Lessons That Last

In this episode, Julie and Laura share Remi's story about the teacher who sparked her sense of wonder, Mrs. Kruss. They talk about how to get students excited about a lesson or topic and how to bring your own passions into the classroom. If you need to reconnect with your teacher joy, this episode is for you. For even more teacher inspiration, check out the stories on the Chalk and Chances we...

How do you bring students from different backgrounds together? If you are Shannon and her high school teacher, Ms. Gallant, you start a dance team. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about how young people view diversity and the way dance can help us understand each other. And, these two educators discuss how the most powerful teaching often happens outside of our curriculum. 

In this episode, Julie and Laura share Ben's story about his fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Greenlee. They discuss the ways young people step up and stick up for their peers and the ways teachers leverage peer pressure for good. Empathy and courage (and 80s movies) are the real stars of this episode.

In this episode, 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! In this episode, the hosts reference Julie's book, Pause, Ponder, and Per...

In this episode, Julie and Laura share Sondra's story about her third grade teacher, Mrs. Andrews. They discuss the importance of honoring students' identities and helping them feel known. These educators acknowledge the struggle of balance and the courage it takes to be part of a student's village. And, it's launch week for Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom ! Check o...

In this episode, Julie and Laura share Marley's story about the way her high school teacher, Mrs. McCall, provided strategies for tackling a test. They discuss test anxiety and why some students "opt out" from showing what they know. For any educator who has ever struggled to help a student, this is an affirming episode. For even more inspirational teacher stories, visit the Chalk a...

In this episode, Julie and Laura discuss being disciplined in the small things and carrying on with a sense of dignity and poise. They share Sophia's story about her high school biology teacher, Mrs. Francis. And because Mrs. Francis came from across the pond, they had to talk about the Royal Family and all things British.  If you love Ted Lasso, this episode is for you. For even more inspira...

In this episode, Julie and Laura discuss the emotions and exhaustion that come with the end of a school year. They talk about how to handle transitions and goodbyes with intention and joy. Savannah's story about her last day of school with her favorite teacher, Mr. Edwards, is sure to make you smile. For even more inspiration, visit the Chalk and Chances website https://www.chalkandchances.co...

In this episode, Julie and Laura discuss ways to help students develop positive self-images, particularly around their physical appearances. They share Lena's story about her fifth grade teacher Mrs. McCall, who had a brilliant (and super simple) strategy to promote positivity.  Lena's story can also be found on the Chalk and Chances website: https://www.chalkandchances.com/

In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about a 3 step framework for turning challenges in the classroom into opportunities to impact students' lives. They share Marcus's beautiful tribute to his teacher, Mrs. Pope. This is the story that inspired Julie's latest book, Pause Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom . This is a must listen episode! Referenced in this episode:  Pause, Ponder...

In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the ways teachers help students feel safe in the classroom, particularly during chaotic or unusual circumstances. They unpack Sarah's story about a late afternoon storm in Mrs. Hill's second grade classroom and discuss the importance of being a model for navigating challenges. This episode is packed with inspiration and hope.

In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power (and stress) of parent conferences. They share Jordan's story about a special moment at a parent conference with her fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Arbor. As educators, the words we say about our students can shape the way they see themselves. In this episode, we reference the book Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom https://www.amazon.c...

In this episode, Julie and Laura unpack the story James shared about Coach Waite. They talk about the teachers and coaches who offer grace after a mistake. This episode offers food for thought about helping young people reach their potential. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out the stories on the Chalk and Chances website: https://www.chalkandchances.com/blog

In this episode, Julie and Laura unpack Marc's story about Mrs. Rainey. 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 Chances website: https://www.chalkandch...

In this episode, Julie and Laura unpack Claire's story about her first grade teacher, Mrs. Dyson. They talk about the teachers who inspired them to teach. And they discuss how we can nurture students who may someday become colleagues. This episode is sure to inspire, affirm, and help all teachers remember why they started. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out the stories on the C...

In this episode, Julie and Laura unpack Drew's story about his high school English teacher, Mrs. Perkins. They talk about the power of authentic praise and recognition. And they discuss the debate over recognizing effort vs. recognizing achievement. Then, Julie and Laura wonder what teachers would want inscribed on a special pencil. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out the storie...

In this episode, Julie and Laura unpack Genelle's story about her middle school math teacher, Mr. Sampson. They talk about the power of confidence and mindset in the math classroom. Framing mistakes as "working on it" rather than "wrong" helps students persevere and take risks. And, adding a little humor is always good for teaching and learning. If you enjoyed this episode...

Julie and Laura unpack Oscar's story about his high school history teacher, Mrs. Gaines. They talk about the importance of giving students time and space for unstructured conversations. Extracurricular activities (like Crochet Tuesdays) are the perfect venue for conversation and connection. And, adding in service learning makes these opportunities even more meaningful. If you enjoyed this epi...

In this inaugural episode, Julie and Laura unpack Bailey's story about her fourth grade teacher, Mr. Winans. They talk about the importance of adding a little fun and novelty to the school day, and they share their own school experiences with teachers who created memorable moments. Referenced in this episode: Skit from The Dana Carvey Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6mndRtsS88 If you e...

In the Lessons That Last Podcast, a teacher and a researcher talk about what it means to make a lasting impact on students' lives. Through stories people share about the teachers they remember, each episode explores what teachers say and do that sticks with students for years (maybe even decades). Using great teachers as models, we can all make a bigger impact on the people in our lives. New...