Authentic Educators

There’s something exciting about opening an invitation and looking ahead to an experience that matters. In education, that same feeling can shape the way students enter a classroom each day.In this episode of Authentic Educators, we sit down with educator and author Cornelius Minor to explore the power of invitations and expectations in learning. Together, we discuss how teachers can spark curiosity, honor students’ natural desire to learn, and create clear roadmaps that help every student feel prepared to engage.Cornelius Minor is a Brooklyn-based educator, author of We Got This, and founder of The Minor Collective. His work has been featured in Education Week, Brooklyn Magazine, and Teaching Tolerance Magazine, and he has delivered keynote addresses at conferences around the world.We hope you enjoy this thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

Tragedy can bring some of the most painful moments in a person’s life.  Some people know this all too well.  In this week’s episode of Authentic Educators, we are joined by Mark O’Brien, founder of growthandgoodness.com as well as the author of the book Crashing. I love you.  Forgive me to discuss how he was able to find incredible purpose in his life after facing incredible trauma.  Our conversation highlights two specific tactics that not only educators can use in the classroom but also anyone can use in their lives to create a culture of community that is best equipped to process the unfortunately inevitable lows of life.  

On this episode of Authentic Educators, Cody and Dave sit down with Anthony Scornaienchi, a Health and Physical Education teacher who brings a powerful mindset shift to both the classroom and everyday life. Anthony shares how the ideas from The Gap and The Gain have transformed the way he approaches teaching, goal setting, and personal growth. Instead of constantly comparing yourself to an ever-moving target, Anthony explains the importance of “measuring backwards” — reflecting on how far you’ve come rather than how far you still have to go. He also shares how he has his students keep daily win journals, helping them recognize small victories and learn how to measure their own progress over time. Through stories from his work with students and lessons from education, wellness, and leadership, Anthony offers practical strategies for building confidence, resilience, and a healthier perspective on success. This conversation is a must-listen for educators, coaches, and anyone striving to grow without losing sight of their progress.

Are students struggling to engage or manage their emotions in class? In this episode of Authentic Educators, Cody and Dave sit down with Anthony Benvenuto, who brings 14 years of experience teaching special education in New Jersey and Tennessee, across both public and private schools. They explore behavioral manifestations in the classroom and the critical role of social-emotional learning. Anthony breaks down the “knowledge, skill, and will” gaps he’s observed in students and shares strategies for supporting post-pandemic social-emotional recovery. Educators and parents alike will gain practical insights for helping students thrive academically and emotionally.

We’re wired for connection—belonging isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a fundamental human need. When people feel seen and heard, every part of life improves..In this episode, Cody and Dave are joined by Dr. Maggie Broderick of National University (https://www.nu.edu) to explore what it really means to create a sense of belonging in the classroom—and why it matters more than ever. Together, they unpack the challenge of defining something that can feel intangible, reflect on Dr. Broderick’s powerful concept of an “Oasis of Belonging,” and discuss how a teacher’s presence and disposition shape the entire learning environment.If you care about connection, education, or creating spaces where people can truly thrive, this conversation is for you.

Many children learn to read, play instruments, or study a second language at a young age—but what about chemistry?In this episode, Cody and Dave speak with Dr. Colleen Kelley, an educator whose life’s work is introducing chemistry to students far earlier than most schools do. With teaching experience that ranges from young children to college students studying organic chemistry, Dr. Kelley has seen firsthand how even highly capable university students often approach the subject with fear and intimidation.She believes that much of this anxiety could be prevented if students were exposed to chemistry concepts earlier—something as simple as becoming familiar with the periodic table. In our conversation, Dr. Kelley explains why early exposure matters, how children can begin engaging with chemistry concepts, and why building comfort with the subject early can change students’ relationships with science later in life.If you’ve ever wondered why chemistry feels intimidating—or how we might change that for the next generation—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Find more of Dr. Kelley's work here:Chemistry Colleen on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ChemistryColleenKids' Chemical Solutions Curriculum - https://kidschemicalsolutions.com/TEDx Talk - https://youtu.be/OwQfs0pIO-I?si=d2ry1Rjxdb-AQ2NEEmmy Winning PBS Documentary - https://youtu.be/wDmkJzcm4Pc?si=557qgvujMEGGRDga

Teaching skills to students is relevant from kindergarten through medical school. In this episode, Dave and Cody were joined by Dr. Erin Guidice, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland and Director of the University’s Medical Education Leadership Academy.  We discussed how she leverages Peyton’s Four-Step Approach to better outcomes for her students and how the same technique can be applied to learners of all ages.  Any teacher - or coach - tasked with improving students’ skills will find value and applicability from our conversation. 

