• Episode 47 – Kimberly Snodgrass

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    KIMBERLY SNODGRASS is a 7th grade ELA teacher. She advocates for creative thinking, BookSnaps, Sketchnotes, Edu GIFS, and other creative ways for students to represent their learning.

    In our conversation, Kim recalls the challenge of beginning a high school teaching assignment with a lot of preparation required and next to no experience in education. She credits this period with allowing her to learn the art of teaching without preconceived ideas or the pressure of “textbook mentality.” Kim talks about the importance of staying hungry as an educator, cultivating creativity and critical thinking in the classroom, and engaging regularly with other education thinkers. She also passes on some solid recommendations for books to read, educators to follow on Twitter, edtech tools to try in the classroom, and much more.

    Follow Kim online here:

    Find the highlights from our conversation at the timestamps below:

    • 0:50 – Kim describes her current and past experiences as an educator. She currently teaches 7th grade ELA in a middle school in Nebraska, but she’s taught high school in the past as well.
    • 1:33 – She describes one of the most challenging points in her education career: starting a high school teaching assignment in a smaller school (which meant that she was prepping for a number of courses on a daily basis) with zero experience in the classroom.
    • 4:35 – Kim talks about the things that really excite her about education today: more focus on the soft skills in education: creativity, collaboration, and teamwork. 21st century education is finally acknowledging that simply focusing on the three Rs does not serve students well.
    • 7:29 – Outside of her classroom, Kim is busy pursuing another Master’s degree. She’s particularly fascinated by constructivist pedagogy and personalized learning models. But she’s also energized and inspired by the more practical education books from Dave Burgess Consulting, like Teach Like a Pirate.
    • 11:07 – A personal habit that Kim points to as a key to her personal success is the fact that she always remains hungry to learn more and engage with other lifelong learners. The thrill of learning never gets old.
    • 13:08 – On Twitter, Kim recommends following @BurgessDave and @HeckAwesome. She credits Dave Burgess with inspiring her to get more connected and contribute on Twitter in the first place.
    • 15:44 – Kim is all about helping students access creative technology tools that allow them to represent their learning in fun and unique ways. One such tool that she’s had a hand in perfecting and promoting is Edu GIFs. Find out how to make your own Edu GIFs at https://daveburgess.com/get-your-gif-on/.
    • 19:40 – We hear about three slamming book recommendations:  1) The Pepper Effect by Sean Gaillard (@SMGaillard), 2) The EduNinja Mindset: 11 Habits for Building a Stronger Mind and Body by Jennifer Burdis (@Jennifer_Burdis), and 3) Be REAL: Educate from the Heart by Tara Martin (@TaraMartinEDU).
    • 21:00 – Looking for another great education podcast to add to your commute this year? Kim recommends Well Played by Michael Matera (@MrMatera).
    • 25:06 – For a great YouTube channel to subscribe to, Kim’s going back to the same dude: Michael Matera, master of gamification and author of Explore Like a Pirate. Check out his channel. Another up-and-coming channel that provided her with some lesson inspiration lately is Stefanie Crawford’s channel. To find out more about Stefanie Crawford, follow her on Twitter as well at @MrsCFord_Tweets.
    • 26:32 – Kim is far too busy (and frankly too hungry to learn) to watch much Netflix, but the last show she binged on there was Fuller House, a modern sequel to the original Full House.
    • 27:40 – We sign off on the conversation, and Kim gives us the best ways to follow her online. On Twitter, you can find her @KimSnodgrass, and you can check out her class blog at https://kimsnodgrass.weebly.com/.

    Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire podcast on your mobile device: iTunes | Google Podcasts | YouTube

    Follow the podcast on Twitter @TeachersOnFire and on Instagram @TeachersOnFire.

    Song Track Credits

    • Intro: Relax (by Simon More)
    • Outtro: Starley – Call on Me Remix (by DJ Zhorik)

    Listen to this episode on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes!

  • Episode 46 – Katelynn Giordano

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    KATELYNN GIORDANO is a sixth grade language arts teacher in Sugar Grove, IL. You can find more of her insights on learning, reading, and writing at CurriculumCoffee.com – “a written shot of espresso for educators.”

