Tough Talk with Teachers

Jonathan and Whitney spend some time processing all that has gone on over the first month back in the classroom from struggles to triumphs.

Rachel is the creative mind behind Engaging Early Learners. She shares how one little piece of plastic has changed the game for her remote learning needs.  Seriously... check it out. How To Use The OSMO Reflector Activities For Distance Learning Using An OSMO  

We discuss why suspension shouldn't be the first go-to with behavior concerns with Sadie Bradshaw, special education teacher. Connect with Sadie on Instagram @sel_edventureswithmissb

In this episode, we discuss the racial issues in our society and learn from Samohya Stallons who is a person of color and an educator. She gives us some great things to be thinking about, learning from, and how to build more meaningful relationships with other POC.

How do we support our students and staff amidst these trying times? How do we help our students deal with what trauma and situations they may have experienced in the time we've been out of school? In this episode, we dive deep into these topics and more with Counselor of the Year, Olivia Carter! Please rate and leave a review! We'd love to hear from you!

With the last six months being nothing but unpredictable, returning to the classroom is full of anxieties for educators, parents, and students alike.  Listen as former teacher and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Stacie Boyar helps us discuss what might be different and how to handle all the changes. Check out Stacie's podcast, Namastacie! Our giveaway is still going on.  Listen to last week's episode for more details and visit bit.ly/TDIgiveaway to enter.

We are back for a new season and a new school year with special guests.  Rae Hughart and Adam Welcome discuss why teachers deserve it but not in the ways you might think!  They give practical strategies to help create positive change so educators get what we deserve.   Check out our guests on Twitter! Rae Hughart @RaeHughart Adam Welcome @MrAdamWelcome   Buy Teachers Deserve It on Amazon!   GIVEAWAY bit.ly/TDIgiveaway

Our new podcast season will be kicking off Monday! Be sure to check us out on all available podcast apps!

Amidst the school closures due to COVID19, educators everywhere are making the jump to teaching online also known as remote learning.  Join us as we discuss how to effectively teach outside of your traditional classrooms. For more ideas and resources, search #remotelearning on Twitter! Don't forget to subscribe and follow us on all social media platforms.

We take a break from our regularly scheduled podcast to bring you this short update on the state of our country.

In our first episode of Diversity Discussions, we dive in deep and ask the questions many have been hesitant to ask.  Jonathan and Whitney discuss with Dr. Christy Whittlesey the basics of the sexuality spectrum and how educators can support all students regardless of their sexuality.  This is a tough topic and a discussion you don't want to miss! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Make sure to like and rate this podcast! Tune in next week for the next installment in our Diversity Discussions where we continue cross barriers to better educate ourselves and to better understand our students. - - - - - - - - - - - - Christy Whittlesey, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) has been an educator in settings ranging from PreK-higher education for the past 17 years, and is currently a PreK-12 Fine and Performing Arts Administrator and a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Arts Ambassador in Massachusetts. In addition to her work in the arts, Dr. Whittlesey regularly collaborates with school districts and organizations to update policy and lead professional development to create gender-friendly schools where all students can thrive, regardless of gender.  Her book, It’s Ok to Say “They”: Tips for Educator Allies of Transgender and Non-Binary Students, is published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc., and is available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. - - - - - - - - - - - - HRC Welcoming Schools: Lesson plans, Definitions, Videos, Book recommendations, and more, including guidance on how to have age-appropriate conversations with students Madison Metropolitan School District, "Guidance & Policies to Support Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender-Expansive Students" - Model school policy "They is My Pronoun" page by Dr. Lee Airton - lots of information and opportunities to ask anonymous questions

This episode will have you rolling on the floor with funny stories from the classroom of amazing educators like yourself.  If you'd like to submit your funny story, visit bit.ly/TTWTfunny today! Don't forget to like, rate, and follow our podcast.  We are on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter too.

What's the role in play in the classroom?  Should it be part of our students' experiences?  Listen as one teacher tells us her view and how she covers content while still incorporating play. View Miss Ringer's TikTok account @the_ms.ringer_experience or follow her on Twitter @maddyringer11 Don't forget to like, rate, and follow our podcast.  We are on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter too.

