Explore every episode of the podcast Mr. Clarke After Dark
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarke Notes #8 | Embarrassing Self-Reflections, When Teachers Lie, and Young Administrators | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:35:45 | |
In this episode, I discuss my embarrassing attempts at being present with my friend groups, how neuroscience PD has stalled and what is routinely available is not working and why this does not have to be a bad thing, why teachers lie about how busy they are, why new teachers want to be told what to do and how this helps everyone long-term, why self-interest in education should not be frowned upon, what makes collaboration cool, the joy of thinking over doing, and, much more. Get a custom virtual assistant free for thirty days: https://www.leverageassistants.com/?via=mcad Get 25% off Leanfit Supplements: https://leanfit.ca/MRCLARKEAFTERDARK Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #101 - Mr. Clarke | Top Takeaways From One Hundred Episodes | 10 Jun 2025 | 01:00:16 | |
Teachers need to put themselves out there more. Teachers hide their expertise behind their classroom door because we have constantly been told nobody knows what they are doing and everyone feels too scared to share what they know. Baptism by fire leaves everyone even more vulnerable to imposter syndrome and about imposter syndrome that actually holds you back. New Teachers should actually be involved in everything even though this time is unpaid, and this is where low starting salaries hurt and scheduling them into classes nobody wants to teach is a mistake. You can feel the energy of a school the moment you walk in, and your gut instinct is usually correct. There are better schools than others, and there are some teachers you should model more than others, and this does not have to be a bad thing. Emotional Contagion - Almost everyone hates the staff room even if they go there to eat their lunch. It also really only takes a couple to poison the bunch. Private schools are having the same issues as public schools when it comes to literacy and numeracy ‘scores’ and often seek to hire international educators to accommodate alternative schedules. Teachers love learning but do not like being talked down to in PD sessions from those who do not teach or have turned their niche idea into something that works outside of the classroom. There is no definition of what a “fully funded” education system looks like in education and this additional uncertainty is holding us back. Standardization needs to mean something to be effective but students will find loopholes with everything we do. Neuroscience learning has stalled and what is routinely available is not working. Again, this is not a bad thing, but it feels true the more educators I speak with. Things such as Polyvagal theory, beating burnout through self-care, etc. fall on empty ears because it has now been around for the past five years in a higher capacity but nobody feels like anything has really changed. Teachers do not want others to know they use AI because it makes them appear lazy. Even if it is more effective, we need to tell others that we are ‘drowning’ or ‘have so much marking to do’ even if we genuinely feel pretty good about how things are going with our workload at that particular time. Get a custom virtual assistant free for thirty days: https://www.leverageassistants.com/?via=mcad Get 25% off Leanfit Supplements: https://leanfit.ca/MRCLARKEAFTERDARK Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #100 - Kyle Harquail | Fentanyl Cookies, Shakespearean Rizz, and Toilet Paper in Tijuana | 03 Jun 2025 | 02:14:06 | |
Kyle Harquail is currently a Teacher in Saint John, NB and is, most importantly, a dear friend. On the episode, Kyle and I discuss instances where students have defecated themselves in our classes, ways we used to kill time at boring jobs, times we got caught falling asleep at work, how Kyle almost went to culinary school and my physiotherapy plan, how I got rejected from university, Covid hit, and my dad died all in a three month span, moments from high school that still make us cringe, my sixth grade Shakespearean rizz, times when we defecated ourselves, searching for toilet paper in a Mexican theater, Harquail's genius commentary on fentanyl, and, much more. Get a custom virtual assistant free for thirty days: https://www.leverageassistants.com/?via=mcad Get 25% off Leanfit Supplements: https://leanfit.ca/MRCLARKEAFTERDARK Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #099 - Hailey Chisholm | Tutoring Businesses, Workplace Naps, and Ideas for Teacher Retention | 27 May 2025 | 01:04:06 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Hailey Chisholm—educator, tutor, and fellow Westwood survivor. Hailey and I talk mentorship, what the most common academic concerns parents have for their children and how we assess for them, how building student confidence can make or break a learning experience, why teachers never feel like they have their sh*t together, how to stop being a perfectionist within teaching, the pros and cons of various practicum lengths, what student teachers are losing by not having a mentor teacher, how little information middle school students can actually handle, taking naps at school, starting a tutoring business and the process of building a website and reaching out to potential clients, and, much more. Work with Hailey: https://www.haileyteaches.com/ Get a custom virtual assistant free for thirty days: https://www.leverageassistants.com/?via=mcad Get 25% off Leanfit Supplements: https://leanfit.ca/MRCLARKEAFTERDARK Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Chapters 03:05 The Reality of Teaching: Expectations vs. Experience Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| The Clarke Notes #7 | Whack-a-mole Classroom Management on Steroids & Family Death Perception | 25 May 2025 | 00:28:14 | |
In this episode, I share some personal stories about how family losses have shaped my perspective on life and the long game of this career. I talk about the hilarious and unique challenges of teaching middle school in the month of May—especially when it comes to classroom management and student behavior—my hate for reading fiction, and why understanding different educational systems can make us better at what we do. Looking ahead, I share my thoughts on educational leadership and take on some common myths about private and charter schools. Lastly, as I prepare to become a parent myself, I reflect on how I would respond to teacher feedback if they were to say my child was struggling in school in some way. Get a custom virtual assistant free for thirty days: https://www.leverageassistants.com/?via=mcad Get 25% off Leanfit Supplements: https://leanfit.ca/MRCLARKEAFTERDARK Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #098 - Craig Randall | Leading the Much-Needed Shift in Teacher Evaluations | 20 May 2025 | 00:57:42 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth, to dive deep into the future of teacher evaluations and educational leadership. We explore why traditional teacher evaluation systems often fall short—and how building