TL;DR: The pandemic has caused a gap between students from access to resources, support, and learning environments. Students’ circumstances impacted their ability to learn creating interrupted and unfinished learning experiences. There was a vast difference in what students’ learning spaces were like outside of the classroom. Reflecting on what students have gone through and how this translates into our classrooms … Read More
Finding JOY in the Small Moments
TL;DR: The past few years during the pandemic have been some of the most difficult for everyone. People have suffered great losses. Throughout this time, learning to find JOY in the small moments has been imperative. Even in the darkest moments, JOY is there waiting for us if we just seek it. What is JOY? Joy is the little glimmer … Read More
Show 66: Flipping Classes with a TikTok Teacher
Bethany Petty is a passionate, energetic, dedicated educator focused on providing her students with experiences that will best serve them as learners. She was willing to freestyle rap at a moment’s notice and then translated that into rapping on TikTok. She creates an environment where students have to fulfill high expectations and engage in meaningful work. Even still, her actions … Read More
The Seeds of Self-Compassion
TL;DR: Brad Hughes interviewed Lisa Baylis, the author of the book Self-Compassion for Educators. Compassion is when we see suffering, stress, and struggle, and we have a desire to alleviate it. You are someone who is important to take care of. The first component of self-compassion is mindfulness—being aware of our thoughts and feelings. The second component is loving-kindness—attending to … Read More
Episode #156: Bill Renner
Bill Renner is principal and chief storyteller of The Amazing Spencer Elementary in Brighton, Michigan. He serves his elementary school with a daily focus on relationships by laughing together, focusing on success, and learning from failure. Whether serving lunch, helping his staff reach their goals, or offering to assist a student with a task, it’s daily servanthood for Bill. In … Read More