Episode Summary: In this episode, Meagan and I chat about the natural need for movement in learning environments and how educators can be intentional about incorporating this into their daily routines. By engaging in rhythmic, repeated, and predictable patterns of movement, students can not only satiate their physiological need for movement, but they can also help regulate brain functions when they are beginning to struggle. Guest Info : Meagan is a Bal-A-Vis-X practitioner/trainer, and an educa...
Jan 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 189
Following in yet another online trend, I share my Ins and Outs for the upcoming year in my final #pausetoponder segment for 2023.
Dec 29, 2023•16 min•Ep. 188
This year I have gathered a group of edurockstars who have fully dedicated their time to improving educational spaces. Join me as I reflect on holiday memories and explore current traditions with Laquanta "BOSS" Nelson, Darrin Peppard, Katie Kinder, and Joe Brummer. -- Click here to register for "From Stage Fright to Spotlight" Use promo code "COUNTER" for an extra 10% off...
Dec 22, 2023•51 min•Ep. 187
Winter Break is quickly approaching which means a long awaited and much needed moment is upon us. As we close out the year, I wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation for you, my listeners, and to remind you to not only enjoy this time but to also use it as an opportunity to rest and recharge. -- Click here to register for "From Stage Fright to Spotlight" Use promo code "COUNTER" for an additional 10% off...
Dec 15, 2023•12 min•Ep. 186
Guest Bio: Tracie Chauvin is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, who also holds both a building level and district level leadership license. Tracie has spent more than a decade working in the public education system with a focus on building trauma informed, resilience-oriented schools and communities. Driven to have an impact on others lives and build systems that support all, Tracie employs her background in clinical social work and experiences working in the public school system into...
Dec 08, 2023•34 min•Ep. 185
Listen to the TedTalk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/coleman_hughes_a_case_for_color_blindness?language=en
Dec 01, 2023•15 min•Ep. 184
Introducing Kara and Megan, the visionary educators behind IntegratED, a revolutionary educational platform dedicated to fostering student growth and instructional innovation in classrooms across the United States. Kara and Megan specialize in delivering dynamic professional development solutions that empower educators to embrace cutting-edge curriculum development, innovative instructional strategies, and student-centered learning experiences. Leveraging their extensive expertise in transforma...
Nov 24, 2023•38 min•Ep. 183
On this episode, I'm diving into a hot topic in the world of teaching: making lessons fun and engaging. It's a noble goal, but there's a tricky balance to strike. How do we keep students excited about learning without sacrificing the depth and quality of the education they receive? This is particularly crucial in low-performing schools, where this approach is often most prevalent. Webinar Registration Get 10$ off with code: COUNTER...
Nov 17, 2023•14 min•Ep. 182
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Nov 10, 2023•41 min•Ep. 181
Is the pursuit of happiness a paradox? That was the question posed to students during a lesson while I was conducting a recent observation. A lively discussion ensued and I was asked to participate (a no-no for observations but...). The resulting student conversations left me pondering on the topic well after I left the classroom. What have I sacrificed to get to where I am? What am I sacrificing to maintain what I have? Was it .. is it worth it?
Nov 03, 2023•11 min•Ep. 180
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Oct 27, 2023•53 min•Ep. 179
Finding Your Blind Spots Reflection Part 4 of 4 In this final segment in which me and my team review Hedreich Nichols' book, "Finding Your Blind Spots," we close out with chapters 7 & 8. In these last chapters, she talks about representation and avoiding missteps. Join me as I reflect on how diversity shows up in our spaces and how I once shared a lesson with my students exploring how we are often more alike than we are different as well as ensuring that our attempts for inclusion and belong...
Oct 20, 2023•14 min•Ep. 178
Sofia Gonzalez is a nationally recognized educator of the year, nonprofit leader for organization Project 214, podcast host, and education activist from the Chicagoland area. She is a sought-after public speaker regarding the state of education who is known for her cutting-edge presentations and dynamic illustrations with a passion that’s infectious. A High School teacher, 15-year veteran, teacher leader, and alum in a variety of spaces like Fulbright, Latinos for Education, Urban Leaders Fellow...
Oct 13, 2023•53 min•Ep. 177
"Finding Your Blind Spots": A Series Part 3 of 4 In this segment, I reflect on chapters 5 and 6.
Oct 06, 2023•15 min•Ep. 176
In this episode, I chat with Barbara Gruener, a passionate and connected educator embarking on her 40th year in this field and who is blessed to have grown alongside thousands of children and adults of all ages and stages. This nationally-recognized and sought-after speaker and coach holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and two MS degrees from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, but more importantly, she gets to hold and dynamically shape the hearts of the people whom she has...
Sep 29, 2023•33 min•Ep. 175
Reflections on "Finding Your Blindspots" Part 2 of 4 This week I am reflecting on chapters 3 and 4 of Hedreich Nichols' book, "Finding Your Blindspots," and examine how the seemingly innocent labels that we use in everyday conversation can have serious impacts on our perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and actions towards others. In fact, they can exacerbate the otherness that exists for marginalized groups. I also explore how bias shapes our understanding of the world, both current and past, and ho...
