Beyond Standards: The Reality of Teaching
by Beyond Standards: The Reality of Teaching
Welcome to “Beyond Standards,” the platform where teachers engage in real conversations about the world of education. Join us for inspiring stories of teachers navigating the trenches and take on the daily challenges in education. We go beyond the standards and explore tools and strategies that will ensure a lasting positive impact on your students and improve your overall teaching experience.
Episodes
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Year End Reflection: Failing To Hold Students Accountable and Putting an End to Boring 8th Grade Presentation
No learning targets, no success criteria, and absolutely no Schoology lesson planning—the first official day of summer is finally here! In this quick, reflective episode, Joe and Jeff look back at the highs and lows of the school year. With over 20 years of teaching experience each, they dive…
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Bring Your Weird: How to Connect Beyond the Curriculum with Phil Januszewski
Are you feeling bone-deep educator exhaustion as the school year winds down? In this episode, Joe and Jeff sit down with Phil Januszewski, a 20-year veteran high school chemistry and physics teacher turned national motivational speaker. Phil breaks down the scientific reality behind teacher…
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Building Calm Classrooms: Strategies from Christopher Mukiibi
What is the actual structural limit of a modern classroom? Today, Joe and Jeff are sitting down with Southern California high school chemistry and AVID teacher Christopher Mukiibi to strip away the fluff of traditional professional development and look at the raw mechanics of modern education....
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The $461,000 Teacher Receipt
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! While some of us are getting coffee trucks and Ziploc baggies with a single pen, districts are cutting massive checks for "prestige" programs. In this episode, Joe and Jeff play a high-stakes game of The Education Over/Under, breaking down the staggering costs of...
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Human In, Human Out: The Real Teacher’s Guide to AI
In this episode, Joe and Jeff tackle the most polarizing topic in the teacher’s lounge today: Artificial Intelligence. Are we building a generation that can't think their way out of a paper bag, or are we finally getting the tools we need to survive the "grading mountain"? To help cut through the...
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The Truth About Texas' Ten Commandments Law
In this episode, Joe and Jeff explore the controversial Texas law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in schools, discuss its implications, and play a fun fact or fiction game about teaching myths and realities. Key Topics Texas law on posting the Ten Commandments in schools The...
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We’re Back: Welcome to the Reality of Teaching
The standards didn't change, but the reality did. Welcome to the season reboot and the official launch of our new name: Reality of Teaching. After a hiatus that included major surgery, life shifts, and a lot of reflection, Joe and Jeff are back in the trenches. We’re dropping the "Beyond…
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Teacher Helpline: Dealing with Disruptive Students, Helicopter Parents, and Dynamics of Groupwork
In this episode of the Beyond Standards podcast, hosts Joe and Jeff discuss the realities of teaching, sharing personal updates and insights into classroom challenges. They explore strategies for handling disruptive students, managing group work dynamics, and dealing with helicopter parents. The...
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Make Education Great Again: Is this plan better than Trump's?
In this episode of the Beyond Standards podcast, hosts Joe and Jeff discuss various aspects of how they would improve Trump's education plan. They focus on the role of the Department of Education, and the need for changes in how schools are evaluated. They explore the controversial topic of…
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Trump's Education Agenda: A Teacher's Perspective
In this episode of the Beyond Standards podcast, hosts Joe and Jeff discuss the current state of education amidst political changes, particularly focusing on Trump's education agenda. They explore the role of the Department of Education, the importance of parental rights, the need for great...
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When Life Happens: Teaching Through Adversity
Summary In this episode of the Beyond Standards podcast, hosts Joe and Jeff discuss the realities of teaching and personal challenges faced by educators. Joe shares his recent health scare involving a brain tumor, detailing his journey from diagnosis to seeking support from colleagues and...
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Kids These Days: Dealing with Disrespect in the Classroom
In this episode of the Beyond Standards podcast, hosts Joe and Jeff return after a brief hiatus to discuss a pressing issue in education: student disrespect. They share personal stories, including a memorable incident where Jeff received a series of disrespectful emails from a student. The hosts...
