The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know
Episodes
Episode #18: Regroup Before Regrading
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Take a little time and regroup before regrading assessments. Effective teachers know that making rash or "on the spot" decisions about fee...
Episode #17: Quit Stressing Over Reteaching
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers know that using feedback from assessments is the key to achieving mastery. Thus, we can't be scared to reteach. This may...
Episode #16: Preach Less and Partner More
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It may be cliche`, but effective teachers know that it has to be less us and more them. Our goal should be to partner with them in the learning - no...
Episode #15: Open Your Mind to Open-Book Exams
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers diversify their assessment strategies. This should include occasionally giving open-book/note assessments. These types of ass...
Episode #14: Never Dismiss Standardized Testing
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to change your relationship with standardized testing. Fair or foul, right or wrong, they are an important metric for identifying whe...
Episode #13: Make Use of the Entire Classroom
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're not using the entire classroom to provide both a better experience for your students and an enriched learning process, you're miss...
Episode #12: Leave Counseling to the Counselor
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Clear role identification is crucial in generating better academic outcomes. This is particularly true when it comes to the partnership between teac...
Episode #11: Know That Modeling Has Its Limits
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers know that modeling behaviors is hugely impactful in generating positive student outcomes. However, they also know that modeling h...
Episode #10: Jumble Up the Content
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You know why learning isn't "sticky" for most students? The answer is not an oversimplification. The truth is that we simply don&ap...
Episode #9: Inspect Your "Why"
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven't done so lately, it's time to inspect your "why". Why do you teach? Why are/aren't you happy? Why are you...
Episode #8: Hop Aboard the AI Train
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you aren't using AI as an educator, you are missing out on both an incredibly useful tool and an important piece of our future. AI shouldn&a...
Episode #7: Grading Policies Have to Make Sense
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we revisit some key priorities with assessment. Effective teachers know that grading policies have to make sense in order to proper...
Episode #6: Framing Content is a Failing Strategy
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teaching requires students to learn to think and build/analyze arguments. When you frame content, you are limiting their ability to do jus...
Episode #5: Enjoy the Ride
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you are battling stress and anxiety about starting the school year, working as an educator, etc., remember that teaching is incredibly rewarding. ...
Episode #4: Don't Underestimate the Value of Community Building
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers focus constantly on community building because it generates better learning experiences and outcomes. Strong communities are buil...
Episode #3: Come to Terms with Lesson Plans and Curriculum Mapping
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to come to terms with the necessity of tools like lesson plans and curriculum mapping. Many teachers spend a significant amount of ti...
Episode #2: Bathroom Policies are Draconian
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bathroom policies are draconian, and even some of the best schools and teachers obsess over them. Beyond the potential medical consequences of denyi...
Episode #1: Always Remember Your Value
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we have talked about many times, effective teachers know that they bring a ton of value to the classroom. You bring so many superpowers and unlim...
Episode #26: Zero in on the Problem
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers are solution-oriented. However, if you don't clearly identify the problem, it's unlikely you will ever solve it. Stop...
Episode #25: Yell for Help When Necessary
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers ask for help when they need it. The phrase "I don't know" is not a sign of weakness. Not being able to say it, h...
Episode #24: X-out Negativity in Your Life
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about a critical choice. Will you choose to dwell in the negative and surround yourself by negative people or will you choose to wal...
Episode #23: Work on Your Relationship With Athletics
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There is no question that athletics has an important and necessary place in our schools. However, the balance is becoming increasingly disproportion...
Episode #22: Visualize Your Ideal Classroom
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As teachers, we spend most of our time making great lessons, developing content materials, and writing/grading assessments. However, how often do we...
Episode #21: Update Your Process in Stages
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Update your process in stages - one assignment, unit, and student at a time. However, don't feel like you have to go home and blow up your whol...
Episode #20: Trust Your Instincts
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Trusting your instincts will guide you down the right path most of the time, especially when working with kids. Effective teachers know that trustin...
Episode #19: Strive for Student Ownership
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Student ownership goes beyond students being "busy" or even "engaged." Classrooms with a culture of ownership place students at ...
Episode #18: Read Regularly
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers know that students MUST read regularly. But, HOW do you get kids to actually read and learn from it? In this episode, some ke...
Episode #17: Quit Blaming Yourself
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Stop blaming yourself. Perfection is NOT obtainable - no matter how much parents, administrators, and the school system itself try to demand it. ...
Episode #16: Pass on Power Struggles
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Power struggling with students is always a losing proposition for effective teachers. Don't get baited into arguing back and forth, engaging in...
Episode #15: Obsess Over Effective Feedback
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers use relationships, positive reinforcement, modeling, one-on-ones, scaffolding, and individualized feedback to generate better stu...
Episode #14: Notice What They're Saying
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers have self-awareness down to a science. Whether you are talking about students, co-workers, administrators, or parents, you need t...
Episode #13: Minimize On-Demand Learning
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On-Demand resources are great tools, but they in no way replace your facilitated process in the classroom. Excessive On-Demand content demotivates s...
Episode #12: Learn to Balance
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn to establish balance in your life and in your classroom. Balancing in your own life will lead to the best version of yourself for your student...
Episode #11: Keep It Real
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers realize that setting up a genuine, authentic environment in the classroom leads to better academic outcomes. Lessons must be conn...