This week, Jonathan and Whitney revisit the 2020 Midwest Educational Technology Community's annual convention in St. Charles, Missouri.  Even if you didn't attend, we have some great ideas and takeaways that you can use in your classroom today including random generators and Wakelet. 

Join us this week as we discuss the top five hottest edtech tools including Wakelet, GoNoodle, iOS Shortcuts, Merge Cube, and RealWorldMath. Want to know more about GoNoodle? Check out our previous episode where we dive in deep to the brain energizers from this amazing resource. Don't forget to subscribe and rate our podcast! Follow us on all social media platforms too.

In the trenches of flu season, many districts are facing sub shortages. Join us as we discuss how this is affecting teachers and what districts are doing to help recruit more qualified individuals to sub. Special guest Sally Handcock. Don't forget to like and rate this podcast! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter too.

Getting and, more importantly, keeping students engaged can be tough no matter your grade level or subject matter.  Listen in as we discuss ways to help increase engagement in our classrooms.  Do you have another strategy or tip? Let us know! Special guests include Julie Gambill and Steve Edwards. Don't forget to like and rate this podcast! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter too.

In this episode, Jonathan and Whitney share where they are personally and professionally.  You are sure to learn something new about our quirky co-hosts.  There are big things coming in 2020! (10:23) A Confession Don't forget to like and rate the podcast!  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter too.

Special Guest and veteran classroom teacher, Angela Sievers, discusses ways for your classroom to get supplies and necessary materials. She has funded over 100 Donor's Choose projects. Click these links if you would like her help via email or want to sign up for a DC account. Don't forget to like and subscribe.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Changing grade levels or roles in education can be tough! Listen as we discuss these changes and how a change could be just what you need to keep from burning out. Guests include Amber Walker and Lori Huey. Don't forget to like and subscribe.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Well, do you? In this episode, Jonathan and Whitney talk about modifications and accommodations; there is a difference!  They discuss ways that all teachers can quickly meet the needs of all learners especially those with 504s, IEPs, are ELL, or just have students that learn a little differently.  These tips and tricks are surely going to make the tough teaching life of differentiation just a little bit easier! Quick Guide to Modifications & Accommodations Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  Please make sure to like and rate our podcast!  We love to hear your feedback.

GoNoodle engages kids every month with movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. Available for free at school, home, and everywhere kids are! Join us as we discover the benefits of using GoNood to promote and engage our students.  Special guests include Sitaar Jones (GoNoodle) and Laura Propst (St. Francis Medical Center). Contact Sitaara Jones at sitaara.jones@gonoodle.com. Subscribe, rate, and follow us on all social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Are you struggling because your work-life and your personal life bleed over?  Is it hard to sepearte school and home?  Are you constantly doing school-related work when you're not at school?  It can be tough to find the right balance.  Join us on this show as we discuss the difficulties of our profession and how to help separate our professional and personal lives as best we can.Don't forget to give us a rating and make sure you are subscribed.  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for even more content.

In this episode, Jonathan interviews Whitney on how to keep your classroom organized.  Whitney provides quick and easy tips to start making changes today in your classroom or office space. Don't forget to rate us and share this episode with a colleague!  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for bonus tips and tricks.

In this episode, we talk with Rae Hughart and Jeff Gargas of the Teach Better Team where we discuss teaching mindset and an amazing book you must add to your professional library.  Teach Better Mindset will be released Wednesday, September 25 and available wherever books are sold.  If you want a few laughs while discussing tough topics, this episode is for you! Don't forget to rate our podcast and subscribe! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for even more motivation, inside info, and possibly some freebies!

Is your district cool enough to do this?  Listen and see!  You will want to copy us if not.  We are just that awesome.  Special guests include Dr. Neil Glass and Christa Turner. Follow us on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Don't forget to rate this episode!

It's offically August and time to start thinking about getting back to the grind.  How do you prepare for school starting and face those back-to-school nightmares? Special guests include Brianne Bishop and Stephanie Cooper. Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Join us today as we discuss perceptions non-educators have with the "summers off" teachers have... because we are all sitting on a beach enjoying a cold beverage right now. *insert eye roll here* Special guests include JoAnna Mounger, Hope Foster, David Hochreiter, Nicki Thompson, and Laura Freeman. Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

In this heartfelt episode, Whitney confesses something.  You probably didn't see it coming.  This is a real and raw episode not for the faint at heart. Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

We discuss having second jobs and the delicate balance that comes with working multiple jobs with Teri Ralls and Amber Beard. Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter. 