Sep 22, 2023•16 min•Ep. 174
In this episode, I chat with Melody McAllister, a wife, mother of five, educator, and author. She and her family relocated to Anchorage, Alaska from the Dallas, Texas area in 2019. McAllister is the 2017 Garland NAACP Educator of the Year and author of the “I’m Sorry Story”, a children's book about taking responsibility for mistakes and making sincere apologies. She is a classroom teacher, the community facilitator for several, large educational communities, and is a consultant for edtech compan...
Sep 15, 2023•36 min•Ep. 173
My staff have started to read "Finding Your Blindspots" by Hedreich Nichols and we are diving deep into this practical text as we engage in reflective dialogue around our own biases. This series will aim to capture my own perspectives as we navigate the eight principles outlined in this Solution Tree best-seller. These first two chapters focused on examining your own biases and confronting the inevitable shame and guilt felt during this process. Hedreich suggests using a tool such as the Harvard...
Sep 08, 2023•14 min•Ep. 172
In this episode, I chat with Mike Rutherford, the founder and CEO of gotLearning. He has been a teacher, instructional technology coach, school district EdTech director, founder of the K12 group at Blackboard, Vice President of Business Development at Just ASK Publications & Professional Development, all before returning to the classroom as a 6th grade humanities teacher at International School Bangkok in Thailand where he built version 1 of gotLearning in his classroom. During our conversat...
Sep 01, 2023•45 min•Ep. 171
In this insightful podcast episode, I delve into a profound perspective on the tradition of "The Crucible" – as a tool wielded by marginalized students to navigate the complexities of their educational experiences and gauge the potential of their relationships with teachers. Join me as I explore how this unique ritual takes on new meaning when seen through the lens of empowerment and advocacy. "The Crucible" has historically been viewed as a platform for intellectual challenge, where students te...
Aug 25, 2023•13 min•Ep. 170
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Aug 18, 2023•36 min•Ep. 169
For most of us, as educators, the term pedagogy is one with which we are extremely familiar. It refers to our instructional approaches. Right? Well ... kind of. During my recent IB training in Austin, we discovered a new term which made us think about our instructional approaches in a new way. Pedagogy actually refers to instructional practices designed for children. They are traditionally teacher centered wherein the teacher is the controller of knowledge. You know, the "sage on the stage." Mea...
Aug 11, 2023•13 min•Ep. 168
In this episode, I chat with Joshua Stamper, the Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team and manager of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a middle school Administrator, classroom art educator, and coach. Joshua is the author of Aspire to Lead, podcaster, leadership coach, and education presenter. During our conversation, we talked about behaviors in our school. All too often, we punish students who fail to meet behavioral norms whi...
Aug 04, 2023•43 min•Ep. 167
There are those of us who have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to share our experiences with other educators. Whether through conferences, screens, or texts, we spend time encouraging educators to grow and improve their craft through a number of strategies. I wonder, however, how many of us actually practice these same suggestions on a regular basis. This episode shares a recent experience that I had while attending an IB training in Austin, TX. In this case, I was not presenti...
Jul 28, 2023•13 min•Ep. 166
Dr. Brandon Beck is an educator, speaker, coach, and author of "Unlocking Unlimited Potential: Understanding the Infinite Power Within to Guide Any Student Toward Success." As a keynote speaker, Brandon is best known for his inspirational storytelling that is directly connected to authentic activities which build upon the ultimate goal for all... Unlocking Unlimited Potential. He is also the host of the "Unlocking Unlimited Potential Stories Show," a live show and podcast where he interviews ins...
Jul 21, 2023•49 min•Ep. 165
A series of recent events including a delay at the airport and our back-to-school leadership series resulted in a much needed reflection about our perspectives and attitudes regarding our roles at work. While we often criticize the younger generation about their apparent lack of concern for their jobs, their approach may be just what we need to combat the steady and drastic rise of mental health issues stemming from our workplaces.
Jul 14, 2023•17 min•Ep. 164
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Jul 07, 2023•42 min•Ep. 163
Watching the construction happening around my school provided me with an insightful moment - in order to build something new, the old must often be demolished and removed. We, for the most part, are the same way. In our efforts to grow into someone better, how often do we fail because we are afraid to let go of those tainted foundations? To compensate we build facades and then question why they crumble under pressure. Are you willing to do the work that is needed to become the person you want to...
Jun 30, 2023•9 min•Ep. 162
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Jun 23, 2023•49 min•Ep. 161
Inspired by a post from Vernon Wright, this episode examines the difference between EduCelebrities and EduHeroes. While there may exist some overlap between the two, there are some clear distinctions which distinguish one from the other. Do you know an EduHero who should be celebrated? Fill out this form (you should also share it with others so that they can too!) and I will be sure to show them some appreciation. EduHero Nomination Form: https://bit.ly/EduHeroNominee...
Jun 16, 2023•13 min•Ep. 160
