Breaking The Syllabus

This week I walk through the different dress codes I have been through as a teacher. I talk about the student dress code and the teacher dress code. I share a few reasons why I think dress code might or might not work. I also share why I think one school is close to getting in trouble for their dress code!

Tired of fighting the good fight against cell phones in the classroom? On this episode of "Breaking the Syllabus," I'm flying solo to tackle the hot topic of Utah's new cell phone law. I've seen the impact firsthand, and it's not what you'd think. From students actually talking to each other to the throwback tricks of running a headphone cord up a sleeve, I'm sharing my unfiltered take on why this law is a step in the right direction.I dive into the specifics of the law, share my personal opinions on the ideal cell phone policy, and get real about the need for consistent consequences from administration. I'm not holding back—I've got a three-strike system I'm ready to pitch. Whether you're a teacher, an administrator, or just someone who remembers the good old days of flip phones, this episode is a must-listen.Tune in to hear my take on:The real impact of the new law on student engagement.Why teachers need to "hold their ground" and not back down.My personal three-strike consequence system for schools.A call to action for administrators to create better systems.Share this episode with a teacher who's struggling with cell phones and join the conversation! Follow Breaking the Syllabus on social media and YouTube to stay up to date.

In this weeks episode I discuss how important reading is with your children and for yourself! I reflect on how much reading can help a child at a young age and how it helps them be prepared for their future academic journey! Please let reach out with any topics you want to hear on either social media or email. [email protected] Media @breakingthesyllabus

This week I talk about how easy it is to get attention from the students. I explain how elementary school teachers are way better than secondary teachers in the most perfect aspect. I also provide examples of what makes teaching fun and why your personality is your best kept secret! Drop a comment on what I should discuss next and follow me or reach out with any questions at [email protected] or on socials @breakingthesyllabus.

In this weeks episode we finish our conversation with Ryan Webb and we dive deep into the conversation around what happens when someone has bigger problems than not understanding classroom material! New teachers what do you need to know when entering a school mentor, material, colleagues, vision) where do you start? Teachers scared to talk with their administrators, teachers need connection, and how to face the battlefield together. Get parents in the room and I made my students stand or sit for an entire day. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingthesyllabus?igsh=eDY3eHBlZTMxNzN5&utm_source=qrTik-tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingthesyllabus?_t=ZT-8wPUBuw8dd0&_r=1YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakingthesyllabus?feature=shared

In this week’s episode, we dive into the wild world of student motivation—what drives some students to thrive while others seem checked out. Education isn’t what it used to be, and we explore how that shift affects engagement today. We also share a jaw-dropping story about an overly involved (and very persuasive) parent trying to charm a teacher into changing a grade. Plus, what happens when one class starts to take over an entire school? And yes, we go there: from a student with stalker vibes to a surprising twist involving babysitting and college acceptance. It’s all about adapting, flying by the seat of your pants, and doing whatever it takes to get students motivated.

In this weeks episode we sit down with a fantastic administrator, heck of a teacher, incredible wrestling coach, and above all that someone I call a close friend. In part one we go through a few strategies on how to gain respect of the students, how to connect, and some secret tips for teachers that want a little more from their students!

In this episode, we dive into a PE class that starts off rough—students acting out, thinking they know it all, and pushing back on every rule. But through the lens of behavior strategies and the power of relationship-building, we explore how understanding students—especially in alternative settings like SOAR Academy—can completely change the game. This is a real look at what happens when you go beyond managing behavior and start actually connecting.Make sure and send me your questions or if you are intersted in being a guest.Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/breakingthesyllabus?igsh=eDY3eHBlZTMxNzN5&utm_source=qrTik-tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingthesyllabus?_t=ZT-8wPUBuw8dd0&_r=1YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakingthesyllabus?feature=shared

In this weeks episode we have a great discussion on what supports new teachers need. How Nick went from is the black sheep of the family going from business to teaching! We also talk about how to deal with tricky members of your department that do not want to collaborate. What happens when you have data but administration does not support your changes?'Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingthesyllabus?igsh=eDY3eHBlZTMxNzN5&utm_source=qrTik-tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingthesyllabus?_t=ZT-8wPUBuw8dd0&_r=1YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakingthesyllabus?feature=shared

In this weeks episode I sit down with a great friend and collegues who walks me through some of the difficult parts of teaching PE. We discuss how to change the game for teachers and how to raise the standards. What do you think about school uniforms good or bad?Follow me on any and all social media @breakingthesyllabus. Shoot me an email with your questions or what you would like to hear next on the channel. [email protected]

In this episode of Breaking the Syllabus, host Tyler Powell teams up with special guest Randi Phillips—aka Mrs. Phillips Science—for an honest, funny, and insightful look at the highs and lows of teaching. From state testing struggles and burnt-out students to falling over pregnant in the classroom and the perils of drawing cylinders on a whiteboard, they don’t hold back. Randi shares her journey from confused student council sponsor to award-winning middle school science teacher with a growing TikTok following. Tune in for a candid conversation about burnout, blunders, and why they both still love this chaotic career.

In today's episode we sit down with a first year teacher who is way further ahead than most. We dive into all things education a few impactful review games. Along with what makes her classroom so unique and welcoming! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingthesyllabus?igsh=eDY3eHBlZTMxNzN5&utm_source=qrTik-tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingthesyllabus?_t=ZT-8wPUBuw8dd0&_r=1YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakingthesyllabus?feature=shared

Are your lesson plans written during halftime? Do your players call you “Coach” more than your students call you “Mr./Ms.”? If so, this episode’s for you. We’re tackling the identity crisis of educators who juggle the classroom and the court—and why it matters more than you think.

I used to think getting students engaged just meant getting them to participate. Turns out, it’s a whole lot messier—and way more interesting—than I ever imagined. In this episode, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons I’ve learned about what actually works in the classroom. From turning boring lectures into real conversations, to surviving the chaos of group projects (where half the team forgets what day it is), I’m spilling it all. You’ll hear about my surprising wins, my cringe-worthy mistakes, and the strategies that finally started to click. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly capture attention—and keep it—this one’s for you.

I became a teacher to make a difference, to inspire young minds, and to be part of something meaningful. I didn’t know that would also mean reminding the same student for the fifth time this week to bring a pencil. In this episode, I share the story of what brought me into teaching—and how even the most frustrating moments (yes, including the never-ending pencil saga) have taught me just as much as I try to teach. It’s heartfelt, it’s honest, and just a little bit sarcastic.https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingthesyllabus?_t=ZT-8vzvPWorLF0&_r=1https://www.facebook.com/share/1FtZoDLfbu/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://youtube.com/@breakingthesyllabus?feature=shared

 Tired of silent staff rooms, Canvas cop-outs, and hallway marathons? Same. In this unfiltered episode of Breaking the Syllabus, host Tyler Powell calls out the classroom chaos and staffroom silence that make educators everywhere roll their eyes. From students vanishing with hall passes to teachers ghosting instruction behind a digital wall, we're talking about the habits that drive us all a little nuts—and how we can do better. If you’ve ever muttered “I can’t stand that…” under your breath in a school building, this one’s for you. Come for the rants, stay for the real talk. 

Episode 1: Why I’m Breaking the SyllabusWelcome to the very first episode of Breaking the Syllabus! I’m your host, Tyler Powell — a math educator, PhD student, and someone who believes the most powerful learning happens when we step off-script. In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind the podcast: why I started it, what "breaking the syllabus" really means, and what you can expect in the episodes to come.Whether you're a new teacher, a veteran educator, or just someone who believes in doing school differently — you're in the right place.Follow along on social media @breakingthesyllabus for updates and extras!