Episodes

TnT 37 Let’s get ready to STUDENT TEACH

You’ve finally made it to the point where you’re ready to student teach! You’re filled with excitement, anticipation, and ANXIETY about how to prepare. Yes, your teacher preparation program has prepared you for this moment, but you still can’t help but feel like you don’t know what to do the weeks leading up to it....

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TnT 36 Stop doing too much and take back your time

There’s never a shortage of teachers who feel overwhelmed and stressed by all of the demands of teaching. It honestly feels like there’s no time to get everything done AND have time for family, friends, and self-care. That’s about to change. Angela Watson shares her candid insight on how new teachers can finally learn how...

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TnT 35 We need to let go of all of the ‘shoulds’

It’s not unusual for a teacher to suffer from a case of the “shoulds” – a ubiquitous and harmful affliction that affects ALL teachers (ok…everyone). When images of Pinterest-perfect classrooms and abundant sharing on social media are paired with less-than-ideal student work or a miserable teaching environment, teachers start thinking about the things they should be doing....

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TnT 34 Why your students have the right to fail

This idea of students needing to fail, it seems counterintuitive, right? But what if it’s actually in the best interest of the student? Why should a teacher “allow” a student to fail a class? While teachers are charged with ensuring that all students learn and grow academically, there are times when it’s just not possible...

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TnT 33 You’re cheating yourself when you let your students get away with not doing any work

Every teacher is faced with one or several students each year who just refuse to do any work. No matter what they try, these students slouch in their seats and avoid all attempts to produce any evidence of learning. Many teachers give up on these students eventually and just let them fail. But what if they...

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TnT 32 How to tackle grading when you’re waaay behind

Do you have piles of assignments that need grading? Are you feeling overwhelmed by it? You’re not alone! All teachers find themselves buried in grading at some point, and it can seem like there’s no way out of it. While there’s probably no way around having to sit down and do the dirty work, here...

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TnT 31 Ray Steinmetz reveals how to personalize math and make it meaningful for students

Math teachers are tasked with teaching students concepts that they’ll use for life while also getting past students’ fixed mindset of, “I hate math, and I suck at it.” How can teachers keep students motivated and engaged in a Common Core world? Ray Steinmetz explains how personalizing learning, setting up strong systems for formative assessment,...

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TnT 30 Here’s what to do when your lessons just aren’t working

Regardless of how long you’ve been teaching, there will be many moments when your lessons just don’t seem to be working. This is especially frustrating when you’ve taken time to plan the “perfect” lesson or unit, and the students still can’t grasp the concept! When this happens, it can be a valuable learning experience if you...

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TnT 29 How to best handle an angry parent email

Every teacher will receive at least one (if not more) emailed from disgruntled parents. Regardless of who’s at fault, it can be a nerve-wracking experience and have lasting negative effects if not handled properly. How can we address the email in a diplomatic way without having to compromise our class policies and dignity? I provide...

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TnT 28 How to maximize the impact of your lesson planning

Many teachers come into the profession with one of two extremes – they have no idea what they’re supposed to teach and have to plan everything themselves, or they’re given a completely scripted and planned curriculum and have no autonomy. Both of these scenarios can be frustrating especially when these teachers are given little to...

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TnT 27 Laura Kebart reassures us that differentiation doesn’t have to be difficult

All teachers know that they need to differentiate, but what does that look like in a classroom? During the planning stages? In real time? How can a teacher be expected to plan for students performing two grades below and those performing two grades above in the same class? Laura Kebart describes how this doesn’t have to be...

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TnT 26 Erin Sadler helps science teachers make sense of NGSS

The Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS, have been rolled out the past few years with much confusion and anxiety. Veteran science teachers have been grappling with how to shift their way of teaching while new teachers are still attempting to fit all of the pieces together. Erin Sadler discusses the continuing struggles with implementation,...

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TnT 25 How preassessment data and Lexile scores will change the way you teach

In this final installment of my series on examining student data, we look at how preassessment data and Lexile scores can really illuminate gaps in learning for students in any subject area. Getting baseline data in the form a preassessment can help teachers know what skills students come prepared with, and what they may need...

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TnT 24 Latisha Chisholm, LICSW explains how you can best serve your students with IEPs

Students with disabilities that are mainstreamed have unique educational struggles that all teachers must address. New teachers often wonder what they’re required to do with students with IEPs, and how to balance that with the million other things they need to take care of. Latisha Chisholm, LICSW dispels myths and misconceptions about teaching students with...

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TnT 23 What to look for and notice when examining student demographics

On the first day of school, neither you nor your students know much about each other. However, looking at their demographic data prior to that initial meeting can help you get a clearer picture of their particular circumstances. From their socioeconomic status to their English language proficiency, you can use this data before the school year...

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TnT 22 Five types of data you must collect at the beginning of the school year

At the beginning of the school year, many teachers prioritize tasks such as setting up their classroom, going over the curriculum, working on their syllabus, and ironing out classroom procedures and policies. But do they spend the same amount of energy examining student data? Teachers can’t effectively differentiate and measure student growth without first collecting and...

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TnT 21 Sam Fecich’s tips on how preservice teachers can make the most of their education

Preservice teachers have a unique task of cramming as much information and experience on pedagogy, classroom management, educational technology, and much more. How can they leverage what they learn in their credentialing programs so that they have a higher chance of success? Dr. Sam Fecich dives into the core essentials and even has even created...

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TnT 20 Mindset matters: how your mindset becomes your reality in the classroom

It’s no secret that teaching is a rewarding but difficult job. Many teachers go into the career only to become overwhelmed, disillusioned, disheartened, and lost. Could have this been prevented? Possibly, but only if they had examined their own mindset and determined if they were truly ready for the challenges of teaching. Love this show?  ...

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TnT 19 Mari Venturino takes on Twitter as a teacher

Most new teachers have experience using social media, but are they taking advantage of the on-demand professional development and support? Mari Venturino dives into how Twitter can be the PD you’re looking for to grow and become confident as an educator. Love this show?   The giveaway is over, but you can still get your copy...

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TnT 18 Carolyn Gardner helps elementary teachers get ready for back-to-school

It’s back-to-school…elementary style! Elementary school teachers know too well the stresses of preparing for multiple subjects, classroom decor, routines, and systems. Carolyn Gardner tells us what to focus on so that we can truly be prepared for that first day of school. She also has a FABULOUS freebie just for my listeners to help you...

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