Shows
The Life of an EducatorE67 - Looking at the PuzzleIn this episode, Mathew talks about how he approaches each new year, and the approaches he takes to improve his life for the better, not only as an educator, but as an individual as a whole.
2026-01-0624 minThe Life of an EducatorE66 - Hold on to What's Important in LifeIn this episode, continues on the theme of what he started last episode. When the days are hard, we need to lean on each other. It's the people in our lives that truly matter and we need to be there for one another both in the good times and the toughest times.
2025-11-1828 minThe Life of an EducatorE65 - Some Days are Harder than OthersIn this episode, Mathew shares the toughest times of being a teacher. When life does not always make sense and that it is okay to be honest with ourselves and with others.
2025-11-0424 minThe Life of an EducatorE64 - Coworkers to FriendsIn this episode, Mathew shares thoughts of when and if coworkers ever become more than simply colleagues but rather become your friends.
2025-10-2122 minThe Life of an EducatorE63 - What Teachers Do in the Summer - Part 3In this episode, Mathew continues this mini series on what teachers do in the summer months, this time simply talking about the opportunity to relax, rest, and rejuvenate.
2025-10-0720 minThe Life of an EducatorE62 - What Teachers Do in the Summer - Part 2In this episode, Mathew continues to discuss what teachers do in the summer months, this time talking about the opportunity to travel.
2025-09-2321 minThe Life of an EducatorE61 - What Teachers Do in the Summer - Part 1In this episode, Mathew talks about the first thing that teachers do in the summer...work or volunteer for another organization.
2025-09-0920 minThe Life of an EducatorE60 - The Life in the Choir RoomIn this episode, for the first time in the podcast's history, Mathew has student guests on the podcast! Mathew, along with some choir students and their teacher, talk about what it's like to be in a class such as choir. They talk about the skills they learn and the fun they have. It's a must listen. You may even here Mat sing a few notes!
2025-07-0139 minThe Life of an EducatorE59 - A Great Day for a Teacher = Engaging with StudentsIn this episode, Mathew talks about his favourite part of the job...connecting and engaging with the students. Through conversations, laughter, stories, trips, life lessons, games, and so much more, the students truly make teaching one of the best professions.
2025-06-1727 minThe Life of an EducatorE58 - A Great Day for a Teacher = A Good Cup of CoffeeIn this episode, Mathew talks about what makes it a great for all of those coffee drinkers out there! Gotta have that nice hot drink to have that great day!
2025-05-2020 minThe Life of an EducatorE57 - A Great Day for a Teacher = A Good MorningIn this episode Mathew discusses the feel good moment of receiving and returning a good morning or afternoon welcome.
2025-05-0619 minThe Life of an EducatorE56 - A Great Day for a Teacher = A Thank YouMathew is embarking on a new season with a new theme...what makes a great day for a teacher. In this episode, Mathew shares that hearing the phrase thank you, whether it be from a student, teacher, parent, administrator, or person in the community makes a great day for a teacher.
2025-04-2224 minThe Life of an EducatorE55 - Taking Advantage of Every OpportunityIn this episode, Mathew shares about how it is important to not be timid in taking advantages of the opportunities given to you. He also shares a word of caution as well when it comes to opportunities that present themselves to individuals.
2025-04-0828 minThe Life of an EducatorE54 - Education is not simply for the ClassroomIn this episode, Mathew shares about how sometimes he feels that there is an idea that education can only exist in the classroom setting. He shares how education is not a building, classroom, or timeslot but rather a mindset and passion to be pursued.
2025-03-2522 minThe Life of an EducatorE53 - The Cell Phone and Technology Debate - Part 2In this episode, Mathew will continue to give his insight on the Cell Phone Ban in schools largely across Canada and specifically his experience in Manitoba. He will discuss why banning cell phones and technology is not all positive but has opportunity to teach respect and responsibility.
2025-03-1123 minThe Life of an EducatorE52 - The Cell Phone and Technology Debate - Part 1In this episode, Mathew will give his positive insight on the Cell Phone Ban in schools largely across Canada and specifically his experience in Manitoba. He will also discuss technology as a whole in why it is not always good to use technology.
2025-02-1823 minThe Life of an EducatorE51 - Staying CommittedIn this episode, Mathew talks about the key to commitment in teaching, how sometimes the profession is not always easy, and strategies to stay committed with one of most arguably rewarding professions.
2025-02-0426 minThe Life of an EducatorE50 - How to be the Best Leader - Part 2In this episode, Mathew continues his conversation from last time in discussing what it takes to be the best leader. In this episode, he discusses three more fundamentals of being the best leader, specifically leading with a plan, leading with an open mind, and leading with flexibility.
