Schurtz and Ties: A podcast about education and culture

Whenever people are gathered, gossip is present. And that is okay! In this episode, Brian and Kasey point out the positives of gossip, explain how we can embrace it in our homes, communities, and workplace, and provide tangible ways to address this topic that encourages community and creates safety. The key distinction rests on clarifying the conversation. Does it magnify the problem, or clarify i...

Happy 25! To celebrate this simple milestone, Brian and Kasey spend time reflecting on those who have influenced their journey, what good teaching looks like, and reminding us all why this profession deeply matters. Mr. D; Mr. Donut; Mr. Denison: "Take nothing on its looks. Take everything on evidence. There is no better rule." - Charles Dickenson, Great Expectations. Mr. Furman: Be purp...

All too often, we try to solve complex problems with large-scale, pie-in-the-sky solutions. Anxiety is one of those problems. In this episode, Brian and Kasey wrestle through some very tangible, use-it-tomorrow solutions that combat the growing epidemic of teen (and adult) anxiety. Why Are We Anxious? 1. Culture of success (Cult of achievement) 2. Origin stories 3. You are what you data Solutions:...

Punishment and consequence are often used synonymously in our schools and homes, but they shouldn't be, largely because the key distinction between the two (me-focused vs you-focused) makes a world of difference in the short and long term. For the child and the adult. In this episode, Brian and Kasey draw a line of distinction between punishments and consequences, wrestle with why that distinc...

As educators, we can hold a single story of poverty, often understanding it and all its forms from an academic or "other" point of view. In this episode, Brian tries to gain a more personal understanding of poverty by asking Kasey to dive deeper into his childhood and inviting an old group-home friend, Kairi Hyman, to join the conversation. Brian and Kasey (along with Kairi) also try to...

Hippopotamus laws, more commonly referred to as Eponymous Laws, are principles or rules named after a particular person. In this episode, Brian and Kasey discuss a variety of Eponymous Laws, the ethics of data collection, and wrestle through the distinctions between facts and truth. Amara's Law: "We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the eff...

Life and work are busy. They are also consumed by screens. In this episode, Brian and Kasey discuss how leaders, teachers, parents - people! - can be intentional about making the intangible moments tangible, and why doing so can have a deep and meaningful impact on your schools, homes, and community groups. Books Referenced: The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact R...

Brian attended Innovative Schools Summit in New York; Kasey attended Solution Tree Summit in Arizona. In this episode, they reflect on their experiences, the ideas discussed, and the importance of relationships - which, as it turns out, is the most innovative thing in our buildings! People and resources mentioned: "Clarity proceeds competency" - Mike Mattos (@mikemattos65) Inspiration gets us out...

From hallway decorations to graduation, fear of humiliation to content, even the pursuit of safety, what gods are we intentionally or unintentionally serving, and what impacts do they have on our schools, classrooms, and students? In this episode, Brian and Kasey wrestle with the culture of our schools, the purpose of graduation, and why today's students aren't much different than those of the pas...

Dr. Mary Jo Fresch has been an elementary teacher, literacy professor, has published more than 22 books, and is a brilliant and calming mind in the world of literacy learning. In this episode, Dr. Fresch walks through the history of teaching literacy, dissects the science of how we read, and provides practical, in-the-classroom advice for how to naturally engage students and teach reading. Most im...

Anchors give us stability and direction when times are tough. In this episode, Kasey and Brian discuss the value of living a life focused on doing GREAT things ( G ive - R elate - E xplore - A nalyze - T ry), why it matters, and how it looks. Give: - "If you’re a taker, you help others strategically, when the benefits to you outweigh the personal costs. If you’re a giver, you might use a different...

ChatGPT is changing the educational landscape. In this episode, Brian and Kasey argue that this change is not only good for education, it is also needed. Becase of ChatGPT we have an opportunity to shift our focus away from content and towards what truly matters, on the things that will actually change the world . . . the human being stuff.  You can check out ChatGPT here . Kasey quotes Frank...

