United States educators are nervously awaiting the new school year as case counts across the country rise. The ongoing debate is whether schools should reopen, if so how and who gets to make the final decision. In this episode we will discuss one of the most controversial topics of our time.

United States educators are nervously awaiting the new school year as case counts across the country rise. The ongoing debate is whether schools should reopen, if so how and who gets to make the final decision. In this episode we will discuss one of the most controversial topics of our time.

Should Schools Reopen?

The spread of coronavirus has compelled thousands of K-12 schools in the U.S. to close. And those numbers are certain to increase in the coming days, as concerned parents call for more school closures. The growing health crisis presents school leaders with a painful choice. Closing schools is a proven measure that has been shown to slow the spread of virus. But it also causes huge economic and social disruption, especially for children. Let’s discuss the impacts of the virus on schools.

The spread of coronavirus has compelled thousands of K-12 schools in the U.S. to close. And those numbers are certain to increase in the coming days, as concerned parents call for more school closures. The growing health crisis presents school leaders with a painful choice. Closing schools is a proven measure that has been shown to slow the spread of virus. But it also causes huge economic and social disruption, especially for children. Let’s discuss the impacts of the virus on schools.

Schools Are NOT Prepared For Crisis — Coronavirus Impacts

On this episode we discussed teachers and students fighting (Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!!!)

On this episode we discussed teachers and students fighting (Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!!!)

Teachers and Students Fighting!

Cellphones and laptops can be distracting for students in classrooms, and new research also shows that using electronic devices can even lower students’ grades.

Cellphones and laptops can be distracting for students in classrooms, and new research also shows that using electronic devices can even lower students’ grades.

Banning Cellphones In Classroom 

According to Thomas B. Fordham Institute most of the Internet obtained instructional materials materials are “mediocre” or “probably not worth using.” On this episode we discuss the supplemental materials teachers download on popular websites.

According to Thomas B. Fordham Institute most of the Internet obtained instructional materials materials are “mediocre” or “probably not worth using.” On this episode we discuss the supplemental materials teachers download on popular websites.

Teachers Pay Teachers SUCKS

On this episode we discuss culturally insensitive assignments, the impacts, and a pathway forward. 

On this episode we discuss culturally insensitive assignments, the impacts, and a pathway forward.

Culturally Insensitive Assignments

Students are NOT succeeding! It is not a secret there is a variance in educational outcomes for students across the country. It is time to address this prevalent and reoccurring issue.

Students are NOT succeeding! It is not a secret there is a variance in educational outcomes for students across the country. It is time to address this prevalent and reoccurring issue.

Students Are Not Succeeding

A professional educator is always learning and growing their craft. They are on an endless journey where they are always looking for new ideas or teaching strategies, ways to improve their skills, or new information that will help their students to succeed.

A professional educator is always learning and growing their craft. They are on an endless journey where they are always looking for new ideas or teaching strategies, ways to improve their skills, or new information that will help their students to succeed.

Growing As An Educator

On this episode we discuss gun-related violence in schools and how it has greatly increased in recent years. It is time to address the prevalent re-occurring issue as it releases to gun-related violence in schools. 

On this episode we discuss gun-related violence in schools and how it has greatly increased in recent years. It is time to address the prevalent re-occurring issue as it releases to gun-related violence in schools.

Schools SHOULD NOT Be Doing Armed Shooter Drills

Talk of school quality tends to focus on teachers—what they do to affect student achievement, how they succeed or how they fail. But district and building administrators also have an enormous influence in the education equation, a factor that is often overlooked.

Talk of school quality tends to focus on teachers—what they do to affect student achievement, how they succeed or how they fail. But district and building administrators also have an enormous influence in the education equation, a factor that is often overlooked.

Administrators: How Do You Support Your Teachers?

The Inspiring Educators Podcast is a space where EDUCATORS can let go, learn, laugh... and be inspired.

If your current professional position involves teaching in a formal classroom setting, you are likely familiar with the process of assigning final course grades.What is the purpose?

If your current professional position involves teaching in a formal classroom setting, you are likely familiar with the process of assigning final course grades.What is the purpose?