Dave and Cody break down two ridiculously simple classroom activities that somehow work incredibly well. One blends Simon Says with Spoons to keep students alert, competitive, and laughing, while reinforcing focus and listening skills. The second is a clever twist on rock-paper-scissors-shoot that gets students moving and thinking fast.  These strategies prove that effective engagement doesn’t need fancy materials—just smart design.

In this episode, Cody shares how he opened the door for students to show their learning in meaningful, multidimensional ways. By encouraging students to make connections, create drawings tied to course content and key terms, and apply their learning in real time, Cody highlights practical strategies teachers can use today. Grounded in the ideas from Dr. Jo Boaler’s Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers, this conversation explores how expanding what learning “looks like” can unlock deeper understanding and student growth.

All it takes is one pivotal moment in a student’s life to inspire a lifetime of learning or a future vocation.  In this episode of Authentic Educators, our guest is Dr. Ben Finio, the Lead Staff Scientist for Science Buddies, a nonprofit that designs STEM exercises for students K-12.  Our conversation focuses on an incredible project he works on which challenges students to design various structures using basic building blocks.  This year’s challenge is a Ball Run; prior years’ challenges include a Rocket Catcher and Rubber Band Car challenge.In the episode, Dr. Finio fondly recalls a moment in his education when he got to build a structure out of toothpicks.  This key moment in his educational journey helped inspire his pursuit of engineering in college.  The engineering challenge doesn’t take a ton of class time and is suitable for K-12 educators. 

What happens when service-learning stops being an “extra” and becomes the classroom?In this episode of Authentic Educators, we’re joined by Rory Pruess, an educator whose work bridges urban and suburban schools through long-term, student-driven service partnerships. Much of our conversation centers on Broad Street Love in Philadelphia (formerly Broad Street Ministry), a radical hospitality organization serving thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. From mail services for people without addresses, to a clothing boutique, veteran support, art therapy, and personal hygiene kits, Broad Street Love models what it means to see people fully—and invites students into that work with dignity and purpose.Rory also reflects on two decades of partnership work, the power of letting students be the voice rather than giving them one, and why service during the school day—not just after school—can be transformational.If you believe education should form better humans, not just better test-takers, this episode is for you.🔗 Learn more about Broad Street Love and how to get involved on their website.

Classrooms are clearly not comedy shows - but what happens when teachers intentionally bring humor into the learning environment? Jeff Dubin has nearly 30 years of teaching experience. One of the many reasons his classroom is special is his unique personality and ability to use humor in his lessons. This episode celebrates how teachers can leverage laughter in their classrooms and make learning fun. Our conversation focuses on how a mixture of the classic dad joke, or a bit of self-deprecation can strengthen the positive relationship between teacher and student.

What happens when teachers put students in charge? Success? Chaos?  In this episode, Cody shares a two-day lesson he uses with his 7th grade ELA class. He challenges each class period to function as a team to storyboard a short play. Each class period “competes” against the others to create a sense of friendly competition and urgency.  The feature of the lesson is to provide very little answers on how to accomplish the collective goal; this ensures that students help each other and solve problems together.

Much of what happens inside a classroom is the result of the opinions and demands of many stakeholders: governments, school boards, administration, and parents.  Too often, the most important voices have little to no say—the students.  Hannah Knecht has worked with people of all ages: elementary, middle, and adult learners.  Her straightforward system for eliciting student feedback creates a powerful classroom structure in which students themselves can shape the learning environment they want.  In this episode of Authentic Educators, Cody and Dave discuss Hannah's methodology with her.  We were blown away by how such a quick and easy structure had profoundly positive impacts on her students.  If you like what you hear from Hannah, she is a co-host of a wonderful educational podcast: Key Connections for Educators.  We both highly recommend giving it a listen.As always, please reach out to Cody and Dave at [email protected].

Culture is where you’re from; it’s also what you create. Kayla Angstadt lives both of these truths—embracing her Pennsylvania Dutch roots while immersing herself in the vibrant culture of Costa Rica, where she founded Cross Cultural Connect, an organization transforming the way students experience global learningIn this episode of Authentic Educators, Cody and Dave talk with Kayla Angstadt about cultural curiosity, being a global citizen, and her “cultural iceberg" lesson. Kayla shares the story behind CCC’s founding, the power of authentic cultural exchange, and how technology and travel can unite students from around the world. Tune in to explore how CCC helps students live what they learn, fostering empathy, language mastery, and real-world problem-solving along the way.Learn more about Cross Cultural Connect at ccconnect.org. Reach out to Cody and Dave at [email protected].

