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The Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 075: Season 4 Highlights!We've compiled the best "pare down pointers" from our incredible Season 4 guests into one special highlights episode, offering powerful insights and reminders about minimizing complexity in education.• Craig Rudolph emphasizes being available, responding promptly to inquiries, and genuinely listening to what people need• Jill Cross shares how color-coding systems help both students and teachers with organization• Dr. Michele Ogden reminds us "just because you can doesn't mean you should" when making career decisions• Fred Ende recommends stepping away for 24 hours when facing complex problems• Lisa Fort discusses classroom organization strategies that save time and reduce...2025-05-2715 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 074: Letters to Our September Selves with Christine and TammyHave you ever wished you could send a message back in time to your beginning-of-year self? That's exactly what we explore in this reflective episode as another school year draws to a close.The transition between academic years often happens at breakneck speed, with little time to acknowledge how much we've grown and changed. Tammy and I share the letters we would write to our September selves, capturing the wisdom gained through challenges, surprises, and victories along the way.Through honest conversation, we unpack key lessons that emerged this year. Tammy reflects on her coaching...2025-05-2032 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 073: Revisiting Our Book, The Minimalist Teacher with Tammy and ChristineTammy and Christine revisit their 2021 book "The Minimalist Teacher," reflecting on which concepts remain relevant in today's educational landscape and the ongoing conversations they're having with educators about minimalist approaches.• The Triple P funnel (Purpose, Priorities, Paring Down) helps teachers declutter instructional practices and assessment strategies• Teachers often feel overwhelmed by excessive resources and materials that weren't designed with their specific students in mind• Creating boundaries around when to check emails and limiting digital clutter can reduce cognitive overwhelm• The concept of "teaching with fidelity" must be balanced with responsiveness to student needs• Creating a...2025-05-1333 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 072: Finding Joy Again - A School Leader's Journey Back to the Classroom with Dr. Michele OgdenDr. Michele Ogden shares her journey from elementary principal back to the classroom, highlighting the importance of aligning career choices with personal strengths and sources of joy. Her story challenges traditional career progression narratives, demonstrating how finding the right fit can enhance wellbeing and professional satisfaction.• Former elementary principal who returned to teaching second and third grade• Experienced burnout during COVID with high blood pressure, insomnia and anxiety from administrative demands• Found greater purpose and joy working directly with students all day• Brought valuable leadership skills from administration into classroom teaching• Creates consistent routines...2025-05-0624 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 071: Integrating SEL Without Adding More with Dr. Krista LehDr. Krista Leh returns to discuss how educators can effectively integrate social emotional learning into their teaching without adding to their workload, emphasizing the importance of recognizing SEL skills already present in their practices.• Teachers continue to struggle with balancing personal lives and professional obligations while facing constant addition of new initiatives• SEL is more than just building relationships—it's a set of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that teachers are often already incorporating• Research shows students only need one caring, consistent adult to make a difference in their lives• Middle school leadership programs can effectivel...2025-04-2926 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 070: Rethinking Professional Development in K-12 Education with Fred EndeIn this episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we connect with Fred Ende, the Director of Curriculum and Instructional Services at Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES. Fred shares his journey from a middle school science teacher to an educational leader, highlighting the importance of professional development tailored to meet the needs of teachers and students alike. Our conversation explores how minimalism can be a powerful tool in the classroom, addressing common challenges in K-12 education today and the importance of inclusivity and adaptability in teaching practices.Fred emphasizes the need to prioritize listening and reflection, advocating for a...2025-04-2229 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 069: Leading with Love: Putting People First in Education with Laurie NameyLaurie Namey shares how prioritizing people first in educational leadership leads to transformative school cultures and student achievement. Her leadership philosophy centers on a minimalist principle, proving that when people are valued first, everything else falls into place.• Prioritize people by day, paperwork by night• The physical environment communicates value – students deserve clean, well-maintained spaces• Create non-negotiable routines that center on student interactions• Personalized communication matters – handwritten notes have profound impact• Allow space for vulnerability in leadership when facing challenges• In crisis moments, focus solely on what's best for students• Core values and clear p...2025-04-1527 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 068: From Classroom to Corporate with Lindsay DurkinLindsay Durkin shares her transformative transition from a passionate first-grade teacher to a corporate training manager, reflecting on the challenges of feeling unfulfilled in teaching and the valuable skills she carries into her new role. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's value beyond the classroom and the potential for finding fulfillment in a different professional environment. • Exploration of Lindsay’s journey from teacher to corporate trainer • Discussion on feelings of unfulfillment and burnout in teaching • Insights into the transition to corporate training and adult learning • Highlighting transferable skills from teaching to corporate settings ...2025-04-0826 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 067: The Power of Personalized Tutoring with Craig RudolphDiscover how personalized tutoring reshapes lives and builds pathways to success in this engaging episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, featuring Craig Rudolph, owner of School is Easy Tutoring in Edmonton. With a background in banking and a passion for education, Craig transitioned to tutoring, highlighting the critical human touch in learning experiences. In a world increasingly reliant on digital interactions, Craig underscores the importance of face-to-face guidance that fosters rapport and engagement.This episode delves into the motivating factors behind parents seeking tutoring services and reveals insights into the tutoring process—ranging from academic support for st...2025-04-0126 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 066: The Twin Sins of Planning with Tammy and ChristineCan activity-packed lessons actually hinder true learning? Join Tammy and Christine on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we unravel the "twin sins of planning," a thought-provoking concept brought to light by McTighe and Willis. We promise you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how the focus on fun, activity-oriented lessons and an obsession with content coverage can unintentionally overshadow genuine student engagement and understanding. Sharing insights from personal journeys and the brilliant Minimalist Teacher book, we explore strategies to ensure that lessons are not only engaging but also meaningful and centered around the students' needs.Facing th...2025-03-2524 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 065: The Double Whammy Strategy with Christine and TammyUnlock the secrets of effective teaching by mastering the "double whammy" strategy with us on this week's Minimalist Educator Podcast. We'll guide you through the art of teaching content and learning behaviors simultaneously, a transformative approach pioneered by Guy Claxton. Discover how adopting this dual focus can reshape your classroom, ensuring that students not only absorb academic knowledge but also develop crucial learning behaviors that lead to long-term success. Through our personal stories and insights, you'll learn how subtle cues from educators can significantly influence students' approach to learning and achievement.Join us as we highlight the...2025-03-1820 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 064: Focusing on One Teaching Point with Tammy and ChristineThis episode emphasizes the value of focusing on one teaching point to enhance clarity and learning outcomes in the classroom. Through practical strategies, real-life examples, and discussions on cognitive load, the hosts provide insights into effective teaching practices that can improve student success while promoting a minimalist approach to education.• Exploring the definition and significance of one teaching point • Discussing the cognitive load and its relation to lesson planning • Sharing real-life examples of complex versus focused lessons • Presenting strategies for maintaining a singular focus during lessons • Emphasizing the importance of lesson closure and periodic c...2025-03-1122 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 063: Mastering Curriculum Development with Jill CrossJoin us for a compelling journey into the art of curriculum development with our brilliant guest, Jill Cross, a National Board Certified Teacher and seasoned curriculum director. Jill shares her diverse experiences across various educational settings, from small Catholic schools to innovative museum schools, and her current role at an independent Jewish day school in Memphis, Tennessee. Learn how she deftly balances teachers' passions with the ever-evolving needs of students and standards, and discover invaluable strategies for effective curriculum changes. Through Jill's stories, we highlight the power of building strong relationships and fostering open communication with faculty to drive...2025-03-0426 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 062: Unlocking Empathy in Educational Leadership with Dr. Tom HoerrDiscover the transformative power of empathy in education with Dr. Tom Hoerr, a distinguished educator and author whose 37-year journey in educational leadership is nothing short of inspiring. As we discuss his insightful book, "The Principal as Chief Empathy Officer," Tom explains why empathy is not just a buzzword but a crucial element for nurturing growth among students and staff. Reflecting on our first encounter at a conference in Dubai, we unravel the profound impact of his "Formative Five" approach, which champions character and emotional intelligence over mere academic accolades. This episode promises to enlighten listeners on how fostering...2025-02-2529 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 061: Deep Dive into Effective Science Teaching with Lisa FortCan mastering only 70% of the material at a high level of mastery truly prepare students for life’s scientific challenges? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we chat with Lisa Fort, an accomplished earth science teacher from New York State, who believes it can. Lisa shares her expert strategies for organizing science curriculum and planning lessons that emphasize a deep understanding of core concepts through backward planning. She stresses the importance of reinforcing practical skills like measurement and graphing, ensuring students build a solid foundation that equips them for real-world applications. By prioritizing depth over breadth, Lisa ai...2025-02-1832 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 060: Balancing Relationships and Teaching: Insights from Educator Partners Part 2 with Tammy and ChristineUnlock the secrets behind the fascinating world of teaching through the lens of their partners. This episode promises to enlighten you on how the partners of educators interpret the job satisfaction of their significant others. We highlight the intriguing dichotomy between those who perceive their partners as content and those who notice neutrality or dissatisfaction. Explore how subtle signs like stress levels and health play a role and gain insights into the joys and humorous moments that bring fulfillment to a teacher's day. We also encourage teachers and their partners to engage in open discussions about workplace happiness, fostering...2025-02-1121 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 059: Balancing Relationships and Teaching: Insights from Educator Partners Part 1 with Tammy and ChristineWhat happens when the classroom door closes, but the workday continues at home? Join us for an eye-opening exploration into the personal lives of educators, as seen through the eyes of their significant others. Discover the surprising truth that 65% of teacher partners report their loved ones bringing work home often. This episode reveals the intricate dance of maintaining a fulfilling relationship while balancing the demanding nature of teaching, particularly for elementary educators. Tune in for heartwarming stories and candid insights into the long-term commitments that often define educator relationships, and see how these commitments withstand the pressures of the...2025-02-0427 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 058: Revisiting Empowering Math Instruction with Naomi ChurchNaomi Church, a passionate advocate for minimalist teaching strategies in math, joins us to unravel the complexities of modern math instruction. What if less really is more when it comes to teaching math? Discover how simplifying your approach can not only alleviate the overwhelming burden of an extensive curriculum but also transform the learning environment into one where engagement and strategic thinking flourish. From the Universal Design for Learning framework to fostering a classroom culture ripe for productive struggle, Naomi's insights encourage educators to rethink how math is taught.Empowering students is at the heart of our...2025-01-2833 min
The Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 057: Revisiting Advocacy for Minimalism with Tammy and ChristineCould embracing minimalism and advocating for yourself transform your teaching and personal life? Join us as we promise to uncover how reducing unnecessary workloads and protecting personal time can lead to a more fulfilling and effective educational experience. Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and Christine Arnold revisit a beloved discussion, spotlighting how involving students more actively in their learning can help educators maintain a healthier work-life balance. By recognizing our students' capabilities, we can create opportunities for productive struggle, lessen our stress, and improve student engagement. We'll share stories and strategies for aligning our teaching with minimalist principles that empower both educators...2025-01-2128 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 056: Revisiting The Art of Subtraction with Dan TricaricoJoin us on a transformative journey with our special guest, Dan Tricarico, a veteran high school teacher who has seamlessly woven Zen principles into the fabric of his teaching. Uncover Dan's inspiring story of navigating the throes of burnout and emerging with a toolkit of mindfulness strategies that not only reignited his passion for education but also equipped him with the means to sustain it. This episode promises to offer you practical insights into balancing the demands of teaching with personal passions, such as writing and photography, creating a fulfilling and well-rounded life. Dan's approach is a beacon for...2025-01-1426 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastBONUS: Season 4 Preview!In Season Four of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we explore the important intersection of teaching and personal life while reflecting on our most popular episodes. The discussions emphasize human connections in education, effective instructional strategies, and the importance of compassion in teaching. • Overview of new season and its highlights • Top three episodes based on listener popularity • Insights from educator-partner survey responses • Exploration of effective instructional strategies • Guest interviews on tutoring and teaching experiences • Discussion on leading with love and humanity in education • Call for audience engagement and suggestionsSend us a textSuppo...2025-01-0708 minThe Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 055: Season 3 HighlightsEver wondered how you can streamline your teaching methods and maximize productivity? This final episode of Season 3 on the Minimalist Educator Podcast is your go-to guide! We’ve compiled the most impactful "Pair Down Pointers" from our brilliant guests, starting with Jennifer Orr’s practical end-of-day task hack from episode 45, to Naomi Church and Sarah Decotis advocacy for fewer, more effective online instructional programs from episode 56. And don’t miss the sage advice from Peter DeWitt and Mike Nelson in episode 42 on the transformative power of finding a good collaborator in educational leadership.But that's not all—this epi...2024-12-1721 min
The Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 054: Simplicity in Online Programs Naomi Church and Sarah DeCotisCan you imagine navigating a world where your child's education is simplified and more effective? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we uncover how to streamline online educational programs with the help of our insightful guests, Naomi Church and Sarah DeCotis from Age of Learning. Naomi, an expert educator and national math curriculum specialist, and Sarah, a national literacy director, share their wisdom on managing the overwhelming number of ed tech tools in schools. With the typical school district juggling around 1,400 different programs, they reveal the critical need to reduce this number to ensure smooth implementation and...2024-12-1024 min