Shows
Learner-Centered SpacesTziri Lamm asks what we actually want students to know and do.tziralamm@gmail.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tziri-lamm/Hosted by Starr Sackstein & Crystal FrommertMusic by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/Contact us: Starr@masteryportfolio.com crystal@masteryportfolio.com
2025-12-2117 minLearner-Centered SpacesArthur Chiaravalli grows beyond grading.https://growbeyondgrades.org/LinkedInOn today’s episode, we’re joined by Arthur Chiaravalli, House Director at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont. Over his career, Arthur has taught ELA, math, technology, and media arts, and also served as a dean of students—experience that gives him a whole-school lens on teaching and learning.Arthur’s purpose is clear: to change how we think about assessment so it truly serves teaching and learning, rather than systems that reduce students and teachers to what’s easy to measure. At CVU, he focuses on practic...
2025-12-0726 min
Teaching Learning Leading K-12John Schembari, Johanna Tramantano, Crystal Frommert, and Steve Miletto: The Art and Purpose of Podcasting in Education - 801
John Schembari, Johanna Tramantano, Crystal Frommert, and Steve Miletto: The Art and Purpose of Podcasting in Education. This is episode 801 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.
John Schembari, Have a Life Teaching, leads a discussion with education podcasters to reflect on the art and purpose of podcasting in education. John uses AI to determine what questions he will ask. This was a fun discussion about why we podcast and what we have discovered while podcasting. John notes, "From the challenges of balancing storytelling with scholarship to the power of teacher voice in...
2025-11-2540 min
School of PracticeHow to Use ‘The Look’ Like an Expert TeacherIt’s a powerful, non-verbal classroom management tool designed to curb off-task behavior without breaking the flow of learning. Here’s how to use it across grade levels.
Crystal Frommert has been using “the look” in her classroom for 20 years. She says the tactic—a skeptical glance and an arched eyebrow directed at a chronic whisperer, for example—is almost universal among teachers, despite recent debates about whether the practice has run its course.
Frommert, who has taught math at the middle and high school levels, explains why she thinks “the look” still works; how it fits in with...
2025-09-1714 min
Teach SmarterYou Can’t Automate Trust with Crystal FrommertTeachers know parent communication matters, but knowing how to do it well is another story. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with educator and author Crystal Frommert to unpack what meaningful communication with families actually looks like. They talk about why newsletters fall short, how to build trust without burning out, and when it's time to stop emailing and just pick up the phone. They also dig into how AI tools can support communication without losing the human connection.Find Crystal's Book Here: https://a.co/d/2D6Uiq0 Connect...
2025-06-0235 min
Think, Pair, SwearJuno with Special Guest: Crystal Frommert!Got a question or comment? Send us a text!Juno - As far as glimpses into the world of education as light with this film we did learn that giving the pregnant girl side eye isn’t what one does and that cross country coaches should talk to their male athletes about wearing jockstraps. Other than that there were potatoes with lots of bacon yum, jugs full of Sunny D, pregnant women with full jugs, Elliot Page being a boss, Chemistry class bullies, peach Boone’s Farm, Elon Musk’s kid, guys in the late 30s still...
2025-03-101h 49
Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica BurnsTips for Emailing Families with Crystal FrommertIn this episode, math educator and author Crystal Frommert joins to share tips for emailing families with some strategies from her book When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling. You'll also hear Crystal's helpful traffic light system for deciding when to email versus call, plus tips for writing clear, positive messages. If you want to strengthen your school-home communication while maintaining professional boundaries, this episode is for you! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/02/04/tips-for-emailing-families-305/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Crystal...
2025-02-0427 min
K-12 Greatest Hits: Your shortcut to what works in educationHow Gen-Z Students Feel About SchoolingWe discuss the findings of the Parent Report Card, which shows that parents are anxious and uncertain about academic preparedness, mental health support, and preparation for the future in schools. The conversation explores how students grade their schools and the factors contributing to their overall experience. It highlights the importance of engagement, individualized learning, and mental health support in improving students' experiences. The conversation also addresses the challenges of providing mental health resources and the need for teachers to connect families with available services. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for schools to listen to students' voices and make...
2024-09-0118 min
#EduCrushHacking Parent Communication (w Crystal Frommert)✊ Check out the website for the Empowerment Ecosystem Summit for the schedule, locations, and details on how to register! Parent communication isn’t the sexiest part of our jobs, but that doesn’t make it any less critical. Natalie is joined by Crystal Frommert, author of “When Calling Parents isn’t your Calling,” to discuss strategies to proactively partner with parents and how to assert ourselves when communication crosses into disrespectful territory. Show Notes: Whenever possible, we should lean towards verbal rather than written, digital communication. Many of us are nervous about talking to parents beca...