Episode #10: Justify Your Homework Practices
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's becoming increasingly difficult for students to maintain a healthy work/life balance. In practice, teachers must realize that when assignm...
Episode #9: Infuse Inquiry Into the Classroom
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How would you describe an effective classroom? That's an example of an open-ended question - the type of question that all effective teachers m...
Episode 8: Hear Them
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you believe that strong relationships in the classroom lead to better outcomes, then you need to know that genuine two-way communication is the key...
Episode #7: Get Some Career Goals
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why do so few teachers set short and long-term career goals? That is a huge mistake. Your career matters - even as a teacher! Your sense of self...
Episode #6: Focus on Learning
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers focus on learning in the classroom -- not grades. Create a culture of learning in your classroom by limiting the conversations yo...
Episode #5: Embrace the You
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Always embrace who you are as a person and as a professional at school. You will be more genuine to your students and in your content. You will al...
Episode #4: Ditch the Cranky Teacher
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Don't be the cranky teacher or surround yourselves by them. Stay positive, be solution-oriented, and bring the energy every single day. Spend...
Episode #3: Chase the Right Metrics
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching can't just be about chasing standards and grades. It has to also be about measuring student motivation, effort, and the joy of learnin...
Episode #2: Be Consistent
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers will tell you to be consistent in your process - from expectations and discipline to the energy and work ethic you bring each and e...
Episode #1: Age Well
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Back for Season 2 with a special guest -- Mr. Garrett Smith! In this episode, we will discuss the importance of "aging well" as an educato...
Episode #26: Zap Zombie Mode
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Don't be a teacher zombie. Don't just go through the motions. Remember why you became a teacher in the first place. Passion, pride, lo...
Episode #25: Yield Occasionally to Your Own Needs
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's okay to occasionally put yourself first. You have mental, physical, spiritual, and professional needs that MUST be met. Don't becom...
Episode #24: X-Ray All of Your Preconceptions
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers realize that stereotypes and preconceptions do little for teaching and learning. Never "crystal ball" what you or your ...
Episode #23: Watch Your Words
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From the use of sarcasm and stereotypes to monitoring your speaking volume, tone, and vocabulary, this episode is all about watching your words. Eff...
Episode #22: Value Victories, Not Defeats
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We know perfection is not obtainable, yet we (and sometimes others) hold ourselves to that impossible standard. Don't do that to yourself. Do...
Episode #21: Understand Grading
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teachers MUST understand grading. This episode will discuss common pitfalls, characterize sound practices, and provide key strategies that will vast...
Episode #20: Teach Technology Correctly
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teach technology correctly. Great teachers understand that the learning of a technology MUST be balanced with its application. Also, dismiss the i...
Episode #19: Simplify the Process
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simplify your process. Keep the main thing the main thing. Make it about your students and the learning. Don't get lost in bureaucracy, ana...
Episode #18: Remember They Are Kids
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Children are growing up way too fast in the world today. Make sure you are part of the solution and not the problem. Throughout your classroom pro...
Episode #17: Quit When It's Time
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you have lost the passion for students or aren't willing to grow and adapt as a professional, you should absolutely quit. Education doesn&ap...
Episode #16: Push Students in a Healthy Way
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You have to push students to help them find success. But what exactly does "push" mean? It starts with building positive relationships a...
Episode #15: Own Your Own Teaching Style
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
No one does "you" better than you. Don't dilute your own personality and uniqueness in the classroom. It is the key way students w...
Episode #14: Normalize Happiness
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If your students aren't smiling regularly in your classroom, you may have a big problem. Are they having a good experience? Are they lost in ...
Episode #13: Master Mastery
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teachers must set up a culture of success in their classroom that centers around mastery and achievement. Don't settle for "close enough&q...
Episode #12: Like Being Liked
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Students don't learn much from people they don't like. Effective teachers know and embrace this fact. That doesn't mean act their a...
Episode #11: Know That Content Matters
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Though important, being great at utilizing instructional strategies and developing relationships aren't enough. Know that content matters. If...
Episode #10: Joke Often
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Make sure you you joke often! The ability to do this as a teacher is so important, particularly in a profession filled with seemingly crazy expectat...
Episode #9: Internalize Marketing
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teachers understand that students and parents should have a positive experience in their classrooms - no matter where students fall in the...
Episode #8: Humanize the Process
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It is always about the people and the relationships. Learning cannot be miserable. If you remember that, you will be much more effective. This e...
Episode #7: Generate Grit
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Generating "grit" is crucial to developing students that are effective learners and prepared to navigate the obstacles in our world. In th...
Episode #6: Forgive Yourself
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Education is messy and mistakes happen every day. You better learn to forgive yourself or your journey in education will be a short one. You aren&...
Episode #5: Empathize Always
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you will discover the power of empathy in your classroom. Also, you will learn about how empathy can make your work with parents an...
Episode #4: Do No Harm
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the importance of generating positive attitudes about learning is emphasized. Also, 3 critical "filter" questions are pre...
Episode #3: Coach in the Classroom
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Effective teaching is all about coaching. In other words, it's about developing your students through the use of individualized instruction, co...
Episode #2: Be Present
21 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about being "present" in the lives of your students. Included are some key strategies and approaches that will make it...
Episode #1: Aim to Destroy Apathy
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As the intro to this new podcast series, this episode is all about the importance of eliminating apathy in your students and your classroom. Begin g...