Embark on an intellectual journey with us, Tammy Musiowsky-Borniman and I, Christine Arnold, as we delve into the world of cognitive load theory, unveiling its transformative power in educational settings. Prepare to shift your perspective on teaching and learning, as we unravel the complex dance between sensory input and working memory, and its profound impact on student comprehension and retention. It's a voyage that promises to arm you with the strategies necessary to optimize the learning experience for every student, ensuring that the classroom becomes a crucible of inclusion and effective education, grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning.In a discussion laden with practical wisdom, we invite you to discover the art of teacher self-care through the lens of minimalism. Embrace the Triple P method—prioritize, pair back, and plan—as we illuminate the path to reducing cognitive overload for both educators and students. With insights on how to leverage technology to clear the clutter and enhance instruction, this episode is a treasure trove for those seeking to create a supportive and efficient learning environment. We're not just podcast hosts; we're pioneers advocating for minimalism in the classroom, and we encourage you to join the conversation and be part of a community where simplicity isn't just a philosophy, but a transformative educational practice.This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Unlock the secrets of Professional Learning Communities with Dr. Lori Stollar, a seasoned expert who joins us to illuminate the transformative power of PLCs in education. Shedding light on the essence of effective collaboration, Laurie dismantles the myths that have long shrouded PLCs, guiding us through the pivotal shift from a traditional teaching-centric model to a dynamic learning-centric system. In our enlightening exchange, we confront the real challenges educators face in molding a united front aimed at boosting student outcomes and discuss the game-changing effects when teachers are given the reigns to steer their professional development.Look toward the educational horizon with us as we delve into the evolving landscape of PLCs, where breaking down silos isn't just a goal, it's a reality. Lori bestows her wisdom on the catalytic role of collective efficacy and the intrinsic value of social capital in customizing education for every learner. We equip you with strategies to keep your mission in sharp focus and to select actions that resonate with your core objectives. By the end of our discussion, you'll be inspired by the potential of PLCs to reshape not only your approach to teaching but also the very fabric of learning organizations, all while reflecting on the minimalist principles that can refine educational practices.Lori Stollar is an educator with over 35 years of experience as a high school social studies teacher, district administrator, intermediate unit leader, and adjunct professor. In 2021, she retired from public education where she most recently served as the Director of Curriculum and Innovation. Since then Lori has consulted with schools and districts on the topics of Whole Child Education, Social Emotional Learning, and Teacher Supervision and Evaluation. She is passionate about helping teachers and school leaders positively impact student learning.  Lori is the Executive Director of Pennsylvania ASCD, whose mission is to inspire educators to lead, learn, and advocate for educational impact.Lori holds a B.S. in Education, an M.Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum, a PK-12 Principal Certification, and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility. In 2014, she earned her doctorate in School Systems Leadership from Widener University. Her research interests include professional learning communities, collective efficacy, and classroom instruction.This episode is sponsored by Pennsylvania ASCD; an organization committed to the improvement of curriculum development, supervision, instruction, promotion of professional growth, and education of children. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Unlock the secrets to fostering strong family engagement in schools with Alina Davis, a visionary from Orange County Public Schools. Our candid discussion peels back the layers of the Parent Academy's success and shares how to tailor family initiatives to meet diverse needs. Discover the art of effective communication and how a strategically organized committee can orchestrate impactful events that resonate with students’ success. We delve into the nuances of cultural diversity, inclusivity, and the dual capacity-building framework that strengthens the bonds between educators and families. Alina provides an arsenal of strategies, from optimizing parent-teacher conferences to employing the question formulation technique, all designed to empower parents and encourage meaningful dialogue.Feel the pulse of transformative education as we dissect how to bridge the gap between families and schools, creating a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates unique cultural backgrounds. Learn how to streamline messaging and use tools like Talking Points to maintain clarity and avoid overloading families with information. EAina illuminates the value of student-led conferences and academic parent-teacher teams, offering insights into effective ways to engage parents in their children's education. This episode is a treasure trove for educators seeking to craft clear, supportive, and engaging relationships with families. Join us for a masterclass in nurturing the educational environment where every family feels seen and supported.Alina