educators face in today's system.

Oct 19, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 48

Teacher Burnout

In this conversation, Mr. Vergara and Jose Pacheco (School Counselor) discuss the challenges and rewards of working in education. They reflect on the importance of support systems, the need for prioritizing student needs, and the impact of burnout on educators.

Oct 12, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 47

Managing Stree For Educator Well-Being

Bernice Erazo shares her journey as a cycle-breaking mother, educator, and school leader. She discusses the impact of childhood trauma on parenting and education, the challenges faced in special education, and the importance of creating safe spaces for both students and educators. Bernice emphasizes the need for educator wellness and the role of breathwork in managing stress.

Oct 06, 202449 minSeason 1Ep. 46

15 Year Teacher on Trauma, Relationships, and Student Success

In this conversation, Gricelda Pelayo shares her 15 year journey in education, discussing her experiences teaching various grades and the challenges faced in the classroom. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with students, understanding their backgrounds, and the impact of trauma on learning.

Sep 28, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 45

Still Loves Teaching After 18 Years

In this conversation, Yvonne Juarez, an experienced elementary school teacher, shares her passion for teaching and the importance of creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment. She discusses the challenges faced by educators, including the impact of charter schools and teacher unions, as well as the effects of the pandemic on student learning. Yvonne emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in teaching, the role of parents and community, and her motivation to run for schoo...

Sep 22, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 44

Belief, Access, and Community: Driving Forces in Education

Ray Singletary has worked in the field of education for 23 years. 12 directly in the classroom and 11 out of the classroom as a Math Specialist, Dean, and Principal. Currently he works for Human Resources as the Supervisor Of Teacher Talent and Recruitment.

Aug 31, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 42

Building an Inclusive Classroom: Strategies for Student Success

Laura Mae, an intervention specialist, shares her journey in education and her experiences working with students with behavior challenges. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships, incorporating culturally relevant pedagogy, and creating engaging and hands-on learning experiences. Laura also discusses how her military background helped her develop endurance and patience in the classroom. Follow Laura Mae TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaikalimaa111 Follow Mr. Vergara the Educator...

Aug 24, 202450 minSeason 1Ep. 41

The First Weeks of School: Setting the Tone for Success

Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Eric Glenn, a middle school teacher, about the importance of the first 4 to 6 weeks of school. They discuss the significance of establishing routines and procedures, the use of hand signals for communication, and the importance of consistency in classroom management. They also touch on the role of administrators in supporting teachers during the first few weeks of school. Follow Mr. Glenn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericglenn19 Insta: https://www.instagram...

Aug 18, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 40

Navigating the Challenges of Modern Teaching

In this conversation, Gabrielle Milleza, a teacher and instructional coach, shares invaluable insights and strategies for navigating the ever-changing world of teaching. Gabrielle emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, from mastering academic standards to addressing the unique challenges of different grade levels. Learn practical techniques for creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment, addressing bullying, and fostering positive relationships with students and families. Fol...

Aug 03, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 39

Setting Boundaries, Building Relationships: The Teacher's Balancing Act

Gabriel Rodriguez (ES Teacher and RTI instructor) and Mr. Vergara the Educator, discuss the significance of male role models in education. Gabriel shares his experiences teaching fifth grade, emphasizing the challenges of ensuring students truly learn the material and the importance of establishing clear classroom expectations. He also discusses his work as an RTI, focusing on academic and emotional support for students. Gabriel calls for teachers to be strong advocates for their students, teach...

Jul 27, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 38

The Importance of Honest Conversations in Education

The conversation between John and Christopher explores Christopher's experiences as a dance educator and the challenges he faced in his early years of teaching. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on education and the need for addressing behavioral and academic issues. They also delve into the role of technology in education and the potential negative effects of excessive screen time. The conversation then shifts to the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in schools, with Christo...

Jul 21, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Reaching Difficult Students: Strategies and Tips

John and Sherry discuss their experiences as educators and the importance of building relationships with students. They share their journeys into teaching and the challenges they faced along the way. They emphasize the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow. Follow Mr. Vergara the Educator TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudentInsta: https://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/FB: https://www.facebook.com/DifficultStudentSpotify:...

Jul 15, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 36

Back to School Tips: The First 4 - 6 Weeks

Mr. Vergara and Coach Fierros discuss the importance of the first four to six weeks of school, establishing procedures and routines, and creating a positive classroom environment. They discuss the importance of getting to know students on a personal level and fostering empathy among classmates. They also explore the use of incentives and rewards in the classroom, with differing perspectives on their effectiveness.

Jul 09, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 35

Inside a Behavioral Intervention Program: Christina and Victoria's Perspective

Christina and Victoria discuss their roles in a behavioral intervention program within their school district. They explain how they got into the field and the challenges they face. The program is designed for students with significant social-emotional challenges and aims to provide intensive intervention and support. They discuss the importance of building relationships and rapport with students and parents, as well as the need for teacher buy-in and understanding. They also touch on the role of...

Jul 03, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 34

From Classroom to Administration: Danny Perez's Journey

Mr. Vergara the Educator and Danny Perez (Assistant Principal) discuss their experiences as partner teachers and the challenges they faced in the classroom. They share their perspectives on discipline and the importance of compassion in dealing with difficult student behaviors. They emphasize the importance of consequences as learning experiences and the need to provide students with opportunities to navigate different situations. They also discuss the role of building relationships with student...

Jun 27, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 33

Effective Classroom Management for Challenging Behaviors

Brian Snyder, a passionate MS SPED Teacher, discusses his journey in education and dedication to students with special needs. He emphasizes the importance of connecting on a personal level, viewing each student as unique individuals rather than just behaviors. Brian shares insights into his approach, focusing on never giving up and the rewards of fostering a supportive learning environment. The conversation continues as they explore practical strategies for managing classroom behavior, stressing...

Jun 20, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 32

Tech, Homework, and Social Media: Jenny Hernandez Shares Teacher Wisdom

Jenny Hernandez (Dean/Spanish Teacher) joins me on the podcast and our conversation covers the challenges and changes in the education system, the impact of technology on learning, and the evolving behavior of students. It also delves into the role of homework, the influence of social media, and the need for a balance between traditional teaching methods and modern technology. Follow Mr. Vergara the Educator TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudent Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thedif...

Jun 14, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 31
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