trust, fostering psychological safety, and focusing on strengths-based feedback can completely transform school culture. Craig shares what he has learned about the importance of relational trust in schools, the drawbacks of merit pay for teachers, and how frequent, reflective classroom observations can lead to meaningful professional growth. The discussion also covers the historical context of teacher evaluations, including both Race to the Top and studies by the RAND Corporation that aimed to improve student learning outcomes by overhauling evaluation systems. Craig and I also discuss the impact of frequent observations, the significance of reflective conversations in building trust and promoting growth among educators, and how principals can integrate these practices into their already busy schedules. We wrap up by talking about the shift from a performance-based culture to a learning culture—one where teachers feel empowered to take instructional risks and collaborate without fear. Connect with Craig here: https://trustbased.com/meet-craig/ Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Chapters Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #097 - Dr. Selena Fisk | Operational Intelligence: Leveraging Data Storytelling In Classrooms, Schools, and Districts | 13 May 2025 | 00:56:58 | |
Dr. Selena Fisk is a keynote speaker, author, and data storytelling expert who frequently consults both school districts and businesses on their data collection practices. In this episode, Selena and I dive deep into how schools can use data more meaningfully and humanely. Throughout our conversation, we discuss data-informed instruction, the dangers of misusing performance metrics, using data to to assess teachers, and why so many schools struggle with effective data tracking. We also discuss the triangulation of data for better understand student growth, how the revelations with AI and have helped with having conversations with your data, what you should be considering when making the decisions on what you want to track, and, much more. Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Work with Selena here: https://www.selenafisk.com/about Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #096 - Tyler Tarver | YouTube Learning, AI Exaggeration, and Incorporating Student Feedback | 06 May 2025 | 00:56:52 | |
Dr. Tyler Tarver is the Founder of Tarver Academy and is currently a Director of Learning and Development based out of Little Rock, Arkansas. In this episode, Dr. Tyler Tarver and I explore how feedback from students can refine your methods, why teachers need identities outside of school, what students really need to understand about what teachers want for them, his research on if Youtube is an effective tool for education and what keeps students engaged, hilarious mistakes he made in his first year, the evolution of Tarver Academy, why we are overreacting to AI, Harry Potter, how to give students more freedom, and, much more! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #095 - Bernii Godwin | Love Languages, Sleep Hygiene, & Reading Collective Energy | 29 Apr 2025 | 01:13:01 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Bernii Godwin and dive deep into the heart of what truly shapes student behavior, classroom management, and overall school culture: relationships. Bernii and I explore why understanding human behavior and emotional triggers is essential for creating a connected, well-regulated classroom, and how teachers can balance responsibility with support without burning out. We talk about everything from student discipline, emotional intelligence, and the importance of sleep hygiene, to practical strategies like using love languages to strengthen student relationships. Bernii shares her insights on the misconceptions teachers face, the illusion of control in the classroom, and how role modeling self-regulation can transform both teacher and student well-being. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the power of patience, grace, growth mindset, and the daily practice of rebounding to joy. We also dig into why setting clear boundaries, embracing proactive communication, and prioritizing self-care are non-negotiables for sustainable teaching. Connect with Bernii: https://godwinconsulting.com.au/ Purchase her book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Loving-our-Students-Purpose-Responsibility/dp/0988898462 Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| The Clarke Notes #6 | Teachers Are Negotiating For The Wrong Things | 27 Apr 2025 | 00:29:54 | |
In this episode of Clarke Notes, I dive into the ongoing debate around teacher pay, with a particular focus on Alberta and New Brunswick. While teachers often ask for blanket salary increases, I explore some alternative strategies that could better support educators without sparking public outrage. I talk about how important it is to acknowledge teachers' contributions to boost morale, and how improved insurance benefits could provide real financial relief. I also highlight the potential of retention bonuses as a way to encourage experienced teachers to stay in the profession, especially since current salary structures often undervalue them. I believe incentives for professional development and greater flexibility in scheduling could go a long way in improving work-life balance and keeping great teachers in the classroom. Financial growth opportunities that don't rely solely on salary hikes are critical, and the teaching profession needs more innovative solutions to meet these challenges. Along the way, I share some personal reflections on my own career transitions and I invite you to share your ideas for improving teacher compensation and retention! Try Alpha Progression and get 20% off your first payment when you use this link: alphaprogression.com/mcad Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #094 - Dr. Mark Williams | The Hidden Factor Neuroscience Says We’re Missing in Education | 22 Apr 2025 | 01:04:05 | |
Dr. Mark Williams is a Professor of Neuroscience and is the author of The Connected Species: How Understanding The Evolution of the Brain Can Help You Reconnect With The World. In this episode, Mark and I dive deep into the science of human connection and its profound impact on education. Drawing from his personal journey and groundbreaking research, Dr. Williams explores why connection—not just engagement—is the key to effective teaching and lifelong learning. He discusses how teacher-student relationships, physical touch, and eye contact play a crucial role in learning by building trust and motivation in the classroom—sometimes more powerfully than verbal praise. You'll learn why understanding the neuroscience of learning can transform how we teach, and how substances, social cues, and even racial perception shape our behavior and face recognition. Dr. Williams also breaks down the effects of in-group and out-group dynamics, showing how a student’s sense of belonging directly affects their ability to learn. He highlights the rise of tribalism and how it negatively impacts social connection, especially in diverse educational settings. The conversation extends to the role of technology and social media, examining how they influence children’s ability to read facial expressions, contribute to increased loneliness among teenagers, and normalize harmful content like internet pornography, distorting perceptions of healthy relationships. Connect with Mark here: https://www.drmarkwilliams.com/ Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Chapters 02:53 The Impact of Substances on Perception Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #093 - Dr. Chris Bronke | Does UDL Really Work in Classrooms? | 15 Apr 2025 | 01:24:15 | |
