Have a Life Teaching

In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, John Schembari speaks with Musical IQ leaders Philip Gillette and James Soler about how music can become a bridge to culture, identity, collaboration, and deeper learning. The conversation explores how schools can move beyond treating music and the arts as “extras” and instead use them as powerful tools for engagement, systems thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and community building. Topics include:• Why music creates belonging and confidence for students• How Musical IQ uses African and Afro-diaspora music traditions to teach culture and history• Using drumming, storytelling, and ensemble work to develop student voice and collaboration• Why “play” is essential for curiosity and learning• Helping students feel seen through culturally responsive instruction• The connection between music, memory, and deeper learning• How arts integration supports systems thinking and interdisciplinary instruction• Navigating cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation in education• Practical ways schools can integrate music and culture into everyday teaching• How immersive science experiences through Cosmic IQ connect to the same philosophy of engagement and wonderOne powerful takeaway from the episode:“If students feel seen, connected, and curious, learning accelerates.” Listen if you are interested in:• Student engagement• Arts integration• Culturally responsive teaching• Interdisciplinary learning• Student voice and agency• Music education• Building joyful classrooms• Global and culturally connected instructionMusical IQ Website James Soller LinkedIn Page Phillip Gilette WebsiteMusic by Aylex

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. William DeJean, CEO of Unleash Learning, to unpack a reality many school leaders are feeling but struggling to name: we’re in an era of overwhelm. We explore why traditional approaches to leadership—compliance, checklists, and even strategy overload—are no longer enough. Instead, William makes the case for systems thinking: grounding schools in a clear teaching and learning mission and a stable instructional “system” that can absorb new initiatives without overwhelming staff.We discuss:Why leaders are losing focus on teaching and learningThe difference between compliance, strategies, and systems thinkingWhat it actually means to “make learning stick for everyone”How student engagement works like “lifting weights” for the brainWhy too many initiatives increase cognitive load instead of improving practiceThe importance of shared language and modeling at the leadership levelKey takeaway: In a world where educators can’t keep up with everything, strong systems reduce overload and refocus schools on what matters most—learning that sticks.William DeJean LinkedIn Page Unleash Learning Website A New Way Forward for Schools - Book Unleash Learning TV Music by Aylex

In this episode, we explore one of the most debated questions in literacy instruction:👉 Should students read grade-level texts or texts matched to their ability?Joined by Dr. Noreen Bunt, we unpack:Why grade-level text access matters for all studentsThe risks of over-relying on leveled groupingHow to support struggling readers without lowering expectationsPractical strategies for:The evolving role of literacy in content-area classroomsHow MTSS, Tier 1 instruction, and small groups should actually functionThis conversation challenges common practices and offers a clearer path toward equitable, effective literacy instruction.Norene A. Bunt LinkedIn Page Solving the Literacy Puzzle BookMusic by Aylex

International Schools: What Educators Need to KnowSummary:What is it really like to teach in an international school? This episode explores the realities—opportunities, challenges, and misconceptions—of working abroad as an educator.Key Points:• There is no single definition of an international school• Leadership and school quality matter more than location• Compensation often includes housing, travel, and benefits• Professional growth comes from exposure to different systems• The experience builds global perspective—but requires adaptabilityGuests:• Kate O’Connell• Leo Thompson• Craig RandallKey Question:👉 How would teaching in a different system change your practice?Kate O'Connell Website - EduKateLeo Thompson Website - EdsplorerCraig Randall Website - Trust Based ObservationsSpecial thanks to my students Liz DiClementi and Elizabeth Levin for co-hosting this episode! Music by Aylex

In this episode, I’m joined by Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, authors of Lead It Like Lasso, to explore what school leaders can learn from Ted Lasso. We discuss leadership archetypes, building authentic school culture, and why leaders don’t need all the answers to be effective.We also dig into developing reluctant leaders, surrounding yourself with the right team, and the difference between students being “finished” vs. truly “ready.”Key Takeaways:Leadership comes in different styles—find your authentic approachCulture is defined by actions, not statementsYou don’t need all the answers—build trust through honestyStrong leaders develop others and invite challenge“Finished” doesn’t mean students are ready for the real worldA practical, real-world conversation connecting leadership, education, and culture.Marnie Stockman LinkedIn PageNick Coniglio LinkedIn PageLead It Like Lasso Book The Business of You Webpage Music by Aylex

In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, we explore what it really means to prepare students for a future shaped by rapidly evolving technology. While tools like flight simulation may seem niche, the deeper conversation is about something much bigger: how we design learning experiences that build decision-making, problem-solving, and real-world application.We discuss how immersive environments and AI-powered tools are shifting students from passive learners to active designers and why this shift is critical across all K–12 settings.This conversation pushes beyond “using technology” and into how students think, create, and navigate complexity. These skills will define success in both college and the workforce.Key Takeaways:Students need opportunities to apply knowledge in dynamic, real-world contextsSimulation and AI tools can amplify—not replace—student thinkingThe future of learning is less about content coverage and more about decision-making under uncertaintySchools must move from task completion → authentic problem-solvingEducators play a critical role in designing environments where students create, not just consumeTopics Covered:The role of simulation in modern learningAI as a thinking partner vs. shortcutDesigning for applied intelligencePreparing students for unpredictable futuresBridging school learning with real-world demandsAutumn Stewart LinkedIn Page Stem Pilot WebsiteMusic by Aylex