2024-02-2651 min
#EduCrush110 – Hacking Parent Communication (w Crystal Frommert)✊ Check out the website for the Empowerment Ecosystem Summit for the schedule, locations, and details on how to register! Parent communication isn’t the sexiest part of our jobs, but that doesn’t make it any less critical. Natalie is joined by Crystal Frommert, author of “When Calling Parents isn’t your Calling,” to discuss strategies to proactively partner with parents and how to assert ourselves when communication crosses into disrespectful territory. Show Notes: Whenever possible, we should lean towards verbal rather than written, digital communication. Many of us are nervous about talking to parents because of bad past experiences and deep fea...
2024-02-2651 min
Ready Set Growth - Inspiration for TeachersMaking the Move to Learner-Centered Spaces: Tips and StrategiesEpisode Summary: In this bonus episode of the Learner-Centered Spaces podcast, host Starr Sackstein and Crystal Frommert interview Nick. They discuss the importance of building relationships in a learner-centered space and how to create a more student-focused assessment approach. Nick also shares his recommendations for educators looking to incorporate more learner-centered practices in their classrooms. Building strong relationships with students and their families is essential in creating a learner-centered space. Getting to know students on a personal level, understanding their interests and motivations, and involving families in the learning process can greatly enhance the classroom environment. Moving away...
2024-01-3126 minK-12 Greatest Hits: Your shortcut to what works in education34 Grade-Specific Ways to Regain Control of a Class Gone WildWhat are the most effective ways to restore a class that’s spinning out of control? We discovered that the answer depends on the grade level. An Edutopia survey identified the top 34 strategies to quiet a rowdy classroom. We review the findings with an elementary school teacher, a middle school math teacher, and an assistant principal.
Follow on Twitter: @dalorleon @mrs_frommert @EmilyAPaschall @Mr100Teacher @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork
Related Edutopia Article: 34 Ways to Quiet a Rambunctious Class | Edutopia
Daniel Leonard is a journalist and assistant editor at Edutopia, a division of the George Lu...
2024-01-2716 min
Leading Out The WoodsWhen Calling Parents Isn't Your CallingEpisode #102 is up! Check it out!!!Special Guest Crystal Frommert, Deputy Head of Secondary at Awty International School, joins Matt to discuss her book, When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling, and effective ways to partner with families for student success.Connect with Crystal via her email at cfrommert@gmail.com or her LinkedIn Page.
2024-01-1230 min
Making Math Moments That MatterWhen Calling Parents Isn’t Your Calling - An Interview With Crystal FrommertGet ready Math Moment Makers for a great “call” with Crystal Frommert, who will be sharing some great tips and strategies that we can put to use to promote productive conversations with parents - especially when the news isn’t necessarily positive. We’ve all been there before: a student is experiencing struggles in our math class and the time has come where we must make that informative call to ensure parents are in the know. Let’s reframe how we look at conversations with parents by leveraging some of the ideas that Crystal shares in her book, When...
2023-12-1132 minMaking Math Moments That MatterWhen Calling Parents Isn’t Your Calling - An Interview With Crystal FrommertGet ready Math Moment Makers for a great “call” with Crystal Frommert, who will be sharing some great tips and strategies that we can put to use to promote productive conversations with parents - especially when the news isn’t necessarily positive. We’ve all been there before: a student is experiencing struggles in our math class and the time has come where we must make that informative call to ensure parents are in the know. Let’s reframe how we look at conversations with parents by leveraging some of the ideas that Crystal shares in her book, When...
2023-12-1132 min
Time for Teachership142. How to Facilitate Family Partnerships with Crystal FrommertIn today's episode with special guest and author/educator Crystal Frommert, Lindsay discusses how exactly you can facilitate family partnerships from an educational standpoint. Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share! Get In Touch With Crystal Frommert: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-frommert-2460abb Website: www.crystalfrommert.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/mrs_frommert Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/142-how-to-facilitate-family-partnerships-with-crystal-frommert Lindsay's Links: LinkedIn: @lindsaybethlyons Instagram: @lindsaybethlyons Facebook Group: Time for Teachership
2023-11-2136 min
Leaning into LeadershipEpisode 107: Q & A with Teacher Candidates from Ft. Hays State UniversityThis week on the show, I am recapping a fabulous visit with Ft. Hays State's Future Educators Day. On this episode, I am answering four questions of undergraduate teacher candidates. Big thank you for Morgan Barba, Lauren Cure, Skylar Steinle, and Vanessa Renteria for their willingness to record their questions and being on the show! Go Tigers!!Check out Episode 68: When Calling Parents isn't your Calling with Crystal FrommertCheck out Ft. Hays State University's Teacher Education Program hereFollow them on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter (X), InstagramBook Darrin to sp...
