Explore every episode of the podcast PodcastPD

Burnout is one of the most common and most difficult challenges facing educators today. In Episode 155 of PodcastPD, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco tackle the topic head-on as part of their ongoing 2026 series exploring how we might “fix” education. While burnout exists in every profession, the unique pressures of education, from student behavior and bureaucratic tasks to unrealistic expectations, can make it especially exhausting for teachers and administrators alike.

Chris and AJ explore what burnout really looks like in schools, how small frustrations compound into larger problems, and why educators often feel emotionally drained even when they still care deeply about their students. The conversation also examines systemic issues such as outdated school models, standardized testing pressures, and the disconnect between modern students and traditional schooling. Most importantly, they discuss practical ways educators can support each other, build positive school cultures, and keep moving forward—even when the job feels heavy.

1. Defining educator burnout and why it affects teachers and administrators differently
2. How small frustrations compound into professional exhaustion
3. The hidden impact of paperwork, policies, and bureaucracy
4. Why many educators feel disconnected from the modern student experience
5. The role of outdated school structures in educator frustration
6. Leadership styles that help reduce—or worsen—burnout
7. Why appreciation and positive culture matter in schools
8. Simple actions educators can take to support colleagues and improve morale

1. Burnout is often not caused by one major issue, but by the accumulation of small frustrations.
2. Administrative tasks and paperwork frequently distract from what educators value most—working with students.
3. Many educators feel schools have not kept pace with the modern world or the needs of students.
4. Positive leadership and supportive cultures can significantly reduce burnout.
5. Educators must also take responsibility for supporting and encouraging one another in their buildings.

AJ: Lead It Like Lasso

Much like Ted Lasso, the show Lead it Like Lasso takes a fresh approach to leadership. The foreword alone will shock you. The lessons outlined are not just for business leaders. Rule #1 – "Leadership is Life!" These tools can be applied in the boardroom, locker room, classroom, and living room.

In this kickoff episode of PodcastPD’s 2026 monthly series, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco launch a year-long conversation around one big, loaded question: What does it actually mean to “fix” education? Drawing from their perspectives as a classroom teacher and a building administrator, they unpack why education feels broken—and why quick fixes and political talking points miss the point.

The conversation dives into student engagement, burnout, technology overload, cell phone policies, professional development, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Rather than offering silver bullets, Chris and AJ focus on what is within educators’ control: mindset, instructional choices, leadership decisions, and how we grow as professionals. This episode sets the tone for a thoughtful, honest series focused on meaningful, sustainable change—one classroom and one school at a time.

1. What people really mean when they say “education is broken”
2. The post-pandemic reality vs. the promise of change
3. Student apathy, grit, and cognitive endurance
4. Teachers caught between engagement and exhaustion
5. Administrators navigating mandates, data, and human needs
6. The pendulum swing of educational technology
7. Cell phone bans, Chromebooks, handwriting, and balance
8. Why professional development needs a reset
9. What educators can actually control right now
10. Growth mindset, experimentation, and learning out loud

AJ: The Mindset Mentor podcast, hosted by Rob Dial.

AJ describes it as a mindset and personal growth podcast that blends psychology, neuroscience, habit-building, and goal setting, and notes that he’s been especially into recent episodes focused on preparing for 2026, habits, anxiety, and self-improvement.

Chris: Instead of a traditional podcast recommendation this month, Chris is spotlighting a daily short-form video series he’s been creating throughout January focused entirely on how to start a podcast.

Chris Nesi and A.J. Bianco sit down with educator, author, and school leader Rich Czyz to discuss his latest book, Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders. Rich shares insights drawn from his experience during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of delegating, automating tasks, and setting boundaries in a busy educational environment. Listeners will gain valuable strategies to combat burnout, improve communication, and foster a more productive culture within their schools.

Topics Discussed:

Techniques for Enhancing Productivity in Education:

Rich emphasizes the need for school leaders to adopt effective strategies that emerged particularly during the pandemic. He discusses how educators are often overwhelmed by numerous responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. The conversation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing essential tasks and refining processes to foster a more productive environment.

Addressing Common Pain Points for School Leaders:

Throughout the episode, Rich identifies specific pain points that many school leaders face, such as managing an overwhelming influx of emails and addressing the myriad requests from staff and students. He suggests that school leaders recognize these challenges and prioritize their time by setting boundaries, such as designated times for checking email.

The Importance of Delegation and Creating a Supportive School Culture:

Rich advocates for the power of delegation as a means of reducing workload and empowering others within the school environment. He discusses how school leaders can and should share responsibilities with staff and even students. This not only alleviates pressure on leaders but also fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration among the team.

Strategies for Managing Email and Communication Effectively:

Rich shares his "B.O.A.T." strategy—Blocked Off Answering Times—where he designates specific times in the day to focus on emails, allowing him to better manage interruptions and maintain productivity throughout the day. By doing this, he sets expectations for his communication style and encourages others, including staff and parents, to respect these boundaries.

Insights from Rich's Book and Its Origins:

Rich delves into the many strategies that were developed during his efforts to lead effectively in a challenging educational landscape marked by the pandemic.

Creating a Vision for Work-Life Balance:

Rich highlights the importance of fostering a culture that respects individual boundaries and promotes personal well-being. By advising school leaders to occasionally close their doors and protect their time, he highlights a crucial aspect of effective leadership—maintaining a healthy work-life balance for both themselves and their staff.

• AJ: Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska & The Hand in the Window
• Chris: House of EdTech SmackDown
• Rich: Cal Newport’s A Deep Life Podcast & How I Write

In this episode of PodcastPD, hosts Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco take a deep dive into the wild world of Reddit’s teacher community — reacting to real posts from educators about burnout, parent conferences, grading policies, and the reality of work-life balance in education.

