10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

Today's episode focuses on the realities of hybrid teaching. Teacher Tennille Johnston reflects on the real struggles, challenges, and quality of education in the school year 2020-2021. Her words reflect the honesty of a hard year of teaching - what many of us would say is the hardest years of our careers. Take a listen to episode 745, "What Really Happened in Hybrid Classrooms During the pandemic." Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e745  Sponsor: Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared 21 Hot Topics for Teacher Professional Development for Summer 2021. If you have accreditation or learning requirements as I do, take the opportunity to look at this post. And join me as I take my courses this summer from Advancement Courses. Remember to use COOL20 to receive 20% off your course. Tennille Johnston's Bio As Submitted Tennille is a 10-year veteran Science teacher in the second-largest public school district in the state of Texas, transitioning to this career through an alternative certification program after working as a wildlife biologist for several years after graduating with a B.S. in Natural Resources/Wildlife Management from The Ohio State University. She is a member of the Science Teacher's Association of Texas, the Texas Computer Education Association, the National Wildlife Federation, and is a Level 1 Certified Google Educator. Formerly she served as a teacher mentor in the Texas Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching and has attended special training for inquiry-based, Maker-based, and project-based learning with the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, and NASA's Johnson Space Center. She has coached teams of students participating in the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, SeaPerch Robotics competitions, and has given presentations on coaching robotics and inquiry-based learning at the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) and at Dallas ISD's STEM Expo. You can support Ms. Johnston's classroom at http://www.donorschoose.org/Tennille.Johnston Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Educator Canvas is a free 1-page organizer that helps teachers take ideas into action whether it is self-care, classroom management, or anything- Darcy Bakkegard talks about the Educator Canvas and also shares some about the 30 day PD Challenge starting on June 1st. This is episode 744, "A Simple Free Way to Turn Ideas into Action" Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e744 Sponsor: Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared 21 Hot Topics for Teacher Professional Development for Summer 2021. If you have accreditation or learning requirements as I do, take the opportunity to look at this post. And join me as I take my courses this summer from Advancement Courses. Remember to use COOL20 to receive 20% off your course. Darcy Bakkegard - Bio as Submitted Darcy Bakkegard is an English/Theatre teacher and professional development coach who got tired of traditional sit-n-get PD and now creates the type of PD she always wanted. With 10 years of experience teaching English and Theatre, Darcy specializes in interactive strategies for the classroom, meaningful technology integration, and building relationships with students. She is an ISTE Certified Educator, an experienced international presenter, and a dedicated teacher-empowerer. Darcy hopes her book, The Startup Teacher Playbook helps teachers rekindle their joy and passion for teaching. She lives in Fargo, ND with her husband Jeff and their 15-month-old triplets, Kurtis, Benjamin, and Cordelia. You can reach her at darcy@educatorslab.io or @dbakkegard on Twitter.

There's a new generation in town. That's right. Gen Z is now followed by Generation Alpha. Today's guest, Mike Fisher has been studying Gen Alpha and wants to talk about how they are different and what we need to know about teaching this generation of students. No, change never stops and great teachers always work to be relevant to the kids in their classroom. This is episode Episode Link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e743 Sponsor: Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared 21 Hot Topics for Teacher Professional Development for Summer 2021. If you have accreditation or learning requirements as I do, take the opportunity to look at this post. And join me as I take my courses this summer from Advancement Courses. Remember to use COOL20 to receive 20% off your course. Mike Fisher - Bio as Submitted Michael Fisher is an author and instructional coach who works with schools to design contemporary curriculum and modernize instruction with an array of technologies. Michael is the author of several books published by ASCD, Solution Tree, and Times10 publications, most recently Hacking Instructional Design. For more information, visit The Digigogy Collaborative (digigogy.com) or find Michael on Twitter (@fisher1000).

Every student can lead and impact their school and community. Learn how you can improve your student council, implement a microgrant program to spur creativity and conservation, and encourage all students to participate in school leadership from Dean J. Fusto, a school leader who encourages student leadership. Sponsor: Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared 21 Hot Topics for Teacher Professional Development for Summer 2021. If you have accreditation or learning requirements like I do, take the opportunity to look at this post. And join me as I take my courses this summer from Advancement Courses. Remember to use COOL20 to receive 20% off your course. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/21-top-professional-development-topics-for-teachers-now/ Bio as submitted  Dean J. Fusto is the President at Brandon Hall School, a global boarding and day school in Atlanta serving students from over 20 countries in grades 6-12. He founded the www.teachlearnlead.org global edu-library in 2013 and the Center for Global Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurial Studies at Brandon Hall School https://brandonhall.org (Facebook @BHSglobalyouth) in 2016. Blog: http://www.teachlearnlead.org Twitter: @djftll   Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

