In this episode, Craig Randall interviews first grade teacher Susan Anderson. Susan, who started her career later in life after adopting two children, speaks on the value of building trust and relationships with students to foster a positive learning environment. The conversation covers her approach to formative assessments, differentiation, behavior management, and creating engaging classroom experiences.

00:00 Introduction

00:37 Meet Susan Anderson

00:51 Susan's Journey to Teaching

02:57 COVID Challenges and Overcoming

06:59 Building Trust with Students

14:34 Formative Assessment Practices

29:37 Behavior Management Strategies

33:34 Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Craig Randall sits down with Rocio Avalos, a first-grade teacher with 35 years of experience at Whitney Elementary.

They discuss her journey from aspiring chemical engineer to passionate educator, her classroom management and relationship-building techniques, and the significance of routines and responsibilities in fostering a successful learning environment.

Rocio also shares her experience with different observation models and reflects on the impact of the Trust Based Observations model.

00:00 Introduction to Rocio Avalos

00:43 Rocio Avalos' Journey and Teaching Philosophy

01:46 Classroom Management and Relationships

20:20 The Importance of Routines and Responsibilities

21:09 Trust Based Observations vs. Danielson Model

In this episode host Craig Randall interviews Morgan Adams, a first-grade teacher from Trinity Midland School in Midland, Texas.

They discuss Morgan's journey into teaching, the challenges and joys of the profession, and the importance of building relationships and trust in the classroom.

Morgan shares her creative and engaging classroom strategies, emphasizing the balance between structure and novelty, and provides insights into improving teacher observation techniques.

This podcast features a deep dive into the innovative teaching methods implemented by second-grade teacher Summer Miller in Yakima, Washington.

Summer shares her journey into teaching, her transition from kindergarten to second grade, and how trust and student engagement are at the core of her teaching philosophy.

The conversation highlights the use of whiteboards for math problems, allowing every student to actively participate and solve equations.

Through a method called 'number talks,' Summer emphasizes the importance of giving students time to think and process information, fostering a classroom environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. She also discusses strategies for scaffolding, formative assessment, and the crucial role of questioning in developing student understanding.

Summer's approach showcases the importance of creating a safe, respectful space for learning, where students can gain confidence and thrive academically.

00:24 Meet Summer Miller: A Second Grade Teacher's Journey

01:45 Innovative Teaching with Whiteboards in Math Class

04:18 The Power of Number Talks in Math Education

08:59 Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Mistakes

14:10 Scaffolding and Engagement: Teaching as an Act

18:11 Formative Assessment and Individualized Learning

20:55 The Evolution of Questioning Techniques

This episode features Liz Smith, a fifth-grade teacher at Robertson Elementary School, and focuses on trust-based observations and strategies for effective teaching.

Liz, with a decade of experience, emphasizes the importance of caring for students, understanding their individual needs, and the critical nature of work-life balance in teaching.

The conversation covers the significance of formative assessments, progress tracking, and relationship-building in the classroom.
Liz shares insights into making learning interactive, leveraging self and peer assessments, and integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) into daily activities.

Special attention is given to the implementation of grading systems, the creation of a supportive learning environment, and the role of reflective practices in both teacher and student growth.

00:37 Meet Liz Smith: A Fifth Grade Teacher's Journey

01:10 The Impact of Growing Up in a Teaching Family

01:19 The Essence of Caring in Teaching

02:29 Balancing Work and Life as a Teacher

09:25 Formative Assessment and Student Engagement

17:11 Building Relationships and Classroom Management

20:18 Self-Assessment and Tracking Student Progress

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Malik Bryant, a dedicated educator at Martin Luther School, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania.

Malik shares his personal journey from pursuing a business degree to finding his calling in teaching, driven by his innate desire to help others.

His story unfolds from his initial job roles to his impactful position at Martin Luther School, thanks to his brother's encouragement. Martin Luther School, specializing in social and emotional behavior support, has a unique approach to education, focusing on behavioral management alongside academic excellence to reintegrate students into their districts.

Malik's transformative teaching methods, which emphasize understanding each student's needs, differentiation, and encouragement, are discussed. His approach, based on building strong relationships and fostering confidence through continuous encouragement and a rewards system, has had a profound effect on his students.

The conversation delves into Malik's first-hand experiences and successful strategies in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of asking questions to promote self-learning among students, rather than providing answers. This approach ensures students grow academically and personally, fostering a positive learning environment. Malik's exemplary dedication to teaching and personal philosophy of making learning accessible and enjoyable sets a remarkable example for educators everywhere.

00:00 Introduction to Trust Based Observations with Malik Bryant

00:29 Malik Bryant's Journey into Teaching

02:59 The Unique Approach of Martin Luther School

05:36 Building Confidence and Relationships in the Classroom

07:01 Understanding and Adapting to Each Student's Needs

16:06 The Art of Questioning to Enhance Learning

18:45 Personal Teaching Philosophy and Building Student Confidence

In this episode Craig interviews Claire Littell, an English literature teacher at a Catholic high school in Ocala, Florida.

Claire shares her unexpected journey into teaching, highlighting the critical role of mentorship and the importance of forming authentic, trust-based relationships with students.

Despite initial challenges, including adapting to different school environments and student backgrounds, Claire discovered her passion for teaching through connecting with students on a personal level and leveraging literature to engage them deeply.

Her strategy includes using puns for humor and building rapport, meticulously planning lessons to manage cognitive load, and employing literature as a tool for personal reflection and ethical consideration among students.

The conversation underscores the transformative power of education when teachers genuinely invest in their students' educational and personal growth.

00:31 Claire Littell's Journey into Teaching

01:42 Challenges and Triumphs in Early Teaching Experiences

05:11 Building Relationships Through Vulnerability and Humor

06:09 The Impact of Mentorship on Teaching Paths

08:01 Deep Dive into Teaching Shakespeare

22:15 Utilizing Literature to Reflect on Life Choices

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Stephanie Guy, an elementary teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Boise, Idaho.

Stefanie shares her journey from a career in fashion to becoming an educator, now in her ninth year. She discusses the positive impact of her customer service experience at Nordstrom on her teaching approach, emphasizing the importance of catering to students' needs.

She elaborates on her teaching strategies, highlighting the use of songs, peer teaching, and student-led learning to enhance engagement and understanding.

The episode explores Stephanie's focus on building a classroom community based on trust, respect, and high expectations, where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities.

She also underscores the significance of visible learning, self-assessment, and feedback in fostering student ownership and success.

01:27 Stefanie's Journey from Fashion to Education

02:33 Incorporating Business Strategies into Teaching

03:41 Visible Learning and Student Engagement Techniques

11:01 Creating a Classroom Culture of Trust and Learning

13:19 Effective Classroom and Student Behavior Management

16:15 Building Strong Relationships and Community in the Classroom

18:03 Leveraging Music and Student Leadership in Lessons

24:32 The Power of Self-Assessment and Feedback in Learning