Dr. Christopher Bronke is a Senior Education Consultant for Novak Education. Bronke has held numerous teacher-leadership positions at the national level including a seat on both the Carnegie Foundation Teacher Advisory Panel and the Teacher Advisory Council for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Bronke designs and delivers presentations on assessment theory and design, standards-based instruction, Universal Design for Learning, Deeper Learning, ELA curriculum design, intentional integration of Social Emotional Learning into classrooms and across schools, collaborative leadership, teacher leadership, and blogging to empower teacher voice and change. 🎙️ In this episode, Dr. Christopher Bronke dives into Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how it can revolutionize modern teaching practices. Formerly a high school English teacher, Dr. Bronke shares his shift to becoming a UDL specialist, emphasizing the importance of intentional teaching, student agency, and inclusive classroom strategies. Educators will learn how to create supportive learning environments, use flexible lesson structures, and foster student reflection to boost engagement and equity. The conversation covers real-world challenges students face, especially in identifying their own learning needs, and how UDL empowers both teachers and learners. Topics include rethinking assessments, flipped classrooms, mental health awareness in education, and the value of progress over perfection. Whether you're a new teacher, instructional coach, or lifelong learner, this episode offers actionable strategies for making learning more inclusive, effective, and human-centered. Perfect for educators who love professional development podcasts with real impact. Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Get ten free document slots from ChatDoc here: https://chatdoc.com?src=mrclarkeafterdark Chapters Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #092 - Andrea Avery | Rethinking Sex Ed, Taboos, and the Pressures of Adolescence | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:55:25 | |
In this conversation, Andrea Avery and I delve into the complexities of sexual education, exploring its evolution, the impact of cultural norms, and the challenges faced by educators. We discuss the importance of addressing taboos, the influence of technology on sexual awareness, and the differences in how boys and girls are educated about sex. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, societal expectations regarding body image, the pressures faced by students in navigating their sexual identities, exploring the pressures surrounding virginity, the impact of modern information overload, and the importance of open communication in parenting, the evolution of sexual exploration among youth, the challenges posed by societal norms, and the necessity of creating a healthy sexual education curriculum that addresses shame and promotes body autonomy. We finish by discussing the need for nuanced conversations about sexuality and the role of parents in guiding their children through these topics. Andrea Avery is a stand-up comedian hailing from Prince Edward Island. She is a former teacher and now does marketing by day and a comedy by night. Andrea has been entertaining and titillating audiences Canada-wide. She recently was awarded third place in the SiriusXM’s Hubcap Comedy Festival Open-Mic Competition and was a finalist in Calgary’s Funnyfest Amateur Comedy Competition 2024. You can find her on social media @andreadeniseavery and @sexedwithmsavery Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #091 - Robert Barnett | The Modern Classrooms Project | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:40:11 | |
Robert Barnett is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of the Modern Classrooms Project and a graduate of Harvard Law School. In this conversation, Rob and I explore the challenges teachers face in addressing the diverse needs of students, with a focus on the benefits of self-paced learning, as well as being a holder of a very random world record! We also discuss the need for a paradigm shift in educator evaluation, highlighting the significance of mastery-based learning and the integration of technology in the classroom. Further, we touch on the time and effort required to build a Modern Classroom, but emphasize how this investment ultimately pays off in fostering more personalized learning. Additionally, Robert shares insights into how mastery-based learning accommodates students at various levels of understanding. Lastly, we compare traditional whole-class instruction with a more flexible, student-centered approach that encourages individualized pacing and engagement. Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| The Clarke Notes #5 | Teacher Money, Fickle Neuroscience, & The Midwit Trap | 30 Mar 2025 | 00:25:13 | |
In this episode, I discuss the exchange between financial gain and personal fulfillment in teaching, the challenges of teacher retention, and the potential benefits of private education and outdoor learning. The talk also touches on the importance of collaboration among educators and the pitfalls of overcomplicating educational concepts. Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Chapters Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #090 - Erin Schryer | Defending Private Education | 25 Mar 2025 | 01:34:52 | |
Dr. Erin Schryer is currently the Head of School for Origins Academy, as well as the CEO & Owner of Origins Natural Learning Childcare with multiple locations spread throughout the Greater Saint John area of New Brunswick, Canada. In this conversation, Erin and I discuss literacy, the role of private education, the importance of getting children into an educational routine before they reach kindergarten, the impact of gender differences on learning, and the need for early screening and intervention to support diverse learners. We also highlight the significance of building a strong educational team, the future integration of early learning with public education systems, outdoor learning, and the incorporation of indigenous perspectives. Additionally, we explore the questioning of traditional academic calendars and teacher performance metrics, the need for flexibility in teaching practices, and the importance of prioritizing both academic and social outcomes for students. Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Connect with Erin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-schryer-ph-d-76299455/ Chapters Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #089 - Tyler Comeau | The Elements of Leadership: How to Maximize Your Impact | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:58:45 | |