From heartfelt burnout confessions to debates about deducting points for missing names, Chris and AJ bring their signature mix of humor, honesty, and professional insight to each post. They also tackle questions about AI tools for teachers, new educator struggles, and what happens when “a rich guy wants to be a teacher.” Whether you’re a veteran educator, a new teacher, or just curious about what really happens in schools, this conversation is equal parts entertaining and enlightening.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Teacher burnout and finding balance in year four
• The role of AI in easing educator workload
• Effective communication during parent-teacher conferences
• Accountability vs. empathy in grading (the “no-name paper” debate)
• A millionaire’s dream: Should rich professionals become teachers?
• Tips for surviving the first year of teaching
• Using time management and boundaries to avoid burnout
• Community comments from live listeners and former students

Mentioned in Episode:

• Get PD certificates for listening
• Milestone Events

“From now on, you are my Elite Performance Coach. Your role is to help me optimize my daily habits, time management, and productivity like a top-performing leader in education. Ask clarifying questions to understand my goals, responsibilities, and schedule. Then, create realistic daily and weekly plans that prioritize focus, balance, and recovery. Hold me accountable with specific check-ins, and suggest tools or methods (like time blocking, reflection, or task batching) that align with my personality and workload. Keep your feedback direct, encouraging, and practical.”

In this episode of PodcastPD, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco welcome Christina Hidek, veteran PTO leader and founder of PTO Answers, to discuss the power of effective parent-school collaboration. With over 15 years of experience building strong PTOs and supporting educators, Christina shares practical strategies for bridging communication gaps, strengthening trust, and creating meaningful partnerships between parents, teachers, and administrators.

From defining the difference between PTO and PTA to addressing challenges in high school parent engagement, this episode explores how school leaders can move beyond bake sales and truly leverage parent involvement to improve culture, communication, and community. Christina also offers actionable steps for principals and teachers to start, rebuild, or revitalize their own parent organizations.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding the difference between PTA and PTO organizations
• Why strong parent partnerships are vital for student success
• How administrators can build and sustain relationships with PTOs
• Common pitfalls in school-parent communication—and how to avoid them
• Strategies for creating a healthy PTO culture and setting boundaries
• The evolution of parent involvement from elementary to high school
• How educators can foster inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration

Resources Mentioned:

• PTOAnswers.com
• The Principal’s Parent Group Playbook by Christina Hidek

In this milestone episode of PodcastPD (Episode 150!), Chris and AJ welcome longtime friend and educator, Kathy Kersznowski, author of The Educator's Guidebook for Teaching AI Literacy and Ethics. Kathy shares why AI literacy is the new literacy and how educators can navigate AI responsibly and confidently. She dives into the motivation behind her book, the importance of ethics, and why scenarios and discussions—not fear—are key to helping students use AI well.

Listeners will learn practical ways to introduce AI concepts in any classroom, discover strategies for modeling ethical AI use, and explore why transparency and discussion matter more than ever. Plus, Kathy reveals her favorite AI tools, tips for overwhelmed teachers, and the behind-the-scenes story of her book cover design.

• The inspiration behind Kathy’s book and why educators need AI literacy now.
• What AI literacy means and why it’s as critical as digital literacy.
• Scenarios and discussion prompts: engaging students in real-world AI dilemmas.
• How teachers can model ethical AI use in the classroom.
• Overcoming misconceptions and fears about AI.
• Graphic organizers and resources included in the book.
• Why transparency and modeling AI use is a game-changer for educators.
• Kathy’s personal favorite AI tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more.
• The story behind the symbolic book cover design.

• Me Here, You There – Steve Somers’ legendary monologues and New York sports talk.
• The Mindset Advantage – JW Hillier on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
• Teacher Nerdz Podcast – Educational conversations on maker spaces, STEM, global education, and more.

In Episode 149 of PodcastPD, host Chris Nesi flies solo to help educators wrap up the school year with intention and head into summer feeling empowered and inspired. From meaningful end-of-year classroom strategies to practical and rejuvenating summer professional development ideas, this episode is packed with actionable advice for teachers at any grade level.

Chris shares seven thoughtful tips for closing out the school year—from celebrating student growth and collecting feedback, to documenting success and preparing your future self for the fall. He also outlines seven summer PD ideas, including books to read, tech tools to explore, conferences to attend, and the importance of simply resting and rediscovering your “why.” Whether you’re finishing the school year or planning your summer, this episode has something for every educator.

Key Topics Discussed:

7 end-of-year classroom wrap-up strategies

• Celebrate growth beyond grades
• Student feedback surveys
• Classroom cleanup and organization
• Documenting student and professional success
• Reflective teaching practices
• Recognizing colleagues and collaborators
• Writing a message to your future self

7 summer PD ideas to fuel your growth

• Read a professional or personal development book
• Try a new edtech tool (ex: Canva, Padlet, MagicSchool)
• Attend conferences (ISTE, Edcamp NJ, ASCD, ACTE)
• Listen to educational podcasts (House of #EdTech, Education Podcast Network)
• Enroll in a course or earn micro-credentials
• Redesign curriculum with UDL or SEL integration
• Take time to relax, recharge, and rediscover your "why"

Resources & Mentions:

• Edcamp New Jersey – August 14, 2025 at Monmouth University
• House of #EdTech podcast
• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• Education Podcast Network
• Canva for Education
• Padlet

Becoming a school administrator is both a rewarding and challenging journey. It requires resilience, leadership, and an ability to foster a strong school culture. Todd Bloomer, an experienced educator with over 29 years in the field and more than a decade as a principal, has shared his insights on how administrators can navigate this demanding role. His book, The Blueprint: How to Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator, provides valuable guidance on leadership, culture-building, and mindset. Drawing from his experiences, this episode explores key strategies to help school administrators transition from merely surviving in their roles to truly thriving.