In this episode, I’m joined by Mariya Gluzman to explore how educators can use Notebook LM to support—not replace—student thinking.We discuss how AI is shifting instruction from product to process, and how tools like Notebook LM can help structure deeper learning, safer AI use, and more intentional instructional design.AI should supplement thinking, not replace itTraditional plagiarism detection is no longer reliable → task design must changeStrong instruction in an AI era = process, scaffolding, and feedback loopsNotebookLM creates a closed, source-based AI environment for learningEducators can use AI to generate:AI can act as a “study buddy” to support skill developmentThe real shift is from knowing about AI → learning with AIThe challenge isn’t access to AI—it’s designing learning experiences where AI enhances thinking instead of bypassing it.Mariya Gluzman LinkedIn Page Brooklyn College Academic Information TechnologiesWatch Here: Mariya Gluzman-Brooklyn College (Notebook LM) - DescriptMusic by Aylex

Leadership Isn’t About the Idea as much as It’s About the DecisionMost leaders have great ideas. The difference? Execution lives in the shadow between idea and reality.In this podcast episode, we speak with Norman Hunter - author of the book "Between the Idea and the Reality: Decision-Making for the Thinking Educational Leader". We dive into:Why decision-making defines leadershipHow great leaders think beyond the obviousWhat it really takes to move from concept → impactIf you’re leading a school, team, or classroom… this one hits.Listen in and rethink how you lead.Norm Hunter LinkedIn Page Between the Idea and the Reality - Book (Amba Press)

What can crossword puzzles teach us about learning?In this episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast, I speak with crossword constructor and social scientist Natan Last, author of Across the Universe: The Past, Present, and Future of the Crossword Puzzle.We explore how crossword puzzles bring together language, mathematics, history, and creative thinking—and why they can be powerful tools for classroom learning.Natan explains how crossword solving strengthens decoding skills, pattern recognition, and productive struggle. We also discuss how puzzles reflect cultural moments in history and how teachers can use crossword creation as a collaborative learning activity.If you’re looking for ways to help students think more strategically and deeply, this conversation offers surprising insights.Topics in this episodeHow crossword puzzles develop analytical and creative thinkingWhy the best solvers rely on pattern recognition—not just knowledgeThe mathematics behind crossword grid designCrossword puzzles as cultural and historical artifactsUsing crossword creation as a classroom learning strategyHow puzzles foster collaboration and communityGuestNatan Last is a crossword constructor whose puzzles appear in The New York Times and The New Yorker. He is also a social scientist whose research focuses on migration and asylum policy.Natan Last LinkedIn PageNatan Last WebsiteNatan Last Book - Across the Universe Music by Aylex

In this episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast, John speaks with Dr. Danita Grissom and Dr. Vicki Kelner, co-authors of High Five to Thrive: Five Proven Practices to Unleash Your Passion for Teaching.The conversation explores why so many teachers are overwhelmed, why burnout is often created by the system rather than the individual, and what educators and leaders can do to restore hope, regulation, and sustainability. The guests share practical strategies including reconnecting to purpose, developing “hope habits,” self-regulation practices, and simple leadership moves that help teachers feel supported rather than depleted.This episode is for teachers, school leaders, coaches, and anyone trying to build healthier, more human-centered schools.Donita Grissom LinkedIn PageVicki Kelchner LinkedIn PageHigh Five Book Best Questers WebsiteMusic by Aylex

In this episode of Have a Life Teaching Podcast, John sits down with Jeff Riley, former Commissioner of Education for Massachusetts and current Executive Director of Day of AI, a nonprofit initiative launched out of MIT.Together, they explore what AI truly means for K–12 education beyond the fear, beyond the cheating headlines, and beyond the hype.Jeff shares:Why AI literacy may become the “fourth R”How schools can balance innovation with student safetyWhy banning AI outright may harm students long-termThe importance of teaching students to be healthy skepticsHow AI can finally make real differentiation possibleWhy districts should start with guardrails — not panic-driven policyThe growing role of AI in global education systemsHow AI can reduce teacher workload and reignite instructional joyThey also discuss:The dangers of AI hallucinations and why prompting mattersAI companions and the urgent need for parent awarenessWhy AI leadership cannot live in just one classroomThe opportunity to unleash teacher creativity post-COVIDJeff’s core message:AI is already here. The question is not whether schools will use it but whether they will use it thoughtfully.If implemented wisely, AI may reduce administrative burdens, strengthen differentiation, and give teachers back the space to design engaging, joyful learning experiences.Jeffrey Riley LinkedIn Page Day of AI Website Music by Aylex

Anyone who has stepped into a K–5 classroom knows this truth: kids need to move. But they also need strong math foundations. So how do we do both—without sacrificing rigor?In this episode, I sit down with Suzy Koontz, CEO and Founder of Math & Movement, to explore how movement-based learning can dramatically increase math fluency, engagement, and student confidence. A former actuary turned education innovator, Suzy shares how a simple trampoline moment with her daughter sparked a 25-year journey into brain-based math instruction .We discuss:The brain science behind movement and learningHow cross-body motion activates both hemispheres of the brainWhy skip counting is foundational for multiplication and division fluencyResearch showing significant gains in math achievement and self-efficacyHow schools can systematize movement-based strategies across classroomsPractical examples teachers can implement immediatelyThe impact on student collaboration, behavior, and math identityWe also preview Suzy’s upcoming ASCD book, Activate Math: Using Movement to Spark Engagement and Ignite Learning Activate Math: Using Movement to Spark Engagement and Ignite Learning.If you believe math should be active, conceptual, and confidence-building—not passive and procedural—this episode is for you.Suzy Koontz LinkedIn PageSuzy Koontz Web Page Math and Movement WebsiteMusic by Aylex

