Value Adds Value!

This was one of the most engaging and powerful conversations we've had on the podcast! It is very rare that we have guest that off the cuff goes into his spoken word poetry, discusses how teaching is a civil rights act, and explains how everyone is already a genius. But that is exactly what Ryan Parker did on this episode of the podcast! Ryan Parker (IG: peaceloveparker) teaches middle school reading and writing in New York along with being a performing artist and brand new dad. During our conversation about helping students find their creative voice Ryan discusses his belief that hip hop is the most pure form of pedagogy and how he incorporates all elements of the genre into his lessons. Ryan along with being an inspiring teacher is also the leader of the #openmicmovement and continues to find ways to engage his students on their creative level. Most of all we love Ryan for the passion, love, joy, and gratitude he brings to our profession. If you don't follow Ryan you are missing out! Thank you for supporti

Your paycheck is based on your time, not your value. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/valueaddsvalue/support

On this episode of the podcast we're thrilled to be rejoined by Wilkie who now has a bit more time away from his doctoral program with school being out. Our guest on this episode is Heather Planchon (IG: @theprimaryparty) who is a kindergarten teacher in Boston. During our conversation Heather about the importance of face to face communication with parents, how to merge with teachers who have different styles than our own, and the need for all teachers to "get real" about what is going on in their classrooms. As Heather says during the podcast, "teaching is much harder than it looks and their needs to be trust all around!" We loved having the chance to talk with Heather and we hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. PS. Sorry for the poor sound quality at times. Between our nasal breathing and the bad connection we know parts are hard to listen to. But what Heather has to say is to valuable to let those things keep us from sharing her story with you. To connect with us: Email us at podcast@theledprojec

On this episode we were joined by a fellow Northern who relocated to teach in Houston Brittney Blair. Brittney (IG: @brittneyblair_) is a middle school math teacher in Houston who is also a lover a country music, so we shared many things in common. During our conversation Brittney talks about her belief that being creative and good at math are not mutually exclusive skills, the importance of truly seeing the best in each of our kids, and how we can't be afraid to let our kids fail. As a bonus there was also talk on the best places to eat in Houston and what is and isn't real country music! We had such a good time talking with Brittney and we hope you find value in her words and story. We'd love to hear from you on what we can do to improve the podcast! If you have suggestion on topics or guests please reach out. Email: podcast@theledproject.com Twitter and Instagram: @valueaddsvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/valueaddsvalue/support

On this episode of the podcast we were joined by Sarah Forst who is the creator of The Teacher Care Crate and the TPT store The Designer Teacher. We had a conversation with Sarah about her experiences with the Teach For America program and teaching in Chicago Public Schools. We were floored by the situation she described working in CPS, but we admire her attitude and work ethic to serve her students in the best way she could. During our conversation she talked about what it is like to be a teacher dealing with anxiety and how she learned to value self care. To finish up we talked about how she created The Teacher Care Crate subscription box and what teachers can expect each month. We hope you're as inspire by this conversation as we were! Here's how you can learn more about Sarah's TPT resources and The Teacher Care Crate: https://www.teachercarecrate.com/ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Designer-Teacher http://www.thedesignerteacher.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/valueadds

On this episode Kyle was joined by Julie Salcido for a conversation on the value of relationships, how to create a team atmosphere in the classroom, and how to teach and learn with joy! Julie teaches 4th grade in Arizona and we had a chance to talk what it is like to teach the current educational climate there. She admits that it is challenging to teach in a place that is underfunded, but talks about the need for us to remember our purpose as educators and the impact that we have. To Julie teaching is very personal and she knows that the energy she brings to the classroom will be reflected in her students. That is why if you follow her on Instagram (@teachwithsparkle) you'll see her standing on tables and dancing around the room! Julie is a powerhouse and we were honored to have her on the show. As Julie says, "Do what you love!!" On this episode you'll hear how Julie brings joy and love to everything in her classroom! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! As always thank you for supporting our podcast! We

Trevor Muir is a teacher, leader, trainer, speaker, and author of THE EPIC CLASSROOM. We love this conversation with Trevor and we're so pumped to hear his keynote at Teach Your Heart Out Las Vegas. During our conversation Trevor outlines how we are all on a 'hero's journey' a reference to the concept from Joseph Campbell's book The Power of Myth. Trevor explains how we are all on a journey that takes us through the struggles and challenges, but in the end brings us back to where we were, but only we have an incredible gift to share because of our triumphs. Trevor also talks about his book THE EPIC CLASSROOM and how he strives to turn any lesson into a story and help students shape their experiences into stories. He sums up his philosophy as a teacher with the mantra-- the traditional classroom can't be all there is. And after you listen to Trevor you'll understand why! Here is how you can connect with Trevor: On social media you can find him as THE EPIC CLASSROOM or go to his website trevormuir.com! ---

