The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know

Don't give apologies or make excuses when it comes to advocating for students.  Being an effective teacher means that we focus on relationships and creating a process and environment that are conducive to learning.  Sometimes, advocating means we have to also make tough and unpopular decisions (especially in the minds of students).  Still, we have to be leaders.  We have to be educators.  

I am asked constantly to name some common pitfalls educators make.  While the entire podcast is that list to some degree, this episode includes some mistakes regularly made by classroom teachers.  Becoming an effective educator means avoiding them (or learning from them after you make them).  If you don't you'll absolutely regret it.

We've said it many times...teachers are superheroes.  In this episode, we discuss the importance of identifying and leveraging your unique superpowers as an educator.  What makes you effective?  What moves the needle?  What makes you and your process amazing?  Answering these questions will help you improve outcomes in a big way.  

Administrators are people too!  Seriously, take the time to build a genuine relationship with your admin.  It will typically help you and those you serve.  Most importantly, it will make your job and day-to-day much more meaningful.  

Teachers love ideas that are effective and efficient.  Here's one that will save you so much time, spare you from needless headaches, and help you become better at your job:  make it a regular practice to vary your vantage points.  You'll be so glad you did...and so will your students.  

All students need experience solving problems, making decisions, advocating for themselves, applying skills, and completing assignments under pressure.  It's a crucial instructional approach, that when used in a balanced and productive way, generates better, more meaningful outcomes.  While effective teachers never intentionally humiliate, power struggle, or leave students to drown in the cla...

Effective teachers know that action is necessary to make change and positive impact happen.  All too often, we talk too much, make too many excuses, or give in to inaction.  Whether it's in how you manage your classroom, your process, or yourself, don't be afraid to take action.  Don't make empty promises or underestimate your ability.  Trying to improve and grow are extremely impor...

The more we focus on grades and policies like "credit recovery" the less we focus on the things that really matter - learning and mastery.  It really is a mindset that must play out in classrooms each and every day.  Unfortunately, too many teachers fail to recognize this and/or are simply unaware of how to create a "mastery classroom."  As a result, they become highly ineffect...

Excessive negativity and overreaction seems to be creeping into the classroom from all around us.  It can make our jobs seem counterproductive or even impossible.  However, effective educators use philosophical approaches and practical strategies to keep the rot at bay.  Will there always be problem stakeholders and problem situations that come up in the classroom...absolutely.  Can we overcome an...

It's amazing how much dysfunction is ingrained in our classrooms, schools, and the education system itself.  Much of it is so prevalent that we have resigned ourselves to accept it as reality.  We can do better.  Effective educators identify normalized dysfunction in their classrooms and then take steps to begin eliminating it.  For things we can't completely control, we advocate for cha...

Teachers live a dual existence as very public figures trying to also have a private life.  It is difficult for many educators to understand and achieve a balance between the two.  It's important that we don't let awareness of our public perception become worry or fear.  Also, we can't be scared to be ourselves inside or outside of the classroom.  Being unauthentic reduces your quali...

The Octopus Mentality is crucial for any effective educator.  If you're not familiar with it, you should definitely tune in to this week's episode.  It could change your whole perspective on working with your students, your process, and even with yourself.  This is an episode of self-reflection that could lead to real improvement for your students and a longer and more successful career...

Effective teachers know that functioning in absolutes is very difficult and often counterproductive to authentic learning.  Learning to expect, navigate, and plan for the gray is both a skill and professional necessity in education.  As a teacher, becoming more comfortable working in the gray will have lasting benefits for you and your students.  

Most people aren't terrible.  You have to believe that to survive and thrive in education.  It's both a mindset and a philosophy.  If you let the negative control you or your process, everyone will suffer.  

This week's episode is a good old fashion reminder of some key classroom management mistakes.  If you are the teacher that "throws" or the teacher that "quips" with your students, or you know someone who is, you better listen up.  

Effective teachers regularly ask themselves, "What do kids need?" in order to understand their own teaching philosophy and measure effectiveness.  It's difficult to improve outcomes if you don't know what you actually value as an educator and subsequently set goals to achieve it.  

This week's episode is all about challenging ourselves to open our minds to growing and developing as a professional.  Yes, "PD" can be time-consuming and terrible, but it doesn't have to be!  Start advocating and getting involved!  Be a part of the solution and not the problem.  Professional development provided by your school or other organizations should supplement your own...

In this week's episode, we look at some commonly confused words that have huge implications for the education system, and most importantly, our students.  Effective educators must understand these words, as well as how they impact their teaching philosophy and academic process.  

Your students respect and love you...even if they don't show it or even know it yet!  It's hard for secondary teachers to get that much needed affirmation from students in the short-term (which is important for making adjustments in the learning process AND finding confidence and self-worth in our roles).  Trust me though, the signs are there!  Keep your focus on building relationships a...

In this episode, we discuss 5 things that can transform your classroom from "good" to "great" when it comes to grading and giving feedback.  Don't miss this opportunity to improve mastery and outcomes for your students!

Diversity, exploration, curiosity, innovation, and motivation are all on the opposite side of the spectrum from standardization.  From instruction and assessment to student and colleague interactions, effective teachers are brave enough to be different and individually impactful.  

Please listen to this episode for your students, for your school, and for yourself.  In order to be successful, educators MUST look backward as much as they look forward.  This is one of the most crucial aspects of classroom success, but unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked and underutilized.  This combination is devastating to learners.   

We have said it many times.  Educators have to focus on understanding where students are on their academic journeys and building consistency BEFORE driving improvement, starting a new unit, etc.  Consistency, comprehensive/cumulative approaches, and a firm foundation of knowledge and skills will allow for enduring learning.  

In this episode, we talk about the importance of advocating for students and teachers beyond our classroom walls.  We are important in creating policy, driving positive change, and improving academic outcomes.  Educators know that...we just wish the rest of the world knew it.  

If you are looking for a way to bridge gaps in learning or extend learning opportunities for your students, you should absolutely take the time to listen to this week's episode.  Effective teachers know that when it comes to student ownership and success, individualized learning is key.