Tyler Comeau is currently a Principal, Podcast Host, and Author based out of Southern Alberta. In this conversation, Tyler Comeau discusses his experiences as a principal and the importance of impact in leadership. He emphasizes the need for action, support, and engagement in educational settings. Tyler also explores the significance of learning from past administrators and the challenges of navigating change as a new principal. He introduces his podcast, 'The Elemental Educator,' which aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and lived experiences in education. In this conversation, Tyler Comeau discusses his introduction into consulting while balancing his current job and various passion projects. He emphasizes the importance of incremental change in achieving success and the role of administrators in fostering effective teaching methods. The discussion also touches on the challenges of teacher burnout, the significance of classroom engagement, and innovative approaches like gamification to enhance student learning. Tyler shares insights on leadership, personal growth, and the value of understanding one's core values in making an impact in education. Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Other episodes you might enjoy: #083 - Kelsie Marks | Exit Strategy: How Educators Can Transition to New Career Paths #055 - Mandy Grass | Implementing Behavior Systems #054 - Racism, The Ku Klux Klan, and Productive Conversation | Daryl Davis Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/mrclarkeafterdark Chapters Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #088 - Amy Marshall | An Ode to Smooth Joy | 11 Mar 2025 | 01:27:17 | |
Amy Marshall is a District Leader in Literacy with the Anglophone South School District based out of Saint John, New Brunswick. In this conversation, Amy and I discuss teaching curiosity, conceptualizing joy as a skill, innovative approaches to restructuring education, developing reader identity in your students, a surprising way to use ChatGPT in the humanities classroom, the movement in assessment changing from product to process, Amy’s awesome change with not having desks in her classroom, and, much more. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy this smooth beach listen. Newfoundland-based Jumping Bean Coffee: https://jumpingbean.ca/our-coffee/ Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Other episodes you might enjoy: #083 - Kelsie Marks | Exit Strategy: How Educators Can Transition to New Career Paths #055 - Mandy Grass | Implementing Behavior Systems #054 - Racism, The Ku Klux Klan, and Productive Conversation | Daryl Davis Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/mrclarkeafterdark Chapters Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #087 - Conrad Drover | Podogogy 101: Higher Learning, Lower Standards | 04 Mar 2025 | 01:12:47 | |
In this conversation, Conrad and I explore the intricacies of podcasting and education. We discuss the significance of professional learning, how rewarding education can be, strategies for audience growth, navigating uncertainty, finding new passions, the launch of his own podcast, how different podcasters use their podcast, our mutual goals, dangerously simple questions, training with police officers, how interesting some teachers are and how stupid they make us feel, and, much more! Newfoundland-based Jumping Bean Coffee: https://jumpingbean.ca/our-coffee/ Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Other episodes you might enjoy: #083 - Kelsie Marks | Exit Strategy: How Educators Can Transition to New Career Paths #055 - Mandy Grass | Implementing Behavior Systems #054 - Racism, The Ku Klux Klan, and Productive Conversation | Daryl Davis Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/mrclarkeafterdark Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| The Clarke Notes #4 | What is This About? | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:29:39 | |
Hello friends, watch me have a nosebleed in real time! In this episode, I discuss niches, highlights from previous episodes, what to expect over the next few months, a reimagined framework for teacher pay to help improve retention, future projects, the podcasts of friends, and, much more. Don't be scared! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #086 - Leslie Rob | Christian Comedy & Field Trip Fails | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:49:24 | |
In this conversation, Leslie Robb, a teacher and comedian, shares her unique experiences in education and comedy. Leslie and I discuss her unexpected journey as a bus driver to her rewarding moments on stage with the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour, well-meaning but somewhat unaware middle aged Christian ladies, Christian comedy, her overall wild resume including time teaching adults, the simplest and most effective classroom management techniques, educational ‘best practices,’ an embarrassing trip to Washington D.C., and, much more. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Newfoundland-based Jumping Bean Coffee: https://jumpingbean.ca/our-coffee/ Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Other episodes you might enjoy: #083 - Kelsie Marks | Exit Strategy: How Educators Can Transition to New Career Paths #055 - Mandy Grass | Implementing Behavior Systems #054 - Racism, The Ku Klux Klan, and Productive Conversation | Daryl Davis Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/mrclarkeafterdark Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #085 - Brandon Jenkins | Personalizing Your Teaching & Amplifying Representation in Education | 18 Feb 2025 | 01:07:53 | |
Brandon Jenkins is a Teacher, Comedian, and is the host of the Teaching in Color podcast based out of Houston, Texas. In this conversation, Brandon and I discuss the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome, the importance of authenticity and humor in the classroom, the evolving perception of teachers, and the significance of sharing our personal stories within the educational community. Brandon and I also highlight the importance of representation in teaching and recounts his experience testifying in front of members of a government panel in Texas. Brandon discusses how education is increasingly populated by individuals who are unfamiliar with modern educational technology (including myself), how educators can often feel isolated, the personal benefits of sharing one’s story, and some innovative classroom management strategies. We also emphasize the need for white educators to listen to and support their colleagues of color, the fading intrinsic motivations of teachers, and, lastly, I share with Brandon the most embarrassing story I will tell my students. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Newfoundland-based Jumping Bean Coffee: https://jumpingbean.ca/our-coffee/ Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #084 - Christine Miles | Unlocking The Art of Listening | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:51:12 | |
