The Minimalist Educator Podcast

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

Discover a fresh perspective on social emotional learning (SEL) with our esteemed guest, Dr. Krista Leh, founder of Resonance Educational Consulting. What if we told you that SEL is not just a program, but the essence of who we are and what we do every day? Join us as we peel back the layers of SEL, highlighting the significance of self-awareness and social-awareness, two often overlooked components in the whirl of self-management and relationship skills. With Krista's extensive background, we navigate how these skills intertwine with our thoughts, feelings, and emotions to shape our actions and daily interactions.How ready are our graduates to face the real world? Krista emphasizes the need to equip our students with the essential SEL skills and dispositions to thrive beyond the academic sphere. Gain insights into how these nurtured skills enable our young leaders to interact effectively, build healthy relationships, and display resilience in the face of adversity. More so, the conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore how our actions, decisions, and directions must align with the values of our school communities. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for those passionate about fostering a sustainable culture of learning and growth in our classrooms.Dr. Krista Leh founded Resonance Educational Consulting, which supports educators in building meaningful, engaging, and sustainable cultures that enhance social emotional learning and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her 24-year career in education includes being a high school social studies teacher, instructional tech coach, curriculum coach, and student leadership advocate. Krista was also an adjunct professor for a Master’s in Education program specializing in SEL. She designed and facilitated Methods of Research, Curriculum Design and Development, and Culturally Responsive Teaching. In 2012, Krista was one of 26 educators in the country selected as an ASCD Emerging Leader. Since then, she has worked with educators in nearly 30 states to feel more confident and competent in integrating SEL into learning communities.Krista holds a B.S. in Secondary Education, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University.This episode was brought to you by Resonance Education. Resonance Education are consultants who collaborate with educators to create comprehensive, sustainable, scalable cultures of social, emotional learning. You can find them at ResonanceEdcom.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.

Come on a journey with us on this episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we welcome the creative force behind the Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.® framework, LaVonna Roth. Bringing a unique perspective, LaVonna guides us through her fascinating journey, revealing how her empowering S.H.I.N.E.®  framework —  Self, Heart, Inspire, Navigate, and Exceptional — can uplift educators and students alike.LaVonna  draws from her wealth of experience, offering valued insights into the cultivation of a human-focused culture in our education system. She shares strategies to draw upon team members' strengths and nurture a sense of ownership in students, ultimately fostering a vibrant classroom atmosphere.We'll also dive into how the S.H.I.N.E. framework can shift the focus onto student strengths, empowering them to be confident and creative learners. We discuss how educators can leverage their own strengths and those of their students. Hear how minimalism in education can lead to a healthy work-life balance and how it can effectively manage workloads. This conversation with LaVonna is an inspiration to educators to refocus on their purpose and priorities. As an engaging and interactive keynote speaker, consultant, educator, and mom, LaVonna bridges her passion for how the brain learns with identifying how every individual S.H.I.N.E.s with their mindset and well-being. She leads a small business where she and the Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.® team boost schools in embodying a Human-Focused Culture. A culture where we put those doing the work at the heart of the impact desired. How? By supporting schools in harnessing the S.H.I.N.E. framework, increasing psychological safety, & building a foundation based on the brain sciences. S.H.I.N.E. is the secret to a work environment where all want to be! LaVonna has 3 degrees, is the author of 8 books, and has worked with organizations in the U.S./Canada, Europe, South America, and the Middle East.  She is the creator and founder of the Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.® framework and also Prime to S.H.I.N.E. where she coaches educators in how to amplify their impact through educational consulting – part-time or full-time. Help you find your power through ah-ha moments.  Ignite the fire within you to have the confidence in who YOU are and what you do, because YOU are the difference maker!Find LaVonna and Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.® on social media: Twitter:  @lavonnaroth/@igniteyourSHINEInstagram: @lavonnaroth/@igniteyourSHINEnowLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonnarothToday's episode was brought to you by Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.®, the secret to a school environment where all want to be. Keep your staff's fire for educating, blazing and your students achieving, with research supported keynotes, workshops and coachingSend 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 today's episode, Tammy and Christine discuss tips, tricks, and reflections for when you're decluttering your physical spaces. Our pare down pointers are around purposeful purchasing as well as finding flexible uses for the objects you already have in your space. Today's episode was brought to you by Plan Z Professional Learning Services- forward thinking educator support. Find out more www.planzplservices.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PlanZPLS.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 this episode, Phil talks to us about the parallels between his roles in education and health care, specifically about time use and meeting structures. His pare down pointer is about managing your yes’s and no’s.Phil Echols, former teacher, school counselor, and administrator for the Wake County Public School System, currently serves as an Organizational and Diversity Specialist for WakeMed Health and Hospitals in North Carolina. His expertise includes effective collaboration, coaching, diversity, and inclusion for large systems. He has over two decades of experience in education, public speaking, facilitation, and international training and development. Dr. Echols has presented sessions on creating positive and productive professional cultures for ASCD, Learning Forward, and the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools, specifically in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Bangkok. Dr. Echols believes diversity enriches the community, and all have the capacity to learn and grow. His work is anchored in his mission to inspire and support individuals and groups in doing and being their best. Today's episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services - forward-thinking educator support. Find more information about services offered for educators 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.

In this episode, we speak with Alys about the union between minimalism and supporting our neurodiverse students. We discuss how to create a calm and supportive physical environment for students in order to leverage engagement. Her pare down pointer is about the importance of making time, especially at the beginning of the year. Alys Baines is a passionate educational needs educator looking to use children's talents to guide them in their educational journey.  She has a B.A. in Child Development and 2 Masters degrees in learning and behavioral challenges. She's absolutely crazy about horses with the aim to eventually merge both passions together to support children, teens and adults through equine assisted therapy. Professional Learning Partnerships empower educators to transform learning, leadership and culture in school districts by leveraging key ideas from brain science, so that all students can thrive. Find out more at learningpartnerships.orgSend 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.