The Grounded Learners Guild

Where were you the last time you heard the names Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin? Binge watching the surprise mega hit “The Tiger King” during the pandemic? Maybe catching the sequel a few years after or Carole dancing to Eye of the Tiger on Dancing with the Stars ? Or maybe listening to a few first-year education podcasters having a little fun connecting with listeners during summer break? Whatever the case may be, welcome back   - we're setting our sights on all the craziness of the Tiger King and the connections we made back in 2021 between the world of edu & learning and the world of tiger cub selfies and expired Walmart baloney.

We're shifting gears in our reflection series and about to throw the spotlight on our mini episodes. Back in the summer of 2021, we were still wondering how we'd emotionally, mentally or physically recover from the chaos of that first year of “pandemic teaching”. Almost as much as we were wondering at the time if a one, Carole Baskin, actually fed her husband to a tiger. To get right into it - and avoid lawsuits - let's jump into an episode full of connections and laughs that we really needed back in June of 2021.

In the 2008 pop anthem “Circus”, Britney sings “There's only two types of people in the world The ones that entertain, and the ones that observe”; however, in this season 1 throwback episode, we asserted that those in the observe camp likely are caught in the Apathy Zone. In this episode, we considered research about zones of optimal learning and also more Toxic zones that keep people's heads slippin' under with anxiety and yes, apathy. When it comes to learning, we all better work, not just sit back and watch. If you like your discussions of social psychology and learning theory balanced with song lyrics and red pleather jumpsuits, you're in the right spot.

The episode slash dance party you are about to hear was released on May 27, 2021, and the Guild had just as much fun preparing for it as we did recording it. With solid evidence on anxiety and apathy from Harvard Business school and how this entangles with all things Britney Spears, we had hours of pop lyrics to study in order to flex our metaphorical moves. I knew we had to revisit this one, if for no other reason than so we can say “Oops We Did it, Again.” So let's all hit this Baby, One more time.

Even if navigating change sometimes feels like trying to herd cats, it's important to remember as Leslie Knope says ,"every obstacle is an opportunity to prove how awesome you are.” Feeling part of a community, as we know, is so vital for student and educator success - and given the stresses, trials, and victories that come with being in the field of education and leadership, change is going to happen. So, how do we maintain those relationships and not fall into a metaphorical pit as when change or transitions come our way? The question is as prevalent now as it was nearly 3 years ago. So before GLG takes a running leap and learns to fly towards what's ahead” let's reflect on “Network Connectivity Problems” - and what we can do to keep our connections “Leslie Knope & Ann Perkins” strong…

It's fitting that we are returning back to our February 3rd, 2022 episode in this second set of our featured episodes on belonging and leadership. In this episode, entitled Network Connectivity issues, we shared with our listeners how we as a guild maintained our connection and commitment to creating as we went through the first of several major shifts.  Because unlike Ron Swanson, we are always interested in caring about people…even if we haven't worked with them for three years.  Stay tuned!

Real talk: there are times when the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 feels like it might have just been yesterday, especially since many school systems are still dealing with its after effects. In other moments, those days of lockdowns, remote teaching, and having to PIVOT constantly feel like a fever dream. But some things have endured that trying time - including a silly little game we invented (or reinvented): Milk, Margarita, Malort. Five years ago, we used that game to consider and discuss instructional practices, procedures, and ideas in education that we hoped and didn't want to stick around. Secondly, that game allowed us to forge a friendship with the incredibly talented Kim Darche. Join us as we invite her back to reflect on this episode and catch up. Stay tuned!

In this next set of episodes, we are revisiting and reflecting on another one of our favorite topics: leadership and belonging. In this episode we return back to our freshmen season. The episode, Love in the Time of Corona, originally aired on April 15, 2021. We welcomed our first guest, and we played a game in ”three parts” with our own original, “beverage themed” twist. So grab yourself a glass of your favorite, and enjoy!

The Kumbaya-love-fest the GLG had on this past rerun of the Make it Work Mindset displays how the powers of a guild provide support and recognition during times of stress when performing at max capacity is a must– a common reality for all those in this education space. As we work our way towards our own “Auf wiedersehen” for our favorite education episodes, it's a chance to revisit and reflect upon this episode that reminds us all that even if the situations that had us “making it work” during the pandemic have changed immensely, we are STILL designers - and we are fierce.