Many new administrators struggle with the transition from teaching to leadership. Common obstacles include:

• Building Trust – Staff members may be hesitant to embrace a new administrator, especially if communication is unclear.
• Time Management – Balancing meetings, classroom visits, and administrative work is demanding.
• Decision-Making Pressure – The responsibility of making impactful decisions can be overwhelming.
• Work-Life Balance – Long hours and school-related responsibilities often interfere with personal life.

Successful administrators clearly define their mission and values and communicate them consistently to staff and students. Transparency fosters trust and alignment within the school community.

• Engage with teachers, students, and parents regularly.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and open dialogue.
• Be visible and approachable—presence in hallways, classrooms, and school events matters.

Delegation is crucial in preventing burnout. Effective administrators prioritize instructional leadership and delegate operational tasks to assistant principals, counselors, or department heads when possible.

• Recognize and celebrate achievements.
• Support teacher growth through mentorship and professional development.
• Promote student engagement by encouraging extracurricular participation.

• Set boundaries to protect personal time.
• Make time for family and personal well-being.
• Engage in hobbies and self-care to maintain mental and physical health.

Leaning into Leadership – Hosted by Darren Peppard, this podcast focuses on leadership in education, offering insights and strategies for school administrators. Todd Bloomer is a frequent guest on this podcast.

One by Willie – A podcast by Texas Monthly, where different artists discuss one Willie Nelson song that has significantly impacted their lives. It explores the deeper meaning of music and its cultural influence.

AJ and Chris kick off the first episode of 2025 by diving into some important education topics, including inspiring students and addressing hate symbols in schools. They also tackle the challenge of dealing with students who refuse to do their work and share some of their own experiences and thoughts on the matter.

Episode Highlights:

• Inspiring Students: How can we better engage students in a meaningful way and inspire them to do their best?
• Addressing Hate Symbols in Schools: AJ and Chris discuss strategies for handling hate symbols in the school environment and fostering a more inclusive atmosphere.
• Dealing with Resistance to Work: The duo explores what to do when students refuse to do their work, including strategies for encouragement, accountability, and support.
• Chris’s Soapbox Moment: Chris shares his frustrations with a popular education podcast that uses AI-generated voices for its content but fails to disclose it to listeners, sparking a conversation about ethics in podcasting and AI in education.
• Reflections on Education Post-Pandemic: Both hosts reflect on the state of education today, questioning its relevance and effectiveness in a post-pandemic world, and whether education, as we know it, is broken.

What Are We Listening To:

• AJ: Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case -- teaching listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way.

In this episode of PodcastPD, we welcome Walter McKenzie, a veteran educator with over 40 years of experience and the founder of The Worthy Educator. Walter shares his journey and discusses how his initiative supports mid- and late-career educators by building community, offering tailored professional development, and fostering legacy-building.

Join us as we explore:

• The unique challenges faced by mid-career and veteran educators.
• Strategies for authentic leadership at the classroom, district, and national levels.
• How The Worthy Educator provides a lifeline for education leaders through collaboration and advocacy.
• Walter’s reflections on the importance of relationships, innovation, and mentorship in creating a lasting impact.

If you’re an educator or leader seeking inspiration and practical advice to navigate the evolving landscape of education, this episode is a must-listen!

Resources & Links:

• Visit The Worthy Educator: TheWorthyEducator.com

Share Your Thoughts:

What resonated most with you about Walter McKenzie's approach to leadership in education? Let us know!

In this episode, Chris and Dr. Tani Farran dive into the innovative ways Rubi AI can support teachers with lesson planning, student engagement, and personalized learning. They discuss the importance of guiding students to use AI tools responsibly, encouraging them to be the primary creators of their work while leveraging AI for feedback and enhancement.

Key Discussion Points:

• Empowering Student Ownership with AI: Chris and Tania emphasize that students' work must reflect their own voice and understanding. They discuss how AI can support but shouldn't replace students’ critical thinking and creative process.

Ruby AI Features for Educators:

• Lesson Planning: Demonstration of Rubi AI’s lesson and unit planning capabilities, including pre-built modules for various subjects. Educators can quickly generate lesson outlines, objectives, and activities tailored to their needs.
• Document Anchoring: Rubi’s ability to “anchor” to specific documents (like PDFs) allows teachers to use existing materials as data sources for AI-generated summaries, questions, or content insights.
• Topic Research and Content Generation: Rubi’s modules can assist with topic research, providing structured information and summaries, which can be transformed into lesson plans, presentations, or study guides.

Customizing Lessons: Tania shows how teachers can modify AI-generated content to better fit their curriculum goals, including adjusting lesson modules based on specific class needs.

Practical Classroom Applications: Examples include using Rubi AI to create study guides for special education, generate multimedia resources for homeschooling, and support high school business students in projects like competitor analysis.