What can the costume designer behind Raiders of the Lost Ark and Michael Jackson’s Thriller teach educators?A lot.In this episode, Dr. Deborah Landis, UCLA professor and legendary Hollywood costume designer (also behind The Blues Brothers, Animal House, and Oscar-nominated for Coming to America), breaks down how costume design is actually about:Reading deeplyInterpreting textUnderstanding culture and historyBuilding authentic charactersTransporting an audienceAnd that’s exactly what great teachers do.🎭 Why costume design starts with close reading📚 How immersing students in one person or one time period builds lasting understanding🎬 The difference between “accuracy” and “authenticity”🧠 How asking better questions deepens learning👕 Why what we wear tells a story — and how students can use costume to demonstrate understanding🔥 What Indiana Jones teaches us about archetypes and engagement🎓 Why performance and teaching are more alike than we thinkDr. Landis shares how her graduate students study Oscar Wilde by examining text, history, politics, art, and culture before ever designing a garment — and why K–12 classrooms can adapt this same immersive approach.She reminds us:“We’re in the transportation business.”So are great educators.If you want to make learning feel less like coverage and more like immersion — this conversation will spark ideas across history, ELA, arts integration, and leadership.🎧 Listen in and ask yourself:How might costume, story, and performance deepen learning in your classroom or school?Deborah Landis LinkedIn PageDeborah Landis Website UCLA School of Theatre, Film & Television Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design - Book

Why do people keep doing the opposite of what we’ve clearly explained over and over again? Or do nothing at all? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Judy Newman, researcher, former principal, and author of Influence, for a practical, eye-opening conversation on applied neuroscience, psychology, and learning.We unpack:Why thinking is not the same as learning (neurons fire vs. wire)How trust, relationships, and growth map directly onto the brainWhy “one-and-done” PD and initiatives failWhat neuroscience tells us about feedback, fear, and changeHow leaders can build influence without authorityWhat this means for AI adoption, instructional change, and adult learningWhy emotion—not logic—drives behavior more than we want to admitThis episode is packed with concrete implications for classrooms, PD sessions, leadership moves, and system-level change.If you’ve ever said “But I already told them…” — this one’s for you.Judi Newman LinkedIn PageInfluence Book Dr. Judi Newman WebpageMusic by Aylex

In this wide-ranging conversation, Carol Ann Tomlinson reflects on her unconventional path into teaching and the classroom realities that led her to redefine differentiation—not as a set of tactics, but as an ethical stance toward learners.Key Themes & Takeaways:Differentiation ≠ multiple lesson plans: It’s about common goals with multiple pathways, supports, and timelines.Choice builds agency: Students learn more deeply when they can choose how they engage and demonstrate understanding.Scaffolding is for everyone: Advanced learners need support too—challenge without scaffolding isn’t rigor.AI as a support, not a substitute: Translation, organizers, and access tools can expand equity when used intentionally.Second-order change: Differentiation only works when aligned with learning environment, curriculum, assessment, instruction, and classroom leadership.Safety precedes learning: Trust, belonging, and relevance are prerequisites—not “extras.”Who This Episode Is For:Teachers, coaches, school leaders, and anyone rethinking instruction in a post-COVID, AI-influenced world who wants learning to be human-centered, rigorous, and just.Where to Learn More:Carol Ann Tomlinson - ASCDThe Differentiated Classroom Book

What if schools taught longevity—not just aging?On the latest episode of the podcast, I spoke with Karol Schwartzlander (California Commission on Aging) and Judith Hemphill about why aging belongs in our K–12 conversations.We’ve added nearly 30 years to life expectancy, yet schools rarely prepare students for long, multigenerational lives. Aging doesn’t start at retirement—it starts at birth.Key ideas from the conversation:Positive images of aging can add years to lifeOlder adults bring wisdom, story, and mentorship students deeply needLearning flows both ways—especially in an AI-shaped worldIntergenerational schools reduce loneliness and strengthen communitiesOne insight that stuck with me: A positive perception of aging adds 7.5 years to your life.That’s not just a health issue. It’s a curriculum, leadership, and systems issue. Karol Schwartzlander LinkedIn PageCalifornia Commission on Aging Judith Hemphill LinkedIn PageTeaching: The Inside StoryMusic by Aylex

Grammar doesn’t fail because students can’t learn it.It fails because of how it’s taught.In this episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast, I’m joined by literacy expert Patty McGee, co-author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar, to rethink grammar instruction from the ground up.We explore how grammar can be:taught through sentences, play, and inquiryembedded across ELA, science, and social studiesaccessible to multilingual learnersfocused on growth over time, not mastery in a dayPatty shares concrete classroom strategies, including sentence manipulation, low-prep grammar play, and assessment approaches that honor language, culture, and audience.If grammar feels like a compliance task instead of a thinking tool—this conversation shows a better way.Patty McGee Website Not Your Granny's Grammar BookMusic by Aylex

