Today we are joined by Dr. Zac Bauermaster. He is an author, a speaker, and a school administrator. In this conversation Dr. Bauermaster talks about making connections in school, the importance of prioritizing people, creating a strong school culture, the power of encouragement, and so much more.  Books:  Leading with People...

Today we are joined by Matt Matkovich. He is a high school guidance counselor, an ultra marathoner, and one half of M and P Presentations which is a motivational speaking duo that travel across the country cultivation self confidence and promoting a positive mindset.  And in this conversation listen at Matt dives into the importance of taking healthy risks, listen as he talks about the importance of taking care of yourself, connecting with others who have a different skill set than you,...

She’s a best-selling author, an award – winning educator, and an international speaker. And the message she shares is an important one. She shares a message about gratitude, she dives into the power of journaling and shares about her new journal “Bold Gratitude”.  She discusses the importance of praise, why we need to be conscious about noticing the good in our days, different ways to practice gratitude, the importance of being a great listener and so much more. Topics Covered: 1. Gratitude...

Every school year has an ebb and flow to it. With the ups and downs of the school year our motivation can be affected. The thing to remember is that there are strategies that we can use to keep ourselves in a healthier head space. In this episode we discuss a few of these tools.

This week on the Teaching Champions Podcast we are joined by Joshua Stamper. He is an author, podcaster, former administrator, and a training and development specialist for the Teach Better Team. Topics Discussed: 1. How can we be creative in our positions and not just revert back to traditional practices. 2. Greet students as they come into class. This has positive effect on attention and behavior. 3. Incorporate brain breaks and relationships circles.  4. Restorative circles 5. It’s about...

Today we are joined by Derek Danziger. He is the author of the book “I’m Autistic and I’m Awesome”. This is an important episode to raise awareness and educate ourselves on how to best serve our students. Topics Covered 1. Every change this on the spectrum is going to show it in different ways.  2. Autism doesn’t discriminate.  3. The national institute of health says that 1 out of 44 children nationally is on the autism spectrum.  4. It is important for the parent and teacher to know how...

In this episode Meghan Lawson shares strategies that can help educators navigate the school year. Meghan  has worked in all levels of K-12 education as a teacher, school administrator, district administrator, she’s an educational consultant, she’s a blogger, and a newly published author. Topics Covered: 1. Our brain on positive is 31 percent more productive then when it is at negative, neutral, or stressed.  2. Mirror neurons - we take on the energy and emotions of other people. 3. When in...

In this episode principal Adam Stolzer discusses the importance of relationships, mentors, the energy that we share, and so much more. Topics Discussed: 1.  Look, learn, and listen. 2. Be intentional with building relationships and trust. 3. Give genuine and specific feedback to help build trust.   4. Reinforce the positive things that you see on a daily basis 5. Be consistent  6. Focus on the good things 7. Positivity is contagious.  8. You are who you surround yourself with.  9. What...

In this episode 3rd grade teacher Arick Close goes into detail how he creates deep connections with his students, ways in which he celebrates them, and different mindsets that  can benefit all educators.  Topics Covered: 1. Every student has different needs and as an educator I have to change myself to meet the needs of the student. 2. Spend those first few weeks really making strong connections with the students so that they form trust in you.  3. I want each kid to be the hero in their...

In this episode we dive into lessons learned from three past guests and how they can positively impact our teaching. 

In this episode Dr. Rachel Edoho - Eket shares lessons learned from being a high level athlete, a teacher, and an administrator. Topics covered: 1. College athletics can be very humbling.  2. College coach taught “If you’re on time, you’re late.” 3. It’s important to be prompt and on time for meetings.  4. We need to understand that we have choices on how we handle different situations.  5. Focus on what’s in your control. Control how you respond to situations. 6. One of the best things we...

This is a solo episode where I dive into some thoughts that have been running through my mind recently. There are three important reflections on the words we speak and the impact that we have on others. The importance of showing appreciation for those around us and making sure that those under your care know that you believe in them!

