Discover the transformative power of collaboration and leadership in education with Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and me, Christine Arnold, on the minimalist educator podcast. This episode promises to leave you with invaluable insights on how building teacher capacity is not just about enhancing individual skills but revolutionizing the entire school community. We delve into the world of professional development and peer coaching, discussing how these practices ensure that our educators are as dynamic as the students they're preparing for the future. Join us as we unravel the ways in which a thriving learning culture for adults translates into a more committed and effective teaching environment.Prepare to be inspired by the innovative strategies we discuss for integrating teacher-led sessions into the heart of the school day. We shine a spotlight on the energizing and empowering effects these sessions have on educators, and in turn, their students. Experience the refreshing approach of "dumb goals" and how they can serve as aspirational beacons, steering us away from the rigidity of traditional goal setting. Together with Tammy, we examine the creative twists in curriculum planning that not only enhance the teaching journey but also promise to imprint a lasting mark on the educational system's ability to flourish. Each conversation is a step towards shaping the future of learning, for teachers and students alike.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.

Have you ever wondered how to effectively manage multiple responsibilities in a school setting without losing your sanity? Join us as we chat with Michelle Jocinska, a seasoned educator who wears many hats as an assistant principal, PYP coordinator, and teacher at a medium-sized international school in Japan. She generously shares her unique perspective on navigating the education landscape while donning multiple roles. From her approach to handling staff support to her transition from a teacher to an administrator, Michelle's insights are nothing short of educational gold!As we talk about school initiatives and vision, you'll learn how to create a balance, ensuring progress isn't compromised. We delve deep into the Lippitt-Noster model for complex change, highlighting the importance of a clear vision and consensus for successful initiatives. You'll gain a newfound appreciation for the power of the 'opt-in' over 'opt-out' systems, realizing the profound impact of focusing on fewer, deeper goals.But what about teacher burnout and disengagement? A pertinent issue that plagues our education system today. We explore this sensitive topic from a systems archetype perspective, underscoring the need for solutions that tackle the roots rather than merely pruning the leaves. An exciting proposition we discuss is the 'opt-in' system for initiatives, a potential game-changer in giving teachers the power to choose their level of participation. It's all about homing in on the institution's purpose and vision, and simplifying initiatives to reach meaningful and achievable goals. Do join us on this riveting journey where we dissect, discuss, and derive insights from the heart of education itself.Michelle Jasinska is an Assistant Principal, PYP Coordinator, and teacher at a medium sized international school in Japan. She is effectively in charge of the Elementary School, have three jobs and have to be hyper organized amongst the chaos. Podcast resources:Systems Archetype Lippitt-Knoster Model for Managing Complex ChangeEisenhower Decision Matrix (Covey)Nudge R. Thaler and C SunsteinSend 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.

Imagine transforming your chaotic to-do list into a streamlined, dynamic tool that propels your productivity forward. Our guest, Jessica Holloway, TechX Educator of the Year and an innovation coach from Tennessee, gives us insight into her ingenious tiered to-do system. Weekly, she prioritizes her tasks and sets aside time each Friday to power through her list. We also delve into Jessica's unique approach to managing her overflowing inbox and resisting the urge to prioritize urgent tasks over important ones.The conversation deepens as Jessica unfolds her strategies for managing priorities and the underestimated power of saying 'no.' She provides an inside look into how she establishes her own deadlines for accountability and her team action plan's vital role in filtering what needs to be done. Jessica's philosophy of protecting her 'yeses' and aligning them with her personal and professional goals offers a fresh perspective on maintaining a balanced work-life. Join us for this insightful conversation, packed with practical strategies to enhance productivity and keep focused in the ever-evolving field of education.Jessica Holloway is an innovation coach for Hamilton County Schools in Tennessee. Her focus is on supporting K-12 STEM/STEAM education across the district. In her 17 years as an educator, she has taught middle school language arts and was a school-based instructional coach prior to her current role. She is a 2019 ASCD Emerging Leader and Tennessee ASCD President. 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.

Are your team meetings more of a time-suck than a productive gathering? Ever wondered how to turn them into fruitful sessions that not only get more done but also foster better relationships? You're not alone, and thankfully, we've got you covered. Joined by our dear friends and former colleagues, Gemma Kass and Megan Kemp, we delve into the world of effective planning meetings - the strategies to keep them focused, the art of debriefing, and the undervalued power of check-ins. As we fondly recall our teaching journey together in Singapore, we're excited to share the lessons we've learned to make team meetings a success.But that's not all. We also take on the often daunting terrain of collaboration in these meetings. How do you maintain the delicate balance between tasks and professional dialogue? How do you navigate the varied comfort levels of team members while fostering a culture of mutual respect? And most importantly, how do you build relationships that enhance collaboration and meeting effectiveness? We share our thoughts, experiences, and some helpful tips, all the while reinforcing the importance of being prepared and modeling good meeting behavior. Because we believe, if we can get this right as adults, we could positively influence how our students learn to collaborate. So, come join us as we turn the spotlight on relationship-building and being prepared in our meetings.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 X 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.

