Shows
The Balancing ActWhat Makes a “Good” Parent? Even Kelly Clarkson doesn't know.In today's society being a parent can be amongst the most difficult of all of life’s challenges. Raising children is not for the faint of heart, and Jamie and Joe discuss some of the issues facing parents these days that make them both say, I don’t get it! Being a good parent is everyone’s goal, but have we all lost sight of what makes someone good at this extremely unforgiving job?
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We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com
Don’t forget to subscribe...2025-05-0648 minThe Balancing ActWhy are Students not Successful in School? with Mitch WeathersEducator, speaker and author Mitch Weathers joins the pod to discuss his method for maximizing student success with the Organized Binder method. Students, teachers and parents have noticed the cognitive load placed on our kids year after year, but are baffled as to the process in which to build these skills and improve executive functioning and success in school, and Mitch Weathers has come up with a process to fix those issues. —We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com2025-04-2951 minThe Balancing ActMiddle School Minds Need Organized SystemsWhether it's grading, studying, or even navigating google classroom, organized systems don’t really exist for our students. How can we expect them to succeed when they have to adapt and change every hour of the day? Joe and Jamie discuss their methods for teaching and learning with middle schoolers as well as their frustrations with lack of uniformity in schools. —We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscri...2025-04-2242 minThe Balancing ActNever stop dating… your co teacher?Jennifer Mazzochi joins the pod this week to discuss co teaching connections. Special education teacher and coteaching aficionado Jennifer Mazzochi explains how to make the unique relationship between co teachers thrive in the best interest of the partnership and the students in their charge. —We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamieInstagram - @podtheba...2025-04-1547 minThe Balancing ActThe Kids are Not Alright, but Why?Learned helplessness and lack of perseverance and grit are plaguing our schools and children across America, but why? Join Jamie and Joe as they explore possible reasons and solutions to the very big questions that keep many educators and parents awake each night.—We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamieInstagram - @podthebalancingactTi...2025-04-0847 minThe Balancing ActWe’re Not Foolin’, We love AnnaKJoe and Jamie welcome Insta sensation AnnaK, also known as ReadAwaywithMissK, as they share their love of teaching, reading, and being funny. Anna shares her experiences in the classroom beginning in the Bronx and continuing all the way down to Louisville. Anna shares with us her love of teaching, teachers, and the profession she “never wants to leave.”—We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! F...2025-04-0147 minThe Balancing ActWhat Grinds Our GearsJamie and Joe are all about balance… and sometimes you need to bark out all your pettiest complaints to a friendly and compassionate ear to find your sense of zen. Listen to their hysterical banter as they swat things that drive each of them nuts both in and out of school.—We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a commen...2025-03-2547 minThe Balancing ActBelieve’ment is Achievement with Ed DeShazerDirector Edward DeShazer joins us to discuss teacher well being, how to maintain boundaries and his latest book, Closing the Believe’ment Gap. His powerful belief in positive behaviors, teacher support and pouring it back into the teachers of America will inspire even the most critical cynic. —We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact...2025-03-1847 minThe Balancing ActThe Sandwich Generation RevisitedBeing a part of the sandwich generation means having to spread your love and care between your children, spouse and your elderly, aging parents. Jamie and Joe know and live these challenges all too well, and want to update listeners on hospice care, estate planning and balancing their daily life challenges as members of this not so super fun club.—We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comm...2025-03-1151 min
The Balancing ActMiddle School Maniacs with Courtney VarnerJoin Instagram and TikTok teacher/ comedian Courtney Varner as she waxes poetic on all things she loves about teaching middle school. Straight from the snowy streets of Missouri, hi_its_me_mrs._v joins forces with our hosts to share her secret to laughing her way through middle school. —We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.comDon’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJa...2025-03-0447 min
The Balancing ActNo Tech Teaching ReviewListen as our hosts discuss their “no tech teaching experience” when their boss challenged them to discard their student chromebooks for weeks. Hear their open and honest reviews of their time without tech in their classrooms.We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: hello@thebalancingactpod.comDon’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! www.thebalancingactpod.comFollow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamieInstagram - @podthebalancingactTikTok...2025-02-2548 min
