Top 10 ‘Must Listen’ Episodes from the Empowering Educators Podcast
The Always A Lesson’s Empowering Educators Podcast has been around since June 14, 2015. It is currently in the Top 200 Education Podcasts in the K-12 category on iTunes, with over 100,000 downloads to listeners in 46 countries worldwide.
If you need a weekly ‘pick-me-up’ to remind yourself of the amazing work you are doing as an educator, this podcast is for you! In fact, if you go to iTunes, you can subscribe so new episodes automatically download onto your device every week making things super easy when you are ready to listen on the go! (Don’t worry, if you do not have an apple product, you can listen right from my website here.)
Podcasts are a great professional development tool as you learn from amazing educators around the globe. Not only are you honing your craft as you listen, but you are feeling inspired to be your best everyday for those you serve. (And a few laughs along the way too!)
If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the podcast yet, or missed a few episodes here and there, below is a list of the Top 10 ‘Must Listen’ Episodes from the Always A Lesson’s Empowering Educators Podcast (based on download statistics), meaning educators LOVE and APPROVE of these specific episodes. Take a listen at your leisure:
10) 150: Bonus Edition- Interview with Beckett Haight
Beckett Haight is a former student with special needs who went on to become a Special Educator. After getting expelled from 6th grade he had an IEP and special education services stemming from ADHD and Oppositional Defiance Disorder until graduating high school. This led him to becoming a volunteer in Special Needs classrooms in high school, then a Teacher Assistant for four years while in college, and he has been a Special Education teacher for the past 13 years in California, the Dominican Republic, Kuwait, Ethiopia and now Mexico. He is National Board Certified in Exceptional Needs, a Masters of Science in Special Education, and a Masters of Education Technology. He loves all aspects of Special Education, but has a particular passion for behavior support and post-secondary transition. He has been in the education game for 18 years and doesn’t see anything changing for the next 18.
The first few years as a teacher in a classroom can be overwhelming trying to learn all of the ropes. But, how a teacher spends this time period is critical to the longevity of their career. Tune in to hear tips and tricks (as well as fabulous resources) for how to be a sponge as a new teacher so that you can be more effective faster!
Teaching is overwhelming and teachers often put themselves last in self-care. This leads to burn out and a short career. Advocating for your needs can be hard and well, awkward. But by reflecting on what you need, requesting what you need, and requiring what you need you’ll be able to lead your own march! Tune in to hear 4 actionable steps to ensure you advocate for your needs just as successfully as you do for your students.
7) 127: Classroom Management like PB & J
Classroom management can be tricky when we react to student behavior instead of setting up procedures. Oftentimes, we let the heat of the moment control our brain and we end up making decisions that hinder student learning. Tune in to hear two scenarios of classroom management struggles where tips are shared so that the problem and solution go together like a delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
6) 140: Bonus Edition- Interview with Kayse Morris
Kayse Morris is a teacher by day and a curriculum designer by night. She develops quality resources for teachers grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. She has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, a Masters in Instructional Technology and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. She has a passion for life and thinks that beauty lies within the simple things. Her philosophy is that ‘Simplicity is where the magic happens.’ Kayse thrives on student relationships and rigorous instruction. Her catch phrase is: “Let’s teach on less, love a little more, and change the world one child at a time. It’s time to bring teaching back to the basics.” Kayse has had the privilege of working with Amazon during this back to school season as a LIVE television host on Amazon Live. In addition, she also worked with Georgia Public Television and the Georgia Department of Education.
5) 134: Go Slow to Improve Fast
To truly become GREAT at something, it requires intention, practice, reflection, and time. Effective educators are no different. Tune in to hear 8 tips for how new teachers can transform their novice abilities into accomplished, effective talent.
4) 142: Praise Isn’t Just a Professional Thing
Acknowledging the talents and contributions of others shouldn’t be limited to something only done in our professional lives. We have to pour into each other in all aspects of our lives. Tune in to hear how I incorporate building relationships through empowering others in my everyday life and how you can do it too!
3) 131: Slaying the Myth of Differentiation
Differentiation is the latest buzz in education, but the reality of what it looks like in the classroom has yet to be solidified. Many new teachers struggle with providing personalized learning experiences to their students not because they do not understand what differentiation is, rather it’s the logistical, organizational part of differentiation that leaves them stuck. Tune in to hear what you can do today to begin differentiating instruction for your students!
2) 108: The Myth of Classroom Decor
Teachers enjoy decorating their classroom, but making over a classroom with stuff does not improve student achievement or instructional effectiveness. Tune in to hear about 3 characteristics that make over a classroom – and one of them is not classroom décor!
The summer is upon us and teachers are busy relaxing… nope, teachers are busy preparing for a successful school year. This busyness is translating into going overboard in their preparation- especially due to Pinterest/Instagram photos of classroom set ups and inner workings in other classrooms around the world. Tune in to hear how to deal with the pressure of keeping up and making decisions that solely have an impact on student achievement.
If you listened to these 10 episodes, you yourself are now officially an ELITE EDUCATOR. Welcome to the club! Now, go out and be great because you have just been EMPOWERED!
Which episode is your favorite and why?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.