Why Are We STILL Giving Letter Grades?

Approximately one in five children in the United States live in poverty, according to the American Psychological Association, a status that affects more than housing status and food supply. Children from low-income families face increased risk factors in their educational life. Poverty affects student brain development, relationships with peers and the ability to complete a formal education. All of this means that teachers are faced with instructional challenges that go beyond students' desires to learn. On this episode we discuss the impacts of poverty. 

Approximately one in five children in the United States live in poverty, according to the American Psychological Association, a status that affects more than housing status and food supply. Children from low-income families face increased risk factors in their educational life. Poverty affects student brain development, relationships with peers and the ability to complete a formal education. All of this means that teachers are faced with instructional challenges that go beyond students' desires to learn. On this episode we discuss the impacts of poverty.

The Impacts of Poverty

It's tough to teach when your students aren't listening. That's why great classroom management is key to any successful classroom. Let’s discuss.

It's tough to teach when your students aren't listening. That's why great classroom management is key to any successful classroom. Let’s discuss.

Classroom Management 101

Like other first days in your life, your first day as a teacher in your own school classroom will have you feeling excited and anxious in equal measures. Even experienced teachers feel anxious about facing new students at the beginning of each school year. Just take a deep breath and relax. In this episode we will discuss Back to School Tips. 

Like other first days in your life, your first day as a teacher in your own school classroom will have you feeling excited and anxious in equal measures. Even experienced teachers feel anxious about facing new students at the beginning of each school year. Just take a deep breath and relax. In this episode we will discuss Back to School Tips.

Back to School Tips

A recent Gallup poll shows that almost half of the teachers in the U.S. say they are actively looking for a different job now or watching for opportunities. That’s not only heartbreaking for the professionals involved, it’s bad news for the stability of the industry. High teacher turnover impacts student performance and costs U.S. schools $7.3 billion in losses every year. On this episode we discussion the issues that are driving so many educators away?

A recent Gallup poll shows that almost half of the teachers in the U.S. say they are actively looking for a different job now or watching for opportunities. That’s not only heartbreaking for the professionals involved, it’s bad news for the stability of the industry. High teacher turnover impacts student performance and costs U.S. schools $7.3 billion in losses every year. On this episode we discussion the issues that are driving so many educators away?

Why Teacher's Quit?

The students are now gone. Here’s how to make the most of Summer Break.

The students are now gone. Here’s how to make the most of Summer Break.

Educator Summer Break Tips

Are you thinking about becoming a teacher? On this episode we discuss getting your first job in education or changing jobs in education. 

Are you thinking about becoming a teacher? On this episode we discuss getting your first job in education or changing jobs in education.

So You Want to Teach? 

Put simply, being a teacher is stressful. From managing students’ emotional and academic success, to creating lesson plans and grading papers, teachers have an immense weekly workload to handle. And with so many duties and so many students to care for, teachers often neglect their own self-care and wellness. Let’s discuss some self-care techniques…

Put simply, being a teacher is stressful. From managing students’ emotional and academic success, to creating lesson plans and grading papers, teachers have an immense weekly workload to handle. And with so many duties and so many students to care for, teachers often neglect their own self-care and wellness. Let’s discuss some self-care techniques…

Happy Educators Practice Self-Care

Finally! It’s summer—that long-awaited time to enjoy some extra rest and recreation. But did you know too much kicking back can be harmful to your student’s learning?Studies show that students can lose up to two months of math and literacy skills over the summer. Although summer learning loss—also known as the summer slide—is a real problem, it doesn’t have to slow down your child at the start of a new school year. Let’s discuss some solutions.Intro/Outro Music by Arianna Jonae - Drank It Up - https://thmatc.co/?l=BD246EF

Finally! It’s summer—that long-awaited time to enjoy some extra rest and recreation. But did you know too much kicking back can be harmful to your student’s learning?Studies show that students can lose up to two months of math and literacy skills over the summer. Although summer learning loss—also known as the summer slide—is a real problem, it doesn’t have to slow down your child at the start of a new school year. Let’s discuss some solutions.Intro/Outro Music by Arianna Jonae - Drank It Up - <a href="https://thmatc.co/?l=BD246EF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://thmatc.co/?l=BD246EF</a>

A Solution to the ‘Summer Slide’

Welcome to the Inspiring Educators Podcast. On this episode we have a Special Guest Mr. Carl Oliver as we discuss the NCTM 2019 Ignite Presentations. Ignites are five-minute talks, using twenty slides that auto-advance every fifteen seconds.

