The Bolt Podcast

For our 50th and final episode... it's a clip show! Conor, Mr. Trey, and Manolo relive 50 episodes of The Bolt Podcast, looking back at some of the sweetest and most fun moments. But don't unsubscribe yet! You just might see the podcast take a new shape in the future, so stay tuned. We're not crying, you're crying!

Lights! Camera! Education!?? After a huge reveal, Conor and Mr. Trey are at the movies talking about their favorite (and least favorite) teachers in film, along with their overall thoughts on realistic education in movies. Is Snape a good teacher? Are you rushing or dragging? Will you do well, or do good? Grab your popcorn for this penultimate episode of The Bolt Podcast.

It's podcast inception on this episode within an episode. Conor and Mr. Trey are on the other side of the interview as The Bolt Podcast hosts become the guests of The Charter School Connection Podcast. We discuss charter schools, great leaders, and why The Bolt Podcast could have only happened at Trinity Basin Preparatory. The Charter School Connection Podcast

We've gone into the archives to dust off an episode about teams. We talk about the good teams, the bad teams, and how we deal with each. When it comes to working with your team are you the leader, the listener, or the cheerleader? Do you want to be the heart, the moral compass, or... the comic relief? Listen now and be a team-player!

On this episode, The Bolt Podcast sits down with Ryan Presley from The New Teacher Project. We discuss TNTP's new partnership with TBP, adopting new curriculum, and new math... "plus" a lot more. There's also plenty of nonsense in this episode including the longest "post credits scene" yet, involving a deep dive into Bluey. Listen now, mates!

It's Read Across America Day and on this episode of The Bolt Podcast, we're talking to TBP librarians. (Please, keep your voice down!) We discuss the book fair, the five-finger rule, and the nuances of reading and readers. Today's library might not look the way you remember it, though. With makerspaces and reading competitions, we are just getting started with exciting things in our TBP libraries.  So, pretend this episode is a book and check it out! The Knowledge Gap Reading Reconsidered: A Practical Guide to Rigorous Literacy Instruction Leprechauns Don't Play Basketball (The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids, #4)

On this episode we delve into ed-tech one more time with our district's Instructional Technology Coordinator. When we last discussed this topic, it was all the way back in March... of 2020. What could have possibly changed since then?? We talk about the importance of applying meaningful instructional technology, a few apps to add to your utility belt, and get into blue bubbles vs. green bubbles. (This podcast is available to you, no matter which color bubble you like.)

The Bolt Podcast welcomes special guests to hold a fantasy holiday movie draft! Choosing from 4 categories, our contestants pick their favorite holiday movies, and holiday hijinks ensues! Here are the 4 categories: Blockbuster (Over $100 million box office) Kid's movie (G/PG) Before 1990 Wildcard What would you pick? Do you share any picks with us? Let us know and happy holiday movie season!!!

This episode of The Bolt Podcast was recorded at the end of the 21-22 school year, when many teachers were considering or already planning to change grade levels. This time, Conor and Trey sat down with a couple of teachers who just might have taught every grade level there is to teach. What are the differences across the differing grades, what tricks work in both elementary and middle school, and which is their favorite? "Turn and face the strange... Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!"

School's out for summer... but The Bolt doesn't take a vacation. As a K-8 charter school, our staff is often asked, "What happens after 8th grade?" In this episode, we talk to our Counseling and Family Engagement Coordinator to discuss the options for high school and how we prepare our students to move on from TBP successfully.

What better way to wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week than with TBP staff stories of our favorite childhood instructors? From our own classroom teachers, to executives, to The Bolt team themselves, we find out about the teachers that made us who we are today. Teachers, we appreciate you this week and always!

"We did it again!" Conor, Mr. Trey, and friend of the show Ryan Keser return for The Bolt Podcast's holiday tradition, discussing Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Where do you stand... original or sequel? South Bend Shovel Slayer or Pigeon Lady? Wet Bandits or Sticky? Go scene for scene and try to find out if you'd survive Operation Ho Ho Ho. Listen now, ya filthy animals... and a Happy New Year.

