The Amazing Teacher Podcast

Please make sure you follow Meredith on Social Media and check out her book, Captured Fireflies: Truths, Mistakes, And Other Gifts of Being an English Teacher

You can email me at sam@theamazingteacher.com or send me a tweet at @amazingpodcast.

Thank you for spreading the word about the podcast.

Until next time,

Be Amazing!

Thank you,

Sam

Find Jackie at: jsapp@cnusd.k12.ca.us.

http://theamazingteacher.com/dr-jackie-sapp-never-give-up-on-kids-the-final-episode/

In this episode,  I have Dorina Sackman the 2014 Florida State Teacher of the Year. She was also one of the finalists for the National Teacher of the Year.

I had such a great time picking Dorina’s brain about teaching and education. She’s a middle school teacher, so you know as a former middle school teacher myself, we had so much to talk about.

We spoke a lot about the importance of building positive relationships, and if you have heard any of the other podcast, you know that is something that I believe in, and it is a common thread among the amazing teachers I’ve had on the podcast. They focus on building those positive connections with their kids right off the bat, and it pays off all year long. Dorina reinforces that on the podcast.

I was impressed and inspired by how far she goes to build those relationships.

She has survey that she gives her students at the beginning of the year that goes beyond just asking the basic information on a student. It asks for information about their family and their community. She then takes this information and goes out into the community to make those connections with their family and the community members. Amazing.

Dorina also shares about B.E.L.I.E.V.E.  – Be the Educators who Lead to Inspire and Empower Via Excellence!

It’s her way to inspire teachers to have an impact and be effective. So listen for that.

This was another very inspiring conversation with a truly amazing teacher.

I know you will find this podcast  full of value and great take-aways.

Thank you again for  spreading the word about the podcast.

Until next time,

Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Dorina:

Website: DorinaSackman.com

Twitter: @Dorina_BELIEVE

Facebook: 2014FloridaTeacherOfTheYearDorinaSackman

http://theamazingteacher.com/dorina-sackman-florida-state-teacher-of-the-year/

In this episode,  I have Jeff Baxter, the 2014 State Teacher of the Year for Kansas, and this was one of the most inspiring interviews I have had on the podcast.

I am so glad that I was able to spend a little bit of time with him, not only for the amazing advice that he offered to new teachers, but for the inspiration that he gives with his life story.

He is such an amazing person. I know you will enjoy our conversation.

Listen for when he shares about the moment when his life and his career was transformed and the effect it had not only on his family, but on his students. I was blown away, and I know you will be saying, “Wow!” when you hear it.

He shares so much about building positive relationships and how important that is to have success in the classroom.

He talks about rigor, and something that he shares is that rigor is just mean if there’s no relationship. I thought that was so true. Rigor is so popular now in education, but for it to be effective, there has to be a positive relationship between the teacher and the student.

Jeff surprised me when he said that he has read Herman Melville’s Moby Dick over 50 times. He uses this novel in his classes, and his kids are excited to read this book. I was surprised, because when I read it in college, I hated the book, and as we discussed, it all goes back to something that all amazing teachers have –  passion.  His passion for Moby Dick is evident, and since our interview, I have downloaded the audio version of the book, and I’m listening to it on my way to school each day, and I am understanding why it is considered a classic.

Jeff has a way of igniting passions in others that I found totally inspiring.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Jeff and  went away with a great desire to have an impact on the kids I come in contact with. I know you will find him just as inspiring.

Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast.

Until next time,

Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Jeff:

Website: 2014ktoy.weebly.com/jeff-baxter.html

Twitter : @MobyJeff

http://theamazingteacher.com/jeff-baxter-2014-kansas-state-teacher-of-the-year/

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Gilchrist who is a Bammy Award Finalist and Christa McAuliffe Pioneer in Education Award winner. She also was selected as the Teacher of the Year in her school district.

Laura was so great on the podcast.

She shared her insights on teaching which focuses on connecting and believing in kids and stepping outside the box.

I was particularly impressed with what she shares about Edcamp. As you know, I like the idea of Edcamp, where teachers learn from each other, and Laura shares her insights on Edcamp from the perspective of an Edcamp organizer. What she has done, however, is bring Edcamp into her school with what she calls a one-hour Edcamp.  I was really excited about that, because that can be done in any school. So listen for that.

