In Season Four of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we explore the important intersection of teaching and personal life while reflecting on our most popular episodes. The discussions emphasize human connections in education, effective instructional strategies, and the importance of compassion in teaching. • Overview of new season and its highlights • Top three episodes based on listener popularity • Insights from educator-partner survey responses • Exploration of effective instructional strategies • Guest interviews on tutoring and teaching experiences • Discussion on leading with love and humanity in education • Call for audience engagement and suggestionsSend us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Ever wondered how you can streamline your teaching methods and maximize productivity? This final episode of Season 3 on the Minimalist Educator Podcast is your go-to guide! We’ve compiled the most impactful "Pair Down Pointers" from our brilliant guests, starting with Jennifer Orr’s practical end-of-day task hack from episode 45, to Naomi Church and Sarah Decotis advocacy for fewer, more effective online instructional programs from episode 56. And don’t miss the sage advice from Peter DeWitt and Mike Nelson in episode 42 on the transformative power of finding a good collaborator in educational leadership.But that's not all—this episode also features a treasure trove of insights and reflections from various thought leaders. From Amanda Kunalaba’s discussion on the role of arts integration in vocabulary building in episode 51, to David Hayerly’s exploration of thinking maps from episode 48, there’s something to inspire every educator. You’ll also hear from Dr. Sheldon Eakins on addressing implicit bias in episode 52, Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee on collaborative reading and resilience in episode 46, and Chris Fenning’s strategies for effective communication and post-training accountability in episode 44. Whether you’re looking to enhance your lesson plans, promote equity, or improve your communication skills, this episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies to elevate your teaching journey.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Can you imagine navigating a world where your child's education is simplified and more effective? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we uncover how to streamline online educational programs with the help of our insightful guests, Naomi Church and Sarah DeCotis from Age of Learning. Naomi, an expert educator and national math curriculum specialist, and Sarah, a national literacy director, share their wisdom on managing the overwhelming number of ed tech tools in schools. With the typical school district juggling around 1,400 different programs, they reveal the critical need to reduce this number to ensure smooth implementation and ease of use for everyone involved. They highlight the power of selecting research-backed, evidence-based programs to genuinely enhance the educational experience while keeping things straightforward and efficient.We dive into pragmatic strategies for prioritizing and implementing educational programs amid a sea of available platforms and technologies. Emphasizing a minimalist approach, we explore how to choose the most effective programs backed by robust research and efficacy studies, particularly those vetted by third-party organizations. Our conversation includes practical tips for gathering user feedback, conducting pilot tests, and ensuring alignment with school or district goals. Naomi and Sarah also stress the importance of high-quality professional learning to guarantee successful program implementation, focusing on quality over quantity. Tune in to learn how to make informed decisions that maximize resources and significantly improve student learning outcomes.Social Media:  Naomi Church @GrowingMindsK12, Age of Learning @AgeofLearning The Reading LeagueUDL Guidelines from CASTAge of Learning websiteEvidence for ESSA websiteSend us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Can slowing down actually lead to more effective education? Join us as we unravel the slow schools movement, a transformative approach that prioritizes mindfulness, intentionality, and holistic well-being over the relentless pace of modern education. Discover how cultural shifts towards busyness as a badge of honor have infiltrated our schools, and why it's crucial to rethink what true success looks like in the realm of teaching and learning. Tammy Musialski-Bornemann and Christine Arnold share their personal insights and revelations, including a fascinating school visit to Finland, where education is approached with flexibility and focus on the whole student.By tuning in, you'll learn practical strategies for creating a thoughtful, sustainable classroom environment that nurtures well-rounded students ready for an unpredictable future. Whether you're an educator seeking actionable methods or simply curious about alternative educational philosophies, this episode offers a rich exploration of how slowing down can pave the way for deeper connections and more meaningful learning experiences. Join us on this journey to reimagine education in a way that honors both the teacher's and the student's well-being.This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services: forward-thinking educator support.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of creating equitable educational environments in our latest episode featuring Dr. Sheldon Eakins, the visionary behind the Leading Equity Center. Gain firsthand insight into Dr. Eakins' experiences as a Black educator navigating predominantly white spaces in Idaho. His compelling journey underscores the critical need for conducting thorough audits in schools to pinpoint areas requiring improvement, ultimately fostering more inclusive practices. You'll learn not just the 'why' but also the 'how' of implementing these audits to create a supportive learning atmosphere for all students.But that’s not all—join us as we dive into the powerful strategies for empowering student voices, a fundamental component in building a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Learn how to effectively address microaggressions, implicit biases, and tokenism within your school environment. Discover the transformative potential of advocacy rooms and affinity groups, and how they can serve as vital platforms for students to share their experiences and influence school policies. This segment is packed with actionable advice to help educators engage students and staff in meaningful conversations about equity.Finally, we tackle the nuanced challenge of addressing bias through a real-world classroom example that unintentionally marginalized students from diverse backgrounds. Hear the thought-provoking discussion on the importance of being mindful of students' varied histories and the need to