The Balancing ActThe Child Code with Dr. Danielle DickIn this episode, we delve into child development with Dr. Danielle Dick, professor at Rutgers University and author of "The Child's Code." She discusses the genetic and environmental factors influencing children's behaviors, drawing from her experience as a mother of a high-risk child. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: hello@thebalancingactpod.comDon’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! www.thebalancingactpod.comFollow Facebook - podbalact Joean...2025-02-1854 min
The Balancing ActCell Phones and Valentine’sIn this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, we humorously discuss our personal food favorites, including nostalgic tomato soup. The conversation shifts to the impact of recent cold weather in New York on societal behavior and local traditions like Groundhog Day. We address NJ Governor Murphy's proposed cell phone restrictions in schools, examining the challenges of technology in education. We also share excitement for Valentine's Day and a class project focused on social-emotional learning. Tune in for a mix of humor, insight, and how we balance it all together on the daily!—We...2025-02-1147 min
The Balancing ActTech-Spert Wisdom with Dr. Tyler TarverJoin Joe and Jamie as they gab it up with fellow educator Tyler Tarver, and watch as they fan-girl over every bit of wisdom he has to share about his vast educational experiences. Whether it's YouTube teaching, administration experience or A.I. in the classroom, keep all eyes and ears focused toward your favorite tech-spert, Dr. Tyler Tarver.Check out the 60 minutes segment that we watched and discussed during this episode. Meet Khanmigo: The student tutor AI being tested in school districts | 60 Minutes—We want...2025-02-0443 minThe Balancing ActShocked, Shooketh, Shaken. Why don’t these kids like me? Season 2 - Episode 19Lack of respect for teachers is an ongoing issue for most of us in our daily classroom experiences. Are there any tips or tricks to help change relationship habits when it comes to mean students? Join Jamie and Joe as they hash out what it means to them when students are just not buying what they are trying to sell.Starting in February, The Balancing Act will be part of Human Content's network of shows! We are super excited to be a part of an amazing team!Check out...2025-01-2847 min
The Balancing ActVein Tests, Heart Tests and Praxis Tests, Oh My! Season 2 - Episode 18Recently in New Jersey there has been discussion of the elimination of a step toward your teaching certificate. Where do tests begin and where should they end? Join our hosts as they discuss testing, personal and professional ones, and listen as they share their fears associated with failing them. Big announcement on today's episode! Can't wait for you all to hear the news! Exciting things are happing for The Balancing Act Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2025-01-2147 min
The Balancing ActNew Year, Same Old Friends - Season 2 Episode 17New Year’s Resolutions? Are they a thing of the past, or a goal setting achievement? Join co-hosts Jamie and Joe as they recap their winter holiday vacations spent with family and friends, and listen in as they discuss what is coming up in 2025. Big announcments are on tap for 2025! Stay tuned friends...can't wait to share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2025-01-1445 min
The Balancing Act2nd Annual Holiday Special - Season 2 Episode 16Join co-hosts Jamie and Joe as they discuss their favorite holiday traditions from ornaments to dinners to gift giving galore. In the last episode of 2024, the Balancing Act podcast wishes you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season and a very Happy New Year. We will return in 2025 with regular episodes on January 14th, 2025! Exciting things are coming from The Balancing Act. Stay tuned.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-12-1738 min
The Balancing ActHoliday Stress? The Teachers Health Coach is in Session - Season 2 Episode 15Join our hosts as they get some great guidance and advice from their new pal Charley Burley, who comes to the pod all the way from across the pond. Known as the.teachers.health.coach Charley, an educator himself provides advice and methods that are applicable to ensure our listeners make their way through this holiday season with less stress. Give Charley Burley a follow on Instagram at @the.teachers.health.coach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-12-1050 min
The Balancing ActTeacher Pay with K - Season 2 Episode 14Join our hosts as they speak to a fellow New Jersey teacher and influencer getting to the root of the root and the bud of the bud of this thing called, Money. Teacher Pay with K talks about all things pension, contracts and what a strong union means to the teaching profession. Check out @teacherpaywithK on Instagram and TikTok for all things pension related and ways that you can get involved in the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-12-0344 min
The Balancing ActGobble Gobble, It’s Time to Talk Turkey - Season 2 Episode 13Can you guess what was the first Thanksgiving food to be grown in space? How much did the largest pumpkin pie weigh? Join our hosts as they review their favorite parts and pieces for the upcoming holiday. Jamie and Joe talk sides, turkey, balloons and their plans for their Thanksgiving holidays with their favorite people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-11-2645 min