Laura also shares her advice on classroom management which focuses on building that positive relationship with students. Her advice is a must listen for any teacher who may be struggling with that tough class.

As always, I come away inspired after every conversation that I have with these amazing educators, and my time with Laura was no different.

I had a great time speaking with Laura, and I know you will find her insights and advice very inspiring and valuable as I did.

Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast!

Until next time…

Be Amazing!

Thank you,

Sam

Find Laura:

Twitter: @LauraGilchrist4

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-laura-gilchrist-teaching-out-of-the-box/

Website: The Warrior Trail

Twitter: @annaebaldwin

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-dr-anna-baldwin-2014-montana-teacher-of-the-year/

In this episode,  I have 2014 Arizona Teacher of the Year, Beth Maloney, on the show, and I have to tell you that I had a great time speaking with Beth. I know you will find her as inspiring as I did.

She has so much to share on the podcast and I know you will come away with many take-aways. One part of the show that I thought especially important was when she shared with me the importance of investing time into learning about brain research and how understanding how the brain works can help us become better teachers and allow us to better understand our kids.

She quoted her assistant principal, “It’s educational malpractice if you learn about brain research, but you don’t use it in your classroom.”

I thought that was extremely valuable, so listen for that.

Also, listen for when she describes her meeting with the president.

That was hilarious. You’ll hear me in the background laughing my head off.  So funny, so listen for that as well.

She also encourages teachers to be enthusiastic in the classroom. Her favorite quote is, “Inspired enthusiasm is contagious.” She adds, “The bottom line is that when they see that I love to learn…they see me as a life-long learner.”

I want to offer a special thanks to Beth, because I think I hit the mother lode. I’m always looking for guests to come on the show and share their “amazingness” with my audience, and Beth was kind enough to put me in contact with other State Teachers of the Year, and I already have four or five either recorded or in the pipeline, so I’ll be pretty busy with these podcasts for a while, so thank you Beth.
I know you will find what Beth has to say very valuable and inspiring.

Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast.

Until next time,

Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Beth:

Website: BethMaloneyDaringToTeach.Wordpress.com

Twitter: @DaringToTeach

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-beth-maloney-2014-arizona-teacher-of-the-year/

In this episode of the Amazing Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Ben Kuhlman. Ben has a website called, Writing Teaching and Teaching Writing.

Reading his blog posts, I was particularly impressed with his knowledge of Twitter. 

I have come to learn that if a teacher wants to be amazing in the classroom, he/she needs to connect with successful teachers and learn from them. Twitter allows teachers to do just that.

I asked Ben to share his expertise in this area, and I learned a lot. I know you will as well.

Ben also shares his insights on the qualities of amazing teachers as well as his tips on classroom management.

“Effective instruction is part of classroom management. You can make them quiet and get them to listen, but then if you have nothing to say, you’ve managed the classroom into boredom.”

I had a great time picking Ben’s brain on the podcast. I know you will find his advice valuable and practical.

Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast.

Until next time,

Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Ben:

Website: BenKuhlman.com

Twitter: @bkuhl2you

Also mentioned on the podcast:

#teachwriting

Josh Stumpenhorst @stumpteacher

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-ben-kuhlman-power-twitter/

This week’s guest is Tammy Tweten, from Ed Tech Nerdo. 

In this episode, I have a great time speaking with Tammy about technology and how she is using it in the classroom. I was very impressed with how she has incorporated Chromebooks in her lessons. I have seen how iPads have been utilized in classrooms, but Tammy shares how she was able to acquire 30 Chromebooks for her students and how she is using them in her classroom.

I found it fascinating.

Tammy also shares her what she learned while attending the CUE conference. Her biggest take away was the power of Twitter.

Tammy shares that there are three things that come to mind when describing the characteristics of amazing teachers:

1. They have a passion for learning.

2. They love working with kids.

3. They have the ability to take criticism and learn from their mistakes.

Her advice to new teachers is, “Don’t stop learning.”

Although the recording has a few glitches, I know you will find what Tammy shares very informative and inspiring.

I know I did.

Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast.

Until next time,

Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Tammy:

Website: Ed Tech Nerdo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tammy_tweten

Pinterest: Edtechnerdo

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-tammy-tweten-using-chrome-books-in-the-classroom/

This week, my guest is Jeff Shoemaker, known online as the Gifted Teacher.  

