The Minimalist Educator Podcast

Dr. Monica Burns joins us to explore how educators can thoughtfully integrate AI tools to simplify their workload and enhance teaching practices. We discuss the evolution of AI in education since our first conversation and examine practical applications that prioritize teacher expertise while leveraging technological assistance.• AI serves as a thought partner and assistant rather than a replacement for teacher expertise• Effective AI use requires teachers to maintain their role as content experts, pedagogical specialists, and student advocates• Starting with your to-do list and wish list helps identify specific areas where AI can make meaningful contributions• Dictation features provide an excellent way to "brain dump" ideas without worrying about organization• The "reply to refine" approach helps develop effective prompts by gradually adding specificity• Privacy considerations are paramount—use district-approved tools and avoid uploading student information to free platforms• Different AI platforms offer varying features that might better suit certain workflows or preferences• When introducing AI to colleagues, focus on specific instructional pain points rather than forcing adoption• Environmental impacts of AI use should be considered alongside convenience and time-saving benefitsThis episode is sponsored by Plan Z Education Services. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

There's a powerful moment in our conversation with John Spencer when he captures what so many educators are feeling: "It's like you're designing for depth while the system keeps dragging everything to the surface." This sentiment strikes at the heart of teaching today – fighting against a culture of distraction to create meaningful learning experiences.Spencer, whose journey from middle school teacher to professor and influential education content creator began with his own transformative project-based learning experience as a student, offers a refreshingly honest perspective on student engagement. Moving beyond simplistic advice to "make class more engaging" or "remember your why," he presents a nuanced framework for understanding the difference between compliance and true engagement.What makes Spencer's approach so valuable is his practical wisdom about building student ownership gradually. "Ask yourself what am I doing for students that they could be doing themselves," he advises, suggesting educators build a year-long plan for incrementally releasing responsibility. This might mean starting with simplified choice activities before progressing to more complex, self-directed projects – creating a pathway for developing the skills and habits students need to engage deeply.Spencer also challenges common misconceptions about creative learning: that it takes more time (it actually allows for layering standards together), that it's impossible to assess (formative assessment works well), or that it leads to chaos (structure remains essential). His concept of "vintage innovation" – the productive overlap between traditional and progressive approaches – offers a refreshing alternative to polarized education debates.Ready to fight back against the "dopamine casino" of constant digital distraction? Spencer's insights provide both the understanding and practical strategies needed to help students develop focus, resilience and self-direction in a world that increasingly pulls them toward shallow engagement. Listen now to discover how you can create conditions for deeper learning in your classroom.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Hollywood meets education in this eye-opening conversation with Steven Puri, founder and CEO of the Sukha Company. Drawing from his fascinating career journey—from digital visual effects on Academy Award-winning films to executive roles at major studios like DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox, Puri shares productivity strategies that work across industries.What makes this episode particularly valuable is how Puri translates high-stakes film production techniques into practical tools for educators. He reveals how elite screenwriters create optimal environments for creativity and focus, explaining how our brains form powerful associations between specific places and types of work. Rather than suggesting educators need luxury writing retreats, he offers accessible ways to create mental triggers that ease the transition into deep work.The discussion tackles common productivity roadblocks with refreshing honesty. Puri's solution to "the cold start problem"—that paralyzing moment when facing an overwhelming task list—is brilliantly simple yet effective. By limiting visible tasks to just three at a time, his company's users experienced a 77% improvement in completion rates. For educators juggling countless responsibilities, this approach offers immediate relief from the psychological overwhelm that often prevents starting anything at all.Perhaps most compelling is Puri's emphasis on understanding your personal rhythms. He encourages identifying your "golden hour"—that time when you're naturally most focused and effective—and protecting it fiercely. "Guard it like gold," he advises, suggesting educators block this time in their calendars and dedicate it to deep, meaningful work rather than administrative tasks. This approach transforms productivity from a generalized system into a personalized practice aligned with your unique cognitive patterns.Listen now and learn how film industry secrets can transform your teaching practice for greater focus, efficiency, and ultimately, more joy in your work.