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Little Things First

Little Things First

By Tracy Vandeventer/James Martin

Two buddies with years of educational experience chat it out about all things teaching and learning.
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How about a little project-based learning? An Interview with Ross Cooper

Little Things FirstDec 10, 2019

00:00
33:53
Yes and Know Podcast Sample

Yes and Know Podcast Sample

While you're waiting for more LITTLE THINGS FIRST, why not try Jim's other podcast with Rachel called YES AND KNOW?  It's an educational podcast focused on the binaries that often plague education--and how to deal with them.  If you like YES AND KNOW, please subscribe!

Apr 12, 202244:29
Hearing Youth: Two Scholars Reflect on What Our Secondary Students Really Need

Hearing Youth: Two Scholars Reflect on What Our Secondary Students Really Need

Dr. Sarah Thomas and Dr. Larry Parker collaborated on an article that listens to students and what their experience have been in the secondary setting.  They share little things that make a difference in helping our young people feel heard and truly improving education.

Additional resources recommended by Dr. Parker:

George Theoharis (2009). The schools our children deserve: 7 Keys to equity, social justice and school reform. New York: Teachers College Press; 

Rosa Rivera-McCutchen (2021). Radical care: Leading for Justice in Urban schools. New York: Teachers College Press.

Feb 10, 202247:41
"I like it just the way it is!": Mindsets for Learning Writing
Jan 20, 202201:15:53
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic: What Motivates and Demotivates Our Students
Jan 13, 202201:15:48
A Utah Milestone: The First Black Superintendent Dr. Timothy Gadson

A Utah Milestone: The First Black Superintendent Dr. Timothy Gadson

Little Things is back for a limited time!  Tracy Vandeventer (who goes on hiatus after this episode) and Jim Martin visit with the new Superintendent of Sal Lake City School District in an episode recorded last summer but never released.  Dr. Gadson discusses his approach to leading an urban district that is majority-minority and closing opportunity gaps. He discusses his vision for the future, how to navigate improvements in the age of a pandemic, and the role of race and diversity.  Special thanks to Yandary Chatwin for coordinating this interview!

Next week: Jim and guest host Rachel Nance interview Mike Anderson about extrinsic and intrinsic rewards!

littlethings1st.com

Jan 06, 202233:18
TIGER Ready: Touchstones for Success in an Award-Winning School

TIGER Ready: Touchstones for Success in an Award-Winning School

Stacey Green of Stockton, Kansas was recently recognized as a Distinguished {Principal of the Year through the National Association of Elementary School Principals, after first being recognized as a state principal of the year.  Ms. Green talks about her recipes for success, from personal coaching to a move from regular faculty meetings to "stand-up" check-ins.  Ms. Green's school has undergone a transformation as they've explored their vision, mission , and core values, reflected in being TIGER ready.  There are also opportunities for individuals to bring forward ideas to pilot, which have empowered faculty and staff.  Listen in on Ms. Green's success story!!

littlethings1st.com


Aug 10, 202137:52
Putting the Community in Community School: The Dynamics of Family Engagement in Schools
Jul 20, 202147:11
On the Rise: A Culturally-Sustaining School Experience for Black Youth

On the Rise: A Culturally-Sustaining School Experience for Black Youth

Michelle Love-Day has been a teacher and an administrator.  She has worked at the district level and now has unveiled a supplemental schooling experience for Black youth that focuses on Black history and culture.  This new schooling experience is being called the Rise Virtual Academy.  Michele has worked hard to diversify her teaching ranks and to ensure that students learn the culture and history that is often missing in traditional schools.  What can educators and schools learn about the little things that make a difference for Students and Communities of Color?  How should educators counter the attacks on critical race theory as a ruse for suppressing all multicultural education?  

https://www.risevirtualacademy.com

littlethings1st.com

Jul 06, 202134:38
Yes, Virginia, 95% IS really possible: The Science of Reading and Making the Most of the Coming Year