He has an amazing blog where he shares some insights on teaching students who are identified as “Gifted.”

What is a gifted student?

What characteristics are common in gifted students?

How do you best engage gifted students?

These are all questions that Jeff answers on the podcast.

Jeff also shares his insights in what makes teachers amazing. He shares on the podcast that amazing teachers are passionate. The love what they do.

Jeff states that amazing teachers have the ability to inspire students to go beyond what they believe they can do.

I had a great time picking speaking with Jeff.

He is a great resource for teachers who are looking for ways to better meet the needs of not only gifted students, but all students.

Make sure you check out his blog for more amazing tips.

As always, thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast.

Until next time…

Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Jeff:

Website: Ramblings of a Gifted Teacher

Twitter: @jeff_shoemaker

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-jeff-shoemaker-reaching-gifted-students/

This week my guest is amazing teacher and fellow podcaster, Brian Sztabnik. 

Brian is the host of the Talks with Teachers Podcast, and if you haven’t already subscribed to his show, you have to check it out.

In this episode, Brian shares some of what he is learning from the amazing teachers that he has interviewed, and he also offers his own inspiring advice to new and soon-to-be teachers.

He shares that the three qualities that he finds in the amazing teachers he comes in contact with are that they:

1. have an unwavering passion and love for their discipline.

2. have a curiosity about new methods and looking for ways for new ideas and new ways to connect with students.

3. they are uncomfortable – they are never satisfied with what they do. They want to serve their students to the best of their ability.

Brian also offers some great advice about classroom management.

“Have a great lesson plan – a lesson that promotes interaction.”

He also shares, “Understand you may not know what’s going on in your students’ lives.”

I had such a great time talking with Brian. We found that we had many things in common, including a desire to have an impact on the future of education.

I know you will find what he shares as inspiring as I did.

As always, thank you for spreading the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast.

Until next time… Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Brian:

Website: Talks With Teachers

Twitter: @TalksWTeachers

Facebook:  facebook.com/talkswithteachers

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-brian-sztabnik-host-of-the-talks-with-teachers-podcast/

This week, my guest is Jessica Pack from Pack Woman Tech. 

Jessica is also the 2014 California Teacher of the Year.

I was so impressed with all that Jessica does with technology in her classroom and beyond.

She makes movies with her student. She has several iBooks and iTunesU courses online that help teachers incorporate technology in the classroom, and she is one of the Jedi Masters at AppsInTheClass.com where Jessica and the other members of the team  offer ideas and resources for teachers using iPads in the classroom.

In this episode, Jessica shares her insights about using technology in the classroom, offering some great advice to new teachers who are looking to include more tech in their lessons.

Her main advice to new teachers when it comes to using technology in the classroom is to “make it meaningful.”

“If you can train up students to see purpose in tool, they’ll choose the tool that’s most appropriate for the task.”

Jessica also shares her thoughts about what makes teachers amazing.

She says that amazing teachers have visionary passion, extraordinary empathy and teach without limits.

She offers great advice to those new teachers who are looking to take risks, but are feeling limited by their desire to meet the expectations of others.

“Your reputation as a professional that buys you that room to go full-bore for what it is that you want for your students.”

After speaking with Jessica, it’s no wonder why she was recognized as Teacher of the Year.

I had an amazing time speaking with Jessica. I know you will find great value in what she has to share.

Thank you again for helping spread the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast!

Until next time…be amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Jessica:

Website: Pack Woman Tech

Twitter: @Packwoman208

Download Jessica’s iBooks:

Digital Storytelling: Connecting Standards to Movie-Making by Jessica Pack

 Classroom Management Apps for iPad by Jessica Pack

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-jessica-pack-2014-california-teacher-of-the-year/

This week, my guest is Dr. DeLancy Ganley. 

Dr. Ganley is the Dean, School of Educational Studies at Claremont Graduate University,

Twenty-five years ago, I was a student at Claremont Graduate University. CGU is where it all began for me in education.

I thought it would be a good idea to go back to my old school and see what’s happening now in teacher education.

I contacted Dr. Ganley, and she was so awesome to let me pick her brain about teaching and education.

It was great going back to CGU. Walking around the campus brought back so many cool memories. It was really hard to believe that 25 years had passed.

Sitting down with Dr. Ganley was amazing and inspiring.

