It's All About Perspective

Ali Jun is an award winning music specialist at Tyrone Thompson ES, the owner of a key to a city in Kansas, and just a downright excellent educator.  Entering the podcast, Robert and Ali discuss why specialists are special and the challenges that come with the job, as well as personal challenges that can be tough to overcome as well. In this episode, the hosts discuss: The difficulty of being...

Robert and Abbie make a "major" announcement and then do what they always do.  Not really focusing on a certain topic this time, they just go where the conversation takes them, focusing on the changes coming for the new year and education as a whole.  Listen in as they examine different educational topics from various points  of view.  Take the challenge of looking at a topic f...

The last full week comes with many costumes and dress up days.  From "Elf on the Shelf" and "crazy hair", people are not in the normal phase of dress codes.  Given that, what is the point of the dress code that is regulatory? Listen in as they examine different educational topics from various points  of view.  Take the challenge of looking at a topic from another side and see i...

Reflecting back on the national podcast that is causing a stir in education with regards to reading, Abbie and Robert discuss if they have been "sold a story" with the programs they used in their career.  Listen in as they examine different educational topics from various points  of view.  Take the challenge of looking at a topic from another side and see if your opinion may change....

Today on IAAP, Abbie and Robert discuss which grade levels are the most important in elementary school.   Although ALL teachers are important in K-5, there are various points of view and factors on this topic, and the hosts examine many of them from their perspective.  Listen in as they examine different educational topics from various points  of view.  Take the challenge of lo...

During this special Thanksgiving episode, Abbie and Robert discuss what they are thankful for in their educational lives as they celebrate the opportunity to have different perspectives on many topics.   Listen in as they examine different educational topics from various points  of view.  Take the challenge of looking at a topic from another side and see if your opinion may change....

During this discussion, Abbie and Robert discuss what the purpose is in terms of their career.  What's the point of doing all that you do for people?  Is it worth the mental strife?  Is your legacy permanent?  Are you easily replaceable?  Join administrator Robert Hinchliffe and teacher Abigail Peterson as they examine different educational topics from various points ...

During this discussion, Abbie and Robert review Tyrone Thompson Elementary School's "Rock Your School" Day and discuss fun, engaging environments.  The banter includes talk about why some admin / teachers are boring and why some are fun.  They also throw in some easy ideas to engage students.  Join administrator Robert Hinchliffe and teacher Abigail Peterson as they examine differen...

On this episode, Abbie and Robert discuss an article that shows a mass exodus of educators from the profession.   How will schools be sustainable for future students without people to work in them?  Further, they may be politically driven with no appetite for a change to the current system that doesn't seem to be working.  Join administrator Robert Hinchliffe and teacher Abigai...

On this episode, Abbie and Robert discuss a research article that states that strict evaluations are not showing to increase huge gains in student outcomes.  Further, they may be politically driven with no appetite for a change to the current system that doesn't seem to be working.  Join administrator Robert Hinchliffe and teacher Abigail Peterson as they examine different educational to...

On this episode, Abbie and Robert discuss whether or not to break up the 5th largest school district.  Would it enhance education or just cause more issues?  Would each district meet the needs of the city in a better way?  Join administrator Robert Hinchliffe and teacher Abigail Peterson as they examine different educational topics from various points  of view.  Take the c...

On this episode, Abbie and Robert talk about what it will take for districts to fill the teacher void from a salary/scrutiny standpoint.  Would educators be willing to be watched and judged like professional athletes if they earned that type of money?  Join administrator Robert Hinchliffe and teacher Abigail Peterson as they examine different educational topics from various points ...

On this episode, Abbie and Robert discuss professional development and differentiation in teaching.  Can teachers, or are teachers, being taught the correct way to help all students?   Join administrator Robert Hinchliffe and teacher Abigail Peterson as they examine different educational topics from various points  of view.  Take the challenge of looking at a topic from another...

On this episode, Abbie and Robert talk about teacher leaders and how they view collegues once they get a more global perspective of the school.   Can everyone be like the "runners" or should they just "run" in their own way?  Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts  as they discuss different ideas and viewpoints on all educational topics as they prov...

After a little time off, there are many hot topics out there.  School safety, hiring, morale, and so much more!  Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts  as they discuss different ideas and viewpoints on all educational topics as they provide their insight and “perspective” in hopes of having a greater understanding of their profession.  Join ad...

We were all student teachers once, but were we prepared when we graduated?  What was your coursework like?   Did you have great experiences when you were completing your practicum?   Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts  as they discuss different ideas and viewpoints on all educational topics as they provide their insight and “perspective” in...

THT (Teacher's Health Trust) is not improving, and this is not helping the educators practice self care or relax during summer.  Why is this happening and what else could go wrong in this profession these days?   Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts  as they discuss different ideas and viewpoints on all educational topics as they provide their ins...

An entire grade level comes into the podcast and shares various perspectives and thoughts.  The 2nd grade team from Tyrone Thompson goes live with thoughts on distance learning, building a team,  communication, and who inspires them.  Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts and guests as they discuss different ideas and viewpoints on all educational...

What is your return on investment (ROI) of time on strategies you are using?  What about other areas of your job?  Could you be using your time more wisely in more areas in order to impact learning?  What do the hosts believe has a negative ROI?  Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts discuss different ideas and viewpoints on all educational to...

Do you give awards to students?  What types of awards and recognition are you handing out?  Is there a set of criteria best for rewarding or recognizing students for academic accomplishments?  Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts discuss different ideas and viewpoints on all educational topics as they provide their insight and “perspective” in hop...

Our special guest this week is Greg Smedley-Warren (kindergartensmorgasboard)!  He shares his perspective on what he found were the most difficult parts of the year were for him, his thoughts on distance learning, colleagues, and self-care.   Check out his thoughts on how he feels professional development has changed and where it will go from today.  Listen and follow along as you w...

When searching for an assistant principal, what is an administrator looking for?  And what about a teacher?  Should teachers be involved in the interview process?  What responsibilities will a new AP have?  And what kind of AP should both the admin and teacher be looking for?   Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts discuss different ideas...

What do you do during the summer?  Can you unwind and escape or are you constantly thinking about next year?  Does your admin give you any direction?  Where is your balance and can you find it?  How about the hosts - what do they do during the time off?   Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts discuss different ideas and viewpoints on all...

 Should we have grading reform?  The system has worked for over 100 years, or has it?  What read should change?  Where do philosophies come in to play?  Listen to the host’s point of view and see if you agree, or can take an idea and make it work for you.   Listen and follow along as you will benefit from engaging with the hosts discuss different ideas and viewpoints...

When a teacher receives an award or recognition, is it a good thing for a school?  Does it cause division or bring a group together?   Why would positive attention be a bad thing?  Does it depend on the group of people you have in a school matter, or does it come down the the actual person who wins and the character of the people that do not?  See if you agree, or can take an i...