adapt traditions and language to prevent harm. Wrapping up, we explore the concept of minimalism in education and its benefits for creating equitable schools. Join Tammy, Christine, and our expert guests as we uncover practical steps for educators dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and equitable learning environment.Sheldon L. Eakins, Ph.D., is the Founder of the Leading Equity Center. Dr. Eakins is also the host of The Art of Advocacy Livestream and the Leading Equity Podcast. Furthermore, Dr. Eakins is the author of Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for All Students. With over 15 years in education, he has served as a teacher, school principal, adjunct professor, and Director of Special Education. Sheldon Eakins is passionate about helping educators accomplish equitable practices in their schools. He has earned a B.S. degree in Social Science Education, an M.S. degree in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in K-12 Education.This episode is sponsored by Leading Equity Center - Leading Equity delivers an eye-opening and actionable discussion of how to transform a classroom or school into a more equitable place. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Unlock the secrets of enhancing education through the arts with our special guest, Amanda Koonlaba, on the Minimalist Educator Podcast. Amanda, a talented mixed media artist and dedicated educational leader, takes us on a journey beginning with a pivotal moment in her childhood that sparked her lifelong passion for creative expression. Learn how her early experiences with art have shaped her innovative approaches to integrating arts into literacy and general education, using her unique perspective to advocate for a more inclusive and expansive understanding of art in schools.Discover the transformative power of arts integration through inspiring stories, like that of a third-grade math teacher who used cubism to help students comprehend complex concepts. This creative approach not only improved academic performance but also boosted student confidence and fostered a more positive school culture. Amanda illustrates how arts integration can enhance emotional and social well-being, creating stronger connections between teachers, students, and the community, and demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of a child-centered, inclusive educational environment.In our final segment, Amanda provides practical tips to help educators seamlessly integrate arts into their curriculum. She emphasizes the importance of starting with art-related vocabulary that overlaps with other subjects, making the process more accessible and effective for both teaching and learning. Amanda’s passion and expertise shine through as she offers essential insights and tools for empowering students through creativity. This episode is a treasure trove for educators eager to enrich their teaching methods and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts in education. Don't miss out on these invaluable strategies for transforming your classroom!Amanda Koonlaba is a mixed media artist, set designer, and muralist who holds advanced degrees in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment as well as Educational Leadership. Her rich background as an artist and as a school leader have led her to become an influential teaching artist with the vision to transcend the boundaries of conventional education. Internationally acclaimed as a keynote presenter, Amanda shares her expertise on Educational Leadership Through the Arts, captivating audiences with her innovative approaches. Her visionary work extends to the Artful Literacy Centers, a groundbreaking program that seamlessly integrates the arts with literacy, fostering creative problem-solving skills. Amanda is known for her work with Party in the Art Room where she bridges the gap between arts classrooms and general education through arts integration.This episode is sponsored by www.partyintheartroom.com: where you can receive a free arts-integrated guide packed with 25 ideas to align your art lessons with math and ELA standards. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Can the act of simplifying curriculum transform education? On this episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on how decluttering the curriculum can lead to more meaningful and effective teaching. Joined by Christine, we unpack what curriculum truly means and scrutinize the various forces that shape it, from societal expectations to the avalanche of new educational programs. We weigh the pros and cons of purchased curriculum products versus teacher-created ones, highlighting the immense value of teacher involvement and agency in curriculum development. By ensuring that curriculum aligns with a school's mission and values, we can achieve a more coherent and purpose-driven educational experience.Teaching with autonomy and creativity is not just a lofty ideal but a necessity for fostering student engagement and enthusiasm. This episode examines the dangers of rigid adherence to scripted materials and the pitfalls of focusing solely on content coverage. We argue that true educational success lies in adapting curriculum to meet the needs of diverse learners and allowing teachers the freedom to bring their own flair to the classroom. Beware the temptation of visually appealing but shallow activities; instead, we advocate for meaningful, curriculum-aligned experiences that enrich the learning journey.Inspired by Dr. Wendy Ostroff's "Cultivating Curiosity in K-12 Schools," we champion the concept of "slow schools" and deep learning. Imagine teachers having the time and space to co-create and plan creatively, leading to profound and interconnected educational experiences for students. With examples from a school in Kona, we illustrate the power of connecting content across the school year and focusing on teaching skills and strategies over mere content. Let's rethink our approach, emphasizing backward design to ensure that every educational activity drives towards meaningful learning outcomes. Join us for an engaging discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and celebrates our vibrant conversations, and thank you for being part of our community.