We teachers need to take care of ourselves. Sarah Parker Wolf, author of Daily Intentions for the Classroom Teacher, talks about some intentional things every teacher can do to improve their thought process and how they take care of themselves. Can you try just one thing from this show?  Show Sponsor: This summer, I’m taking my professional development with Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared the five-step process I used to select the perfect course for me at Advancement Courses. Go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/5-steps-to-choose-your-summer-pd/ to see how I selected my course. Your professional development should be customized to your current needs and what will benefit your career. Advancement Courses makes it easy to pick a course so you don’t have to stress out. The filters on their website are simple to use so you can find the perfect course for your grade level, subject area, or need. You can also use the coupon code COOL20 to get 20% off your course today. So go to coolcatteacher.com/select and begin picking out your courses today. Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e741 Sarah Parker Wolf - Bio As Submitted Sarah Parker Wolf is a writer, wife, and mother of three who loves to dabble in all things creative. She taught high school Spanish for fourteen years before returning to a career as a copywriter. She also wrote/hosted The Focused Intention Podcast. Sarah's first non-fiction book, Daily Intentions for the Classroom Teacher,: Fifty-two weeks of reflections and intentions to get you focused on the things that matter, (available through Amazon.com) is based on her classroom experiences and in her belief that mindfulness is life-changing. Originally from Wisconsin, she lives just outside of Chicago with her family. Blog: http://www.sarahparkerwolf.com Twitter: @spwolfauthor Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

As we return to in-person learning, we should not return to business as usual. David Bott gives us three things that, based upon current research, we should rethink in schools.  Show Sponsor: This summer, I’m taking my professional development with Advancement Courses. Recently, I shared the five-step process I used to select the perfect course for me at Advancement Courses. Go to https://www.coolcatteacher.com/5-steps-to-choose-your-summer-pd/ to see how I selected my course. Your professional development should be customized to your current needs and what will benefit your career. Advancement Courses makes it easy to pick a course so you don’t have to stress out. The filters on their website are simple to use so you can find the perfect course for your grade level, subject area, or need. You can also use the coupon code COOL20 to get 20% off your course today. So go to coolcatteacher.com/select and begin picking out your courses today. Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e749  David Bott - Bio As Submitted David Bott is the Associate Director of the Institute of Positive Education. David is a sought-after speaker and education consultant who works with government organizations and some of the world’s leading schools to help guide wellbeing vision and strategy. As an expert in applied wellbeing science, David has supported thousands of educators from hundreds of schools around the world in designing and implementing system-level approaches to wellbeing. David sits on the Dubai Future Council for Education, is a Director on the PESA (Positive Education Schools Association) board, and has published in academic journals and industry periodicals. David’s bestselling book, 10 Things Schools Get Wrong: And How We Can Get Them Right was published in 2020. David oversees the Institute’s research strategy and its curriculum design and development. David’s current role is informed by his 15 years of practical teaching experience in Australia and the UK where he held senior pastoral and academic leadership positions. Website: 10thingsbook.com Twitter: @davidbott Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Assessment is part of what teachers have to do in school. Although it is required, we teachers can make sure we assess with respect. Today's guest, Starr Sackstein, author of Assessing with Respect: Everyday Practices That Meet Students' Social and Emotional Needs, shares an overview of what is needed so that every student feels respected even as they are given the necessary feedback to improve and level up their learning. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e739  Starr Sackstein - Bio As Submitted Over 16 years ago, Starr Sackstein started her teaching career in Far Rockaway High School, eager to make a difference. Quickly learning to connect with students and develop rapport, she was able to recognize the most important part of teaching, relationships. Fostering relationships with students and peers, to encourage community growth and a deeper understanding of personal contribution through reflection, Sackstein has continued to elevate her students by putting them at the center of the learning. Starr Sackstein currently works at Long Island City High School as a Teacher Center Teacher and ELA teacher. She spent nine years at World Journalism Preparatory School in Flushing, NY as a high school English and Journalism teacher where her students run a multi-media news outlet at WJPSnews.com. In 2011, the Dow Jones News Fund honored Sackstein as a Special Recognition Adviser and 2012 Education Updated recognized her as an outstanding educator. Currently Sackstein has thrown out grades, teaching students that learning isn’t about numbers, but about the development of skills and ability to articulate that growth. In 2012, Sackstein tackled National Board Certification in an effort to reflect on her practice and grow as an educational English facilitator. After a year of closely looking at the her work with students, she achieved the honor. She is also a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA). Sackstein also serves at the New York State Director to JEA to help serve advisers in New York better grow journalism programs. Author of Teaching Mythology Exposed: Helping Teachers Create Visionary Classroom Perspective, Blogging for Educators, Teaching Students to Self Assess: How do I help Students grow as learners?, The Power of Questioning: Opening up the World of Student Inquiry, Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School, Hacking Homework: 10 Strategies that Inspire Learning Outside the Classroom and most recently Peer Feedback in the Classroom: Empowering Students to be the Experts. (You can find all of the books here: https://amzn.to/3vPs9go) Sackstein co-moderates #sunchat as well as contributes to #NYedChat. She has made the Bammy Awards finals for Secondary High School Educator in 2014 and for blogging in 2015. In speaking engagements, Sackstein speaks about blogging, journalism education, throwing out grades and BYOD, helping people see technology doesn’t have to be feared. Most recently, Sackstein was named one of ASCD’s Emerging leaders class of 2016, in addition to presenting a TedxTalk about throwing out grades. Balancing a busy career of writing and teaching with being the mom to 10-year-old Logan is a challenging adventure. Seeing the world through his eyes reminds her why education needs to change for every child. Contact information: mssackstein@gmail.com @MsSackstein on Twitter Starr Sackstein, MJE Facebook Fan page   Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

