Discover how personalized tutoring reshapes lives and builds pathways to success in this engaging episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, featuring Craig Rudolph, owner of School is Easy Tutoring in Edmonton. With a background in banking and a passion for education, Craig transitioned to tutoring, highlighting the critical human touch in learning experiences. In a world increasingly reliant on digital interactions, Craig underscores the importance of face-to-face guidance that fosters rapport and engagement.This episode delves into the motivating factors behind parents seeking tutoring services and reveals insights into the tutoring process—ranging from academic support for struggling students to enrichment opportunities for high achievers. Craig shares the unique framework of his tutoring business, focusing on individualized learning plans tailored to each child’s needs. In addition, discover the significant impact of parental involvement during tutoring sessions and how those interactions contribute to a positive educational consulting experience.This candid conversation addresses pressing concerns within education today, including the limitations of classroom settings and the increasing necessity for supplemental instruction. Craig’s commitment to quality education shines through as he discusses the qualities he looks for in tutors, emphasizing genuine passion for teaching and a thorough understanding of the curriculum. This episode not only provides practical advice for parents and educators alike but also inspires learners to seek out opportunities for growth. Tune in, engage with our content, and explore how humanity in education makes all the difference. Join us as we learn from Craig’s expertise—subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review to connect with the journey of learning and growth in education.Find more information about Craig and School is Easy Tutoring:School is Easy Edmonton is a home based tutoring franchise that has helped over 800 students in the 8 years we have been in business. We can provide in-person tutoring around parent’s schedules by one of our thoughtful, compassionate teachers. Web: http://www.schooliseasy.com/edmontonYouTube: https://youtu.be/u1wZUti34rM?si=FnDVICwb4Cgp3nesInstagram: school_is_easyedmontonSend 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.

Can activity-packed lessons actually hinder true learning? Join Tammy  and Christine  on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we unravel the "twin sins of planning," a thought-provoking concept brought to light by McTighe and Willis. We promise you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how the focus on fun, activity-oriented lessons and an obsession with content coverage can unintentionally overshadow genuine student engagement and understanding. Sharing insights from personal journeys and the brilliant Minimalist Teacher book, we explore strategies to ensure that lessons are not only engaging but also meaningful and centered around the students' needs.Facing the tug-of-war between curriculum pacing guides and addressing skill gaps is a common challenge for educators. We dive into the heart of this issue, discussing the immense pressure to keep up with timelines while ensuring that no student is left behind. Listen in as we share practical tips like small group instruction and lesson restructuring that prioritize student comprehension over rigid schedules. In our conversation, we stress the importance of building buffer time into planning and encourage educators to streamline their planning documents, focusing on what truly matters: fostering deep understanding and involvement in the learning process.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.

Unlock the secrets of effective teaching by mastering the "double whammy" strategy with us on this week's Minimalist Educator Podcast. We'll guide you through the art of teaching content and learning behaviors simultaneously, a transformative approach pioneered by Guy Claxton. Discover how adopting this dual focus can reshape your classroom, ensuring that students not only absorb academic knowledge but also develop crucial learning behaviors that lead to long-term success. Through our personal stories and insights, you'll learn how subtle cues from educators can significantly influence students' approach to learning and achievement.Join us as we highlight the importance of prioritizing skills over mere content. We'll take you inside a fifth-grade math classroom where conversation and collaboration take center stage, showcasing the impact of co-creating goals with students. By incorporating visual aids and tracking systems, you can enhance engagement and ensure a balanced approach to education that equally values skill development and content mastery. This week's episode is sponsored by Plan Z Education Services - forward-thinking educator support. 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.

This episode emphasizes the value of focusing on one teaching point to enhance clarity and learning outcomes in the classroom. Through practical strategies, real-life examples, and discussions on cognitive load, the hosts provide insights into effective teaching practices that can improve student success while promoting a minimalist approach to education.• Exploring the definition and significance of one teaching point • Discussing the cognitive load and its relation to lesson planning • Sharing real-life examples of complex versus focused lessons • Presenting strategies for maintaining a singular focus during lessons • Emphasizing the importance of lesson closure and periodic checks • Highlighting the need for repetition to reinforce key conceptsThis 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.