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Discover the secret to a balanced and fulfilling life alongside Sybil Hall, an esteemed educator and author of "Burn Bright, Not Out: 35 Lessons that Cultivate Teacher Wellbeing." Sybil opens up about her evolution from elementary school teacher to an international literacy consultant, sharing how her morning routine of yoga and coffee with her husband has been a cornerstone of her well-being. Gain practical insights into how small, manageable steps can transform into cherished rituals that set a positive tone for your entire day.Explore the profound benefits of nature in alleviating burnout as we take you on a sensory journey from the man-made landscapes of Dubai to the wild forests of Belgium. Learn the difference between wild and landscaped nature and how immersing yourself in these environments can heighten clarity and focus. Get practical tips for incorporating nature into your daily routine, regardless of your environment, to enhance calm and creativity.Finally, we delve into the practicalities of integrating mindfulness and nature into classroom settings, boosting well-being for both teachers and students. From the calming effects of indoor plants to efficiently managing class time with timers, get actionable strategies for creating a serene learning environment. Plus, discover the importance of digital decluttering for mental clarity, and how establishing a routine for digital cleanup can significantly reduce stress and improve focus. Join us for an episode packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you cultivate a minimalist and balanced lifestyle.Sybil has been dedicated to education for over two decades, working in five countries. She has served as an elementary teacher and instructional coach, demonstrating her passion for positively impacting students and teachers. After publishing her first book, Burn Bright, Not Out 35 Lessons that Cultivate Teacher Well-being—a project she undertook while teaching fifth grade—Sybil started on a new journey. She transitioned into international literacy consulting and embraced roles as an author and entrepreneur, committed to helping educators thrive. As a creator, Sybil is currently engaged in several innovative projects: she is the founder of the Teachers Need Teachers Magazine and Dashboard, expanding the Burn Bright series with additional books, audiobooks, and journals and promoting financial literacy for women through her podcast and membership program within the Female Finance Collective. To connect with Sybil or learn more about her work, visit www.sybilhall.com/book or find her on LinkedIn or Instagram. Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube by searching for Female Finance Collective.This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

How can eight simple visual tools revolutionize the way we think, learn, and teach? Join us as we sit down with David Hyerle, the visionary educational researcher behind the Thinking Maps model, to uncover the transformative power of these minimalist tools. From his formative years teaching in inner-city Oakland to his groundbreaking work with the Think Program and the Bay Area Writing Project, David shares his inspiring journey. We explore how Thinking Maps streamline the plethora of graphic organizers into eight essential cognitive tools, empowering students to better visualize and articulate their thoughts and fostering higher-order thinking across all grade levels and subjects.In this episode, we navigate the evolving landscape of education, shaped by cognitive neuroscience, AI, and social media, and discuss the urgent need for independent and collaborative thinking skills. David sheds light on how integrating Art Costa's habits of mind and social-emotional learning with Thinking Maps can support continuous cognitive development from early childhood through adulthood. We also delve into his global work with Thinking Schools International, emphasizing the foundational role of thinking in driving whole school change and improving educational practices worldwide. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with actionable insights that can transform your approach to education.David Hyerle started teaching in inner city Oakland, CA and then turned to focusing on work with the Bay Area/National Writing PROJECT and doctoral work at UC Berkeley and Harvard Schools of Ed. in the late 1980’s.  David is the Developer of the Thinking Maps model– a language of eight dynamic, interrelated visual tools each based, respectively, on eight cognitive processes.  He has  focused his professional development exclusively on whole school change from pre-K to 12, and for facilitating collaborative leadership.  He is the author of PD resources for implementing Thinking Maps– and authored and edited 6 professional books and dozens of other published works on the practice of visual tools, leadership and Thinking Maps.  Most recently David published through Teachers College Press with lead author Shelly Counsell:  “Drawing out Learning with Thinking Maps”  presented practical Pre-k to grade 3 research. He is presently CEO of Thinking Schools International, having worked in schools and systems such as Ethiopia, South Africa, the UK, Pakistan, Malaysia,  New Zealand, and across the US from LA to Mississippi to inner city New York City. David’s Substack weekly journalThinking in MapsSUBSTACK.COM/@DAVIDHYERLESites: www.thinkingschoolsinternational.comwww.thinkingmaps.comResearch: www.thinkingfoundation.orgThis episode is sponsored by Thinking Foundation: supports the transformation of early childhood through adult education by implementing, accrediting and disseminating the Thinking Schools approach worldwide.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Have you ever felt like there’s just not enough time in the day to accomplish everything on your to-do list? Tammy and Christine get real about their own struggles with balancing professional duties and personal life on this episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast. They share heartfelt anecdotes and practical tips that make managing time feel a bit more achievable. From combating social media distractions to the necessity of prioritizing rest, you’ll discover how being mindful of your time can align your actions with your true priorities.Ready to reclaim your day? We explore tried-and-true time management strategies that are specifically tailored for educators. Whether you’re a fan of old-school post-its or prefer high-tech Chrome extensions, we’ve got you covered. Learn how to identify your top priorities, adapt your schedule based on realistic time assessments, and navigate the unique challenges of different work environments. Plus, we emphasize the all-important balance between work and personal downtime to keep your productivity and well-being in check.Master the power of habits to elevate your productivity! In our final discussion, we dive into integrating new habits into existing routines and the benefits of tackling cognitively demanding tasks with focused time blocks. We also touch on the value of seeking support from colleagues and employing personal productivity hacks. Most importantly, we remind ourselves that our self-worth isn’t tied to our to-do lists and that rest is a non-negotiable component of effective time management. Join us as we embrace minimalism and intentional time management to transform our lives as educators.This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services: forward-thinking support for educators. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.