Yes, Virginia, 95% IS really possible: The Science of Reading and Making the Most of the Coming Year

Dr. Susan Hall has been studying reading for many years now and has started her own company--the 95% Group--focused on improving reading outcomes for all students.  Dr. Hall's programs are being used by districts and schools across the country as they transition to a more research-based approach to reading and literacy instruction.  After such a volatile year with COVID-19, Dr. Hall is very concerned about starting the coming school year right, with a focus on accelerated results for students who need remediation.  She recommends that some of her materials be used for all students, regardless of reading ability, as a way to transition into grade level core this fall.  Find out more on this week's episode!

littlethings1st.com

Jun 22, 202137:19
The Literacy Environments our Refugee and Immigrant Youth Deserve: An Interview with Dr. Don Vu

The Literacy Environments our Refugee and Immigrant Youth Deserve: An Interview with Dr. Don Vu

This week, Tracy and Jim talk with Dr. Don Vu, who has released his book LIFE, LITERACY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.  A refugee himself, Dr. Vu has learned firsthand and through his scholarship what it takes to support refugee and immigrant youth in their literacy development.  He reflects on the little things that will make a difference now as well as the practices we currently employ in the name of literacy teaching and learning that may get in the way.  

LITTLE THINGS FIRST will premiere new episodes every two weeks beginning today.  The next new episode will air June 22.

littlethings1st.com


Jun 08, 202142:36
Understanding the true meaning of psychological safety: A human-centered approach

Understanding the true meaning of psychological safety: A human-centered approach

Dr. Shannon Wanless has written about psychological safety in education, and Tracy and Jim dig deep to find out what exactly it looks like.  Dr. Wanless explains that there is fear psychological safety could be overused or misunderstood in education and in general circles.  She stresses that our goal is not to create a safe space for everyone but to create a space where humanity is centered and where everyone has the opportunity to express their true feelings, whether they be unsafe, anxious, or fearful.  Tracy inquires about the course Dr. Wanless has created with her colleagues about attentional practices.  What are attentional practices?  Find out from this episode.  Finally, can school systems adapt to better represent a culture of safety and humanity?  Dr. Wanless thinks that may not be entirely necessary.  Get ready to be inspired!

littlethings1st.com

Jun 01, 202128:49
Adaptive vs. Technical Challenges: Seeking Solutions to Novel Problems Through Professional Learning
May 25, 202130:30
The Plurality of Rurality: An Interview with Dr. Mara Tieken

The Plurality of Rurality: An Interview with Dr. Mara Tieken

On today's podcast, Tracy and Jim interview Dr. Mara Tieken, a scholar of rural education. who has published a book called WHY RURAL SCHOOLS MATTER.  Here, Dr. Tieken discusses what she has learned about the topic and the little things that make a difference in rural settings.  A major misnomer of rural settings is that they are predominantly white; however, demographics are quickly changing and equity needs to be prioritized. Are you in an urban or suburban setting and think this podcast is not for you?  Find out why you should care about rural schools!

littlethings1st.com

May 18, 202128:06
What's going on in Mississippi? The case for strong district leadership for systemic change

What's going on in Mississippi? The case for strong district leadership for systemic change

Tracy and Jim re-interview Karin Chenoweth, one of our first podcast guests, to discuss her new book DISTRICTS THAT SUCCEED about the role that districts play in systemic change and sustainability.  Karin talks about some of the flatlining that has occurred across the nation especially in reading, except for recent rising scores in Mississippi.  She discusses some of the work Mississippi has specifically been doing with regard to the science of reading, a topic that Karin has explored on her podcast EXTRAORDINARY DISTRICTS.  

https://edtrust.org/extraordinary-districts/

How Principals Affect Students and Schools: A Systematic Synthesis of Two Decades of Research