With Conor out, Mr. Trey hosts as a soloist in this episode about music in education. Joined by guests from TBP's Partnership with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as well as our Choir teacher from the Jefferson campus, we hear why music not only has a profound effect on our students, but shapes our lives as we learn and grow. From Tchaikovsky to Taylor Swift, this episode is sure to be music to your ears.

What is your favorite kind of art? Conor and Mr. Trey get out the finger paints and paper maché to discuss the importance of art in education, with the help of two former Art teachers and former guests. We dig into the benefits of art therapy, the importance of lining campus hallways with student artwork, and how it all can lead to a stronger academic future. After all, you can't spell college... without misspelling collage!

A story of Social Emotional Learning in two parts. Conor and Trey first talk with our partners at Clayton Youth Enrichment about the importance of SEL along with some programs happening at TBP. We are then joined by the Counselor of our Mesquite campus to discuss how this approach is directly affecting our students. Clayton Youth Enrichment » Before & After School Child Care in Fort Worth Texas

Grab your passports! Conor and Trey discuss teaching internationally with two former teachers, turned TBP employees. Where did they teach? What did they learn? And how did their time teaching abroad shape their current roles at Trinity Basin Preparatory? Fasten your seatbelts and make sure your earbuds are in the locked and upright position. Bon voyage!

Recorded toward the end of the summer, Conor and Trey talk about getting ready for this unique school year, with a couple of ladies from TNTP. The New Teacher Project worked with TBP in the off-season, and is here to share some insight and an outsiders perspective of our district. We also discuss the challenges facing education in general, and the concepts of remediation and acceleration. Grab your accountabili-buddy, put on your thinking caps, and listen now!

With the help of a couple of early (but current) TBP employees, we step back in time to find out what TBP was like back in the day. We hear about the history of our early campuses, the origin story of the TBP mascot, plus Conor and Mr. Trey get a glimpse of Convocations past. Sometimes you can't see where you're going, until you've seen where you've been.

In the first episode on real microphones, in over a year... friend of the show and CAO, Lesley Austin joins Conor and Mr. Trey live in studio. In this new season and new school year, they talk about new things coming to TBP in 2021. They discuss the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, a "single pane of glass" for all things TBP, and a powerful way to engage with parents and families. Listen new! I mean, listen now!

In the final episode of the 20-21 school year, Conor and Trey talk about teacher burnout. How can we prevent it? Or maybe it's inevitable... and maybe, that's okay. Don't worry, it's not all serious though! We also take some time to hear about other important things, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, maple syrup, and wait... grasshoppers can bite?

Con Solo and C-TreyPO nerd out hard on this one. A May the 4th episode about all things Star Wars. We get to hear from a few "padawans" (middle school students) who tell us their experiences with the galaxy far, far away. The movies, the TV shows, the comics, the games, and even their favorite Star Wars toys. This IS the episode you're looking for, so listen now! LAUGHING CHEWBACCA MASK LADY (FULL VIDEO) - YouTube STAR WARS BEST WATCH ORDER? All Movies + Mandalorian + Clone Wars & Rebels! - YouTube

Trey and Conor talk about TBP's Special Programs with our Coordinators. We hear about SpEd, 504, RTI, and ESL, along with the difference between IEPs and BIPs. Plus... we have a T- Rex. Initialisms, acronyms, backronyms and everything else, put in place to benefit our Special Populations. Listen ASAP!

Conor and Trey welcome back two guests who have come a long way since their previous episode about classroom management. Well, at least 10 miles. Now at our Mesquite campus, they dive deep into classroom culture and how crucial social emotional learning is this year, in particular. They also discuss the challenges of opening a new campus in the middle of a pandemic and why Mr. Trey should never be left in charge of a classroom. 

How does mindfulness look in your classroom versus your living room? Can you do mindfulness wrong? More importantly... what is mindfulness anyway? Podcast aficionado, Principal of the Panola campus, and friend of the show Ryan Keser joins Mr. Trey to discuss all things mindfulness with one of TBP's Instructional Coaches. From breathing to being, from headbands to hedgehogs, be mindful when listening to this one. Don't forget to check out resources below for things discussed in the episode: Headspace - Netflix Core (App) Muse (App) The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk M.D. The Now Effect - Dr. Elisha Goldstein  Sean Fargo The Gifts of Imperfection - Brené Brown

Conor and Mr. Trey host an Ask Me (almost) Anything with the CEO and Superintendent of Trinity Basin Preparatory, Randy Shaffer. How does one go from practicing law to running a charter school, and do the two have anything in common? What challenges are schools facing now, compared to when he joined TBP? These questions, plus the power of REM, on this episode of The Bolt Podcast.