2024-12-1028 minThe Life of an EducatorE49 - How to be the Best Leader - Part 1In this episode, Mathew shares three key attributes on how to be the best leader possible, whether you are an educator, or you find yourself in a different occupation.
2024-11-2625 minThe Life of an EducatorE48 - The Truth on Professional Development for TeachersIn this episode, Mathew dives into the truth behind Professional Development (PD) days for teachers. Is it simply a day away from students, is it just a time to get together as peers and drink coffee and chat, or is it actual developing as an educator. The answer awaits in this episode.
2024-11-0525 minThe Life of an EducatorE47 - Thankful for CoffeeIn this episode, Mathew shares one of the many things that he is thankful for...COFFEE! Join in him as he shares how coffee went from gross to something he cannot go without!
2024-10-2226 minThe Life of an EducatorE46 - Dealing with ConflictJoin Mathew in this episode as he discusses the always popular question of how does someone deal with conflict? He shares his thoughts and practical steps, although they may not be easy or comfortable. They may even surprise you.
2024-10-0823 minThe Life of an EducatorE45 - Embracing ChangeIn this episode, join Mathew as he discusses how to embrace change as a teacher in an ever changing world. He asks the questions of whether we should just follow culture or whether we should be hesitant of always changing to what is put in front of us.
2024-09-2424 minThe Life of an EducatorE44 - Embracing DiversityIn the start of this fresh season, Mathew discusses the topic of embracing diversity in the school setting, but also in general in our life journey. Through experience and his outlook, take a dive into this conversation of how to embrace diversity in today's day.
2024-09-1024 minThe Life of an EducatorE43 - Graduation and the Emotions that come with itIn this episode, Mathew will talk about the emotions that come around this time of year, specifically when it comes to graduation and the graduating students. There are both positive and negative emotions that come with graduation so buckle up for a packed episode of insight.
2024-06-1823 minThe Life of an EducatorE42 - Swing Batter BatterIn this episode, Mathew talks about his experience of helping coach high school baseball this season. He shares the experiences, stories, and highlights that came with the season and the impact that it had on him and the players.
2024-06-0424 minThe Life of an EducatorE41 - Moose Jaw: Canada's Most Notorious CityIn this episode, Mathew shares the journey he took with the Selkirk Royals Performing Art students to Moose Jaw to perform at the band and choir festival.
2024-05-2127 minThe Life of an EducatorE40 - Having a Student TeacherIn this episode, Mathew talks about his recent experience of having a student teacher and the effects it had on him the teacher, the students, and of course the student teacher.
2024-05-0726 minThe Life of an EducatorE39 - Teaching with PatienceHow do you teach teenagers without losing your patience? This is a question asked often. In this episode, Mathew shares how he teaches with patience while still demanding respect and expectation.
2024-04-2324 minThe Life of an EducatorE38 - Teaching with ExcellenceIn this episode, Mathew shares how he has learnt to teach with excellence to his students. He also shares how this brings a classroom culture where students are now learning with excellence. He uses practical examples and experiences to share how students need to be shown through action of what excellence looks like.
2024-04-0925 minThe Life of an EducatorE37 - Is Technology in Schools a Blessing or a Curse?In this episode, Mathew attempts to answer the always controversial question: Is technology in schools a blessing or a curse? Mathew shares his perspective, approach, and balance of the use of technology in schools and classrooms.
2024-03-2622 minThe Life of an EducatorE36 - Have Teachers Lost Authority in the Classroom?In this episode, Mathew addresses a question that arises in today's everyday conversations: Have teachers lost authority in the classroom? Mathew attempts to the answer the question through his perspective and experience.
2024-03-1223 minThe Life of an EducatorE35 - Supernatural SecretariesIn this episode, Mathew turns to the main office where you find the most caring individuals who make it all happen behind the scenes. Mathew talks about the gift of having great secretaries and the blessing they can be to so many.
2024-02-2722 minThe Life of an EducatorE34 - Tremendous TeachersAs we dive into a new season, Mathew takes a step back to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication it takes to be a teacher. He addresses both the rewards and challenges of the job and reminds each one of the impact teachers can have on children and youth.
2024-02-1321 minThe Life of an EducatorE33 - Mr. Dueck on the Hot Seat - Round 3We're back for Mr. Dueck on the Hot Seat. Dive back into the ring as Mr. Dueck answers more questions from his students and faithful listeners.