Welcome to the Inspiring Educators Podcast. On this episode we have a Special Guest Mr. Carl Oliver as we discuss the NCTM 2019 Ignite Presentations. Ignites are five-minute talks, using twenty slides that auto-advance every fifteen seconds.

Unpacking the NCTM 2019 Ignite

Thank you for this! So many educators need to hear this. Regardless of how many years you have been in the field, every teacher needs this little reminder every now and then. Love where is this going!

Praise break!!

As an educator I appreciate the authentic viewpoints.

Great Podcast

Inspiring Educators

Everyone knows that teaching is one of the most demanding and stressful professions. Forty-six percent of teachers say they feel high daily stress. That's on par with nurses and physicians. On this episode we discuss why teachers are stressing and how to reduce teacher stress.

Everyone knows that teaching is one of the most demanding and stressful professions. Forty-six percent of teachers say they feel high daily stress. That's on par with nurses and physicians. On this episode we discuss why teachers are stressing and how to reduce teacher stress.

Dealing with Stress as a Teacher 

If you are tired of dealing with negative student behaviors day in and day out, you are not alone—in fact, you are firmly in the center of the average educator’s experience. Still, managing difficult student behaviors eventually sucks the energy from most educators, no matter how talented or experienced. Which leads us to the story which inspired this Podcast Episode. A teacher and student at a southeast Los Angeles, California, high school came to blows Friday afternoon, and it was all caught on video. The footage shows Maywood Academy High School music teacher Marston Riley, 64, standing face to face with a 14-year-old boy at the front of a classroom when Riley punches him. It's at this point the two begin exchanging punches. The boy wound up on the ground wrapping his arms around Riley's leg. Riley, at this point, repeatedly punches him. The boy, who has not been identified, was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for moderate injuries and later released, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Riley was arrested on charges of child abuse, the release said.

If you are tired of dealing with negative student behaviors day in and day out, you are not alone—in fact, you are firmly in the center of the average educator’s experience. Still, managing difficult student behaviors eventually sucks the energy from most educators, no matter how talented or experienced. Which leads us to the story which inspired this Podcast Episode. A teacher and student at a southeast Los Angeles, California, high school came to blows Friday afternoon, and it was all caught on video. The footage shows Maywood Academy High School music teacher Marston Riley, 64, standing face to face with a 14-year-old boy at the front of a classroom when Riley punches him. It's at this point the two begin exchanging punches. The boy wound up on the ground wrapping his arms around Riley's leg. Riley, at this point, repeatedly punches him. The boy, who has not been identified, was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for moderate injuries and later released, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Riley was arrested on charges of child abuse, the release said.

Students Disrespecting Educators

Teaching is a demanding and highly complex activity that sometimes leaves us feeling inadequate and filled with self-doubt. We will work to understand what it takes to strengthen and sustain ourselves as educators by answering one question: How do we recognize our own greatness?

Teaching is a demanding and highly complex activity that sometimes leaves us feeling inadequate and filled with self-doubt. We will work to understand what it takes to strengthen and sustain ourselves as educators by answering one question: How do we recognize our own greatness?

Addressing Self-Doubt

Being an educator can be an isolating job. It’s often a career where teachers disappear into their own rooms and are given few opportunities to enjoy the bonding of collaboration that is a daily part of so many other careers.With this job, there also comes a great deal of scrutiny. Some days it feels like educators spending most of our time dealing with the latest educational acronym rather than improving lessons to better serve our students.But here’s the thing—we have to support one another.

Being an educator can be an isolating job. It’s often a career where teachers disappear into their own rooms and are given few opportunities to enjoy the bonding of collaboration that is a daily part of so many other careers.With this job, there also comes a great deal of scrutiny. Some days it feels like educators spending most of our time dealing with the latest educational acronym rather than improving lessons to better serve our students.But here’s the thing—we have to support one another.