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First-Year Realities: An Interview with rookie teacher Jimmy O’Brien
In this episode of “Beyond Standards: The Reality of Teaching,” hosts Joe and Jeff sit down with Jimmy O’Brien, a first-year third-grade teacher, to discuss his journey into education and the challenges he’s faced so far. Jimmy shares his unconventional path to teaching, which included stints in...
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PD Pitfalls: Why Teachers Despise It and How to Fix It
In this episode of Beyond Standards, Joe and Jeff take a deep dive into one of the most frustrating aspects of teaching: professional development (PD). With humor and honesty, they explore the top reasons why PD often falls flat for teachers, from irrelevant content to endless PowerPoint...
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From Classroom to Comics: Jason Brooks' Creative Journey
In this episode of "Beyond Standards," hosts Joe and Jeff welcome back Jason Brooks, a seasoned teacher with over 25 years of experience who has also ventured into the world of comic book creation. Jason shares his unique journey from being a lifelong comic enthusiast to becoming a published…
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From Burnout to Balance: Paul Emerich France on Sustainable Teaching Practices
In this episode, we sit down with Paul Emerich France, a distinguished educator, consultant, and author of the thought-provoking book "Make Teaching Sustainable: Six Shifts That Teachers Want and Students Need." Paul shares his unique journey from being a classroom teacher to becoming a prominent...
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Level Up Learning: Gamifying Your Classroom with Michele Haiken
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of gamifying the classroom with Michele Haiken, author of Gamify Literacy: Boost Comprehension, Collaboration, and Learning. Michele, a seasoned English teacher from Westchester, New York, and adjunct professor at Manhattanville College, shares...
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Teachers' Summer Lives: Side Hustles and Passion Projects
In this episode, we're diving into the world of teacher side hustles with three inspiring guests who share their unique stories and experiences. Join us as Kim Chenoweth, a Disney Travel Agent, Jason Brooks, a guitar teacher, and Marcus Hartnett, a tutor, reveal the secrets and details of how…
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A New Teacher's Experience: Reflecting on Year One
In this episode, Tyler Troyer reflects on his first year as a teacher and shares his experiences and insights. He discusses the challenges he faced, such as classroom management and motivating students, and how he plans to improve in the future. Tyler emphasizes the importance of being yourself…
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Ending The School Year: Highlights, Challenges, and Reflections
In this episode of the Beyond Standards podcast, Joe and Jeff reflect on the end of the school year and discuss their routines for winding down. They share their biggest highlights and challenges of the year, including the joy of recording the podcast and the excitement of the annual Washington…
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Ed Trends: Are Team Teaching and AI Grading the Future of Education?
In this episode of our podcast, Joe and Jeff are joined by special guest Sarah Debien to talk about two hot topics in education right now: team teaching and the use of AI for grading essays. We dive deep into the pros, cons, and our own experiences with these approaches. Here’s a sneak peek at…
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Chaos in the Capital: 10 Years of Unforgettable DC Trips
In our latest episode, we sit down with Todd Gudith to dive into a decade's worth of hilarious and wild stories from our 8th-grade Washington DC field trips. These trips are meant to be educational, but as any seasoned teacher knows, when you mix middle schoolers with travel, chaos is bound to...
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Teacher Spotlight: Going Beyond the Curriculum to Build Connections
In our latest episode of "Beyond Standards," we hear from Will Clauson, a high school senior about to graduate, as he shares his heartfelt appreciation for his favorite teacher, Mr. Malley, who taught AP World History and coached baseball. Will reminisces about how Mr. Malley made seemingly dull...
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What do Teachers Think About Their Evaluation System?
In our latest episode, we embark on an eye-opening exploration of teacher observations and evaluations, delving into the often frustrating and contentious landscape surrounding these processes. With candid discussions led by Joe and Jeff, we shine a light on the myriad challenges and shortcomings...
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From Student to Teacher: Inside the Journey of Future Educators
In this episode, hosts Joe and Jeff delve into the world of teacher preparation programs alongside guests Ellie and Amielia, two juniors from the University of Michigan's education program. They explore the journey of becoming educators, sharing insights, experiences, and advice for prospective...
