The Minimalist Educator Podcast

Unlock the secrets to fostering strong family engagement in schools with Alina Davis, a visionary from Orange County Public Schools. Our candid discussion peels back the layers of the Parent Academy's success and shares how to tailor family initiatives to meet diverse needs. Discover the art of effective communication and how a strategically organized committee can orchestrate impactful events that resonate with students’ success. We delve into the nuances of cultural diversity, inclusivity, and the dual capacity-building framework that strengthens the bonds between educators and families. Alina provides an arsenal of strategies, from optimizing parent-teacher conferences to employing the question formulation technique, all designed to empower parents and encourage meaningful dialogue.
Feel the pulse of transformative education as we dissect how to bridge the gap between families and schools, creating a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates unique cultural backgrounds. Learn how to streamline messaging and use tools like Talking Points to maintain clarity and avoid overloading families with information. EAina illuminates the value of student-led conferences and academic parent-teacher teams, offering insights into effective ways to engage parents in their children's education. This episode is a treasure trove for educators seeking to craft clear, supportive, and engaging relationships with families. Join us for a masterclass in nurturing the educational environment where every family feels seen and supported.
Alina Davis is a Senior Manager with Federal Programs for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), where she consults with private schools in utilizing grant funds. In her prior role she served on the district wide Family Engagement team, coordinating Parent Academy events for families and students as well as coaching engagement liaisons in Title I schools. During her last 27 years with OCPS Alina has taught grades k-3 and worked as an ELL Compliance Specialist and Exceptional Education Staffing Specialist. Alina’s interests in research include the whole child approach, equity and poverty, and parent and family engagement. Alina holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a Specialist ‘s degree in Educational Leadership. Alina has also served on the ASCD Board of Directors as is an ASCD Emerging Leader.

Alina embeds family engagement in her work, including coordinating district wide Parent Academies and coaching parent engagement liaisons.

Linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-davis-3672369/

Twitter https://twitter.com/alinadavis

This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services.

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The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Ever wondered how a seasoned mentor guides fresh educators through the labyrinth of their first year? Join us as Nicole Dissinger, a beacon of wisdom in the teaching community, returns to our show to illuminate the path for new teachers navigating the crucial first steps of their career journey. With Nicole's expertise, we delve into the art of building relationships and setting clear objectives, steering clear of the allure of complex activities that can often sidetrack well-meaning educators.
The conversation takes a deeper turn when we explore the delicate dance of confidence and self-representation, especially when teachers engage with school administration. New educators face a mountain of tasks, from curriculum mastery to classroom management, and we're here to dissect the strategies and support systems that can make or break their professional longevity. Nicole shares her experiences and insights into mentoring's vital role, laying out the welcome mat for teachers to step into a profession that not only challenges but also rewards in equal measure.
Finally, we wrap this episode with a rally call for all educators to embrace a minimalist mindset. Shift away from the shackles of rigid lesson plans and embrace the freedom to tailor education to the heartbeat of each unique classroom. We, Tammy and Christine, are advocates for a teaching philosophy that champions autonomy, creativity, and impactful learning experiences. Share your minimalism-in-education stories with us on social media and join the movement towards a teaching practice that is as enriching as it is efficient.
This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services.

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Support the show

Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Ever found yourself guarding that last pack of sticky notes like a dragon with its gold? Join us, Tammy Musiowsky-Borniman and Christine Arnold, as we tackle the all-too-common scarcity mindset in education. We're diving headfirst into the reality of teachers reaching into their own wallets for classroom supplies and the silent message it sends to both educators and students about resource limitations. It's a candid look at the consequences of a scarcity mindset, including hoarding tendencies and the strain it places on teaching practices.
But it's not all doom and gloom! We’re flipping the script and exploring the transformative power of an abundance mindset. Imagine a classroom where everyday items become versatile teaching tools and collaboration outshines competition for resources. We're sharing actionable strategies that can turn the tide, from judiciously prioritizing what's necessary to fostering a climate of positivity and support among colleagues. Tune in and be inspired to make every lesson count, no matter the budget constraints. You're not just listening to another conversation; you're stepping into a space where thriving trumps surviving in the world of education.
Today's episode was brought to you by Plan Z Professional Learning Services, Forward Thinking Educator Support. Find out more at www.PlanZPLServices.com. Follow us @PlanZPLS on Twitter and Instagram.

