Teacher Tunnel Podcast

Today's episode is a little different than the previous long-form episodes. We go back to our previous guest - Jodi McKenzie - and she shares a lesson she started in the fall with her students and she breaks that lesson down from the beginning middle and the overall end result. This lesson is from an English II teacher, but you could adapt this lesson to any subject. I hope you enjoy this brief lesson overview from Jodi, and if you have any feedback, please email me.  FAVORITE LESSON SHARED BIG QUESTION What is important in life?  Find the show notes of the lesson at the teacher tunnel website Review the podcast on iTunes ​ Sponsor April Mass Photography ⇐ Get candid & fun photography at 10% off if you mention this podcast Music Song: I dunno (ft. J Lang, Morusque)  Artist: Grapes  Album: ccMixter   Thank you for checking out this episode of the Teacher Tunnel Podcast. Please share these free episodes with friends and colleagues to connect a wider audience. Also, if you haven’t done so already, please

In this episode, we meet Jodi McKenzie. Jodi is an English II Teacher at Gautier High School in the Pascagoula School District and the 2017 Mississippi Teacher of the Year. She serves as the Department Chair and represents Student Council at her school. Jodi received her Bachelor’s from the University of Southern Mississippi and her Master’s from William Carey College both in Elementary Education and Teaching. She loves cultivating relationships with her students and gives some insights on how she does this, as well as some great student stories she's had along the way.  Show Notes Jodi’s hidden talent The compounding moments that led Jodi to into teaching Teachers that made an impact Learning from Hurricane Katrina as a 2nd-Year Teaching Favorite Exercise Les Mills Class - Body Pump Her Senior Project that helped with her teaching How to begin the process of cultivating relationships Quote “We are a family, this is your safe place” Jodi McKenzie What makes a good Department Chair? Quote “Not a leader th

In this episode, we meet Allie Newcomb. Allie brings many tools into her classroom, including building student relationships, trying new things, and whole brain teaching. Allie has given me ideas, and avenues to explore in my classroom even though they may not work or be perfect, the ability to be flexible and just try has helped grow me as a teacher. Allie is a colleague of mine and teaches in the same hallway two classrooms down. She is the 6th-grade math teacher at Mayfield Middle School in Oklahoma City and we share the same students. Allie has taught at the elementary and middle school levels and gives great perspectives on teaching in both. She received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Oklahoma and just wrapped up her Master's degree in Secondary Education at the University of Central Oklahoma. Allie is a relationship builder and loves being around her students.  SHOW NOTES Jobs Allie had during and after college (1:50) The benefits of the restaurant industry (2:50) A te

In this episode, we get to know the 2017 Colorado Teacher of the Year, Sean Wybrant. Sean is crafting super heroes one student at a time at William Palmer High School in Colorado Springs. His teaching focus is Digital Media Studies, Computer Science, and Video Game Design – but he is doing so much more than just teaching high school curriculum courses. Sean is developing our future minds to think beyond their blocked walls and constrained parameters, and “Hulk Smashing” their way to success. Sean’s approach to learning is through problem solving and service-based learning. With this approach, he is getting the absolute best out of his students.  SHOW NOTES Rapid Fire Icebreakers (1:56) Sean’s Teacher of the Year Schedule (3:03) Sean’s background in English Literature (7:33) Personalized Learning Next Generation Learning Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Computer Science/Video Game Development Mentorships (8:53) Compounded moments that Sean realized he wanted to become a teacher (10:10) Bad teac

What does it mean to have grit in the classroom? According to the 2017 Washington Teacher of the Year, it takes "doing something hard on purpose, every day." Her message gives students the opportunity to work their brain, and give them the opportunity to be at their best.  Camille Jones is a gritty elementary school teacher in Quincy, Washington.  She is currently her State Teacher of the Year and enjoying the process of connecting with other Teacher's of the Year from across our great land. Camille is in her 7th year teaching, and currently on a roll at Pioneer Elementary as the STEAM Enrichment Teacher for K-3. She studied abroad in Mexico and Spain while getting her degree in Spanish.  She is currently working towards her Master's in Teaching the Gifted and Talented. Farmtableteach.com is her recent project where she hopes to make it into a resource center for all things STEAM education.  Camille’s current Teacher of the Year schedule. STEAM Lab “Looking at every single student to find some abilities an

On Episode 9 of the podcast, you get to know Jennifer Wise and the 2017 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. Jennifer is in her ninth year teaching mathematics to 7th and 8th grade students at Hand Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina. Before beginning her career as a teacher she received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Teaching Secondary Mathematics. She’s worked at Princeton with the Educational Testing Services and has served on different Mathematics committees and review boards, as well as having served leadership roles within her district.  Jennifer's love for math and the respect and admiration she has for the ever-changing middle school student is glaring throughout our conversation The moment Jennifer decided she wanted to be a teacher. Math mentality Why Middle School? Jennifer’s daily teacher schedule. Jennifer’s independent action research project Improvement with her EL population Writing Process and why the custodians at her school were An overwhelming moment her f