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Teacher Helpline: Defiant students, problematic parents, and making group work fair
In this insightful episode, hosts Joe and Jeff, alongside guest Kristi Maurer, delve into the intricacies of managing common classroom challenges. Drawing from Kristi's extensive experience as an esteemed 8th-grade math teacher, the trio explores practical strategies for addressing scenarios...
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Could you be a Principal? Transitioning from Classroom Teacher to Leadership
On this episode we delve into the world of educational leadership with our special guest, Ross Baker, a seasoned middle school principal. In this insightful episode, Ross shares his journey from teacher to principal, offering valuable insights and advice for educators considering a transition to...
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5 Teacher Tips to connect with 504, IEP, and ELL Learners in the Classroom
In this insightful episode, Joe and Jeff explore the intricacies of supporting students with diverse needs, including those with 504s, IEPs, and English as a Second Language (ESL) requirements. They emphasize the importance of thorough preparation before day one, urging educators to familiarize...
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4 Mistakes Parents Make that Leave Students Unprepared for School
Join us as we delve into the crucial role parents play in preparing their children for success in school. In "The 4 Mistakes Parents Make That Leave Their Kids Unprepared for School," hosts Joe and Jeff explore common pitfalls and offer valuable insights to empower parents in supporting their...
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Teacher Spotlight: Eighth Graders Honor Their Most Memorable Teachers
Join hosts Joe and Jeff in a heartwarming episode featuring two eighth-grade students, Peyton and Ella, as they reflect on the teachers who have left a lasting impact on their lives. Peyton shares her appreciation for her current math teacher, while Ella fondly remembers her third-grade teacher....
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Beyond Lecture: Fostering Active Learning with Socratic Seminars
In this engaging episode of "Beyond Standards," Joe and Jeff host special guest Robin Long, unraveling the intricacies of Socratic seminars. The conversation delves into the core aspects of Socratic seminars, exploring what they are, how they look in a classroom setting, and the inspirations that...
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Landing Your Dream Teaching Job: Tips from a Principal
Embark on a journey into the world of education career advancement with Devon Caudill, a seasoned elementary school principal. We interview Devon in this empowering episode of Beyond Standards with a primary focus on helping educators land their dream jobs. Devon shares real insights from her...
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Trends in Education: Standards Based Grading and the 4 Day Work Week
The latest episode of "Beyond Standards" opens with Joe's passionate rant about a recent professional development session, setting the tone for a lively discussion. Hosts Joe and Jeff delve into two timely topics shaping the landscape of education. Topic 1: Standards-Based Grading Joe introduces...
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Teacher Wellness: A New Dad's Guide to Work-Life Balance
In this episode of "Beyond Standards," we sit down with Kyle Kobe, a fellow middle school teacher navigating the delicate balance between parenting a newborn and teaching sixth grade. Kyle shares insights into how his life has changed since becoming a parent and discusses the challenges and...
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Teacher Helpline: Managing Disruptive Students, Fairness in Grading, Suspicions of Cheating,
In this episode of Beyond Standards, join Jeff and Joe as they dive into the intricate challenges teachers encounter in the classroom. The discussion revolves around real scenarios submitted by educators, and our hosts offer practical solutions, making this episode a valuable resource for…
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Screen Time Strategies: Teachers and Students Speak Out
In this insightful episode of Beyond Standards we unravel the complexities of cell phone use in the classroom. We are joined by Ryan Sieg, a high school teacher, and Brady, a high school senior. We kick off the discussion with eye-opening statistics about cell phones in schools, prompting our...
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Improving Student Mental Health In the Classroom
In this episode we dive deep into the realm of student mental health and well-being with school social worker, Jill Anderson. Offering a wealth of experience and insights, Jill shares invaluable strategies and advice tailored to empower teachers in creating emotionally healthy classrooms. Episode...
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Educator Spotlight: The Power of Expectations
In this episode of "Beyond Standards," we turn the spotlight on an extraordinary educator who left an indelible mark on her students. Join us as Luca Prior shares his heartfelt journey with Miss Couchman, his high school English teacher, mentor, and inspiration. Miss Couchman wasn't just about...