Conor and Mr. Trey talk with the founder of Pocketful of Primary, Michelle Emerson! Support and social media. Experiencing exponential impact on teachers and students. The power of... powerlifting? For this episode filled with acronyms and alliteration, make sure to clear out your ears and listen with your positive pants on!

Time for a fun one. Conor and Mr. Trey take a break from the world of education to discuss one of the best holiday movies of all time... Home Alone! With friend of the show Ryan Keser, they talk trivia, crazy fan theories, and did somebody say Home Alone reboot? "You guys give up, or ya thirsty for more?"

In a re-visit of one of The Bolt's earliest episodes, we hear back from a couple of our first guests. Last time, we heard what it took to survive their first year teaching. This time, we find out what it takes to survive teaching in a pandemic. Education in an ever-changing environment. Sometimes you laugh, sometimes you cry, and sometimes you spend too much money at Starbucks.

Trey and Conor talk to the Principal of TBP's newest campus, Kyla Jaramillo. Together, they discuss the challenges of opening a new school during a pandemic, and the passionate staff that gets the job done. Conor and Mrs. Jaramillo also share parenting tips, while Trey frets over ferrets. Yes, you read that right.

The Bolt is back! In an episode recorded before the first day of school, but after the global pandemic... Conor and Mr. Trey talk about the whirlwind summer and the months leading up to it. They also check in on teachers to find out how they handled being out of the classroom, and adjusted to teaching from home. What did they miss? What did they gain? What new foods did they eat? Find out the answers to these questions and more, on the Season 3 premiere of The Bolt Podcast.

From episode twenty, to episode quaran-teen! The Bolt comes to you in your home, from our homes. We wanted to do something to lift our listeners' spirits, so here is an update during these crazy times. We make some recommendations for things to binge-watch with any extra time you may find, and give some tips on working from home. As always, "Do More, Expect More, and Be More" (... and maybe wash your hands more).

At The Bolt, we have been looking forward to this episode for a little while. The 20th episode. Releasing on March 20th. Of 2020? It was almost too perfect. We knew we had to do "20 more" stories about what makes TBP so great... our staff and students.Then, the world changed for all of us. We are no longer on campus, or in office every day. All of a sudden, our teachers are teaching, and our students are learning... from home. We at The Bolt, and across the world, are left asking, "What just happened...?".This would have been an easy episode to postpone, but we felt that now more than ever, our staff needs something to get their minds off of what's going on, and a reminder: Your TBP family is still with you.We hope you enjoy.

In this special interactive bonus episode, watch along with The Bolt as our hosts and guests discuss different education focused future-tech. Click the link below, and watch with us as we look at a Microsoft Productivity Future Vision video, and talk about the things that could one day be available in our classrooms! Technology in Education Video:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H0BcyeFp0LF8MDMGsTKy_-IJwIm0d1aM/view?usp=sharing

Conor and Mr. Trey talk ed-tech with two of TBP's finest! The Bolt's own Manolo Munoz leads the conversation on creative and innovative technology in the world, but specifically in education. TBP Ewing's Assistant Principal, Nicholle Vavra joins as well to give us the academics perspective. Plus, everyone tries to figure out if they're team Apple, team Google, team Microsoft... or maybe a combination. What is the plural form of stylus? Listen now to find out!  Mr. Trey's Tech Tips  What's new in your inbox? Play My Emails in Outlook for iOS   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5orkIk0Vj4  Conor's Coaching Corner  Alan November: "21st Century Learning -- a Deep Dive into the Future of Education"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTEcIl41BFU  Education Myths and Opportunities: Technology in the Classroom by Alan November  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C84WHVGod-E  Manolo's Media Minute  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12ofW-M6MItYUmjvD7jHe5gqz4Nlr4wmx/view?usp=sharing