She offered some great advice for new teachers as well as for soon-t0-be teachers.

Dr. Ganley shares on the podcast that the most important variable in student achievement is not policy nor financing.  The most important variable is the teacher, and it doesn’t matter who the students are.

“If you can have a high performing, highly committed teacher, that teacher can bring about academic success in any population.”

Her best advice to new teachers was summed up in three words: “Hang in there.”

Dr. Ganley assures new teachers that the first year may be difficult, but the second year will be easier – just hang in there.

I had such a great time speaking with Dr. Ganley. She is truly an amazing educator who is really making an impact on today’s education. I know you will find great inspiration in what she shares on the podcast.

Until next time…

Be Amazing!

Find Dr. Ganley:

Web page: https://www.cgu.edu/people/delacy-ganley/

This week, my guest is Brad Currie. 

Brad is a vice principal for the Chester School District in Chester, NJ. He is also the co-founder and co-host of a weekly Twitter discussion for current and emerging school leaders called #satchat.

Brad is also the first school administrator who I have had as a guest on the podcast.

I found Brad on Twitter a couple of years ago after he shared one of my SuccessInTheClassroom.com post on Twitter. At the time, it was one of the first – or maybe even THE first time – one of my posts was shared. It was pretty cool, so since then, I’ve been following Brad.

I was very pleased when Brad agreed to be on the podcast. I knew that from his position as school administrator, he would be able to share his unique perspective on the teaching profession with my audience.

I especially wanted to ask him about one of his most popular posts, Ten Reasons Why I Should Hire You.

This episode is full of amazing tips and words of wisdom for new and soon-to-be teachers.

As with many of the previous guests, building and maintaining positive relationships is very important to Brad, especially when hiring a teacher.

“I don’t care what you know about math, what you know about history or science, you have to be able to establish positive and appropriate relationships with those kids.”

Brad shares that amazing teachers:

1. Maintain positive relationships with all school stakeholders.

2. Provide autonomy – freedom to students, allowing them to explore the subject area in whatever way is most important to them.

3. Contribute to the school culture in more ways than one.

4. Are always getting better, always trying out new things and finding a different way to have an impact in class.

He also encourages teachers to “bring that passion. If you can bring that passion every day and you’re waking up excited, then you know you’re doing the right thing.”

It was great Skyping with Brad for the podcast. I know that you will find his insights on teaching as inspiring as I did.

Thank you again for spreading the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast!

Until next time,

Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Brad:

Website: BradCurrie.net

Twitter: @bcurrie5

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-educator-brad-currie-bring-the-passion/

This week, my guest is Samantha Bates, co-founder of #TNedchat and organizer of Edcamp Tennessee.

Samantha shares her insights in organizing the Edcamp in Tennessee. I found this to be very interesting, since I am such a believer in the Edcamp idea. In fact, I’m looking to attend an Edcamp in my area. I love the idea of teachers sharing best practices and ideas from each other.

Samantha shares that being yourself, being thoughtful and being flexible are the qualities that she finds in amazing teachers.

When it came to classroom management, Samantha encourages new teachers to know who they want to be and know what they want their students to do. She cautions teachers to not try to be like other teachers if it’s not who they are.

Her most amazing advice came when I asked her about the one piece of advice she would offer to new teachers. She states, “Know that you are going to change the world.” In a time when many are criticizing education, Samantha reminds teachers that this is an exciting time in education.

Samantha sees herself as having an impact on the future of her students. “What am I doing today,” she reflects, “to make them better parents, better citizens, better community members?”

I had an amazing time speaking with Samantha, and I know that you will find great value in what she shares as well.

Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast. You can follow the new Amazing Teacher Podcast Twitter account here: @AmazingPodcast.

Until next time,

Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Samantha:

Website: Sam’s Reflections

Twitter: @sjsbates

This week, my guest on the Amazing Teacher Podcast is Amazing Teacher Doug Robertson, also known as The Weird Teacher. 

When I saw his Twitter handle, @theweirdteacher, I had to check him out, and I’m so glad I did.

I found Doug sharing some great advice about student motivation on his Youtube channel. I’ve embedded the video below.

On the podcast, Doug offers some amazing insights on classroom safety, and how we as teachers need to make sure that our classrooms are places where students feel OK to fail. He tells his students, “If you’re never wrong, I have no job.”