This episode you're about to listen to is one that I, Jenni, remember so fondly yet listen back to and lovingly cringe. It originally aired on February 4, 2021, in the heart of the pandemic, when all teachers were unvaccinated, masked up and hybrid teaching to sets of eyeballs and ceiling fans. If we hadn't yet learned how to make it work, then, we've surely earned our designer stripes by now. Hope you enjoy this re-listen as much as we did and agree how the Make it Work Mindset still applies, maybe even more so, today.

Early literacy development can seem alien to us secondary teachers, but we can't “leave students' literacy fates up to chance.” That's where explicit vocabulary instruction comes in. Before this episode aired, we heard from an early literacy expert and writer Dr. Amy Stewart on what the “Science of Reading” movement was, and the responsibilities it brings to all teachers, but especially secondary teachers in helping students acquire the vocabulary they need before they can comprehend text. In this upcoming episode, we'll reminisce about our favorite moments and behind the scenes memories. If you haven't listened back yet, we replayed it in our previous episode…So if you're caught up, stay tuned!

Hey everyone - Casey here!Since watching and falling in love with the original Star Wars trilogy as a child, I knew we'd eventually “jedi-mind trick” a way to discuss the Star Wars Universe as GLG. At the time of our recording, the teaching world had been rocked by the release of another podcast series on how that brain actually learns to read, and how schools and curriculum publishers for years may have got it wrong - and many children lacked the skills they need to operate in a highly literate world.The episode you are able to hear was released on November 24, around Thanksgiving of 2023, and was part of our three part series on The Science of Reading. Happy listening!

As we heard in our re-run of our episode, Data: A Twisted Love Story, data and numbers have a story to tell - but as with most stories, the devil's in the details. In this upcoming episode, we'll reminisce about our favorite moments from “Data A Twisted Love Story” and see what (if anything) has changed. If you haven't listened back yet, we replayed it in our previous episode for your recollection & hopefully your enjoyment. So if you're caught up, stay tuned, because it's time to review & reminisce.

The episode you're going to listen to in a few short moments is one that I, Emily, truly treasure. It was released on April Fools' Day of 2021. Listening back, we were lovers of a solid metaphor from day one,  but “data” really let it fly. In this episode, Casey gets us running with not one, not two, but THREE metaphors for the ways data can be used: as a Greek Tragedy, a Hero's Journey, and a Love Story.

As educators, we are all very used to the fact that the work we pour our hearts into most is ultimately fleeting. After all, our elementary school students are only with us for 6-7 years; our middle school students top out at 3, and our high school students, of course, are typically out the door and on the way to their futures in a mere four years. Looking at this podcast through that lens, going into season 5 makes us pretty proud of how long the Grounded Learners Guild has stuck around! As a guild, we thought long and hard about how we wanted our 5th and final season to play out and we landed on this: like the coaches we are, we want to walk the walk when it comes to creating a collective experience of reflection and growth. So even though we are dealing with the bittersweet reality that “all good things must come to an end” also applies to our beloved podcast, we're truly excited to spend some time this season looking back on the episodes we've recorded, topics we've covered, and of course, the games we've played. And we hope you, listeners, will have some laughs, find some new learning, and enjoy reflecting right along with us.

Bonjour, GLG listeners! It might seem “rather odd” to compare math to Disney's iconic take on “Beauty and the Beast” but bear with us here - A bookish protagonist finds herself torn between two worlds - between the love she has grown into and those who have yet to see the value and beauty under what seems dark, confusing, and . . . requires attention to precision? Now you can see where we're going with this…and we've found a qualified expert to “be our guest” on this enchanted mathematical adventure. Join us!

One thing that's pretty clear about the GLG, especially if you've listened to our “Pop Culture Playground” mini episodes, is that we typically skew, as a guild, towards pop music. Much in the same way, in our journey as a podcast to capture what it's like to teach, learn, team, and lead in school systems during the early-mid 2020s, we realize our discussions have been tuned closely into the “United States K-12 Education” station.Up next, we're going to spin that dial…and consider the “Alternative” station. Where or how else can those with a curious mind, an empathetic heart, and a love for teaching and learning make a difference in education? “Stay Tuned” throughout this mini-series on “AlternativeEDU” with the GLG …starting with this very episode!