At the urging of the TBP Assistant Principals, we are joined by Joe Sanfelippo, Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District #GoCrickets who talks about being intentional, sharing your story, and a little Packers/Cowboys rivalry. First though, Conor and Mr. Trey talk to TBP students participating in the BizKids program about an up and coming podcast of their own. Plus, Conor issues Mr. Trey a challenge that he won't soon forget. #GoTitans Joe's One Minute Walks:   http://www.jsanfelippo.com/leadership-challenge

Trey and Conor celebrate National School Counselors Week by talking to a couple of counselors from TBP. They discuss the importance of high school-readiness as a K-8 district, as well as social and emotional learning. They also talk about the variances of bullying, and what challenges new social media outlets can pose in all facets of student life. Thank you to all School Counselors across our district and beyond. Happy National School Counselors week!

In Part 2 of the self-care series, Conor and Trey talk to the founder of Educators 2 Educators, Carrie Conover! They discuss e2e's on demand professional development for teachers, and the shared experience of podcast hosting. Most importantly, our hosts dive back into the topic of self-care, and discuss with Carrie why sometimes it starts with thinking... about the way you're thinking.Follow Carrie on Twitter @educators2edu and on Instagram @educators2educators. January is dedicated to self-care on their site, which you can check out at https://educators2educators.com/   Listen to the e2e podcast here: https://lime-teal-5r2r.squarespace.com/podcast  Teachers - Apply for the TBP Game Changer Leadership Academy or GLCA at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a-t0bfFFpJjZxB5_McKdK9tFOTsYSDYRKCwTOT_aOXk/copy  There will also be an "Aspiring Teachers Academy" coming soon for IAs and other auxiliary staff interested in furthering their careers in Education. Keep up with The Bolt Podcast for updates!

In the first episode of a two-part series, Conor and Trey talk to two teachers about something all too important this time of year... self-care. Together, they discuss time management and mental wellness, as well as physical activity and meal-prepping. What works? What doesn't? And can the group convince Trey to run a 5K? (No. No, they cannot.) This episode isn't just about getting physical, though. Some of this is all in your head. So, take care of yourself...and each other.

Not much academic value to be found under the tree this week, as our hosts discuss what qualifies a Christmas movie and count down their favorite festive films. (Spoiler alert!) We also find out how early is too early for Christmas music, and their top holiday songs. Hot chocolate, childhood memories, and fun family traditions make this "seasonal" finale an episode... that "yule" definitely enjoy. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Bolt Podcast!

Conor and Trey talk with the host of "Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud", and it's no surprise...it's Steve Barkley! In this, the latest example of "two nerds with microphones", Conor gets to nerd out about Instructional Coaching and Trey gets to nerd out about podcast hosting. (This conversation took place via web call, so please forgive any skips or digitization.)

We wanted to call this episode "Professional Development", but thought that may scare some people off. Our guests today talk to Conor and Trey about what works and what doesn't work for them in training sessions, and why the phrase "practical development" may be more appropriate. Plus, why are teachers not necessarily the best students?  RESOURCES MENTIONED:  House Sorting:  https://youtu.be/PHqhU_BJeIA  Eddie B Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR1pEF48nMM  Teach Like a Champion:  https://teachlikeachampion.com/  Teach Like a Pirate:  https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-PIRATE-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600  Pocket Full of Primary:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf4ktrnK_jWG1mC7U7fNphA  National Council of Math Teachers - Illuminations  https://illuminations.nctm.org/  Shmoop:  https://www.youtube.com/user/shmoopdotcom  GoMath (HMH) Professional Development:  https://www.hmhco.com/classroom-solutions/professional-services  ASCD:  http://www.ascd.org/conferences.aspx  Cult of Pedagogy:  https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/

So far, we've heard from teachers, IA's, and principals at Trinity Basin Preparatory. On this episode of The Bolt Podcast, we get the parent perspective. Connor and Trey find out why TBP was the right choice for our guests, and discuss extra curricular activities and the importance of dressing for success. Plus, you'll never guess which of our hosts may still need help tying a necktie. (Actually, that one's pretty easy.)

Employees from across TBP share hilarious and heart-warming stories from a district training event. Ranging from 8th Grade through Pre K, it's no surprise that these stories cover everything from passing math tests...to poop. Digital dissections? Haunted hallways? Some of these tales are just in time for Halloween, and yes... there will be blood.

Today, we swing our Unsung Hero spotlight to the east. In Part 2 of the series, Conor and Trey get more from the Instructional Aide perspective from a current IA, as well as a former IA who works at TBP now as a Kindergarten teacher. They talk about the effects of negative attitudes, and learn the perils of glue and slime, in the stickiest episode yet!

Thanks for coming. I've asked you here today because we need to talk... about this episode of The Bolt Podcast! It's all about parent communication, and in this episode our hosts talk about parent conferences, sending messages home, and why Conor won't respond to emails on the weekend. Plus, find out how much meat should be in a praise sandwich, and how much of a praise sandwich you should have when you meet. (Fun with homophones!) Listen now, before we send a note home!

So, what is a charter school anyway? Today we learn how a charter school like Trinity Basin Preparatory, differs from an Independent School District, from two guests who have worked in both worlds. They discuss some common misconceptions about charters, disciplinary and academic standards, and why school uniforms can be so beneficial. We also hear how charters are funded, compared to an ISD, with the help of TBP's CFO. Listen to this ASAP!

Conor and Trey sit down with two Instructional Aides, to shine a spotlight on our first group of unsung heroes. Together, they talk about daily duties, the dynamic of working with family, and who is messier in the lunchroom... the little ones or the big kids.

Wait, what was classroom management again? And what does it look like in middle school versus elementary? You're not experiencing deja vu, we just couldn't get enough of talking about it. So, we're back for Part 2, of a 2 part series on Classroom Management. This episode focuses on middle school, but if you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and check it out for the elementary perspective. RESOURCE MENTIONED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBeWEgvGm2Y&t=210s

What is classroom management? What does it look like in elementary versus middle school? What are teachers doing with all of those stickers? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Part 1, of a 2 part series on Classroom Management. This episode focuses on elementary, but be sure to check out Part 2 for the middle school perspective. RESOURCES MENTIONED: First Days of School - Harry Wonghttps://www.amazon.com/First-Days-School-Effective-Teacher/dp/0962936022Rita Pierson TED Talkhttps://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion?language=en

Our hosts are joined by TBP Principal, Ryan Keser and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Lesley Austin to discuss leadership qualities, the difference between a leader and a manager, and why overalls aren't as functional as they seem. RESOURCES MENTIONED:   Books:  Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 - John C. Maxwell:  https://www.amazon.com/Developing-Leader-Within-You-Workbook/dp/0310094070 Leadershift - John C. Maxwell:  https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Maxwell-John/dp/1400212944 Leverage Leadership 2.0 - Paul Bambrick Santoyo:  https://www.amazon.com/Leverage-Leadership-2-0-Practical-Exceptional-ebook/dp/B07FDNF65Y Speed of Trust - Steven Covey:  https://www.amazon.com/SPEED-Trust-Thing-Changes-Everything-ebook/dp/B000MGATWG District Leadership that Works - Robert J. Marzano:  https://www.amazon.com/District-Leadership-That-Works-Striking-ebook/dp/B007BE1YTE   Podcasts:  Coaching for Leaders with Dave Stachowiak:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3ChDtTY9JyupfNGxcV39b3?si=PuGgRC_lSA6Bi8B4LXNWHQ Happier with Gretchen Rubin:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0rgMTVJ9TWDWsut3R1c5L3?si=uRRaPuI3Rbm31UV0sRxf0A Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steve-barkley-ponders-out-loud/id1254070860 Radical Candor:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3qOmzC2JoWv5wX9YZIqXGx?si=0Z5A_PBSSCmfKbRPwVXQKQ   Videos: Minute with Maxwell:  https://johnmaxwellteam.com/minute-with-maxwell/

Conor and Mr. Trey are joined by two first year teachers, to discuss how they survived their first year, where most of their money went, and how "making yourself a balloon" can really calm you down.