The Minimalist Educator Podcast

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.

In Season Four of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we explore the important intersection of teaching and personal life while reflecting on our most popular episodes. The discussions emphasize human connections in education, effective instructional strategies, and the importance of compassion in teaching. • Overview of new season and its highlights • Top three episodes based on listener popularity • Insights from educator-partner survey responses • Exploration of effective instructional strategies • Guest interviews on tutoring and teaching experiences • Discussion on leading with love and humanity in education • Call for audience engagement and suggestionsSend 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.

Ever wondered how you can streamline your teaching methods and maximize productivity? This final episode of Season 3 on the Minimalist Educator Podcast is your go-to guide! We’ve compiled the most impactful "Pair Down Pointers" from our brilliant guests, starting with Jennifer Orr’s practical end-of-day task hack from episode 45, to Naomi Church and Sarah Decotis advocacy for fewer, more effective online instructional programs from episode 56. And don’t miss the sage advice from Peter DeWitt and Mike Nelson in episode 42 on the transformative power of finding a good collaborator in educational leadership.But that's not all—this episode also features a treasure trove of insights and reflections from various thought leaders. From Amanda Kunalaba’s discussion on the role of arts integration in vocabulary building in episode 51, to David Hayerly’s exploration of thinking maps from episode 48, there’s something to inspire every educator. You’ll also hear from Dr. Sheldon Eakins on addressing implicit bias in episode 52, Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee on collaborative reading and resilience in episode 46, and Chris Fenning’s strategies for effective communication and post-training accountability in episode 44. Whether you’re looking to enhance your lesson plans, promote equity, or improve your communication skills, this episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies to elevate your teaching journey.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 you imagine navigating a world where your child's education is simplified and more effective? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we uncover how to streamline online educational programs with the help of our insightful guests, Naomi Church and Sarah DeCotis from Age of Learning. Naomi, an expert educator and national math curriculum specialist, and Sarah, a national literacy director, share their wisdom on managing the overwhelming number of ed tech tools in schools. With the typical school district juggling around 1,400 different programs, they reveal the critical need to reduce this number to ensure smooth implementation and ease of use for everyone involved. They highlight the power of selecting research-backed, evidence-based programs to genuinely enhance the educational experience while keeping things straightforward and efficient.We dive into pragmatic strategies for prioritizing and implementing educational programs amid a sea of available platforms and technologies. Emphasizing a minimalist approach, we explore how to choose the most effective programs backed by robust research and efficacy studies, particularly those vetted by third-party organizations. Our conversation includes practical tips for gathering user feedback, conducting pilot tests, and ensuring alignment with school or district goals. Naomi and Sarah also stress the importance of high-quality professional learning to guarantee successful program implementation, focusing on quality over quantity. Tune in to learn how to make informed decisions that maximize resources and significantly improve student learning outcomes.Social Media:  Naomi Church @GrowingMindsK12, Age of Learning @AgeofLearning The Reading LeagueUDL Guidelines from CASTAge of Learning websiteEvidence for ESSA websiteSend 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 slowing down actually lead to more effective education? Join us as we unravel the slow schools movement, a transformative approach that prioritizes mindfulness, intentionality, and holistic well-being over the relentless pace of modern education. Discover how cultural shifts towards busyness as a badge of honor have infiltrated our schools, and why it's crucial to rethink what true success looks like in the realm of teaching and learning. Tammy Musialski-Bornemann and Christine Arnold share their personal insights and revelations, including a fascinating school visit to Finland, where education is approached with flexibility and focus on the whole student.By tuning in, you'll learn practical strategies for creating a thoughtful, sustainable classroom environment that nurtures well-rounded students ready for an unpredictable future. Whether you're an educator seeking actionable methods or simply curious about alternative educational philosophies, this episode offers a rich exploration of how slowing down can pave the way for deeper connections and more meaningful learning experiences. Join us on this journey to reimagine education in a way that honors both the teacher's and the student's well-being.This 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.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of creating equitable educational environments in our latest episode featuring Dr. Sheldon Eakins, the visionary behind the Leading Equity Center. Gain firsthand insight into Dr. Eakins' experiences as a Black educator navigating predominantly white spaces in Idaho. His compelling journey underscores the critical need for conducting thorough audits in schools to pinpoint areas requiring improvement, ultimately fostering more inclusive practices. You'll learn not just the 'why' but also the 'how' of implementing these audits to create a supportive learning atmosphere for all students.But that’s not all—join us as we dive into the powerful strategies for empowering student voices, a fundamental component in building a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Learn how to effectively address microaggressions, implicit biases, and tokenism within your school environment. Discover the transformative potential of advocacy rooms and affinity groups, and how they can serve as vital platforms for students to share their experiences and influence school policies. This segment is packed with actionable advice to help educators engage students and staff in meaningful conversations about equity.Finally, we tackle the nuanced challenge of addressing bias through a real-world classroom example that unintentionally marginalized students from diverse backgrounds. Hear the thought-provoking discussion on the importance of being mindful of students' varied histories and the need to adapt traditions and language to prevent harm. Wrapping up, we explore the concept of minimalism in education and its benefits for creating equitable schools. Join Tammy, Christine, and our expert guests as we uncover practical steps for educators dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and equitable learning environment.Sheldon L. Eakins, Ph.D., is the Founder of the Leading Equity Center. Dr. Eakins is also the host of The Art of Advocacy Livestream and the Leading Equity Podcast. Furthermore, Dr. Eakins is the author of Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for All Students. With over 15 years in education, he has served as a teacher, school principal, adjunct professor, and Director of Special Education. Sheldon Eakins is passionate about helping educators accomplish equitable practices in their schools. He has earned a B.S. degree in Social Science Education, an M.S. degree in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in K-12 Education.This episode is sponsored by Leading Equity Center - Leading Equity delivers an eye-opening and actionable discussion of how to transform a classroom or school into a more equitable place. 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 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.