The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast

We're living in troubling times. When you're surrounded by so much chaos and confusion, it can be hard to figure out where to put your focus and energy. At a time like this, it might not make sense to talk about joy, but that's what were going to do in this episode. My guest is Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, author of the book Cultivating Genius and the 2023 follow-up, Unearthing Joy. We sat down to talk about about why joy is essential in our lives and in our teaching practice. She shares how to bring more joy into your classroom right now, how it connects to justice, and why it’s an essential survival skill for teachers. This conversation gave me hope, and I hope it does the same for you. ______________________________________________________________ Thanks to EVERFI and The School Me Podcast for sponsoring this episode. For links to Dr. Muhammad's books and a full transcript of this episode, visit cultofpedagogy.com/joy-gholdy-muhammad.  

The practice of collecting supplies and distributing them to all students over the school year has become a common practice in elementary schools. Unfortunately, not all parents are happy with it, and much of the trouble stems from a few key misunderstandings. In this episode, my guest Julie Lause explains why schools use these systems and how they ensure that time in class is used effectively and every student gets the best education possible. Thanks to Alpaca and the EVERFI for sponsoring this episode. To read Julie's guest post, visit cultofpedagogy.com/community-supplies. You can find Julie on TikTok at @thebossyhouse 

If the thought of decorating your classroom fills you with anxiety, or if you're just ready to try something different, I have good stuff for you. In this episode, educator and author Tom Rademacher shares two simple activities he did at the beginning of every school year to get to know his students AND fill the walls of his classroom with beautiful, personal, meaningful student products: The One Word Wall and the What You Bring project. Thanks to Alpaca and the EVERFI for sponsoring this episode. To read Tom's guest post and find links to his books, visit cultofpedagogy.com/classroom-decor-one-word. If you do these projects with your students, share photos on social media with the hashtag #onewordwall so we can see! 

Dan Tricarico, an English teacher and author of 'The Zen Teacher,' discusses how he revitalized a love for reading among his students by reintroducing daily silent reading. He shares insights on the challenges posed by digital distractions and the mental well-being benefits of traditional reading practices. Tricarico emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments to engage reluctant readers and reflects on his long teaching journey, advocating for mindfulness and simplicity in education.

Teachers might unwittingly put students in uncomfortable situations when asking them to share personal stories. The podcast draws parallels to Charlie Bucket's struggles in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, highlighting the need for educators to be sensitive to socioeconomic differences. It offers insights on fostering a respectful environment, reminding listeners to avoid potential humiliation and to seek alternative ways to engage all students inclusively.

In this engaging discussion, Amy Tondreau, an assistant professor specializing in literacy, and Laurie Rabinowitz, an education studies professor with a background in special education, share their insights on disability-sustaining pedagogy. They argue that disability should be viewed as a cultural identity rather than a deficit, offering practical strategies to create inclusive and empowering classrooms. The conversation delves into the importance of representation, effective communication between educators, and approaches to embrace diverse learning needs.

In this enlightening discussion, the focus is on how teachers can unleash their inner 'dork' to create a more engaging classroom. By embracing vulnerability, educators can model risk-taking behaviors, making it easier for shy students to participate. The use of interactive activities invites fun and connection, transforming the traditional learning environment. A clever nod to using tools like Studio for better organization also highlights practical strategies for fostering student success. Get ready to encourage a culture of bravery in your classroom!

bink jones, a restorative justice educator, and Alex Shevrin Venet, a trauma-informed consultant, dive into the complexities of school discipline reform. They address the frustrating breakdown of discipline systems that leave teachers feeling unsupported. Both guests emphasize the misinterpretations of restorative practices and advocate for community-building strategies over punitive measures. They also highlight the need for effective training to create safe, respectful classrooms, offering hopeful paths for educators striving for positive change.

Discover the importance of using formative assessments to refine teaching strategies. With real-time feedback, you can pinpoint where students struggle and tailor your approach accordingly. Learn the value of targeted interventions and ensuring their effectiveness. It's all about maximizing learning opportunities and not just moving on after a poor performance. This insightful discussion emphasizes adapting your methods for better student outcomes!

Tony Frontier, an educator and author specializing in curriculum design and AI integration, shares valuable insights on navigating the balance between AI and academic integrity. He discusses practical strategies for encouraging responsible AI use in classrooms, noting the importance of transparency and supportive learning environments. Frontier emphasizes rethinking traditional assignments, fostering student accountability, and promoting critical thinking through innovative approaches. His insights aim to equip educators with the tools to adapt to this new educational landscape.