Hello everyone! Spring is here—and everything that means for school. State testing. Unknowns. Changes. Student behavior struggles...the list goes on. This time of year can be stressful and miserable at times for teachers. If you know, you know...

But this time can also be a moment for clarity. A moment for reimagining and refocusing on what you need to do to make an impact in the classroom. This time of year can be the difference between ending on a high note, and ending in a way that isn't a representation of what you can truly accomplish in your work. 

This episode is all about acknowledging the struggles of this time of year, but not staying there. It's about moving forward and taking action that will help you reach the finish line of your school year. 

Hello everyone! I had Colby Sharp on the podcast back in 2017, and we talked about sharing our stories as educators.Years later, Colby has released new books, podcasts, and so much more, as he spreads the good news of literacy and books with his audience.

Last week, we spent our time talking about classroom libraries, how Covid changed Colby’s perception on what’s important, and how proximity to books and having multiple access points to literature is key to building independent readers.

This week, we continue talking about the importance of proximity to books, but also discuss librarians, what it means when people say schools aren't teaching kids to read, and why it's important to foster reading joy in children.

Hello everyone! I had Colby Sharp on the podcast back in 2017, and we talked about sharing our stories as educators.Years later, Colby has released new books, podcasts, and so much more, as he spreads the good news of literacy and books with his audience. 

Today, we spend our time talking about classroom libraries, how Covid changed Colby's perception on what's important, and how proximity to books and having multiple access points to literature is key to building independent readers. 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and brand-new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers.

Reading matters because it changes us: the way we think, the way we see the world, and the way we process information.

But when kids don’t read, when they can’t read, they miss out on lots of learning and growth.

That’s why this book is such a valuable addition to any teacher’s toolkit.

The new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do is extensively rewritten and filled with scaffolds and strategies that support different ways to help students become more skilled, engaged, and curious readers.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/WKCR.

Hello everyone! I get questions all of the time about how to start podcasting, how to grow a podcast, and what I did to start the Teach Me, Teacher podcast.

Because of this, I decided to be the guest today and let my Craft & Draft co-host, Pam Ochoa, take the seat as host and ask me all the questions about what I have learned after 300 episodes of Teach Me, Teacher.

We talk about technical issues, purchases, microphones, and even how I got guests on the show.

If you are interested in starting a podcast, or want ideas on how to grow yours, use my experience to help you!

If you missed part one, check it out here! 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and brand-new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers.

Reading matters because it changes us: the way we think, the way we see the world, and the way we process information.

But when kids don’t read, when they can’t read, they miss out on lots of learning and growth.

That’s why this book is such a valuable addition to any teacher’s toolkit.

The new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do is extensively rewritten and filled with scaffolds and strategies that support different ways to help students become more skilled, engaged, and curious readers.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/WKCR.

Hello everyone! I get questions all of the time about how to start podcasting, how to grow a podcast, and what I did to start the Teach Me, Teacher podcast.

Because of this, I decided to be the guest today and let my Craft & Draft co-host, Pam Ochoa, take the seat as host and ask me all the questions about what I have learned after 300 episodes of Teach Me, Teacher.

We talk about technical issues, purchases, microphones, and even how I got guests on the show.

If you are interested in starting a podcast, or want ideas on how to grow yours, use my experience to help you!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and brand-new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers.

Reading matters because it changes us: the way we think, the way we see the world, and the way we process information.

But when kids don’t read, when they can’t read, they miss out on lots of learning and growth.

That’s why this book is such a valuable addition to any teacher’s toolkit.

The new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do is extensively rewritten and filled with scaffolds and strategies that support different ways to help students become more skilled, engaged, and curious readers.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/WKCR.

Hello everyone! Last week, we spoke to the wonderful Chris Pombonyo about the upcoming Get Your Teach On national conference in Dallas, Texas and what their focus would be in their sessions.

This week, we expand upon that, plus dive into the wonderful world of data in schools! If you fear data, hate it, or just want a positive look at powerful tools for your instructional decisions, this episode is the one for you!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and brand-new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers.

Reading matters because it changes us: the way we think, the way we see the world, and the way we process information.

But when kids don’t read, when they can’t read, they miss out on lots of learning and growth.

That’s why this book is such a valuable addition to any teacher's toolkit.

The new edition of When Kids Can’t Read—What Teachers Can Do is extensively rewritten and filled with scaffolds and strategies that support different ways to help students become more skilled, engaged, and curious readers.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/WKCR.

