Podcast appearances and mentions of alex kajitani

Today our guest is Alex Kajitani the 2009 California Teacher of the Year and also The Rappin' Mathematician. We talk to Alex about the foundational role that relationships play in education. He unpacks the three essential components every relationship must have and highlights the different types of relationships students navigate daily—with themselves, their peers, the adults on campus, and the content they're learning. Alex challenges the common belief that confidence leads to competence, offering a powerful reframe. He leaves us with a compelling reminder: the simple act of consistently showing up can make a profound difference in a student's life. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong Website   Alex Kajitani is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year.  He is the author of several books, including Owning It, which **was named “Recommended Reading” by the U.S. Department of Education. He also has a new book out, for new teachers, titled “You're a Teacher Now! What's Next?” and it's getting rave reviews. Alex is known around the world as “The Rappin' Mathematician, has a popular TED Talk, and was honored at The White House. He was also featured on The CBS Evening News, where Katie Couric exclaimed, “I LOVE that guy!” (and you will too!). For more info, visit www.AlexKajitani.com

In this week's episode, I sit down with Alex Kajitani and Tom Hierck, authors of the insightful book You're A Teacher Now! What's Next?. Together, we tackle essential topics for educators at any stage of their career, including the differences between classroom management and behavior management, strategies for building healthy relationships with students, and tools for creating engaging lessons that keep learners motivated. We also dive into the importance of mental health strategies for teachers, sharing practical tips to maintain balance and resilience in such a demanding profession. Finally, we discuss how educators can determine their long-term career plans while staying connected to their purpose and passion for teaching. Whether you're stepping into the classroom for the first time or seeking a renewed sense of direction in your teaching career, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. Alex and Tom bring a mix of wisdom, humor, and real-world experience to help educators not just survive but truly thrive. Tune in for an energizing conversation that will leave you feeling empowered, motivated, and ready to tackle the unique challenges—and incredible rewards—of being an educator. About Alex Kajitani: Alex Kajitani is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year.  He is the author of several books, including Owning It, which was named “Recommended Reading” by the U.S. Department of Education, and his newest book (for new teachers!), You're a Teacher Now! What's Next? is receiving rave reviews!  A highly sought after education speaker, Alex is known around the world as “The Rappin' Mathematician. He has a popular TED Talk, and was honored at The White House. He was also featured on The CBS Evening News, where Katie Couric exclaimed, “I LOVE that guy!” (and you will too!). Follow Alex Kajitani: Website: www.AlexKajitani.com  Twitter (X): @AlexKajitani Instagram: @@AlexKajitani Facebook: @Alex Kajitani Linkedin: @AlexKajitani YouTube: @AlexKajitani About Tom Hierck: Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983 in a career that has spanned all grade levels and many roles in public education including as a sessional instructor for UBC. Tom is a compelling presenter, infusing his message of hope with strategies culled from the real world. He understands that communities face unprecedented challenges and knows which strategies will produce the best results.  Tom has presented to schools, districts, community leaders, and business groups across North America with a message of celebration for those seeking to make a difference. His belief that “every student is a success story waiting to be told” has led him to work with teachers and administrators to create positive school cultures and build effective relationships that facilitate learning for all students. He is the author/co-author of 25 books. His work has resulted in his being recognized as one of the world's Top 30 Education Professionals for 2024 with a ranking of #8 Tom and his wife of 43 years, Ingrid, are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of six. In his spare time Tom likes to run and he has completed 50 marathons. Follow Tom Hierck: Website:

Get the book, You're A Teacher Now! What's Next? Visit Alex' Website, www.AlexKajitani.com Visit Tom's Website, www.TomHierck.com About The Author Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983 in a career that has spanned all grade levels and many roles in public education, including teacher, administrator, district leader, department of education project leader, and  executive director. A prolific author and consultant, his expertise in RTI, MTSS, intervention, assessment, and other topics make him a highly sought-after speaker. He is the author of more than 20 books.  Alex Kajitani is a past California Teacher of the Year, and finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is the founder of Multiplication Nation, and the author of several books on topics including teaching, parenting, and mathematics. He travels widely to speak with educators, and is the author of 5 books.  This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Solution Tree.The webinar recording can be accessed here.If you're a new teacher (or about to be), or you support new teachers, then this edWeb podcast is for you! Join acclaimed educators Tom Hierck and Alex Kajitani for an engaging and insightful look at exactly how you can set yourself up for success this school year and avoid some of the biggest mistakes new teachers make—all while caring for yourself. Regardless of how you have arrived at this teaching job, you leave with real tools and strategies that you can implement immediately to be a highly effective teacher who loves what they do.Listen to this session to learn how to:Set up your classroom for maximum successBuild powerful relationships with your students and colleaguesManage your classroom with confidenceStop behavior issues before they arise and know how to respond when they doThis edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK-12 teachers.Access the rest of this edWebinar series:Thriving as a New or Guest Teacher Part 2: Setting Up for a Successful YearThriving as a New or Guest Teacher Part 3: Supporting Beginning TeachersSolution TreeProviding research-based, results-driven services that improve learning outcomes for students.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Today, I interview Alex Kajitani, the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year and author of the book "You're a Teacher Now, What's Next?" In this podcast, we offer encouragement for new teachers and old alike with an emphasis on those in their first year of teaching and how it feels to be at this point in the school year. Alex emphasizes the importance of finding hope and perspective in teaching and shares how any teacher can start fresh at any point in the year to improve their practice. This podcast is full of fresh from the classroom teacher wisdom. If you need some encouragement, you'll enjoy this episode. Show notes, guest bio, and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e840  