    In our conversation, Katelynn recalls the time early in her career when a veteran colleague told her not to speak during faculty meetings. Part of her recovery from that discouraging blow involved moving to a new middle school position, where she was fortunate to come under the wing of a mentor who was supportive in every way. It was the positive energy and encouragement gleaned in this environment that helped shape her into the talented and motivated educator she is today. Katelynn also explains why she’s passionate about education and describes the activities that fuel her personal fire outside of the classroom. She tells us about the daily routines that make her productive, and offers some awesome recommendations on Twitter, books, edtech tools, and more.

    Follow Katelynn online here:

    Find the highlights from our conversation at the timestamps below:

    • 0:52 – Katelynn describes her current context as a 6th grade English teacher at Kaneland Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove, IL, USA.
    • 1:12 – We go back to a time when a veteran colleague told Katelynn to be quiet and not speak during faculty meetings. It was a discouraging encounter to say the least, taking the wind out of her sails for considerable time. Later, Katelynn took an open position in a middle school and was fortunate to come under the wing of a mentor who was supportive in every way. In this case, the grass really was greener on the other side of the fence, and the two contrasting experiences have given her a passion for positive mentorship in education.
    • 6:11 – Katelynn’s passions for education today focus on student-directed and personalized learning, empowering learners to take initiative, giving learners voice and choice, and teaching writing in new and personalized and effective ways. Her perspectives will inspire you!
    • 12:46 – One area of personal learning outside of the classroom has been her rediscovery of the joys of writing. She blogs at CurriculumCoffee.com, and savours the therapeutic qualities of synthesizing ideas and presenting them in ways that others can access and learn from. She also dabbles in drawing, painting, and other artistic pursuits when time allows.
    • 16:14 – A personal habit that contributes to her success is working out each day. She talks about the value of getting away from the digital noise, alone with her thoughts and the positive rewards of exercise. She also enjoys reading children’s literature and using her reading experiences to engage in authentic conversations with students around their reading.
    • 18:26 – On Twitter, Katelynn recommends following @MisterMinor.
    • 19:17 – Her pick for edtech tools is the fabulous FlipGrid. Follow them on Twitter @FlipGrid.
    • 21:15 – Katelynn is a reader, so you know these two picks are good ones. For children’s literature, check out Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rodes. In education, you want Being the Change: Lessons and Strategies to Teach Social Comprehension by Sara K. Ahmed.
    • 22:44 – When she’s got no energy left for reading or writing, Katelynn is watching a Netflix favourite: The Office.
    • 23:51 – We sign off on the conversation, and Katelynn tells us the best places to find and follow her content online. See above for details!

    Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire podcast on your mobile device: iTunes | Google Podcasts | YouTube

    Follow the podcast on Twitter @TeachersOnFire and on Instagram @TeachersOnFire.

    Song Track Credits

    • Intro: Relax (by Simon More)
    • Outtro: Starley – Call on Me Remix (by DJ Zhorik)

    Listen to this episode on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes!

  • Episode 45 – Jarrod Dumas

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    JARROD DUMAS is an assistant principal at Oak Hill Middle School in Sabattus, Maine. He recently published Unlocking Excellence: A Guide to Becoming an Extraordinary Educator.

    In our conversation, Jarrod recalls a great story about how his own sarcasm once cost him in the classroom. He shares about the heart and message of his book, and discusses the sources of his excitement in education today. We also get into Carl Jung’s archetypes, fitness, educators to follow on Twitter, Sherlock Holmes, and more! See below for more details and timestamps from our conversation.

    Follow Jarrod online here:

    Find the highlights from our conversation at the timestamps below:

    • 0:55 – Jarrod describes his current position and responsibilities as Assistant Principal at Oak Hill Middle School in Sabattus, ME.
    • 2:26 – “Well, if you would get off your ass and teach us something … I wouldn’t be playing these games now, would I?” Jarrod recalls a time that sarcasm cost him in the classroom and explains how being authentic with students can build relationships and buy credibility.
    • 8:13 – We talk about the heart and message for educators in Unlocking Excellence: A Guide to Becoming an Extraordinary Educator. In the book, Jarrod shares practical advice and relevant examples that help educators improve their mindset and become the best that they can be.
    • 12:01 – There’s a lot that excites Jarrod about education today: the opportunity to shift the paradigm in education, the promise of technology and the ability to bring the outside world into the classroom, and more. There’s nothing we can’t sort out if every part of the learning community contributes and pulls together, he says.
    • 13:39 – An area of personal learning that has been fascinating Jarrod outside of education lately is Carl Jung’s work on archetypes, which can give us a fresh lens through which to view and understand ourselves and our potential.
    • 17:07 – A personal habit that contributes to his success is fitness: exercising regularly, eating right, walking, and practicing self-care. As educators, we need to remember to put on the oxygen mask first.
    • 19:37 – On Twitter, Jarrod points us toward @TeacherofSci1, who offers great content on Instagram and has a large following on other platforms but is relatively new to Twitter.
    • 20:43 – Looking to classroom practice, Jarrod recommends any edtech tools that increase student engagement. In particular, he mentions Socrative and Kahoot. Get to know those two platforms on Twitter @Socrative and @GetKahoot.
    • 20:43 – Jarrod gives us two great book recommendations. The first is King, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette. The second is Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories Vol. 1 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
    • 23:26 – If you’re looking for some hard-hitting motivation for your creative and entrepreneurial dreams, look no further than The Gary Vee Audio Experience by @GaryVee.
    • 24:36 – A YouTube channel that never fails to deliver motivation in the mornings for Jarrod is Motivation Guru. He recommends subscribing!
    • 25:30 – When he’s got no energy for anything productive, Jarrod is watching Peaky Blinders on Netflix.
    • 26:23 – We sign off on the conversation and Jarrod shares the best ways and places to follow him online! See above for details and links.

    Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire podcast on your mobile device: iTunes | Google Podcasts | YouTube

    Follow the podcast on Twitter @TeachersOnFire and on Instagram @TeachersOnFire.

    Song Track Credits

    • Intro: Relax (by Simon More)
    • Outtro: Starley – Call on Me Remix (by DJ Zhorik)

    Listen to this episode on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes!

  • Episode 44 – Joshua Stamper

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    JOSHUA STAMPER is an assistant principal, husband, father, blogger, and graphic artist in Frisco, TX. He’s also the host of Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast. You’ll find his writing at https://joshstamper.blogspot.com/.

    In our conversation, Josh discusses the mission and vision of his podcast on leadership in education, Aspire. He tells us why he’s excited about the incredible changes that have come to education in the last decade, pointing out that “But this is the way we’ve always done things” doesn’t fly anymore. He explains how his experience in graphic design contributes to his current work, and reminds us that school cultures aren’t built from behind desks. Finally, he gives us some great recommendations for books to read, Twitter personalities to follow, and more.

    Follow Josh online here:

    Find the highlights from our conversation at the timestamps below:

    • 0:55 – Josh describes his current context in education: he’s been an assistant principal for five years and now serves in the Frisco Independent School District in Frisco, TX.
    • 1:21 – He recalls the time and energy spent learning the ropes of administration before being denied the opportunity he was hoping for. Later though, he was given a different administrative opportunity which ultimately became the best scenario possible.
    • 3:44 – Joshua tells the story of the Aspire: Leadership Development podcast, including his discovery of an incredible appetite for more sharing of stories, resources, and information among education administrators. Part of his vision for the podcast is to recover the positivity, excitement, and joy found in leadership roles in education.
    • 7:34 – Josh talks about some of the sources of his excitement in education today: the rapid changes we’ve seen in the last decade, the fact that educators are learning about other ways of learning and teaching, and the reality that “this is how we’ve always done it” doesn’t fly anymore. Today, education is clearly about the learners, about seeing the whole child in all of their emotional needs, and about growing the whole person (including restorative and trauma-informed practices).
    • 8:31 – Other areas of personal interest and learning include his love of graphic design and more recently the process of podcasting. If you haven’t seen his promotional materials for the Aspire podcast, his expertise in graphic design is easy to see.
    • 11:03 – In terms of personal habits and productivity, Josh focuses on putting the most important things first, being a present administrator, being in classes consistently, and interacting with students. Building relationships and positive school cultures can’t be done from behind a desk.
    • 12:15 – On Twitter, Josh recommends following @BarbaraGruener.
    • 13:12 – An edtech tool that is working well for Josh is Calendly.You can follow them on Twitter @Calendly.
    • 14:23 – His book pick is Be Real: Educate from the Heart by Tara Martin (@TaraMartinEDU).
    • 15:02 – As a podcaster himself, you know Josh’s podcast picks will be good. He mentions two: My Bad by Jon Harper (@JonHarper70bd) and the ShareMO Edu Podcast hosted by Dr. Rena Hawkins (@Renathunderhawk) and Eric Carlin (@Eric_Carlin).
    • 15:40 – His pick for YouTube channels is one produced by Todd Nesloney’s. Follow Todd on Twitter @TechNinjaTodd.
    • 16:28 – When the day is spent and energy wanes, Josh and his wife are watching reruns of a sitcom classic on Netflix: Frasier.
    • 17:04 – We sign off on the conversation, and Josh reminds us of the best ways to follow his content online. See above for the details!

    Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire podcast on your mobile device: iTunes | Google Podcasts | YouTube

    Follow the podcast on Twitter @TeachersOnFire and on Instagram @TeachersOnFire.

    Song Track Credits

    • Intro: Relax (by Simon More)
    • Outtro: Starley – Call on Me Remix (by DJ Zhorik)

    Listen to this episode on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes!

  • Episode 43 – David McFarland

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    DAVID McFARLAND is a high school IB humanities teacher at Pacific Academy in Surrey, BC, Canada. Follow him on Twitter @MrMcFTeaches.

    In our conversation, David talks about how “We don’t even know you!” challenged him to rethink the importance of building relationships with his students. He describes some of his passions in education today: helping students navigate knowledge critically instead of merely absorbing content, using digital tools to customize learning experiences, and continuing to advocate for some reading on paper. David also shares some of his lifelong learning outside of the classroom, a daily ritual that builds relationships, and his top picks in books, Twitter, Youtube, and more.

    Find the highlights from our conversation at the timestamps below:

    • 0:49 – David describes his current teaching situation as a high school humanities teacher at Pacific Academy in Surrey, BC, Canada.
    • 1:18 – Three or four classes into the school year at a new school, he recalls a student bursting out with “We don’t even know you!” That experience challenged him in a positive way and helped him think more deeply about the relational component of teaching. Today, he takes more time and makes more intentional investments in building relationships with his learners.
    • 6:05 – There’s a lot that gets David excited about education today: a new curriculum in BC, better options for course customization, helping students think critically and navigate knowledge instead of dumping content on them, interpreting content in a world that is becoming entirely digital, and still advocating for some reading on paper.
    • 11:25 – One area of learning for David outside of his teaching is the art of cooking. He’s had fun this summer playing around with different cuisines while working his way through the New York Times cooking app. It’s a hobby his family appreciates, because there is always a product everyone can enjoy at the end of every experiment!
    • 13:02 – A personal habit that contributes to his success is based on a fine taste for coffee. He explains how this can be a “ritual that is relational” – an activity that invites others into the creation and enjoyment of the teacher’s go-to beverage. Another habit that feeds him is regularly reading books while at school.
    • 15:53 – David recommends following high school social studies teacher Glen Thielman (@GThielmann).
    • 17:06 – The edtech tool that has made the biggest impression recently is Google Classroom.
    • 21:04 – David’s pick for books is You Are What You Love by James K. A. Smith (@James_KA_Smith).
    • 24:01 – A podcast to add to your podcast line-up is The Way of Improvement Leads Home by (@JohnFea1).
    • 25:40 – If you’re a Social Studies teacher, you need to subscribe to John Green’s Crash Course on YouTube. Follow @TheCrashCourse on Twitter as well.
    • 27:35 – When he’s got time in the summer to enjoy the pleasures of Netflix, David’s watching the The Office and Better Call Saul.
    • 28:42 – David reminds us of where to find him on Twitter @MrMcFTeaches.

    Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire podcast on your mobile device: iTunes | Google Podcasts | YouTube

    Follow the podcast on Twitter @TeachersOnFire and on Instagram @TeachersOnFire.

    Song Track Credits

    • Intro: Relax (by Simon More)
    • Outtro: Starley – Call on Me Remix (by DJ Zhorik)

    Listen to this episode on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes!