Lessons That Last

How do you focus on long term impact, beyond the benchmarks and end of year exams? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of helping students develop healthy, lifelong habits. Venus's story about Mr. Poole is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of having a big WHY in teaching. If you've been thinking about how your content impacts stud...

How do you build a sense of community in the classroom? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of students helping each other reach a goal. Jase's story about Mr. Shipp is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of community, especially in the current political landscape. If you've been wondering how to build a classroom community, this ep...

How do you help the people you teach, lead, and love feel seen? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of a thoughtful letter of recommendation. They discuss the way honest feedback can impact a student's life. Ava's story about Mr. Luis is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder that we don't always get to see the impact of our actions. If you&ap...

Did you make a resolution to start 2024? Maybe you chose one word or set a quarterly goal? In this inaugural episode of season 2, Julie and Laura talk about stretch goals and the support we all need to reach a big, audacious goal. They unpack Wyatt's story about his high school chorus teacher, Miss Dell, and the faith she had in him. If you love a story of triumph in struggle, this one's...

Moving to a new place is difficult for young people, and often, it's teachers who help them adjust. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about how teachers notice and respond to unspoken needs. They unpack the story Nora shared about the kindness Mrs. Rhett showed when she surprised her with warm clothes. Teachers who look beyond academics and tend to the needs of the whole person, this one&...

The time between Thanksgiving and winter holiday break can be stressful and hectic for teachers. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about being part of the village that supports students and families. They unpack the story Genisis shared about a service project under the leadership of Mrs. Barrett. They talk about giving to others without giving ourselves away. Teachers who give to others while...

In this episode, Julie and Laura unpack Jamie's story about Mrs. Kessler, the high school teacher who was her biggest fan. They talk about the importance of supporting student athletes and the lessons we can all learn from their discipline and drive. A teacher's love and support makes a win even better and a loss a little easier to bear. This episode is for the ones who wear the team shi...

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Julie and Laura talk about giving teachers space for creative lessons and approaches. They unpack Everett's story abut his first grade teacher, Mrs. Pembrooke, and her cooking project. If you love the story shared in this episode, check out all the stories in the Lessons That Last book.

In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about teachers who help students discover a passion. They consider the ways passions keep us going throughout our lives. They unpack Zane's story about his experience in the third grade play under the direction of Mrs. Ledbetter. If you love the story shared in this episode, check out all the stories in the Lessons That Last book.

In this encore episode, we revisit a favorite past conversation. Julie and Laura discuss identifying and leveraging students' strengths. They talk about how having purpose and working in our strengths helps us feel the right kind of tired. Gracie's sweet story about her third grade teacher, Mrs. Rhinehart, is shared as a model of tapping into emerging talents. If you love books and kids,...

In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about supporting students through big disappointments, from break ups to college admissions. They share Vince's story about Mrs. Stouffer, the teacher who helped him find hope again. If you are looking for a strategy to deal with disappointment, this one's for you! In this episode, we talked about the newly released Lessons That Last book. Check it o...

In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about supporting student athletes, dealing with defeat, and keeping it all in perspective. They share Cyrus's story about his fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Peet. If you are looking for a productive way to process feedback, this one's for you! In this episode, we talked about the newly released Lessons That Last book. Check it out at https://bit.ly/3Q4hB...

In this special encore episode, originally released in June 20230, Julie and Laura discuss the importance of helping students get out of their comfort zones and seek others' perspectives. They share Callie's story about her yearbook sponsor and talk about the lessons learned around courage and curiosity. If you are itching to explore, this one's for you! Be sure to check out our new...

It's finally here... the Lessons That Last book! It's full of inspiring teacher stories and thoughtful reflections, one for each school day. In this podcast episode, Julie and Laura share behind the scenes of the book's birth. They also unpack Jennifer's story about Mrs. Tillman, the teacher whose lesson has lasted and still impacts her life. Enjoy this special celebration epis...

How do teachers create environments safe for risk taking? How do they build classroom cultures where vulnerability is embraced? Mr. Vincent is a powerful model. In this episode, Julie and Laura share Myah's story about her middle school art teacher, Mr. Vincent. They talk about the risk involved in learning and creating. If you ask students to create or share, this one's for you! For eve...

In this episode, Julie and Laura discuss the inevitable October struggles. When students resist the work and test the limits, teachers can feel discouraged. But Dean's story about Mrs. Nichols gives us evidence that those relationships do happen, and they last long after the end of the school year. If you're looking for a little encouragement to get through a dip, this one's for you...

In this week's episode, Julie and Laura talk about stretching the academically talented students. They share ideas for providing choice and challenge to all students (and teachers, too). Sean's story about the way Mrs. Burnett engaged him as a learner serves as inspiration. If you love projects and menus, this episode is for you! For even more inspirational teacher stories, visit https:/...

In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about making the best of what you've got, being resilient, and enjoying the journey. They unpack Khalid's story about Mr. Pace, the sponsor of the Entrepreneurship Club. In many ways, teachers are the entrepreneurs of their classrooms - creating, responding, and growing. If you love a creative approach to your work, this one's for you! Check out...

This week, Julie and Laura are sharing a favorite past episode. They unpack Marc's story about Mrs. Rainey, and they talk about the teachers who find creative ways to deal with students who love to perform for attention. This episode is full of funny stories, particularly about Laura's playground performances. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out the stories on the Chalk and...

In this 25th episode, Laura reveals what it's like to be an English teacher in Florida. Julie and Laura discuss new laws and policies restricting books for teachers. They talk about the role of literature in helping young humans become more thoughtful and empathetic. They share Tessa's story about her middle school English teacher, Mrs. Linn. If you love books and the kids who read them,...

In this special back to school episode, Julie and Laura talk about building trust and a positive classroom culture. They unpack Pillar's story about the way her fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Clifton, built a sense of stability and community. If you are looking for culture building strategies, this episode is for you. For even more inspirational teacher stories, visit https://www.chalkandchances.c...

In this episode, Julie and Laura marvel at the kindness of Mrs. Clifton, who made an effort to pronounce every student's name correctly. They talk about the importance of identity and affirmation. And, they acknowledge that (despite our sometimes opposing views) we are all on Team Kid. 

In this episode, Julie and Laura share Alyssa's story about being the new kid in town and the way her fourth grade teacher, Miss Brindley, helped her feel welcome. They discuss ways teachers help their students know who they are as people. This special back to school episode will provide inspiration for the year ahead.

In this special back to school episode, Julie and Laura discuss the anxiety (or excitement) generated by the start of a new school year. They share Chloe's story about her fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Gladden, and a simple way to alleviate students' worries and fears. Check out this special episode for inspiration during your back to school preparation. For even more teacher stories, visit...

In this episode, Julie and Laura discuss identifying and leveraging students' strengths. They talk about how having purpose and working in our strengths helps us feel the right kind of tired. Gracie's sweet story about her third grade teacher, Mrs. Rhinehart, is shared as a model of tapping into emerging talents. If you love books and kids, this one's for you! For even more inspirin...