Are you ready to revolutionize the way you think about education? Tune in as we sit down with Julia Skolnick, the brain-science whizz and founder of Professional Learning Partnerships. She fervently advocates for integrating brain science into our teaching and leadership methods to revolutionize K-12 education. Julia’s mission to bridge the gap between research and practice in education is truly eye-opening. She highlights the adverse effects of standardized tests on students, teachers, and parents and how the 'less is more' philosophy can positively influence teaching and learning.Sit tight as we flip the script, discussing the often ignored systems and processes in education. We take a critical look at the idea of specialization for teachers and how overwhelming administrative tasks can obstruct their main roles. An interesting chat on the significance of values and learner profiles in schools ensues, emphasizing their role as a guiding framework for decision-making, rather than just an accessory. Our experiences as educators in International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, incorporating the learner profile into our teaching and planning processes, offer practical insights into this approach. This episode prompts educators to constantly rethink and assess their systems and priorities to create a more impactful and meaningful learning experience for students. So gear up for this knowledge-packed episode that promises to leave you with much to ponder.Julia Skolnik, MSEd is the CEO & Founder of Professional Learning Partnerships (PLP), which is an organization dedicated to transforming learning and leadership using brain science through long-term partnerships with K-12 school districts. Building upon over 20 years of experience working in schools, research laboratories, and museums, Julia founded PLP to empower educators and leaders to leverage brain science as a tool for meaningfully transforming learning, leadership, and culture in K-12 schools. As CEO & Founder, she creates the overarching vision for PLP, designs innovative and research-based professional learning programs, and cultivates sustained partnerships with a growing network of school districts across the U.S. Julia wrote a guest blog post on our website: Less is MoreSend 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 pondered why fewer girls are involved in sports compared to boys? Ever wondered how we can bridge this gap? On this episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we have an answer to these questions and more as we sit down with Janelle Meisenheimer, an experienced sports coach and PE teacher. Janelle pours out her heart about her journey starting with her passion for sports as a young girl, to her revelation about the significant play gap between boys and girls. We dissect the root issues, from lack of facilities to improper language use in sports, that create an unwelcoming environment for girls and women. But, it's not all gloom. We also chat about how we can make sports more appealing and accessible to all girls and women, empowering them to make physical activity a priority.We then shift gears to a seldom-discussed, yet crucial topic: body literacy and inclusion in education. Menstruation and body changes are natural, but the stigma surrounding them often creates barriers for girls in sports. With Janelle's insightful guidance, we advocate for a paradigm shift in physical education, where body literacy is the norm, not the exception. We brainstorm effective ways that teachers can establish a non-judgmental and understanding classroom environment, helping ease the stress that girls face during puberty.Finally, we zero in on the pivotal role of educators in redefining physical education. Janelle offers practical advice on fostering student-centered physical education and creating an inclusive environment. We dig into how educators can establish a culture of body literacy and offer girls a say in their PE uniforms. To cap it all, we tackle a subject that's often avoided – menstruation. Janelle courageously shares her personal experiences and walks us through how she's working to break down the stigma around menstruation in sports. So, join us for an episode brimming with compelling insights and pragmatic tips on how we can make sports and physical education more inclusive for every girl and woman out there.Janelle is currently the Lower School PE Head of Department, Elementary PE and Health teacher, and Soccer Coach at the International School of Brussels. She has also worked at Cap Cana Heritage School in the Dominican Republic and Raha International School in the United Arab Emirates.  Many people before us have worked hard for the space girls and women have in the sports world.  There are more steps to create a safer, inclusive space for many people, and her research in menstruation, injury prevention, participation issues, and more with people who will, do, or did menstruate in sports is part of that pathway forward.  When she doesn't have all of these hats on, she plays different sports, prioritizes social time, and snuggles up with my cat with a good book or show. Epsiode Resources:Girls, Gender and Physical Education: An Activist Approach by Kimberly L. Oliver, David KirkPeriod Power by Maisie HillThe Female Body Bible by Emma Ross, Baz Moffat, Bella SmithThe Well HQ: https://www.thewell-hq.com/ My slides from a presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-SD17wh_jHe2peRR0vhqp6ttAz4WMNR4UgZT4hYJSS0/edit?usp=sharing 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 feel burnt out or overwhelmed by the constant demands and clutter in your life? Imagine the joy of subtracting the unnecessary and stepping into a Zen space of clarity and calm. That's exactly what we explore with our guest Dan Tricarico, CEO of the Zen Professional and the Zen Teacher. Dantra’s book, 'The Zen Teacher', is a fascinating journey through his own burnout and how his game-changing techniques have evolved into workshops that help educators find balance and prevent burnout. Open your mind to the liberating feeling of decluttering and creating time for self-reflection. Hear Dan’s inspiring story about transforming his classroom by breaking the task down into manageable sections over a month. A real masterstroke in proving that the practice of subtraction can be a powerful stress-buster. We also delve into the value of expanding our learning by listening to podcasters from various professions and applying their insights to education - a real treasure trove of knowledge awaits!But it’s not all education-oriented. As we shift gears to discuss the cutthroat corporate world, Dan emphasizes the criticality of intentional self-care and personal space. His 'throw away 10 things a day' philosophy is a gem of practical advice towards creating that space. Plus, Dan throws light on how mindfulness can radically transform learning environments and significantly reduce stress levels. Join us in this enlightening exploration of how Zen practices can infuse peace, not just in classrooms, but in every sphere of our lives.Dan Tricarico, CEO of The Zen Professional and The Zen Teacher, is a national speaker, author of three  top stress management books, and creator of The Zen Professional 5-Step Blueprint for stress reduction, Tricarico now shares his expertise and insight by showing harried teachers how to thrive both inside and outside the workplace. He has been featured in Fast Company Magazine and has guested on many business and educational podcasts.www.thezenprofessional.com www.thezenteacher.comTwitter (X): @thezenteacher IG: @zenteacher This epsiode is sponsored by The Zen Teacher: helping teachers reclaim control.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.