In this episode we are joined by Jason Blair. He has been an art educator at the primary level for over 20 years. He is the teacher leader in residence at the Columbus Museum of Art and he is working with Project Zero out of Harvard. In this episode we discuss: 1. It’s important that we take a step back and think how do we apply learning. How do we make connections between disciplines instead of just focusing on one discipline. 2. Students come to us creative it’s important that we help...

This episode dives into three easy ways that you can make it a better school year for yourself. 

This episode is a throwback to when the podcast very first started. It originally aired in January of 2021. The message that was shared then remains true today!

In this episode Suzanne Dailey dives into different tools and strategies that we can use to help stay a healthy mental space throughout the school year.  Topics discussed: 1. What do I need to do to know that I am getting in a good head space, a good heart space, conserving my limited energy, and maximizing the capacity that I have. 2. We need to support one another when things are going really well and we need to acknowledge and support one another when we are collectively really tired.  3....

As the school year starts up many educators have a sense of excitement and are ready to get the school year on its way. However, after several weeks everyone settles in to the daily grind and that motivation starts to fade. In this episode learn five ways to help keep that motivation and stay in a positive mindset. 

In this episode we are joined by Phyllis Fagel. Phyllis is a school counselor, she’s has a private practice serving teens and adults, she a journalist making frequent contributions to the Washington Post, she writes a weekly column for PDK International, has also contributed to the New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and many more. She is also the author of Middle School Matters and her newest book that has just been released “Middle School Super...

Today we are joined by Jeffrey Pax. He is a children’s author who has taught special ed pre-K and a middle school self-contained program. He lives in Savannah, GA and is also an Army Reservist. His picture book, The Rules, uses realistic behavior and natural consequences to teach kids that kindness is the way to get along at school, daycare, and everywhere else. Topics Discussed: 1. Clarity of instruction and expectations is essential 2. When we don’t know what is expected of you it can lead...

Today we are joined by Dr. Joy Karavedas. She has 25 plus years of executive level leadership in independent schools and nonprofits. She holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and teachers courses at the bachelor and masters level. She is also an author, consultant, and coach. Topics Covered: 1. Leadership is about your influence and impact. 2. Lead those around you. 3. Those who are the best influencers take time to build authentic and intentional. 4. Leaderships by walking around...

In this conversation Kyle Hill talks about ways that we can strengthen bonds with parents, he talks about the importance of connection and transparency, the value of student mentoring, and so much more.   Topics Discussed: 1. At formalized meetings with parents how are we looking to support the parents. 2. Make it a point to connect with a parent. We want to make parents and caregivers to be as comfortable as we can. 3. Talk to parents in terms that they would understand. They might not know...

Today’s guest is Domonic Armano. He is a proud educator, an innovative principal a speaker, author, and most importantly a loving husband and father. Over the course of his career, Dominic has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, assistant principal and currently he is serving as an elementary school principal. In all of these roles, he has made it his priority to promote a positive culture for students, staff, and the community. Topics Covered: 1. In order for students to get...

Every school year holds lessons. It is important that we reflect back on these lessons so that we can grow and become better educators. 

Today we are joined by Jessica Pack. She has taught middle school for 18 years. She was the 2014 California Teacher of the Year. She has continually worked to redefine what learning looks like in her classroom. She is an author of the book Moviemaking in the Classroom. She is an advocate for student voice and choice. She is also a co-host on the podcasts Storytelling Saves the World, and the ISTE Edge. Topics discussed: 1. Movie making is powerful because that is the zone where a lot of...

Today's episode is with Martin Silverman. He  is a father, grandfather, husband, and long-time educator in beautiful San Antonio, Texas.  He is committed to providing the best educational experience for the students and families at Salinas Elementary school where he is the principal.  Martin has worked as a teacher and administrator in urban, suburban, and rural districts.  His interests are creating and nurturing school culture, providing enriching experiences for students and families, and...