Christine Miles is an author, public speaker, and has dedicated herself to helping individuals become better listeners for more than twenty years. In this conversation, Christine Miles and I discuss the importance of listening to understand rather than to respond. She shares her personal experiences that shaped her understanding of listening, including her mother's struggles with mental health and her own challenges after a life-altering accident. Christine introduces the concept of the 'listening path' and emphasizes the need for effective listening tools, including six key questions that can enhance understanding in conversations. The discussion highlights the profound impact of being truly listened to and the skills necessary to foster meaningful communication. Further, Christine and I delve into the intricacies of listening, exploring its significance in both personal and professional contexts. We discuss the challenges of effective listening, the impact of social anxiety on communication, and the importance of teaching listening skills to students. Christine emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in conversations, highlighting how our subconscious influences our listening abilities. The discussion culminates in practical advice for improving listening skills and fostering deeper connections through effective communication, and, much more. Thank you for tuning and hope you enjoy the show! Connect with Christine here: https://www.christinemileslistens.com/about Newfoundland-based Jumping Bean Coffee: https://jumpingbean.ca/our-coffee/ Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #083 - Kelsie Marks | Exit Strategy: How Educators Can Transition to New Career Paths | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:39:01 | |
Kelsie Marks is the Director of Career Transformation at Educated Exit, a company dedicated to helping educators successfully transition out of teaching and explore new career paths. In this episode, Kelsie and I discuss the mission of Educated Exit, the importance of recognizing transferable skills from an education degree, the various career paths available to former educators, whether teaching is a dead-end job, the value of being intentional in your networking efforts, the efficacy of an MBA, and the myth that teachers need additional schooling to land a corporate position outside the classroom. We also talk about how to invest in yourself once you decide you're ready to leave teaching, how to overcome the emotions that come with wondering if leaving is the right choice, and much more. Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you enjoy the show! Work with Kelsie here: https://www.educatedexit.com/ Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0FD Jumping Bean Coffee: https://jumpingbean.ca/our-coffee/ Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #082 - Danielle Danis | Striking Back: The Fight for Educational Support Staff in Alberta | 02 Feb 2025 | 00:55:12 | |
Danielle Danis is currently the President of CUPE 2559 and is in the midst of an intense strike for educational support staff in Alberta. On the episode, Danielle and I discuss the tactics employed by the provincial government, the impact of political dynamics on negotiations, and the implications for inclusive education. Our conversation also highlights the frustrations of union members regarding wage stagnation and the introduction of a two-tier wage system, as well as the broader implications for workers' rights in Alberta, the best and worst-case scenario for how this looks three months from now, what other organizations who intend on planning to strike can learn from their experience, the thoughtful advice given to them by NDP leader Naheed Nenshi, and, much more. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #081 - Kurtis Hewson | Making Meetings Less Weird | 28 Jan 2025 | 01:11:46 | |
In this episode, Kurtis Hewson and I dive into the Collaborative Response Model and discuss how establishing formalized meeting structures from the start can help avoid awkward confrontations. We also explore the layers of collaboration, separating the student from the problem, and how everyone has something valuable to contribute. Kurtis opens up with an embarrassing confession from his time balancing teaching and administration, and we talk about the importance of connecting with like-minded people for collective growth. Kurtis Hewson is a leader and co-founder of Jigsaw Learning. He’s a passionate advocate for creating collaborative frameworks in schools to support student success and enhance educator effectiveness. With a focus on fostering responsive relationships at both the district and school levels, Kurtis designs structures that empower educators and develop leadership capacity. He is also the co-author of the Corwin bestseller Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Students. Follow Kurtis here: https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/ Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| The Clarke Notes #3 | Rebrands, Sneezes, & ChatGPT | 26 Jan 2025 | 00:35:47 | |
In this episode of The Clarke Notes, I discuss the UK trio from this past month, a potential rebrand of the podcast, the Lipstick Story from reffing girls hockey, a middle school student discovering Joe Rogan, students aggressively not covering their sneezes, attendance questions, puck lights for bathroom routines, using ChatGPT to save your teaching time with specific examples, and what is on the horizon. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #080 - Dr. Poppy Gibson | Minimizing Social Media Risks & Supporting Incarcerated Youth | 21 Jan 2025 | 01:04:03 | |
Dr. Poppy Gibson is an Author, Lecturer, and Professor in Education at The Open University, and is based out of the UK. On the episode, expect to learn about the impact of gender dynamics in teaching and the role of social media in the lives of young girls. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for difficult conversations, particularly around topics like relationships and sex education. Poppy shares insights from her research on how social media can empower young girls and the necessity of parental guidance in navigating these platforms. The discussion also touches on the differences between private and public schooling and the evolving landscape of education. Poppy and I also explore the multifaceted nature of education, emphasizing the importance of human connection, respect, and understanding in the classroom. We also discuss the innovative Inside Out program that bridges the gap between incarcerated individuals and students, and the necessity of care in teaching. Poppy advocates for a reimagined education system that prioritizes mental health and well-being over standardized assessments, highlighting the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals to foster personal and professional growth. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #079 - Nathan Burns | Thinking About Thinking About Thinking: A Metacognitive Venture | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:55:55 | |
