Teach Me, Teacher

Hello everyone! In this closing episode of Season 9, host Jacob Chastain takes a heartfelt look back at the journey so far. We get real about where the show stands today, the challenges and growth behind the scenes, and the exciting direction we're headed. Looking ahead to Season 10, big changes are on the horizon—new formats, fresh perspectives, and deeper conversations that push the boundaries o...

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we delve into the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds. Joining us are Coach Alex Compton and Coach Kevin Dalafu, authors of Wisest Learners: Guiding Your Child's Athletic Journey . With over a decade of experience in coaching, parenting, and education, they offer invaluable insights into how sports can be a powerful tool for teaching young p...

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we delve into the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds. Joining us are Coach Alex Compton and Coach Kevin Dalafu, authors of Wisest Learners: Guiding Your Child's Athletic Journey . With over a decade of experience in coaching, parenting, and education, they offer invaluable insights into how sports can be a powerful tool for teaching young p...

In part 2 of this powerful episode, host Jacob Chastain sits down with Dr. John B. King Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, to discuss his new book  Teacher by Teacher . They explore Dr. King's journey from classroom teacher to national education leader, offering a rare insider's perspective on the state of American education. Together, they unpack the challenges educa...

In this powerful episode, host Jacob Chastain sits down with Dr. John B. King Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, to discuss his new book Teacher by Teacher . They explore Dr. King's journey from classroom teacher to national education leader, offering a rare insider's perspective on the state of American education. Together, they unpack the challenges educators face t...

Hello everyone! In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we dive into one of the most vital—and often overlooked—elements of teaching success: building genuine, lasting partnerships with parents. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, gaining parent support can transform your classroom culture, student outcomes, and your overall teaching experience. Join us as we explore five ac...

Hello everyone! What a title for a podcast. But, this is a real one. No guest, just me (Jacob Chastain,) the reality of changes in my life, and my continued frustration with the discussions around education.  For followers of the show, you have seen a lot of "Greatest Hits" episodes dropping. This is due for a lot of reasons that I go into, but the short of it is that life has thrown some major cu...

Hello everyone!  Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman (Stenhouse 2018)  is by far one of the most influential books I've read in my teaching career. It's a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students.  So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity. In part 1 of the podcast , we...

Hello everyone!  Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman (Stenhouse 2018)  is by far one of the most influential books I've read in my teaching career. It's a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students.  So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity. In part 1 of the podcast , we...

This episode previously aired in another season. Hello everyone!  Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman is by far one of the most influential books I've read in my teaching career. It's a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students.  So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity...

Hello everyone! Today, I am releasing what I believe is the most important podcast in the history of the show. Not only is it filled with honest and real world talk, it is filled with research based advice and insight from one of the premier thinkers on education today. In this episode, I sit down with Alfie Kohn and discuss a range of topics, such as why grading hurts more than it helps, why rewa...

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we're diving deep into the misconceptions about student behavior and how traditional behavior management approaches are falling short. Part 1 can be heard here.  I had the privilege of interviewing the authors of  The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Support , a book that challenges the old paradigms and offers a new way to understand and...

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we're diving deep into the misconceptions about student behavior and how traditional behavior management approaches are falling short. I had the privilege of interviewing the authors of  The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Support , a book that challenges the old paradigms and offers a new way to understand and address student needs. We d...

Far too often educators give up teaching the love of reading and writing during instruction.  They feel pressure from the curriculum developed due a need to perform on high stakes testing. In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss how to help students develop a love for reading and writing while maintaining a high level of learning that will meet the rigorous requirements necessary for high stakes te...

This episode was previously published as episode 93 of the podcast. __ Hello everyone! In a world where too many educators want the short and easy answers to literacy education, Evan and Laura Robb are here to help us see the value and purpose for putting in the real work and time it takes to learn our craft, and support kids the way they need to be supported. I couldn't be more excited for part t...

This episode previously aired several years ago. While I am out at a conference, I wanted to bring this one back for those who may have missed it. Enjoy!  Original blurb:  In a world where too many educators want the short and easy answers to literacy education, Evan and Laura Robb are here to help us see the value and purpose for putting in the real work and time it takes to learn our craft, and...

In this episode of  Teach Me, Teacher , we sit down with T al Thompson , a National Board Certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, to dive deep into the essential principles of classroom engagement. Tal, a finalist for  America's Top Teacher  on  Live with Kelly and Michael  and recipient of numerous teaching accolades—including the Golden Apple Award—shares his expertise on pushing the...

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we sit down with T al Thompson , a National Board Certified teacher with over 20 years of experience, to dive deep into the essential principles of classroom engagement. Tal, a finalist for America's Top Teacher on Live with Kelly and Michael and recipient of numerous teaching accolades—including the Golden Apple Award—shares his expertise on pushing the stat...

Hello everyone! I am back from my small break and ready to dive back into all things education.  This episode provides some behind the scenes insights into where I was, my thinking of the podcast, and where the show could be headed in the next few months.  Enjoy! 

Hey everyone! Just wanted to make this quick post. All will be well. Just lots of changes coming and I need some time.  Thank you.  -Jacob 

Doing an episode like this is tricky. I didn't want it to be one sided. I didn't want it to have a political agenda. Instead, I wanted it to be an episode for ALL educators, whether you're public or private, or something in between. To do that, I invited Kathy Edwards of The Novus Academy on the show to discuss everything from vouchers, to accountability in schools, the A-F system , a bloated educ...

Doing an episode like this is tricky. I didn't want it to be one sided. I didn't want it to have a political agenda. Instead, I wanted it to be an episode for ALL educators, whether you're public or private, or something in between. To do that, I invited Kathy Edwards of The Novus Academy on the show to discuss everything from vouchers, to accountability in schools, the A-F system , a bloated educ...

Join us in this powerful episode of Teach Me Teacher as we welcome Stephanie Edmonds, also known as TeachingLiberty on Instagram and YouTube. After losing her teaching position in New York due to Covid vaccine mandates, Stephanie transformed her experience into a platform for advocacy and education. She passionately discusses the importance of healthy dialogue and political activism in the teachin...

Join us in this powerful episode of Teach Me Teacher as we welcome Stephanie Edmonds, also known as TeachingLiberty on Instagram and YouTube. After losing her teaching position in New York due to Covid vaccine mandates, Stephanie transformed her experience into a platform for advocacy and education. She passionately discusses the importance of healthy dialogue and political activism in the teachin...

Hello everyone! This episode was previously published on the Craft & Draft podcast —my second show all about literacy! If you enjoy this one, go subscribe and support the show so you can be in line for all the bonus content coming soon!  Jacob and Pam begin the episode with a segment regarding the best way to communicate in order to have difficult conversations.  This leads into a conversation abo...