Welcome to the Minimalist Educator Podcast, where education meets simplicity. Ever find yourself buried under the expectations and chaos of our profession, barely keeping your head above water? If so, we promise you'll find solace and empowerment in our discussion on the power of minimalism in education. My co-host, Tammy, and I explore how a shift in focus can reduce the unnecessary stress frequently associated with our roles, giving you the room to breathe and thrive.We also have the pleasure of conversing with the ever-insightful Christine, shedding light on the pivotal role of self-advocacy in establishing boundaries in our professional lives. We believe it's high time we prioritized our own well-being, granting ourselves the permission to take those much-needed mental breaks away from work. Join us as we plead the case for a balanced life, one where education and personal growth coexist harmoniously. Tune in and learn how to navigate the demanding terrain of our profession, and to embrace a simpler, more sustainable approach to education.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 to find your zen in the midst of an overwhelming educational career? Well, you're in luck! This episode is a delightful trip down memory lane as we, Tammy and Christine, co-hosts and co-authors of The Minimalist Teacher book, revisit the highs of our first season and give you a sneak peek into the enlightening conversations lined up for the second one. Relive the joy with us as we recall the thought-provoking discussions we've had on topics rooted in minimalism, effectiveness, and joy in education. Brace yourselves for an insightful new season as we have an exciting roster of guests for you. Learn the art of tranquility with Dan Tricarico, the guru behind the Zen Teacher book. Join us as we uncover the mysteries of brain science and learning with Julia Skolnick and take a deep-dive into managing tiered to-dos with Jessica Holloway. We promise, these conversations are packed with rich insights that will inspire you and equip you with effective strategies, be it in your role as a teacher, teaching assistant, or principal. Jump on board as we continue our journey of minimalist education, spreading the joy and effectiveness it offers.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.

Ready to redefine your perspective on productivity and purpose in education? We've curated an enlightening compilation episode that'll leave you feeling motivated and empowered. With insights from Monica Burns on using emojis for organization, to Naomi Church's call for resource selectivity and Dave Burgess's reminder about the importance of outside passions, this episode is a treasure chest of inspiring reflections.You're about to take a deep breath, shed the excess, and focus on what truly matters. We're revisiting some profound discussions, like Jim Knight's motivational interviewing, which emphasizes that resistance requires two participants. Chaunte Garrett urges authenticity and self-honor, alongside LaVonna Roth's practical advice for time tracking. Dr. Krista Leh rounds out our conversation, advocating for self-awareness and appreciation of others. Finally, we'll discuss how to achieve guilt-free accomplishment in your education ventures, focusing on decisions that align with your values, goals, and priorities. Listen in, and get ready to transform your teaching experience!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.