In this episode of PodcastPD, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco dive into a mix of professional development topics, from school community participation to the challenges of dealing with verbally abusive parents. The hosts share personal experiences, offer insights into the complexities of the teaching profession, and discuss how to maintain professionalism in difficult situations.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/144

Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco catch up after a hectic summer. AJ reveals his exciting career move from Vice Principal to Principal in a new school district. The duo discusses the challenges and emotions involved in making such a significant decision, the interview process, and AJ's vision for his new role. They also explore how AJ’s family and mentors influenced his decision, and what he hopes to accomplish in his first 90 days as a principal. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an experienced educator, this conversation is packed with insights into educational leadership, personal growth, and the transition into a top administrative role.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/143

PodcastPD founder Stacey Lindes joins Chris while AJ is away. We dive into educational topics pulled from Reddit, offering practical advice for educators.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/142

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Tom Pesce, a unique educator who blends his passion for teaching with the art of magic. Tom shares his journey and insights on how educators can engage students by incorporating elements of surprise and personal interests into teaching.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/140

In this episode of PodcastPD, hosts Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco dive into a range of questions sourced from the internet to offer invaluable insights for educators. Episode 139 explores themes such as salary negotiation for new teachers, the logistics and emotions of changing classrooms, supporting partners who are teachers, and coping with a challenging year professionally. Join us for a blend of practical advice and thoughtful discussion aimed at enhancing your professional journey.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/139

In this episode of PodcastPD, AJ and Chris explore a range of educational topics sourced from across the internet. They debate the effectiveness of professional development, particularly when it feels disconnected from classroom realities, and share insights on how long is reasonable to decide on a job offer. The duo also addresses technology failures in the classroom, offering advice on bouncing back from a challenging observation experience. Plus, they weigh in on the age-old New Jersey debate: pork roll or Taylor ham? Tune in for reflections on resilience, personalized PD, and learning from tough experiences.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/138

In the latest episode of Podcast PD, AJ and Chris engage in a compelling conversation with guests Kevin and Jason from the 2Principals Podcast. The episode delves into the unique challenges educators face in achieving mental well-being and a healthy work-life balance.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/137

In this episode of PodcastPD, Chris and AJ are joined by Glenn Robbins and Danny Bauer to explore the application of stoic philosophy in educational leadership. The discussion delves into how stoic virtues like wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance can help school leaders navigate everyday challenges. Daniel and Glenn share their personal experiences and offer insights from their book Calm in the Chaos: Ancient Stoic Wisdom for Successful School Leadership. The conversation covers practical applications of stoicism, real-life case studies, and strategies for maintaining resilience and calm in tough situations.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/136

In this final episode of 2023, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco engage in a lively discussion around the critical question: Is professional development (PD) broken? As they navigate through various aspects of PD, from its current state in education to personal experiences, they offer insightful perspectives and pose thought-provoking questions about the future of PD in the education sector.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/135

In episode 134 of PodcastPD, Dr. Adam Schoenbart joins Chris and AJ for an insightful discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, particularly from an administrative perspective. Key topics include AI’s potential to enhance learning, streamline administrative tasks, and improve communication. They explore Chappaqua Central School District's approach to AI integration in professional development and discuss ethical considerations, such as privacy and academic integrity. The episode also highlights practical uses of AI in school management and encourages educators to embrace AI as a tool for efficiency and innovation in the classroom.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/134

In this episode of PodcastPD, Chris and AJ tackle the complexities of using artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models in K-12 classrooms. They discuss critical topics such as data privacy, addressing bias and ensuring fairness in AI, and the evolving role of teachers as AI becomes more integrated into education. Additionally, they explore how schools can prepare students for a future shaped by AI, emphasizing the importance of ethics, accessibility, and responsible use in the learning environment. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on the implications of AI in education.

Complete show notes: https://podcastpd.com/133

Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into "The Future of Teacher PD." In the ever-evolving education landscape, it's crucial to reevaluate how educators receive professional development (PD). Are traditional workshops and seminars still effective? We explore emerging trends like micro-credentials, blended and flipped PD, and the importance of autonomy and voice in PD.

We discuss the pressing need to involve teachers in PD planning, recognizing that they hold the key to success. Dive into the challenges and opportunities, including addressing diverse needs, assessing and evaluating PD offerings, and working within budget constraints.

Looking ahead, we make predictions about the evolution of teacher PD, especially in light of emerging technologies. How can we harness AI to enhance PD effectiveness and foster a culture of continuous learning among educators? Our guests offer valuable recommendations and insights to shape the future of teacher professional development.

Please listen in to gain a deeper understanding of the changing landscape of teacher PD and the role technology will play in shaping its future. Stay ahead of the curve and be part of the conversation on the future of education.

AJ - Strike Force Five - A new podcast hosted by Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers & John Oliver. All proceeds go to support their out-of-work staffs.

In this episode, Chris and AJ discuss their goals and plans for the upcoming school year. Chris shares his experiences with having student teachers and emphasizes the importance of guiding them through the complexities of classroom management, technology integration, and adapting their teaching style to high school students' needs. AJ shares his goal of being more involved in classroom activities as an instructional leader to support teachers and improve student behavior. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining a positive classroom culture and effective teaching strategies. Tune in to gain insights into the world of education, from fostering classroom engagement to managing discipline effectively.

Episode Highlights:

• Chris and AJ reflect on the start of the new school year and their respective roles as educators.
• Chris discusses his experiences with student teachers and how he guides them through classroom management and instructional strategies.
• AJ shares his goal of being more visible in classrooms to support teachers and address behavior issues.
• The hosts explore the importance of building positive classroom cultures and establishing strong relationships with students.
• Chris and AJ emphasize the need for educators to adapt their teaching styles to meet students' needs and interests.
• They discuss the challenges of teaching high school students and the importance of developing effective classroom strategies.
• Chris and AJ talk about maintaining a balance between implementing teaching philosophies and accommodating school and district requirements.

Chris - Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong - There's an idea about how children learn to read that's held sway in schools for more than a generation — even though it was proven wrong by cognitive scientists decades ago. Teaching methods based on this idea can make it harder for children to learn how to read. In this podcast, host Emily Hanford investigates the influential authors who promote this idea and the company that sells their work. It's an exposé of how educators came to believe in something that isn't true and are now reckoning with the consequences — children harmed, money wasted, an education system upended.