The Balancing ActEmployable Teens? Dishin’ out advice with Nicholas Creamery owner Jodie Edwards - Season 2 Episode 12Listen in as marketing and hiring expert Jodie Edwards sits with our hosts to provide insight into developing employable teens. The best generation? It's quite possible that you might be underestimating the wide open spaces your teen has yet to conquer. Co-owner of the popular New Jersey ice cream chain of small batch handcrafted ice cream, Jodi Edwards graciously meets with us to talk about all things teens. Check out all things Nicholas Creamery at their website! https://www.nicholascreamery.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-11-1953 min
The Balancing ActTech Break? Helpful or nearly impossible? - Season 2 Episode 11We are discussing the town of Kenilworth, New Jersey, who recently implemented a tech free school day. All educators continually discuss the implications of tech on students and wonder if it is causing more harm than help. Listen in as we applaud Kenilworth public schools for trying something different and wonder if it is something we should all be trying out in the not so distant future. Check out the article we referenced in today's show below. Kenilworth - Tech Free Friday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...2024-11-1245 min
The Balancing ActTommy Ho!!! It's our Canadian amie, Dawn Wiseman - Season 2 Episode 10Dawn Wiseman is officially our first international guest. Bonjour to our new amie (that’s French for friend) Dawn Wiseman who has been teaching for 17 years, and has morphed into an AI enthusiast. Her tips and tricks for teachers on how to maximize their AI experience with multiple platforms will have you running to the computer to try them all. Check out a full live demo from this episode on The Balancing Act Podcast Youtube Channel! The Balancing Act Podcast Youtube Channel Check out the Stan.store link for Dawn Wiseman that includes re...2024-11-0543 min
The Balancing ActTo Halloween or Not to Halloween - Season 2 Episode 9Jamie and Joe wax poetic about Halloween past, and what it was like to be a Mom in the 80’s before the invention of Trunk o Treat. Should schools promote Halloween activities or not? Favorite candy and memories of the holiday make us all nostalgic for the romanticized version of this fall festival. Check out videos of our episodes on our Youtube Channel! The Balancing Act Podcast Youtube Channel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-10-2947 min
The Balancing ActCoworkers: True Friends or Trauma Bonded? Season 2 Episode 8Our hosts discuss coworkers: true friends or trauma bonded? Which is a topic close to their hearts. Are your co-workers really your true friends, or are you just not that close? Listen as they share their point of view and experiences in different schools with various groups of coworkers who became their lifelong friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-10-2247 min
The Balancing ActThe Queen of Mean Girl Moms - Dr. Noelle Santorelli Season 2 Episode 7Join us for an enthralling conversation with relationship and Mean Girl Mom expert Dr. Noelle Santorelli as we unravel the generational issues faced by those in the know, how to navigate being a mom, or a dad in today's culture parenting of exclusivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-10-1550 min
The Balancing ActHo Ho Homework - Season 2 Episode 6To homework or not to homework, that is the question. But why is it always the question? Teachers across America face this ongoing dispute and data of whether homework is good, bad or does little to improve students' understanding of the material covered in class. Our hosts give their input on homework and a few other things along the way too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-10-0848 min
The Balancing ActTheeeee Dee Hankins - Season 2 Episode 5Left coast sensation and inspirational speaker Dee Hankins wows the hosts with his life experiences and optimistic approach to each day. Dee talks about parenting, challenges, and the ever changing students in the United States. Mr. Hankins uses his sass and humor to inspire, enthrall, and educate on how we can all do better for our kids from an emotional, spiritual and ethical way. Please check out his website for socials, information, guest speaking info. https://www.deehankins.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-10-011h 00
The Balancing ActThere will always be time for canoodling - Season 2 Episode 4Joe and Jamie talk about the new school year and the ongoing use of technology in their classrooms. Tune in for the continued debate on exactly how to be relevant, how to be fun, and just when exactly gamification in the classroom goes too far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-09-2443 min
The Balancing ActAI in the classroom: A Learning Revolution - Jonathan Mast Season 2 Episode 3Part Two: The AI Guy, Jonathan Mast In Part Two, the AI guy talks classroom usage and real world applications of AI with our hosts, while offering numerous AI suggestions. Join Jamie and Joe as they learn tons of new and applicable techniques and processes for searching and understanding how to use AI with their students in an ethical and practical manner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-09-1747 min
The Balancing ActTeacher's and AI - Jonathan Mast Season 2 Episode 2Part One: The AI Guy, Jonathan Mast AI and all of its newness is a hot topic for everyone, whether in education or not. Our hosts agree to start slowly to understand the moral implications of its use along with some of the ideology behind AI from the point of view of the self proclaimed “AI Guy,” Jonathan Mast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-09-1046 min
The Balancing ActSeason Two Premiere! - And We're Back! Season 2 Episode 1Drumroll please… we are now a weekly podcast! Joe and Jamie are back with big news… they are now dropping weekly episodes. Summer has come to a close, and the hosts are ready to explore new topics with fantastic guests. Join the Balancing Act hosts for an exciting new season filled with opportunities to live, learn, and of course, balance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-09-0349 min
The Balancing ActBest of Season 1: Host Picks - Episode 28In our final best of episode of the summer, we look back at the important topics that we discussed during season 1. These 4 clips speak to our passion, our life, and what drives us as educators. Get a glimpse of some of the struggles that we deal with as well. Season 2 drops the first week fo September! Big things are coming.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-08-2032 min
The Balancing ActBest of Season 1: Parenting Advice - Episode 27On this best of episode from Season 1, let’s look back with our hosts as they listen to some of Season One's top guests as they talk about how to parent, how to help parents, and how they strive to guide their own children in this ever changing world that challenges parents and kids alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-08-0630 min
The Balancing ActBest of Season 1: New Teacher Advice - Episode 26Episode 26 Best of Season One Let’s rewind the year and check out bits and pieces of the best of the best with Jessica Hawk, Tyler Tarver and Andrea Forcum. Our episode will highight some of the great advice they have for first year teachers. Our best of episodes are great to share with new listeners! Please feel free to share our message and thanks as always for being a Balancing Act listener! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-07-2330 min
The Balancing ActSeason One Finale: Summer…She is finally here! Episode 25Let’s talk about how to recharge the batteries, because teachers are solar powered! Listen as Joe and Jamie reflect on the first season of The Balancing Act podcast, and how much the discussions informed and influenced the hosts' lives. Special thanks to all of the wonderful guests who stopped by to share a slice of their lives with the pod. The hosts look forward to Season 2, coming this August. We would like to thank EVERYONE who listened, shared, participated and became a part of our journey! A special thanks to EVERY SINGLE ONE of our guests fro...2024-07-0942 min
The Balancing ActAn Interview with M.C. Reckognize: Mrs. Phyllis Reckhow - Episode 24Steps away from her final year of teaching we meet to talk to the formidable and beloved bestie-buddy of our co-host Jamie. Call her Reckie, Reckless, MC Reckognize, or Phyllis, the long time “student favorite” language arts teacher sits with us and happily shares wisdom, laughter and much needed perspective on how NOT to become bitter and tainted by this challenging profession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-06-2542 min
The Balancing ActClosing out the Year with a Skibbidy - Episode 23Let’s look back at the good, the bad, and the “skibbidy” of the 23-24 school year. Self reflection, exit surveys, and a giant thumbs up from students means that the summer is heading this way. Join in and hear what worked, what didn’t and what the “gyat” might mean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-06-1140 min
The Balancing ActEmpathy, Sympathy and Adulting - Episode 22The pod is back to update listeners about some of the ongoing family struggles that have continued throughout the course of the school year. In this heart to heart listen as our hosts share the ongoing difficulties that led to the development of the podcast. The hosts share how they continue to work on their approach to balancing family, health and teaching. Join is for what has helped, what continues to hurt and even a few laughs along the bumpy end of the school year road. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...2024-05-2849 min
The Balancing ActTuh Tuh Tuh Teacher Face, Jessica Hawk - Episode 21On this episode of The Balancing Act, we happily welcome influencer Jessica Hawk as she shares her 32 years of wisdom and experience inside and out of her New Jersey classroom. On her self proclaimed victory tour, Jessica is approaching retirement with bittersweet memories of her years as a high school teacher. Listen as the one and only “My Teacher Face” gives us her refreshing perspective on the importance of setting boundaries as a public school employee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-05-1452 min
The Balancing ActWe are “ALL IN” with Gian Paul Gonzalez - Episode 20Credited with inspiring the New York Giants towards their winning season, former teacher and current motivational speaker, Gian Paul Gonzalez, sits down with us for an end of the school year pep talk. Hailing from Union City, New Jersey, Gian Paul is here to talk us through the muddled end of the year where finding balance can be extra tough to achieve. Don’t miss the tips and special moments brought to the table by this amazing guy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-04-3055 min
The Balancing ActDear parents, we need YOUR support… Part II with Katie Schneider - Episode 19We welcome teacher and author Katie Schneider this week to discuss her extremely potent and thought provoking “viral” letter written to parents. Shared by so many across the country over many social media platforms, Katie brings her point of view to the discussion on how to help teachers balance parents' reactions, and what other daily concerns we all share as current educators across the country. Check out the article referenced during our show! An Open Letter To Parents - Katie Schneider Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...2024-04-1652 min