Nathan Burns is an Author, Teacher Educator, and an expert in Metacognition. In this conversation, Nathan Burns discusses the concept of metacognition, its importance in education, and how it can be effectively implemented in the classroom. The discussion also explores the relationship between metacognition and critical thinking, the challenges teachers face in fostering metacognitive practices, and practical strategies for scaffolding these skills in students. We also delve into the intricacies of education, focusing on comprehension, deeper learning, knowledge-off tasks, and highlight the significance of networking in the education sector. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #078 - Martin Malone | Fit to Teach: A Personal Trainer’s Tips for Educators | 07 Jan 2025 | 01:16:24 | |
Martin Malone is a former educator and is best known for his work as a Personal Trainer for Teachers. In this conversation, expect to learn about his story of leaving teaching to become an online personal trainer focused specifically on training teachers. Martin and I discuss the challenges faced in the teaching profession, emotional fatigue and it impacts teachers' ability to maintain a fitness routine, how to create a structured routine as a teacher, the barriers teachers face in starting and sticking to a workout regimen and Martin offers practical advice for overcoming these challenges. We also discuss the importance of support in achieving fitness goals, the cultural aspects of food and exercise within the teaching profession, the balance of caffeine and alcohol consumption. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #077 - Top Ten Funniest Moments From 2024 | 31 Dec 2024 | 00:44:54 | |
Greetings friends, Thank you all for your support and continued listening throughout this year! In this episode, I recount some of the funniest moments from the past year, with a few teacher comedians, close friends, and a moments of me laughing at myself laugh. Throughout the show, expect to hear from Gaspare Randazzo, Jason Hamilton, Staci Bailey, Stephanie McFarland, Jay Yoder, Andrea Caspari Spears, Cabrina Lafonte, Jessica Hawk, Jenn Keigher, Jennifer Gonzalez, Carl Azuz, and Sam Salem. Hope you all enjoy and thank you for tuning in! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #076 - The Clarke Brothers | Christmas Cantatas, Bionicles, and Airsoft Gun Fights Gone Awry | 22 Dec 2024 | 00:37:16 | |
Jordan and Joshua Clarke are my brothers and had the absolute privilege of finally being on the show their favourite sibling produces. It is the first time I have lived away from both of my brothers so it was definitely a nice way to maintain a family tradition of reliving past traumas at Christmas time. Throughout the conversation, expect to hear about things we did to annoy each other growing up which still work, concerning gaps in our knowledge with the infamous pickle/cucumber realization, which of their children they think will throw the first house party, the infamous chip story, Airsoft gun fights gone awry, and, much more. Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #075 - Jerry Kolber | Who Smarted, Sex & The City, and Creating Valuable Edutainment | 17 Dec 2024 | 00:55:37 | |
Jerry Kolber is a Film Producer and the co-founder of Atomic Entertainment Group. In this conversation, Jerry and I discuss his experiences working on iconic shows, including a memorable story about collaborating with Sarah Jessica Parker on Sex and the City and with Pharrell on the Netflix series Brainchild. We also explore his work in edutainment, including Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Brainchild, Brain Games with National Geographic, and the hugely popular bite-sized science podcast Who Smarted. Jerry and I dive deep into how these experiences shaped his approach to creating educational content and engaging audiences. He also highlights the challenges of television production while emphasizing a growing audience demand for unscripted learning experiences. To wrap up, Jerry shares some eye-opening stories from his time leading theater in post-communist Czechoslovakia. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Chapters Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #074 - Aaron Hunter | Magic, Travel, and Tales: Exploring Cultures Through Children's Books | 10 Dec 2024 | 01:18:30 | |
Aaron Hunter, better known as The Exploring Author, is the author of the popular children’s book Tales of the Magical Postcards and is based out of Frankfurt, Germany. Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #073 - Leroy Slanzi | Unlocking Learning Through Play | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:57:40 | |
Leroy Slanzi is an educator, principal, and the author of several books, including Emotional Schools: The Looming Mental Health Crisis and a Path Through It. In this conversation, Leroy and I dive into the impact of technology on student behavior, the critical need for teaching coping strategies and how to do so, the "Play is the Way" program, as well as the importance of understanding polyvagal theory and its role in emotional regulation and learning. Thank you for tuning in and enjoy the show! Takeaways:
Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorQE6gOpRh5iTLYhBH2zLFzKX0WGhAc_oLC3EETPegghQkvcVUg Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| The Clarke Notes #2 | Fart Strikes, Millennial Christmas Lights, and Failing Out Loud | 30 Nov 2024 | 00:36:46 | |
Hello friends! Welcome to another Mr. Clarke Think Aloud. On the episode, I discuss how hilarious Millennial Christmas lights are, the different interactions of students making fun of my pimple, wondering how many farts count as strikes through a classroom management lens, other egregious things students have expressed to me over the past month, seeing how different students are in a one on five setting versus the traditional classroom setting, some literacy learnings over the past few months as I dive into detail on the Word Connections program and the value I am seeing in it and how I have adapted it for my students, encouraging students to fail out loud, some announcements for December, and, much more! Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #072 - Dr. Harry Patrinos | The World Bank’s Fight Against the Global Learning Crisis | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:59:04 | |
Dr. Harry Patrinos is the Head of the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas and a former Senior Adviser for Education at the World Bank. In this conversation, he shares his extensive experience, which spans over thirty years at the World Bank, focusing on the evolution of global education initiatives and the critical role of human capital. He discusses the challenges of promoting education, the importance of local ownership in projects, and the mistakes made during the initial school closures in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, we explore the importance of addressing post-pandemic learning loss, what school systems should do to mitigate it, and how funds should be allocated to support unfinished learning. Thank you all for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show.