AJ - Everybody Pulls the Tarp

Stephanie Skrocki - 20,000 Hertz - Music of Zelda - Part 1 & Part 2

The new school year is almost here for Chris and AJ so in this episode, they discuss what they are preparing for in the new school year and share some of their goals and plans.

Topics include:

• Summer Learning
• Goals for new year
• Thing we want to improve on
• Building relationships
• The first few weeks

In Episode 129 of Podcast PD, AJ Bianco, and Chris Nesi introduce their guest, Jared Lamb. They discuss innovative approaches to education and the essential qualities of effective leadership.

Jared Lamb, the guest, is introduced as the Associate VP for BASIS Ed in Louisiana and the Head of School for BASIS in Baton Rouge. He shares his background in education as a former teacher and charter school principal. He moved to Baton Rouge with his family a year ago. Despite being in his office, Jared joins the podcast to discuss his experiences.

Key points and takeaways:

1. Jared emphasizes the importance of empowering other leaders on his team and allowing them to lead in their respective areas of responsibility.
2. Jared believes in building people up, collaborating, and fostering teamwork.
3. Jared's approach with the cart is not about the cart itself, but rather about presence, visibility, and supporting teachers.
4. The cart contains practical items such as a trash picker, door stops, and supplies like tissues, Band-Aids, and pencils.
5. Jared values culture and aims to create a culture of trust and professionalism among the staff.
6. Jared highlights the importance of listening to teachers and responding to their needs, as well as maintaining a classroom teacher's perspective.
7. Jared draws inspiration from their parents who were teachers and from working with great leaders throughout their careers.
8. They address the skeptics by acknowledging that their style may not work for everyone and emphasizing the success and retention of their team members.

Chris - The 5 AM Miracle BEST OF: 7 Strategies to Clear Your Mind + Focus Like a Pro

AJ - Everybody Pulls The Tarp Ryan Lavarnway: Baseball's Most Resilient Player

Jared - The Ed Mylett Show Develop Unbreakable Self-Discipline

In this podcast episode, we delve into the importance of relationships in education and provide a comprehensive overview of the episode's content. We explore various dimensions of relationships, starting with the teacher-student relationship. Building trust and rapport, recognizing individual student needs, and creating a positive classroom environment are key aspects covered.

Thank you to Mel A for calling in and being a part of the conversation!

The key points of the episode are as follows:

1. Relationships are crucial in education: The episode emphasizes the importance of relationships in education and how they contribute to student success and well-being.
2. Teacher-student relationship: Building trust and rapport with students, recognizing and addressing their individual needs, and creating a positive classroom environment are essential for fostering a strong teacher-student relationship.
3. Teacher-parent relationship: Communicating effectively with parents, involving them in their child's education, and collaborating to support student success are key aspects of establishing a productive and positive teacher-parent relationship.
4. Teacher-colleague relationship: Sharing ideas and resources, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects, and providing professional and emotional support to colleagues are highlighted as important factors in building strong relationships among educators.
5. Teacher-school relationship: Fostering a sense of belonging and community, engaging with school events and initiatives, and working collaboratively with administrators and staff contribute to a positive teacher-school relationship.
6. Prioritizing relationships: The episode concludes by summarizing the key points discussed and encouraging listeners to prioritize relationships in teaching and learning, recognizing their significant impact on student outcomes.

Today, we are thrilled to have with us Gary Arndt, the host of Everything Everywhere Daily, one of the most popular daily education podcasts in the world.

Since its launch in July 2020, Everything Everywhere Daily has been downloaded over 13 million times, averaging over a million downloads per month. This impressive feat is due to Gary's extensive knowledge and experience in a wide range of subjects, including history, science, geography, mathematics, and technology. With each episode lasting about 10 minutes, listeners can learn something new every day while on the go.

When asked about his favorite topics to make episodes about, Gary explains that he enjoys covering a variety of subjects, but he has a particular interest in history and geography. He enjoys researching lesser-known stories and sharing them with his listeners.

Gary also talks about how teachers have been using Everything Everywhere Daily in their classroom curriculum. He has received feedback from teachers who use his podcast as a supplemental resource to provide their students with a wider range of perspectives and to spark discussion in the classroom.

Chris - 5AM Miracle #487 - The 4 Apps You Need to Manage Any Project or Achieve Any Goal

AJ - The Assistant Principal Podcast

Gary - History of Rome & Revolutions Podcast

In this episode, we explore the concept of self-care and why it is essential for educators. We discuss personal definitions of self-care and share practical tips for incorporating self-care practices into busy schedules. We also examine how practicing self-care affects work as a teacher, benefits students, and can combat the notion that self-care is selfish.

Our guest, Mark Torrie, provides insights on how educators can set boundaries to protect their time and energy, both at work and outside of it, and how schools and districts can prioritize and support educator self-care. We discuss the emotional demands of the profession and share strategies for cultivating emotional resilience and practicing self-compassion.

We delve into the role of mindfulness in promoting self-care for educators and explore best practices for creating policies and programs that prioritize educator well-being. Additionally, we share available resources and support for educator self-care, including national and local organizations and successful self-care programs and initiatives.

We conclude by discussing the long-term benefits of practicing self-care for educators, their students, and the broader community. We highlight the costs of neglecting self-care and the importance of shifting the conversation around self-care from individual well-being to broader societal benefits.

