Lessons That Last

How do you help students when they experience loss or big changes? How do you know what they need? Shane's story about Mrs. Casey is the focus of the episode, and it illustrates the power of letting students take the lead in deciding what they need. If you are looking for ways to help in difficult times, this episode is for you! You can find Shane's story (and all the stories we share on...

How do you help students see the relevance and connections in your content? What makes them engage in your lessons? Colson's story about Mrs. Snow is the focus of the episode, and it illustrates the power of helping students connect the dots. If you are looking for ways to engage students, this episode is for you! You can find Bree's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the...

How do you motivate students today? What makes them engage in academic pursuits? Bree's story about Mrs. Knoll is the focus of the episode, and it illustrates the power of identifying as a scholar. If you are looking for ways to motivate and celebrate, this episode is for you! You can find Bree's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It's ava...

How do you help students disconnect from devices and connect with you and each other? Vivianne's story about Mr. Tarr is the focus of the episode, and it illustrates the power of knowing students' stories If you are looking for ways to connect and make an impact, this episode is for you! You can find Vivianne's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last...

Sometimes students just need to move. Mason's story about Mrs. Haynes is the focus of the episode, and it illustrates the power of a joyful dance break in the middle of a busy day. If you are looking for ways to add a little movement and fun, this episode is for you! You can find Mason's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It's available at...

Speaking up in the classroom can activate anxiety for some students. Amelia's story about Mrs. Snell is the focus of the episode, and it illustrates the power of safety and structure in student discussions. If you are looking for ways to put students at ease, this episode is for you! You can find Amelia's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It&a...

The classroom can be a stressful place for students and teachers. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about shaking off the stress. Mason's story about Mrs. Haynes is the focus of the episode, and it illustrates the power of a quick dance break in the middle of a hectic day. If you are an awkwardly awesome dancer, this episode is for you! You can find Mason's story (and all the stories...

What do we do when a student is striggling with grief and loss? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about giving to others without giving ourselves away. Alex's story about Mr. Joseph is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the importance of just being there. If you are trying to impact lives and still have a life, this episode is for you! You can find Alex's story (and all the...

How do we help students ditch those limiting beliefs? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of kicking negative thoughts to the curb. Grace's story about Mr. Fanning is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the importance of helping students take control of self-talk. If you want to encourage a little risk taking in the classroom, this episode is for you! You can find Gr...

How do we create space for students to learn about each other? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of understanding differences. Steven's story about Mrs. Alderman is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the importance of student conversations. If you're excited (and a little exhausted) about a new school year, this episode is for you! You can find Steven's...

What do students really need in the first week of school? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of new beginnings and how to start building community on day one. Bentley's story about Mrs. Pitt is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the power of a crew. If you're excited (and a little nervous) about a new school year, this episode is for you! You can find Bentley&...

The end of the school year brings mixed emotions. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of wrapping up the year with celebrations of growth. Kenzie's story about Mrs. Pearl is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the beauty of personal messages. If you've been wondering how to bring closure to the school year, this episode is for you! You can find Kenzie's sto...

Sometimes we think students aren't listening, but they remember what we say. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of packaging words of wisdom in colorful, memorable phrases. Cooper's story about Mr. Penz is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the power of teaching life lessons along with content. If you've been wondering if your students really listen, this...

Students can get caught up in compliance and grades, but with a little room, they can go deeper. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of losing the rubric and asking students how they feel about their final product. Maya's story about Mrs. Demmi is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the power of allowing students to unpack the assignment and evaluate their own work....

Students walk into classrooms on the first day hoping to like their teachers and have a little fun. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of being authentically you from day one. Cedrick's story about Mr. Colson is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the power of connecting with humor. If you've been thinking about connecting with students in those awkward middle...

Students are naturally curious, and giving them space to ask questions can amplify engagement. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of eliciting wonderings around content. Dominic's story about Mrs. Holland is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the power of stoking students' curiosity. If you've been thinking about how to engage your students through the po...

Students make decisions, often with limited perspective and experience, which have a long term impact on their lives. How do we offer advice in affirming and helpful ways? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of nonjudgmental, honest advice. Marvin's story about Mr. Schafer is the focus of the episode, and it highlights the power of staying a little longer and trying a little...

Academic competitions can help students grow in ways beyond academics. Team competitions, with the guidance of a great teacher, can spur social and emotional growth, too. How do we help students learn to collaborate rather than dominate? How do we help them value all voices? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of collaborative student teams. Finn's story about Mrs. Lance is...

April is National Poetry month, and we're kicking it off with a sweet story about the power of a poem. How do we help students appreciate poetry and understand the beauty of words? How do we help them see themselves as poets and authors? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about incorporating poetry into any content. Jennifer's story about Mrs. Rosen is the focus of the episode, and it...

How do we help students value and use feedback? How do we help them develop a work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of using a coaching approach. Gino's story about Mr. Gobel is the focus of the episode, and it's a reminder of the importance of challenging students to keep getting a little better. If you've been th...

How do students explore future careers? How do we help them find their passions? There are so many different paths to discover. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of setting students up for future success. Mack's story about Mr. Saxon is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder thatcareer and technical education can set a student on a trajectory for sati...

Why are some students math averse? How do we build their confidence in mathematics? And, if we can make math fun, can we make any content more fun? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of adding a little silliness to the day. Toby's story about Mr. Wechel is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder that a relaxed and fun environment is conducive to learnin...

How do we encourage students to do brave things? How do we help them grow in confidence? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of creating a safe space for students to take the risks that lead to growth. Felix's story about Mrs. Noel is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of modeling risk taking. Teaching and learning are both risky busine...

Is all student behavior purposeful? Do relationships really come first?  Sometimes these "truths" are a little twisted. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of being calm and compassionate when students test our patience. Chandra's story about Mr. Brennan is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of modeling self-regulation. If you...

What's in a name? For kindergarteners, seeing a name printed on a poster or project is a big deal. How do we continue stoking that sense of pride and excitement? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about making sure our students take pride in their names and their work. Cassie's story about Mrs. Gibbs is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of love...