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Support the show

Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Unlock the secrets of effective communication within the classroom and beyond as Dr. Meghan Everette joins us to share her expertise in the educational sphere. With a focus on crafting concise messages that resonate, our enlightening conversation with Megan is a treasure trove for educators grappling with the challenge of reaching diverse audiences. She brings to the table strategies born from the chaos of the pandemic, emphasizing the power of understanding your audience and the art of simplicity in messaging. Whether you're dealing with policy changes or boosting event attendance, Megan's insights on avoiding assumptions and truly engaging with the community are invaluable.
This episode is a deep dive into the art of dialogue in education, from the state level down to the intimate parent-teacher exchanges that shape our children's learning experiences. We dissect the subtleties of communication frequency, the importance of predictable messaging schedules, and the undeniable value of two-way conversations. By inviting feedback and fostering channels that encourage parental engagement, Meghan illustrates how schools can strengthen their community bonds. This session isn't just about refining your communication tactics; it's about transforming them into tools for building lasting connections with families and students alike. Join us for a session that will leave you inspired to elevate your educational communication game.
Meghan Everette serves as the State Director of Utah Leading through Effective, Actionable, and Dynamic Education (ULEAD) at the Utah State Board of Education. She is a veteran educator and taught elementary school in the National Turnaround Model School, was a mathematics coach, and recently served two years as a Full-Time School Ambassador Fellow in the U.S. Department of Education. She co-founded and served as Executive Director of the ASCD Emerging Leader Alumni Affiliate and co-authored the ASCD book Forces of Influence: How Educators can Leverage Relationships to Improve Practice. Meghan was the 2013 Alabama Elementary Teacher of the Year and a 2015-2017 Hope Street Group National Teacher Fellow. She co-designed PoweredBy Teach to Lead Utah and spent six years as a blogger for Scholastic sharing classroom practices on everything from curriculum design to classroom libraries. She was a Digital Promise Micro-Credential Leader and served on the CCSSO Teacher Recruitment and Retention Educator Steering Committee. Meghan earned her doctorate from the University of Florida with an emphasis on how mass communication theory can be applied to improve trust through school communication.
Today's episode was brought to you by Plan Z Professional Learning Services, Forward Thinking Educator Support. Find out more at www.PlanZPLServices.com. Follow us @PlanZPLS on Twitter and Instagram.

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Support the show

Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.

Struggling to strike the perfect balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being? Craig Aarons Martin joins us to illuminate the path to self-care mastery for educators, emphasizing the transformative effects of physical activity, meditation, and mindfulness. His personal anecdotes serve as a beacon for those looking to rejuvenate not just themselves but also their surroundings, demonstrating how one's own wellness practices can radiate positive influence across students and colleagues alike.
During our heartfelt conversation, we unearth the often-invisible dedication that teachers invest in their craft, extending far beyond the classroom walls. Recognizing the synergy between empathetic leadership and teacher well-being, Craig shares insights on fostering nurturing environments where mindful breaks and clear communication about work-life balance aren't just encouraged but celebrated. We reflect on the wisdom of "The Body Keeps the Score," acknowledging the profound impact that mental and physical downtime can have on both our careers and lives.
Finally, Craig imparts practical strategies for infusing mindfulness into diverse classrooms, offering our listeners a chance to help children navigate their emotions with creative tools like breathing exercises and Legos. We wrap up our enriching dialogue with a call to embrace minimalism and embark on a journey of self-improvement. So, pour yourself your favorite cup of tea, light a relaxing incense, and join us in this episode for a transformative experience that will leave you inspired to take that much-deserved self-date and share your reflections with our community.
Craig Aarons-Martin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The CCM Education Group, an education consulting organization that provides professional learning services to districts, schools, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide. Craig is an ASCD Emerging Leader & presenter and an author who published an article on professional learning for ASCD EDAdvantage. He currently serves as the President Elect for Massachusetts ASCD and was a President for the ASCD Emerging Leader Affiliate.

Craig Aarons-Martin is an award-winning teacher & school leader with 20+ years of experience in urban education serving as a mentor, instructional coach, teacher developer, and professional learning facilitator. Martin also works with groups, individuals, and organizations to create bold and joyful solutions that amplify equity and belonging. Craig is also the co-host of SELinEDU, The Podcast.

Resource mentions:
https://linktr.ee/craigcmartin

The Body Keeps the Score:
https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score

This episode is sponsored by CCM Education Group LLC partners with school leaders, schools, districts, and youth-serving organizations to make bold strategies for creating thriving inclusive, and student-powered learning communities. Learn more at https://ccmeducationgroup.co/

Send us a text

Support the show

Buy The Minimalist Teacher book on Amazon.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.