The Minimalist Educator Podcast

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