The Teachers' Tribe Podcast

I chose the Jeopardy category (Before and After) style title because it’s time for a “Reality Check Mark”. Ready or not, it’s happening - many schools have or are returning to face-to-face instruction. Amidst the trepidation that many teachers are feeling, there are too many things in the unknown category. As I explored the CDC guidelines, I was equally concerned about the “mental health and socia...

S1 Ep020 - One Hand Today’s message and tips are directed at parents, caregivers and teachers. As I continue to work in a virtual environment, I know I am not alone with some of the challenges that I am facing. Supporting our children while learning during a pandemic is definitely the time to apply these saying. Let’s think about it together as I offer some tips for these times. BLOG POST: http://...

S1 Ep019 - Bend the Tree This episode is mainly for parents and caregivers and it focuses on the formative years, especially the early childhood period. Child-rearing is a tremendous blessing and responsibility. We should never take this opportunity lightly and I encourage you to give it your best shot. We will not do it perfectly, because we are practicing and learning as we go. It is worth consi...

While many things have changed, some things have remained constant. Many of my childhood experiences were night and day when compared with those of my children and students; however, we share similar social-emotional needs. If at no other time in my teaching career, this is the year to heighten my focus on SEL. Join me in exploring that today. BLOG: http://www.theteacherstribe.com/blog/now-and-the...

Simple day-to-day life experiences can help us to gain valuable lessons if we practice mindfulness. It is not easy to embrace the ideas that challenges are valuable and that no experience should be seen as worthless. Contemplate with me in this episode how we can create a new sense of awareness about our daily lives. Are you missing out on meaningful moments because of busy lifestyles and never-en...

William Arthur Ward’s words should inspire us to acknowledge that the best is here every time we see our children/students. He said, “When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves”. In this episode, I share an idea that is applicable to our lives as teachers, parents and caregivers.

Many veteran teachers feel like first year teachers again this year. I heard someone referring to this school year as a plane that we’re building as we are flying it. That’s a strong visual; but so far, it seems appropriate. Just imagine that for a moment. How would you feel if you were zooming in the air at top speed with many passengers onboard but you had to be putting the pieces of the aircraf...

S1 Ep014 - What’s Your Shift? The word “shift” conjures up a few different ideas in my mind. Do you need to shift into a higher gear or work on shifts with others? Are you in need of a paradigm shift? Among the dictionary definitions for the word shift is “a slight change in position, direction or tendency”. (Oxford English Dictionary) That’s the shift I will be focusing on in this episode. BLOG P...

S1 Ep013 - How Will They Remember? The new school year is here for many of us. It comes with mixed emotions, challenges and new ways of teaching and learning. We can play a role in determining the outcome and the memories that our children will hold on to. The question is, “How will my students remember the 2020-2021 school year?” I invite you to join me on this intentional journey of planning to...

A person’s name is special and an important part of identity. Many children experience anxiety, ridicule and other negative emotions because of their names. Dale Carnegie said, “Names are the sweetest and most important sound in any language”. How much do you focus on the names of the children/students in your care? Is that something important to think about as we begin a new school year? Blog Pos...

How has your heritage influenced your life? My culture and heritage inspires my teaching career and parenting. This week, I take you on a journey to the land of my birth, a paradise in the Caribbean Sea. Empathy, determination, respect, and resilience are ingrained in the people of Jamaica; and I reflect on how these qualities are transmitted to my classroom. This episode is a tribute to Jamaica’s...

Teaching is a difficult yet rewarding profession; and those who choose to do it, need to have a strong sense of purpose and motivation. In this episode, I reflect on why I have stayed in the teaching profession for so long. Listen to some interesting stories from my teacher training years and experience teaching in the beautiful island of Jamaica. I gained some valuable lessons in my early years t...

What childhood memories from school still bring smiles to your face when they come to your mind? It’s amazing how certain experiences stand out in our minds even after many years have passed. As parents, caregivers and educators, we are able to impact our children’s lives in so many ways. Listen to this episode for tried and true examples of how that can be done. Let’s explore three important ques...

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” ~Viktor E. Frankl A global pandemic most certainly fit the description of a crisis situation. In this episode, I offer 5 tips to help you find ways to cope. As you listen, keep in mind that you have the power of choice and the freedom to determine what will work best for you. I anticipate that my recommendat...

The main purpose of this episode is to heighten the awareness of the general public about the needs of deaf people in our society. As someone who is not directly involved in the community, I had several misconceptions. In this episode, I speak with one of my colleagues - Jamie Smith, who is a media specialist and member of the deaf community; and Cameron Hogan, a college student, ASL signer and av...

Professional development sessions are a part of teacher life. Some are engaging, interesting, and valuable; while others are not. In this episode, I highlight some of the benefits of teacher-led professional development and call for educators to reflect on how we can advocate for ourselves and share our expertise with our colleagues. I have also provided another freebie on my blog this week to hel...

Making Morning Meeting a priority is a great way to build relationships with students. James Comer reminds us that “No significant relationships occur without a significant relationship”. There is still much uncertainty surrounding the reopening of school buildings in the Fall; however, our students will still need to connect with us and rely on our support to navigate through their experiences. I...

The 2019-2020 school year was undoubtedly like none we’ve ever experienced before. It started out normally, but suddenly transformed into something unusual and unfortunately traumatic for many. The year 2020 marks my 25th year of teaching and I recognize that I am moving into a new season of my teaching career. The upcoming school year is still uncertain and that is difficult to accept; however, I...

The middle school years are among the most complex times of our lives. As a parent, it can be difficult to figure out how children in that age group feel or understand what they are thinking. Once again, I went to the source and had a conversation with my youngest son, an 8th grader who has his sights set on high school in the Fall. I feel he has been impacted the most by the disruption to the sch...

Have you considered how high school students are coping with all the changes that have occurred as a result of the pandemic? Do you know how the teenager in your care is feeling? I thought about it and decided to go straight to the source. In this episode, I had a warm, easy-going conversation with my middle son who is a sophomore in high school. He talked honestly about his experiences, feelings...

Imagine going home from college for Spring break expecting to just breathe, relax and enjoy the one week respite with your family and friends; only to be hurled into a global pandemic. In this first episode of a 3-part series, I engage in a conversation with a sophomore student about how he is coping. This event is unnerving at the least and quite traumatic for many. Listen in as we explore the ch...

Parents are the first teachers of their children. Caregivers are also teachers; and children thrive when they engage with adults who facilitate the joy of learning. Like Nelson Mandela, I also believe that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Wouldn't it be wonderful if together we could inspire learners as they grow into the best versions of themselves? T...