One thing that's pretty clear about the GLG, especially if you've listened to our “Pop Culture Playground” mini episodes, is that we typically skew, as a guild, towards pop music. Much in the same way, in our journey as a podcast to capture what it's like to teach, learn, team, and lead in school systems during the early-mid 2020s, we realize our discussions have been tuned closely into the “United States K-12 Education” station.Up next, we're going to spin that dial…and consider the “Alternative” station.  Where or how else can those with a curious mind, an empathetic heart, and a love for teaching and learning make a difference in education? Stay tuned throughout this mini-series on “AlternativeEDU” with the GLG!

It's not uncommon these days to see teachers clamoring for a hack that will change how student discussion plays out in the classroom. Our students still have a tremendous desire for interaction with each other, but it can feel like the second that topic of conversation aligns to a learning objective, the struggle for engagement is REAL. When the odds are against us like this, it seems as if we need to pull off something BIG to get student discussion where we want it to be…almost like pulling off some kind of heist! Yet, we're flipping the classic heist narrative here – it's about giving, not taking. And the GLG is just the right team to dive into the vast “ocean” of possibilities.

On a scale of 1 - 10, how would you rate your ability to use AI in your classroom?Considering all we discussed in our last episode, it's understandable if that number isn't very high.  But there's another side to AI, where it may not be out to defeat or even replace educators…but to be our companion in brainstorming, solution seeking, and creation for our students. Welcome to the GLG “nerd lab” where we're going to consider how AI might have the potential to be “The Big Hero”, too.

“Come with us if you want to live.” Okay, it's not THAT drastic, but at this moment in time, we are in dire need of quite a few conversations about the many facets of Artificial Intelligence when it comes to learning and teaching. Some educators see a post-apocalyptic world bearing down on us, while others just see a tool that can be incredibly useful, even …fun. Wherever your own personal programing has you on this continuum, there's going to be a few bits and bytes here for you as the GLG explores AI in schools.

Photo from Unsplash From the very first episode of Abbott Elementary, you can immediately pick out Barbara Howard as a veteran teacher who makes a massive impact on her school. Her classroom routines are on point, her students feel safe and loved, and her colleagues view her with a range from hero worship to trusted collaborator. With all that seasoned veteran teachers like this give back to a school environment - we have to flip the script and consider. What do OUR Barbaras need and deserve in the final phase of their careers as educators? We're going there - stick around.

Quinta Brunson's show “Abbott Elementary'' has struck a chord with folks everywhere. No other show about education has managed to encapsulate the real struggles faced by urban educators like this one has. Even more impressive is how perfectly balanced the portrayal of real-world educational issues is …juxtaposed with laugh out loud hilarious lines and deftly witty characterization. As educational podcasters who LOVE a good comedy series, it's time we talked about it. That said, speaking in generalities is not our way, so stay tuned while we utilize our discussion of “Abbott Elementary” to dig deeper into an important idea in our newest series: the educator experience divide. Join us. Photo by Ellen Tanner on Unsplash

ey there smelly cats, how-YOU-doin? You'll want to grab yourself a HUGE cup of coffee - because we are visiting the pop culture winter wonderland one more time, And this time we're tuning into 90s classic “Friends”. Get ready for some education-adjacent connections to six highly-caffeinated friends and the hilarious ins and outs of their lives shared with us over 10 seasons. Let's just hope this doesn't turn into a Joey Tribbiani-level disaster faster than Ross can pivot into a pair of leather pants.

I'm sure when you hear the name “Britney Spears”, your thoughts might revolve around any number of danceable tracks or eras where she dominated the headlines, but I bet education and learning are far from the top of your mind. And yet, while we discussed Britney Spears in our Season 1 episode “The Apathy Zone”, we felt we hadn't fully given this queen of pop her due. Britney's music isn't just about the many phases of relationships, iconic outfits, and amazing dance routines. That's why this pop culture winter wonderland is for embracing all things catchy and chaotic alike and diving headfirst into the unexpected parallels between Britney's bops and the world of K-12 education.