CCSSO's A Nation of Readers

littlethings1st.com



May 04, 202141:18
PIGLET: Inquiry-based Learning and The Altona Way

PIGLET: Inquiry-based Learning and The Altona Way

This week, we interview award-winning middle school principal Jeremy LaCrosse, the principal of Altona Middle in Colorado.  In this episode, we discuss the school's move toward inquiry-based learning practices, providing choices to students in their own learning.  We also discuss the role of design thinking in making learning more personalized.  At Altona, Jeremy and his staff have made technology an amplifier of this learning process and have truly created an environment of risk-tasking, among the entire community, where innovation is celebrated.  

littlethings1st.com

Apr 27, 202130:55
From "Yeah But" to "Yes And" : Changing the "This is the way we have always done it" Stance

From "Yeah But" to "Yes And" : Changing the "This is the way we have always done it" Stance

Eric Sheninger is a national coach, author, and educational expert who talks about change in education and how to embrace an environment that might look different from that with which we are comfortable.  Tracy, Jim and Eric discuss everything from personalized learning, competency-based grading, cell phones in the classroom (bring your own device), and modeling the learning that we expect.  

littlethings1st.com

Apr 20, 202133:24
A new horizon at Horizons: A students-first approach at an alternative high school

A new horizon at Horizons: A students-first approach at an alternative high school

Joel Asiala is the award-winning Principal at Horizons Alternative High School in Michigan.  In this podcast, he shares how he is using a trauma-informed approach to change the trajectories of his students and how he is influencing the direction of high schools in his area.  Mr. Asiala discusses his team;'s student-first approach  that really focuses on the whole child.  Find out what little things Principal Asiala and Horizons are discovering make a difference for some of our harder-to-reach students.

littlethings1st.com

Apr 13, 202131:33
Max Challenges the Status Quo: An Interview with Children's Book Author Kyle Luckoff

Max Challenges the Status Quo: An Interview with Children's Book Author Kyle Luckoff

In January, controversy rocked the quiet school district of Murray Utah as a student asked his teacher to read one of his books to the class.  The book happened to be one of Kyle Luckoff's Max adventures featuring a child identifying as transgender.  The move sparked a controversy that threatened to challenge an equity book program in Murray School District.  Similar reactions have taken place elsewhere across the country, leaving Tracy and Jim to wonder, "What are the little things that educators ought to be doing to ensure that all voices are represented in the classroom?"  A former school librarian, Kyle Luckoff shares his perspectives and stories with "Little Things First."  

littlethings1st.com

Apr 06, 202132:29
Make sure a student is in the room: Engaging student voice for equity and inclusion

Make sure a student is in the room: Engaging student voice for equity and inclusion

Dr. Kevin Leichtman spent years teaching and collected many stories of impact through those years.  While many educators keep those stories locked away, Dr. Leichtman decided to use them for good.  He interviewed ten of his former students to discuss how schools made a difference for them.  In this journey, Dr. Leichtman discovered the importance of student voice and found out, from the students themselves, how school can do a better job of centering student voices for more equitable school environments.  He published these ten stories in THE PERFECT TEN, a book that just came out this month.  

littlethings1st.com

Mar 30, 202135:34
A Breakfast Club for 2021: Greeting Posts, Woot-Woot Wagons, and Recess Planning
Mar 16, 202132:21
Opening Day in Baseball and School: Making sure every student has a meaningful connection with an adult

Opening Day in Baseball and School: Making sure every student has a meaningful connection with an adult

Today, Tracy and Jim interview Dr. Tron Young, the middle school principal of the year out of Illinois.  Dr. Young tells us about the little things that make the difference, especially in the formative middle school years.  Listen to what he does to turn the first teacher day back into something special, for his staff and his students.  Also, Dr. Young tells Tracy and Jim how he identifies students that the staff has solid connections with and those students who require a little more attention.  A truly inspirational interview that you don't want to miss!