Responsibility Centered Discipline (RCD) "has helped educators across North America transform student discipline and improve school climate." In this episode, Brian and Kasey discuss the format of RCD, its potential for impacting behavior, and why it is foundational in strengthening relationships and building the whole child. For more information, check out: Website: Givemfive.com Book:...

In this episode, Brian and Kasey dive deeper into UDL and offer a few tangible ways we can eliminate unnecessary physical and psychological barriers to life. Kasey pushes back on Brian's belief that hard lives create better people.  Kasey references a blog post he wrote, "And."  

Universal Design for Learning is an attempt to accommodate the needs of all learners by removing unnecessary hurdles. In this episode, Brian and Kasey wrestle with what UDL means for schools, classrooms, and daily living. But they only scratch the surface. Offering suggestions such as living an untimed life, savoring simple moments, and providing opportunities for all students to learn at their ow...

In this episode, Kasey and Brian talk through some of their thoughts and convictions from the break. Much like a barstool conversation, their discussion ranges from how we can change our experiences by simply adding mirrors, why not liking someone is very different (and much better) than disliking someone, and why schools should ditch Debate Teams in favor of an Arbitration Team.  Podcasts Re...

Brian and Kasey are spending time with their families but will be back releasing weekly episodes the first week of January.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

(Part 2) Parents and teachers are on the same side; they both want what is best for the child. However, for a variety of fair and unfair reasons, the gap in understanding seems to be at an all-time high. In this episode, Kasey and Brian acknowledge the stereotypes, discuss potential misunderstandings, and offer solutions of empathy for both sides. Brian opens a can of frustration against one of Ma...

Parents and teachers are on the same side; they both want what is best for the child. However, for a variety of fair and unfair reasons, the gap in understanding seems to be at an all-time high. In this episode, Kasey and Brian acknowledge the stereotypes, discuss the misunderstandings, and begin to offer a way where both sides can start drawing closer together through the bridge of empathy. This...

Sports can teach us a great deal about life, leadership, and community. Most importantly, and if done correctly, it can model how to get the best out of ourselves and those we lead and serve. In this episode, Brian and Kasey discuss the limitations of goals and outcomes, the power of understanding our weaknesses, and wrestle with how best to create a culture that normalizes greatness. Kasey discov...

We are often inspired by the things we hear. Be it the news channels we play, the conversations we have with friends, the podcasts we listen to, or the music we play to and from work, whatever we constantly hear inspires the way we think and act. In this episode, Brian and Kasey share and discuss songs they believe should be on every educator's playlist. Songs that inspire, comfort, and remind us...

Bosses in movies and TV shows are often over-characterized and easily simplified. Which is why we love/hate them. Because we can relate to them. Or at the very least, we can relate them to our current or past bosses. This week Brian and Kasey talk about some of the worst bosses in movies and television, why they are who they are, and offer solutions on how to deal with incompetent, micromanaging,...

Daniel Pink, the author of Drive: The Truth Behind What Motivates Us, writes that all people are motivated by three things: Autonomy, Master, and Purpose. In this episode, Kasey and Brian discuss how this might look in the classroom, in our schools, and in our lives. Brian says "super important" a lot.  The book, Drive: The Surprising Truth Behind What Motivates Us The TED Talk A condensed an...

Are you in the right career, or is it simply the wrong building? In this episode, Kasey and Brian discuss the power of appreciation, having fun, and living with purpose, and how the absence or presence of them can guide us to making the next - and perhaps healthier- choice. 

Honeymoons are great. Be it the beginning of the year or after Christmas break, every school and classroom experiences a time when students are excited, teachers are energized, and the future seems bright! Then, it ends . . . What then? What do we as educators do when it's time to dig in and get to work? In this episode, Kasey and Brian discuss how to ensure the honeymoon phase is purposeful as we...