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Teaching Tales w/ Brent Coley

Teaching Tales w/ Brent Coley

By Brent Coley

What’s better than a good story? A story with a message! Join Brent and a different guest each episode as they share a story or two from their experiences in education, along with the lessons they've learned that have helped them grow as educators. So pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy as Brent sits down with other teachers and administrators to share some entertaining and inspirational stories of growth.
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E8: Cassie Caldwell & Making the Unexpected Difference

Teaching Tales w/ Brent ColeyMar 06, 2017

00:00
20:56
E117: Contagious Joy

E117: Contagious Joy

Ever encountered someone who just exudes joy, who brightens your day when you’re in his or her presence? What if we were able to be that kind of person for those around us? In this episode, Brent shares a recent experience and how it can remind us that every one of us, regardless of position, has the opportunity to share contagious joy.

Feb 23, 202409:47
E116: Find Your Pollo

E116: Find Your Pollo

In this episode, Brent shares a personal story to remind us that not only is it important to take care of ourselves so we can better serve others, but that self care can look different for each of us. As silly as it sounds, it might even take the form of a fast food restaurant. 

Sep 25, 202311:30
E115: The Best Parts of Being a Teacher

E115: The Best Parts of Being a Teacher

This episode will put a smile on your face as six amazing educators share heartwarming stories that remind us not to focus on the challenges of the job, but rather on the best parts of being a teacher. 


Sep 15, 202322:06
E114: The Value in Looking Back

E114: The Value in Looking Back

At some point in your life, you may have received the following advice – “Never look back!” While we definitely don’t want to live in the past, in this episode, Brent uses a personal story to make the case that looking back isn’t just okay, it’s necessary to remember and appreciate how far we’ve come.

May 04, 202309:35
E113: Tisha Richmond & Finding Joy in What We Do

E113: Tisha Richmond & Finding Joy in What We Do

Tisha is an innovative district Student Engagement & Professional Development Specialist, international speaker, Canva Learning Consultant, and Canva Education Creator from Southern Oregon. Previously, she served as a district Tech Integration Specialist and taught Family & Consumer Science for 25 years. Tisha is also a podcast host and author of Make Learning Magical. In this episode, Tisha and Brent talk about the importance of looking for the joy in what we do, as that joy can be contagious.

Apr 05, 202340:10
E112: Not Taking Ourselves Too Seriously

E112: Not Taking Ourselves Too Seriously

Being a classroom or school leader is a serious job. A very serious job. Please don’t let the title of this episode lead you to believe otherwise. But in this broadcast, Brent reminds listeners that we should never let the mundane-yet-important tasks keep us from having fun and spending time with students.


Mar 25, 202316:57
E111: Allyson Apsey & Leading the Whole Teacher (and Student)

E111: Allyson Apsey & Leading the Whole Teacher (and Student)

Allyson has been an educator for 24 years, an award-winning school leader for 19 of those years. She is passionate about students and staff and leads others through their strengths. Allyson is also the author of multiple books, most recently publishing Leading the Whole Teacher with Dave Burgess Consulting. In this episode, Allyson discusses the importance of knowing more than just content and the need to make those we serve feel safe, seen, and valued.

Mar 15, 202333:40
E110: Ashley Yazarlou & How Technology Can Increase Engagement and Transform Our Classrooms

E110: Ashley Yazarlou & How Technology Can Increase Engagement and Transform Our Classrooms

Ashley has been in the field of education for 17 years. She began her career teaching middle school in Florida and then Long Beach, California, and she is currently an Instructional Technology Specialist in Southern California. She is also the host of the Blending In Podcast where she helps other teachers leverage the power of technology in the classroom. In this episode, Ashley and Brent share stories of how purposefully integrating technology can increase student engagement and transform our classrooms.

Feb 19, 202335:22
E109: Kevin Roughton & Teaching With Magic…Disney Magic That Is!

E109: Kevin Roughton & Teaching With Magic…Disney Magic That Is!