Hello everyone! It's that time of year again where we look forward to all of the amazing professional development opportunities for educators. With so many choices, sometimes it's hard to pick what you want to ask to go to (or pay to go to yourself.) 

Luckily, some conferences are at such a higher level the decision on what to choose to go to is easy... 

We are no strangers to Get Your Teach On at Teach Me, Teacher! We've experienced the magic first hand, talked about what it's all about, and now that we are post-pandemic and in a new world of teacher burnout, we are looking at it again and asking, "What is PD like in this new world?" 

Chris Pombonyo returns to the show to answer this question, and to talk about his love for data! 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do, Second Edition, by Kylene Bears.

Hello everyone! Last week, we launched episode 300 with my talk with the wonderful Joe Dombrwoski! I cannot believe we are at episode 300 of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast. Truly astounded by their support everyone has had for the show over the years, and am grateful for every guest who has ever come to the show.

In this episode, we continue talking about authenticity, but also stray into how accurate of a show Abbott Elementary is, Goats, and of course, the big topic of changing education for the better. 

Joe Dombrowski—Mr. D—comedian extraordinaire—has returned to Teach Me, Teacher and has done so with full force! We cover A LOT in this episode, but mainly, we discuss why authenticity in your life matters. What it can do for you. What doors it can open… 

Joe Dombrowski (aka Mr.D) took the world by storm in 2017 with a viral April Fools’ Day spelling test prank that landed him multiple appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Don’t get it twisted though! It takes at least 20 years to be an overnight sensation! Joe has been doing stand up comedy since he was eight years old in his third grade talent show. He’s never stopped! Since Joe rise to fame, he has been traveling the globe with his stand-up comedy which often highlights his crazy life as an elementary school teacher. When he’s not getting creative on screens and stages, Joe spends his time in Seattle, Washington producing his podcast “Social Studies” where he recaps absolutely insane stories from teachers all over the world.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, A Teacher’s Guide to Mentor Texts, Grades K-5 by Carl Anderson.

Using mentor texts in the writing classroom can be a real game-changer for teachers.  But how can we help teachers find mentor texts on their own, analyze them for teaching points, and use them effectively in the classroom?

Carl Anderson’s newest book offers a five-step plan for improving student writing using mentor texts. Over 23 classroom videos, annotated samples, student samples, and online resources bring the content to life and give teachers the confidence to find and use mentor texts as powerful teaching tools.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/MentorK5.

Hello everyone! I cannot believe we are at episode 300 of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast. Truly astounded by their support everyone has had for the show over the years, and am grateful for every guest who has ever come to the show. 

But I couldn't just have any guest for episode 300. It had to be a favorite—someone who connects to our audience on a deep level. And someone who is still passionate about the work we all do. 

With that, I knew there could only be one person who fit all of that criteria... 

Joe Dombrowski—Mr. D—comedian extraordinaire—has returned to Teach Me, Teacher and has done so with full force! We cover A LOT in this episode, but mainly, we discuss why authenticity in your life matters. What it can do for you. What doors it can open... 

Joe Dombrowski (aka Mr.D) took the world by storm in 2017 with a viral April Fools’ Day spelling test prank that landed him multiple appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Don't get it twisted though! It takes at least 20 years to be an overnight sensation! Joe has been doing stand up comedy since he was eight years old in his third grade talent show. He's never stopped! Since Joe rise to fame, he has been traveling the globe with his stand-up comedy which often highlights his crazy life as an elementary school teacher. When he’s not getting creative on screens and stages, Joe spends his time in Seattle, Washington producing his podcast “Social Studies” where he recaps absolutely insane stories from teachers all over the world.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, A Teacher’s Guide to Mentor Texts, Grades K-5 by Carl Anderson.

Using mentor texts in the writing classroom can be a real game-changer for teachers.  But how can we help teachers find mentor texts on their own, analyze them for teaching points, and use them effectively in the classroom?

Carl Anderson’s newest book offers a five-step plan for improving student writing using mentor texts. Over 23 classroom videos, annotated samples, student samples, and online resources bring the content to life and give teachers the confidence to find and use mentor texts as powerful teaching tools.

Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/MentorK5.

Hello everyone! Without a doubt, education is in flux right now. Some of it is good and needed, and some of it is scary and leading to thousands of educators leaving the profession, and hundreds of families feeling disenfranchised by the schools they used to love. 

Where do we go from here? What are the next steps to leading us into a new and great age of education? 

My friend Maxwell Roach, an entrepreneur, accomplished musician, and father dives with me into these topics and so much more as we learn about his tutoring company and what his success might mean for education as a whole.