Artificial intelligence is a topic that’s rapidly changing the world of education.In this episode of Authentic Educators, Dave and Cody are joined by Melissa Zonin and take a thoughtful look at the rise of artificial intelligence in education. They discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents for teachers, students, and schools—from saving time and sparking creativity to maintaining authenticity and trust in learning. A grounded, honest conversation about the tools reshaping our classrooms and the values that must guide us forward.Melissa brings with her 20 years of experience in Georgia public schools as an ELA teacher, library media specialist, and virtual program coordinator. She has also presented about artificial intelligence at multiple conferences.Enjoy this engaging conversation and reach out with questions or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Most of the guests we have interviewed for Authentic Educators are decades into their professional careers.  In this episode, Hannah Huddleson, an aspiring teacher shares with us the moments that made the biggest impacts in her experiences as a student.  This fresh perspective is essential for veteran teachers to hear.  Hannah’s experiences are fresh and powerful and provide a target for educators to aim for when they design lessons meant to inspire their students. Please consider reaching out to us with questions, feedback, or to suggest a great educator to interview by emailing [email protected].

Trauma impacts not only how students learn but also how educators teach. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brooke Burgy, an instructional coach whose doctoral research focused on trauma-informed care and trauma-informed pedagogy.Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experiences, Dr. Burgy shares powerful insights into building classrooms that prioritize connection and well-being.A central thread in our conversation is social-emotional learning (SEL), a theme that continues to shape the work of authentic educators everywhere.As always, you can reach out to use with questions, feedback, or to suggest a great educator to interview by emailing [email protected].

Students learn best when they feel connected. In our season two premiere, team-building expert Ben Browand shares two quick, fun strategies that help every student know each other’s name and strengthen the classroom community. Perfect for the first week of school or anytime your class needs a boost!

Cody and Dave reflect on season one of the podcast and the school year coming to a close and reflect on the importance of reflection as a practice.

What if your classroom didn’t have a traditional seating chart? In this episode, veteran middle school math teacher Jo Ann Cawley shares how she differentiates instruction by randomizing student seating daily. Her unique approach gives students a fresh perspective, new partners, and a different role each day. Jo Ann also incorporates vertical whiteboards and student-created playlists to spark meaningful conversations and drive deeper learning in her classroom.Enjoy this episode and reach out with any feedback at [email protected].

Deregulation can affect anyone—students and adults alike—disrupting focus and derailing the learning process. In this episode, Cody and Dave are joined by Katie McLaughlin de Vries, an educational consultant with Thom Stecher and Associates, to explore practical, compassionate strategies educators can use to support students of all ages when they become dysregulated. Centered around the powerful framework of the three Rs—regulate, relate, and reason—this conversation offers valuable insights for teachers, parents, and anyone working with young people. Don’t miss this meaningful discussion on helping students navigate their most challenging moments.Enjoy this episode and reach out with any feedback at [email protected].

April is National Poetry month, but teacher and author Brett Vogelsinger thinks poetry should be read, enjoyed, and utilized as an instructional tool year round. Join Cody and Dave to learn about Brett’s use of poetry in the classroom, including insights from his book, Poetry Pauses. Brett advocates for using poems weekly, if not daily, to help connect with course content, teach mini-lessons, and appreciate the beauty of language.You can learn more about Brett at his website, brettvogelsinger.com, and you can purchase his book. Poetry Pauses, here.Enjoy this episode and reach out with any feedback at [email protected].

Society is full of disagreement, and students of all ages need opportunities to practice meaningful debate. In this episode, Cody shares a strategy called Hot Seat Debate, which he learned from a colleague. This engaging activity taps into students’ natural love of argument and competition, guiding them through three rounds of lively, structured debate. One key element: students don’t get to choose their side. Some of the most powerful learning moments happen when they’re asked to argue for a position they personally disagree with.Feel free to use this Canva link to create an awesome activity in your classroom.Enjoy this episode and reach out with any feedback at [email protected].

Victoria Short a retired English teacher and veteran of the U.S. Army. In her 28 years as a teacher she was named Teacher of the Year, taught thousands of students, and inspired many with her storytelling and life lessons. She is the author of the book, Find Your Mini Pumpkin, a collection of the life lessons that she would share with her students on Fridays. In this episode, Victoria reflects about lessons she learned early in her teaching career, the power of storytelling, giving students written feedback, and the importance of being authentic in the classroom. You can learn more about her and order her book at her website: http://authorvictoriashort.com/.Enjoy listening and reach out with any questions or to share your feedback at [email protected].

Purposeful displays like printouts of current events, character maps drawn on whiteboard, or daily stock market updates posted on the wall can create engagement and authentic conversations. In this episode, Cody and Dave talk about simple ways to create engagement, foster rapport, and connect to the curriculum through engaging classroom displays.Reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions or ideas to share!

Autonomy provides students the necessary opportunities to see what they are capable of and learn from their mistakes.  Cody and Dave’s conversation with PA teacher of the year nominee, Ken Ehrmann, explores the ways in which teachers can foster powerful learning experiences in their classrooms with students at the center of the decision-making tree.Learn more about Ken at his website, https://www.kenehrmann.org/, or listen to his podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Clzuqa1Uai1G6Ihfr8Glw?si=428a98d54e8240adReach out at [email protected] if you have any ideas you’d like to share!