In the last couple of years, this four-letter 'D' word has made many educators cringe and some leave the profession altogether.  What is this word, you ask?  DATA.  It's everywhere in education.  What's the point?  Why do we have to collect and analyze so much of it?  How can we utilize it and streamline it?  Join us as we dive into these questions searching for answers to make our lives easier. Don't forget to subscribe! Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Visit our website for more information at bit.ly/ttwtpodcast.

In the final episode of our college series, we investigate what collegiate education is moving towards with our future teachers. How is collegiate education changing to meet the needs and trends in education? We ask Dr. Julie Ray from Southeast Missouri State University what is really being taught and focused on. April is Educator Appreciation month at Barnes & Noble. The month is almost up, so stop by your local store for the best discounts all year! Don't forget to subscribe! Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Visit our website for more information at bit.ly/ttwtpodcast.

In part two of our college series, we wanted to know what our future educators are experiencing and learning in the college setting.  What are teacher education programs like and focusing on these days? These future educators are likely to be our coworkers in the next few years. April is Educator Appreciation month, and we are pumped to be partnering with our local Barnes & Noble to offer you some amazing items valued at over $350!   Click here to enter the giveaway! Weekly drawings will be on Fridays.  The giveaway ends Wednesday, April 24 at 11:59 pm in which we will raffle off the grand prize!  Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Visit our website for more information at bit.ly/ttwtpodcast.

In part one of our college series, we wanted to know what our high school students are doing and learning to prepare for life after graduation. Theresa Taylor tells us what she does to help these students in her College Readiness course. There are many ideas you can use with your own children or students. April is Educator Appreciation month, and we are pumped to be partnering with our local Barnes & Noble to offer you some amazing items valued at over $350!   Click here to enter the giveaway! Weekly drawings will be on Fridays.  The giveaway ends Wednesday, April 24 at 11:59 pm in which we will raffle off the grand prize!  Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Barnes & Noble is so much more than a bookstore.  Learn what B&N has to offer educators, your schools, and your students... plus you could win FREE STUFF!! April is Educator Appreciation month, and we are pumped to be partnering with our local B&N to offer you some amazing items valued at over $350! Click here to enter the giveaway! Weekly drawings will be on Fridays.  The giveaway ends Wednesday, April 24 at 11:59 pm in which we will raffle off the grand prize!  Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

On this episode, we talk with music and arts educations on the state of arts in education.  Are they really gone? Where do we go from here? Patrica Hensley and Greta Callahan discuss easy ways to integrate the arts into your classroom.  You are already probably doing some of these and don't even know it. Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter.

We discuss with Dr. Dustin York on how social media is being used to transform education and what this might look like in the coming years. Learn more and connect with Dr. Dustin York at drdustinyork.com and follow him on Instagram. Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter. 

We discuss having second jobs and the delicate balance that comes with working multiple jobs with Rachael Bohnert and Kacie Hampton. Don't forget to subscribe!  Check out more from Tough Talk with Teachers by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter. 

This weeks episode is all about resolutions and goals for 2019. Jonathan and Whitney discuss their personal and professional gaol hoping to inspire you to set your own.    Don't forget to like and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Find details about our latest giveaway there. Contest ends January 26 @11:50 pm.

We talk with educators Lori Larimore, Kaci Hampton, and Kate Longmeyer about their experiences being first year educators. 

We discuss future jobs and what those may be and the implications for classroom practices.

What edcamp is about and why you should attend. edcampsemo.weebly.com is where you can register!

We discuss collaboration in schools and outside of schools.

We discuss assessments, funding and how we can be the change that needs to happen in education.

We discuss how to keep up the positive energy during the school year.

Adam Welcome is our guest discussing kicking off the school year without excuses and making it an unforgettable year.

I discuss how using ESGI can be beneficial in your classroom.

A build on our session Podcasting 101 and discussing how we refresh over the summer.

We discuss some of our own self-care that we use to help us get through the tough times of the school year.