On this episode we talk with Hannah Schrempp about creating classroom transformations and classroom environments! Hannah teaches at a charter school in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and has created some of the coolest classroom transformations we have seen. Our favorite activity was her "Shark Tank" in which students had to pitch products to 'investors' she brought in from the community and our favorite classroom transformation was her "Mario World" review! You can see both of these if you follow her Instagram @mrssclassroomcraziness. Along with her talk on teaching minority students and classroom transformations there was one thing she said that has stuck with us. When asked about advice she would give teachers she asked the question, "If you were a student would you choose to be in your classroom?" So, would you?? It is the simple questions like these that can often have the greatest impact on our teaching. We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast and we're grateful to Hannah for coming on the show! N

There's been a lot on my mind after being non-renewed, but it isn't what I thought it would be. These are my thoughts at the end of they year on losing my job, shame, and what's next for me. Kyle --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/valueaddsvalue/support

On episode 61 we were joined by Michelle Ferre who created the vlog on YouTube "Pocketful of Primary." During this conversation Michelle talked about how she has grown her Youtube channel to over 100,000 subscribers from its beginning as a way for her to reflect on what was a rough first year teaching. Michelle also opened up about her experience training for and running the Boston Marathon with temperatures in the 30s and constant rain! What Michelle strives to do with her vlog is to give teachers all of the insights that she wished she had as a new teacher while building an incredibly collaborative community. She talked about how she still fears sharing her struggles and how she works to use those struggles to be authentic. If you're struggling Michelle's Youtube and social media is a place where you will find inspiration and a community of likeminded individuals. Here is how to connect with Michelle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf4ktrnK_jWG1mC7U7fNphA Instagram: @pocketfulofprimary To connect with

On this episode we were joined on the podcast by Lilly and Sarah from @ourelemenatrydaze on Instagram. This conversation was all about the growth mindset versus the fixed mindset and the power of the word yet! We discussed with these exceptional ladies how they have strived to maintain a healthy balance by overcoming teacher guilt and growing in our ability to say no. One of the many things Lilly and Sarah talked about was how they feel the most authentically themselves around their students because its an environment that is free from judgement. This was such a powerful statement to us because we've all struggled with fear of judgement, but these ladies embrace that in their classroom they have created a culture that is free of judgement. This was such a fun and inspiring conversation that we know will add value to you. If you're not following these ladies do that now! Thanks for your support of education and our podcast! To connect with us: Shoot us an email at podcast@theledproject.com. Follow us on Inst

On this episode of the podcast Kyle is joined by Gabrielle Dixon. Please forgive the crickets in the background, but Gabrielle was sitting outside during our talk! We're excited to get to meet Gabrielle in person at Teach Your Heart Out Las Vegas at the end of this month as she is doing wonderful things for her special education students. During this podcast we talked about her passion for working with adults and children with disabilities impacts her work in the classroom. Gabrielle discussed the importance of play and hands on activities for both regular and special education students and explained what she refers to as "heavy work." Heavy work is a tool that she uses for both over and under responsive students to help them work through their bodies and build skills. These can be activities that rang from hanging up backpacks to pushing carts down the hall. She summed up what she strives to do saying that you have to sell yourself to kids and the job of teacher is to be a reinforcer. This was a pleasant con

On this episode of the podcast we had exciting conversation with Brittany Akers. Brittany (IG: @elementary_magic) is a teacher in Virginia who is so passionate about her work in the classroom. She told a story of how she was impacted by her kindergarten teacher in a powerful way and when she recently reconnected with that teacher she had a note that brittany had written her many years ago. It was lightbulb moments that make Brittany such a powerful educator. We talked about using technology in a 1 to 1 Chromebook setting, what it means to be a champion for kids, and how relationships make everything easier in the classroom. It's had not to be excited about teaching when listening to Brittany! Thank you so much for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to connect with us here's how to do so: Email: podcast@theledproject.com Instagram: @valueaddsvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/valueaddsvalue/support

Patrick Cook-Deegan is the founder and director of Project Wayfinder. Project Wayfinder’s mission is to inspire our next generation to become intentional meaning-makers empowered to contribute to the world around them. At Project Wayfinder, they believe that school has the possibility to be a transformative and profound experience for young people that sparks their passion and curiosity. To create such an experience, our schools need to nurture a sense of meaningfulness and emphasize why life is valuable. Project Wayfinder is a contribution towards re-imagining adolescent education. During this conversation Patrick discusses how and why he created Project Wayfinder out of the D-School at Standford, how they serve both teachers and students, and tells a few stories of the success schools are having with their program. Of the ten core traits the Project Wayfinder program aims to teach kids he listed purpose, resourcefulness, and gratitude as the traits that have the biggest impact on kids. If you're looking for

