E196: Molly and Weston's Guide to Professional Development Pitfalls

In this insightful episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston share their seasoned perspectives on identifying ineffective professional development (PD) sessions, drawing from their extensive experience as educators and PD participants. They humorously outline three telltale signs of a "garbage PD," from awkward icebreakers and dismissive "parking lot" question tactics to overly simplistic buzzwords like "engagement" and "innovation." Through a lively "he said, she said" segment, they reveal their personal pet peeves, like Weston's disdain for slide readers and Molly's love for turn-and-talk strategies. Their candid discussion, peppered with anecdotes about their teaching lives, encourages educators to champion great PD and approach all sessions with professionalism. In this episode: * Molly and Weston reveal three signs you're stuck in a subpar PD session. * A humorous take on Weston's earthy wardrobe choices and Molly's jumpsuit preference. * Their frustrations with buzzwords and overly rah-rah presenters. * Their goal: inspire educators to value and promote effective PD while staying respectful. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this dynamic episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the world of humor, debating whether you can teach someone to be funny. Weston confesses his love for funny people, sharing stories of his friend’s squirrel-induced 911 call, while Molly defends her knack for laughing at her own jokes, like her classic “Winnie’s Poo” bit. They swap laughs over their differing senses of humor—Weston’s penchant for clumsy mishaps versus Molly’s love for clever wordplay—and explore how humor lightens family and classroom life. Molly’s call to embrace laughter inspires a fresh approach to finding joy in the everyday. In this episode: * Molly and Weston tackle the question: can you teach someone to be funny? * A heartfelt look at Weston’s awkward gas station gaffe versus Molly’s repetitive joke-telling. * Weston’s take on how humor stems from ludicrous responses to the mundane. * Their goal: foster a lighthearted home and classroom by celebrating humor. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this lively episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the spirit of Independence Day, exploring moments when they crave a break from their spouse, kids, and jobs. Weston shares his frustrations with their mischievous puppy chewing up the house, while Molly reflects on the challenges of toxic work environments and teenage attitudes. They swap laughs over their quirky pet peeves, from Molly’s exasperation with entitled kids to Weston’s irritation with veiled “we” tasks. Through a fun “he said, she said” segment, they compare each other to Founding Fathers and fireworks, all while emphasizing the importance of taking time outs to maintain balance. Molly’s call to embrace short-term independence inspires listeners to find peace amid life’s chaos. In this episode: * Molly and Weston discuss declaring independence from their spouse, kids, and jobs. * A humorous take on Molly as a cherry bomb and Weston as a patriotic firework. * Weston’s struggles with a destructive puppy versus Molly’s battles with teen sass. * Their goal: embrace small breaks to foster a balanced, resentment-free life. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this dynamic episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the world of clutter—physical, mental, and emotional. Weston shares how a childhood flood shaped his detachment from stuff, while Molly defends her sentimental keepsakes, like a cherished family veil. They swap laughs over their quirky habits, from Molly’s recycling obsession to Weston’s love for buying ten identical shirts, and explore how clutter impacts their relationships and peace of mind. Molly’s call to clean out the chaos inspires a fresh approach to living intentionally. In this episode: * Molly and Weston tackle the chaos of physical, mental, and emotional clutter. * A heartfelt look at Molly’s sentimental treasures versus Weston’s “burn it all” vibe. * Weston’s take on how clutter creates barriers to meaningful connections. * Their goal: create a calming, clutter-free home and mind for their family. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this heartfelt Father's Day episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston celebrate the dads in their lives, sharing cherished memories and lessons learned. Weston gets emotional recalling his dad’s sacrifices, while Molly praises her father’s unwavering support as their biggest fan. They dive into how strong father figures shape kids’ identities and swap laughs over their kids’ gift-giving with “someone else’s money.” Molly’s call to honor all dads sets the tone for a warm tribute to fatherhood.  In this episode: * Molly and Weston share touching stories about their dads’ work ethic and presence. * A deep dive into how fathers shape kids’ identities and expectations in relationships. * Molly’s appreciation for her dad’s role as president of the family fan club. * Their parenting goals: passing down respect, hard work, and love to their kids. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this engaging episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the gripping world of 100 Foot Wave, exploring the tension between personal ambition and family priorities. Weston questions the drive behind chasing dangerous goals like big wave surfing, while Molly reflects on the sacrifices made for passion. They share candid thoughts on balancing their own dreams with being present for their kids, with plenty of humor and heartfelt moments. Molly’s push for prioritizing family time sets the stage for a thoughtful discussion on choices and consequences. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to join the convo! In this episode: * Molly and Weston unpack the 100 Foot Wave docuseries and its themes of ambition. * A deep dive into balancing personal goals with family responsibilities. * Molly’s take on when kids’ needs should take precedence during key developmental years. * Their parenting goals: making intentional choices to prioritize family amidst life’s demands. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this lively episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston tackle the tricky topic of why kids lie, diving into the psychology behind truth and trust. Molly shares insights on kids’ avoidance tactics, while Weston recounts hilarious classroom moments of blatant fibs. They reflect on their own parenting struggles, from phone-related fibs to toothbrush lies, with plenty of laughs along the way. Molly’s push for open communication sets the stage for fostering honesty in their kids.  In this episode: * Molly and Weston explore why kids lie, from small fibs to bigger cover-ups. * A funny throwback to kids denying the obvious, like talking in class. * Molly’s call for building trust to encourage truth-telling at home. * Their parenting goals: navigating consequences, modeling honesty, and keeping it real. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this vibrant episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly dive into summer planning, debating structure versus downtime for kids. Weston’s hilarious tale of being kicked outside by his dad contrasts Molly’s push for social teen summers. They share laughs over their son’s golf obsession and Weston’s nap dreams.  Molly’s push for teen jobs and friends sets the tone for a season of family outings and joy. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to join the convo! In this episode: * Weston and Molly debate structured summers versus free-range kid time. * A funny throwback to Weston’s MTV summer turned social by his dad’s nudge. * Molly’s push for teen jobs and friends, banning basement video games. * Their summer goals: family adventures, naps (for Weston), and kid-driven fun. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this fiery episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly take on the valedictorian obsession as graduation season looms. Why chase perfect grades when balance builds trailblazers? From their teaching days and parenting their high schooler, they call out parental posturing and champion kids who carve their own path.  Molly’s quirky student stories and a lawyer’s success beyond grades inspire their push for passion over GPAs. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to join the convo! In this episode: * Weston and Molly debunk the valedictorian myth and its skewed priorities. * They share insights from teaching gifted kids and navigating teen goals. * A lawyer’s story proves success isn’t tied to elite grades or colleges. * A call to parents: prioritize well-rounded growth over academic perfection. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this fun episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly tackle the Disney adult craze, reflecting on their one-time Disney World trip with their kids. Is Disney a joyful nod to childhood or a sidestep from adult life? They laugh over crowd chaos, cherish kid-driven magic, and question dopamine-fueled vacations.  Molly’s playful nods to Aladdin and Belle nudge listeners to find adventure beyond the Mouse. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to join the convo! In this episode: * Weston and Molly share their Disney World experience and why they’re done. * They probe the allure of Disney adulthood and its escapist vibes. * Playful nods to Disney characters like Aladdin and Belle, reflecting growth struggles. * A challenge to Disney fans: swap one trip for a non-Disney bucket-list adventure. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.