The Minimalist Educator Podcast

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 from ASCD+ISTE.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 from ASCD+ISTE.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 from ASCD+ISTE.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 implemSend 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 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 from ASCD+ISTE.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Curious about the secrets behind teacher resilience in a rapidly changing educational landscape? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee, seasoned educators with over 40 years of combined experience, as they share their invaluable insights from their book, "Habits of Resilient Educators: Strategies for Thriving During Times of Anxiety, Doubt, and Constant Change." Discover the nine essential habits that can help educators navigate burnout and fatigue, and learn practical strategies to clarify and adapt your purpose throughout your teaching career. Lindsay and Piper's observations from hundreds of instructional rounds offer a fresh perspective on maintaining well-being and effectiveness in the classroom.In another compelling segment, we explore the transformative power of collaboration and prioritization in education. By leveraging positive psychology and data, we discuss how educators can cultivate resilience and hope, despite the overwhelming demands of the profession. Christine and I delve into the shift from a deficit mindset to one of support, and share actionable strategies to minimize cognitive load and stress. Wrapping up, we reflect on the profound rewards of teaching and the essential role of community and collaboration in overcoming educational challenges. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the joys and struggles of being an educator, complete with practical advice for thriving amidst constant change.Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee have collectively been working in education for over four decades. Today, when not immersed in coaching district and school educators around powerful practices to elevate student learning, they can be found spending evening hours brainstorming and ideating ways to help teachers and leaders do their best work for students. Over the past nearly-three years, Piper and Lindsay conducted hundreds of hours of instructional rounds with educators of all levels and the book they will share today is not only the synthesis of these observations, but a message of hope for those remaining in the classroom. As veteran educators themselves who now have the privilege to support districts and schools around the country through their work with NWEA and The Danielson Group, Piper and Lindsay are excited to share Habits of Resilient Educators: Strategies for Thriving During Times of Anxiety, Doubt, and Constant Change with educators everywhere and offer practical, proven, simple habits that may fuel educators' well-being and impact for many years to come.Order the book:https://us.corwin.com/books/habits-of-resilient-educators-285205Discount code: CORWIN25Book study sign up form:  https://forms.gle/Mdf9MnuTZ1nCShYh7This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning 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.

Unlock the secrets of fostering engaging classroom conversations that can transform your teaching experience. Join us as we chat with Jennifer Orr, a seasoned elementary school teacher and author, whose insights are a game-changer for educators, especially those working with English language learners. Jennifer shares her incredible journey of spearheading an initiative that revolutionized student engagement in her school, offering practical tips on leveraging students' existing conversation skills and integrating spontaneous discussions. Her enthusiasm and tried-and-true methods will inspire you to bring more active listening and participation into your classroom.We also tackle the pivotal role of inclusivity in classroom conversations. Learn how to build a trusting community where students feel safe to express themselves and engage in respectful dialogue about complex topics. Jennifer discusses daily morning meetings and low-risk discussions as gateways to deeper conversations, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and active listening. Additionally, discover how thoughtful leadership and technology can enhance academic conversations, empowering both teachers and students. If you're looking to create a more engaging and inclusive classroom environment, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life stories that you won't want to miss.Jen's books:Demystifying Discussion: How to Teach and Assess Academic Conversation Skills, K-5We're Gonna Keep On Talking: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Elementary ClassroomThis episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning 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.

Chris Fenning, a seasoned business author and communication trainer for giants like Google and NATO, shares his expertise on effective messaging. He discusses turning frustrations with meetings into impactful communication strategies. Chris emphasizes the importance of repetition and empathy in learning and navigating tough conversations. He advocates for a 'build it once, use many times' approach to repurpose educational content efficiently. Tune in for actionable insights to transform your communication skills in both corporate and educational settings!

Ready to transform your approach to educational leadership? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast, where we welcome Mihoko Chida, a seasoned educational leader with over two decades of experience in Tokyo and Bangkok. Mihoko opens up about her journey, the relentless pressures of the role, and the critical decision to take a career break for her own well-being. Her candid discussion on the impacts of COVID-19 and the concept of being a "functional burnt-out leader" serves as a vital lesson for all passionate educators: self-care and intentional choices are non-negotiable.Balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being isn't just a solo endeavor. In our second chapter, we explore the taxing demands faced by school leaders and teachers, highlighting the necessity of setting boundaries and cultivating hobbies outside of work. We discuss the importance of systemic support in fostering teacher well-being, offering personal anecdotes and practical strategies to help educators achieve a healthy work-life balance. These insights are not just theoretical but actionable steps that can make a real difference in daily routines.In the final segments, we delve into the importance of fostering positive team relationships and effective task management. Mihoko shares strategies like using filter questions to prioritize tasks, making them more meaningful and collaborative. As she embarks on new pathways in her professional journey, Mihoko reflects on the significance of continuous learning and growth. We extend our heartfelt thanks to her for sharing her story and remind our listeners to stay connected and share their own experiences with minimalism in education. Tune in for a thoughtful and necessary conversation on navigating stress, fostering well-being, and creating meaningful work in 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.

Unlock the secrets to intentional leadership in education with our special guests, Peter DeWitt and Mike Nelson. This episode promises to transform your approach to educational leadership, as we dive into their book "Leading with Intention: How School Leaders Can Unlock Deeper Collaboration and Drive Results." Learn from Mike's game-changing experience in professional learning during the pandemic, which led to his fruitful collaboration with Peter and the creation of the Instructional Leadership Network. Together, they reveal how to foster deeper connections, enhance self-awareness, and achieve impactful outcomes in your educational setting.Discover how to build systems that support intentional leadership, starting with the innovative practice of setting the next meeting's agenda at the end of the current one. We explore the powerful concept of de-implementation, encouraging educators to reflect on their actions and abandon low-value practices. Peter and Mike discuss the importance of partnerships, visual aids, and self-evaluation as tools for educational leaders to maximize their effectiveness and support continuous improvement among staff.Finally, get inspired by effective habits and inquiry cycles, drawing from James Clear's teachings. Peter and Mike provide practical examples of habit tracking, both personally and professionally, and stress the importance of nonjudgmental, evidence-based coaching conversations. Learn how the Instructional Leadership Collective fosters collective efficacy through continuous professional development, and discover how you can connect with our guests and join the minimalist education movement. Don't miss this enlightening episode that promises to elevate your leadership skills and transform your educational environment.Episode Sponsor: Instructional Leadership Collective - The mission of the Instructional Leadership Collective is to help educators develop their internal and external self-awareness as leaders, foster human interconnectedness, and develop collective efficacy through ongoing professional learning so they are inspired to be their best selves. Website:  https://instructionalleadershipcollective.com/Book:  https://us.corwin.com/books/leading-with-intention-287548Send 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.