Podcast Archives - Page 11 of 27

Dec 22 2021

Miss B. Saves Christmas (A Story)

By John Spencer Podcast 8 Comments

On Monday, I wrote a silly tweet: I then started to think about how that tradition would have started and immediately began typing out a story. Initially, I thought I would share it privately with the early elementary teachers in my cohort and then I…

Dec 17 2021

Finding Renewal on Your Winter Break

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

I wrote this post fifteen years ago as a 400 word reminder to myself to choose renewal and rest rather than work during winter break. I realize that it goes beyond the personal level. Often, the systems and structures fail to support teachers' ability to…

Dec 13 2021

Antonio Sacre on the Power of Storytelling in Education

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast 4 Comments

I had the honor of interviewing celebrated author Antonio Sacre on the power of storytelling in education. Check out the podcast below. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on the go, just click on the…

Dec 06 2021

Ending the Semester with a Student Blogging Project

By John Spencer Creativity, Literacy, Podcast, Student Choice 10 Comments

December is exhausting for teachers. The days are shorter. The weather grows colder and (at least here in Oregon) wetter. Students are anxious — whether it’s a buzzing excitement for vacation or a sense of dread that some kids feel in homes that are unsafe…

Nov 22 2021

Man with a thought bubble above him and a flow chart behind him

How to Be Proactive About Classroom Management in PBL

By John Spencer Podcast, Project-Based Learning 4 Comments

I want to make something clear before we dive into this topic. I made huge mistakes in classroom management as a teacher. I let certain disruptive behaviors go unchecked because I was tired and I didn't want to put out another fire. I had moments…

Nov 15 2021

Dwayne Reed on the importance of STEM in education

Dwayne Reed on the Power of STEM Education

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast 2 Comments

Last week, I had the honor of interviewing Dwayne Reed (aka Mr. Reed) about the importance of STEM education. In this interview, he shared big ideas about the purpose of STEM – including 3M Science at Home – but also specific practical strategies and first…

Oct 21 2021

Ask the Teachers

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life No Comments

Roy Kent gets it. There's a scene in the last episode of this season's Ted Lasso where the team's game plan doesn't seem to be working. The coaches huddle together in Ted's office and debate whether they should stick with the plan or try something…

Oct 11 2021

9 Teacher-Tested Ways to Build Student Ownership into Informational Reading

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast One Comment

When we think of choice-based reading, we often imagine silent reading with novels. However, we can take a student-centered, choice-based approach to non-fiction as well. In this article, we explore nine different areas of student empowerment within informational text reading. Listen to the Podcast If…

Oct 04 2021

Empower symbol with fist and lightning bolts

You Don’t Have to Be a Martyr to Do Student-Centered Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Empowering Students, Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

It's been quite a year so far in American education. Between school board battles over Critical Race Theory to protests over mask mandates, we are seeing significant social strife playing out in the context of our schools. We're also seeing school staff shortages, leading to…

Sep 27 2021

Dr. Sarah McAnulty smiles while holding a beaker with a squid inside

Dr. Sarah McAnulty on How Classrooms Can Connect with Scientists

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

It's important that students get a chance to chase their curiosity and connect with experts in the field. This can help inspire possibilities for all students. In my latest podcast episode, I interviewed Dr. Sarah McAnulty about what she's doing to help connect classrooms to…