Educators Need to Spend More Time Supporting Each Other

Recent U.S. education reform has focused on defining and raising the subject-matter standards students are expected to meet. In order to get their students up to snuff, schools are extending the school day and putting more and more emphasis on academic learning, which can squeeze out a beloved part of the traditional school day–recess. 

Recent U.S. education reform has focused on defining and raising the subject-matter standards students are expected to meet. In order to get their students up to snuff, schools are extending the school day and putting more and more emphasis on academic learning, which can squeeze out a beloved part of the traditional school day–recess.

Do Students Need Recess?

Most people believe that students do better in well-funded schools and that public education should provide a level playing field for all children. Nearly half of the funding for public schools in the United States, however, is provided through local taxes, generating large differences in funding between wealthy and impoverished communities (National Center for Education Statistics, 2000a). Efforts to reduce these disparities have provoked controversy and resistance.

Most people believe that students do better in well-funded schools and that public education should provide a level playing field for all children. Nearly half of the funding for public schools in the United States, however, is provided through local taxes, generating large differences in funding between wealthy and impoverished communities (National Center for Education Statistics, 2000a). Efforts to reduce these disparities have provoked controversy and resistance.

Poor Community, Poor Schools

If you were to ask even a relatively small group of teachers, administrators, students, parents, community members, business leaders, and policymakers to address the question of purpose, how difficult do you think it would be to reach a consensus?

If you were to ask even a relatively small group of teachers, administrators, students, parents, community members, business leaders, and policymakers to address the question of purpose, how difficult do you think it would be to reach a consensus?

What Is the Purpose of Education? 

If you’re a teacher, then these phrases will definitely sound familiar. Let’s discuss some of the most common questions, statements, and excuses that teachers hear on a daily basis.

If you’re a teacher, then these phrases will definitely sound familiar. Let’s discuss some of the most common questions, statements, and excuses that teachers hear on a daily basis.

Things Students Have Actually Said

Reports of teachers accused of unlawful sexual relationships with their students continue to make headlines. Why does this continue to happen?

Reports of teachers accused of unlawful sexual relationships with their students continue to make headlines. Why does this continue to happen?

Teacher-Student Relationships (Why Do Teachers Cross the Line?)

Talk less and involve with students more. The more you make your class interactive and the more that you utilize technology, the more your students will enjoy what they are learning.How do you keep your class interesting?

Talk less and involve with students more. The more you make your class interactive and the more that you utilize technology, the more your students will enjoy what they are learning.How do you keep your class interesting?

Keeping Class Interesting

Humor activates the brain's dopamine reward system, stimulating goal-oriented motivation and long-term memory, which means that humor can improve retention in students of all ages. The contagious nature of humor naturally builds a sense of community by lowering defenses and bringing individuals together.

Humor activates the brain's dopamine reward system, stimulating goal-oriented motivation and long-term memory, which means that humor can improve retention in students of all ages. The contagious nature of humor naturally builds a sense of community by lowering defenses and bringing individuals together.

Humor in Education

For those considering a career in teaching, there are a number of potential motivators. Teaching can be a challenging profession, but there are numerous benefits to this career. Some feel a calling to impact the lives of students, while others are drawn to teaching for the ability to make a difference in the education system at large. So why teach?

For those considering a career in teaching, there are a number of potential motivators. Teaching can be a challenging profession, but there are numerous benefits to this career. Some feel a calling to impact the lives of students, while others are drawn to teaching for the ability to make a difference in the education system at large. So why teach?

Why Teach

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

OwlTail

"We are a lot harder to read than we think" At work, studies show that others have a better perceptions of our strengths and weaknesses than we do. I've come to believe that I must validate how others view me, I cannot assume my understanding is correct without validation. This episode is fascinating, learn how to have a more accurate view of how others see you.

"The short answer is: people don't see us the way we see ourselves."

Heidi Grant Halvorson, author of "No One Understands You and What to Do About It," explains the science of perception.