littlethings1st.com

Mar 09, 202133:26
Balancing task and relationship and monitoring the candy dish: An Interview with Author Megan Tschannen-Moran

Balancing task and relationship and monitoring the candy dish: An Interview with Author Megan Tschannen-Moran

Last week, Tracy and Jim discussed the text TRUST MATTERS, which helps schools and leaders prioritize the building of trust in their work to improve schools.  Tracy and Jim shared their thoughts about the book, but what does the actual author have to say?  This week, Dr. Megan Tschannen-Moran talks about her book which is now in its second edition.  She talks about the key to trust which is balancing task and relationship.  What does this mean exactly?  Find out in this episode!

littlethings1st.com

Mar 02, 202133:21
Book Club--Trust Matters: Tracy and Jim Chat and Chew

Book Club--Trust Matters: Tracy and Jim Chat and Chew

It's time for another book club!  We hope you will join us for TRUST MATTERS, a book by Megan Tschannen-Moran, that explores how to go beyond relationships to deep and lasting trust.  Without trust, nothing else matters.  Tracy and Jim chat about the book this week and chew on the deep concepts it presents.  Next week, we talk to the author to see if our understandings and applications measure up to Dr. Tschannen-Moran's intentions.  Join us?

littlethings1st.com

Feb 23, 202134:44
What Exactly is Dyslexia? A Dyslexia Scholar Uncovers the Evidence
Feb 16, 202128:26
Inspiring Minds Want to Know: Managing Partnerships to Improve Student Outcomes

Inspiring Minds Want to Know: Managing Partnerships to Improve Student Outcomes

Coutney Monterecy is a state principal of the year and national distinguished principal in Providence, Rhode Island who has a unique way of addressing the needs of English Language Learners in her school.  In addition, she discusses her efforts, along with her district, of ensuring that school partnerships (with businesses and agencies from the community) are carefully aligned with the needs of her school.  Some principals can attest to the importance of school-comnnunjity relationships.  However, these relationships must be well-managed to ensure that they meet the needs of students.  Meet Courtney who is making a tremendous difference as a school leader!

littlethings1st.com

Feb 02, 202134:54
Got Grit? The Advantages and Disadvantages of a "Gritty" Curriculum

Got Grit? The Advantages and Disadvantages of a "Gritty" Curriculum

Dr. Amy Lyon has been researching and writing about grit for several years now.  What are the little things that a teacher and school can do to build, strengthen , and/or promote grit?  What about kids who already come with gritty backgrounds and experiences?  How can we use what they already know to enhance their academic grit?  

Reach out to Dr. Lyon at bitofgrit@gmail.com.

littlethings1st.com

Jan 26, 202134:35
Democracy is Hard: Helping students charter a course through a national crisis

Democracy is Hard: Helping students charter a course through a national crisis

Are you wondering if you should and how to bring up the recent Capitol riots with students in your class?  As an educational leader, how do you we support teachers to safely explore politically-charged issues?  Robert Austin, who works as a Program Specialist in K-12 Social Studies at the Utah State Board of Education, discusses some of the resources teachers might use to discuss the Capitol riot and the subsequent impeachment with students.  This is a difficult political time, and Mr. Austin stresses educators have an obligation to create space for discussion so that students feel safe to find their own voices.  

littlethings1st.com

Jan 19, 202136:02
Courageous Leadership: Utilizing Student Passion with Dr. Howard Fields

Courageous Leadership: Utilizing Student Passion with Dr. Howard Fields

Dr. Howard Fields is a national distinguished award-winning principal who is described in his biography as a "courageous" leader.  He tells Tracy and Jim what this means to him.  He also talks about his attempts at centering student passions in the schooling experience.  He and his staff sponsored several Passion Days throughout the year, a break from the regular curriculum but a deep dive into the interests of everyone on campus.  According to Dr. Fields, passions are at the heart of students' future problem solving and creativity skills.    Be inspired by the work of this courageous leader!