Davis is a Senior Manager with Federal Programs for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), where she consults with private schools in utilizing grant funds. In her prior role she served on the district wide Family Engagement team,  coordinating Parent Academy events for families and students as well as coaching engagement liaisons in Title I schools. During her last 27 years with OCPS Alina  has taught  grades k-3 and worked as an ELL Compliance Specialist and Exceptional Education Staffing Specialist. Alina’s interests in research include the whole child approach, equity and poverty, and parent and family engagement. Alina holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a Specialist ‘s degree in Educational Leadership. Alina has also served on the ASCD Board of Directors as is an ASCD Emerging Leader.Alina embeds family engagement in her work, including coordinating district wide Parent Academies and coaching parent engagement liaisons.Linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-davis-3672369/ Twitter  https://twitter.com/alinadavis This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Ever wondered how a seasoned mentor guides fresh educators through the labyrinth of their first year? Join us as Nicole Dissinger, a beacon of wisdom in the teaching community, returns to our show to illuminate the path for new teachers navigating the crucial first steps of their career journey. With Nicole's expertise, we delve into the art of building relationships and setting clear objectives, steering clear of the allure of complex activities that can often sidetrack well-meaning educators.The conversation takes a deeper turn when we explore the delicate dance of confidence and self-representation, especially when teachers engage with school administration. New educators face a mountain of tasks, from curriculum mastery to classroom management, and we're here to dissect the strategies and support systems that can make or break their professional longevity. Nicole shares her experiences and insights into mentoring's vital role, laying out the welcome mat for teachers to step into a profession that not only challenges but also rewards in equal measure.Finally, we wrap this episode with a rally call for all educators to embrace a minimalist mindset. Shift away from the shackles of rigid lesson plans and embrace the freedom to tailor education to the heartbeat of each unique classroom. We, Tammy and Christine, are advocates for a teaching philosophy that champions autonomy, creativity, and impactful learning experiences. Share your minimalism-in-education stories with us on social media and join the movement towards a teaching practice that is as enriching as it is efficient.This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Transform your instructional coaching methods with the wisdom of Kenny McKee, our special guest, who brings the power of compassionate coaching into the spotlight. Get ready to harness the 'rule of two' through our discussion, ensuring that your coaching aligns seamlessly with teachers' goals and tackles the universal struggle with time constraints. Kenny provides a deep dive into personalized support, the kind that recognizes the unique hurdles educators face and cultivates their professional growth. Feel the warmth of nostalgia as we reminisce about our early leadership days back in 2014, threading our past insights into today's challenges within instructional coaching.Kenny McKee is a National Board Certified Teacher, an instructional coaching author, and an experienced curriculum and content designer. For over a decade, Kenny worked as a high school literacy and instructional coach supporting classroom teachers and other school faculty in professional growth. His classroom teaching career was in middle and high school English language arts. He has also served as a Teaching Instructor for the department of Literacy, English, and History Education at East Carolina University. Kenny has partnered with private schools, public schools, districts, state departments, nonprofits, and education companies in various consulting and leadership roles throughout his career. He currently works as Customer Success Manager with Newsela. Kenny's website: https://kennycmckee.com/Compassionate CoachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethcmckee/Select Blog Posts:How to make coaching cycles the center of instructional coaching work4 ways teachers can learn from one anotherInstructional Coaching as Collaborative Action Research Today's episode was brought to you by Plan Z Professional Learning Services, Forward Thinking Educator Support. Find out more at www.PlanZPLServices.com. Follow us @PlanZPLS on Twitter and Instagram.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Ever found yourself guarding that last pack of sticky notes like a dragon with its gold? Join us, Tammy Musiowsky-Borniman and Christine Arnold, as we tackle the all-too-common scarcity mindset in education. We're diving headfirst into the reality of teachers reaching into their own wallets for classroom supplies and the silent message it sends to both educators and students about resource limitations. It's a candid look at the consequences of a scarcity mindset, including hoarding tendencies and the strain it places on teaching practices.But it's not all doom and gloom! We’re flipping the script and exploring the transformative power of an abundance mindset. Imagine a classroom where everyday items become versatile teaching tools and collaboration outshines competition for resources. We're sharing actionable strategies that can turn the tide, from judiciously prioritizing what's necessary to fostering a climate of positivity and support among colleagues. Tune in and be inspired to make every lesson count, no matter the budget constraints. You're not just listening to another conversation; you're stepping into a space where thriving trumps surviving in the world of education.Today's episode was brought to you by Plan Z Professional Learning Services, Forward Thinking Educator Support. Find out more at www.PlanZPLServices.com. Follow us @PlanZPLS on Twitter and Instagram.