2.20 Classroom Connections

Teachers, before we start the beginning of another school year I feel like it's important to hear the messages from those who are at the end of this life. What would they do differently? Would your dying self encourage you to keep teaching? A conversation with your older self could change how you live your life for the upcoming school year. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

While we get ready to start our summer break in the States my time away from the classroom will be extended. Since the field of education doesn't seem to be making positive changes for teachers it's time for me to make a change. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

Recently, many teachers are making decisions about leaving the classroom. Bryan reads "When Is It Time to Quit Teaching" by former guest Vicki Davis. The full article can be found at http://www.coolcatteacher.com/when-is-it-time-to-quit-teaching/ Ending something we enjoy is a decision we face several times in our lifetime. This episode will help you to determine if you just need a break or really need to let go.  Original NBC news clip https://youtu.be/c6i2U6dRhgs     --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

Clutter kills creativity and serves no real value to you and your students. The minimalism movement is growing and teachers can use its core principals to have an improved classroom environment. It's simply getting rid of things you do not use or need, leaving an uncluttered, simple environment to where you can focus on things that really matter in your class.  Our days are tough enough as it is. Why not use the end of the year to get rid of things that are serving no real value to you or your students? Mentioned on the program: Tiny Houses & the Quest to De-Clutter As most of us conclude a challenging school year, this will be the final show for this season. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

 On this episode, Bryan interviews his mom. Not only did she have an incredible impact on her family, she also made a difference in the lives of many students. Evelyn taught a vast amount of students during three decades. This episode highlights some of what she learned in her teaching journey.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

 Joining us for this episode is Erin Gruwell. Her teaching story was made into a book "The Freedom Writers Diary" and a movie "Freedom Writers"!  By fostering an educational philosophy that valued and promoted diversity, she transformed her students’ lives, most of whom were seen as "unteachable". She encouraged them to rethink rigid beliefs about themselves and others, to reconsider daily decisions, and to re-chart their futures. With Erin's steadfast support, her students shattered stereotypes to become critical thinkers, aspiring college students, and citizens for change.  Also, Erin shares how the publication of her student's world "The Freedom Writers Diary" became a best seller.  For more about the Freedom Writers foundation visit http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

As the school year is coming to an end, many teachers shut down and give the students unstructured free time. While this may work with some groups, for many teachers it can lead to more stress and classroom management problems. In this episode, Bryan shares some ideas on how you can end the school year on a fun note, yet stay true to the learning environment. After all, students have all summer to rest and goof around. It shouldn't happen in your classroom. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

Teacher and author Lewis Buzbee join us on the program to discuss his book "Blackboard-A Personal History of the Classroom". We discuss classrooms of the past, evaluate schools in the present, and offer possibilities for how education will be in the future. For more of Lewis Buzbee check out https://www.lewisbuzbee.com     --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

On this episode, Bryan welcomes former Georgia Teacher of the Year for 2016 Ernie Lee (@GATOTY2016). At the time of this recording, Mr. Lee had only been in the classroom for a few years. He quickly found great success in the education profession. This former lawyer turned teacher shares  strategies that worked well for him and offers some motivation to fellow teachers. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

Almost every teacher has a classroom where there is one unmotivated student, regardless of what you try. The parents have lost hope. Is this failure your fault? Could a better teacher have done better? Not likely. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message