Download the Luxy App here: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorQE6gOpRh5iTLYhBH2zLFzKX0WGhAc_oLC3EETPegghQkvcVUg Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #071 - Isabella Schmidt | From Trend to Strategy: The Evolution of Influencer Marketing and Building a Genuine Brand | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:42:26 | |
Isabella Schmidt is the Co-founder and COO of Jexy Talent Agency. In this episode, expect to learn about Isabella’s journey from competitive horseback riding to eventually venturing into influencer marketing and co-founding Jexy Talent Agency. Throughout the conversation, Isabella and I discuss the evolution of influencer marketing, the importance of authenticity in content creation, and the strategies for scouting and managing creators. She emphasizes the need for genuine connections with audiences and highlights the significance of engagement over follower count. Isabella also reflects on her sales experience and how it has influenced her current role, shedding light on the reality behind online personas and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the digital space. Additionally, we talk about the challenges of public speaking, the importance of investing in oneself as a creator, the dynamics of online friendships, the impact of AI on content creation, and the valuable lessons learned beyond traditional education. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #070 - Ross McGill | Simple Practices to Make Your Teaching Life Easier | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:53:57 | |
Ross McGill is an educator, public speaker, author, and the founder of TeacherToolkit. In this episode, expect to learn how to mark less while achieving the same level of improvement in your students, how to teach your students different ways to receive feedback, why many school administrators pursue a consistency that doesn't actually exist, and why the teacher shortage is puzzling despite the abundance of tools designed to save teachers' time. We also discuss why it's becoming increasingly less likely for teachers to spend their entire careers in the classroom due to the rise of online teaching opportunities, the eight characteristics of a toxic school, what you can learn about a school's culture just by walking through the front doors, the menopause policy in England, and, much more. Thank you for tuning in and we hope you enjoy the show! Shop for SmartLabels here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/SmartLabels/Homepage/page/D2BA86DA-42AE-48F3-92B6-2A1D67A48142 Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #069 - David Hewlett | From Acquisition to Innovation: Key Lessons in Scaling Tech Businesses | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:49:30 | |
David Hewlett is an Entrepreneur, CEO of SmartLabels, and has an extensive background in Silicon Valley working in tech marketing for both Google and Youtube. On the episode, expect to learn about the utility of the SmartLabels product, purchasing businesses and how to improve them, how entrepreneurs find businesses for sale, vegan beef jerky, “hackathons” and other challenges entrepreneurs give themselves to produce a product as quickly and as cheap as possible, what changes were made to SmartLabels once it was purchased and how it improved, advertising with keywords, how SmartLabels can be used in an educational setting, how sometimes your products can be used in unexpected ways (like snake feeding schedules), past businesses he owned which had failed and what he learned, the process of having an idea and how to get it to market, navigating a learning disability through his younger years, red flags with suppliers, calculating risk, how to raise capital to begin a business venture, making sure your customer will buy your product before you build it, and, much more! Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show. Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #068 - George Couros | Embrace Contrarian Thinking: The Key to Effective Delegation and Growth | 28 Oct 2024 | 02:10:56 | |
George Couros is currently an Educational Consultant, author of several books including What Makes a Great Principal and has worked as both a Teacher and Administrator in Alberta, Canada for more than a decade. On the episode, expect to learn about the depression of Canadian winters and his recent move to Florida, how he has lost over one hundred pounds three times, cheese whiz sandwiches, what it means to have a great Principal and the different styles they can have, the proper way to interview teachers, a contentious interview for an administrator position with a surprising result, hiring people who think differently from you, how a great principal does not necessarily need to have been a great teacher, how to delegate your responsibilities amongst your administration staff, how to properly market yourself as a leader before applying for leadership positions, the importance of going out of your way to connect with people, removing barriers for teachers, Canadian heritage moments and how he was there for the famous Kawhi Leonard shot, what the students are beginning to believe about education that they did not twenty years ago, tradition vs. innovation in teaching, simplifying the expectations for your school, The Littlest Hobo, and, much more! Thanks for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #067 - Stacey Houston | The Disturbing Depth of the Canadian Housing Crisis | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:53:05 | |
Stacey Houston is currently the Director of Housing at Civida in Edmonton, Alberta. On the episode, Stacey and I discuss the housing crisis in Canada, what the barriers are for access to housing in Canada, how their organization calculates prioritization for residents, how she has a degree in housing and how uncommon this stream actually is, the struggle of assigning housing to individuals, the thousands of requests they receive for housing just in Edmonton alone, why it takes so long for housing developments to get shovels in the ground, the temporary timeline given to those in social assistance housing and how they create their plans for self-sufficiency, how insanely long their wait list is for homeless and underhoused individuals, how interest rates price organizations out of developing housing, and, much more! Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show. Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #066 - Dr. Ken Brien | Teacher Status Games and How to Avoid Them | 15 Oct 2024 | 01:00:51 | |
Ken Brien is currently a Professor at the University of New Brunswick with a focus on Educational Leadership, Parental Involvement in Education, and Educational Governance. On the episode, Ken and I discuss Administrative Theory and what that actually means, the crossover between business and educational leadership, the importance of accurately defining your clientele, the unwritten status games in education and how to navigate them, how to know you are ready for Graduate school and what professors look for in applications, the financial incentives (or lack thereof) for educational leaders, how to teach behaviour, cyberbullying in schools and how to handle it, and, much more! Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show. Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| The Clarke Notes #1 | Innovative Roles, FOMO & Stories From the Trenches | 12 Oct 2024 | 00:29:12 | |