HBR IdeaCast

Understand How People See You

"Agility = the opposite of rigidity". "The ability to change your mind is a superpower." When someone gives you feedback, try not to think 'is this true or not?' Try to think 'what can I learn from this?' Sometimes you learn you don't agree but you have a good reason why. "The good learn from everyone and everything. The average from themselves. The stupid already know everything." Socrates.

"Enrollment agility = what to do with our thoughts and emotions internally that

Susan David, author of "Emotional Agility" and psychologist at Harvard Medical School, on learning to unhook from strong feelings.

Building Emotional Agility

Best Episodes on Self Improvement, Growth & Development

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

[Contains mature themes] He reached out because a year after the discovery of his affair, they aren’t fighting anymore, but they certainly haven’t moved on. Esther guides them towards a more honest conversation, and a revelation about their communication.

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

[Contains mature themes] He reached out because a year after the discovery of his affair, they aren’t fighting anymore, but they certainly haven’t moved on. Esther guides them towards a more honest conversation, and a revelation about their communication.

I've Had Better

 Welcome!  My guest today is Dr. John Gottman, one of the world's leading experts on how to have an amazing relationship.  He and his wife Julie currently operate The Gottman Institute in Seattle, offering numerous resources and training.  Join us for a deep dive into their work!  Dr. Gottman’s findings are largely based on the conclusions he has made over many years of research and observations of couples. He and his team have how to be a master (and avoid being a disaster) at relationship.  Dr. Gottman discusses the following topics:   “The Sound Relationship House” - what is the foundation for a relationship that lasts?  Learn the importance of having high expectations in relationship, and also uncover ways in which what you'd *think* would be good for your relationship is actually counterproductive.  Dr. Gottman identifies Styles of Confronting Conflict:  Volatile, Validating, and Conflict-Avoiding. All of these conflict styles can lead to successful relationships. Learn what to do if you and your partner are mismatched in your conflict style.  Dr. Gottman discusses “bids” we make with our partner as an attempt to connect. Are you a "yes" to your partner's bids? Are they a yes to yours?  “Bids” that fail are often the beginnings of conflict. How do things change if you start paying attention and responding to your partner's bids in a positive way?  Mindfulness is the key to noticing these bids and avoiding conflict.  “Small Things Often” - a reminder to turn toward these bids in the small moments of life.  Dr. Gottman's concept of startup is a way of thinking about what you bring to your interactions with your partner. Do you start in a place that's already positive, and thinking highly of your partner? Or do you start in a place where you are suspecting the worst of your partner?  Build up your emotional bank account with small compliments (deposits).  According to John, there are three phases of any relationship:  Falling in Love (initial), Building Trust (middle), and Cherishing Your Partner (long-term intimacy). What phase are you in? The key to success is using strategies that are appropriate for where you are in your relationship.  The key to more sex is having the freedom to say "no" without being punished for it. If refusing sex can actually have a positive payoff, then it will actually lead to a couple having a more satisfying (and frequent) sex life.  Do you ever wonder how to make a good relationship GREAT? Focus on cherishing your partner.  What if YOU are the only partner who wants to make changes?  Can you make a difference?  Absolutely. Learn how shifts in your approach can have a profound affect on your relationship.  The key to success in a relationship isn't that nothing bad ever happens. It's how well you as a couple learn how to repair after those things occur. John discusses how you can learn to repair, and the positive effects that has on long-term relationships.  Do you know how to decide if you’re in a bad relationship?  When you're with your partner, are you at your best? Or are you veering off towards your worst? Gottman offers this simple guideline for how to know whether to stay or go. Also what to think about BEFORE you decide that you're on the wrong path.   Join us for these topics and more.  Dr. Gottman has practical information that can improve your relationship TODAY!   Links and Resources:  What Makes Love Last: How to Build Trust and Avoid Betrayal by Dr. John Gottman  The Gottman Institute, Seattle   www.gottman.com    www.neilsattin.com/gottman    (visit to download a .pdf of this episode guide along with John Gottman's "Dreams in Conflict" exercise to help couples who seem to have irreconcilable differences. You can also text “PASSION” to 33444 for instructions on how to download the guide. If you download the guide within the first week of this show's airing, you will also qualify for a chance to win a free signed copy of Dr. Gottman’s book "What Makes Love Last".) The Relationship Alive Community on Facebook Amazing intro/outro music provided courtesy of: The Railsplitters - Check them Out! 