2024-01-3024 minThe Life of an EducatorE32 - Teachable MomentsDive into this engaging episode as Mathew shares about how to look for, take advantage of, and embrace teachable moments. Through personal stories, practical wisdom, and hopefully some laughs, Mathew will share that teachable moments can add a touch to anyone's day if we are sure to embrace each one of them.
2024-01-1623 minThe Life of an EducatorE31 - Preparing for ExamsIn this episode, Mathew will dive into some tips, suggestions, and tactics for preparing for exams. Listen in to discover that there is no one magical way to prepare but that preparation is necessary.
2024-01-0225 minThe Life of an EducatorE30 - Finding Balance in a Busy SeasonAs we approach the Christmas season, Mathew shares what he feels is most important and how he tries to balance the busyness of the Christmas season. Join him as he highlights some practical ways to choose what is most important to celebrate and who to spend it with this Christmas.
2023-12-1226 minThe Life of an EducatorE29 - The Impact of FailureIn this episode, Mathew talks about the word failure and the impact it can have on students and all people in society. He shares stories and thoughts of how we can use failure in a positive light.
2023-11-2824 minThe Life of an EducatorE28 - The Goal of AssessmentIn this episode, Mathew discusses his thoughts on what the goal of assessment should be in any classroom. He shares how educators need to always know the goal of assessment when planning and delivering them.
2023-11-1422 minThe Life of an EducatorE27 - The Debate on HomeworkIn this episode, Mathew shares his take on whether homework has value and if so, the where, when, why, and how of completing homework to have the best benefit of learning.
2023-10-3125 minThe Life of an EducatorE26 - The New ContentIn this episode, Mathew has finally gotten to the point in the class where new content is being delivered to the students. Mathew will share how he has learned to share it that allows the students to attain the information and understand it in a way that makes sense to them.
2023-10-1724 minThe Life of an EducatorE25 - The Next 5 MinutesIn this episode, Mathew shares that after you have engaged with your students through conversation, the next important task necessary to complete in order to create the best classroom environment possible.
2023-10-0324 minThe Life of an EducatorE24 - The First 5 MinutesIn this episode, Mathew talks about what he believes is the most important task to do in the first 5 minutes of class, no matter what grade level you find yourself teaching. Completing this task will allow you to show, as the teacher, that you care and value the students in your classroom.
2023-09-1921 minThe Life of an EducatorE23 - A New SeasonIn this new season, Mathew talks about how to deal with entering the new season you may find yourself in. He will address both the positives and negatives that come with beginning a new season with some personal stories intermixed as well.
2023-09-0522 minThe Life of an EducatorE22 - Summer is a Time for RefreshAs we wrap up season 2, Mathew shares some of the exciting activities he is looking forward to this summer as well as encourages everyone to take the summer as a time to enjoy, refresh, and do the things that you love. Enjoy an episode that is filled with ideas for how to enjoy the summer months away from the classroom.
2023-06-2720 minThe Life of an EducatorE21 - Mr. Dueck on the Hot Seat - Round 2In this episode, Mathew answers two very hot questions that he gets on a regular basis. The first is: have you ever given a student 100% in a class and if so, how did it make you feel? The second is: have you ever failed a student in a class and if so, how did it make you feel? Join him as he shares the answer to both of these great questions.
2023-06-2023 minThe Life of an EducatorE20 - Celebrating Student SuccessIn this episode, Mathew shares about how important it is to celebrate student success. We as individuals, no matter whether you are a parent, teacher, or community member, we need to celebrate the skills, talents, and creativity of students. Join him as he shares some stories and experiences of being a part of these celebrations.
2023-06-0622 minThe Life of an EducatorE19 - Spring FeverSpring is here! In this episode, Mathew talks about teaching into the late spring as the weather gets warmer and as students and staff start counting down to the summer months.
2023-05-2322 minThe Life of an EducatorE18 - There is Joy with EngagingIn this episode, Mathew shares personal and practical ways of finding joy with engaging in the passions you have. Sometimes it is very easy to do the minimum, delay, or simply deny a given engagement but Mathew encourages us to engage because when we do we realize that it was needed.
2023-05-0922 minThe Life of an EducatorE17 - Teachers MatterHost Mathew Dueck takes the time to remind each of us why teachers matter because of the influence and impact they have on their students. He shares honest thought and stories to encourage each teacher listening.
2023-04-1822 minThe Life of an EducatorE16 - OneonOne w/ Danny GlaysIn this episode, Mathew welcomes his friend Danny Glays onto the podcast to talk about his journey. Danny is someone who grew up in Calgary, then moved to Winnipeg to continue his education journey. He talks about his interests through high school as well as his journey after high school realizing that he didn't know right away what he wanted to do long term.