Kevin has been an award-winning teacher in Southern California for over 20 years, currently teaching classes in history and economics at the high school level. Having a strong desire to share with other educators, Kevin shares a multitude of lessons and digital resources on his website at mrroughton.com. Another of his passions is Disney, and in 2021 he published Teach With Magic, a book that teaches educators how to use the leadership techniques of Disney Imagineers to create incredible learning experiences for students. In this episode, Kevin shares some of the many ways we can make our classrooms magical and engaging places for students.

Feb 12, 202331:18
E108: What Leaders Can Learn From Poo-Pourri

E108: What Leaders Can Learn From Poo-Pourri

Yes, you read the title correctly. This episode references the popular toilet spray that helps eliminate odors in the bathroom. “And, just how does this relate to education?” you ask. Well, in this episode, Brent shares a powerful reminder that while parts of the job may stink, our job as leaders is to do everything we can to make it stink less. Intrigued? Give it a listen!

Feb 05, 202319:48
E107: Lisa Moe & Memorable Learning Through Gamification

E107: Lisa Moe & Memorable Learning Through Gamification

Lisa is a 5th grade teacher in Southern California who is passionate about providing her students with engaging, outside-of-the-box learning experiences. She loves sharing resources at conferences, on social media, and through her website, and in this episode, Lisa shares how she draws on her own experience with game shows to make her classroom a “winning” environment for students.

Jan 31, 202328:44
E106: Bill Selak & Finding Your Creative Sweet Spot

E106: Bill Selak & Finding Your Creative Sweet Spot

Bill is the Director of Technology at Hillbrook School in Northern California. Passionate about helping educators harness the ever-changing face of technology to better individualize teaching and learning, he shares resources at billselak.com and through his Bill Selak Talks podcast. In this episode, Bill shares the incredibly important reminder that it’s not just okay for us to take a break to engage in a creative outlet, it’s essential. It’s not a waste of time. It’s an investment of time.

Jan 24, 202322:51
E105: Erika Garcia & Admin Doesn't Have to Be the "Dark Side"

E105: Erika Garcia & Admin Doesn't Have to Be the "Dark Side"

Erika is a veteran educator, serving in the field for 24 years. She spent 16 years as an elementary and middle school teacher, became a math specialist and instructional coordinator, and is now a second-year elementary principal in St. Louis, Missouri. Erika has a passion for supporting teachers so they can better support their teachers. Becoming an administrator is frequently referred to as “going to the Dark Side,” and in this episode, Erika and Brent discuss how it doesn’t have to be this way.

Jan 15, 202331:03
E104: The Comparison Trap

E104: The Comparison Trap

In this episode, Brent uses a personal story and a scene from the classic movie City Slickers to transparently share the importance of avoiding the trap of comparing ourselves to others.

Sep 26, 202215:30
E103: Carly Spina & The Importance of Our Language Choices

E103: Carly Spina & The Importance of Our Language Choices

Carly has 15 years of experience in Multilingual Education, including her service as an EL teacher, a third-grade bilingual classroom teacher, and a district-wide Multilingual Instructional Coach. She is currently a multilingual education specialist at the Illinois Resource Center and the author of Moving Beyond for Multilingual Learners.

When talking about students and their progress, the words we use matter. A lot. In this episode, Carly and Brent chat about the importance of reflecting on the words we use to describe our students and their progress.

Aug 30, 202231:57
E102: Todd Nesloney & Tackling Imposter Syndrome

E102: Todd Nesloney & Tackling Imposter Syndrome

Todd is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He was previously a Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is also an award-winning author for his books Kids Deserve It!, Stories From Webb, Sparks in the Dark, and When Kids Lead. In this episode, Todd and Brent discuss how to tackle and overcome something plaguing all too many people – Imposter Syndrome.

Mar 04, 202229:12
E101: Don Coley & Eight Things I Wish I Knew When I Started – Pt.2

E101: Don Coley & Eight Things I Wish I Knew When I Started – Pt.2

In the previous episode, Brent’s recently retired father began sharing leadership lessons he’s learned throughout his career. In this episode, he’s back to share four more valuable pieces of advice, things he wishes he knew when he started his career, knowledge that can help listeners better serve those in their care.