He also emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students. He says that any kind of learning can happen if those relationships are built.

“Amazing teachers smile.”

Doug shares that many times teachers have to be actors. “Teaching is so much a performance art.” Kids cannot see you in a bad mood. According to Doug, if a teacher is in a bad mood, kids will think that it is their fault.

I had a blast speaking with Doug.

He is truly a “Bombastic rock star front man of a never-ending education funk machine!”

I know you will enjoy the podcast.

Thank you again for spreading the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast.

Sam

Find Doug:

Website: hestheweirdteacher.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @theweirdteacher

Check out Doug’s book!

“Welcome back to another day in paradise.” 

This week my guest is 2013 National Teacher of the Year – Jeff Charbonneau.
On the podcast, Jeff shares that he begins each class by saying, “Welcome back to another day in paradise.”

What a great way to prepare the students for what’s going to happen in the classroom.

I had such an awesome time talking with Jeff about education and being amazing in the classroom.

Jeff encourages us to use our influence as teachers to change the perception of education through sharing positive comments and telling people about the good that is happening in our classrooms.

“If just each of the 3.3 million public education teachers went to the grocery store tonight and told one person one good thing that happened at school today, what would happen to the perception of public education? That would be pretty darn powerful. I think that you get the most motivation, you get the most movement for improvement out of positive comments and positive reactions.”

Jeff emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships with students. He shares that building relationships is even more important than the content that we cover as teachers.

One of Jeff’s most amazing pieces of advice has to do with apologies and asking students for help. He feels that he can think of no better recipe for success.

I know you will find great value from what Jeff has to share in this episode.

Thank you for continuing to spread the word about the podcast.

Be Amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Jeff:

Twitter: @JeffCharbonneau

Email: NTOY2013@ccsso.org

This week, my guest is Judi Holst from TBD Teacher. 

Judi is an 8th grade teacher who shares her teaching tips on her Tumblr blog.

As I mention in the podcast, most of my career was spent teaching 8th graders, and as any 8th grade teacher will tell you, 8th graders are a unique group of students who fill our lives with adventure every day.

Judi offers some amazing advice on how to make teaching 8th graders exciting and engaging.

I ask Judi to share her Shark Tank lesson, which I found to be a very creative way to incorporate pop culture into a lesson

Judi encourages new teachers not to try and do it all, but to find another teacher who can help with ideas and planning.

She shares that amazing teachers are passionate and are life-long learners.

Judi also shares that, “An amazing teacher needs to connect with kids.”

Judi spends the first few minutes of each class just talking with the students about their lives, which she sees as a valuable investment of class time that will pay off throughout the year.

I had an amazing time talking with Judi.

We could have gone on for hours just sharing middle school stories.

Even if you don’t teach middle school, I know you will find Judi’s advice very valuable.

Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast.

Be amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Judi:

Website: TBD Teacher

Twitter: @judiholst 

Mentioned on the podcast:

AMLE – Association for Middle Level Educators

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-judi-holst-success-in-middle-school/

This week, my guest is Amazing Teacher, Dave Burgess. 

Dave Burgess is the author of the book, Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator.

Dave shares on the podcast how teachers can create lesson plans that keep students engaged and learning.

He challenges teachers to consider the questions:

1. If the the students didn’t have to be there, would you be teaching in an empty room?

2. Do you have any lessons that you can sell tickets for?

We speak on classroom management, and Dave states,, “An engaged student is not a behavior problem.” He also states that “Rather than becoming experts in putting out fires, let’s spend more time making sure we’re not passing out matches.”

Dave also encourages teachers to find creative ways to bring their passions into the classroom.

Dave shares that amazing teachers have passion, always learning, connecting with other teachers and collaborating with them. He also states that amazing teachers have courage. They’re not afraid to try to new things and take risks.

My conversation with Dave was truly inspiring, and I  know you will find his insights inspiring as well.

Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast.

Be amazing!

Thanks,

Sam

Find Dave:

Website: www.DaveBurgess.com

Twitter: @burgessdave #tlap

Teach Like a Pirate – Dave Burgess

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-dave-burgess/

This week, I had a great conversation with Amazing Teacher, Maureen Devlin. Maureen has a website called Teach Children Well where she shares her thoughts on teaching, teacher collaboration and learning design. 