We may be outnumbered, under-resourced, and emotionally drained at times, but we teachers, like Kevin McCallister in the holiday classic Home Alone are resourceful, resilient, and ultimately, victorious. Because even in the face of endless homework revisions and standardized test anxieties, educators are still working their hardest to make learning more fun for kids than, say, sledding down the stairs and out the front door. So buckle up, educators and learners, because in this episode, we're leaving the traps of the day-to-day grind behind and zip-lining into a proverbial tree house full of hilarious, surprisingly heartwarming connections to our classrooms and staff rooms. Welcome to the Pop Culture Winter Wonderland.

Not to give too big of a spoiler, but the film “Rogue One, A Star Wars Story” ends with a very important word: “Hope”. When we look at literacy instruction and learning, we find “hope” when our striving readers begin to master reading comprehension. This incredibly sought after skill unlocks so many others - reaching far beyond mere recall into analysis, creation, and synthesis. It doesn't matter if you're reading a social studies textbook chapter, “Rosie Revere Engineer” or….say…the schematics used to create the Death Star, perhaps?. Reading comprehension is about bringing together varied skills to transform information on a page into real power….and hope! Stick around while our “ragtag group of rebels” in the GLG discuss another such group -the crew of the “Rogue One” and tie their collaborative mission for crucial comprehension - to our own.

In a world where innovative, immersive, and authentic learning reign supreme, anything that could be described as “robotic” can be a little off-putting to say the least. It brings to mind the mentality of Disney's “The Mandalorian” who, in early seasons, has good reason to mistrust droids - avoiding and even eliminating them at every turn! Yet, just like Din Djarin has to do some personal “reprogramming” to find a droid or two as tolerable, even useful entities …we are all working to come to a place where we can similarly embrace some of the practices detailed in the Science of Reading for the vocabulary instruction of older learners. How do we reconcile our own wishes to “avoid the droid” while still integrating research-based practices when called to? It starts with a healthy degree of questioning and consideration. This is the way.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a classic battle waged - led by a group of rebels who dared to think differently - engaging in disciplined practice that would ultimately yield them the power to transcend time, space, and physical limitations. As Yoda might say: “Talking about the Jedi we are?” But as is the GLG way, we have one foot firmly planted in the world of education which means, the answer is Yes - BUT we are also talking about a different kind of training: teaching new readers!

Coaches and middle instructional leaders often find themselves in uncharted territory - they are in their role because they are high skilled, and while many have the tools to inspire and lead others, many feel adrift trying to find their place. Well, according to Josh Gates, host of the Travel Channel's show Expedition Unknown, “Seeing the world is a prerequisite to understanding one's place in it.” Both travelers (and coaches) “have a responsibility to adapt” to the people and individuals around them. Otherwise, as Gates says, “ we miss the whole point: the opportunity to gain a new perspective. Every story has worth, since a person takes the time to tell it. The key is to listen.”

When Willy Wonka sang the line: ““A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest of men,” we doubt he had seen the same type of “nonsense”as, say, an 8th grade math teacher might encounter on the last day of school before winter break.  And yet, educators everywhere are perpetually working to understand and interpret student behavior. While it might be challenging to acknowledge in the moment, research tells us that more often than not, a child does not possess the skills needed to handle a situation or meet the expectations set FOR them. Join us and you never know - you might just find a “golden ticket” for responding to behavior you haven't tried yet.

Whether it's a report from a sub or a comment from a passing observer, the way people talk about educator's students often boils down to one thing: student behavior. It runs the gamut from “That class is completely out of control,” to “what a polite and respectful group of young people!” Educators everywhere are trying to amend the former and replicate the latter, but it starts with a firm understanding of the science of behavior. And of course, to balance out all this research, we're relating it by way of a pretty “sweet” metaphor that would make both Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp proud. . . “The suspense for GLG's first episode of season 4 is terrible . . . we hope it will last!”

Season 4 premiers this Thursday!

We at GLG love a “fish out of water story.” Some of our favorite connections on the Pop Culture Playground have been about characters who leave their lives of comfort and familiarity who embark on a journey of self discovery. Today, we will once again revisit this classic trope, this time with a movie (and spinoff tv show) about a group of vampire roommates trying to make it in our modern world - and growing very little (but making us laugh a ton) in the process. “They say that vampires' hearts are cold and dead. Definitely dead. But we don't know. We think they still feel things inside” so long as we look closely at What (They) Do in the Shadows. Stay tuned.

