On Empty Desks

This is the third episode of our new Unjammed series, with a topic that a lot of teachers still are struggling with in their classrooms: chronic student absences and the consequent empty desks in the classroom. In this episode, he shares how difficult it can be as a teacher to encounter so many of these “empty desks”—and in particular how much it takes as a teacher to build and maintain a classroom that is motivating and purposeful for those there and taking care of business while also being a welcoming, affirming space for students who have been absent, sometimes quite regularly. Straddling this daily as a teacher? It is really difficult—and it felt like it deserved space for reflection in this episode. Also: have your own potential Unjammed reflection you’d be willing to share or have a conversation about? * Email [email protected] and let us know what it’s about! We would love to bring different teacher experiences and perspectives into this space. * You can also share your reflection directly at this Fanlist link—and you never know, it could show up on a future episode! (Note: we would reach out first to let you know and get permission.) As always, thanks to: Alberto Lugo, one of Jim’s former students, for contributing their music to The Broken Copier podcast—and also Tom Csatari for allowing us to use his band’s recording of “Woodstock” from their 2020 album, Garden. * Find Tom’s work at uncivilizedtom.com, and on Instagram @banduncivilized. * Find Alberto’s work at djsynchro.weebly.com, and on Instagram @djsynchro. Thanks for listening! Share or leave a review if you’re willing, and take care of yourselves as educators as we finish out the school year! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebrokencopier.substack.com