The school break is over! While we're hoping you're refreshed and rejuventated, we also understand that it can take a little bit of extra motivation to get back into the rhythm of school life! Today we're sharing lots of positive and practical ideas for beating those back to work blues! Have you got any great tips? Email us at podcast@teachstarter.com to share! Join us in our new For the Love of Teaching Facebook group, where we chat about the podcast, feature live vids of guests, and talk teach...
Jul 14, 2019•13 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Mikey Berezny is an elementary teacher in New Jersey, but his passions outside the classroom are what makes this educator truly special. Mikey's an establishing entrepreneur, hip hop up-and-comer, and positive podcaster. Mikey's dedicated his time to learning about, as well as teaching about, growth mindset. He educates students and teachers through his own personal journey. Join us in our new For the Love of Teaching Facebook group, where we chat about the podcast, feature live vids of guests, ...
Jul 13, 2019•21 min•Season 1Ep. 48
What is it with kids? They're ALWAYS hurting themselves. Some classroom injuries are just too much for Mr D. Hear about a time Mr D just couldn't even cope and what happened next! He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with his infectious laugh and hilarious stories. Brace yourself, because when it comes to dishing the dirt on teaching, kids and life in general, Joe doesn't hold back. Join us ...
Jul 11, 2019•4 min•Season 1Ep. 47
There comes a point in many teachers' lives when they become parents themselves. For some teachers, they enter the teaching profession after they've had their own kids. What's it like being a teacher and a parent, and all at the same school? Did you become the type of teacher-parent you thought you'd be? Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it! Join them for inspiration and encouragement to get you buzzing through the school week! ...
Jul 07, 2019•12 min•Season 1Ep. 46
It's Plastic Free July! Join me as I chat with Teach Starter blogger Emma about all things green. Emma takes us through some alarming stats, interesting info and helpful ways teachers can reduce plastic waste in the classroom. Download your FREE copy of Classroom Practices to Promote a Green Future! Have you subscribed to For the Love of Teaching? Don't forget! It means you'll be the first to know whenever a new episode is released. For the Love of Teaching is a podcast by Teach Starter. We make...
Jul 06, 2019•28 min•Season 1Ep. 45
"Where do hot dogs come from?" This question had the school rumour mill working overtime recently and one of Mr D's students thought he had the most accurate info! He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with his infectious laugh and hilarious stories. Brace yourself, because when it comes to dishing the dirt on teaching, kids and life in general, Joe doesn't hold back. Don't miss an episode! H...
Jul 04, 2019•6 min•Season 1Ep. 44
How can we, as teachers, minimise our impact on the Earth? It's Plastic-Free July, so this week on The Buzz, we talk about all things green. Jill is passionate about creating a green future and loves supporting and informing others at Teach Starter when it comes to sustainability best practice. Listen in for some amazing, easy tips for creating a greener Earth, one school at a time. Our FREE resource, Classroom Practices to Promote a Green Future, is an 18-page guide for teachers on how to drive...
Jun 30, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Before Holly Mitchell became Teach Starter's content marketer in 2015, she was an energetic and enthusiastic Year Two teacher! Holly LOVED teaching reading and went on to develop Teach Starter's famous Guided Reading Folder Resource Pack. Listen to Holly tell you how to set up guided reading easily and effectively in your classroom! Have you subscribed to For the Love of Teaching? Don't forget! It means you'll be the first to know whenever a new episode is released. For the Love of Teaching is a...
Jun 29, 2019•25 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Mr D thought he had a stomach of steel, but he was definitely challenged when a student brought him in a delicious home made meal with a twist. He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with his infectious laugh and hilarious stories. Brace yourself, because when it comes to dishing the dirt on teaching, kids and life in general, Joe doesn't hold back. Don't miss an episode! Have you subscribed t...
Jun 27, 2019•6 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Whilst teachers definitely don't play favourites, we all have those cohorts that are just so memorable. Which was your most memorable group of students? Why did they stick in your mind? Do you ever wonder what they're up to now? No? Just me? Okay... On today's episode Jill and I look at our past classes and the groups we'll never forget. We remember some of the best days of our teaching careers with those gorgeous students and ask you to do the same! Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill an...
Jun 23, 2019•9 min•Season 1Ep. 40
What's it like to be a gay teacher in 2019? I sat down with Shaun and we chatted about how being gay influences his teaching (er... spoiler alert: it doesn't!), how his students view him as a role model, and the experiences some of Shaun's gay friends have had in different teaching environments. Have you subscribed to For the Love of Teaching? Don't forget! It means you'll be the first to know whenever a new episode is released. For the Love of Teaching is a podcast by Teach Starter. We make qua...
Jun 22, 2019•17 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Every had a time you've totally fluked a success? Students idolise their teachers and in this episode Mr D shares about the day he totally fluked a move on the court, winning the approval and admiration of his students forevermore. He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with his infectious laugh and hilarious stories. Brace yourself, because when it comes to dishing the dirt on teaching, kids ...
Jun 20, 2019•5 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Some kids are so fast! They'll get everything done in record speed (and with accuracy and neatness to boot!). Have you got one of these? Perhaps more than one! Join us as we give some suggestions for relevant fast finisher activities which will extend and enrich your students. Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it! Join them for inspiration and encouragement to get you buzzing through the school week! Have you tried the new Teach...
Jun 17, 2019•10 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Teaching can be a rollercoaster ride. Throughout your career you’ll experience the highest highs, and the lowest lows. We often hear how important it is to foster amazing relationships with other teachers- to truly find your tribe. Having a support network around you can make the most difficult times a little bit easier, and boost the happy times to next-level celebrations. Today we’re talking about the Holy Grail of the teacher tribe - the teacher bestie. If you’ve found one, you’ve struck gold...
Jun 15, 2019•26 min•Season 1Ep. 36
When glamour becomes a health and safety issue - for your students! Listen as Mr D recalls a time his young student wore Gaga-esque fake nails to school! He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with his infectious laugh and hilarious stories. Brace yourself, because when it comes to dishing the dirt on teaching, kids and life in general, Joe doesn't hold back. Don't miss an episode! Have you su...
Jun 13, 2019•5 min•Season 1Ep. 35
We talk a lot about reflective practice and aim to review our day's work. What worked? What didn't? What should I change? What can I do better? This week we're talking about putting a super positive slant on our reflection. Whether it's a formal reflection in a journal, or a casual mental checklist, it's important to remember to be kind to ourselves. We can be our own worst critics, but it's time for that to change. Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary scho...
Jun 09, 2019•8 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Ever wondered what it would be like moving across the pond and teaching in the UK? Where would you start? Should you go alone or with friends?Are teaching agencies legit? When is the best time in your career to take the plunge? This week we hear from Shaun Thompson about all of the dos and don'ts for teaching abroad. Have you subscribed to For the Love of Teaching? Don't forget! It means you'll be the first to know whenever a new episode is released. For the Love of Teaching is a podcast by Teac...
Jun 08, 2019•15 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Maybe you will after hearing this slithery story. Ophidiophobia is an abnormal fear of snakes. I think I've got it. This story will send shivers up your spine and have you checking your classroom rafters! He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with his infectious laugh and hilarious stories. Brace yourself, because when it comes to dishing the dirt on teaching, kids and life in general, Joe do...
Jun 06, 2019•8 min•Season 1Ep. 32
"Happy reporting"? Can that even be a thing? This week Jill and I are sharing our thoughts on report cards, starting with a trip down memory lane. Find out what sort of student Jill was and hear about the rookie error I made during my first reporting period, back in 2007. Don't forget to check out our curriculum-aligned reporting resources made by teachers for you.They'll save you heaps of time! Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get...
Jun 02, 2019•17 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Last week I talked to Kirby Short about one of her life’s passions; educating kids and supporting teachers in her role as a secondary Deputy Principal. This week, we chat all about cricket, girls and sport and the power of engaging with students on a basic human level. Listen to Kirby talk about the benefits of physical activity for every child in school-based sport. Have you subscribed to For the Love of Teaching? Don't forget! It means you'll be the first to know whenever a new episode is rele...
Jun 01, 2019•22 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Sometimes, as a teacher, it's easier to go to work feeling less than healthy than to hand over your class to a supply teacher. Mr D tells of a time he was genuinely disappointed by the lack of teaching that occurred in his classroom when a sub took over. Check out Teach Starter's awesome range of Relief/Supply/Sub teacher full day lesson plans for all primary/elementary levels. He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here t...
May 30, 2019•8 min•Season 1Ep. 29
When was the last time you left your classroom within thirty minutes of the final bell? We know how hard it can be to tear yourself away from that endless list of duties, but this week we're giving you some strategies for planning to leave on time, and actually following through. Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it! Join them for inspiration and encouragement to get you buzzing through the school week! Have you tried the new Te...
May 26, 2019•9 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Professional cricketer and high school deputy principal, Kirby Short, leads a spectacular double life. Listen to Kirby, an experienced HPE teacher who has made the transition into administration whilst maintaining her career as an elite athlete, talk about striking the balance. Kirby's the captain of the Big Bash League's Brisbane Heat, and Deputy Principal at MacGregor State High School. She chats with me about the importance of having "other" in your life as a teacher (whether that be a family...
May 25, 2019•23 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Sometimes a teacher's best intentions have the worst (and grossest) outcomes. Today, Mr D recalls a time he thought he was offering his students a learning experience; but he was the one who learned a hard lesson! He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with his infectious laugh and hilarious stories. Brace yourself, because when it comes to dishing the dirt on teaching, kids and life in genera...
May 23, 2019•5 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Raising our voices to get over the noise of the room is a default for some teachers, but not what we expected to be like when starting out as educators. Even the best teachers get loud. Today we're sharing the lessons we've learned in our time in the classroom to manage behaviours and to use non-verbal communication to support the messages we're giving our students. Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it! Join them for inspiration...
May 19, 2019•12 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Engaging male students in the performing arts can have long-term, positive effects on their academic outcomes, as well as supporting their social-emotional learning and teaching them transferable life skills to set them up for life. Brisbane Early Years teacher Shaun believes the world of The Arts is an under-utilised gem, waiting to be discovered by many more teachers and schools. In this episode, Shaun shares his journey from classroom teacher to Head of Performing Arts at a well-known all-boy...
May 18, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Mr D is a seasoned traveler, but nothing could prepare him for the drama that ensued on his most recent domestic flight. But, like any great teacher, Mr D knows how to turn a horrible experience into a teachable moment for his students - with humour! This episode comes with a content warning (it's gross!). He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with his infectious laugh and hilarious stories. ...
May 16, 2019•8 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Have you ever launched into an amazing, engaging lesson you're totally pumped about teaching and your students are just not picking up what you're putting down? Most of us have. It can be really disheartening. On today's episode of The Buzz, we have an idea for you to try this week. Change things up by getting outdoors. We even have some cool ideas on ways to make it an easier option for you. Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it...
May 12, 2019•9 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Australia was shocked by the brazen country school kidnappings of the 1970s. Rob Hunter, a 20 year old in his first fortnight of teaching, was confronted at gunpoint and kidnapped with his nine young students. Rob's (reluctantly) a true hero of our profession. Be sure to listen to the previous episode to catch up on Rob's incredible story. This week, I speak with Rob about how he healed himself and how he now helps adolescent students heal their own emotional hurt in his school visit program, Ki...
May 11, 2019•17 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Teachers have lives?! Being a teacher is a huge part of our identity. But we have to remember that we're people as well! When meeting new people and disclosing that you're an educator, have you ever had any strange reactions? Mr D shares some of his experiences from the social scene! He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with his infectious laugh and hilarious stories. Brace yourself, because...
May 09, 2019•3 min•Season 1Ep. 20