Education, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Grounded Learners Guild. It's mission: to explore strange new ideas, to seek out new connections in new and old stories To boldly go where no leader or educator has gone before. Live long and prosper friends, but definitely stick around for our last Pop Culture Playground episode for the summer of 2023. Hit it, GLG, and remember to set phasers to stun!

Love her or hate her, it can't be argued that Taylor Swift is an artist who leaves an impression on listeners and pop culture alike. As far as the GLG is concerned, the fun of connecting pedagogy to pop culture and listening to some good tunes in the process never will “go out of style” - so put on your favorite “cardigan”, (even if you have to crank up the AC first) and join us for a game we know “All too Well” on the Pop Culture Playground.

We're going from quoting the Beastie Boys in our last episode to quoting George Bernard Shaw: “Youth is wasted on the young.” Well clearly good old George didn't meet any members of Gen Z! Gen Z with all its shifting priorities, is capable of stunning us all with a real sense of advocacy for themselves and their future. FAR from a waste, if our last episode is any indication. If you're like us and you had a few “YES! MORE OF THIS!” moments listening in, and you're looking for some research and reasoning behind some of the things we heard? You're in the right place….

Teachers don't choose to become teachers because of the glory, sizable paycheck, and the countless hours educators spent planning, delivering and assessing learning. We become teachers because we love working with and inspiring the next generation and because we had an exceptional teacher ourselves that instilled a love of life-long learning. As we mentioned in our parent university episode on technology, today's students have grown up in a time unlike any other. Today, we are going to shine the GLG light on Gen Z, those 11 to 26 year olds - and we are going to go straight to the source. With a very special, confident and impressive guest.

As very grateful chicagoans we leave the chill of winter behind us, we embrace the fact that we are moving into spring that will inevitably be rainy….or even foggy. But what if the fog surrounding us isn't in the atmosphere at all…but is more of a metaphorical fog? Few educational topics are “foggier” than assessment for even experienced educators. But hold onto your foghorns, folks, because the GLG is here to share some assessment strategies sure to shed some light on the topic- dissipating the fog and making the path to solid classroom assessment as clear as a bright sunny day.

Kid books! Oh, kids books! I loathe you! You suck out my brain. I wish I could flush you just right down the drain. If only you found your way to the trash. Kids books! Oh Kids books . .  Wait! Let's not be so rash…” While yes, some children' books can be absolute garbage, especially if we are asked to read them ad nauseam, but who can't resist the call of “Dad, will you read to me?” “Mommy, let's read together!” As parent educators, we know the importance of early and shared reading with kids, so we are here to recommend some of our favorites-... books that get kids thinking, aren't rage-inducing for parents, and maximize the time we spend reading with our kids to help them grow in more ways than one. Stay tuned!

One of the kids wants to be a YouTuber when she grows up and is begging for her own channel.  Another one would play Minecraft all day long if you let him.  Your teenager barely looks up from his phone. Your preschooler has a complete meltdown when you're waiting to get your food at a restaurant unless you let her watch a few videos. And through it all, they dutifully pack up their Chromebooks every day to engage with, you guessed it, even more technology at school. What's a parent to do? It's a tricky question, like so many of the questions parents have as they navigate their childrens' growth and learning.  That's why the GLG is kicking off our “Parent University” mini-series. As parents of school-aged children ourselves, in this episode we will make connections to our fellow-parent listeners and help answer some questions along the way.

What would you guess is the ratio is for time we spend dreading or outright avoiding difficult conversations to actually having them? 10 to 1? 20 to 1? 100 to1?!? But how might that ratio change if, prior to initiating such a conversation, you felt as prepared as you possibly could? You're probably never going to be a person who enjoys having conversations like this - and trust us, we aren't either… but changing the time spent prior to a trying conversation from simply ruminating to actually preparing is certainly something to try - and also decreases the likelihood of you and your co-communicator will fall out of a metaphoric window. So, let's take that snake out of those boots and reach for the sky on this week's episode as we shine a magnifying glass on what it takes to be a candid communicator - using the 90s animated classic Toy Story.

