John Vergara

Difficult Student

Education EN ↓ 89 episodes

We explore how to connect with students with challenging behavior through real stories and strategies from educators.

Author

John Vergara

Category

Education

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Mar 3, 2026

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Episodes

Building an Inclusive Classroom: Strategies for Student Success 24.08.2024

Laura Mae, an intervention specialist, shares her journey in education and her experiences working with students with behavior challenges. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships, incorporating culturally relevant pedagogy, and creating engaging and hands-on learning experiences. Laura also discusses how her military background helped her develop endurance and patience in the class...

The First Weeks of School: Setting the Tone for Success 18.08.2024

Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Eric Glenn, a middle school teacher, about the importance of the first 4 to 6 weeks of school. They discuss the significance of establishing routines and procedures, the use of hand signals for communication, and the importance of consistency in classroom management. They also touch on the role of administrators in supporting teachers during the first few weeks...

Navigating the Challenges of Modern Teaching 03.08.2024

In this conversation, Gabrielle Milleza, a teacher and instructional coach, shares invaluable insights and strategies for navigating the ever-changing world of teaching. Gabrielle emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, from mastering academic standards to addressing the unique challenges of different grade levels. Learn practical techniques for creating a safe and inclusive classroom en...

Setting Boundaries, Building Relationships: The Teacher's Balancing Act 27.07.2024

Gabriel Rodriguez (ES Teacher and RTI instructor) and Mr. Vergara the Educator, discuss the significance of male role models in education. Gabriel shares his experiences teaching fifth grade, emphasizing the challenges of ensuring students truly learn the material and the importance of establishing clear classroom expectations. He also discusses his work as an RTI, focusing on academic and emotion...

The Importance of Honest Conversations in Education 21.07.2024

The conversation between John and Christopher explores Christopher's experiences as a dance educator and the challenges he faced in his early years of teaching. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on education and the need for addressing behavioral and academic issues. They also delve into the role of technology in education and the potential negative effects of excessive screen time. The...

Reaching Difficult Students: Strategies and Tips 15.07.2024

John and Sherry discuss their experiences as educators and the importance of building relationships with students. They share their journeys into teaching and the challenges they faced along the way. They emphasize the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow. Follow Mr. Vergara the Educator TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudentInsta: htt...

Back to School Tips: The First 4 - 6 Weeks 09.07.2024

Mr. Vergara and Coach Fierros discuss the importance of the first four to six weeks of school, establishing procedures and routines, and creating a positive classroom environment. They discuss the importance of getting to know students on a personal level and fostering empathy among classmates. They also explore the use of incentives and rewards in the classroom, with differing perspectives on the...

Inside a Behavioral Intervention Program: Christina and Victoria's Perspective 03.07.2024

Christina and Victoria discuss their roles in a behavioral intervention program within their school district. They explain how they got into the field and the challenges they face. The program is designed for students with significant social-emotional challenges and aims to provide intensive intervention and support. They discuss the importance of building relationships and rapport with students a...

From Classroom to Administration: Danny Perez's Journey 27.06.2024

Mr. Vergara the Educator and Danny Perez (Assistant Principal) discuss their experiences as partner teachers and the challenges they faced in the classroom. They share their perspectives on discipline and the importance of compassion in dealing with difficult student behaviors. They emphasize the importance of consequences as learning experiences and the need to provide students with opportunities...

Effective Classroom Management for Challenging Behaviors 20.06.2024

Brian Snyder, a passionate MS SPED Teacher, discusses his journey in education and dedication to students with special needs. He emphasizes the importance of connecting on a personal level, viewing each student as unique individuals rather than just behaviors. Brian shares insights into his approach, focusing on never giving up and the rewards of fostering a supportive learning environment. The co...

Tech, Homework, and Social Media: Jenny Hernandez Shares Teacher Wisdom 14.06.2024

Jenny Hernandez (Dean/Spanish Teacher) joins me on the podcast and our conversation covers the challenges and changes in the education system, the impact of technology on learning, and the evolving behavior of students. It also delves into the role of homework, the influence of social media, and the need for a balance between traditional teaching methods and modern technology. Follow Mr. Vergara t...

Navigating Student Behavior: Insights from a Middle School Dean 08.06.2024

Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Michael Goodman , Middle School Dean. This conversation delves into the challenges and experiences of being a Dean of Students, the impact of social media, and the importance of safety and discipline in a school environment. It delves into the challenges of managing student behavior, the importance of building relationships with students and parents, and the imp...