In this episode, I speak with Adam Watson about role-playing and gamification as serious instructional tools, not motivational add-ons.We explore how well-designed role-play:Shifts students from passive responders to active decision-makersLowers affective risk while increasing cognitive demandUses identity, narrative, and constraints to deepen reasoningSupports academic discourse without overscripting languageThis conversation reframes gamification as a cognitive access strategy—especially powerful in discussion-based, humanities, and problem-centered learning contexts.Key takeaway:If students are thinking as someone, not just answering as themselves, rigor goes up—not down.Adam Watson LinkedIn PageWatson Edtech PageTable-Top Role Playing Games in the Classroom Book Music by Aylex

As we return to the second half of the school year, and exhaustion starts to set in, morale often becomes fragile—for teachers, students, and leaders alike. In this episode, John is joined by Dr. Darrin Peppard, former Wyoming Principal of the Year and founder of Road to Awesome Consulting, to explore a critical reframe: morale isn’t a program—it’s a byproduct of a well-run school.Darren traces his own leadership journey from classroom teacher to principal and superintendent, including the burnout that came from trying to be a “superhero leader.” From there, the conversation unpacks what truly boosts morale: clarity of vision, strong systems, shared leadership, and leaders who model what they expect.Listeners will hear practical examples of how effective leaders:Build clear organizational and instructional systemsDelegate leadership without micromanagingCreate opportunities for teachers and students to leadShift from “putting out fires” to feeding the cultureRecognize, reward, and reinforce the behaviors they want to seeThe episode closes with a powerful reminder: the same practices we ask teachers to use with students—clarity, modeling, and positive narration—are the practices leaders must use with adults. When schools are run well, morale follows.Darrin Peppard LinkedIn PageRoad to Awesome Music by Aylex

What does it really mean to communicate a vision—and why does it matter so much for school culture?In this episode, John Schembari is joined by Corey Gordon, CEO of DeliverEd, to explore how schools and districts can move beyond vision statements as “documents on a page” and turn them into drivers of strategic action and improvement.Together, they unpack:Why a clear vision is the essential first step in building strong school cultureWhat effective vision statements include—and what they leave outHow mission statements, portraits of a graduate, and strategic plans work togetherPractical ways to elevate student voice and stakeholder co-creationCommon implementation pitfalls (initiative fatigue, lack of KPIs, rushing change)How leaders can live the vision through modeling, recognition, hiring, and accountabilityThis conversation is especially relevant for school and district leaders who want alignment, focus, and follow-through—not just another glossy plan.🎧 Key takeaway: Vision only matters if it shapes daily decisions, behaviors, and systems—and leadership makes the difference.Corey Gordon LinkedIn PageDeliverEDMusic by Alex

In this episode, John Schembari is joined by student author Amy Wallace and education researcher Dr. Nick Jackson to explore AI in education—from the learner’s perspective.Key Topics CoveredHow students actually use AI to think, revise, and planWhy bans and AI “detection” tools failWhat AI reveals about broken assessment systemsStudent agency vs. performative voiceAI, careers, and uncertainty in the future workforceLessons from Australia’s social media banWhy education must move from binary rules to ethical gray zonesKey TakeawayAI is not an instructional shortcut—it’s a systems stress test.And students are telling us exactly where the cracks are.Music by AylexThe Next Word: AI and Learning Dr. Nick Jackson LinkedIn Page Now Future Learning Website

Chronic absenteeism still hovers around 25% nationwide—and one root cause keeps surfacing: student disengagement.In this episode, we sit down with Alfie Kohn, author of Punished by Rewards, to unpack a hard truth many of us weren’t trained to question:👉 Rewards, grades, praise, and “positive reinforcement” don’t build motivation—they often undermine it.Alfie reminds us:Motivation isn’t one thing. The kind matters more than the amount.Intrinsic motivation (learning for meaning, curiosity, purpose) is more powerful than extrinsic carrots and sticks.The more we reward learning, the more we unintentionally teach students that learning isn’t worth doing on its own.What’s framed as “encouragement” is often control in disguise—and kids (and adults) feel it.So what’s the shift?🔄 From doing things to students → working with students🔄 From praise and compliance → choice, voice, agency, and dialogue🔄 From grades and behavior charts → feedback, reflection, and authentic assessmentThis conversation isn’t about blaming teachers—it’s about questioning systems we inherited and reimagining classrooms (and workplaces) where engagement is designed, not bribed.Alfie Kohn WebsiteKohn's Zone PodcastPunished by Rewards Music by Aylex

In 2025, great teaching isn’t about delivering content — it’s about curating it, unleashing student curiosity, and building true student efficacy.But here’s the twist: teachers can’t foster efficacy if leaders are still ferry-captains instead of bridge-builders.In my latest conversation with Tanya Bosco (Chief Strategy Officer at IDE Corp), we unpack the leadership mindset shifts from her new book Students Taking Charge: Implementation Guide for Leaders. We covered: 🔹 The difference between student engagement, empowerment, and efficacy 🔹 How an efficacy notebook transforms learning ownership 🔹 Why leaders must shift from dissemination → conversation 🔹 How to avoid “surface innovation” traps 🔹 What future-powered classrooms actually look and feel like 🔹 And the big one: why real transformation should feel like joyIf we want students who believe “I can change the world,” we need schools designed for it — from the classroom up and the leadership down.Tanya Bosco LinkedIn PageIDE Corp WebsiteStudents Taking Charge Book Music by Aylex