SBE21.com

littlethings1st.com

Jan 12, 202140:10
Growing in confidence: Building a staff's collective efficacy to close opportunity gaps

Growing in confidence: Building a staff's collective efficacy to close opportunity gaps

Amy Denney is an award-winning principal from Sioux City, Iowa who details her experience bringing three separate schools together as one and how she built cohesion between three separate communties.  She also discusses some of her efforts, along with the district, to create model classrooms and professional learning opportunities for teachers through observation and reflection.  Don't miss this Season 3 premiere episode!

littlethings1st.com

Jan 05, 202132:58
Every Classroom Every Day: A Sixteen-Year Success Story

Every Classroom Every Day: A Sixteen-Year Success Story

Matthew (Matt) Moyer is the Pennsylvania Distinguished Principal of the Year.  We talk to him about his success as a sixteen-year principal in the same school he attended as a child!  He discusses relationships and his philosophy of "every classroom, every day" where he tries to visit every classroom every day even if it's just for a momentary check-in.  We dig deep into what makes this veteran such a success and what we all can learn about leading in today's changing educational climate.


littlethings1st.com

Dec 29, 202029:44
A First Year Principal in the Age of COVID? What New Leaders Need to Be Successful in 2020 and Beyond

A First Year Principal in the Age of COVID? What New Leaders Need to Be Successful in 2020 and Beyond

Rusty Mathis is a new principal in Texas, although she is not new to administration having served for many years as an assistant principal.  Rusty tells us about her experiences leading in this unique time, what she has learned, and what supports new principals like her need to be successful. 

littlethings1st.com

Dec 22, 202032:55
Getting Students to Drive Their Own Learning: An Interview with Douglas Fisher

Getting Students to Drive Their Own Learning: An Interview with Douglas Fisher

Dr. Doug Fisher and his colleagues have been at the forefront of the latest educational research including working with Nancy Frey and John Hattie on books about teacher clarity and assessment-capable learners in all subject areas.  Most recently, he and his colleagues have turned to distance learning and how we can take what we know about pedagogy into the distance learning setting.  He discusses what he has learned about teaching from afar and what the legacy of distance education might be.  

littlethings1st.com

https://www.fisherandfrey.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/FisherandFrey

Dec 15, 202032:15
A Work of Transformation: Claiming Our Independence Through Literacy

A Work of Transformation: Claiming Our Independence Through Literacy

Drs. Kylene Beers and Robert Probst have been working together for years.  Listeners may be familiar with some of their previous works like NOTICE AND NOTE and DISRUPTING THINKING.  Out new today, their latest book is a departure of sorts as they look at the purposes and passions of reading and how we can get young people excited about reading.  Dr. Beers and Dr. Probst delve into what it means to be a reader for critical thinking and for betterment off our citizenry.   FORGED BY READING is available December 8th on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Forged-Reading-Power-Literate-Life/dp/1338670905/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=KYLENE+BEERS&qid=1607295749&sr=8-1.

littlethings1st.com

Dec 08, 202040:06
A Recipe for English Learners: One Award-Winning Principal's Success Story

A Recipe for English Learners: One Award-Winning Principal's Success Story

Carrie Weldon never intended to be the principal of an elementary school.  A secondary specialist, Carrie was surprised when her district asked her to take over Ashley Elementary.  Carrie probably had little idea at the time how much of an impact she would have on the school.  Ashley Elementary is located in a rural area of Utah called Vernal and is a Title I school with an emerging population of English Language Learners (ELLs).  Early on, Carrie noticed that her ELLs were performing and making progress less well than other student groups.  It was this knowledge that set her on the way to making improvements that would get her school on the national map.  Listen to how she did it in this episode.

littlethings1st.com

Dec 01, 202036:20
Schools Can Disrupt or Reinforce Trauma: An Interview with Dr. Paul Gorski