Relationship Alive!

Welcome!  My guest today is Dr. John Gottman, one of the world's leading experts on how to have an amazing relationship.  He and his wife Julie currently operate The Gottman Institute in Seattle, offering numerous resources and training.  Join us for a deep dive into their work! Dr. Gottman’s findings are largely based on the conclusions he has made over many years of research and observations of couples. He and his team have how to be a master (and avoid being a disaster) at relationship. Dr. Gottman discusses the following topics: <ul> <li> “The Sound Relationship House” - what is the foundation for a relationship that lasts?</li> <li> Learn the importance of having high expectations in relationship, and also uncover ways in which what you'd *think* would be good for your relationship is actually counterproductive.</li> <li> Dr. Gottman identifies Styles of Confronting Conflict:  Volatile, Validating, and Conflict-Avoiding. All of these conflict styles can lead to successful relationships. Learn what to do if you and your partner are mismatched in your conflict style.</li> <li> Dr. Gottman discusses “bids” we make with our partner as an attempt to connect. Are you a "yes" to your partner's bids? Are they a yes to yours?</li> <li> “Bids” that fail are often the beginnings of conflict. How do things change if you start paying attention and responding to your partner's bids in a positive way?</li> <li> Mindfulness is the key to noticing these bids and avoiding conflict.</li> <li> “Small Things Often” - a reminder to turn toward these bids in the small moments of life.</li> <li> Dr. Gottman's concept of startup is a way of thinking about what you bring to your interactions with your partner. Do you start in a place that's already positive, and thinking highly of your partner? Or do you start in a place where you are suspecting the worst of your partner?</li> <li> Build up your emotional bank account with small compliments (deposits).</li> <li> According to John, there are three phases of any relationship:  Falling in Love (initial), Building Trust (middle), and Cherishing Your Partner (long-term intimacy). What phase are you in? The key to success is using strategies that are appropriate for where you are in your relationship.</li> <li> The key to more sex is having the freedom to say "no" without being punished for it. If refusing sex can actually have a positive payoff, then it will actually lead to a couple having a more satisfying (and frequent) sex life.</li> <li> Do you ever wonder how to make a good relationship GREAT? Focus on cherishing your partner.</li> <li> What if YOU are the only partner who wants to make changes?  Can you make a difference?  Absolutely. Learn how shifts in your approach can have a profound affect on your relationship.</li> <li> The key to success in a relationship isn't that nothing bad ever happens. It's how well you as a couple learn how to repair after those things occur. John discusses how you can learn to repair, and the positive effects that has on long-term relationships.</li> <li> Do you know how to decide if you’re in a bad relationship?  When you're with your partner, are you at your best? Or are you veering off towards your worst? Gottman offers this simple guideline for how to know whether to stay or go. Also what to think about BEFORE you decide that you're on the wrong path.</li> </ul> Join us for these topics and more.  Dr. Gottman has practical information that can improve your relationship TODAY!  Links and Resources: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-Love-Last-Betrayal/dp/1451608489/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">What Makes Love Last: How to Build Trust and Avoid Betrayal</a> by Dr. John Gottman The Gottman Institute, Seattle <a href="http://www.gottman.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> www.gottman.com</a> <a href="http://www.neilsattin.com/gottman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.neilsattin.com/gottman</a>    (visit to download a .pdf of this episode guide along with John Gottman's "Dreams in Conflict" exercise to help couples who seem to have irreconcilable differences. You can also text “PASSION” to 33444 for instructions on how to download the guide. If you download the guide within the first week of this show's airing, you will also qualify for a chance to win a free signed copy of Dr. Gottman’s book "What Makes Love Last".) The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/RelationshipAliveCommunity/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Relationship Alive Community</a> on Facebook Amazing intro/outro music provided courtesy of: <a href="http://www.therailsplitters.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Railsplitters - Check them Out! </a>

Inspiring Educators

Weekly hand curated podcast episodes for learning