Making Social Studies Come Alive Through InquiryIn this week’s Podcast episode, I sit down with Charisse Smith Ph.D. —CEO of Sankofa Educational Consulting and former K–6 Social Studies Supervisor in Trenton Public Schools, NJ—to dig into why inquiry-driven social studies is essential for today’s learners.We talk about: ✨ Moving beyond facts + dates to real student thinking ✨ Why elementary students can handle complex history ✨ Powerful examples of informed action (2nd graders contacting City Hall!) ✨ How IDM creates space for civic engagement, critical thinking & SEL ✨ Supporting teachers through the shift from “sage on the stage” to inquiry facilitator/If you want social studies to be relevant, joyful, and transformative, this is the episode.🎧 Listen now and lean into inquiry. Our students—and our democracy—benefit.Charisse Smith LinkedIn PageSankofa Educational Consulting C3 Teachers Blog: Implementing IDMMusic by Aylex

Cutting Through the Noise with Priority StandardsTeachers are asked to do everything — personalization, differentiation, voice and choice, standards-based instruction… but rarely is anything taken off the plate.In this episode of the Podcast, I sit down with Larry Ainsworth, the nationwide expert on unwrapping standards, priority standards, and creating clear learning targets.We dive into: ✨ How to identify what’s truly essential for student learning ✨ The REAL (Readiness, Endurance, Assessment, Leverage) framework ✨ Turning standards into meaningful learning targets & success criteria ✨ Supporting multilingual learners and students with disabilities ✨ Why AI is a tool — not a replacement — for teacher expertise ✨ How schools that prioritize standards see real gains in student achievement.If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I teach what’s essential when everything feels essential?” — this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and bring clarity back to teaching.Larry Ainsworth LinkedIn PageLarry Ainsworth WebsiteEssential Standards for Multilingual Learners Music by Aylex

In this Have a Life Teaching Podcast episode, we speak with Maureen Chapman and James Simons of Core Creative Partners about their new book, Leaders of the Class. We explore how motivation, perseverance, communication, and collaboration can be intentionally taught alongside academic content—especially at the secondary level.Our guests share powerful stories about helping schools rebuild joy post-pandemic, why adolescents need more opportunities to reflect and lead, and how routines like goal setting, emotional awareness, perseverance strategy banks, and structured collaboration can transform classroom culture.Most importantly, we discuss how this work supports equity, belonging, and agency—ensuring every student, especially those who feel disconnected, develops the skills and confidence to thrive in school and beyond. Core Creative PartnersMaureen Chapman LinkedIn PageJames Simons LinkedIn Page Leaders of the Class Book Music by Aylex

Host Dr. John Schembari brings together three leading K–12 podcasters from the U.S. and Australia to explore why they podcast, how they amplify teacher voices, and what keeps them inspired. They discuss balancing practical classroom takeaways with deeper human stories, staying authentic and apolitical, and the impact of connecting educators worldwide.Key Themes:Diversity of voices in educationEquity and purpose in teachingBalancing research and real classroom practiceThe emotional power of teacher storytellingFind Them:Vicki Davis – CoolCatTeacher.comAlice Vigars – Teacher Takeaway PodcastMatthew Green – Art of Teaching Podcast

In this episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast. we welcome Dr. Carmen Bell Ross—founder and CEO of SP Grace—and her daughter, Sierra Ross, a Harvard University student, for a powerful mother-daughter conversation on helping students not just get into college but thrive once they’re there.Dr. Carmen shares the origins and pillars of her College Smarter Method, a framework that helps students identify their authentic strengths, personal brand, and purpose beyond grades and test scores. She explains how cultivating self-awareness, strategy, and fit empowers young people to stand out in college admissions and future careers.Sierra offers a student’s perspective on discovering her authentic path through STEM exploration, dance, and community service, and how her mother’s guidance helped her connect passion to purpose. She also speaks candidly about confidence, resilience, and self-motivation in college life.Together, they discuss how educators can validate all students’ gifts, ask better questions, and create environments that nurture student agency, reflection, and belonging—especially for diverse learners navigating today’s evolving college landscape.💡 Key Topics:Personal branding and self-discovery for high-school and college studentsThe College Smarter Method and its core pillarsStudent agency, validation, and authentic storytellingBalancing academic rigor with personal passionNavigating college challenges with confidence and purposeVisit CollegeSmarter.com to explore Dr. Carmen Bell Ross’s work and upcoming workshops.Carmen Bell-Ross LinkedIn Page

John talks with Mickey Evans and Erin Sanchez about place-based learning, a pedagogy of connectedness that roots instruction in students’ local communities, cultures, and environments. They share design principles for creating authentic, equitable learning experiences and examples from tribal, rural, and urban schools—showing how community partnerships, storytelling, and student voice transform learning. The episode also explores how AI and VR can expand access and make place-based learning possible anywhere.Defining place-based learning and its equity focusHow to design “learning journeys” that connect culture, inquiry, and communityReal-world examples from schools nationwideOvercoming time and testing pressuresUsing AI and VR to enhance community-connected learningErin Sanchez LinkedInMicki Evans LinkedIn PagePlace Based Learning Book PBL PathMusic by Aylex