Schools Can Disrupt or Reinforce Trauma: An Interview with Dr. Paul Gorski

Dr. Paul Gorski has been writing about equity and social justice for years.  His latest article in "Educational Leadership" takes a look at how schools might reinforce trauma through practices that are meant to be trauma-informed.  In our interview, Dr. Gorski discusses some of the little ways educators might avoid the trap of hurting rather than helping students they are intending to help.  

littlethings1st.com


Nov 24, 202035:57
Practice makes permanent: Using the PLC as a place to grow teaching practice

Practice makes permanent: Using the PLC as a place to grow teaching practice

Shonielle Roberson and her staff at New Stanley Elementary have found a recipe for success.  One of their strategies is use of an electronic data board.  They also use PLCs strategically as a way of building teacher capacity through intentional work and practice.  Using the text LEVERAGE LEADERSHIP (Bambrick Santoro) as a guide, the New Stanley faculty creates assessment exemplars and then practices delivery of instruction, providing one another with feedback.  Ms. Roberson makes it all sound easy, but it really involves some heavy lifting.  Hear how she does this and other strategies she uses to keep student learning at the center of her school's ongoing improvement efforts.

littlethings1st.com


Nov 17, 202035:14
Trust Teachers and Wrap Them in an Environment of Support and Care

Trust Teachers and Wrap Them in an Environment of Support and Care

WE'RE BACK!  After a two week break, we have some terrific guests lined up in the coming weeks including talks with Douglas Fisher, Paul Gorski, and Kylene Beers and Rob Probst of NOTICE AND NOTE fame!  Stay tuned!

This week, we talk with Dr. Dana Winters.  This episode is a follow-up to the interview we did with Dr. Junlei Li of the Fred Rogers Center about simple interactions, those powerful human-to-human developmental interactions that bring out the best in one another.  Dr. Winters takes Dr. Li's interview one step further, applying simple interactions to the K-12 setting. What little things can educators do to prioritize human relationships while at the same time advancing student learning and achievement?  Doing both simultaneously is not only do-able, it's preferable!  Find out how!

littlethings1st.com


Nov 10, 202034:51
A special announcement from Tracy and Jim!
Oct 27, 202001:08
Have we been teaching reading comprehension wrong all these years? Misreading the Standards--An Interview with Natalie Wexler

Have we been teaching reading comprehension wrong all these years? Misreading the Standards--An Interview with Natalie Wexler

Journalist Natalie Wexler has uncovered what may be wrong with our comprehension reading instruction.  She contends that a focus on comprehension skills has led us down the wrong path.  There is something far more profound that can be used to address comprehension difficulties in schools, that some reading programs have already started to address.  Find out what that is on this week's episode.  

littlethings1st.com

nataliewexler.com

https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/resources/social-studies-instruction-and-reading-comprehension


Oct 20, 202030:42
Teaching Underwater: The Real-Time Challenges of Distance Learning
Oct 13, 202029:01
Grappling with the quality of teacher professional development: The Five Ps of Professional Learning
Oct 06, 202033:02
Reaching Every Single Student Every Single Day: AR/VR, project-based learning, and other ways to engage students during a pandemic

Reaching Every Single Student Every Single Day: AR/VR, project-based learning, and other ways to engage students during a pandemic

This week, we interview blogger, educational leader, teacher, and author Rachelle Dene Poth who has dabbled in just about everything teaching and learning with an emphasis on engaging students through augmented reality, virtual reality, and project-based learning.  Ms. Poth discusses how we can use these mediums regardless of the delivery model to more adequately reach every student every day. 

littlethings1st.com

Sep 29, 202031:51
Assessment to Achievement: A New (Yet Familiar) Take on Professional Learning

Assessment to Achievement: A New (Yet Familiar) Take on Professional Learning

Debbie Drummond has been around for awhile.  She had seen it all, or so she thought.  And then she was introduced to Assessment to Achievement, a seemingly simple approach to professional learning and school reform that is being implemented in schools across the country.  A2A, as it is called, takes elements of the past and repackages them in a system that helps schools collaborate and implement small changes, leading to improved student outcomes.  What is A2A?  Find out this week!