Join us for a compelling journey into the art of curriculum development with our brilliant guest, Jill Cross, a National Board Certified Teacher and seasoned curriculum director. Jill shares her diverse experiences across various educational settings, from small Catholic schools to innovative museum schools, and her current role at an independent Jewish day school in Memphis, Tennessee. Learn how she deftly balances teachers' passions with the ever-evolving needs of students and standards, and discover invaluable strategies for effective curriculum changes. Through Jill's stories, we highlight the power of building strong relationships and fostering open communication with faculty to drive successful educational outcomes.The episode also navigates the complexities of efficient classroom management and organization. We discuss personalized teacher interactions, highlighting the use of digital tools like OneDrive and digital calendars to streamline tasks. From maintaining a daily top-three task list to the art of chunking time for larger projects, we explore practical techniques to enhance productivity. Jill emphasizes the importance of blending structured plans with spontaneous demands, all while nurturing a supportive culture through informal classroom visits. Tune in for practical insights and strategies that will transform how you approach time management and school organization.Find Jill on social media @JCrossEdu or at https://jill4learning.com/Jill Cross is a National Board-Certified teacher and ASCD Emerging Leader with 20 years of experience in public, charter, and independent schools. Jill has coordinated curriculum development in public and private schools and frequently presents across the country on teacher leadership, object-based learning, personalized professional learning, and curriculum writing. Jill is a Colonial Williamsburg Master Teacher and the co-author of Living History in the Classroom: Performance and Pedagogy. Her passion is supporting teachers in planting seeds of change that have the capacity to transform education. Jill is the Director of Curriculum & Instruction at Bornblum Jewish Community School in Tennessee. This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Education Services, forward-thinking educator support.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.

Discover the transformative power of empathy in education with Dr. Tom Hoerr, a distinguished educator and author whose 37-year journey in educational leadership is nothing short of inspiring. As we discuss his insightful book, "The Principal as Chief Empathy Officer," Tom explains why empathy is not just a buzzword but a crucial element for nurturing growth among students and staff. Reflecting on our first encounter at a conference in Dubai, we unravel the profound impact of his "Formative Five" approach, which champions character and emotional intelligence over mere academic accolades. This episode promises to enlighten listeners on how fostering empathy can cultivate compassionate and responsible future citizens.Explore the pivotal role of empathy in educational leadership within the framework of social emotional learning (SEL). We introduce an innovative virtual doctorate program centered on character development and leadership, reinforcing the idea that genuine leadership is about relationships grounded in trust and respect. From gathering honest feedback through surveys to embracing diversity without succumbing to initiative overload, Tom shares actionable strategies for embedding empathy in education. As educators, prioritizing self-care emerges as a critical theme, ensuring we’re equipped to support others. This episode is an essential listen for those aiming to create empathetic and inclusive learning environments.Dr. Tom Hoerr led schools for 37 years and now teaches prospective principals at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he is a Scholar In Residence. Tom has written many articles – he was The Principal Connection columnist in Educational Leadership Magazine -- and seven books. He wrote about success skills in his Formative Five books, and his most recent book is The Principal As Chief Empathy Officer (all published by ASCD). He believes that school leaders, regardless of title or position, must bring empathy to all their interactions. The role of school leaders is to help everyone grow.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.

