15 Minute PD

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of goal-setting to prepare students for upcoming diagnostic assessments. You'll learn practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset, setting individualized goals, and encouraging effort-based success. By emphasizing the importance of personal growth over competition, reflecting on past performance, and making goals visible, educators can help students approach diagnostics with confidence and purpose. Tune in to discover how these tips can turn assessments into opportunities for growth and self-discovery, rather than stress-filled moments.

In this episode, we’re diving into practical tips for planning and conducting successful parent-teacher conferences. These meetings are essential for building strong partnerships with parents and supporting student growth. Let’s break down some steps to help make your conferences productive and positive experiences.

In this episode, I delve into recent personal disappointments and explore the universal experience of facing setbacks. Join me as I share my challenges and offer practical strategies for supporting students in managing and overcoming their disappointments. Tune in for insights and guidance on navigating these common life experiences with resilience and empathy.

It's been a while since I made an episode so I just wanted to catch you up with what is going on in my world. Starting next time I will be back to giving you some awesome tips for your classroom and new ideas to share.

How tired do you feel? It's been a long year of teaching, how are you wrapping up your year? In this podcast, I talk about how I'm wrapping up my year. I also discuss some important reminders to all of us educators who need to be taking care of ourselves.

Have you gotten to the point where you have that same lesson plan that you pull out to use each year? Do your lessons need some more updated technology and pedagogy? In this episode, I explore why we might be stuck in the same rut. I also share some insight into what I do that keeps me out of the rut and plans for next year to continue moving.

Have you wanted to review math skills in an exciting way? How would you like resources that are ready to go with minimal work on your part? Ever wanted an easier way to plan and share lesson plans? I have some new techie tools that I have been using to answer these questions. Tune in for some new ideas!

How can you build school culture if you are a classroom teacher?  How can you bring joy to those coworkers around you?  I have a few tips in this episode on things I've done with my staff to encourage a positive culture.  It's sometimes just the little things that can bring such joy to others and bond you together as a staff.

Do you ever wish your class could keep learning when you know you are going to be absent?  Do you like being able to make sub plans in minutes instead of hours?  I share in this episode some of the ways that I plan quality lessons for when I know I will be absent.  In the long run it will save you time and you will also be investing in your student's learning even when you have to be away.

How does your day start in  your classroom?  Do students arrive excited to be there?  I have some awesome ways that I use to start my day.  I want to inspire you with new ways to get your kids wanting to get to school early.

Have you ever struggled to get everything done?  Have you ever felt that you bit off more than you can chew?  Well I know I have as a teacher!  I have learned just in the past year the importance of the word no.  I always want to do everything I possibly can to make a difference in the world.  The problem is I can't do it all!  In this podcast I explore the reasons why teachers may not say no as well as how saying no can improve your life.

Do you have that kid in your class who always seems to be not paying attention?  Do you have that kid in your room who is always goofing off and trying to get attention?  I have found ways over the past 22 years of teaching that I feel will help you solve this problem.  In this episode, I share this technique and give you a way to gain back some of the teaching time you lose due to misbehavior.

When are your kids at their best?  If you say the last 2 months of school you are not alone.  I believe that they can be at their best all school year long.  I have a tried and true way that will buy you more time to teach and less time to work on behavior.

Do you need some new ideas to start the school year?  Do you always feel like you are not quite ready to get started?  In this podcast I discuss some tips to get your school year off on the right foot.

How do you end your year?  Do you make lasting memories that bond your students and yourself?  Do you have ways to celebrate?  Here are just a few of my favorite ways that I end my year.  If you are in need of new ideas give it a listen.

How much time do you spend in your classroom? How have you made your room a reflection of your passions? In this episode I discuss how I’ve made my room a happy place for me and my students.

Have you ever felt overwelmed?  Have you ever felt ineffective?  Do you feel like you are losing your love for teaching?  In this podcast, I share my own personal story of how I beat teacher burnout.  I hope my story might help even one of you or someone you know rise above this valley we sometimes go through.

Do you like learning about new apps and websites that could make your life as an educator easier?  Do you want things that you could use right now?  This episode talks about the top 5 apps that I use weekly in my classroom and as an educator.  I have found several of these save me time and energy when trying to reach an audience, make resources, or just to help with my sanity.

Have you ever wanted your students to come into the classroom buzzing about the day?  Do you want to make learning and teaching more fun?  Then gamification might just be the answer.  In this podcast, I explain what gamification is and how I'm using it in my classroom.  My students absolutely love it and I'm sure yours will as well. Podcast Resources: On Twitter:  @ctryfan28 (my Twitter handle)                   @mrmatera (Michael Matera)                   @MeehanEDU Http://www.emc2learning.com

Have you ever had a hard time teaching a certain science skill?  Have you wished that the experiments that come with your science curriculum didn't call for a billion items to purchase?  Well, you've come to the right place.  Listen as I share about the Mystery Science program and how it can help you engage students in the science classroom as well as create lasting memories with them. mysteryscience.com