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Dr. Helen Kelly shares her journey from workplace safety lawyer to international school principal, and how her personal experience with burnout led to her current work researching educator wellbeing. She offers evidence-based insights about preventing burnout and creating school cultures that support teacher and leader wellbeing.• Understanding burnout as a continuum that everyone moves along, with engagement at one end and burnout at the other• Emotional workload and lack of community connection are stronger contributors to burnout than quantitative workload• Teacher wellbeing directly impacts student outcomes including academic performance, sense of belonging, and non-cognitive skills• Recovery from burnout requires regular practice of four experiences: psychological detachment, relaxation, control, and mastery• Post-pandemic challenges include increased student mental health issues and decreased time for staff community building• Thoughtful school calendaring that anticipates pressure points and prioritizes connection is essential for wellbeing• Simple interventions like shared meals during professional development days can transform school cultureStart the day with non-work thoughts. The first thing we do in the morning should not be reaching for our phones to check work emails. Delaying work thoughts through activities like stretching, having tea outside, or singing in the shower can positively impact cortisol levels and prepare us to cope better throughout the day.This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Education. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

What if "good enough" really was good enough? Perfectionism has become an invisible burden in education, driving burnout and diminishing joy for both teachers and students. In this enlightening conversation, we explore the revolutionary concept of embracing an "ish" mindset—an approach that celebrates progress over perfection and creates space for genuine growth.Drawing inspiration from Peter H. Reynolds' picture book "Ish" and Jo Bowler's "Math-ish," we unpack how this transformative thinking applies to classroom practice. When we step back from rigid expectations and all-or-nothing thinking, we discover the freedom to analyze what's working, learn from what isn't, and keep moving forward. This isn't about lowering standards—it's about setting reasonable expectations that honor the messy reality of teaching and learning.We tackle the uncomfortable double standard many educators live with: encouraging students to learn from mistakes while expecting flawless performance from themselves. By adopting an "ish" approach to planning, assessment, and professional growth, teachers can create more sustainable practices that model authentic learning. The conversation explores practical applications, from flexible lesson planning to reflective practice that focuses on direction rather than perfection.Whether you're struggling with burnout, feeling trapped by expectations of excellence, or simply seeking a more balanced approach to your work, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that might just change how you view success in education. Listen now to discover how embracing the power of "ish" could transform your teaching experience and reignite your joy in the classroom.This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Education. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of new programs and initiatives hitting your school? You're not alone. In this thought-provoking conversation, Christine and Tammy tackle the challenge of "initiative clutter" that plagues schools everywhere.The hard truth is that we've created an unsustainable cycle in education. Research clearly shows meaningful change requires 3-5 years for proper implementation, yet schools typically cycle through initiatives every two years. This creates not just fatigue, but genuine frustration as educators invest time mastering approaches only to abandon them before seeing results. As one host points out, "You haven't really had enough time to see from the data whether it is effective or not."The hosts distinguish between mandated initiatives (those coming from district or state levels) and self-selected ones, exploring how each presents unique challenges. They emphasize the crucial role school leaders play as gatekeepers who set the tone for implementation. Leaders who dictate "front cover to back cover, no questions asked" create resistance, while those who invite collaboration and contextual adaptation foster sustainable change.Whether you're a classroom teacher feeling whiplashed by constant change or an administrator trying to balance district mandates with your school's unique needs, this episode offers practical strategies for decluttering your approach. Learn how to evaluate initiatives against your school's strategic plan, identify what truly serves your community, and build your capacity to navigate change with purpose.Ready to break free from the initiative merry-go-round? Subscribe now and join the conversation about teaching and leading with greater clarity, purpose, and joy.This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Education. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Christine and Tammy celebrate the launch of Season 5 of The Minimalist Educator podcast by previewing their engaging lineup of education experts and thought leaders who share insights on streamlining work and preserving wellbeing!