Those Who Can't Do

In this week's episode "Homework Horror Stories: When Parents Say ‘No Way!", I chat with Gabe Dannenbring about the challenges of modern-day education. From managing work-life balance post-pandemic to evolving classroom dynamics, we explore how teachers and students alike are navigating an ever-changing landscape. Gabe shares his perspective as a middle school teacher, while I bring insights from the university level. Together, we reflect on the impact of the shifting attitudes toward education, homework debates, and what it takes to keep both students and teachers engaged. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on teacher burnout, student resilience, and the delicate balance between structure and innovation in the classroom.

Takeaways:

The Shift in Student Attitudes: Post-pandemic students exhibit a different approach to work-life balance, focusing more on mental health and less on pushing through discomfort.

Homework Debate: Some parents, like the TikTok mom mentioned, are pushing back on excessive homework for young children, raising questions about the balance between school expectations and student well-being.

Classroom Management Challenges: Teachers today are dealing with increasingly chatty, distracted students, but there's a need to push through discomfort and maintain structure.

Teacher Burnout is Real: A recent Wall Street Journal study shows that teacher satisfaction has dropped dramatically, with only 42% of teachers feeling that their job is worth the stress.

The Importance of Doing Hard Things: Andrea and Gabe both highlight the value of resilience and persistence in both teaching and learning, emphasizing the growth that comes from pushing through challenges.

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Want to Learn more about Gabe Dannenbring?

TikTok: @g_unit24

IG / YT / FB: @gabedannenbring

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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In this special Thanksgiving episode I sit down with Denver Riley to dive into a blend of holiday trivia, teacher humor, and unexpected insights. As we tackle Thanksgiving history questions (with some questionable accuracy), Denver and I find ourselves navigating through fun facts, turkey anatomy, and relatable teaching stories. We also discuss Denver’s “Jersey Shore” spirit day look, the challenges of historical memory, and the little moments that make teaching worth it.

Takeaways:

Thanksgiving Fun Facts Gone Wrong: Andrea and Denver tackle Thanksgiving trivia, with some hilarious (and incorrect) guesses on everything from turkey consumption to historical dates.

Teacher Humor and Real Talk: The episode highlights the lighter side of teaching, where even everyday classroom mishaps can make for memorable stories.

Celebrating Spirit Week in Style: Denver’s “Jersey Shore” inspired spirit day outfit brings humor and nostalgia, showing the fun side of school traditions.

The Perils of Classroom Management: Through laughter, Andrea and Denver reflect on how to balance classroom humor with the need to stay grounded.

Learning Through Laughter: Even as teachers, Andrea and Denver show that learning new facts—especially holiday-related ones—can be fun, relatable, and full of surprises.

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Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode "Haunted Classrooms and Mormon Wives", Denver Riley and I tackle the rollercoaster of being a teacher, from Denver’s near-miss with HR over a missing credential to the spooky fun of Halloween in the classroom. But the real fun begins when they hilariously compare the cast of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to the types of teachers they’d be. Would Demi be the no-nonsense English teacher? Is Jen Affleck the ultimate kindergarten teacher? Tune in to see how these reality stars would navigate the world of education! Alongside the humor, the episode delves into why facing tough situations in teaching leads to growth and resilience.

Takeaways:

Credential Panic is Real: Denver recounts her brush with HR over a missing teaching credential and the importance of staying on top of certifications as an educator.

Comparing Mormon Wives to Teachers: Andrea and Denver bring the fun by imagining which teacher roles the stars of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives would fill. From cheer coach to high school math teacher, the comparisons are both hilarious and spot-on.

Halloween Fun in the Classroom: Spooky season takes over as Denver shares how she incorporates Halloween themes into her teaching, from activities to costumes.

Union Support Matters: Denver discusses how crucial union representation is when facing issues with HR or administration, especially when your job is on the line.

Why the Hard Road Pays Off: Choosing not to take the path of least resistance in the classroom leads to stronger teacher-student relationships and a more fulfilling teaching experience.

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Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode "Dropped in the Classroom: WTF are State Standards", I'm joined by Valerie Dominy, a high school business teacher and the founder of The Highest Standard. Valerie shares her insights into teaching, from navigating state standards and alternative certification to helping new teachers survive their first years in the classroom. They discuss the importance of parent communication, student relationships, and how administrators can better support educators. Valerie also reflects on her role as a business owner, bridging the gap for alternative certification teachers to feel confident in their profession.

Takeaways:

Navigating State Standards: Understanding and mastering state standards is essential for teachers, especially those from alternative certification programs.

Supporting New Teachers: Schools need to offer real mentorship programs where experienced teachers regularly support new hires, not just for evaluations.

Parent-Teacher Communication: Clear communication with parents can alleviate many classroom issues, building trust and improving student success.

Work-Life Balance: Teachers must set boundaries and take care of themselves to avoid burnout, especially with the pressures of adapting to new curriculum and standards.

Teaching is Ever-Evolving: Whether it’s mastering new standards or adjusting to different student needs each year, teaching is a continuous learning process.

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Want to Learn more about Valerie Dominy?

Instagram: @the_highest_standard_pd

Facebook: The Highest Standard

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode "Why Is Honest Sex Education Essential in Schools?", I sit down with Leslie Robinson, a dynamic stand-up comedian, speaker, and Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher. The conversation dives into Leslie’s unique teaching experiences, from navigating the shift from Home Economics to FACS, to engaging students in practical life skills that they’ll use beyond the classroom. We discuss the challenges of teaching sex education, handling diverse student needs, and the often humorous, yet vital, aspects of her curriculum. This episode offers a perfect blend of humor and insight, shedding light on the realities of modern teaching and the importance of connecting with students in meaningful ways.

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Want to Learn more about Leslie Rob?

Facebook: @leslierobscomedy

Instagram: @leslierobcomedy

YouTube: @leslierobcomedy

TikTok: @leslierobcomedy

Threads: @leslierobcomedy

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices