In this episode of the Beyond Standards podcast, hosts Joe and Jeff discuss the current state of education amidst political changes, particularly focusing on Trump's education agenda. They explore the role of the Department of Education, the importance of parental rights, the need for great teachers and principals, and the controversial topics of critical race theory and patriotism in education. The conversation also touches on school safety, universal school choice, project-based learning, and the significance of internships and career counseling for students.

Summary

In this episode of the Beyond Standards podcast, hosts Joe and Jeff discuss the realities of teaching and personal challenges faced by educators. Joe shares his recent health scare involving a brain tumor, detailing his journey from diagnosis to seeking support from colleagues and communicating with students. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a strong support system, self-care, and open communication in the teaching profession.

In this episode of the Beyond Standards podcast, hosts Joe and Jeff return after a brief hiatus to discuss a pressing issue in education: student disrespect. They share personal stories, including a memorable incident where Jeff received a series of disrespectful emails from a student. The hosts explore the causes of disrespect, emphasizing the role of parental influence and societal changes. They also offer practical classroom management strategies, such as setting high expectations and building strong relationships with students. Additionally, they discuss the importance of administrative support and positive reinforcement. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how teachers can navigate and mitigate disrespect in the classroom.

In this episode of “Beyond Standards: The Reality of Teaching,” hosts Joe and Jeff sit down with Jimmy O’Brien, a first-year third-grade teacher, to discuss his journey into education and the challenges he’s faced so far. Jimmy shares his unconventional path to teaching, which included stints in various industries before he found his calling in education. Despite significant personal challenges, including a brain aneurysm and spinal fusion surgery, Jimmy’s resilience and dedication to teaching shine through as he talks about his commitment to his students and his passion for building a positive classroom environment.

Jimmy delves into the realities of his first few weeks in the classroom, highlighting the importance of developing his own procedures and expectations while managing the overwhelming workload that comes with being a new teacher. He emphasizes the value of restorative practices and building strong relationships with students through daily morning circles and personal interactions. Jimmy’s approach to classroom management focuses on creating a community where students feel valued and involved in setting the rules and routines.

The episode also touches on the support Jimmy has received from his colleagues and mentors at Amerman Elementary, which has been crucial to his early success. He expresses gratitude for the guidance and camaraderie that have helped him navigate the complexities of his new role. As the conversation wraps up, Jimmy offers advice to other first-year teachers, stressing the importance of giving oneself grace and building a personal brand that reflects one’s values and dedication to the profession.

In this episode of Beyond Standards, Joe and Jeff take a deep dive into one of the most frustrating aspects of teaching: professional development (PD). With humor and honesty, they explore the top reasons why PD often falls flat for teachers, from irrelevant content to endless PowerPoint presentations. Drawing from their own experiences, they discuss the ways in which PD misses the mark, and offer practical solutions for how it could be improved to better serve educators.

Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode will resonate with anyone who’s ever sat through a mind-numbing PD session. Tune in for real talk, relatable stories, and some much-needed laughs about the state of professional development today.

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a PD agenda, this episode is for you!

In this episode of "Beyond Standards," hosts Joe and Jeff welcome back Jason Brooks, a seasoned teacher with over 25 years of experience who has also ventured into the world of comic book creation. Jason shares his unique journey from being a lifelong comic enthusiast to becoming a published comic book author. He discusses the balance between his teaching career and his creative pursuits, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Jason delves into the process of writing, publishing, and promoting his comics, and reflects on how his work in the classroom has influenced his storytelling.

In addition to sharing his story, Jason talks about his latest project, "Jane American: The Graphic Novel," and his ongoing Kickstarter campaign to bring this exciting new work to life. If you’re a fan of comics, a supporter of creative educators, or just love a great story, check out Jason's Kickstarter and consider backing his novel. You can support Jason's campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/724960070/jane-american-the-graphic-novel?ref=discovery&term=jane%20american&total_hits=4&category_id=252

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Emerich France, a distinguished educator, consultant, and author of the thought-provoking book "Make Teaching Sustainable: Six Shifts That Teachers Want and Students Need." Paul shares his unique journey from being a classroom teacher to becoming a prominent advocate for sustainable teaching practices. He offers a fresh perspective on the challenges educators face today and discusses how the current education system often prioritizes industry over humanity, leading to widespread burnout among teachers.

Paul delves into the six critical mindset shifts outlined in his book, each designed to help teachers create a more sustainable and balanced approach to education. These shifts include moving from a focus on rigid standards to a more flexible, student-centered approach, and from individualism to a collective mindset that values collaboration and shared growth. He emphasizes the importance of minimalism in education, encouraging teachers to prioritize what truly matters in their teaching practice, and offers practical strategies for fostering a more humane and empathetic classroom environment.

Throughout the episode, Paul provides actionable insights and advice that are not only applicable to educators but also relevant to anyone involved in the education sector. His passion for reclaiming the joy and purpose of teaching is evident as he discusses how these shifts can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable career for teachers. Whether you’re a teacher looking for ways to combat burnout, an administrator aiming to support your staff, or simply interested in the future of education, this episode is a must-listen. Paul Emerich France’s wisdom and experience offer a roadmap for making teaching a sustainable and rewarding profession.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of gamifying the classroom with Michele Haiken, author of Gamify Literacy: Boost Comprehension, Collaboration, and Learning. Michele, a seasoned English teacher from Westchester, New York, and adjunct professor at Manhattanville College, shares her extensive experience and innovative strategies for integrating game-based learning into the classroom.

Michele discusses the inspiration behind her approach, highlighting the importance of engagement and motivation in student learning. She explains how gamification can transform traditional assignments into exciting quests and missions, keeping students intrigued and on their toes. Throughout the episode, Michele provides practical examples and insights into creating a gamified learning environment, drawing from her experiences with tools like Classcraft and her blog, The Teaching Factor.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Gamify Literacy: Boost Comprehension, Collaboration, and Learning
• Classcraft
• The Teaching Factor