Pedagogically Speaking

What if the key to improving student behaviour isn't better behaviour management? In this video, I explore why shifting your focus from managing behaviour to building a strong classroom community can transform your classroom. Instead of relying on rewards, consequences, and constant correction, we'll look at how relationships, belonging, shared expectations, and trust create the conditions where p...

The teacher summer slump is not burnout, it's not laziness. It's the psychological disruption that happens when the routine, identity, and purpose of teaching suddenly disappear for two months. In this video essay, I break down what the research actually says about why teachers struggle during summer break — from occupational identity and role transition to anticipatory anxiety and the paradox of...

This year taught me about the critical role of leadership in education, the need for support, recognition, and inclusion for teachers and diverse learners, and the impact of leadership on teacher retention and the challenges faced by educators. Takeaways Leadership plays a significant role in creating a positive educational experience for both teachers and students. Building strong relationships w...

Why are so many teachers emotionally checking out of education? In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking, we unpack the rise of “quiet quitting” in teaching — and why it may actually be a response to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and unsustainable expectations in schools. We discuss: teacher burnout emotional disengagement workload creep toxic productivity in education boundaries vs burnout why...

The conversation explores the engagement and learning opportunities presented by global events like the World Cup. It emphasizes the academic richness of sports, the importance of cross-curricular integration, and the potential for leveraging the World Cup in education to enhance student engagement and learning. Takeaways Global events like the World Cup provide a rich learning environment for stu...

The conversation delves into the misunderstood struggle of overwhelmed students, the damaging impact of the label 'lazy,' and the need for a supportive environment. It explores the complexity of human cognition, the impact of chronic stress, and the challenges of executive functioning. Additionally, it addresses the effects of chronic stress, perfectionism, avoidance, and learned helplessness, as...

The conversation explores the impact of stillness on learning, the historical context of stillness in education, compliance culture in modern classrooms, the impact of movement on learning, the role of teachers and classroom environment, and the need to rethink engagement and learning environments. Takeaways Movement is cognition, not a distraction Learning environments may have been failing stude...

The conversation delves into the uncomfortable truth about teacher burnout, the expectation of self-sacrifice in education, and the normalization of overwork. It explores the subtle ways in which teacher passion and dedication are being weaponized to manipulate teachers into overextending themselves, and the impact of unsustainable working conditions on teachers' well-being and effectiveness. Take...

Students don’t care anymore… or at least that’s what it feels like right now. If your students are disengaged, refusing work, or saying “I don’t care,” this episode breaks down what’s actually happening—and why it’s not about laziness or defiance. In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking , we unpack: Why student engagement drops at this time of year The truth behind “I don’t care” behavior Why pr...

The conversation covers the journey of a teacher from the initial decision to become a teacher, transitioning from an EA to a teacher, dealing with overwhelm and imposter syndrome, belonging and self-doubt in teaching, effective teaching strategies, adapting to student diversity, teaching standards, classroom management, and advice for new teachers. The conversation covers a range of topics relate...

The conversation explores the impact of fear of failure on students and the importance of normalizing struggle, slowing down the rescue instinct, and praising the process and effort. It emphasizes the need to change the narrative around failure and make it a part of the learning process. Takeaways Normalizing struggle and making it a part of the learning process Slowing down the rescue instinct an...

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by educators in schools, including the impact of violence, the emotional toll on educators, and the need to navigate paradoxes. It also explores the dynamics of teacher-student relationships, assessment and grading challenges, creating safe spaces for students, and reflecting on mistakes as a means of growth. The conversation covers the challenges...

The conversation delves into the challenges and realities of teaching, including the struggles of new and veteran teachers, the impact of teaching contracts on work-life balance, the lack of support for French immersion teachers, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in lesson planning. The discussion also highlights the impact of teaching and the need for boundaries and work-life bal...

In this episode, Ilana discusses the importance of a teacher reset before Monday and provides five steps to achieve it. The steps include planning for Monday, reducing overwhelm, setting energy boundaries, and anchoring a win for Monday. Ilana emphasizes the need for teachers to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being. Takeaways Teacher reset Setting boundaries Chapters 00:00 Teacher Reset...

Episode 14 of Pedagogically Speaking focuses on the mental health of teachers, addressing burnout, stress management, work-life balance, and the importance of rest and recovery. It emphasizes the need for community, mindfulness, and reconnecting with non-teaching identities. Takeaways Recognizing signs of burnout in teachers Embracing rest and recovery for mental well-being Chapters 00:00 Building...

Episode 13: I talk about being close to the end of term 2, and report cards leading to burnout in teaching, and we explore the signs, causes, and impact of burnout on educators. I emphasize the need for boundary-setting, self-care, and system redesign to address burnout effectively. Takeaways Burnout is a result of overloaded systems and requires system redesign, not shame. Educators should priori...

In Episode 12 of Pedagogically Speaking I talk about the importance of structure and clarity in the classroom, dealing with chaos, and managing dysregulation. The episode emphasizes the need for structure, clarity, and co-regulation to create a calm and effective learning environment. Chapters 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Feedback 06:38 Chaos in the Classroom 14:35 Importance of Structure and Cl...

Are your students staring at blank pages? Avoiding work? Saying “I don’t get it” before they even try? They’re not ignoring you. They’re overwhelmed. In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking , we’re unpacking executive functioning in the classroom — what it actually looks like, why we mislabel it as laziness or defiance, and how to use practical classroom management strategies that reduce overwhe...

Keywords inclusion, education, mental health, community, barriers, safe environment, collaboration, teaching strategies, student support, holistic approach Summary In this conversation, Ilana discusses the multifaceted nature of inclusion in education, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. She explores the challenges and barriers to effective in...

In Episode 9 of Pedagogically Speaking , host Ilana Huffer sits down with internationally recognized educator and author Morgane Michael for a powerful conversation about teacher burnout , belonging in education , and the simple, but deeply impactful, strategies that help students and teachers, feel safe, connected, and seen. Morgane shares her personal journey of reclaiming language and identity...

The conversation covers the themes of community building among educators, early teaching experiences, transition to a teaching career, teaching in Saskatchewan, relocation and adjustment, and union activism and social justice. It explores the challenges, adventures, and experiences of educators, highlighting the need for collaboration, the passion for teaching, and the normalization of classroom c...

EPISODE 7: In this episode of Pedagogically Speaking I explore the transformation of assessment into a learning tool, the limitations of traditional assessments, ethical considerations in large-scale assessments, the dominance of behaviorist thinking in schools, the contrast between behaviorism and constructivism, the importance of culturally responsive and ethical assessments, and the role of dat...

Ange Coutts shares her journey into teaching, overcoming adversity, and advocating for LGBTQ+ representation and inclusivity in education. She discusses the challenges she faced as a substitute teacher, the impact of LGBTQ+ representation in education, and the empowerment of female athletes through coaching. Ange also addresses the prevalence of prejudice and the importance of promoting inclusivit...

The conversation covers Vasuhi's, career transitions, challenges, and growth, the impact of nutrition on health, and the implications of problem-solving and foresight. Vasuhi's experiences highlight the importance of mental health, the value of career transitions, and the significance of education in personal and professional development. The conversation delves into the challenges of parenting, c...

In episode 4 of Pedagogically Speaking, host Ilana Huffer discusses the challenges educators face during winter break, emphasizing the importance of rest and self-care. She reflects on the exhaustion many teachers feel, particularly after a long term, and addresses the feelings of self-doubt that often arise during this time. Ilana encourages teachers to embrace their humanity, recognize that surv...