The Minimalist Educator Podcast

Dive headfirst into the enlightening world of educational data with our special guest, Dr. Emily Davis! She's here to shatter the myth that data is just a series of intimidating numbers, revealing how it can become a teaching superpower. Together, we navigate through the nuances of quantitative and qualitative data, unlocking the stories and patterns that can transform your teaching methods and boost student outcomes.
Our journey with Emily takes us through the intricacies of educational data, examining how it can be a supportive ally rather than an overwhelming foe. We discuss the magic of self-reflection through video, the clarity that comes with goal setting, and the beauty of data in tailoring teaching strategies. These revelations pave the way for you to embrace data with confidence, ensuring that every student's learning experience is as effective and engaging as possible.
As the curtain falls on our captivating chat, we celebrate the joy of connecting with fellow data enthusiasts. Emily also spotlights the fantastic work of Teacher Development Network LLC in nurturing early career teachers. We wrap up, inviting you to continue your journey toward educational minimalism with us, Tammy and Christine, while the melodious tunes of Gaia Moretti play us out. Don't miss the chance to be part of this empowering narrative in our next episodes of the Minimalist Educator Podcast.
Dr. Davis is the founder of Teacher Development Network LLC, whose mission is to support educational organizations in developing and enhancing induction and mentoring programs for early career teachers. Dr. Davis is a sought-after consultant and professional developer on topics including mentoring, facilitation, and professional learning and is the author of numerous articles and blogs on those topics. She was also named an emerging leader in the field of education by Phi Delta Kappan and ASCD and was recently selected to be a Fulbright Specialist.
Website: www.teacherdevelopmentnetwork.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dremilyldavis

This episode is sponsored by Teacher Development Network.
Collaborating to Create Customized Systems of Support ​for Early Career Teachers

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

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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Support the show

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

In this episode, Christine and Tammy talk about the Triple Funnel questions that they have included in the chapters of their book. The Triple P's are: Purpose, Priorities, and Pare Down. Thinking about teaching in this way and answering the questions in the funnel framework help educators narrow their focus.
Free resource - The Matrix
This episode is sponsored by The Learning Loop. Allison provides professional learning design and facilitation services to districts, schools, nonprofit organizations, and businesses internationally.

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

Ever wondered how you can streamline your teaching methods and maximize productivity? This final episode of Season 3 on the Minimalist Educator Podcast is your go-to guide! We’ve compiled the most impactful "Pair Down Pointers" from our brilliant guests, starting with Jennifer Orr’s practical end-of-day task hack from episode 45, to Naomi Church and Sarah Decotis advocacy for fewer, more effective online instructional programs from episode 56. And don’t miss the sage advice from Peter DeWitt and Mike Nelson in episode 42 on the transformative power of finding a good collaborator in educational leadership.
But that's not all—this episode also features a treasure trove of insights and reflections from various thought leaders. From Amanda Kunalaba’s discussion on the role of arts integration in vocabulary building in episode 51, to David Hayerly’s exploration of thinking maps from episode 48, there’s something to inspire every educator. You’ll also hear from Dr. Sheldon Eakins on addressing implicit bias in episode 52, Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee on collaborative reading and resilience in episode 46, and Chris Fenning’s strategies for effective communication and post-training accountability in episode 44. Whether you’re looking to enhance your lesson plans, promote equity, or improve your communication skills, this episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies to elevate your teaching journey.

Send us a text

Support the show

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