Hello friends, I am trying out a new segment of the podcast here where I do a solo episode to share some thoughts, tips I have learned, stories from school and my new gig, and share some nerdy stuff eventually as well. On this episode I discuss what I am learning in my new Academic Support Teacher role, what I have been doing in the role so far and what I am aiming for it to become, the story of finding the first mouse in my house, the weirdness of being someone's neighbor, an embarrassing bank story, how being a beginner again is much more difficult than I anticipated, my awesome new nicknames, some new content ideas I have for the podcast, FOMO from my old school, finding new questions for education, and, a new segment called "Ideas That Don't Suck" where I share a cool idea about Community Circles for student mental health which I learned from an awesome teacher at my new school. Hope you enjoy! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #065 - Nancy Chung | Ethical AI, Travel, and The Future of Education | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:57:47 | |
Nancy Chung is currently in her 28th year of teaching, is the host of The Schoolyard Podcast, and is based out of California. On the episode, Nancy and I discuss actually enjoying virtual teaching, hating listening to ourselves on the mic, questioning if AI in the classroom is ethical or not and insights onto how to use it effectively in the classroom, BookBag Tours and the unexpected travel opportunities we have both received in teaching, seeing some of her former students get married to one another, directly trolling horrible comments from students, interactive journals, discipline protocols, and, much more! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #064 - Danielle Danis | The Fort McMurray Educational Support Staff Strike & The Path Forward | 02 Oct 2024 | 01:20:35 | |
Danielle Danis is currently an Educational Assistant and President of CUPE Local 2559 which represents more than 500 members in the Fort McMurray area. Much has taken place with their strike processes over the past six months and in this episode, we go deep into the negotiation timeline, the recent moves made by Danielle Smith to force them back into work, comments made by trusted leaders in the community degrading their position and how they have responded, how the wages for EAs and Custodians ends up being less than minimum wage when averaged out to a normal forty hour week, who the organization directly negotiates with and their justification for not budging, what the options are moving forward, and the implications their experience has for other unions renegotiating their agreements in the future, and, as always, much more. While we do discuss a lot about the minute details of the unionization process, it is around the 39 minute mark where we explore the explicit details relating to the recent events in the Fort McMurray situation. Thank you for tuning in and I hope you enjoy the show. Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #063 - Carl Azuz | Finding Media You Can Trust From a Former CNN Anchor | 24 Sep 2024 | 01:00:41 | |
Carl Azuz is most well-known for his years hosting CNN10 and has just recently gone Independent with The World from A to Z with Carl Azuz. On the episode, we discuss him initially starting off with CNN, his punthusiastic personality, making it the goal to not spend too much time on a story in his episodes to help spark opportunities for nuance within his viewers, the difficulty in making extremely emotionally reactive stories objective, the differences between critical thinking and being skeptical, what Social Studies teach students outside of the literacy components associated with it, creating a coffee shop environment in the classroom, having students look at what different news outlets look at on a slow news day, and, much more! Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #062 - Jennifer Gonzalez | Reforming Education One Cult at a Time | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:47:32 | |
Jennifer Gonzalez has been involved in Education both as a teacher and the creator of the Cult of Pedagogy Podcast, Blog, and Professional Development hub. On the episode, Jennifer and I discuss her leaving teaching and staying in Education with the origins of Cult of Pedagogy, how her vision for it has developed, gaining National Board Certification and encouraging others to do so, the difficulties of providing specific PD to a general audience, how easy it is to stay the same in your approach to teaching, embarrassing confessions to the students, apologizing for setting too high of an ideal for teaching and having your siblings keep you in check, why teachers have become gradually more undervalued and the path forward, the future of the Cult of Pedagogy platform, and, much more! Thank you for tuning in and I hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #061 - Brittany Loder | Woodshop Wonder Woman | 10 Sep 2024 | 01:03:12 | |
Brittany Loder is a Secondary Humanities and CTS Teacher has been over the profession for more than a decade. On this episode, we discuss assumptions made about female teachers in Trades education and how they are treated, close calls in the shop, the utility of threats, my lack of education in my wood shop career, setting clear expectations in a dangerous environment, why stay teaching trades when you can practice the trade and make way more money, Women Building Futures, why women excel in trades, the “skills” of a good educator, the importance of flexibility, the lowest moments of her teaching career, generational parenting changes, instilling a healthy level of fear in the students, getting low-performing students to trust teachers, and, much more! Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||
| #060 - Steph McFarland | Rapture Fear & Teaching Revelations | 03 Sep 2024 | 01:14:01 | |
Steph McFarland is a Secondary Humanities & CTS Teacher who has been in the profession for eighteen years. On this episode, Steph and I discuss our religious upbringing and rapture fear (if you know, you know), how my friends used to pay me to swear, sitting with your first year teacher self, how you can get lost in the busyness of a big school, yearbook creation struggles, being the biggest personality in the room if you teach junior high, feeling zero shame in the creation of my staff speaker speech, junior high versus senior high humour, balancing skibidi with legitimate results, not needing to start the year as a ‘huge betch’ and simplifying the rules for your classroom, having a student teacher for the first time, how phones are the new pacifier, filling your social bucket, our favorite classes, teaching virtually, her infamous marking injury, and. much more! Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests. | |||