Innovative Educators

Spring has sprung and for many of us in education that means the arrival of testing season as well. This period often tests the will of teachers and the patience of students more than it actually assesses academic proficiency. In this episode, we unpack a few ways to help teachers not burn out and sustain during the long, mundane days of watching kids answer questions. Testing doesn’t have to be a...

Returning from spring break can feel like trying to run a marathon uphill in the mud. The "spring energy" is high, teacher batteries are low, and the temptation to switch to "survival mode" (weekly movies and disengaged worksheets…) is stronger than ever. In this episode, we’re diving into why the best way to save your energy is actually to double down on what’s best for your students. It might no...

Schools have their own version of "March Madness" where the office referrals spike and the countdown to Spring Break seems to never end. But we can’t lose a month of learning just because we’re tired and kids are energetic in an unhelpful way. In our latest episode, we’re talking about how to mitigate and embrace the chaos. Innovation isn’t about lowering expectations, rather it is harnessing stud...

The most successful changes in education don't come from new gadgets; they come from radical shifts in perspective as a result of being in community. After seeing the transformative power of something called the Innovative Educators Lab in a district setting, we're opening the doors to educators everywhere. This isn't just a podcast, it's a call to action. We are building a virtual community of in...

What might happen when we stop lecturing and start sketching? In this episode, we explore how we can use blank paper as a tool for discovering content. This is not art as a break, this is not art for mental health even though art is very important for mental health. This is about art as learning and you, educator, are the strategic facilitator of this art making. True innovation shouldn’t be a new...

When another horrific headline happens, we still have to show up to school and show up for kids. We know we should talk about it, but the "how" is the part that keeps us stuck. In today’s episode, Brooke shares actionable starter tips for those high-stakes conversations. We’re moving past the "I don't know what to say" hurdle and leaning into creating genuine emotional safety for the kids in our l...

We’re tackling adultification, the bias that strips kids of their innocence and replaces empathy with "adult" consequences. I’m breaking down why I use the words “kids” and “children” (yes, even for 12th graders) to talk about students. We’ll explore where this bias sneaks into our discipline and the difference between holding high expectations and denying a child the right to be a learner. Whethe...

If your students are rolling their eyes at "Two Truths and a Lie," it’s time to listen to them. As teachers, we often feel pressured to "perform" community with forced games and random icebreakers, but real belonging isn't built in a five-minute activity—it’s built through the subtle, human, and consistent ways we treat our students. In this episode, we’re moving away from the performative and tow...

AI is everywhere in education right now, but is it making our schools more equitable? In this episode, we move past the "learning shortcuts" and look at how AI can be a subversive tool for justice and inclusion. In this episode, we cover: How to use AI to create accessible, inclusive communication to families Why AI should NOT write texts for our class How AI can make math culturally responsive Le...

"Fine" is the silent killer of innovation. When things aren't necessarily bad, but they aren’t reaching their full potential, it’s usually a sign of one thing: monotony. In this episode of Innovative Educators, Brooke explores why a simple change of scenery—specifically, just heading outside—can be the ultimate catalyst for cultural shifts and creative breakthroughs. If you want a different result...

"Don't take it personally." It’s the standard advice given to every educator, but how do you actually follow it when a 16-year-old stands up and calls you a b**** in a full classroom? In this high-stakes episode, Brooke moves past the theory and into the trenches of classroom management. We’re tackling the "blood pressure-raising" moments head-on, discussing how to defuse explosive situations, dis...

In an era dominated by emails, notifications, and endless scrolling, the most "innovative" tool at your disposal might just be a pen and paper. Join host Brooke Folgers as she explores how the simple, lost art of the handwritten note can cut through the digital noise to spark genuine hope and connection. Tune in to learn why this small gesture does far more for your learners and colleagues than yo...

Does your classroom or meeting room seating foster community or create invisible barriers? In this episode, we dive into the topic of seating and why where a learner sits matters more than you think. We break down the crucial difference between psychological safety and s tudent avoidance , and tackle hurdles educators face when trying to implement a seating plan. By the end of this episode, you’ll...

Are you frustrated with a lack of useful feedback? Unsure how to address the feeling that there is something missing from your teaching but not quite sure what it is? Today we will break down how to quickly obtain actionable feedback to elevate your teaching and your students' learning. Resources: Ultimate Feedback Template https://brookefolgers.com/innovative-educators/ep-2-best-feedback-ive-reci...

Ready for innovation but don't know where to start? Join Brooke as she discusses the basis of innovation and provides a simple strategy to start moving forward with possibilities.

Welcome to Innovative Educators Podcast with Brooke Adams—your lifeline in the world of educational change. Find community, find strategies, find hope.