• Ming Shelby returns to discuss the transformative power of positivity in difficult conversations• Dr. Monica Burns returns to explores ethical AI use as an assistant rather than replacement for teachers• Craig Randal introduces his trust-based observation framework that simplifies teacher evaluations• Steven Puri shares productivity techniques from his Hollywood experience that help educators find flow• John Spencer offers practical approaches to increasing student agency and engagement• Each conversation centers on minimalist principles: simplifying processes, clarifying priorities, and finding greater purposeToday's episode was brought to you by Plan Z Education Services: forward-thinking educator support. Find out more at planzeducations.com. If today's episode helped you rethink, reimagine, reduce or realign something in your practice, share it in a comment or with a colleague.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

We've compiled the best "pare down pointers" from our incredible Season 4 guests into one special highlights episode, offering powerful insights and reminders about minimizing complexity in education.• Craig Rudolph emphasizes being available, responding promptly to inquiries, and genuinely listening to what people need• Jill Cross shares how color-coding systems help both students and teachers with organization• Dr. Michele Ogden reminds us "just because you can doesn't mean you should" when making career decisions• Fred Ende recommends stepping away for 24 hours when facing complex problems• Lisa Fort discusses classroom organization strategies that save time and reduce stress• Lori Namey advocates for "people by day, paperwork by night" to prioritize human connections• Dr. Krista Leh urges educators to remember they don't have to do anything alone• Dr. Tom Hoerr challenges educators to prioritize self-care amid caring for others• Lindsay Durkin emphasizes clearly defined objectives by asking "what are we solving for?"We're taking a break for the summer but will be back with Season 5 featuring fresh conversations, new guests, and more ideas to explore. Thank you for being part of our growing community!Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Have you ever wished you could send a message back in time to your beginning-of-year self? That's exactly what we explore in this reflective episode as another school year draws to a close.The transition between academic years often happens at breakneck speed, with little time to acknowledge how much we've grown and changed. Tammy and I share the letters we would write to our September selves, capturing the wisdom gained through challenges, surprises, and victories along the way.Through honest conversation, we unpack key lessons that emerged this year. Tammy reflects on her coaching experiences and the feedback from teachers who've gained confidence and consistency in their practice. She wishes she had created better systems to implement the valuable professional learning she experienced throughout the year. Meanwhile, I share how I entered the year knowing I faced numerous major responsibilities, including school accreditation, and how I learned that "I can handle this" was the message I needed most.Our discussion reveals how flexibility became a survival skill, especially when unexpected situations hijacked carefully planned agendas. We talk about the value of collegial relationships and how schools that prioritize teacher collaboration time see significant benefits in staff morale and effectiveness. We also touch on how certain episodes, particularly our "Partners of Educators" two-parter, resonated deeply with listeners.The episode concludes with pare-down pointers that encapsulate our reflections: "Go gently with yourself" and "Keep it simple." These reminders to practice self-compassion and avoid overcomplicating future challenges offer valuable perspective for educators wrapping up their own school years.Whether you're ending your school year now or have a few weeks remaining, we hope this episode encourages you to pause and reflect on your own journey. What would you tell your September self? What lessons will you carry forward? Connect with us @PlanZPLS on Instagram – we'd love to hear your reflections.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Tammy and Christine revisit their 2021 book "The Minimalist Teacher," reflecting on which concepts remain relevant in today's educational landscape and the ongoing conversations they're having with educators about minimalist approaches.• The Triple P funnel (Purpose, Priorities, Paring Down) helps teachers declutter instructional practices and assessment strategies• Teachers often feel overwhelmed by excessive resources and materials that weren't designed with their specific students in mind• Creating boundaries around when to check emails and limiting digital clutter can reduce cognitive overwhelm• The concept of "teaching with fidelity" must be balanced with responsiveness to student needs• Creating a culture of minimalism focuses on preventing burnout and reconceptualizing all forms of waste• Educators experience not just physical waste but emotional, cognitive, and temporal waste that drains energy• Building emotional intelligence and creating transition times in meetings helps educators manage stress• Setting boundaries around venting time can help process frustrations without derailing productivityIf you haven't yet picked up a copy of "The Minimalist Teacher," it's still available to purchase at any online book shop. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.