What's Your Shtick?

In this episode Tia opens up about packing up her classroom, yet her brain won't stop thinking about all the things she needs to accomplish this summer.

In this episode Tia shares some exciting news. She also reflects on an outdated practice she once did and is embarrassed by it today.

In this episode Tia talks about the questions that have been brought up in education relating to teaching practices in a post pandemic classroom.

In the episode Tia reflects on what creativity is and how classrooms should encourage and nurture a creative rich culture.

In this episode Tia discusses end of the school year traditions and if some should stay or go. She also encourages educators to start some new traditions.

In this episode Tia talks about three zones of learning and how the challenge zone is the sweet spot where the most impactful learning can take place.

In this episode Tia asks the question, "Is there a perfect school inservice?"

In this episode Tia shares that she hit a wall. She talks about the importance of taking a break and coming back with fresh eyes.

In this episode, Tia reflects on the lessons learned from a day without the Internet.

In this episode Tia reflects on the 2020 COVID lockdown one year anniversary and it's emotional impact on education.

Tia talks about the stress that everyone has been under this year and how we are all looking forward to spring break.

In this episode Tia gives tips on how to incorporate more fun in the classroom to benefit learning and long term memory.

In this episode Tia reflects on the events in February that impacted some school closures. She sends encouraging words to educators to keep moving forward as you move into March.

In this episode Rachel is back! She talks about what she has been up to lately and describes her new mantra, "Your best yes is sometimes a no".

In this episode Tia talks about a project she did in her classroom encouraging students to find joy all around them in the midst of uncertainty.

Tia discusses upcoming parent teacher conference that are student-led and what she does to prepare kids. She also discloses the one question she asks guardians that reveals so much about family dynamics.

In this episode Tia discusses her views on Simon Sinek's book The Infinite Game and relates it to education.

In this episode Tia discusses the current viral memes and their ability to unit us and make us laugh.

In today's episode Tia looks at two articles with educator similarities, one was looked upon as negative and the other was labeled a hero... Which one is it?

In today's podcast Tia explains how she is going to make 2021 better than the way it started.

Happy 2021! In this episode Tia discusses what it has been like to start a podcast in 2020 and the future goals leading into the new year.

In this episode Tia and Rachel discuss the difficulty of teaching during a pandemic. Many teachers feel as though they are teaching in crisis mode and are missing out on time to be creative.

In this episode Tia and Rachel spend some time talking with Dyane Smokorowski about Kansas Ed Camp. This year the experience will be completely virtual! Dyane fills us in on what we can expect from the conference this year and all of the exciting things they have planned.

In this episode Tia is trying to hide from her kids and podcasts from her minivan. She tried to play it off, but ran into a few technical difficulties. Rachel and Tia embraced the real life obstacles of working from home and recorded the episode anyway. Overall the conversation focused on prioritizing during a pandemic and letting go of "teacher guilt".

n today's episode Rachel and Tia discuss being in the middle of a Continuous Learning "slump". A lot of students, parents, and teachers are experiencing more stress and lack of motivation as the newness has worn off and the end of the school year is still a month away. They both give words of encouragement to remain positive to end the school year as best as we possibly can.

In today's episode Nicole Schell, 5th grade teacher, joins Rachel and Tia to talk about her shtick in education. At the forefront of Nicole's classroom is her goal to make every student feel loved and accepted. She shares some of her tips to continue building relationships through digital learning with her students, and she shares stories about how she has navigated the continuous learning platform.

Rachel and Tia want to give a BIG shout out to all the amazing educators, working their tails off, making education magic happen for their students during this difficult time of social distancing. We are inspired by your stories! Keep up the good work!

In this episode Rachel and Tia discuss their experience and perspective on being a part of the Kansas Continuous Learning Task Force. They share about their behind the scene experiences and discussions that were had during the creation of the massive document. Rachel gives insight on some of the core values that were addressed and maintained throughout the process. Tia gives kudos to all educators that helped make history happen.

In today's impromptu episode, Rachel and Tia discuss the Coronavirus and how it has had an impact on education. They look at the positive things that have come from the chaos and how the educational community has joined together even more to help in any way they can.

In this mini-episode Tia discusses why she wants to change the name of “Passion Projects” in her classroom

Rachel and Tia discuss educational trends they have seen in the classroom and what educators can do to keep up with the new, or the new-again, educational shifts. Some of the hot topics that are touched on are social-emotional learning, homework philosophies, student voice and choice, and STEM education. The conversation leads to generational differences when it comes to the peers you work with and the students you teach and keeping up with those generational changes. We want to hear from you! Share with us some educational trends you’ve experienced that are nostalgic, cringe worthy, or just that makes us laugh.

In this mini-episode Rachel discusses how we need to expose all students to creativity and open-ended projects as much as possible.

“Teacher Imposter Syndrome” Tia shares her belief that educators struggle with being too humble. She attended an event that was designed to celebrate the accomplishments of great educators, but they kept being reminded they deserved to be there. Rachel and Tia tackle the question, “Why are teachers so humble?” Tia believes that teachers should be proud of their hard work and accomplishments and we should all be encouraging each other to highlight each others strengths as educators. Rachel reminds us all to “stop being a secret genius” and share the awesome work educators do on a daily basis. Included in the podcast are also tips to combat the teacher imposter syndrome trap.

In this mini-episode Tia discusses her 30 day journey on avoiding negativity.

Rachel talks about her unique professional development opportunity to go on a teacher field trip to San Diego. Rachel confesses that she is typically an introvert, but was heavily impacted by taking risks and learning in a new way while surrounded by other like-minded educators. Tia talks about the importance of reflecting on your teaching practices through all types of professional growth. Having opportunities that give us a new lens to look through can give us a new perspective to use within our teaching profession and stoke the fire within our profession.

Rachel and Tia tackle the subject of investing and growing in your own professional development. They discuss how to professionally grow on your own to cultivate your own educational passions. Sometimes you have to take your professional learning to the next level to keep the educational fire alive. Several ideas discussed are the traditional steps to professional development and others are outside of the box. It is recognizing that professional development is literally all around you; you must take the knowledge you are already gaining and applying it into your classroom, building, and district.

“The cave you fear…” In this mini-episode Tia discusses the quote from Joseph Campbell about facing your fears.

Rachel and Tia discuss the importance of having overarching goals in place to start the school year and to help teachers stay on track throughout the year. Having your goals align with your passion and your why in the classroom is highly important. Tia discusses how goals can be related to discipline and habits. Rachel shares that starting out with smaller goals can be difficult at times, but those small steps guide you to your overall larger goals. An assortment of tips and ticks are packed into this episode discussing all things goal related. We also want to hear your goals and any tips you may have to achieving your classroom and personal goals.

In this mini-episode Rachel discusses the importance of taking the time to care for yourself to be a better teacher.

Episode 001: “That’s Your Name?!” Rachel and Tia discuss how they met. They have not even known each other for a year, but made plans to build a podcast together. They both knew they wanted something different and least expected when it came to the name for the podcast. There were two names they considered and went with the least expected one. For the podcast they both agreed they wanted to have conversations that relate to the education profession. Rachel, along with her administrative perspective, and Tia, a classroom teacher, together give their encouragement, knowledge, and expertise on all things education.