In this episode, Dr. John Schembari speaks with Nicholas Bradford - Founder at National Center for Restorative Justice - about how restorative justice can transform school culture by balancing accountability, relationship building, and community repair. Together, they unpack what restorative practices look like in real classrooms and explore how schools can move from punitive discipline models to ones focused on learning, empathy, and responsibility.Redefining Discipline: Moving beyond punishment to accountability and relationship repair.Restorative Practices in Action: How “restorative conferences” differ from traditional discipline and what they look like in schools.Accountability with Compassion: Helping students author responsibility for their actions rather than simply “serve time.”Teacher Reflection: When adults also need to own their actions and model restorative behavior.Building Schoolwide Systems: Starting small with low-hanging fruit—such as relationship-building circles—and scaling to full restorative programs.The Role of Community: Involving students, staff, and parents in a culture of empathy and shared responsibility.Results in Practice: How schools implementing restorative justice have seen significant reductions in suspensions and improvements in climate surveys.“Discipline is choosing what I want most over what I want right now.” — Nicholas BradfordNicholas Bradford LinkedIn PageNational Center for Restorative Justice

Guest:Dr. Tim Shanahan, literacy researcher, author of Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives, and founder of the UIC Center for Literacy.Episode Summary:Dr. Shanahan joins John to discuss why students must engage with grade-level, complex texts—and how teachers can scaffold instruction instead of lowering text difficulty. He explains practical ways to support struggling readers while maintaining rigor and motivation.Key Takeaways:Match instruction—not text level—to student needs.Use rereading, chunking, and guided practice to build comprehension.Pre-teach critical vocabulary and model how to decode complex sentences.Replace “popcorn reading” with safe, paired fluency work.Teach morphology and word structure beyond early grades.Keep students reading on grade level to close, not widen, learning gaps.Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives Book (Harvard Education Press)Blog: Shanahan on LiteracyTim Shanahan LinkedIn PageMusic by Aylex

“If students can’t read to learn, they can’t learn through reading.”In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Gwen Pauloski, author of Making Deep Sense of Informational Text: A Framework for Strengthening Comprehension in Grades 6–12.We dig into why every teacher—not just ELA—needs to see themselves as a literacy teacher. Gwen shares her four pillars for helping adolescents make sense of complex texts: 1️⃣ Rebuilding confidence and “reading esteem” 2️⃣ Teaching comprehension strategies explicitly 3️⃣ Engaging students in scholarly talk 4️⃣ Guiding deep text study through pre-, during-, and post-reading work.We also talk about practical scaffolds like Cornell Notes, annotation strategies, and discussion protocols that keep students thinking deeply instead of skimming for answers.🔗 Listen to the full episode below to hear how you can help students move from “just reading” to truly understanding what they read.Making Deep Sense of Informational Text Gwen Pauloski LinkedIn Page Music by Aylex

In this inaugural episode, education podcasters sit down to reflect on the art and purpose of podcasting in education. From the challenges of balancing storytelling with scholarship to the power of teacher voice in shaping public dialogue, the panel explores what happens when educators turn the mic on themselves.Key Themes:The rise of podcasting as professional learning for educatorsBuilding authentic conversations in K–12 and higher ed contextsHow podcasting strengthens community and reflectionTips for sustaining creativity and avoiding burnoutThe future of education podcasts as storytelling platformsTakeaway:Podcasting isn’t just about producing content—it’s about creating connection. This series opens a space for educators to learn from each other as they amplify ideas that move teaching and learning forward.Literacy Landscapes Podcast Teaching, Learning, Leading Podcast Learner-Centered Spaces

In this episode of The Have a Life Teaching Podcast, host Dr. John Schembari talks with Illinois educators Paige Timmerman and Courtney Hake, co-authors of Their Stories, Their Voices. Together, they explore how teachers can use personal narrative writing to help students find and share their authentic voices—while meeting academic standards and preparing for real-world writing.Paige and Courtney discuss how narrative writing builds engagement, supports social-emotional learning, and develops critical thinking. They outline four key narrative types—informative, analytical, persuasive, and reflective—and share practical ways to weave student voice into everyday assignments without overhauling the curriculum. The conversation also dives into innovative projects such as experimental narratives, podcast assignments, and multimedia memoirs that make writing both relevant and joyful.John and his guests unpack how narrative connects to standards, fosters growth mindset, integrates with digital literacy, and even interacts with emerging tools like AI. The episode closes with an inspiring reminder: when students write about what matters to them, they not only learn to communicate—they learn who they are.Paige Timmerman LinkedInKourtney Hake LinkedInTheir Stories Their Voices Book Music by Aylex

In this episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with David Richards, CEO of Changemaker Education, to discuss the revolutionary world of micro schools. As a leader in the micro school movement, David shared his personal journey from traditional education to launching micro schools, emphasizing the importance of personalized learning, project-based learning (PBL), and social-emotional learning (SEL).David’s insights on the benefits of small, community-driven schools—where students are seen, heard, and supported—highlight the future of education in a world where one size doesn't fit all. We also explored the entrepreneurial spirit required to build sustainable, high-quality micro schools, as well as the risks involved in starting from scratch.🔑 Key takeaways:Micro schools offer highly personalized, relationship-based education that larger schools often can’t provide.The growing micro school movement is not just about small size but about innovative, student-centered learning models.The entrepreneurial journey of starting a micro school is rewarding but comes with unique challenges in sustainability.💡 Want to learn more about micro schools? Check out David Richards' work at Changemaker Education and dive deeper into the evolution of education!🔗 Changemaker Education Website🔗 Changemaker Education Podcast🔗 David Richards on LinkedInMusic by Aylex