Resources:

• Dr. Jaime Seeman - https://www.doctorfitandfabulous.com/
• Dr. Mindy Pelz - https://drmindypelz.com/ 
• Dr. Mark Hyman - https://drhyman.com/ 
• Dr. Peter Attia - https://peterattiamd.com/
• Dr. Georgia Ede - https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/

Chris - A Bit of Optimism - Episode 76 Down A Rabbit Hole with Seth Godin

AJ - Success Hotline With Dr. Rob Gilbert - For nearly 30 years, Dr. Robert Gilbert, a professor of sports psychology at Montclair State University, a public speaker, motivational coach, sports coach and author, has recorded daily three-minute motivational messages that have reached countless listeners around the world. You can still call the Success Hotline at (973) 743-4690, but now, you can subscribe this new podcast, and get his daily messages right to your device.

Today, we are excited to have Dr. Melissa Groff with us as our guest. Melissa is a highly experienced educator with a passion for creating proactive school cultures through the implementation of restorative practices, leadership coaching and mentorship, and job-embedded coaching. Additionally, Melissa's efforts showcase her strong commitment to mental health support for both students and staff, emphasizing the crucial role of a safe and supportive environment in schools.

With nearly two decades of experience in the field, she has honed her skills in conducting comprehensive needs assessments, crafting effective strategic plans, and delivering the necessary support to facilitate the development of a proactive culture within the school community. With a strong commitment to education and a passion for supporting school communities, Melissa now serves as the Director of Operations and a Lead Consultant for High Five, formerly The Restorative Group and Behavior Flip.

We are thrilled to have her with us today to share her insights on overcoming challenges in education and creating positive, proactive school cultures.

Discussion Topics:

• Identifying the Challenges
• Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
• Looking to the Future

Chris - Throughline - The Whiteness Myth - This episode of Throughline explores the case of Bhagat Singh Thind, an Indian American man who argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1923 that he was a white man and therefore eligible for naturalized citizenship. Thind's claim was based on the Indo-European language theory, which proposes that nearly half of the world's population speaks a language originating in one place and inspired a racist ideology that defined whiteness. The podcast delves into the myths surrounding this idea and discusses the politics and potential of the mother tongue.

AJ - Everybody Pulls the Tarp - Betsy Julien: The 5th & 6th Grade Teacher - This week Andrew talks with elementary school teacher Betsy Julien. Betsy’s 5th & 6th-grade class has raised over $500,000 to build a wheelchair-accessible playground at their school. Betsy seamlessly integrated the fundraising project into her lesson plans and her 25 students rallied together to support their friends who use wheelchairs. This conversation is filled with timeless lessons about leadership, teamwork, and what’s possible when people come together above all else to help others. It’s also a powerful reminder that sometimes the best place to look for a solution to a big challenge is our youngest generation. This conversation is raw, emotional, and incredibly inspiring.

Melissa - The Flywheel Effect - Districts & the Connection Between Behavior, Social Media, & SEL - In this episode, we are joined by Dedeeh Newbern who is the Chief Student Support Officer for Fayette County Public Schools in Lexington, Kentucky. She’s here to explore the essential role of district behavior support, social media, and SEL in creating positive learning environments.

• During 2023 we will be releasing one episode per month and we will be live streaming our episode recordings on the last Sunday night of the month.
• Join our new PodcastPD Discord Community! We want to connect and chat with you in between our episodes.

In this episode, we share valuable tips for new educators entering the field. We offer practical advice, based on their own experiences, for navigating the challenges of being a new teacher, and provide inspiration for those just starting out in their teaching journey. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and resources for success in the classroom.

Tips for New Teachers

1. Plan Ahead - Effective teaching requires careful planning and preparation. To ensure that you are ready for your lessons, take the time to plan ahead and create detailed lesson plans that outline your objectives, activities, and assessments.
2. Be Organized - Being organized is essential for managing your classroom and your time effectively. Create a system for organizing your materials, assignments, and grades, and stick to it to help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.
3. Establish Classroom Expectations - To create a positive and productive learning environment, it is important to establish clear rules and expectations for student behavior. Communicate these expectations to your students and consistently enforce them to ensure that your classroom is a safe and respectful place for learning.
4. Differentiate Instruction - Not all students learn in the same way or at the same pace. To ensure that all of your students are successful, it is important to differentiate your instruction to meet the individual needs of your students. This may involve using a variety of teaching strategies, adjusting the difficulty of your lessons, or providing additional support to students who need it.
5. Ask for Help - Teaching can be challenging, and it is normal to need help and support from time to time. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues, mentors, or school administrators when you need it. They can provide valuable advice and guidance to help you improve your teaching and support your student's success.

Chris - Everything Everywhere - A Podcast for Intellectually Curious People! Learn something new every single day. Everything Everywhere Daily tells the stories of interesting people, places, and things from around the world and throughout history. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, history, science, geography, and culture.

We're over COVID and schools and education are 'normal.' But what is this new normal? Chris and AJ discuss.

Discussion Points:

• What is the new normal?
• What is AJ experiencing as an administrator?
• What is Chris doing to blend pre-pandemic and post-pandemic teaching strategies?

Chris

• Pod Meets World - Boy Meets World Rewatch

AJ

• Compete Everyday
• Increase Your Impact with Justin Su'a
• Mental Performance Daily

Educators across the world are working to design individualized instruction that empowers every student to become experts at learning. Technology and instructional interventions designed to support students with disabilities often eventually become mainstream and used by the masses. These practices provide a pathway for designing inclusive, equitable, and accessible educational experiences that meet the needs of every individual learner.

Chris and AJ speak with authors Christopher Bugaj, Karen Janowski, Mike Marotta, and Beth Poss about their new book, Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year.

Discussion Points:

• Inclusive vs Assistive
• The shift in the mindset that occurs by exploring a different practical, inclusive strategy each day and infusing these strategies into everyday practice.
• Explanation of how to use the strategy to design inclusive educational experiences.