The Balancing ActDear parents, we need YOUR support...Part I - Episode 18Spring Break is heading our way and the hosts are ready to party like it's 1999 in Cancun, Mexico. Or maybe they are just ready for some couch time. Listen for an honest discussion about what is lacking from the real partners in education, the parents. Why is there such a disconnect with students these days, and how can all parties work together to make things better for everyone? Raid the kids candy baskets and join us for an honest look at the parent: classroom connection. Check out the article referenced during our show! An Open L...2024-04-0247 min
The Balancing ActEducator_Andrea: “Advice to the New Teachers, Stolen by the Old Ones” - Episode 17Viral Instagram and Tik Tok wonder Educator_Andrea joins this week to discuss how to properly support and retain the “good ones”, the teachers who are meant to be in the game for a long time, and how we as seasoned veterans can show them all how to make the journey “a good time”. Andrea discusses the best ways she has learned to support and develop the new generation of educators, while taking a note from their book on establishing boundaries at any stage of the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho2024-03-1949 min
The Balancing ActParents Just Don't Understand - Episode 16Can teachers really do their jobs effectively without parental support? Where is the team? Where is the backup system? Where is the empowerment? Join us as we discuss the ever popular and deeply controversial topic that plagues the American education system: Can we do our jobs effectively without the support and efforts by the parents? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-03-0540 min
The Balancing ActbELieve in the Power of Daily Routines: Our talk with Hometown Hero Eric LeGrand - Episode 15Local hero and beloved business owner Eric LeGrand joins us for a trip down memory lane. Listen as we laugh, learn and enjoy a cup of bELieve, as Eric takes us through his morning routine, nightly pleasures and tips for taking each day as it comes. We can’t wait for you to indulge in this hilarious and heartfelt chat with #52 himself, Mr. Eric LeGrand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-02-2042 min
The Balancing ActFlipping the Switch - Ms. Brady had Alice and we're on our own. - Episode 14If Mrs. Brady had Alice, how are we supposed to tackle all of this on our own? Today your hosts tackle the never ending subject of how to flip the switch from teacher to parent and back again. Whether it is helping at homework time with your own kids, driving them all over the place, dealing with their emotions while handling your own, or even drowning out the literal and figurative noise coming at a teacher from every angle, our hosts try to break down some real world solutions that make their lives and abilities to flip the switch...2024-02-0655 min
The Balancing ActThe Modern Learner: Thirsty for Knowledge or Just Thirsty for Water? - Episode 13Our hosts are back in action and ready to focus on the new year ahead. Listen for their words of the year and how they plan to put these words to good use in 2024. Jamie and Joe discuss the modern learner and how to attempt to adapt their classrooms to what students seem to need in their everyday struggles to learn efficiently and effectively. How do teachers keep up with the modern learners' need for instant information and their never ending need to fill an enormous metal water bottle? Learn more about your ad choices. V...2024-01-2346 min
The Balancing ActAn Interview with Influencer Nick Ferroni - Episode 12Join us as we excitedly talk to Nick Ferroni, a teacher advocate working at Union High in Union, New Jersey. Nick was gracious enough to meet with us for a cup of coffee and talk about our favorite topic: teachers. Nick is working with various news outlets to highlight the positive influence of teachers as he advocates for his peers. As a teacher for over 20 years himself, he believes in order to support students we must all support their teachers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-01-0944 min
The Balancing ActA Holiday Delight - Curmudgeons Need Not Listen - Episode 11Jamie and Joe are singing their way towards the New Year with a lighthearted walk through their Christmas favorites. Join the Balancing Act podcast hosts as they share a holiday Would You Rather, discuss their opinions about Snow Days, and recount their personal “peach and pit” of 2023. Warning ahead: Merriment and lightheartedness are coming your way as the pod hosts wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-12-2240 min
The Balancing ActEdcampNJ: The best PD is the teacher down the hall - Episode 10 Join us as we take the pod on the road with our first live recording at EdCamp NJ. Our early November morning began with amazing guests who shared with us their first hand experiences in the field of education. Listen as they share how they lean on their fellow teachers not just for pedagogical support but emotional support as well. Proudly in its tenth year at New Brunswick High School, EdCamp NJ generously hosted our very first, but certainly not last, live-audience-participation recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...2023-12-1237 min