2023-11-1530 min
Have a Life TeachingCrystal Frommert: How to Communicate with ParentsSpeaking with parents as a teacher can be a scary thing if we feel unprepared. In this episode, Crystal Frommert, assistant head of middle school and Math teacher at Awty International School (Houston), discusses several best-in-class strategies for proactively engaging with parents. We will look at several specific strategies addressed in her new book - When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling (Road to Awesome Publishing). Crystal Frommert on Edutopia When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling Crystal Frommert on LinkedIn Mastery Portfolio Podcast Road to Awesome Publishing
2023-10-2131 min
The Anxious Achiever“I Didn’t Know What the Word Burnout Meant”: One Teacher’s Mental Health JourneyThe public school system in the U.S. lost at least 300,000 public school teachers and administrators between February 2020 and May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Post-pandemic, some of that strain has abated, but many of the underlying causes for quitting, burnout and other mental health challenges remain. At the start of the school year, we speak to Houston-based middle school teacher Crystal Frommert about the unique challenges and anxieties that teachers face in their profession and what she’s learned about better handling those challenges. You can check out her book here: htt...
2023-09-0635 min
Principal Center RadioCrystal Frommert—When Calling Parents Isn’t Your Calling: A teacher’s guide to communicating with parents
Get the book, When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling: A teacher's guide to communicating with parents
Visit Crystal's Website, www.CrystalFrommert.com
Follow Crystal on Twitter @mrs_frommert
About the Author
Crystal Frommert, M.Ed, has over 20 years’ experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, school board member, adjunct college instructor, technology coordinator, and school administrator. She writes for Edutopia, Independent School Management, NAIS's Independent School Magazine and is the author of "When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling: a teacher's guide to communicating with parents."
2023-08-1418 min
Overthrowing EducationCrystal Frommert: Better Conversations & Connections with ParentsIn this episode, my guest, Crystal Frommert, and I have a great conversation about something that challenges new and veteran teachers alike: How to have better conversations with our students' parents and/or guardians in order to make connections and ensure collaboration that will really enhance our work with their kids. I love learning new things from my guests, and I certainly got some tips and ideas from Crystal that I wish I had known earlier. But it's never too late! And if you love Ted Lasso as much as Crystal and I do, you'll h...
2023-07-2542 min
FreshAirAtFiveShort and Sweet (not like my week) FAAF 126In this 126th episode, I share my daily reflection posted on Twitter @bryoncar, from June 12-16, 2023
I reflect on these podcast episodes from my listens on the:
12th: Evolving with Gratitude E61 "When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling with Crystal Frommert"; House of EdTech E225 "Apple Vision Pro: A New Dimension for K-12 Education"
14th: Teaching Champions E184 "Deficits, Belonging, and Lessons Learned Over 40 Years in Education with Martin Silverman"
16th: Teach Outdoors on June 6th "Cultivating Green Thumbs: An Outdoor Teacher's Planting Day!"
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Track: Know...
2023-06-1812 min
Fresh Air At FiveShort and Sweet (not like my week) FAAF 126In this 126th episode, I share my daily reflection posted on Twitter @bryoncar, from June 12-16, 2023 I reflect on these podcast episodes from my listens on the: 12th: Evolving with Gratitude E61 "When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling with Crystal Frommert"; House of EdTech E225 "Apple Vision Pro: A New Dimension for K-12 Education" 14th: Teaching Champions E184 "Deficits, Belonging, and Lessons Learned Over 40 Years in Education with Martin Silverman" 16th: Teach Outdoors on June 6th "Cultivating Green Thumbs: An Outdoor Teacher's Planting Day!" ----------------------------- Track: Know Myself - Patrick Patrikios ( NoCopyrightMusic ) | My Audio Library | Background Music Bumper: Transparency in...
2023-06-1812 min
#ELB Education Leadership and BeyondELB 248 When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling w Math Teacher & Author Crystal Frommert#ELB 248 When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling w Math Teacher & Author Crystal Frommert )TX)
2023-06-1539 min
Education Leadership and BeyondELB 248 When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling w Math Teacher & Author Crystal Frommert#ELB 248 When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling w Math Teacher & Author Crystal Frommert )TX)
2023-06-1539 min
Evolving with GratitudeEpisode 61 - When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling with Guest Crystal FrommertHold on tight as we dive into a mind-blowing episode! We have Crystal Frommert joining us, and she's about to drop some serious knowledge on parent communication. Prepare to have your socks knocked off as Crystal shares her practical and wholehearted approach to parent communication. Plus, discover the transformative power of gratitude as we dive deep into the art of expressing appreciation and uncovering the silver linings in every situation. Get ready to level up your relationships and infuse your life with boundless positivity!