Feb 13, 202234:25
E100: Don Coley & Eight Things I Wish I Knew When I Started – Pt.1

E100: Don Coley & Eight Things I Wish I Knew When I Started – Pt.1

To celebrate the 100th episode of the podcast, Brent chats with a distinguished guest – his father (be sure to check out father and son in Episode 6 as well). Don has recently retired from a long and successful career in a variety of leadership positions. In this episode, the first of a two-part conversation, he shares valuable pieces of advice, eight things he wishes he knew when he started his career, knowledge that can help listeners better serve those in their care.

Feb 02, 202241:52
E99: Mike Earnshaw, Solomon Petchers & Brent Coley – So You’re Thinking About Writing a Book…Three Authors’ Journeys

E99: Mike Earnshaw, Solomon Petchers & Brent Coley – So You’re Thinking About Writing a Book…Three Authors’ Journeys

Mike is an elementary school principal in Illinois and the author of The EduCulture Cookbook: Recipes & Dishes to Positively Transform School & Classroom Culture.

Solomon is a middle school teacher and author of three novels for young readers: A Ghost in the Attic, Feasters: An Apocalyptic Tale, and Feasters: The Circle.

Brent is the author of Stories of EduInfluence: 10 Life-Changing Powers to Unleash in Your School and the upcoming children’s book The Gift.

In this episode, Mike, Solomon, and Brent share details about how they wrote their books, from the infancy stage to their writing/editing processes to publishing (both traditional and self-published). If you’ve ever considered writing a book of your own but wondered how to get started, this is the episode for you!

Jan 27, 202237:50
E98: Vernon Wright & Remembering We're in the People Business

E98: Vernon Wright & Remembering We're in the People Business

Vernon is an entrepreneur, speaker, life coach, consultant, and leader. He has over 17 years of experience in education working in large, urban school districts and has previously served in the roles of teacher, teacher leader, campus leadership team member, and district-level support. Get ready to be inspired as Vernon passionately reminds us that to maximize our influence, we must remember we're in the people business.

Jan 20, 202240:31
E97: Rosalba Rodriguez & Supporting and Encouraging Those We Serve

E97: Rosalba Rodriguez & Supporting and Encouraging Those We Serve

Rosalba has been an educator in Southern California for nearly 20 years. She started her career as an instructional assistant, taught for 14 years, and then moved into administration where she is currently in her first year as the principal of Castle View Elementary in Riverside, California. Rosalba is passionate about supporting those around her, and in this episode she and Brent discuss how there’s never been a more important time to actively encourage and support those we serve.

Jan 03, 202230:58
E96: Back to Better

E96: Back to Better

In this episode, Brent shares some of his reflections on the 2020-2021 school year, focusing not only on the challenges, but on the skills, knowledge, and experiences we gained because of them. As we prepare to welcome students back in August, Brent reminds us that we are better than we were 15 months ago. So let’s not just settle for things getting back to normal. Let’s get back to better!

Jun 18, 202122:16
E95: John Eick & Changing the Conditions of the Test

E95: John Eick & Changing the Conditions of the Test

Back as a guest on the podcast for the fourth time, John is a passionate educator doing amazing things as the Executive Director of Westlake Charter School in Sacramento, California. He is also the host of the incredible Learn With John Eick Podcast, one you definitely want to check out. In this episode, John and Brent take inspiration from Star Trek’s Captain Kirk and discuss how we can rewrite the unwritten rules of education to make students and adults more successful. Bottom line -- just because it’s always been a certain way doesn’t mean it has to continue being that way.

May 29, 202143:41
E94: Toby and Leah Price & How We Say What We Say Matters

E94: Toby and Leah Price & How We Say What We Say Matters

Toby is a former elementary school teacher and currently an assistant principal at Gary Road Elementary School in Mississippi. He is a passionate educator who actively shares encouragement, resources, and expertise through Twitter and his blog. His wife, Leah, has been an educator and is currently working at home taking care of their three children. In this must-listen episode, Toby and Leah share an educator’s and parent’s perspective on the importance of how we report on student progress. It’s not just what we say, but also how we say it that matters.