Joel Lookadoo, 2020 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, shares why he loves teaching, the stories he is seeing of teachers (and students) overcoming and encouragement for teachers now.  Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e738 Related Resources The Well-Rounded Educator Podcast (started in the fall of 2020) Joel Lookadoo - Bio as submitted  Joel Lookadoo is an eighth-year educator in Springdale, Arkansas who coached basketball for three years before transitioning to full-time teaching in the classroom where he has taught Algebra 1 and is a National Board Certified Teacher in High School Mathematics. He created “Beyond”, which is a college-prep program, that supports first-generation college students by mentoring students and discussing college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Lookadoo, the 2020 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, is also certified in English as a Second Language and has led professional development on teaching English Learners, building high-performing PLCs, and standards-based grading.  Blog: The Well-Rounded Educato‪r‬ Twitter: @CoachLookadoo Instagram: @2020ATOY FaceBook: @2020ATOY

Previous Shows Relating to This topic Bio as submitted  Eric is an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement.  We all have undergone disrupted thinking because of our disrupted society due to the pandemic. But many of us hope we don’t go back to business as usual. Thought Leader Eric Sheninger has a challenge for us today about what we can learn from the pandemic and the opportunities we have to use disruptive thinking in the classroom for the good of our students. Check out Eric Sheninger’s new book, Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms.  Episode Sponsor: The Stone Soup Leadership Institute would like to invite you and your students to be delegates at the 17th Youth Leadership Summit for Sustainability - from June 21-25, featuring inspiring speakers from their new book, Stone Soup for a Sustainable World: Life-Changing Stories of Young Heroes. In May, there will be a teacher orientation on how to use the companion educational curriculum. At the culmination of the Summit, you will be guests at the World's Largest Book Signing. And in honor of Earth Day, the Institute is offering you a pre-order link on Amazon to buy the book at a discounted rate. Do you know any students who are passionate about sustainability? Well, from now until May 6, just go to www.coolcatteacher.com/apply and apply now Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e737 Eric Sheninger's Bio as submitted  Eric is an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement.  Blog: http://ericsheninger.com Twitter: @E_Sheninger  FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/EricCSheninger/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esheninger/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/esheninger/   Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

Sophia is a student in Oman. During the 2020 shut down, Sophia wanted to help the children in her neighborhood have a fun learning experience -- so she created a virtual summer camp online. We can learn about learning in this example where the teacher and students are kids and everything is optional. What an exciting story. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e736 Sophia - Bio As Submitted Sophia is a 15 year old rising sophomore from Cooperstown, NY, who attends Al Batinah International School in Sohar, Oman. She started a virtual camp for the children in the neighborhood as a way to offer summer activities based around art, science, STEAM, drama and Getting Ready for School! Each week she sends out several different activities based on the theme of the week. At the end of each week she sets up online meetings for the campers to attend if they want to share what they've created, what they've learned, or even just to talk about what they've been doing. She hopes to develop the camp into virtual after-school activities once the online school year begins and get other teenagers from school involved in this venture as well. This is her first volunteering initiative and she has enjoyed creating activities for and meeting with the campers.