In the Mindset Minute (1:53), Tom shares his thoughts on why we must allow our negative thoughts to flow through us. Then (6:18) Tom is joined by author, speaker, and trapping Mathematician Alex Kajitani to discuss his latest book, "Owning It: Proven Strategies to Ace and Embrace Teaching. Finally, in Assessment Corner (47:20), Tom discusses a common assessment dilemma. Alex on "X" (Twitter) Alex on Facebook Alex on Instagram www.alexkajitani.com   UPCOMING EVENTS Grading from the Inside Out Charleston, SC (Oct. 11-12) Standards-Based Learning in Action Seattle, WA (Oct. 16-17) Grading from the Inside Out St. Louis, MO (Dec. 6-7)     NEW BOOKS BY TOM: "Redefining Student Accountability" (NEW)   "Concise Answers to FAQs about Assessment & Grading"   "Jackpot: Nurturing Student Investment through Assessment"       CONNECT WITH TOM SCHIMMER Podcast on Twitter Tom on Twitter Podcast on Instagram Podcast on TikTok Podcast on Facebook www.tomschimmer.com Email: tomschimmerpod@gmail.com  

We're back after a summer break, and for this episode, Raymond is joined by Jamie Hurley, CDE's specialist for comprehensive health and physical education. Together, they talk with Alex Kajitani, a California Teacher of the Year, who has helped arrange our presenters for this fall's Setting the Standards webinar series hosted by CDE on the first Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm. Links: Setting the Standards webinar series: https://www.cde.state.co.us/standardsandinstruction/settingthestandardwebinars Alex Kajitani: https://alexkajitani.com/ Office of Standards and Instructional Support: https://www.cde.state.co.us/standardsandinstruction Hosts: Raymond Johnson (johnson_r@cde.state.co.us) and Jamie Hurley (hurley_j@cde.state.co.us) Guest: Alex Kajitani The Setting the Standards theme music is courtesy of DjDocent.

Teachers, parents, principals and administrators—this episode is especially for you. But it's also the wake up from Pandemic Fatigue that we ALL need. My guest on this episode is teacher-of-the-year turned education guru, Alex Kajitani. He's sharing invaluable lessons on how to build powerful relationships with students during remote learning, how to cultivate compassion and resilience in your kids (and in yourself!) and what it means to find gratitude and positivity in the midst of grief and hardship.    Learn more about my Virtual Assembly Program: https://curtiszimmerman.com/virtual-school-assembly/   Learn more about Alex's work: https://alexkajitani.com/

As parents of children with food allergies, we know a strong parent-teacher relationship is key. In this information-packed episode, we sit down with Keynote speaker, Author, former California Teacher of the Year, the Rappin' Mathematician, and the Founder of Multiplication Nation, Alex Kajitani, to explore how to keep those important lines of communication open with our children's teachers. Mr. Kajitani also helps us better understand the importance of teaching our students how to become  good, digital learners.To keep you in the know, below are a few, free & helpful links:AlexKajitani.comMultiplicationantion.com The Rappin' MathematicianItty Bitty Dot Rap YouTube VideoFAACT Resources:FAACT's Food Allergies and Schools'FAACTs for Schools' Staff Education ProgramFAACT's Food Allergy Curricula Program for SchoolsFAACT's  Civil Rights Advocacy Resource Center: Resources for schools, 504 plans, USDA Regulations, and current CDC recommendations regarding meals at schoolCOVID-19 Back-To-School Must Knows with Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN and Amelia G. Smith, JD - FAACT Podcast, Ep. 26FAACT's Back to School Blues Blog Let's Rehearse Lunchtime at School ActivityYou can find the FAACT Roundtable Podcast on Pandora, Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Podcast Chaser, Deezer, and Listen Notes.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest.Sponsored by: National Peanut Board