First-Year Middle School Teacher Shares His Highs and Lows 03.06.2024

Dylan Alter shares the challenges and experiences of a first-year Middle School teacher. The conversation covers topics such as building relationships with students, the use of artificial intelligence in education, and the challenges and rewards of being a teacher. It also delves into the importance of creating a comfortable and relaxed classroom environment, the influence of social media on teach...

The Power of Representation: Empowering Bilingual Students 27.05.2024

Mr. Vergara the educator interviews Dr. Edith Trevino. She shares her experiences growing up in Mexico and crossing the border to attend school in the United States. She discusses the challenges of learning English and adapting to a different culture. She shares her journey of joining the army, getting her doctorate degree, and becoming a teacher. Dr. E.T. emphasizes the importance of representati...

The Power of Representation: Men of Color in the Classroom 21.05.2024

Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Mr. Wooly Pierre, a veteran middle school math teacher, about the importance of men of color in education. They discuss the challenges of being a teacher, including low compensation and career advancement hurdles. They emphasize the need for mentorship and support for new teachers, especially black men, to encourage them to stay in the field. The importance of b...

A Latina's Path to Becoming a Lawyer 15.05.2024

Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Anjel Bonilla, an associate attorney, about her journey to becoming a lawyer. Anjel shares her journey of becoming a lawyer, highlighting the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way. She discusses the importance of resilience and competitiveness in pursuing her goals, especially as a Latina in a field with limited representation. Anjel als...

Anxiety, Acceptance, & Education: Meet Author & Teacher Lulu Steele 07.05.2024

Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Lulu Steele (4th year teacher, author, public speaker). Lulu shares her journey into education and the challenges she faced as a student. Lulu had negative experiences as a student and wanted to be a teacher who could support and understand student like her. Lulu also talks about her book, "Esperanza and Friends," which aims to provide support and stra...

Brothers Discuss Childhood Adventures & Teaching #24 01.05.2024

In this podcast episode, Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews his brother Vincent Vergara (HS Teacher / Football Coach). They discuss their childhood and explore their contrasting personalities that made growing up so adventurous. They share stories of reckless behavior, the influence of their parents, and how those experiences shaped their parenting and teaching styles. Despite their differences,...

Winning With Difficult Students | Classroom Management Tips | Calling Admin for Help 27.04.2024

In this podcast episode, Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Dan Lewer (Teacher/Coach) about building relationships with students with difficult behavior. They discuss the importance of safety, showing love, and boosting self-esteem in the classroom. They also explore the role of administrators in handling crises and supporting teachers.

29 year Retiree | Angela Robles | #22 22.04.2024

Angela Robles, a retired educator with over 28 years of experience, shares her educational journey, starting from struggling to learn in Tijuana, Mexico, to immigrating to the United States and facing language barriers. Angela discusses her journey in the education field and the challenges she faced. She shares her experiences working with students with difficult behavior and emphasizes the import...

MS Math Teacher | Eric Glen | #21 18.04.2024

Eric Glen, Middle School Math Teacher, discusses his role as a coach, teacher, and mentor, emphasizing the connection he forms with the students. The discussion touches on the misconception that teaching is solely about academics, emphasizing the importance of teaching life skills and character building. The conversation explores the importance of maintaining power and control in the classroom, ha...

Parenting a Child With SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) | Alex Mojarro | #20 13.04.2024

Alex Mojarro is a Father, parenting a child with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy). In this conversation, Alex shares his son Diego's diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and the challenges they faced. Alex also discusses the emotional journey of receiving the diagnosis and shares his experiences as a parent of a child with a disability and offers advice to other parents in similar situation...

6th Grade Dual Immersion Teacher | Laura Vazquez | #19 09.04.2024

Laura Vasquez, a sixth-grade dual immersion teacher, discusses her experience teaching in a dual language program. She highlights the significance of routines and procedures in the classroom and the use of questioning techniques to redirect students. Laura's approach to teaching is centered around respect, understanding, and individualized support. Laura emphasizes the importance of prioritizi...

MS PE Discusses How Effective Admin Communication Impacts Teachers 05.04.2024

Coach Octavio Fierros is a MS PE that works for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Mash Makhlyagina | SPED Advocate/Coach | #17 20.03.2024

In this conversation with Mr. Vergara the educator, Mash, a special education advocate and coach from Seattle, Washington, discusses the complexities of coaching teachers. They cover challenges such as evolving student needs, systemic flaws, and building inclusive classrooms. Mash emphasizes collaboration, support, and practical solutions for overwhelmed teachers while also stressing the importanc...

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