In this episode, Maureen shares many great pieces of advice for new teachers and soon-to-be teachers.

One of the topics we speak about is the importance of quality collaboration. Maureen and I have a discussion around the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) collaboration model.

Maureen also offers great advice on how to reach those “challenging” students. “The children that are the most challenging require the most time up front in your teaching year.”

One of the best parts of the interview is when she shares about the Servant Leadership model of teaching that she has adopted. She shares that in the beginning of the year, she tells her students that she is there to serve them. I thought this was a great way to build that positive relationship with students that is so critical to a successful year.

Technology is also an important part of Maureen’s teaching. She shares, “With technology, I have more hands.”

I really had an amazing time speaking with Maureen about all of these topics.

I know you will also enjoy what she has to share on the show.

Thank you again for spreading the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast.

Be amazing!

Sam

Find Maureen:

Website: Teach Children Well

Twitter: @lookforsun

Mentioned on the podcast:

Professional Learning Communities

UClass.org

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-maureen-devlin/

This week, my guest is amazing teacher, Amanda Dykes who has a blog called Upside Down Education where she shares what is happening in her class in a way that is refreshingly honest. 

Amanda is a sixth grade teacher who is passionate about integrating technology into the classroom.

In this episode, Amanda shares with us about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and STEM-Based learning , and how teachers can use each of these areas in their teaching.

Her advice to new teachers, “Don’t sweat the small stuff” and “Don’t let boredom happen” gets right to the heart of classroom management.
“Keep is simple” is another great piece of advice that Amanda shares with us. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with grading and record keeping, and Amanda offers some amazing tips on how to keep the paperwork to a minimum.

I really had a great time speaking with Amanda.

I know you will also enjoy what she has to share on the show.

Thank you again for spreading the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast.

Be amazing!

Sam

Find Amanda:

Website: Upside Down Education

Twitter: @AmandaCDykes

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-amanda-dykes/

This week, my guest is Robin Dubiel from Learning Past June. 

Robin is an instructional coach in a school up in Canada, which made this podcast officially international. : )

I had such a great conversation with Robin.

She encourages teachers to keep learning and to collaborate. She reminds us also to not only keep self-reflecting, but to take action.
“Baby steps is still action.”

Building relationships is also very important, according to Robin. “Relationships aren’t easy, but they’re typically worth it.”

Robin’s bright personality and insightful advice made this podcast so amazing. I know that you will find what she shares in the interview to be exactly what new teachers need to be amazing in the classroom.

Thank you again for spreading the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast.

Sam

Find Robin:

Website: Learning Past June

Twitter: @RobinDubiel

Pinterest: Robin Dubiel

Mentioned on the podcast:

Teach Like a Pirate – Dave Burgess

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-robin-dubiel/

This week my guest on the Amazing Teacher Podcast is Lisa Mims from https://www.diaryofapublicschoolteacher.com/. 

Lisa is a fifth grade teacher who is doing amazing things the classroom in the area of technology. She shares in the podcast how she is using Skype in the classroom to not only connect with other classes around the world, but also to provide an authentic audience for her students.

Lisa shares how important it is for teachers, and especially new teachers, to collaborate. She encourages new teachers to get a mentor – someone positive who can help make those first years easier.

She also shares how her online PLN (Personal Learning Network) is so valuable to her. “They share that passion. That’s what makes it so great.” She encourages new teachers to follow different Twitter chats like #ntchat.

I had a great time picking Lisa’s brain on the podcast. She has so much to offer new teachers.Thank you for spreading the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast!

Until next time…Be Amazing!

Sam

Mentioned in the podcast:

Skype in the Classroom

Mystery Skype

Rita Pierson on TED Talks

Edmodo

KidBlog

Responsive Classroom

Find Lisa:

Website: https://www.diaryofapublicschoolteacher.com/

Twitter: @BriteEyes49

Pinterest: Pinterest.com/briteeyes49/

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-lisa-mims/

This week my guest on the Amazing Teacher Podcast is Julia Thompson from JuliaGThompson.com.

Julia is not only a classroom teacher, but she is a best-selling author. 

Her book, The First-Year Teacher’s Survival Guide, offers practical strategies for new teachers to not only survive those first few years, but to thrive.

I found Julia sharing her wisdom on Twitter, and felt that she would be the perfect guest for the podcast.