Resources:

• https://inclusive365.com/
• #InclusiveRoadToISTE

Living and teaching in a post-pandemic (almost) world has presented some obstacles and new approaches to education.

Returning to school full-time in September of 2021 was undoubtedly welcome for many educators and now that we've gone through the school year it is time to reflect on the year.

Chris and AJ discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of the last year.

Non-educators typically look at summer vacation as a free time where teachers aren't working and just sitting around. While part of any educator's Summer is undoubtedly used for rest and relaxation time is also used to learn and grow and plan for the next school year.

In the episode, Chris and AJ discuss Summer professional development, some opportunities that are available, and some of their plans for their upcoming break.

Discussion Points:

• Do good in your piece of the world.
• Is it acceptable to do nothing during Summer?
• Summer Conferences - Live/Virtual (TeachMeets, EdCamps)
• Twitter Chats, Podcasts...Books

• Chris - Freshen up World History Course, Reflection
• AJ - PBIS, Building Culture, and Climate

Chris

• Code Switch School Colors

AJ

• Everybody Pulls The Tarp

Teacher Appreciation Week is always a welcome time of year for teachers across the country and this year is no different. Classroom teachers have worked in challenging conditions for more than two years and a little appreciation goes a long way.

Our conversation in this episode revolves around what we will be experiencing this week. AJ shares the perspective of the average administrator and Chris shares what's happening at his high school to celebrate teachers.

Chris

• Good Morning Podcasters!

AJ

• 60 Songs That Explain the 90s
• First Gen Teacher Lens
• No Quit Living - Episode 348
• Teaching Champions

Live Chat Suggestions

• Jay Strumwasser - Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey & David Spade, Smartless with Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, & Sean Hayes, Life is Short with Justin Long

Jake Thompson is the founder of Compete Every Day and your Chief Encouragement Officer! A show designed to help driven people build a winning mindset, so they can build their winning life. 

Jake’s goal is to help you be GREAT! Join the Compete Everyday Podcast to help you re-discover a strong mindset as well as find the skills you need to win your career, training, and life. 

Topics Discussed:

What is GRIT and Accountability?

• Grateful, Reps, Inspire, Tenacity

Be mindful and focus on the PRESENT

Be intentional

Shift your thinking

• "Have to" vs "Get to"
• Busy vs Productive

How can Educators fit into the Compete Every Day model and mindset?

• Classroom Culture - We MUST be a team!
• Consider how we can support each other and be a team!
• How are you asking yourself questions?
• How will you respond?
• Are you a victim or a victor?

Toby Price is a VP from Mississippi who was recently fired from his position for reading the acclaimed children's book "I Need A New Butt."

Topics Discussed:

• Toby's story and where's he's at in the process with his former district
• Taking risks in education as leaders and teachers
• New opportunities
• The unplanned paths that life presents us

Resources:

• GoFundMe - https://gofund.me/2d206543

Chris - The GaryVee Audio Experience

AJ - The Compete Everyday Podcast

Toby - Partial Credit Podcast. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Canadian True Crime

Rich Czyz has written a new book and he joins Chris and AJ to discuss professional development and how educators can and should take more control over their growth in this profession.

Topics Discussed:

• Pushing the Pessimist - How do we reach those who are not engaged in their own professional learning?
• The Professional Development Championship Belt 
• Working with the Naysayers
• Staff Meeting Syndrome - Are teachers suffering? How do we fix it? Switching Up Staff Meetings
• Podcasts and Pedometers
• Administration support?

Resources:

• Purchase the book: Rogue Leader: Make the Rules, Inspire Others, and Take Control of Your Own Professional Development Destiny
• Book resources: https://bit.ly/ROGUELeaderBookClub
• Custom Championship Belts

Chris - Art of Manliness episode #784: The Secrets to Making the Perfect Pizza

Rich - LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education The Science of Writing for Busy People

Krystle Pearson currently serves as the Director of Technology for Brunswick County Public Schools in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Krystle has more than 15 years in education, she has served in the capacity of a classroom teacher, grade level team leader, school technology coach, instructional technology resource teacher (ITRT), and central office administrator. She has been honored with numerous accolades for her work with students, technology, and as a female leader in education.

Topics Discussed:

• What are digital badges?
• How do you organize an effective digital badging program?
• What does it take to maintain digital badges?
• How do you get staff to buy-in?
• What does badging look like with students?
• Administration support?

Resources:

• https://badge.design
• https://www.canva.com
• https://www.adobe.com/express/

AJ - Leaning into Leadership Hosted by Darrin Peppard - Episode 3: Leaning into Change

• Darrin's focus in this episode is leading leaders toward collective efficacy. How do we include more voices in the change process leading to more ownership of the necessary change?

More than ever our relationship with education is strained. Teachers are leaving the profession. Prospective teachers are choosing other majors and career paths in our colleges and universities.

Our relationship with education is rocky right now. But now is not the time to break up with or divorce education. In our conversation, we hope to rekindle the romance between you and your career.

We’re giving away Tech with Heart! Congratulations to our winner: Nikki Jones

Stacey Roshan is a Math teacher and Director of Innovation and Educational Technology from Maryland, and a well-respected #EdTech consultant. Stacey is also the author of “Tech with Heart: Leveraging Technology to Empower Student Voice, Ease Anxiety, & Create Compassionate Classrooms.”

Discussion:

• Tech with Heart - overview
• Perfectionism
• Flipping the Classroom
• EdTech to Empower
• Innovation in the Present

We’re going to give away Tech with Heart! All you need to do enter is the following:

• You have to be following @mrnesi, @AJBianco, @staceylindes,  @buddyxo, & @PodcastPD
• RT our contest tweet
• We will determine the contest results on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022.