Providing effective feedback is an essential but time-consuming part of being a teacher.  Cody and Dave discuss a model of ensuring that students hear their teacher’s advice and are able to act upon it for future essays, projects, or activities.  Reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions or ideas to share and click the link below to use the resource Cody discusses in this episode:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zyiBwGBs6-aIermSOgAInM8tdL-80b3Eu90xOWy_sY4/edit?usp=sharing

Classrooms thrive when every voice is heard and every mind is engaged, but how do we move beyond the handful of hands that always go up? Cody and Dave dive into Total Participation Techniques, practical strategies to get all students actively involved in learning, sharing 3 total participation techniques–Table top reviews, pass it forward, and debate carousels–that they love to use in their classrooms. Reach out at [email protected] if you have any total participation techniques that you’d like to share!

Imagine if the games you played as a child were an active part of your educational experience.  In this episode, Owen and Nick, who have teaching and administrative experience in various educational settings, share a collaborative activity they used in their middle school math classes.  Their creative minds were on full display as each class assumed the role of pirate or sailor to try and outsmart and outthink their classmates in an epic game of Battleship. 

Karen Miller, a middle school English teacher in Pennsylvania, shares a transformative classroom moment that underscores the importance of teaching students they are capable of doing hard things—and why it’s crucial they do.In a world where phones and computers have made instant gratification more accessible than ever, every teacher faces the challenges of managing technology’s impact on students. Karen opens up about how she confronted this issue head-on in her classroom, sparking an incredible shift in her students’ mindset. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Patrick Breshears, a high school history teacher in North Carolina, talks about classroom management and a concept he calls “reintroductions.”You’ve probably heard of redirections, which sometimes involves pausing a lesson to address or correct student behavior. Patrick talks about something he calls reintroduction, where rather than pausing an entire lesson, he finds a way to include a distraction as part of the lesson. Listen to our conversation to learn more about this strategy that highlights how teaching is a balancing act, requiring improvisation and flexibility. Reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions or an idea you’d like to share!

Cody and Dave talk about the importance of routines in the classroom and specific reading routines that Dave implements. Dave talks about writer’s notebooks, establishing time each week for reading, read alouds, and an activity called reading minutes that he used to use as an English teacher and now implements in business courses. Enjoy listening and find ways to incorporate in your own classroom! As always, reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions or an idea you’d like to share.

Cody and Dave interview Meghan MacConnell, a Spanish teacher in suburban Philadelphia with twenty years of teaching experience. She is the department chair and gifts students the experience of learning Spanish culture by participating in Dia de Muertos through creating original ofrendas, honoring loved ones in their lives who have passed away. Our conversation details how Meghan implements this project, shares powerful moments from the past, and offers ways to apply her idea to any subject area classroom.Listen, learn, and reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions or an idea you’d love to share!

This is part two of Cody and Dave’s conversation with Thom Stecher. Thom is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and educational consultant who specializes in self-esteem, wellness, and student assistance programs. In this episode, we talk about specific strategies that embed social and emotional learning within our curriculum. Thom talks about sending letters home to parents, introducing yourself and sharing your passions as two specific ways to be authentic. He discusses low stakes activities like scavenger hunts and think-pair-shares that allow students to interact without all eyes on them. We also dive into the neuroscience behind empathy, the impact of public praise, and the lessons Thom has learned from his own children.Check out episode 4 to hear the first half of our conversation with Thom if you missed it and reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions or an idea you’d love to share!

Cody and Dave are joined by their first guest, Thom Stecher. Thom is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and educational consultant who specializes in self-esteem, wellness, and student assistance programs. In this episode, we discuss how critical the first weeks of school are, how to build a classroom climate, and the importance of embedding social and emotional learning throughout your curriculum. This is part one of two of our conversation. Tune in next episode for part two! Listen, learn, and reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions or an idea you’d love to share!

Cody and Dave talk about Cody’s favorite lesson ever, a lesson that he has done in the past to hook his students before reading Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible. Cody has his classes play a game, Mafia, to hook his students. Cody and Dave talk about this game and hooking students with unique experiences. Listen and learn more and reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions or an idea you’d like to share!

Cody and Dave talk about Cody’s daily conferencing practice. He checks in with a handful of students every day about their lives, their schoolwork, their questions, and more, and it’s a practice that pays dividends for his classroom climate. Listen and learn more and reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions for Cody!

Cody and Dave talk about letter writing during the first week of school.

Authentic EducatorsA podcast for teachers, by teachers, about best lessons, favorite classroom moments, and strategies you can implement today. Reach out at [email protected]!