You grab your device, fire up your favorite, and jump right in - the familiar logo welcomes you and you eagerly kick off your adventure, clearing obstacles, facing challenges, and working hard to finally accomplish your hard-won goal! Of course, because this is the GLG, we're talking about using ed.tech tools to learn, right? Naturally…but we could just as easily be talking about video games! We all remember our first NES, Playstation, or Sega Genesis and the sheer joy of using technology just to play! There are too many connections here to pass up - You gotta stick around and have a listen as the GLG tackles our noisiest studio to date– the Exhibition Hall at one of our favorite Ed Tech Conferences for our first ever LIVE Pop Culture Pop Up.

Photo by C Perret on Unsplash This is an episode about…oh what was it again…it was right on the tip of my tongue!? We've all been there before haven't we? That's why we're here to talk about retrieval practices. If you've ever asked students to pick back up on where they left off and been met with blank stares…? Or wondered a few weeks into a new unit if students REALLY even remember the previous one? This is the episode for you - the GLG is ready and willing to discuss some strategies to help our kids retrieve prior learning. Stick around.

It's February, and that means a return to conference season! Some of our favorite conferences (DITCHED Con, IDEA Con) happen during this month, and as a guild, we thought it would be a great opportunity to provide some just in time content to help you make the most of these inspiring and reinvigorating professional learning events. This episode, entitled “Field Guide to Educational Conferences” is one we created very intentionally to coincide with “conference season” and it helped us a whole bunch - we're looking forward to a re-listen and hope you do, too! So, charge those devices, bust out that (printed) schedule and notebook, and enjoy this remastered episode alongside some of your own favorite professional learning conferences..and who knows, maybe we'll see you there!

All normies and outcasts, welcome for this week's episode on the Grounded Learners Guild. We conjured up some great content on our last venture through the creative mind of Tim Burton, so in this episode, we are going to shine some moonlight on the most recent Burton project: Netflix's “Wednesday”, her kooky spooky family and our most red…er black spoil alert to date. So, Woe!!!...this episode is sure to have you “raven”.

Hey guild members! It's not just the weather outside that's frightful. In the 1993 classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack, the spook-tacular Pumpkin King, is so inspired by Christmas Town, he decides to try his hand at taking the reins. So join the GLG as we put our shrunken heads together to make six connections to education, leadership and teams honoring this terrr[or}----ific film in our pop culture Winter Wonderland.

The holidays are a hectic time. There are parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and students all sitting in rows???? Ha, just kidding - we know those kids aren't sitting still! The excitement around the holidays permeates into our schools, so many teachers unwind with predictable storylines, cheesy characters, and over-the-top romantic fantasies in the Made-for-TV movies of The Hallmark and Lifetime channels. So, cozy up in your favorite buffalo plaid throw and a gourmet hot-cocoa from your friendly neighborhood marketing-executive-turned-barista - we are coming back home for the holidays to the twinkly lights and snow-covered winter wonderland we know & love for some pop culture connections.

Maybe not the most inspirational educational quote but when Johnny Lawrence of Cobra Kai says “In the real world, you can't expect people to do what they're supposed to do,” he is speaking some truth. We all want our students to be engaged, but it's not a given. We as teachers have to bring students to the mat by becoming master instructional designers who strengthen students academically, personally and socially. Join us for the reboot as we continue our discussion of student engagement and Cobra Kai.

To paraphrase Mr. Miyagi from the 1984 classic film “The Karate Kid”, “there's no such thing as a bad student; only a bad teacher.” Now hear us out. While we here at the GLG avoid shame & blame where teachers are concerned, we can all admit that some lessons are certainly more engaging than others! But why? And what does engagement really even mean? We're here to discuss this concept in our very favorite way - using a metaphoric lens. This time, we've set Karate Kid and Netflix's Cobra Kai in our sights; so join us for another 2-part series for what we hope will be an “engaging” conversation.

They are faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive. No really. Think about it. Able to assess student work at warp speed. Look - at the end of the hall … it's a mascot… it's a bus, nope… its a co-teaching pair! In last week's episode we discussed the power of having an in sync dynamic duo to support students. So, join our GLG Warriors Three as we continue our quest to support co-teachers with a case study of heroic proportions, and a utility belt full of strategies.