In the interview, Julia shares her thoughts on classroom management, connecting with students, and how to have a lasting impact on kids.

Julia shares, “If a student thinks you don’t trust them, you don’t like them, you don’t care about them, then nothing good is going to happen in your classroom.”

Julia offers some amazing tips on her blog. Among them is her post: Fifty Reasonable Options You Have When Students Misbehave. Julia elaborated a little on a couple of these options – #11: Make students feel worthy of trust,  and #28: Be emotionally accessible to your students. Grouchy teachers have more problems than positive ones.

I asked her if it would be OK to create a downloadable PDF version of the 50 Options for the listeners, and she was so gracious to agree. Below, there is a link where you can download this great resource. Please download it, and share it with your colleagues.

I had a great time speaking with Julia. She is an amazing teacher, and I know you will find great value in what she shares.

Thank you for spreading the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast!

Until next time…Be Amazing!

Sam

Find Julia:

Twitter: @TeacherAdvice

Website: www.JuliaGThompson.com

Blog: JuliaGThompson.blogspot.com

The First-Year Teacher’s Survival Guide

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-julia-g-thompson/

Matt is a Kindergarten teacher in N. Dallas, Texas and  the co-founder and an organizer for EdcampDallas. He is also a moderator for the twitter chat #Kinderchat.

I had a great time picking Matt’s brain on the podcast.

He shares about the importance of building relationships – with everybody – parents, teachers, administrators, and especially students.

“Rarely does significant learning happen without significant relationship.”

He also talked about EdCamp Dallas. As an organizer, Matt shared how EdCamp allows teachers to share their expertise with each other – What a concept!

Matt is also leading the way with incorporating technology in the classroom. His Kindergarten class has a Twitter account – yes – a Kindergarten Twitter account! His class connects with other classes around the world. Amazing!

Matt also is big on helping kids find their passion, and giving them a way to express their passion.

“The most powerful thing we can do is help kids find their passion.”

When it comes to classroom management, Matt’s only rule is ,“Be Brave.”

He has eliminated the classroom management systems that many Kindergarten teachers use, and he has built his classroom management on relationships and the “Be Brave” rule.

He says that it’s been an amazing change for him and for the kids.

It was great spending time with Matt and picking his brain. I came away with an even greater appreciation for Kindergarten teachers.

I know you will find great value in what Matt shares in the podcast as well.

Thank you for spreading the word about The Amazing Teacher Podcast!

Until next time…Be Amazing!

Sam

Find Matt at:

Twitter: @MattBGomez

Facebook: My Hullabaloo

Mentioned in the poscast:

Amy Murray @happycampergirl

This week, my guest is Pat Hensley from Successful Teaching. 

She’s known online as Loony Hiker.

Pat was one of the first bloggers who I found online when I started SuccessInTheClassroom. She has always been so helpful to teachers, new teachers especially, so I was so pleased when she agreed to share some of her amazing wisdom on the podcast.

Pat shares that amazing teachers are flexible, organized and willing to try new things.

One of the ideas that Pat offers new teachers is something that she did with her students. She would call home to brag about each student. Yes, brag! She says that this was one of the strategies that had the greatest effect in her classroom.

She also made each of her students write, “I am a born winner” on their papers. I thought this was a great take-away that teachers can do with their students to help reinforce that self esteem that is so important for student success.

I left my interview with Pat Hensley inspired to want to make a bigger difference in the lives of my students. I am confident that you will find great value in what she shares as well.

Take a listen, and be inspired.

Until next time…be amazing!

Sam

Find Pat at:

Twitter: @loonyhiker

Website: successfulteaching.blogspot.com/

Plurk: loonyhiker

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-pat-hensley-aka-loony-hiker/

This week, I sat down with Krissy Venosdale from KrissyVenosdale.com

It was a great interview, and although we had some technical issues, Krissy was so patient and understanding and amazing.

Krissy offers some great advice on how to set the tone for learning. “If you’re excited, the kids will be excited.” 

She also encourages new teachers to be “learners” along with their students. “You don’t have to be the expert. Just be a facilitator of learning with your students.”

Her other piece of advice for teachers is to focus on the learning, and not so much on controlling everything. Teachers should empower students to control themselves, which she admits might not be easy, but it “ends up being a kind of controlled chaos where the kids are responsible for their own learning.”

