The Minimalist Educator Podcast

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.

Could embracing minimalism and advocating for yourself transform your teaching and personal life? Join us as we promise to uncover how reducing unnecessary workloads and protecting personal time can lead to a more fulfilling and effective educational experience. Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and Christine Arnold revisit a beloved discussion, spotlighting how involving students more actively in their learning can help educators maintain a healthier work-life balance. By recognizing our students' capabilities, we can create opportunities for productive struggle, lessen our stress, and improve student engagement. We'll share stories and strategies for aligning our teaching with minimalist principles that empower both educators and learners.Teacher wellness and sustainability are at the heart of this episode, highlighting how prioritizing self-care can have a ripple effect on student well-being. With the ongoing challenge of substitute teacher shortages, the guilt of taking necessary sick days can be overwhelming, yet essential for maintaining effective practice. We explore the power of student-centered learning to alleviate pressures and foster a supportive classroom environment. By modeling wellness and advocating for our needs, we set a powerful example for our students and their families. Tune in and connect with our community on social media as we continue our journey toward simplicity and effectiveness in education.Naomi Church, Chief Learning Officer at Growing Minds Consulting, is a speaker, author, experienced educator, and credentialed coach. She served in very large public school districts for almost 20 years as a Professional Development Specialist, Math intervention specialist, RtI Coordinator, Instructional Coach, and teacher leader. Naomi created a Mathematics for Struggling Learners training for the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) that is being implemented across the State of Florida. In her role as the Chief Learning Officer of Growing Minds Consulting, Naomi now works with schools, districts and departments of education to help make education more inclusive and equitable for all. As the President of Learning Forward Florida, Naomi is helping to re-envision professional learning for educators to maximize engagement, value and implementation. Naomi is passionate about professional learning and building capacity in teachers and families to increase student success.Resources written by Naomi:The Value of Choice Blog PostThe Homework Debate: What is the ‘Right’ Homework? Blog PostReteaching vs. Remediation Blog PostResources Naomi recommends:Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning by Peter LiljedahlProductive Math Struggle: A 6-Point action Plan for Fostering Perseverance by John SanGiovanni, Susie Klatt, KSend 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 on a transformative journey with our special guest, Dan Tricarico, a veteran high school teacher who has seamlessly woven Zen principles into the fabric of his teaching. Uncover Dan's inspiring story of navigating the throes of burnout and emerging with a toolkit of mindfulness strategies that not only reignited his passion for education but also equipped him with the means to sustain it. This episode promises to offer you practical insights into balancing the demands of teaching with personal passions, such as writing and photography, creating a fulfilling and well-rounded life. Dan's approach is a beacon for educators feeling the weight of stress, providing relatable and impactful strategies to maintain enthusiasm and effectiveness in their careers.We also explore the liberating power of subtraction, as inspired by the book "Subtract." Discover how intentionally removing the clutter—both physical and mental—can lead to greater mindfulness and clarity. Through personal stories, we illustrate the freedom that comes with simplification and reflection, especially significant in today's post-pandemic world. Educators face unique challenges, and this episode encourages embracing gradual change rather than seeking immediate results, drawing from diverse professions to enrich teaching practices. Whether you're a newcomer to the field or a seasoned educator pondering retirement, these insights offer encouragement and actionable strategies for achieving balance and fulfillment.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.