May 23, 202148:20
E93: Choosing to Be Thankful

E93: Choosing to Be Thankful

In this episode, Brent flies solo to talk about how a simple song lyric can remind us that we have a choice -- to water the tree of thankfulness rather than the weed of negativity.
Apr 11, 202116:01
E92: Evan Whitehead & Advocating for Your Own Mental and Physical Health

E92: Evan Whitehead & Advocating for Your Own Mental and Physical Health

Evan has been an educator for 23 years, had multiple roles in the field, and has been a school district administrator for the past 11. In this episode, Evan talks about balance, boundaries, and breaks as he transparently shares his powerful story of the importance of advocating for our own mental and physical health.

Mar 06, 202101:04:00
E91: Mike Earnshaw & Teaching and Leading Outside the Box

E91: Mike Earnshaw & Teaching and Leading Outside the Box

Mike is in his seventh year as an elementary principal in Lansing, Illinois. Before moving into administration, he taught middle school English Language Arts for 15 years. Mike is the author of the book The EduCulture Cookbook (to be released spring/summer 2021), co-host of the Punk Rock Classrooms Podcast, and shares his thoughts on education on his blog. In this episode, Mike shares stories of how we can break away from the stereotypes to teach and lead in a way that makes people excited to come to school.

Feb 13, 202140:32
E90: Mary Vongsavanh & The Stories We Don’t See

E90: Mary Vongsavanh & The Stories We Don’t See

Mary is an assistant principal in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District. Before moving into administration, she taught middle school math and was an Instructional Math Coach. In this episode, Mary shares the powerful story of how she immigrated to the United States at a young age and the challenges she faced as a second language learner. You don’t want to miss this powerful episode packed with reminders that everyone has a story, and those stories are not always visible.

Feb 06, 202150:24
E89: Joe Marquez & #FitEDU -- The Journey to Healthier Living

E89: Joe Marquez & #FitEDU -- The Journey to Healthier Living

Joe is the Director of Academic Innovation at CUE. He is also a Google Innovative Educator/Trainer, a Microsoft Innovative Educator, and the co-host of the Sons of Technology Podcast. In this episode, Joe and I share the stories of our journeys to a more fit and healthy lifestyle, along with encouragement and tips on how others can take the journey as well.

Jan 30, 202144:20
E88: Sean McCarthy & The Importance of Mindfulness and Self Care

E88: Sean McCarthy & The Importance of Mindfulness and Self Care

Sean is a National Board Certified Teacher and currently the Staff Development and Induction Coordinator for the Murrieta Valley Unified School District in Southern California, facilitating the district’s professional development programs and induction program for new teachers. In this episode, Sean shares the personal story of how he came to understand the importance of mindfulness and how we can all engage in practices that enable us to be healthy and present for our families and our students.

Jan 18, 202137:38
E87: Dr. Sam Fecich & Advice for New and Aspiring Teachers (and Veteran Teachers Too!)

E87: Dr. Sam Fecich & Advice for New and Aspiring Teachers (and Veteran Teachers Too!)

Dr. Sam, a professor at Grove City College in Pennsylvania working with preservice teachers in the areas of educational technology and special education, is back for another episode (see her previous chat in Episode 52)! She is also the author of EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers and EduMagic Shine On: A Guide for New Teachers. In this episode, Sam and Brent share pieces of advice for new teachers, aspiring teachers...and all teachers!

Jan 09, 202150:26
E86: Brian Briggs & The Silver Linings of 2020

E86: Brian Briggs & The Silver Linings of 2020

Brian is the Director of Technology of the Washington Unified School District in Northern California, the Board President of CUE, and co-host of the awesome Check This Out podcast. While this past year brought significant challenges, there were also some bright spots. In this episode, Brian and Brent share some of the silver linings from 2020.

Jan 04, 202101:03:27
E85: Scott Nunes & Tips for Starting a Podcast

E85: Scott Nunes & Tips for Starting a Podcast

Scott is a former language arts teacher turned educational technology coach in Northern California, passionately helping educators infuse technology into their teaching. He is also the host of multiple outstanding podcasts including the TNT Edtech Podcast and Education Today. In this episode, Scott and Brent share the stories of how they got into podcasting as well as some tips on how listeners can quickly and easily start their own podcast to share their stories with the world.

Dec 28, 202043:40
E84: Jessica Gomez & Practical Ways to Build Classroom and Campus Culture - Pt. 2

E84: Jessica Gomez & Practical Ways to Build Classroom and Campus Culture - Pt. 2

Jessica, an elementary principal in Southern California, is back to continue the conversation she and Brent began in Episode 83 on building classroom and campus culture! Listen in as Jessica and Brent share even more practical ways educators can make their schools a place where students want to be, teachers want to teach, and parents want to send their kids to.

Dec 19, 202035:02
E83: Jessica Gomez & Practical Ways to Build Classroom and Campus Culture

E83: Jessica Gomez & Practical Ways to Build Classroom and Campus Culture

Jessica has been an elementary principal in the Colton Joint Unified School District for over 10 years. She is passionate about celebrating students, staff, and creating a positive school culture, and she frequently shares her passion with the world via her blog, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. In this episode, Jessica and Brent share practical ways educators can make our schools a place where students want to be, teachers want to teach, and parents want to send their kids to.

Dec 12, 202036:24
E82: Teaching and Leading During a Global Pandemic

E82: Teaching and Leading During a Global Pandemic

In this episode, Brent is interviewed by his pastor, John Hansen, for his church's weekly podcast. Brent discusses the joys and challenges of teaching and leading through a global pandemic, offers encouragement and suggestions for teachers and parents, and reminds us we're making more of a difference than we may realize.
Oct 03, 202054:05
E81: What's Your Green Sauce?

E81: What's Your Green Sauce?

In an episode borne from his recent blog post, Brent talks about how we should make our classrooms more like...wait for it...El Pollo Loco. That's right. El Pollo Loco. As most of us prepare to begin the new school year in a virtual model, this episode will remind you that our lessons, as great as they might be, may not be what get students up in the morning.
Aug 09, 202017:52
E80: Nyree Clark, Tory Wadlington & An Honest Conversation About Equality

E80: Nyree Clark, Tory Wadlington & An Honest Conversation About Equality

Nyree and Tory are both educators in Southern California, Nyree a Curriculum Program Specialist for Technology in the Colton Joint Unified School District, and Tory an elementary special education teacher in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District. In this episode, Nyree, Tory and Brent have an honest conversation about equality, racism, white privilege, and what we can do to make our classrooms and schools inclusive and safe for all students, staff, and families.
Jun 16, 202001:05:46
E79: John Eick & Lessons Learned From Distance Learning (So Far)

E79: John Eick & Lessons Learned From Distance Learning (So Far)

John is a passionate educator doing amazing things as the Executive Director of Westlake Charter School in Sacramento, California. In this broadcast, released on both Teaching Tales and the Learn with John Eick Podcast, John and Brent swap stories and lessons learned after one month of distance learning.
Apr 20, 202035:33
E78: Dr. Ed Tse & Fostering Creativity

E78: Dr. Ed Tse & Fostering Creativity

Dr. Ed is the Vice President of Strategy and Content and co-owner of NUITEQ. As a professional and parent, he is deeply concerned about how we can make education relevant for careers that don’t yet exist. In this episode, he chats with Brent about the importance of fostering creativity in students and their teachers.
Apr 16, 202037:46
E77: Solomon Petchers & Writing a Book for Kids

E77: Solomon Petchers & Writing a Book for Kids

Solomon is a veteran educator with more than 20 years classroom experience currently teaching middle school in Southern California. He is also the author of two books for children and young adults, A Ghost in the Attic and Feasters: An Apocalyptic Tale. If you've ever dreamed of writing a book for kids, this episode is for you as Solomon shares the journey he has taken to write and self-publish his two books. You can learn more about Solomon at SolomonPetchers.com.

Mar 16, 202024:48
E76: Jill Coley & How to Better Serve Students in Foster Care

E76: Jill Coley & How to Better Serve Students in Foster Care

Along with his dad and daughter, Brent's amazing wife becomes the third member of the family to be a guest on Teaching Tales. Jill has worked in the field of social work for 25 years and is currently the Chief of Child and Family Programs at International Christian Adoptions, a foster care and adoption agency in Southern California. In this episode, Jill shares valuable information and tips on how all educators, regardless of role, can better serve foster students in their classrooms and schools.
Mar 08, 202030:10
E75: Todd Schmidt & The Importance of Self Care

E75: Todd Schmidt & The Importance of Self Care

Todd is in his eighth year as an elementary principal in Southern California. Before moving into administration, he spent 13 years as a classroom teacher and two as an assistant principal. Todd is an active member of the educational community, sharing his wisdom, experiences, and resources on Twitter and through his blog. In this broadcast, Todd and Brent chat about self care, both why it's important and practical ways to make it happen.
Mar 01, 202032:35
E74: Amber Teamann & Leading with Appreciation

E74: Amber Teamann & Leading with Appreciation

Amber is the proud principal of Whitt Elementary in Wylie ISD in Wylie, Texas. She has co-created a space on Facebook for principals, by principals, that shares staff appreciation and motivation ideas, tips, and tricks to ensure the well being of a campus staff. Amber is also the co-author of Lead With Appreciation, a book filled with practical strategies to revolutionize campus culture. In this episode, Amber and Brent share stories about the importance of expressing appreciation to those we serve.
Feb 24, 202032:34
E73: Dean Deaver & Podcasting with Students

E73: Dean Deaver & Podcasting with Students

Dean is a 3rd grade teacher in the Riverside Unified School District in Southern California. A 20-year veteran in the classroom, his students create their own podcast called the Deaver Scholars Podcast to highlight the amazing things happening in their classroom and school. In this episode, Dean and Brent share stories of the many positive effects of podcasting with students.
Feb 16, 202031:37
E72: Meredith Johnson & Connecting Educators Through the Power of Books

E72: Meredith Johnson & Connecting Educators Through the Power of Books

Meredith is a veteran educator in Florida with over 40 years of experience. Though officially retired, Meredith is still impacting educators around the world through #BookCampPD, a weekly Twitter chat she created to connect educators with each other and with the outstanding educational books available to help teachers and administrators grow their practice. In this episode, Meredith shares stories about the impact #BookCampPD has had on those who have participated.
Feb 02, 202028:39
E71: Sarah Johnson & Leading With Faith, Not Fear

E71: Sarah Johnson & Leading With Faith, Not Fear

Sarah is a former English Teacher and building principal turned author and entrepreneur who is living her own leap of faith on a mission to teach masses. She is a co-author of Balance Like a Pirate, the author of Lead with Faith, and a state and national conference speaker around topics of balance, resilience, and faith. In this episode, Sarah and Brent share stories of the importance of living in faith, not fear.

Jan 23, 202032:44
E70: Ann Kozma & Amplifying Student Voice with Flipgrid

E70: Ann Kozma & Amplifying Student Voice with Flipgrid

Ann is an Educator Innovation Lead at Flipgrid, helping teachers all over the world engage and empower their students by recording and sharing short videos. In this episode, Ann shares a TON of powerful ways educators can easily use Flipgrid to amplify student voice. You don't want to miss this episode!
Dec 04, 201943:15
E69: Ashleigh Burnette & Lessons Learned From Student Teaching

E69: Ashleigh Burnette & Lessons Learned From Student Teaching

Ashleigh is an incredibly talented instructional assistant at Brent's school who is currently finishing up her student teaching as she prepares to embark on her teaching career. In this episode, Ashleigh shares some of the important lessons she's learned from her time in the classroom, both as an aide and student teacher.
Dec 01, 201936:08
E68: Meghan Coley & A Student's Perspective on What Makes Teachers Great and School Memorable

E68: Meghan Coley & A Student's Perspective on What Makes Teachers Great and School Memorable

Brent's talented daughter, a recent high school graduate, joins him as a guest in this special episode of the podcast. Before heading off to college to further her education, Meghan sits down and shares a student's perspective on what makes teachers great and school memorable.
Aug 28, 201934:51