Jose Vilson has been a math teacher in NYC for the last 13 years and is the author of the book THIS IS NOT A TEST. During our conversation Jose spoke of how his choir teacher taught him how to use his voice and how to use it well. That is what he strives to do in his professional life. Use his voice and use it well. Jose spoke on the podcast on a variety of topics that center on how the educational system can be dehumanizing. He spoke on the power of our collective victories as teachers, how we must always follow our intuition, and the importance of creating culture so our schools "feel right". He also articulated how we must elevate our profession through a combination of changes in policy and changing the cultural consciousness of the role of teachers in our country. It was a powerful podcast you won't want to miss!! You can connect with Jose on Twitter @theJLV, on Instagram @thejosevilson, and thejosevilson.com! What are you plans to grow over the summer? How are you going to improve your craft? Share

On episode #56 of the podcast Kyle has a chat with Fletcher Nelson (_thirdgradeswag)! This was such an enjoyable conversation about giving students choice, the power of having fun in the classroom, and why we should ask for help. Fletcher teaches third grade in northern Minnesota has so many helpful tips and tricks for teachers. One of my favorites is that he uses a wireless doorbell to monitor the noise level in his classroom. It is a cheap and simple way for him to work with a group at one station and monitor the volume of the rest of the students. Fletcher's passion for reading and helping students find things to read that make them happy is remarkable. He said it best, "reading is the prize." We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast and please connect with Fletcher on line to learn more about the awesome work he's doing! To connect with us or ask a questions: Instagram: @valueaddsvalue Facebook: Lighthouse Educator Development Email: Podcast@theledproject.com --- Support this podcast: https://anc

On episode #54 of the podcast Kyle has a great conversation with Apple Distinguished Educator award winner Mitchel Meighen. During the conversation Kyle and Mitchel talk about everything from the sometimes jagged perception of education to learning through social media. Mitchel is incredibly insightful as an educator and very skilled in the use of technology in the classroom. While talking about the use of technology in the class he pointed out that technology and the apps they provide are what our students are going to have to use in the real world. He believes that students need to self monitor their use of technology and learn from the consequences. When Mitchel was asked about how technology intersects with teaching and learning he described the world as 'fluid' and how in a fluid world he is willing to try things in his classroom and accept the results as they come. He summed it up by saying that we have to accept that we will make mistakes and if we accept that we don't have to worry about them. It was

On episode #55 of the podcast Kyle is joined for a conversation on social justice and self reflection by the Senior Editor of Teaching Tolerance Magazine Monita Bell! Teaching Tolerance is a magazine that was created in 1991 with aim to nurture future generations to be more empathic and accepting of others. During our conversation we talked to Monita about her time as a professor in the English department of both Alabama State and Auburn and how the value of writing as a skill is that it allows you to appropriately navigate discourse. During our discussion of what resources and training are provided by Teaching Tolerance we were struck by how important it is for us as teachers to use self reflection as a tool when creating lessons centered around social justice. Monita used the term "our visible and invisible identity" to describe why we need to be reflective to understand our on biases. If we are not honest with ourselves it will be a challenge for us to create spaces for students to speak and learn about ot

On this episode of the podcast Kyle was joined by the incredibly engaging Megan Forbes!! Megan (IG: toocoolformiddleschool) is a middle school English and History teacher in Los Angeles after growing up in Northern California. During our conversation Megan discussed how restorative justice and educational equity have become a part of her history curriculum. Megan is fortunate to have gotten some great training on and shared several great resources for talking about social problems in the classroom. Much of what she talked about on the show centered around knowing ourselves, our history, and the world around us to take actions in an effort to make things better. Megan also spoke on how the job of the teacher never gets easier, so we as teachers must continue to improve our craft. A point of emphasis for her on improving as a teacher is to surround yourself with a tribe the continually makes you better. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for listening and becoming a part of our tribe! To learn

On episode #53 of the podcast Kyle is joined by Bethany Younkers. We got connect to Bethany through one of our previous guests CJ Reynolds. "Students will always give you a window in... and will test you to see you care and if you'll stick around." This is the key to connection and relationships in the classroom according to Bethany. We had an incredible talk about how at times we've both missed the 'windows' our students have given us because we didn't recognize their stories. Bethany teaches at an all boys school in Philly and we discussed how she sets expectations and boundaries with her boys as well as how she gains cultural awareness of the reality her students live in. Bethany (IG: @polkadotsofgratitude and polkadotsofgratitude.com) is a believer in the power of gratitude as much as we are and even against the will of teenage boys makes them "present to their blessings." Sprinkle in a bit of international travel and some talk on eating vegan and you have the recipe for a tremendous podcast! If you'd