Breaking The Syllabus

This week I walk through the different dress codes I have been through as a teacher. I talk about the student dress code and the teacher dress code. I share a few reasons why I think dress code might or might not work. I also share why I think one school is close to getting in trouble for their dress code!

Tired of fighting the good fight against cell phones in the classroom? On this episode of "Breaking the Syllabus," I'm flying solo to tackle the hot topic of Utah's new cell phone law. I've seen the impact firsthand, and it's not what you'd think. From students actually talking to each other to the throwback tricks of running a headphone cord up a sleeve, I'...

In this weeks episode I discuss how important reading is with your children and for yourself! I reflect on how much reading can help a child at a young age and how it helps them be prepared for their future academic journey!  Please let reach out with any topics you want to hear on either social media or email.  breakingthesyllabus@gmail.com Social Media @breakingthesyllabus

This week I talk about how easy it is to get attention from the students. I explain how elementary school teachers are way better than secondary teachers in the most perfect aspect. I also provide examples of what makes teaching fun and why your personality is your best kept secret!  Drop a comment on what I should discuss next and follow me or reach out with any questions at breakingthesyllabus@g...

In this weeks episode we finish our conversation with Ryan Webb and we dive deep into the conversation around what happens when someone has bigger problems than not understanding classroom material! New teachers what do you need to know when entering a school mentor, material, colleagues, vision) where do you start? Teachers scared to talk with their administrators, teachers need connection, and h...

In this week’s episode, we dive into the wild world of student motivation—what drives some students to thrive while others seem checked out. Education isn’t what it used to be, and we explore how that shift affects engagement today. We also share a jaw-dropping story about an overly involved (and very persuasive) parent trying to charm a teacher into changing a grade. Plus, what happens when one c...

In this weeks episode we sit down with a fantastic administrator, heck of a teacher, incredible wrestling coach, and above all that someone I call a close friend. In part one we go through a few strategies on how to gain respect of the students, how to connect, and some secret tips for teachers that want a little more from their students!

In this episode, we dive into a PE class that starts off rough—students acting out, thinking they know it all, and pushing back on every rule. But through the lens of behavior strategies and the power of relationship-building, we explore how understanding students—especially in alternative settings like SOAR Academy—can completely change the game. This is a real look at what happens when you go be...

In this weeks episode we have a great discussion on what supports new teachers need. How Nick went from is the black sheep of the family going from business to teaching! We also talk about how to deal with tricky members of your department that do not want to collaborate. What happens when you have data but administration does not support your changes?' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/br...

In this weeks episode I sit down with a great friend and collegues who walks me through some of the difficult parts of teaching PE. We discuss how to change the game for teachers and how to raise the standards. What do you think about school uniforms good or bad? Follow me on any and all social media @breakingthesyllabus. Shoot me an email with your questions or what you would like to hear next on...

In this episode of Breaking the Syllabus , host Tyler Powell teams up with special guest Randi Phillips—aka Mrs. Phillips Science—for an honest, funny, and insightful look at the highs and lows of teaching. From state testing struggles and burnt-out students to falling over pregnant in the classroom and the perils of drawing cylinders on a whiteboard, they don’t hold back. Randi shares her journey...

In today's episode we sit down with a first year teacher who is way further ahead than most. We dive into all things education a few impactful review games. Along with what makes her classroom so unique and welcoming!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingthesyllabus?igsh=eDY3eHBlZTMxNzN5&utm_source=qr Tik-tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingthesyllabus?_t=ZT-8wPUBuw8dd0&_r=1...

Are your lesson plans written during halftime? Do your players call you “Coach” more than your students call you “Mr./Ms.”? If so, this episode’s for you. We’re tackling the identity crisis of educators who juggle the classroom and the court—and why it matters more than you think.

I used to think getting students engaged just meant getting them to participate. Turns out, it’s a whole lot messier—and way more interesting—than I ever imagined. In this episode, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons I’ve learned about what actually works in the classroom. From turning boring lectures into real conversations, to surviving the chaos of group projects (where half the team forgets w...

I became a teacher to make a difference, to inspire young minds, and to be part of something meaningful. I didn’t know that would also mean reminding the same student for the fifth time this week to bring a pencil. In this episode, I share the story of what brought me into teaching—and how even the most frustrating moments (yes, including the never-ending pencil saga) have taught me just as much a...

 Tired of silent staff rooms, Canvas cop-outs, and hallway marathons? Same. In this unfiltered episode of Breaking the Syllabus , host Tyler Powell calls out the classroom chaos and staffroom silence that make educators everywhere roll their eyes. From students vanishing with hall passes to teachers ghosting instruction behind a digital wall, we're talking about the habits that drive us all a...

Episode 1: Why I’m Breaking the Syllabus Welcome to the very first episode of Breaking the Syllabus ! I’m your host, Tyler Powell — a math educator, PhD student, and someone who believes the most powerful learning happens when we step off-script. In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind the podcast: why I started it, what "breaking the syllabus" really means, and what you can expect...