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
Crystal Frommert, M.Ed, has over...
2023-06-1329 min
Unlocking Unlimited Potential StoriesWith Crystal Frommert "When Calling Parents isn't your Calling" (E77)In Episode 77 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Brandon Beck and special guest, Crystal Frommert (@Mrs_frommert) discuss how to develop positive connections with your community in order to develop consistent positive interactions. She provides helpful tips, resources, and strategies to support you in your journey toward creating connections that lead to success with students.
Crystal Frommert is a teacher in Houston, Texas. She is the author of "When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling" and a writer at EduTopia. She is an educator in an international school and believes in the importance of comm...
2023-05-2233 min
TLTalkRadioSEEing to Lead: Communicating with Parents with Crystal FrommertIn this episode, we're bringing you a conversation from SEEing to Lead, hosted by Dr. Chris Jones, right here on the Be Podcast Network. Episode Details: Crystal Frommert, M.Ed, has over 20 years’ experience as an educator in middle and high school. Crystal has taught math, computer science, and social justice in public, parochial, and international schools. Beyond teaching, she has served as an instructional coach, school board member, adjunct college instructor, technology coordinator, and assistant head of middle school. She has presented at local, national, and international educational conferences on topics ranging from social and...
2023-04-3039 minLeaning into LeadershipEpisode 68: When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling with Crystal FrommertCrystal Frommert, M.Ed, has over 20 years of experience as an educator, mostly in middle school. Crystal has taught math in public, parochial, and international schools. In addition to math, she has taught computer science and social justice. Beyond teaching, she has served as an instructional coach, school board member, adjunct college instructor, technology coordinator, and assistant head of middle school. She has presented at local, national, and international educational conferences on topics ranging from social and emotional learning to technology integration. She currently serves as a grade-level coordinator and math teacher in Houston, where she lives with her...
2023-04-1644 min
Unprofessional DevelopmentEp 168: Crystal Frommert Loves Calling ParentsCrystal Frommert teaches math at an international school in Texas. She joins us to chat about her cross-cultural experience in that space, plus how she works within that context to build a positive and productive classroom experience. Crystal talks about how solutions to issues are rarely a binary thing, but are more often in the gray area. We also discuss ungrading, and her book When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling.
Follow Crystal on Twitter and check out her book!
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2023-04-0350 minLeaning into LeadershipEpisode 66: Surviving and Thriving with Andrew MarottaCheck out When Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling by Crystal Frommert from Road to Awesome publishing.Andrew Marotta is an energetic and enthusiastic leader who has put his positive imprint on his beloved Port Jervis HS, in Port Jervis, NY. With the release of his first book, The School Leader: Surviving and Thriving, Andrew is expanding his impact on the educational leadership community. Andrew is the author of four books, most recently completing Dads, Leaders, & Father Figures.In his personal life, Andrew is a loving husband to his wife, Jennifer, and a supportive father to t...
2023-04-0241 min
SEEing to LeadCommunicating With ParentsCrystal Frommert, M.Ed, has over 20 years’ experience as an educator in middle and high school. Crystal has taught math, computer science, and social justice in public, parochial, and international schools. Beyond teaching, she has served as an instructional coach, school board member, adjunct college instructor, technology coordinator, and assistant head of middle school. She has presented at local, national, and international educational conferences on topics ranging from social and emotional learning to technology integration. She currently teaches middle school math in Houston, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and fluffy dog.Key Takeaways:Students sp...
2023-03-2739 min
Teaching ChampionsWhen Calling Parents Isn't Your Calling with Crystal FrommertIn this episode educator and author Crystal Frommert breaks down the importance of establishing a relationship with parents, she talks about the importance of remembering that we are working with parents greatest gifts and to be mindful of that when we connect, she gives tips that we can use to help strengthen that connection between the home and school, and so much more. This is such an awesome conversation!Topics:It’s important that we help new teachers understand the art of calling parents.It’s important to remember that parents send us their most precious gift...
2023-03-0555 min
Teaching Like Ted LassoLive RetrospectiveDescriptionOn February 25, 2023, we hosted a live episode of Teaching Like Ted Lasso at the Math in Action Conference on the campus of Grand Valley State University. We showed clips from the first five episodes and heard from teachers how they saw their professional vision and practice connecting to the themes of those episodes: Play, Curiosity, Teamwork, Vulnerability, and Discourse.Video: https://youtu.be/C5Gy55STHoI Show Notes for Episode 6 LIVE RetrospectiveMath in Action: https://www.gvsu.edu/mathinaction/Dr. Brette Garner Keynote Information: https://www.g...
