Blog - Page 6 of 49 - Spencer Education

Sep 06 2024

Campfires or Fireworks? Which Story Will You Choose?

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

Perfectionism often creeps in because we buy into the wrong story about what it means to be a teacher. In this week's article, I share two different stories that ultimately lead to either burnout or sustainability. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog…

Aug 21 2024

5 Ways to Get to Know Your Students at the Start of the School Year

By John Spencer Empowering Students, Podcast 8 Comments

As an educator, you are a community builder. From day one, you getting to know your students on a relational level. It’s often in the little things, like sending an email the first time they miss a class period or sending a positive note home…

Aug 14 2024

Taking a Gradual Release (GRR) Approach to Student Choice

By John Spencer Empowering Students, Podcast 11 Comments

If you've read my blog before, you know that I love to share sharing practical ways that we can empower our students to own the learning from day one. This is the core idea that AJ Juliani and I wrote about in our book Empower.…

Aug 02 2024

Kieran O’Mahony on Neuroscience in Education

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life No Comments

In my latest podcast episode, we get into the intersection of neuroscience and student learning with renowned expert Kieran O'Mahony. He is Founding Principal of the Institute for Connecting Neuroscience with Teaching and Learning, Chief Learning Officer of HUE Learn, and Emeritus Research Scientist at…

Jul 28 2024

7 Ways to Integrate Curiosity into the Classroom

By John Spencer Creativity, Empowering Students, Podcast 9 Comments

We often use the word AI to describe the newest generation of chatbots. However, computers can’t think. They process information. Humans think. Human cognition is affective and emotional. It's unpredictable and messy. It’s inherently social and relational. We use the term “intelligence” to describe A.I.…

Jul 16 2024

Sprints, Mini-Projects, and Project-Based Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast One Comment

This would be the year. I would be a fully project-based social studies teacher. After reading every PBL book I could read and attending PBL sessions at a few summer conferences, I had a vision for a new way of teaching my subject. My third…

Jul 08 2024

Carl Azuz on Media Literacy and Journalism in Age of Machine Learning

By John Spencer Literacy, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy No Comments

In my latest podcast episode, I talk to Carl Azuz, who shares insights into media literacy and current events within the K-12 classroom. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on the go, just click on…

Jun 24 2024

Creative Habits Versus Creative Momentum

By John Spencer Creativity, Creativity Deconstructed, Podcast 2 Comments

We often hear about the need to develop creative habits. However, habits alone can lead to stagnation. You end up flat lining. In this week's article and podcast, I share a different approach: creative momentum. The summer time can be a great chance to build…

Jun 18 2024

From Battlefields to Common Ground: Embracing Nuance, Paradox, and Empathy in Education

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

Something about the current educational climate has me feeling unsettled. Although I often write about PBL, educational technology, and student empowerment, I want to share something different this week. It's about paradox, nuance, empathy, and the danger in making things a "war" in education. Listen…

Jun 07 2024

Crystal Frommert on How to Connect with Parents and Families in a Positive Way

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

In my latest podcast, I interview Crystal Frommert, who shares insights and strategies for building and maintaining a positive relationship with parents / parental figures. She has a wealth of experience and I'm excited to share this with you. Listen to the Podcast If you…