Thanks so much for being a part of this community. If you’d like to ask a question and have it answered LIVE just tune into my YouTube channel, Real Rap with Reynolds, on Sunday night at 5pm eastern time and I’d be happy to answer anything you are wondering about. Below you can find links to all the different ways we can connect. Peace. -Reynolds _________________________________________________________ Follow us on: Mail stuff to P.O. Box 11 Gloucester City, NJ 08030 USA Website: www.realrapwithreynolds.com iTunes: Real Rap With Reynolds Instagram: real rap with the reynolds https://www.instagram.com/realrapwithreynolds/?hl=en Facebook: Real Rap With The Reynolds https://www.facebook.com/realrapwithreynolds/ Facebook Group: “Real Rap With Reynolds Teacher Talk" Twitter: @realrapreynolds https://twitter.com/realrapreynolds Snapchat: realrapreynolds Soundcloud: Real Rap with the Reynolds https://soundcloud.com/real-rap-with-the-reynolds Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/realrapwithreynolds/pins/ Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds ____________________________________________________________ For business inquiries or questions email: realrapwiththereynolds@gmail.com ____________________________________________________________ Music Kia Orion itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/orion-radio/id1303207770?mt=2 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cj-reynolds5/message

Interview Notes, Resources, & LinksGet the book, Owning It: Proven Strategies to Ace and Embrace TeachingVisit Alex's websiteVisit the Multiplication Nation websiteListen to Alex discuss Multiplication Nation on Principal Center Radio Follow Alex on Twitter @AlexKajitaniAbout Alex KajitaniAlex Kajitani is a California Teacher of the Year, and the author of three books. A sought-after speaker, he is the founder of Multiplication Nation, an online program to help students master their times tables and have fun doing it.

Interview Notes, Resources, & LinksVisit the Multiplication Nation websiteVisit Alex's websiteAbout Alex KajitaniAlex Kajitani is a California Teacher of the Year, and the author of three books. A sought-after speaker, he is the founder of Multiplication Nation, an online program to help students master their times tables and have fun doing it. 

Fifteen years ago, Alex Kajitani was a struggling new teacher in one of California’s poorest neighborhoods. He’d left a potentially lucrative career in restaurant management to pursue his teaching dream, and now his inner-city middle school students were unmotivated, unengaged and uninterested in the math he was teaching. Demoralized and desperate, he set out on a journey to turn his class, and his life, around. Today, Alex holds the title of California Teacher of the Year and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year, 2009, and is lauded for his innovation and “real talk” as a teaching and leadership speaker and trainer nationwide. Follow Alex on Twitter: @AlexKajitani website: www.alexkajitani.com The post Alex Kajitani: Episode #90 appeared first on Talks with Teachers.

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we welcome California Teacher of the Year Alex Kajitani on the program to discuss Multiplication Nation, a fantastic learning platform that helps students get a head start in the math classroom. Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast (http://www.twitter.com/teachercast) Follow our HostJeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury (http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury) About Alex Kajitani www.AlexKajitani.com (http://www.alexkajitani.com) . About Multiplication Nation www.MultiplicationNation.com (http://www.multiplicationnation.com) Join our PLNAre you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/educational-podcasting-today/id972444781?mt=2) today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week. Let’s Work TogetherHost: Jeff Bradbury (http://twitter.com/jeffbradbury) Email: (mailto:info@teachercast.net) Voice Mail: (http://www.teachercast.net/voicemail) YouTube: (http://www.teachercast.net/YouTube) iTunes: (http://www.teachercast.net/iTunes) Check Out More TeacherCast ProgrammingTeacherCast Podcast ( http://www.teachercast.net/tcp (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp) ) Educational Podcasting Today ( http://www.educationalpodcasting.today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today/) ) The http://www.techeducatorpodcast.com (http://www.techeducatorpodcast.com/) ) Ask The Tech Coach ( http://www.AskTheTechCoach.com (http://www.askthetechcoach.com/) ) View LIVE Professional Development from TeacherCastJoin us LIVE every Tuesday at [8:00] PM EST: (http://www.teachercast.tv/) Need a Presenter?Jeff Bradbury (http://jeffreybradbury.com/) , or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!

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In Recharge 8, Martin and I host Alex Kajitani.  Alex Kajitani is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is the co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Teachers, and his first book, Owning It was named “Recommended Reading” by the U.S. Department of Education. Alex is also on a mission to get every kid in America to learn their times tables, and to make this happen, he created the popular online program www.MultiplicationNation.com. Alex is a highly-sought after keynote speaker who supports and motivates teachers nationwide, and he’s known around the world as “The Rappin’ Mathematician.” Alex has a popular TED Talk, has been honored at The White House, and was featured on The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. For more of his innovative ideas, visit www.AlexKajitani.com. We have a great time speaking about some of the challenges teachers face today and practical ways to stay motivated and inspired all year long.