Poetry isn’t just “beautiful prose” — it’s a doorway into critical thinking, voice, and perspective.In this episode, I sit down with Jewellyn Forrest, national writing consultant and co-founder of Autonomy Learning, to explore how poetry — and especially figurative language — can: ✔️ Help students “read between the lines” ✔️ Unlock reluctant writers ✔️ Build community and celebrate student voice ✔️ Offer an equity lens by honoring culture and personal experienceJewellyn also shares her powerful Figurative Language Stretch strategy which she wrote about on the ASCD blog — a simple, playful way to help students move from identifying similes and metaphors to confidently weaving them into their own poems.Give it a listen if you’ve ever wondered: How do we get students not only to understand poetry, but to love creating it?Jewellyn Forrest LinkedIn PageAutonoMY Learning WebsiteASCD Blog Post - The Figurative Language StretchMusic by Aylex

Too often, I see learning objectives on the board that say “Students will think about…” — but how do we actually know what students are thinking?This week on the Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Alice Vigors, author of The Thinking Classroom and her brand-new book The Learning Classroom. We dig into how teachers can make thinking visible by: - Clarifying learning intentions & success criteria - Embedding real-time, actionable feedback - Building student self- and peer-assessment routinesAlice shares practical strategies (like scaffolding verbs, using thinking routines, and creating “pause points”) that help students not just do the work, but show their thinking — leading to deeper learning and independence.Listen in and learn how to design a classroom where learning is transparent, feedback is meaningful, and students own their growth.Alice Vigors LinkedIn Page The Learning Classroom Book Thinking PathwaysTeacher Takeaway PodcastMusic by Aylex

When Teachers Believe—in Themselves and Each Other—Students ThriveThis week on the podcast, we sit down with Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes to discuss their new book, Collective Impact: Overcoming the Twelve Enemies of Teacher Efficacy.We explore how collective efficacy—educators’ shared belief in their power to impact student learning—creates school cultures where both teachers and students flourish.Just as we encourage students to see challenges as opportunities, teachers must shift from fixed, demoralized mindsets to one where a small win is celebrated and setbacks fuel growth. Together, educators can—and do—make the difference.- In this episode we highlight John Hattie’s research on collective efficacy as the #1 influence on student achievement.- Explore the authors’ framework of the “12 enemies of efficacy” (from isolation to negativity).- Share practical “micro moves” rooted in Bandura’s four sources of efficacy—mastery, modeling, emotions, and persuasion. Jenni Donohoo LinkedIn PageJenni Donohoo Website Glenn Forbes LinkedIn PageCollective Impact BookSouthern Tioga School District Music by Aylex

In this episode, we are joined by Shannon McLeod from Thrive with Outdoor Learning for an inspiring and insightful conversation about the power of taking learning outside the classroom. We cover the how, why, when, and what of outdoor learning—from practical strategies to deeper reflections on its benefits for students' well-being, engagement, and development.Shannon shares her journey into outdoor education, the philosophy behind her work, and the tangible ways educators can integrate nature into everyday teaching. Whether you're new to outdoor learning or looking to expand your toolkit, this episode offers valuable takeaways and motivation to get outside and make learning come alive.Thrive with Outdoor Learning Website Teach Better Article Pinterest

Our kids are drowning in math failure — and it starts shockingly early. By grade 3, too many students already believe: “I’m just not a math person.”The culprit?Timed tests that reward speed over thinking, worksheets that kill curiosity, and assessments that feel like traps, not opportunities. We’re creating a generation terrified of math.The SNAP Solution flips the script:- Math becomes a puzzle full of wonder- Students show thinking in drawings, equations, and real-life examples- Teachers see true understanding — not test anxietyIf we don’t change math assessment now, the crisis only gets worse.Hear from authors of the book - The SNAP Snapshot - on why SNAP might be the lifeline we need on the most to reinvigorate Math teaching and learning.Tom Hierck LinkedIn Page Jonathan Ferris LinkedIn PageKirk Savage LinkedIn PageThe SNAP Solution Book Music by Aylex

Are we grading what really matters? In most cases, no. In this episode, we sit-down with Karin Hess, Jonathan Vander Els and Brian Stack - authors of the book Elevating Competency-Based Learning in a PLC at Work - to discuss how competency-based learning and grading can help educators provide students with a clear pathway in learning both standards based academic content while developing higher order life skills. We discuss, in particular, how to create classrooms that are student owned, assessment practices beyond the paper and pencil test, and how we can ensure equity in teaching practices across classrooms.Karin l. Hess LinkedIn PageJonathan Vander Els LinkedIn PageBrian Stack Linkedin PageBook - Elevating CompetencyMusic by Aylex

We hope you have enjoyed season two. We will be back with brand new episodes and a third season in August 2025. In the meantime, please feel free to catch up on any of our past episodes. Music - Aylex

In this episode, I talk with educator and author Susan Midlarsky about her book The Art of Learning Math: A Manual for Success. We explore how math can be more than numbers—how it can help students see patterns in life, solve problems creatively, and rebuild confidence after math-related stress or trauma.Susan shares:How recognizing relationships and patterns helps students make sense of math and the worldWays to address math anxiety and trauma with compassion and curiosityThe importance of student-led problem solving over rote memorizationHow connecting math to real life builds confidence and resilienceThis episode is perfect for educators, parents, or anyone looking to make math a more meaningful, empowering experience for learners of all ages.Susan Midlarsky LinkedIn PageBook - The Art of Learning Math HomepageAchieve the Core Coherence Maps Music - Aylex

