Overthrowing Education

Long time educator, attorney and judge, Karen Steinhauser and I discuss how to acknowledge and deal with implicit bias in ourselves, in our classrooms, and in the world around us. On In the Trenches, Dr. Shindale Seale, professor and diversity consultant, talks about the potential connections between implicit bias and microaggression and how to answer them.

Amazing educator and author Matt Miller (Ditch That Textbook) and host Batsheva Frankel discuss the whys and hows of student buy-in and engagement. After the interview, enjoy Matt’s valiant efforts playing a very challenging The 5-Minute Game Show. Former 8th grade student, Naomi T. joins us In the Trenches for the first in a series of students describing their ideal school and education.

Today’s episode examines the importance of differentiated learning and offers tips and tools with expert educators and authors, Angie Ridgeway and Nate Ridgeway, the dynamic mother and son duo who wrote, Don't Ditch That Tech: Differentiation in A Digital World with Matt Miller. The Five-Minute Game Show was quite a challenge this week, but they pulled off a win! I am the “guest” on In the Trenches sharing messages from frustrated parents, and celebrating the many educators whose great examples in differentiated learning can inspire us.

On today’s episode , I speak with artist, graphic designer and educator Hillel Smith about why we should and how we can integrate the arts into all subjects. After our interview, test your wits as Hillel slays The Five-Minute Game Show. And here’s a bit of trivia that probably won’t help win any bar trivia nights -Hillel designed the Overthrowing Education logo. On our In the Trenches segment, Arete Preparatory Middle School Director, Anne Butler, shares inspiring ideas and tips for integrating the arts. Our fauxmercial parody on this episode is more of a cautionary tale film trailer instead of “advertising” an awesome fantasy product - So listen and be warned of what a world without art integration would be like!

Engaging educator, author and speaker Antero Garcia discusses how cell phones and games can be used effectively in a class, as well as other important issues surrounding cell use, games and technology. And then Antero nails The 5-Minute Game Show! The fauxmerical parody, “TAC vs. Worksheet” starts us off and we finish with students from St. Mary’s High School in Owen Sound, Ontario sharing the ideas they came up with after analyzing an “anti-cell phone for teens” article on the In the Trenches segment. Special thanks to Antero, Anna, Max, Eamon, Rachel and Laura Honegger Big thanks to the fauxmercial stars, Ben Elterman as TAC and Spencer Krull as Worksheet.

Award-winning storyteller and educator, Micaela Blei, joins for a great conversation about how to use story frames to bring learning alive, engage students and provide deeper learning. The fauxmercial parody, “Story Surprise” starts us off and after her interviewed, Micaela plays a hilarious version of The 5-Minute Game Show. In the Trenches, wonderful storyteller/educator, Jennifer Rudick Zunikoff gives practical tips on bringing history classes alive by creating powerful, relevant connections.  

This episode tackles an issue that is affecting our world and schools - the widening gap between people because of their opinions and ideas. It starts with the fauxmercial parody, “Listen”. Then special guest, Chloe Valdery shares her solution to mending that gap during our conversation and continues to offer ideas during The 5-Minute Game Show, Disney Princess Teachers. In the Trenches, writer and educator Eve Hirschman tells of her challenges in the classroom trying to bridge the gaps. Special thanks to Chloe, Eve -who also wrote the “Listen” fauxmercial, and actors/voice over artists extraordinaire Barbara Heller and Elliot Schiff!!

Blended Learning expert, Catlin Tucker converses with me about the why’s and how’s of Blended Learning. Then we play The 5-Minute Game Show Flippin’ Fictional Schools. Our In The Trenches segment features some food for thought from Rabbi Doctor Reb Mimi Feigelson. Then we honor a few teachers in Teacher Shout Outs. Our Fauxmercial sponser is “Blend It” - and special thanks to Linda Korn - composer, vocalist and musical director of the spot, and Amy Ritz and Karen Holender for the wonderful vocals!

Sean Michael Morris talks about the importance of Critical Pedagogy and why schools should not be transaction-based. Then we play my 5-Minute Game Show, Fictional Schools for Fictional Folks. Our In The Trenches features Zoe Greene, who was an 8th grader when I talked to her about her science fair project, “Why My Mom Can’t Get a Date,” which analyzed the algorithms of dating apps. She tells parents and teachers how to advocate for the changes you want in schools. And our “sponsor” is Fix Tape (A parody of Flex Tape) In this episode we start a new segment called “Teacher Shouts Outs”. This is an opportunity to give a special thanks to the teachers that have impacted our lives in positive ways.

We start with a conversation filled with practical tools about games and gamification with educator, author and expert Jon Cassie of Game Level Learn. Then play along as Jon is subjected to The Five Minute Game Show where he has to determine whether the unusual games describes are Fact or Fantasy. Then listen to Micaela Blie’s awesome story(Grand Slam winner on The Moth) about her gamified Oregon Trail lesson on In the Trenches. This episode is “sponsored” by Edu-Gamerama - a fake product we wish was real.