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Unlock the secrets of effective communication within the classroom and beyond as Dr. Meghan Everette joins us to share her expertise in the educational sphere. With a focus on crafting concise messages that resonate, our enlightening conversation with Megan is a treasure trove for educators grappling with the challenge of reaching diverse audiences. She brings to the table strategies born from the chaos of the pandemic, emphasizing the power of understanding your audience and the art of simplicity in messaging. Whether you're dealing with policy changes or boosting event attendance, Megan's insights on avoiding assumptions and truly engaging with the community are invaluable.This episode is a deep dive into the art of dialogue in education, from the state level down to the intimate parent-teacher exchanges that shape our children's learning experiences. We dissect the subtleties of communication frequency, the importance of predictable messaging schedules, and the undeniable value of two-way conversations. By inviting feedback and fostering channels that encourage parental engagement, Meghan illustrates how schools can strengthen their community bonds. This session isn't just about refining your communication tactics; it's about transforming them into tools for building lasting connections with families and students alike. Join us for a session that will leave you inspired to elevate your educational communication game.Meghan Everette serves as the State Director of Utah Leading through Effective, Actionable, and Dynamic Education (ULEAD) at the Utah State Board of Education. She is a veteran educator and taught elementary school in the National Turnaround Model School, was a mathematics coach, and recently served two years as a Full-Time School Ambassador Fellow in the U.S. Department of Education. She co-founded and served as Executive Director of the ASCD Emerging Leader Alumni Affiliate and co-authored the ASCD book Forces of Influence: How Educators can Leverage Relationships to Improve Practice. Meghan was the 2013 Alabama Elementary Teacher of the Year and a 2015-2017 Hope Street Group National Teacher Fellow. She co-designed PoweredBy Teach to Lead Utah and spent six years as a blogger for Scholastic sharing classroom practices on everything from curriculum design to classroom libraries. She was a Digital Promise Micro-Credential Leader and served on the CCSSO Teacher Recruitment and Retention Educator Steering Committee. Meghan earned her doctorate from the University of Florida with an emphasis on how mass communication theory can be applied to improve trust through school communication. Today's episode was brought to you by Plan Z Professional Learning Services, Forward Thinking Educator Support. Find out more at www.PlanZPLServices.com. Follow us @PlanZPLS on Twitter and Instagram.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

When faced with the daunting task of guiding her non-English speaking parents through the complexities of a new country, Ming Shelby learned early on that courage isn't just an abstract concept, but a muscle we can all develop. This very lesson fuels her mission today, which she passionately shares with us, to embolden educators with the bravery to initiate tough conversations, foster authenticity, and lead with kindness in the classroom and beyond. Ming's remarkable journey, from her childhood trials to taking the stage as a TEDx speaker, reminds us all of the transformative power of courage in our lives.Our discussion with Ming doesn't stop at personal growth; it dives into the practical implications of courageous conversations in reducing educator stress and improving workload management. We're reminded that human connection, afforded by face-to-face interactions, can clear the fog of miscommunication and lighten our collective burden. As we navigate the cultural tapestries of communication styles and embrace the principles of "showing up, being seen, and living brave," Ming encourages us to lead with empathy, challenge with directness, and ultimately, to shape a world where courage is the bedrock of our every interaction.Ming Shelby is a TEDX speaker, a National Board Certified educator who has dedicated her career to inspiring students, teachers, and administrators through learning experiences. Ming is currently the Director of Professional Learning in the suburbs of Chicago. She believes that courage is the critical ingredient for student transformation. Ming has facilitated workshops for adults and youth in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States.  She also builds courage beyond the classroom to support kids and adults through her podcast, Courage Up.Resource mentions:Radical Candor Brene BrownToday's episode was brought to you by Plan Z Professional Learning Services, Forward Thinking Educator Support. Find out more at www.PlanZPLServices.com. Follow us @PlanZPLS on Twitter and Instagram.Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