Can mastering only 70% of the material at a high level of mastery truly prepare students for life’s scientific challenges? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we chat with Lisa Fort, an accomplished earth science teacher from New York State, who believes it can. Lisa shares her expert strategies for organizing science curriculum and planning lessons that emphasize a deep understanding of core concepts through backward planning. She stresses the importance of reinforcing practical skills like measurement and graphing, ensuring students build a solid foundation that equips them for real-world applications. By prioritizing depth over breadth, Lisa aims to cultivate informed citizens and lifelong learners.Discover the secrets behind effective science teaching as we discuss methods for engaging high school students through interactive activities and real-world connections. Lisa talks about the significance of relationship-building in maintaining classroom focus, especially in the age of social media distractions. From memorable Mars exploration projects to hands-on activities that simulate real-world scenarios like forensic crime scenes, Lisa’s approach fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and communication skills. Tune in to learn how nurturing these foundational skills and curiosity in students can prepare them for more complex scientific challenges ahead.Lisa continues her almost 20 year career as a science teacher in New York State. Lisa’s classroom is a rigorous learning environment with strong collaborative relationship-driven education. In addition to constantly improving the inquiry student-centered learning, she works with teachers around the state to create assessment kits for the new science standards. She continues to share her love of science and classroom structure at a variety of conferences and social platforms.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.

Unlock the secrets behind the fascinating world of teaching through the lens of their partners. This episode promises to enlighten you on how the partners of educators interpret the job satisfaction of their significant others. We highlight the intriguing dichotomy between those who perceive their partners as content and those who notice neutrality or dissatisfaction. Explore how subtle signs like stress levels and health play a role and gain insights into the joys and humorous moments that bring fulfillment to a teacher's day. We also encourage teachers and their partners to engage in open discussions about workplace happiness, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.Peek into the life of a teacher’s partner as we dissect the emotional and time commitments that often accompany the role. Learn practical strategies for providing the essential support teachers need, from assisting with household chores to becoming active participants in school activities. We emphasize the importance of appreciation for teachers’ efforts while advocating for better working conditions, reminding them that their career is crucial yet not all-encompassing. Join us as we offer encouragement for teachers to seek support from their partners and colleagues, ensuring a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.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 happens when the classroom door closes, but the workday continues at home? Join us for an eye-opening exploration into the personal lives of educators, as seen through the eyes of their significant others. Discover the surprising truth that 65% of teacher partners report their loved ones bringing work home often. This episode reveals the intricate dance of maintaining a fulfilling relationship while balancing the demanding nature of teaching, particularly for elementary educators. Tune in for heartwarming stories and candid insights into the long-term commitments that often define educator relationships, and see how these commitments withstand the pressures of the profession.In our candid conversation, we uncover the toll that teaching takes not just on professional life, but on personal health and family dynamics. Hear firsthand accounts from teacher partners about the exhaustion that leaves teachers too drained to engage with family and friends, and the quiet moments needed to reset before rejoining their loved ones. With alarming survey results highlighting the negative impact of teaching on physical health, we stress the importance of adopting healthier lifestyle choices to counteract stress. Join us as we wrap up this segment with a commitment to continuing the conversation in part two, delving deeper into these vital issues affecting educators and their families.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.

Naomi Church, a passionate advocate for minimalist teaching strategies in math, joins us to unravel the complexities of modern math instruction. What if less really is more when it comes to teaching math? Discover how simplifying your approach can not only alleviate the overwhelming burden of an extensive curriculum but also transform the learning environment into one where engagement and strategic thinking flourish. From the Universal Design for Learning framework to fostering a classroom culture ripe for productive struggle, Naomi's insights encourage educators to rethink how math is taught.Empowering students is at the heart of our discussion, focusing on how autonomy can revolutionize their learning experience. We explore the potential of giving students choices—from the problems they tackle to how they collaborate and demonstrate mastery. This isn't just about letting go; it's about strategically passing the baton to our learners in ways that build their confidence and efficacy. We draw inspiration from "Building Thinking Classrooms," offering strategies that shift the onus of learning from educators to students, fostering independent thinkers ready to navigate complex problems.Finally, we dissect the math block, offering a fresh perspective on balancing instruction, reteaching, and remediation. By dividing the lesson into targeted segments, we ensure every second contributes to meaningful learning. Say goodbye to traditional drills and engage students with recommended resources like "Math Fact Fluency" by Jenny Bay Williams and Gina Kling, which integrate fun fluency games into lessons. Join us in celebrating a minimalist approach that doesn't sacrifice depth or understanding, but instead, maximizes every moment in the math 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.