Chops

The principal of Concord Community High School joins the show to share his experiences in leading.

Many mistakes happen in students' lives, but they can also occur in the teacher. Any of these "oopsies" can be turned around into a lesson for either party.

Many schools face challenges due to weather this time of year. Plan for it, expect it, and stay the course.

Conflict can be an awkward or difficult concept to approach, yet conflict is unavoidable in any place of work. Jack and Steve talk best practices in approaching it.

Welcome to Season 4 of Chops! Jack and Steve recount their tales of the first day back after winter break.

For the season finale, the duo walk the listeners through the last week in Concord High School's music department where almost 500 students participated in a holiday variety show.

It's that time of year: final exams, holiday concerts, and getting ready for a new semester. The show must go on!

Coming back from an extended weekend like Thanksgiving Break should leave teachers feeling refreshed. Right? Anyone?...

Steve and Jack share their definition of this year's jazz theme,"Pick It Up," and how it manifests daily at school.

Steve and Jack talk best practices about how to serve students during teary states.

After a rigorous marching season, the Minutemen prepare for their concert season and their holiday performance.

Usually, 90% (or more) of students are engaged and doing the right thing at any given time. It's easy to focus on the other 10%; Jack and Steve discuss strategies on how to minimize the 10 and let the 90 shine.

A great phrase supplied to us by a listener to help calm situations (and yourself) down. This episode illustrates how Jack and Steve use this phrase in their teaching.

The difference between identity and anonymity can make or break the essence and culture of a classroom.

Sometimes a quick answer is effective. Sometimes taking a roundabout path works better.

Contrary to many comments made on the show, Jack and Steve do plan. They break down the importance and the process of planning in this week's episode.

Sometimes, not all steps are taken from the teacher to ensure the students' success. Other times, teachers or students are given tasks that they simply will not be able to achieve.

Problems are opportunities in work clothes. Steve and Jack discuss how to help kids understand that things don't get easier - they just get better at accomplishing hard tasks.

Kids love Takis and Mountain Dew. And for some, that's most of their diet. Steve and Jack discuss how the effect this has on a classroom and how to encourage kids to eat, drink, and sleep well.

Everyone may feel uptight and nervous at time. Trying to answer questions, deliver content, and problem solve while feeling anxious can sometimes just be part of the job.

The Marching Minutemen faced a challenging rehearsal where thousands of bugs swarmed the field. Problems are opportunities in work clothes!

Creating the classroom culture is vital to the successful start of a new school year. Loud, quiet, fast, slow - the possibilities are endless.

Ever wonder what goes on inside a teacher's brain?

It's like the Sunday Scaries, except for school. Teachers are going through some emotions as the first day of school approaches.

The hard things don't get easier; students just get better at doing hard things. Helping students tackle rigor and scaffolding the process is discussed in this episode.