littlethings1st.com


Sep 22, 202033:07
Demoralized Teachers Part 2: An Interview with Scholar Doris Santoro

Demoralized Teachers Part 2: An Interview with Scholar Doris Santoro

Dr. Doris Santoro has written. book called DEMORALIZED about the ways that teachers are marginalized in education improvement efforts and how we can re-moralize them with very specific school actions.  It isn't hopeless!  Tracy and Jim visited about the book three weeks ago and now get to ask all their questions of Dr. Santoro herself.  Join in and consider the ways that educators can re-moralize one another and themselves.  

littlethings1st.com

Sep 15, 202048:32
The Secret Is There Is No Secret: Straight out of God's Country

The Secret Is There Is No Secret: Straight out of God's Country

Brad Larrabee is the principal of two successful schools, one a nationally-recognized Title I school.  Mr. Larabee shares with Tracy and Jim his formula for success, which relies an awful lot on culture and relationships.  In addition, he has a five-year strategic plan developed with district leadership to prioritize additional high-leverage activities.  Mr. Larrabee is in a rural district and says that rural life is a culture that needs to be acknowledged, accepted, and learned from.  There is certainly a lot to be learned from this award-winning principal.  

littlethings1st.com 

Sep 08, 202038:24
Education That Serves Democracy: What should it look like?

Education That Serves Democracy: What should it look like?

Dr. Kevin Kumashoiro talks about a very important topic for a very important time--what would education for democracy look like?  How do educators navigate the liberatory and oppressive tensions that co-exist within the very existence of democracy?  Dr. Kumashiro explores these topics and more, which are particularly relevant in 2020.  Dr. Kumashoro reflects on how educators can perform small acts to address anti-oppressive educational practices and how educators might respond to systemic and overt racism including the rise in aggression toward Asian-Americans.

https://www.kevinkumashiro.com

www.littlethings1st.com



 

Sep 02, 202040:22
Demoralized Teachers: Tracy and Jim Chat and Chew

Demoralized Teachers: Tracy and Jim Chat and Chew

For the second time, Tracy and Jim discuss a book on the podcast.  This time, it is DEMORALIZED by Dr. Doris Santoro.  Tracy chose the book because of her concern over teacher retention.  In the past, Tracy and Jim have discussed concerns over morale, stress, and psychological safety, and they continue that discussion today.  What are your thoughts about how to re-moralize public education so that teachers will come and then stay?  Join the discussion at on Facebook @littlethingsfirst.

littlethings1st.com

Aug 25, 202039:23
Once a gorilla, always a gorilla (endless possibilities): Keeping kids at the center
Aug 18, 202035:08
The Primacy of Race: The Oversuspension of Students of Color

The Primacy of Race: The Oversuspension of Students of Color

Dr. Russell Skiba is a an education Professor who has studied disproportionate discipline in schools for decades.  Now retired, Dr. Skiba talks to Tracy and Jim about what he has learned from his and others' research about the little things we can do to be more compassionate in our discipline efforts.  

littlethings1st.com


Aug 11, 202037:02
Everyone is a Leader: An Award-Winning Principal Out of Georgia Talks Little Things

Everyone is a Leader: An Award-Winning Principal Out of Georgia Talks Little Things

Latricia Reeves is an award-winning principal out of Georgia who talks about leadership as a central focus, for staff and students.  They use the Leader in Me program to build student leadership and social emotional skills.  In addition, there is an emphasis on collective teacher efficacy and relationships.  Ms. Reeves has been at the school for 15 years as the community and staff has changed.  Her endurance has created a school that people long to be a part of.  

littlethings1st.com

https://classdojo.com


Aug 04, 202034:18