Erica Hilliker is an MSU Spartan and teacher leader that has created a one-stop shop for all things EL (English Learners) and SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol). The website is simple to navigate and beautifully designed to make searching resources stress-free. Join us for another great episode with another great leader in education.   Show Notes What Erica really wanted to do in High School What changed? Erica's teacher schedule How ELL's process learning a different language Larry Ferlazzo Blog Erica's Website Use the glossary Quiet Mornings Writing her Agenda Advice to her younger self Best purchase under $100 Erica's mentor in college Exit Tickets Theme music from the TV Show "The Greatest American Hero." Song: "Believe it or Not" by Mike Post (music) and Stephen Geyer (lyrics) and sung by Joey Scarbury Erica's message to teachers Items mentioned in this episode include: April Mass Photography ⇐  Get candid & fun photography at 10% off if you mention this podcast "The Last L

Jon Hazell is Oklahoma's 2017 Teacher of the Year. He brings passion and inspiration to students, teachers, and leaders in education. His message of "Finding the well in the desert" for every student he teaches is a great analogy for having an important purpose every day. Join us for another great episode with another great leader. In this episode you will learn about:  Teacher influencers  How to prepare every day  Teacher of the Year process Daily exercise Process for his essay writing Hundreds of hours of notes Teacher Burnout Advice to new teachers One rule for the classroom “Stay and fight” message Why you should go to your student's after-school activities Items mentioned in this episode include:  April Mass Photography ⇐  Get candid & fun photography at 10% off if you mention this podcast "The Boy Who Carried Bricks" ⇐ by Alton Carter "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" ⇐ by Donald Miller Find Jon Hazell on Facebook and Twitter Review the podcast on iTunes Music Song: I dunno (ft. J Lang, Mo

What does it take to be a leader outside the typical classroom? Ken Williams, founder of unfoldthesoul.com takes us through his classroom of teachers, administrators, and leaders in order to accomplish his mission of inspiring, empowering and transforming all learners in education and beyond.  So, tune in and enjoy! In this episode you’ll discover: Ken’s teacher story that led him away from law school. Ken's typical day. Gossip in the workplace and the term he refers to as the "Town Crier" in his "Everyday People" presentation.  Ken's advice to aspiring administrators. "I had to be ready for the fact that the adults are my new classroom."  Ken's idea of the word "Buy-In"  Why Ken decided to begin delivering his message on a bigger platform with speaking Rick DuFour's impact on Ken Ken discusses his book "Starting a Movement" with co-author Tom Hierk "Mission is critical"  "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday Goal processes Prioritized to-do list (work) ABC to-do list template Ken's big goal for 20

Dr. Kim Graber is a professor and researcher at the University of Illinios in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health + Director of the Campus Honors Program at the University of Illinois. She gives us her insights on the physical health/well being of students and teachers, writing processes, exercises in the classroom + her habits/routines she's developed. 2:40 - Kim's teacher story 5:23 - A typical day as a researcher and a professor 6:09 - Campus Honors Program 8:00 - Kim's writing process 9:36 - Writing research for individuals 11:00 - "Spark" by John Ratey insights 14:16 - Advice to Physical Education teachers 14:57 - HopSports 19:36 - Habits and Routines for Kim 21:00 - Reccomendations Google Maps CNN & TedTalks Bicycles to get around campus Keurig John Grisham series Ernest Hemingway "Old Man in the Sea" "The Proving Ground" by G. Bruck Knecht 26:37 - Message to teachers 28:50 - Email Kim if you have any questions Visit our show sponsor April Mass Photography

Ben Kern has always been a role model for so many when the topic is health and well-being. In this episode you will learn Ben's teacher journey and how the path he has led continues to help those he teaches. He gives his opinions on the obesity rates in the United States, and what you can do now in order to start lasting healthy changes. Sneak in and listen to a leader in his field.

What is your dominate mindset? I go solo in the first 'Five in Five' episode. 5 reasons in 5 minutes to read the book "Mindset" by Carol Dweck. I discuss my story with the fixed and growth mindset, and give reasons why this book is needed in everyones library. 1. Self Development 2. Leadership 3. Goals 4. Parenting 5. Teaching

31 years in the teaching profession can bring many life lessons, and joy. Episode 2 of The Teacher Tunnel Podcast brings us James Sturtevant. James lives in Ohio as a husband, father, teacher, blogger, podcaster, and author of "You've Gotta Connect," and "Hacking Engagement." In this episode James discusses: *Why he teaches *Being an author and podcaster *Frustrations and Failures *Goals and Habits *His advice for teachers This episode is a fun conversation with an enthusiastic teacher/leader.

What does it take to be a leader? Todd Finley, Ph.D is a professor at East Carolina University, popular Edutopia blogger and author (Dinkytown Braves & Rethinking Classroom Design) breaks down his experiences in education that helped shape him into a leader in education. Todd discusses: *Book writing process *Failures that helped propel his teaching *Goals *Habits and Routines *Recommendations