The Balancing ActDr. Tyler Tarver - Episode 9It’s time to talk about A.I. Uh oh? Or hurry up, and let’s go? An interview with Dr. Tyler Tarver Dr. Tyler Tarver joins us to talk about Artificial Intelligence in the classroom. Dr. Tarver is an enthusiastic educator with background and experience in preschool through college level and his expertise will spark the curiosity of even the most skeptical educator. Listen as we follow Dr. Tarver down the rabbit hole into the fascinating space of AI. You’re not too late, for our very important date… with Dr. Tyler Tarver. Be sure to c...2023-11-2854 min
The Balancing ActWake up, show up and grow up! - Episode 8This week we discuss what it's like to parent your children while parenting your parents. Join us as we discuss our very personal experiences as members of a very difficult club as members of “the sandwich generation.” We will lean into a very sensitive topic as we share our personal trials and tribulations as two of the many people in our age group that are trying to navigate this new and very emotional part of our personal lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-11-2153 min
The Balancing ActHalloween Episode: Season One - To candy corn or not to candy corn?Our hosts would like to wish a very Happy Halloween to all of our listeners who celebrate this spooky day inside of and outside of their classrooms. Whether you love or hate this day, it turns up each year to flip the little ones in our lives inside out and upside down as their sugar filled bellies take them to new heights in our homes and classrooms. Join us as we discuss our favorite halloween memories, our top rated candy choices, along with some tricks and treats for all who dare to listen. Lea...2023-10-3142 minThe Balancing ActSetting our Students up for Success: An Interview with Ann Dolin, CEO Educational ConnectionsOn our first Youtube episode we welcome Ann Dolin, the President of Educational Connections, an online tutoring company that pairs students and their parents with coaches that offer guidance with executive functioning, college preparedness and subject specific help. Our hosts discuss the challenges students face with organization within the online spaces of school, as well as tips Ms.Dolin recommends to parents and teachers as they try to prepare children with the necessary tools for middle school, high school and college. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-10-1643 minThe Balancing ActJust say no… but not to “being accountable.”This week our hosts discuss how to handle the ever growing to do list as the school year unfolds and explore how to manage a full to overflowing plate of expectations and responsibilities. Whether it is learning to say no, or leaning on a friend or co worker as an accountability partner, listen as they explore the ever steady need to complete tasks and manage home life all while juggling the day to day realities of teaching at the opening of a new school year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...2023-10-0330 minThe Balancing ActWake me up when September ends....Our hosts return to discuss back to school madness and just how to manage all of the craziness that is involved in getting yourself and your family through the month of September. Tips and best practices are the topic for this newest episode of The Balancing Act. From climbing the daily mountain of laundry, or prepping your classroom dinners at home, Joe and Jamie are ready to talk Back to School tips, tricks, and how they tackle keeping those plates spinning in the air! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-09-1936 min
The Balancing ActBonus - Very Special Episode 1: Back to School!Nervous? Of course! Excited? Absolutely. Today's episode comes from the shores of Long Beach Island. Enjoy the conversation, the laughs, and the sound of the ocean! On this very special episode of The Balancing Act podcast we tackle the topic of the “Sunday Scaries.” How do you handle the back to school blues?. From shopping for school supplies, carpools, planning for and attending all the sports and activities, and our discussion on how to mentally prepare for the great climb that is September. Listen as we explore some of our experiences with getting back on track and our person...2023-09-0531 minThe Balancing ActMaiden Voyage - Part 1This is it! The inaugural episodes of The Balancing Act Podcast! Let’s meet the hosts on the premiere episode, with Joseph Vitale and Jamie Wanko. Spend a minute getting to know them, and a bit about their professional experience and what they have to say about the ever changing world of education. Joe and Jamie dive right into their feelings about work, life, marriage and their children. With nearly 50 years of educational experience between them, our hosts have a lot to say about the post-Covid state of teaching and are ready to discuss all of the challenges they face in...2023-08-2930 minThe Balancing ActMaiden Voyage - Part IIPart II of the premiere episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Times they are a Changin, focuses on time management and the guilt involved with being a teacher, parent and spouse. We explore balancing our own time to care for ourselves, the time it takes to care for our families and then how we handle the guilt of “doing it all”? Join us as we explore our past experiences with maternity leave, lesson planning, and the perception that some teachers seem to never stop working while others seem to have it all figured out? Learn more...2023-08-2930 minThe Balancing ActTrailer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-07-2001 min