The Minimalist Educator Podcast

In this episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we connect with Fred Ende, the Director of Curriculum and Instructional Services at Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES. Fred shares his journey from a middle school science teacher to an educational leader, highlighting the importance of professional development tailored to meet the needs of teachers and students alike. Our conversation explores how minimalism can be a powerful tool in the classroom, addressing common challenges in K-12 education today and the importance of inclusivity and adaptability in teaching practices.Fred emphasizes the need to prioritize listening and reflection, advocating for a thoughtful approach to educational challenges. He discusses exciting developments surrounding New York's graduation requirements, a much-needed shift towards more flexibility for student success. Fred's tasty pare down pointer reminds us that sometimes stepping back can lead to clearer paths forward.If you're an educator looking to simplify your approach and enhance your students' learning experiences, this episode promises to be an enlightening listen! Be sure to subscribe and leave us your thoughts—in what ways do you find simplicity in your teaching?Fred Ende is director of Curriculum and Instructional Services for the Putnam/Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) where he is responsible for supporting and leading the development of curriculum, professional learning, and innovative educational initiatives, and is liaison to the New York State Education Department regarding curriculum and instruction requirements and regulations. He served in this same organization as the assistant director of Curriculum and Instructional Services as well as regional science coordinator and director of SCIENCE 21. Before that, he worked for 10 years as a middle school science teacher and department chair in Chappaqua, New York.Contact Fred at http://www.fredende.comInstragram: fred.endeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredende/Fred's books:Professional Development That Sticks, Forces of Influence, SmartBrief blogsSend 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.

Laurie Namey shares how prioritizing people first in educational leadership leads to transformative school cultures and student achievement. Her leadership philosophy centers on a minimalist principle, proving that when people are valued first, everything else falls into place.• Prioritize people by day, paperwork by night• The physical environment communicates value – students deserve clean, well-maintained spaces• Create non-negotiable routines that center on student interactions• Personalized communication matters – handwritten notes have profound impact• Allow space for vulnerability in leadership when facing challenges• In crisis moments, focus solely on what's best for students• Core values and clear purpose help maintain balance during difficult situations• Hard work, consistent routines, and putting people first are foundation for successRemember what's at the heart of our work – taking care of children first, everything else second.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.

Lindsay Durkin shares her transformative transition from a passionate first-grade teacher to a corporate training manager, reflecting on the challenges of feeling unfulfilled in teaching and the valuable skills she carries into her new role. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's value beyond the classroom and the potential for finding fulfillment in a different professional environment. • Exploration of Lindsay’s journey from teacher to corporate trainer • Discussion on feelings of unfulfillment and burnout in teaching • Insights into the transition to corporate training and adult learning • Highlighting transferable skills from teaching to corporate settings • Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-advocacy during career changes • Importance of recognizing professionalism and value in new roles • Reflection on the necessity for teachers to feel supported and valued • Encouragement for educators to pursue paths that align with their happiness and purposeLindsay has a Master's Degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and taught first grade for 10 years in both the US and Europe. Throughout her career, Lindsay created and facilitated professional development and coaching sessions on classroom management, behavior interventions, inquiry-based learning and effective workshop strategies for K-5 classrooms. She also worked for an educational company where she led virtual workshops for educators and educational leaders across the US. These experiences ignited Lindsay’s passion for adult learning, leading her to transition out of the classroom and into corporate training. She is now a Training Manager for a financial services company.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 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.