• https://techiemusings.com/
• Tech with Heart
• Modern Classroom Project

Amber Harper is an educator, author, speaker, and Teacher Burnout Coach whose mission is to activate teacher self-empowerment to help teachers beat burnout and live a happy, fulfilled life.

Amber is the author of Hacking Teacher Burnout and she is the host of the Burned-In Teacher Podcast where she provides actionable steps, inspiration, and support for teachers dealing with teacher burnout.

Discussion:

• What’s the difference between feeling burned out vs just being tired?
• What can leaders do to better support teachers?
• Top tips for turning burnout into something else

1. Check your self-talk

• Victim mentality - Believe things are happening to you
• Knowing you will not get different results if you don’t do something different
• BE, DO, HAVE!

2. Check your habits

3. Breathe

• Blinkist App
• Burned-In Teacher Podcast
• Hacking Teacher Burnout (book)

We're always experimenting with new ways to bring you value. We've previously released 12 short episodes to recommend some great podcasts and podcast episodes for you to check out at the end of the year as the calendar flips but our careers go on.

This year we're trying something different and we've prepared one episode with 12 recommendations for you to hear us talk about and then hopefully go and listen to yourself.

Here are the recommendations for 2021:

• NPR Life Kit - How To Have Meaningful Conversations At Holiday Gatherings
• Cult of Pedagogy - 114: Let’s Give Our Teaching Language a Makeover
• On Purpose with Jay Shetty - Malcolm Gladwell ON: How To Communicate Effectively During Overwhelming Situations & Mistakes You Make Reading People
• Coffee Break Italian

• A Bit of Optimism - Raising Resilient Kids with Angela Duckworth
• The Art of Manliness - The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather
• The GaryVee Audio Experience - Stop Letting Outside Voices Define You
• Twenty Thousand Hertz - Ehh… What’s Up, Doc?

• Compete Every Day - Everybody Pulls the Tarp
• Unapologetic Leadership with Dr. Marcus Belin - School Culture Episodes
• Dare to Lead with Brene’ Brown - Brene’ on Armored Versus Daring Leadership
• Slow Burn - Season 3: Biggie and Tupac

We wonder through a conversation about the holiday season. We reminisce about our holidays of the past and we also discussed what holiday celebrations look like in our school and classrooms.

We spoke with:

• Alfonso Mendoza, host of the My EdTech Life Podcast
• Mel Aveling, avid Twitter user and friend of the podcast!

Chris: This American Life - Lights, Camera, Christmas! (2012) - This holiday season, we bring you a show filled with stories of people going to great lengths to throw a special Christmas for their families, including: tales of Luna the guinea pig, Bambi the reindeer, and Jeko the super-powerful (and somewhat-scary) Christmas elf.

The COVID-19 Pandemic taught educators many valuable lessons. Teachers all over the world were forced to change how they taught students almost overnight. For months educators implemented new strategies and refined old ones to maximize our time with students in a variety of situations.

But now, as the world and education begin to return to "normal" we find ourselves faced with the decision of what to do with our new learning as teachers or what place these new skills have in our face-to-face classrooms.

Topics Discussed:

• What did you do during the pandemic that worked and you're still doing or you've adapted to in-person learning?

Stacey - Planet Money: Origins of a Superhero - Comic book publishers like Marvel and DC sit on a treasure trove: thousands and thousands of comic book characters. Pieces of intellectual property. You know the big ones--Superman, Ironman, Captain America. They each make millions off of movies and merchandise. But for every marquee character, there are hundreds of others sitting unused.

We can't abide by that. Superheroes are meant to save the day, not be stowed away. So we thought: why not convince Marvel to sell us one?

Miss any of the Micro-Face madness?

Quinlan Van Es is pursuing a career in education as a social studies teacher. He is earning his teaching credentials through the Rutgers Graduate School of Education and his completing is student teaching with Chris as his cooperating teacher during the Fall 2021 semester.

At the time of the recording, Quinn is a new teacher on Twitter and you can follow him @Mr_QVanEs

Topics Discussed:

• What it's like to have Chris as a Cooperating Teacher
• How has your teacher preparation program prepared you or underserved you?
• How to make the most of student teaching to prepare for your career as an educator

After catching up Stacey, AJ, and Chris talk about doing innovative things in the classroom as teachers and administrators.

Stacey shares a great story of how she's working with her co-teacher, Molly, through a program in their district to secure funding and items that will be innovative in their classroom. The discussion hits on technology, seating, and other items that could potentially arrive in Stacey's classroom this year.

Stacey - This Land (Crooked Media) The award-winning documentary podcast This Land is back for season 2. Rebecca Nagle reports on how the far right is using Native children to attack American Indian tribes and advance a conservative agenda.

Daniel Bauer helps school leaders fight isolation and frustration via a leadership community in order to gain clarity and find solutions to their greatest challenges. He is the founder and host of the Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast and the author of The Better Leaders Better Schools Roadmap: Small Ideas That Lead to Big Impact (2018).

Daniel recently released his latest book, Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader. In this book, Daniel discusses how a lack of mentorship and coaching is a leading reason for leader attrition in education, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If it’s true that "Everyone wins when the leader gets better," then your community is counting on you to prioritize your own professional growth – so that YOU get better.

Daniel - Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast - created for RUCKUS MAKERS in education -- those out-of-the-box school leaders making change happen. Launched in 2015, this category-defining podcast in educational leadership has helped over 1 MILLION leaders LEVEL UP. Each week host DANIEL BAUER has a conversation with a leadership expert and invites you to listen in. Turn your commute, chores, or workout into professional development, and then GO MAKE A RUCKUS!