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with a pioneer in the AI space - Dr. Ken Kahn. Ken walks us through the amazing ways we can increase student creativity through the use of high-powered AI chat bots, not reduce it. We discuss how students can create games and simulations to demonstrate their knowledge of concepts in all core content areas, without needing to know code, as well as ways to create multimodal resources for students (music and images) and choose your own adventure type activities. It truly is a brave new world! Listen in as Ken and I discuss these ideas as well as how his new book can serve as a guide to educators in maximizing the use of AI with students.Ken Kahn LinkedInKen Kahn Book - The Learner's Apprentice Music - Aylex

Drama critic George Jean-Nathan once said that "Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote." Although 47% of all young people eligible to cast a ballot in the 2024 presidential election did so, 53% did not. How did we get here? Professor Lindsey Cormack, author of the book "How to Raise a Citizen" believes that this situation, overall, is the result of a lack of youth awareness of the political and democratic process. So how then can educators, along with parents, teach students what they need to know?In this episode we discuss:- The definition of "citizen". - How teachers can teach the political process through experiential learning.- How we should spiral or build upon learning of the democratic process in each grade not just in middle school or 11th grade government class.- How to turn youth from consumers of information on the Internet to information seekers.- Why adults need to turn down the negativity about politics and teach students how to argue opposing viewpoints with civility. - How teachers can teach the democratic process without falling victim to increasing legal jeopardy when what they teach upsets some parents with strong political views - red or blue. - How parents can and should support the awareness of their children about the democratic process. We hope you will listen in to this important conversation. Lindsey Cormack LinkedIn page Book - How to Raise a Citizen How to Raise a Citizen InstagramHow to Raise a Citizen Webpage James Madison's Montpelier Website Music - Aylex

In this episode of the podcast, we speak with authors Jenn David-Lang, the Main Idea, and Kim Marshall, the Marshall Memo, about their work in curating the "best of" resources available to educators - particularly leaders working with new teachers as well as new teachers interested in self-growth. New teachers need certain supports beyond what David-Lang calls the boiler plate "where are the keys" training all teachers get at the beginning of each year. Marshall and David-Lang offer their suggestions on what this training should look like if we want to retain their talents. The Marshall MemoThe Main IdeaThe Best of the Marshall Memo Music - Aylex

In this latest episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast, we chat with education researcher John Hattie - professor at the University of Melbourne. We discuss, despite evidence suggesting it is ineffective, the continued prevalence of the theory of learning styles and preferences and targeting instruction for individual students towards a specific approach such as visual, auditory, verbal, and/or kinesthetic learning. Rather, Hattie suggests that we think in terms of using a variety of learning strategies that evidence suggests are high impact strategies for improving student knowledge and retention of learning:- Organizational strategies- Learning consolidation techniques- Exposed student thinking practicesWe also discuss specific techniques for helping teachers to design lessons that engage students in each of these best learning practices. The Hattie Family Foundation WebsiteLearning Styles, Preferences, Learning Strategies Article Corwin Visible Learning Website Visible Learning: The Sequel Book 10 Mind Frames for Visible Learning Book Music by Aylex

We waste so much time as educators during the working day.If we are not chatting with colleagues during our prep periods, we are often using many of our precious minutes in our prep periods planning how we will use our prep periods. Teacher Ellen Linnihan, author of the book "Teacher Time Management - How to Prioritize Your Day So You Can Enjoy Your Evening", offers us several strategies for making every extra moment in our teaching count in terms of our efficiency.We discuss:- How to classify our activities into three categories - those activities that require high concentration, average, and low concentration.- How to plan out in advance how to use low intensity/energy times in our teaching.- What to do when students experience periods of high/low energy- The power of video as a time saver for teachers. - How to plan your units so we have an easier end of year. Ellen Linnihan LinkedIn Page Teacher Time Management Book Ellen Linnihan YouTube Music by Aylex

In an earlier episode, we spoke with Stanford University Professor Robyn Brinks Lockwood on how to better prepare high school students for the rigors of college communication and discourse (making presentations/speeches).In this episode, college professor and former high school ELA teacher Johanna Tramantano also sounds the alarm as it relates to high school students not having the executive functioning skills necessary to thrive in college and career settings. However, says Tramantano, there are simple practices that K-12 teachers can implement to help students develop not only the communication skills they will need in higher education but the metacognition that students need to direct their own learning.I hope you will listen in (and subscribe) as we discuss:- The CONNECT Framework for developing student metacognition in high school and beyond.- Simple middle and high school classroom practices for student self and peer reflection on learning.- How best to facilitate student conferences that place the student in the driver's seat. and- The gradual release of control over assessment and analysis of learning to students from middle through high school. Johanna Tramantano LinkedIn Page Literacy Landscapes Podcast Leveraging Literacy Webpage Music by Aylex

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by journalist Dana Seith, co-creator of the bold new storytelling card game Tell Me a Story — made in collaboration with The Bitter Southerner, We’re not just talking games — we’re talking transformation. In this episode, we unpack:- The five essential elements of unforgettable narrative storytelling- How stories boost executive functioning and student focus- Creative ways to use storytelling cards in your classroom to bring narrative fiction to lifeClick, listen, and subscribe. Because if your students can’t tell a story, they might be missing the most powerful tool they’ve got.Dana Seith LinkedIn Page Tell Me a Story Card Game Music by Aylex