2023-04-0431 minThe Life of an EducatorE15 - The Struggle of Work to Life BalanceMathew takes on the challenge of discussing the work to life balance as a teacher. Through personal experiences and practical steps, he shares how to try and find that balance between being an involved educator while still finding time for the other parts of life that are important.
2023-03-2124 minThe Life of an EducatorE14 - The Importance of Extracurricular ActivitiesIn this episode, Mathew shares the importance of extracurricular activities for both the student and teacher. Mathew shares some personal experiences of being involved in his workplace and how it impacted himself as well as the students.
2023-03-0723 minThe Life of an EducatorE13 - Being a Lifelong Learner Part 2In this episode, Mathew continues talking about being a lifelong learner. In this second episode, he talks about the many practical steps we can take to being that lifelong learner.
2023-02-2121 minThe Life of an EducatorE12 - Being a Lifelong Learner Part 1In this first episode of Season 2, Mathew dives into what it takes to being a lifelong learner. In part 1 of this short 2-part series, Mathew shares about how we have to be humble and willing to grow.
2023-02-0721 minThe Life of an EducatorE11 - Mr. Dueck on the Hot SeatIn this final episode of Season 1, Mathew puts himself on the hot seat and responds to questions that listeners have sent in. In this episode, he answers two questions: one to do with favourite students and the other to do with having differing opinions from his students and colleagues.
2023-01-2423 minThe Life of an EducatorE10 - Reflection into ActionIn this episode, Mathew discusses how important it is, not just to reflect, but to reflect in order to spur us as individuals into action. He shares some insights through a couple of personal experiences and thoughts.
2023-01-1024 minThe Life of an EducatorE09 - Reflection...Is it really that important?In this episode, Mathew takes the time to talk about reflection and the importance of it. He shares a situation that he and one of his classes found themselves in just a few short weeks ago.
2022-12-2725 minThe Life of an EducatorE08 - One on One w/ Matt ReimerMathew takes the time to interview guest and friend Matthew Reimer, a university student, who has gone on a life journey of discovering his passion and purpose. Through this conversation, Matt shares his insight on his journey and what it means for him to find his passion and purpose.
2022-12-1332 minThe Life of an EducatorE07 - Finding Your PurposeIn this episode, Mathew takes the idea of passion, discussed in the previous episode and now digs deeper in discovering purpose. He explains that purpose is what gives us reason to live and make a difference in the world we find ourselves in.
2022-11-2920 minThe Life of an EducatorE06 - Finding Your PassionIn this episode, Mathew shares about the definition of passion, his view of how to approach passion, and gives some insight of how individuals can find their own passion. He does this through some personal stories and experiences of his personal passion: teaching.
2022-11-1522 minThe Life of an EducatorE05 - Having the Parents on the TeamIn this episode, Mathew discusses how parents are important to be a part of the team, when it comes to a student's educational journey. Mathew explains how teachers and parents alike are on the same team of wanting the child to grow as a person and communicating together is a key to making that happen.
2022-11-0123 minThe Life of an EducatorE04 - Taking Time to be ThankfulIn this episode, Mathew Dueck takes time to reflect on what he is thankful for, and encourages us to do the same. He reminds us on how we all have people, events, and memories in our lives that cause us to be thankful.
2022-10-1824 minThe Life of an EducatorE03 - Building a Positive Classroom Atmosphere Part 2The challenge of building a positive classroom atmosphere continues in this episode as Mathew takes what was discussed last episode and shares how these steps can be carried out over the entire year.
2022-10-0422 minThe Life of an EducatorE02 - Building a Positive Classroom Atmosphere Part 1The challenge of building a positive classroom atmosphere gets tackled in this episode as Mathew continues discussing the first week of classes with setting expectations and designing your classroom in an effective manner.
2022-09-2021 minThe Life of an EducatorE01 - The First Day of SchoolAs Mathew Dueck, launches into season #1, get an inside take on what it's like for a teacher on the first day of school. He will take you through the preparation, emotions, and practical steps to have a successful first day as an educator.
2022-09-0624 minThe Life of an EducatorPilot Episode - The Purpose and the PersonIn this pilot episode, you will get to here from the host, Mathew Dueck, and his heart and vision behind launching this podcast. He will share a little bit about his journey and how he got to this point. You will also find out what to expect in the episodes to come and how to be an involved listener.
2022-08-2313 min