Join Weston, Molly, and a bottle of wine as we use iconic teaching moments from movies and television as a vehicle to reflect on instructional practice. We invite you to laugh, agree or disagree, and work toward discovering exactly who you are and where you stand as an educator.
Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has afforded him the opportunity to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world.
Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of two elementary aged children who provide additional fodder for an ed-centric podcast.
Cheers!
What can The Sound of Music teach us about engaging students using music? We use music to teach kids the alphabet. It works great! Why do we stop? Maria and the Von Trapp children teach us a lesson in changing our strategy rather than resorting to the old stand by of saying things again, louder and slower. Also, Weston sings. Enjoy! Doe, a deer, a female deer…
You'll shoot your eye out! Weston and Molly dig in to a Christmas classic to talk about looking at learning through the eyes of a student. We also take a look at the feedback Ralphie gets on his paper. It's about as good as a pink bunny pajama set. Ho ho hope you enjoy this week's show!
Dr. Kecia Ray is on the podcast! The ISTE Chair and Executive Director of the Center for Digital Education talks Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, the educators who changed the trajectory of her career, ISTE's annual conference, and her hopes for the future of digital learning in America. This one's a personal favorite! Enjoy!
Chase Mielke is on the podcast! We talk about Mr. Fletcher from Whiplash (we use the word a$$hole a few times, so prepare your delicate ears), parenting, teaching, and what a viral internet experience feels like. We also discuss our propensity to romanticize teachers like Mr. Fletcher in hindsight and why that is.
Chase is one of the most talented and recognized teachers in the country. His blogs Affectiveliving.com and Dadishblog.com have been picked up by numerous organizations and his post “What Students Really Need To Hear” went viral in 2014.
Josh Sexton talks Breaking Bad's Walter White! Josh, like Walter, is a chemistry teacher. He is also a department chair, teacher of the year, and Google apps expert. We talk relationships, transferring passion from students to teacher, and the moment a college professor changed the trajectory of his life!
Dr. Chris Weber is on the podcast! We talk Professor Snape, RTI, and what every teacher needs: Rigor, Relevance, and Relationship! Chris is the author of 10 bestselling books on RTI, a former administrator, and a highly sought after keynote speaker. Hear about his journey from the cockpit to the classroom, and the moment that lead him to become the country's foremost expert on Response to Intervention.
Molly's teaching experience brought her from an elite private school to a public school in east Los Angeles. She discusses the similarities and juxtapositions of those two worlds. We talk Dumbledore, mentorship, and the need for trust and authenticity in teaching. Oh yeah...I'm also married to her! I wasn't kidding you when I said I love teaching. I love it so much I became one AND married one!
What are the essential ingredients for a great mentorship program?
What mentors have impacted your journey in education? How were they able to do so?
We know mentors matter...now what? How do we match kids and adults with great mentors?
.Amy Valentine is the Executive Director for The Foundation for Blended and Online Learning; Former Spanish Teacher; Parent; & Expert in Online and Blended Learning. She's a travel aficionado who speaks better Spanish AND English than I do. We talk about the Foundation, giving great feedback, and why on earth girls are so damn mean to each other!
What are the essential elements of "great" feedback?
How can we distill our feedback to get kids to actually implement it and improve the quality of their work?
How much is too much when it comes to sharing about ourselves with students?
Where can we provide unique learning opportunities for kids by leveraging blended options?
Associate Superintendent & President of the CA League of High Schools Joe Casarez talks teaching as an art or science; connecting authentically with students; Ben Stein; and his journey from food service to influential CA administrator.
Is teaching an art or a science?
Can you teach in chaos?
What are the essential skills a teacher needs to manage/engage students?
Can you do Direct Instruction well? Why/Why Not?
What would YOU say to Ben Stein's character? If there anything he does well? How could he improve?