Every adult can name a special teacher who affected his or her life. Teachers create our collective future, acting as role models and confidants, in addition to their official jobs helping students learn the curriculum. And yet, today teachers are facing funding cuts and low morale, while we head toward a national teacher shortage.  What better time than now to show teachers we need and appreciate them? The 101 stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Teachers provide our educators with the inspiration and positive reinforcement they deserve every day.  “Teaching is not just what we do, teaching is what we are,” says California Teacher of the Year Alex Kajitani in his introduction to the book. He and Chicken Soup for the Soul’s editor-in-chief Amy Newmark put together this collection of 101 stories, choosing them from the thousands of stories that were submitted by teachers, who share their best lessons from the ups and downs of their careers, and from grateful students, who report on how teachers changed their lives.  Join Alex Kajitani and me on Tuesday, April 25, 10-11 A.M. CT US, as we discuss stories that will make teachers laugh a lot, cry a little, and nod their heads in recognition.

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In this episode, Romeo Marquez Jr. interviews speaker, trainer & California Teacher of the Year, Alex Kajitani. They discuss success tips on how to succeed as a parent, teacher, and student of life. About ALEX KAJITANI: Alex Kajitani was a struggling new teacher at a tough, inner-city school in San Diego. As the students came in each day unable to remember simple math concepts from the day before, yet singing every word to the new rap song on the radio, he realized he needed a new approach. Fed up with the students coming in rapping lyrics about violence, drug use, and mistreating women, he began to perform rap songs about the math he was teaching. He used authentic rap beats similar to what was on the radio, and interjected messages about making good decisions and living a positive life. The songs quickly became legendary throughout the school, and the district. Test scores soared, and Kajitani's “at-risk” students began outperforming their more affluent counterparts on districtwide tests... This was over seven years ago, and marked the official birth of The Rappin' Mathematician™. Since then, Kajitani has turned a new teacher's desperate attempt to connect with his students into a nationwide teaching tool. Teachers, parents, home-schoolers and administrators across the country are reporting The Rappin' Mathematician™ music not only getting their kids better grades in math, but getting them excited about math and school as well! Alex Kajitani still works in one of San Diego County's poorest school districts. He now coaches fellow teachers, specializing in turnaround strategies for individual teachers and teacher teams. He was named California Teacher of the Year and a Top-4 Finalist for 2009 National Teacher of the Year. Alex also travels the country delivering powerful and inspiring keynote presentations, and conducting workshops on a variety of topics, including “Making Math Cool,” Cutting-Edge Strategies to Close the Achievement Gap,” “The TurnAround Teacher” and many more. He holds a Master's degree in Educational Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. When not in the teacher trenches, Kajitani spends his free time with his wife (and editor!) Megan Pincus Kajitani and their kids, and at the beach surfing.

In this episode, Romeo Marquez Jr. interviews speaker, trainer & California Teacher of the Year,  Alex Kajitani. They discuss success tips on how to succeed as a parent, teacher, and student of life.  About ALEX KAJITANI: Alex Kajitani was a struggling new teacher at a tough, inner-city school in San Diego. As the students came in each day unable to remember simple math concepts from the day before, yet singing every word to the new rap song on the radio, he realized he needed a new approach. Fed up with the students coming in rapping lyrics about violence, drug use, and mistreating women, he began to perform rap songs about the math he was teaching. He used authentic rap beats similar to what was on the radio, and interjected messages about making good decisions and living a positive life.   The songs quickly became legendary throughout the school, and the district. Test scores soared, and Kajitani’s “at-risk” students began outperforming their more affluent counterparts on districtwide tests...   This was over seven years ago, and marked the official birth of The Rappin’ Mathematician™. Since then, Kajitani has turned a new teacher’s desperate attempt to connect with his students into a nationwide teaching tool. Teachers, parents, home-schoolers and administrators across the country are reporting The Rappin’ Mathematician™ music not only getting their kids better grades in math, but getting them excited about math and school as well!    Alex Kajitani still works in one of San Diego County’s poorest school districts. He now coaches fellow teachers, specializing in turnaround strategies for individual teachers and teacher teams. He was named California Teacher of the Year and a Top-4 Finalist for 2009 National Teacher of the Year.     Alex also travels the country delivering powerful and inspiring keynote presentations, and conducting workshops on a variety of topics, including “Making Math Cool,” Cutting-Edge Strategies to Close the Achievement Gap,” “The TurnAround Teacher” and many more. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. When not in the teacher trenches, Kajitani spends his free time with his wife (and editor!) Megan Pincus Kajitani and their kids, and at the beach surfing.