Teach Me, Teacher

Hello everyone! Writefully Empowered is HERE! It's my second book, all about creating a writing workshop that empowers young people to be their best and write pieces they care about. In this episode, I talk with my co-host of Craft & Draft (my paused second podcast) about her experience with reading the book, what her takeaways are, and what other educators might find useful in it too. This episod...

Hello everyone! If you have listened to the podcast for a significant amount of time, you have probably heard me talk about how my son is autistic. It has been a journey, for sure, but something that has been helpful along the way has been all of the great educators who have supported him and his needs. With that said, I couldn't be more excited to bring my talk with Melinda Arnost to you. She is...

In this episode, we sit down with Tinsley Galyean—co-founder of Curious Learning and author of the forthcoming book REFRAME: How Curiosity & Literacy Can Redefine Us —to challenge everything we think we know about technology, kids, and learning. As debates rage over screen time, AI, and the impact of digital tools on child development, Galyean offers a powerful counter-narrative: what if technolog...

In this episode, we sit down with Tinsley Galyean—co-founder of Curious Learning and author of the forthcoming book REFRAME: How Curiosity & Literacy Can Redefine Us —to challenge everything we think we know about technology, kids, and learning. As debates rage over screen time, AI, and the impact of digital tools on child development, Galyean offers a powerful counter-narrative: what if technolog...

Hello everyone and happy Thanksgiving break! We will be back to our regular scheduled programming next week, but for our off week, let's revisit one of the top minds in education to look at reading and writing practices that actually work in secondary classrooms.  NOTE: This episode featured a giveaway that has already been honored.  If you're in ELA, you probably know who Penny Kittle is . If you...

This week, we're back with Part 3 of my conversation with Ken Williams — and we're pushing even deeper into what real leadership looks like when the excuses are stripped away. If you missed Part 2, make sure you catch up first. In this installment, we go beyond the question of whether teachers matter and dig into the systems, habits, and mindsets that either amplify teacher expertise or quietly su...

This week, I sit down with Ken Williams — educator, speaker, author of Ruthless Equity , and founder of Unfold the Soul — to dig into a question that hits the core of what schools are becoming: Do teachers still matter? If you missed part 1, click here. In far too many places, we've slipped into treating demographics like destiny. Schools get so wrapped up in predicting outcomes based on factors k...

This week, I sit down with Ken Williams, educator, speaker, and author of Ruthless Equity and founder of Unfold the Soul, to wrestle with one of the toughest questions in education today: Do teachers still matter? In too many schools, leadership decisions, policies, and even cultural norms seem to have already decided what kids can and cannot do — leaving teachers feeling like their impact is seco...

High school kids are tough to reach… but maybe that's the fun part. In this episode, we're talking about engagement that actually works —finding that ONE thing that makes your lessons hit different. Maybe it's a wild outfit. A totally new lesson design. A classroom setup that surprises them. Something weird, bold, or uniquely you. Because when you make it your own… that's when kids connect. That's...

Hello everyone!  This week I'm joined by Carrie Jackson , the incredible principal of Allen High School in Texas — and someone I've had the privilege of working alongside in my career. Carrie embodies what it means to lead with humility, compassion, and care. In our conversation, we dig deep into what real leadership looks like — not the kind that leans on authority or power, but the kind that see...

Hello everyone!  This week I'm joined by Carrie Jackson , the incredible principal of Allen High School in Texas — and someone I've had the privilege of working alongside in my career. Carrie embodies what it means to lead with humility, compassion, and care. In our conversation, we dig deep into what real leadership looks like — not the kind that leans on authority or power, but the kind that see...

Hello everyone! We have done extensive podcasts on the many aspects of reading and writing. We have covered pedagogy, research, cutting edge ideas and a return to form. One of the biggest topics that have graced this show is the topic of The Science of Reading. Heard of it? To dive into the latest research, findings, and thinking around the subject, I have brought on one of the experts in the fiel...

Hello everyone! We have done extensive podcasts on the many aspects of reading and writing. We have covered pedagogy, research, cutting edge ideas and a return to form. One of the biggest topics that have graced this show is the topic of The Science of Reading. Heard of it?  To dive into the latest research, findings, and thinking around the subject, I have brought on one of the experts in the fie...

In light of the world and the tragedies that have unfolded, Teach Me, Teacher skipped this week. In the meantime, a PSA for the audience. 

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching.  In this episode, Jacob and Pam address the issues of student cheating and AI.  Jacob poses the question of whether cheating is a greater problem today than in the past.   Pam shares how she has seen cheating throughout he...

In this heartfelt new episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we sit down with Josh Monroe —the inspiring 5th-grade teacher behind the TikTok sensation @mrmonroeandnala , where he shares heartwarming and thought-provoking classroom moments alongside his therapy dog, Nala TikTok (though things have changed). Josh is also the co-host of the acclaimed podcast What the World Needs Now , where he and fellow edu...

In this heartfelt new episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we sit down with Josh Monroe —the inspiring 5th-grade teacher behind the TikTok sensation @mrmonroeandnala , where he shares heartwarming and thought-provoking classroom moments alongside his therapy dog, Nala TikTok (though things have changed). Josh is also the co-host of the acclaimed podcast What the World Needs Now , where he and fellow edu...

Jonathan Alsheimer is back on the podcast , and this conversation is every bit as powerful as his first appearance. If you missed part 1, check it out here.  We dig into what it really means to show up for kids—not just being present in the room, but being fully engaged, intentional, and committed to their success. Jonathan shares how building strong, authentic relationships can transform not only...

Jonathan Alsheimer is back on the podcast , and this conversation is every bit as powerful as his first appearance. We dig into what it really means to show up for kids—not just being present in the room, but being fully engaged, intentional, and committed to their success. Jonathan shares how building strong, authentic relationships can transform not only the classroom environment, but also the l...

Welcome to Season X of Teach Me, Teacher—the podcast that refuses to stay silent while public education is under attack. This season, we stand shoulder to shoulder with teachers, parents, and communities across the nation, fighting back against the tech giants, profiteers, and bad actors who want to see our schools shuttered, our classrooms emptied, and our children turned into data points. They w...

Hello everyone! In this closing episode of Season 9, host Jacob Chastain takes a heartfelt look back at the journey so far. We get real about where the show stands today, the challenges and growth behind the scenes, and the exciting direction we're headed. Looking ahead to Season 10, big changes are on the horizon—new formats, fresh perspectives, and deeper conversations that push the boundaries o...

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we delve into the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds. Joining us are Coach Alex Compton and Coach Kevin Dalafu, authors of Wisest Learners: Guiding Your Child's Athletic Journey . With over a decade of experience in coaching, parenting, and education, they offer invaluable insights into how sports can be a powerful tool for teaching young p...

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher , we delve into the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds. Joining us are Coach Alex Compton and Coach Kevin Dalafu, authors of Wisest Learners: Guiding Your Child's Athletic Journey . With over a decade of experience in coaching, parenting, and education, they offer invaluable insights into how sports can be a powerful tool for teaching young p...

In part 2 of this powerful episode, host Jacob Chastain sits down with Dr. John B. King Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, to discuss his new book  Teacher by Teacher . They explore Dr. King's journey from classroom teacher to national education leader, offering a rare insider's perspective on the state of American education. Together, they unpack the challenges educa...

In this powerful episode, host Jacob Chastain sits down with Dr. John B. King Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, to discuss his new book Teacher by Teacher . They explore Dr. King's journey from classroom teacher to national education leader, offering a rare insider's perspective on the state of American education. Together, they unpack the challenges educators face t...