The Heights Forum

The Forum Faculty Podcast

Education EN ↓ 6 episodes

Welcome to the Forum Faculty Podcast, a podcast featuring conversations with teaching faculty of The Heights School, as well as friends of The Heights Forum. In each episode, we share the ideas, stories, and challenges rising out of the experience of teaching in the 21st century. These recordings are an expansion of chats and conversations had by teachers in the hallways, lounge, and offices of school, and we hope that they are not only enriching, but also an invitation to join in the discussion!

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The Heights Forum

Episodes

Athlete or Academic: What's the Real Priority in Schools? 01.08.2025 53:24

In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, we're discussing the significance of sports in school life and striking the balance between being a student and an athlete. We welcome to this converastion coaches and teachers Jeff Thompson, Joel Sellier, and Brian Carroccio. They dive into the historical importance of physical education, the post-COVID surge in youth sports, the impact of club sports...

Assigned Reading: A Gateway to Lifelong Learning or a Killer of Joy? 09.07.2025 1:07:47

In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, we're joined by teachers Finn Mehigan, Joe Bissex, and Shane O'Neill, to discuss how assigned reading can affect a student's interest in literature. They delve into the reading habits of students across different school levels, the decline in reading for pleasure, methods to encourage reading engagement, and the challenges of assigning and assessing re...

On Grades: Building or Breaking Growth? 29.05.2025 1:06:50

In this episode of the Forum Faculty podcast, host Tom Cox is joined by Mike Hude, Joel Sellier, and Shane O'Neill to delve into the complexities and controversies surrounding grades in education. The discussion covers the transactional nature of grades, how they can detract from genuine learning, and the ways in which teachers can use grades as both motivational tools and communication devices. T...

Textbooks: Tool or Crutch? 27.02.2025 1:02:28

In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, Tom invites Heights teachers Austin Hatch, Mark Grannis, and Shane O'Neil to discuss the use of textbooks in their classes. They explore whether textbooks are vital tools or limiting agents, sharing personal experiences and strategies for balancing textbooks with engaging and personalized teaching methods. The conversation covers a range of subjects in...

A Doctor, a Lawyer, and a Cop Walk Into a Boys School 05.12.2024 39:19

In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, middle school teacher Rob Liotta, upper school teacher Mark Grannis, and lower school teacher Josue Zelaya—discuss their transitions from careers in policing, law, and medicine, respectively, to teaching. They share their backstories, motivations for changing careers, and how their previous experiences shape their approach in the classroom. The discuss...

The Homework Problem 23.10.2024 1:01:23

In this episode, Lower School teacher, Elias Naegele, and Upper School teachers, Joel Sellier, and Michael Hude, engage in a comprehensive debate on the role and effectiveness of homework in student development. They explore differing viewpoints on the necessity of homework, its impact on motivation and resilience, and how it balances with classroom work and personal time. The conversation delves...