Sweat The Technique

This week on Sweat the Technique, Doug sits down with Ben Katcher, a teacher at Brightstar Schools and publisher of Knowledge First. They discuss Ben’s favorite teaching tool - the knowledge organizer.And make sure to subscribe to Ben's newsletter here!

This week on Sweat the Technique, Doug sits down with his co-host Ravi Gupta to continue a conversation about the future of education, along with some possible solutions to our schools’ greatest challenges.

Ravi Gupta, a former leader of Tennessee's charter school network and founder of a training organization for Democratic candidates, dives into the future of education. He shares transformative ideas like education savings accounts and the benefits of decentralized systems. Gupta discusses the erosion of trust in schools and the need for cross-partisan collaboration to bridge societal divides. He also emphasizes the importance of teacher autonomy and cognitive science in improving reading comprehension, advocating for a reevaluation of American teaching methods.

In this discussion with Pritesh Raichura, an innovative science teacher and assistant principal at Arc Zone Academy, he shares his journey in education, highlighting his high-achieving students and unique teaching strategies. Pritesh emphasizes the power of building student relationships and fostering a collaborative classroom culture. He discusses effective engagement techniques like hand raising and structured participation that promote psychological safety. Through examples, he illustrates how clear teaching methods and interactive learning enhance student understanding and confidence.

Tom Bennett, founder of ResearchEd and acclaimed author, dives into the realms of classroom behavior and education. He discusses the vital role of self-discipline over mere motivation for student success. Bennett explores how disruptive behaviors hinder learning and advocates for structured environments. He also addresses modern distractions, emphasizing the need for silence to enhance focus. He delves into the emotional aspects influencing educational achievement and reflects on restoring faith in educational institutions amidst skepticism.

This week on Sweat the Technique, Doug sits down with Ashley Rogers Berner, author of Educational Pluralism and Democracy: How to Handle Indoctrination, Promote Exposure, and Rebuild America’s Schools.Berner, who has studied school systems around the world, describes how ‘pluralism’--multiple pathways within a system of publicly supported schools–is the norm among democracies. Pluralism allows families to choose schools that align to their values and beliefs but also ensure consistent outcomes necessary to sustaining democracy. She proposes a reimagining of both the structure and content of the US public school systems to educate the citizens of tomorrow.

Kinyette Henderson, a former student of Ryan Hill at KIPP Team Academy, is now an English teacher and co-director of diversity and inclusion at the Hotchkiss School. She reflects on her transformative school experiences, discussing how early lessons shaped her success. The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining discipline and evolving educational practices. Kinyette also emphasizes balancing structure with student autonomy, highlighting how these influences affect her teaching methods today.

Scott Young, an author known for his expertise in mastering skills and personal development, shares valuable insights on personal growth and learning. He discusses the balance between ambitions and realities, highlighting how to align personal goals with the demands of everyday life. Scott also tackles the myth of learning styles, emphasizing a more universal approach to education. The importance of variability in practice is explored, alongside strategies for overcoming fear through exposure, paving the way toward mastery and confidence.

This week on Sweat the Technique, Stacey sits down with Mike Erwin, CEO of the Character & Leadership Center, Director of Team Red White and Blue, and co- author of Leadership is a Relationship: How to Put People First in the Digital World.Mike and his book offer concrete strategies for combating the depersonalization of the Information Age and strengthening our connections with other people.

Blouke Carus, a seasoned leader and Chairman Emeritus of the Carus Corporation, shares invaluable lessons from his 96 years of life. He discusses the crucial need for educational reform and empowering teachers for transformative change. Blouke emphasizes the significance of meaningful life choices, particularly in marriage. His insights on embracing differences and promoting lifelong learning highlight the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices. He also reflects on how classic mythology can enhance cognitive growth in children, blending wisdom with personal anecdotes.