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Fresh Perspectives: A First-Year Teacher's Triumphs & Tribulations
Step into the world of teaching with 'Fresh Perspectives: A First-Year Teacher's Triumphs & Tribulations,' where we sit down with Tyler Troyer to unravel his inaugural year in education. In this engaging episode, Tyler takes us on a journey through the highs and lows, sharing invaluable insights...
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Teacher Helpline: Pencils, Out of Control Class, and Teacher Burnout
Welcome to the teacher helpline where hosts Jeff and Joe are joined by special guest Markus Hartnett, a seasoned elementary teacher. In this engaging panel discussion, we dive into the trenches of three common classroom scenarios. First up, we unravel the mystery of students constantly misplacing...
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Teaching Tomorrow: Navigating AI In the Classroom Part 2
Embark on the conclusion of our AI adventure in Part 2 of 'Beyond Standards: The Reality of Teaching' with the brilliant Justin Bruno! Join us as we unravel the practical magic of AI, exploring how it can revolutionize a teacher's life—offering shortcuts in grading, lesson planning, and beyond....
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Teaching Tomorrow: Navigating AI In the Classroom Part 1
In Part 1 of our deep dive into AI in the classroom, 'Beyond Standards' we had the privilege of diving into the realm of artificial intelligence with Justin Bruno, who specializes in understanding the intersection of AI and education. From the basics of artificial intelligence to its current…
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Gratitude in Education: Tools, Tips, and Thanksgiving
In this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode of "Beyond Standards: The Reality of Teaching," hosts Joe Rohrhoff and Jeff Balagna are accompanied by special guests James Chabot, and sixth-grade student Maddy. Together, they dive into a celebration of gratitude and camaraderie in the world of education....
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News and Views: Teachers Discuss the Latest Headlines
Join hosts Joe Rohrhoff and Jeff Balagna, alongside special guest and fellow teacher Sarah Debien, for the latest episode of "Beyond Standards" where we untangle the threads of current events shaping education. In this episode, we delve into three pressing issues at the forefront of the…
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Teacher's Toolbox: Strategies for Successful Parent Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are a cornerstone of the teaching experience. In this episode, along with our guest Dave Goff, we share our collective wisdom regarding these conferences. We offer valuable advice for both beginner and veteran teachers. , We've got you covered with all the details…
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Balancing Act: Technology's Role in Modern Classrooms
In this episode, we dive into the ever-evolving landscape of education technology. We're joined by a seasoned director of technology from a large school district, who shares how he uses his teaching background to make important decisions for utilizing technology in his district. Together, we...
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Stepping In: Tales and Tips from a Substitute Teacher
In this episode of "Beyond Standards: The Reality of Teaching," we explore the fascinating world of substitute teaching. We are joined by a special guest, Jody Gomez, a long-time substitute teacher, who shares his insights and experiences. This episode uncovers the day-to-day life of substitute...
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Guiding Lights: The Teachers Who Helped Shape Us
In this heartwarming episode of "Beyond Standards: The Reality of Teaching," hosts Joe Rohrhoff and Jeff Balagna, along with special guest Jessica, take a walk down memory lane to celebrate the teachers who left an indelible mark on their lives. This episode transcends the confines of curriculum...
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From Strangers to Allies: Establishing Rapport in the Classroom
In the second episode of our podcast, "Beyond Standards," we bring you an engaging discussion that's sure to resonate with educators, parents, and anyone interested in the world of teaching. This episode is all about connecting with students at the start of the school year, and we're delighted to...
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Why are so many teachers leaving the profession?
Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Beyond Standards" the podcast where we dive deep into the world of education and explore the challenges faced by teachers today. In this eye-opening first episode, your hosts shine a spotlight on the pressing issue of why dedicated educators are leaving the...
About this show
Welcome to “Beyond Standards,” the platform where teachers engage in real conversations about the world of education. Join us for inspiring stories of teachers navigating the trenches and take on the daily challenges in education. We go beyond the standards and explore tools and strategies that will ensure a lasting positive impact on your students and improve your overall teaching experience.
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Beyond Standards: The Reality of Teaching
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