What I appreciated most about the interview was the information that Krissy shared about teaching students who are on the Autism spectrum. I learned on her blog that her daughter is on the spectrum, and Krissy provides us with some amazing insights in this area.

Her first piece of advice is to partner with the parents of the students, because “the parents have the key to understanding them.”

She also encourages teachers to be open to asking for help from other teachers. “Don’t be afraid to try and reach out and try and learn from them.”

Krissy Venosdale is an amazing teacher, and it was a sincere pleasure getting to speak with her.

I know you will also find her insights to be very valuable.

Find Krissy at:

Twitter: @krissyvenosdale

Website: Venspired.com

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-krissy-venosdale/

This week, I sat down with Larry Ferlazzo, who publishes a blog at Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day.

Larry has written several books, and he has won many awards. He contributes weekly to Education Week Teachers and the New York Times.

We had a great phone conversation where he shared many great tips in the areas of student motivation and relationship building. 

We all have that student who just doesn’t seem to be motivated to do any work. Larry offers some great advice in this area. He says that he has never motivated a student. What he’s done is to help create the conditions where the student can motivate himself.

He places an emphasis on building positive relationships with students. “Without it, nothing else will work.”

He also discusses the power of an apology. When teachers are willing to say, “I’m sorry,” it not only maintains the positive relationship, but it also serves to model appropriate behavior that students can take and use in their own personal conflicts.

This podcast was filled with valuable advice for not only new teachers, but experienced teachers as well.

Larry uses a “marshmallow” study to help with his classroom management. “Don’t eat the marshmallow.” I thought this was a cool way to keep students on task and making positive choices. Below, is a video where you can learn more about the study.

It was another inspiring interview. I know you will agree.

Find Larry at:

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day

Twitter: @Larryferlazzo

http://theamazingteacher.com/amazing-teacher-larry-ferlazzo/

Dr. Anthony Muhammad

Phases of First Year Teaching by Ellen Moir

New Teacher Center

Find Danielle on Twitter at: @kohola11

On Pinterest at: Teacher Stuff

You can find Rebecca on Twitter at @MrsMieliwocki

You can also email her at rebeccamieliwocki@burbankusd.org.

Also mentioned in the podcast is Rick Morris from NewManagement.org

This week, I sat down with Nick Provenzano, the Nerdy Teacher, who has been nominated and won several awards for his blog at TheNerdyTeacher.com. 

He was so gracious to stay up late on a school night to speak with me over Skype, and he has so much to offer new teachers.

He is a leader in educational technology, so I had to pick his brain on using the Evernote App. He actually is an Evernote Ambassador in Education, so in part of the interview, I pick his brain about this really useful app.

When asked what are common qualities among amazing teachers, he responded by saying, “Amazing teachers are passionate about teaching. They love being with kids and making a difference in their lives.”

“Amazing teachers also listen to their students.”

Nick shares with us how it is so important to just listen to kids. It can be the most important thing that a teacher can do for a student, because there might no be anybody else who will.

Nick also shares some great advice for new teachers about “Being You.” I found a video on his blog where he talks about this, and I had to ask him to elaborate. Here’s the link to the video.

He also shares about the 20 Time Project where he has his students blogging about a project that they are passionate about. In the podcast, I ask the listeners to head on over to his blog and add a comment on the student blogs. I know his students will appreciate the love, so if you would please take a few minutes before or after listening to the podcast and leave a comment on one of these blogs, it would mean a lot to his kids. Click here.

I had a great time speaking with Nick.

I know you will find great value in what he has to share on the podcast.

Find Nick at: TheNerdyTeacher.com

Twitter: @TheNerdyTeacher

Check out Nick’s book: The Complete Guide to Evernote in Education.

Thanks,

Sam

Pernille, as I discovered,  is the creator and founder of the Global Read Aloud which is connecting students and teacher around the world through reading. I found this simply amazing! 

Her love for her kids and her commitment to give them a voice in her classroom is inspiring.

Her blog, Blogging Through the Fourth Dimension, is a great resource for all teachers who are looking to be amazing in the classroom.

It was a sincere pleasure to spend time with Pernille, picking her brain for ideas and strategies that I know you will find extremely valuable. I came away inspired. I know you will too.

Find Pernille at:

Twitter: @pernilleripp
Website: http://www.PernillesRipp.com