2023-03-0431 minReady Set Growth - Inspiration for TeachersCalling Home and Communicating with ParentsIn this episode, Nick is joined by Crystal Frommert to talk about how you can be effective in your communication with parents and how it is essential for the success of our students. By establishing open communication channels, and being intentional, compassionate, and empathetic, teachers can build positive relationships with parents and support their child's learning and development. In her book "If Calling Home Isn't Your Calling" Crystal shares stories that have changed her and her practice when it comes to working with parents and being as impactful as she can when including parents in the conversations. ...
2023-02-2731 min
Teaching Like Ted LassoTeaching Like Ted Lasso Episode 4 Extra (part 1)The following is our extended conversation with Crystal Frommert which includes more thoughts on how new teachers can embrace vulnerability in their practice.Crystal Frommert on Twitter: @mrs_frommertThe Awty International School – Houston: https://www.awty.org/aboutCrystal’s author page on Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/profile/crystal-frommertCrystal’s article on parent-teacher relationships: https://www.edutopia.org/article/strategy-building-productive-relationships-parentsBrené Brown’s website: https://brenebrown.com Crystal’s article: https://www.edutopia.org/article/highlighting-good-mistakes-in-student-workIMDB Franklin: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203254...
2023-01-1124 min
Teaching Like Ted LassoVulnerabilityDescriptionCrystal Frommert and Dr. Raj Shah join John and Dave on the Teaching Like Ted Lasso Podcast to discuss vulnerability: in the show and in education.Video: https://youtu.be/TpvYKhOpW2MShow Notes for Episode 4 on VulnerabilityJason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt talk to Brené Brown on her podcast, Unlocking Us: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-jason-sudeikis-brendan-hunt-on-ted-lasso/Brené Brown at SXSW EDU 2017, Daring Classrooms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVD8YRgA-ckIMBD “Two Aces” episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11046490/?ref_=ttep_ep6Dr. Il...
2022-12-3055 minReady Set Growth - Inspiration for TeachersDesmos and Why You Should be be Using ItJoin guest host Crystal Frommert as she sits down with Nick Corley a Desmos fellow and passionate math and STEMS teacher to discuss how Desmos has changed the way Nick teaches math in his classroom and why you should consider using it in yours right now. Follow us on social media: www.readysetgrowthpodcast.com https://bit.ly/3jN3eEz - Instagram https://bit.ly/3lC5ccp - Twitter https://bit.ly/2YWVW91 - Facebook Follow our guest/host: https://www.instagram.com/mrcorleymath/ - Instag...
2022-12-0525 minReady Set Growth - Inspiration for TeachersUsing Wordle in Math ClassIn this episode of the Ready, Set, Growth podcast, Nick is joined by Crystal Fromer to discuss the integration of literacy-based activities, such as the wordle game, into math instruction. They explore how topics like probability and statistics can be taught through wordle, improving both students' wordle scores and their understanding of key concepts. Crystal shares her insights and recommendations from the book "Building Thinking Classrooms" by Dr. Peter Lijedahl. They also discuss new teaching strategies and activities that they are bringing into the classroom this year. Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own teaching...
2022-09-2032 minReady Set Growth - Inspiration for TeachersHomework, Where Do Teachers Draw the LineWhere do you fall on the homework effort? Are you a teacher that gives homework or has it gone the way of the do-do bird in your class? Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of homework join Crystal Frommert as she dives into the realities of homework in the classroom.
2022-04-0423 minReady Set Growth - Inspiration for TeachersTake Over with Crystal FrommertJoin this month's second guest Crystal Frommert as she takes over the podcast to interview instructional coach Moira Burgy to discuss how we can be better every day for our students. This episode is a great reminder of how important the little things are in life and in our classroom to make the most of our time with our students.
2022-01-2821 minReady Set Growth - Inspiration for TeachersWhat do Marks Have to do With Learning?Marks, grades, and report card comments are a fact of life but if they didn't need to be the entire focus of our teaching, what could we accomplish with our students? Join Nick as he sits down with the teacher, administrator, and learning coach Crystal Frommert to discuss how we can take steps to move from grade-based focus to learning and most importantly a learning-based approach to our classroom. Follow us on social media: www.readysetgrowthpodcast.com https://bit.ly/3jN3eEz - Instagram https://bit.ly/3lC5ccp...
2022-01-2132 min