What does it mean to truly invite joy into our lives? What impact can it have on our personal and professional experiences? This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the esteemed Sheila Kennedy, founder of Be Positively Connected. Together, we took a deep dive into her 25-year journey in education and discovered the immense power of applied positive psychology.Sheila Kennedy is the founder of Be Positively Connected. One of the first thousand in the world to earn a masters degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, she is known for her passion for connecting others to the practical applications of the science of well-being so they can live their best lives. Ranging from first grade teacher to instructional coach, adjunct professor to educational consultant, as well as conference presenter and keynote speaker, Sheila has spent the past twenty-five years working in education. With a focus on topics rooted in positive emotions, investing in joy, and building resiliency, her mission is to help others reclaim their happiness, ignite their passions, and unleash their potential. Picture your day-to-day life, now imagine being able to spot joy in every corner of it, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Sheila shares her experience with 'joy spotting' - an intentional practice that has not only aided her through personal losses like the passing of her beloved Chihuahua, Oreo, but also greatly enhanced her life. Through vivid tales from her own journey, she illustrates how joy spotting can amplify gratitude, foster resilience, and ultimately make our lives richer.Reaching the end of our conversation, Sheila gifted us with the story of her personal connection to joy and how it influences the relationships that matter most to her. We examined the potency of positive messaging and its role in shaping the ambiance of our personal spaces and workplaces. This episode promises to offer a fresh perspective for educators and a guide for anyone seeking to lead a more positive and fulfilling life. Get ready to step into a world where joy is limitless and positivity is contagious. You won't want to miss this.Episode resources:Sheila Kennedy, MAPP IG @positively.sheila Facebook page @bepositivelyconnectedwww.bepositivelyconnected.comHashtags: #MondayPositiviTEE #joyspottingMartin SeligmanMAPP program at UPenn https://www.lps.upenn.edu/degree-programs/mapp Book recommendations:Joyful by Ingrid Fetell LeeThe Power of Play: Optimize Your Joy Potential by Elaine O’Brien & Andra SeydelThe Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine PriceRead Aloud books: (for children AND adults)Finding Muchness by Kobi YamadaFeeling Grateful by Kobi YamadaThis episode is sponsored by Positively Sheila; stay positively connected. Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Struggling to strike the perfect balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being? Craig Aarons Martin joins us to illuminate the path to self-care mastery for educators, emphasizing the transformative effects of physical activity, meditation, and mindfulness. His personal anecdotes serve as a beacon for those looking to rejuvenate not just themselves but also their surroundings, demonstrating how one's own wellness practices can radiate positive influence across students and colleagues alike.During our heartfelt conversation, we unearth the often-invisible dedication that teachers invest in their craft, extending far beyond the classroom walls. Recognizing the synergy between empathetic leadership and teacher well-being, Craig shares insights on fostering nurturing environments where mindful breaks and clear communication about work-life balance aren't just encouraged but celebrated. We reflect on the wisdom of "The Body Keeps the Score," acknowledging the profound impact that mental and physical downtime can have on both our careers and lives.Finally, Craig imparts practical strategies for infusing mindfulness into diverse classrooms, offering our listeners a chance to help children navigate their emotions with creative tools like breathing exercises and Legos. We wrap up our enriching dialogue with a call to embrace minimalism and embark on a journey of self-improvement. So, pour yourself your favorite cup of tea, light a relaxing incense, and join us in this episode for a transformative experience that will leave you inspired to take that much-deserved self-date and share your reflections with our community.Craig Aarons-Martin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The CCM Education Group, an education consulting organization that provides professional learning services to districts, schools, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide. Craig is an ASCD Emerging Leader & presenter and an author who published an article on professional learning for ASCD EDAdvantage. He currently serves as the President Elect for Massachusetts ASCD and was a President for the ASCD Emerging Leader Affiliate.Craig Aarons-Martin is an award-winning teacher & school leader with 20+ years of experience in urban education serving as a mentor, instructional coach, teacher developer, and professional learning facilitator. Martin also works with groups, individuals, and organizations to create bold and joyful solutions that amplify equity and belonging. Craig is also the co-host of SELinEDU, The Podcast.Resource mentions:https://linktr.ee/craigcmartin The Body Keeps the Score: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score This episode is sponsored by CCM Education Group LLC partners with school leaders, schools, districts,  and youth-serving organizations to make bold strategies for creating thriving inclusive, and student-powered learning communities. Learn more at https://ccmeducationgroup.co/Send us a textSupport the show Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.