The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know

Epizode

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  Episode #26: Zero Apologies for Focusing on Students 26.06.2026 20min

  Don't give apologies or make excuses when it comes to advocating for students. Being an effective teacher means that we focus on relationships and creating a process and environment that are conducive to learning. Sometimes, advocating means we have to also make tough and unpopular decisions (especially in the minds of students). Still, we have to be leaders. We have to be educators.
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  Episode #25: You'll Regret It... 20.06.2026 37min

  I am asked constantly to name some common pitfalls educators make. While the entire podcast is that list to some degree, this episode includes some mistakes regularly made by classroom teachers. Becoming an effective educator means avoiding them (or learning from them after you make them). If you don't you'll absolutely regret it.
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  Episode #24: X-Men and X-Women 13.06.2026 22min

  We've said it many times...teachers are superheroes. In this episode, we discuss the importance of identifying and leveraging your unique superpowers as an educator. What makes you effective? What moves the needle? What makes you and your process amazing? Answering these questions will help you improve outcomes in a big way.
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  Episode #23: Warm Up to Administrators 06.06.2026 20min

  Administrators are people too! Seriously, take the time to build a genuine relationship with your admin. It will typically help you and those you serve. Most importantly, it will make your job and day-to-day much more meaningful.
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  Episode #22: Vary Your Vantage Points 30.05.2026 20min

  Teachers love ideas that are effective and efficient. Here's one that will save you so much time, spare you from needless headaches, and help you become better at your job: make it a regular practice to vary your vantage points. You'll be so glad you did...and so will your students.
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  Episode #21: Under Pressure Isn't Always a Bad Thing 26.05.2026 20min

  All students need experience solving problems, making decisions, advocating for themselves, applying skills, and completing assignments under pressure. It's a crucial instructional approach, that when used in a balanced and productive way, generates better, more meaningful outcomes. While effective teachers never intentionally humiliate, power struggle, or leave students to drown in the classroom, they also know that providing ample opportunities for students to work under pressur...
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  Episode #20: Too Much Telling and Not Enough Action 16.05.2026 16min

  Effective teachers know that action is necessary to make change and positive impact happen. All too often, we talk too much, make too many excuses, or give in to inaction. Whether it's in how you manage your classroom, your process, or yourself, don't be afraid to take action. Don't make empty promises or underestimate your ability. Trying to improve and grow are extremely important goals themselves and far superior to choosing stagnation.
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  Episode #19: Stop with the Credit Recovery Mindset 09.05.2026 34min

  The more we focus on grades and policies like "credit recovery" the less we focus on the things that really matter - learning and mastery. It really is a mindset that must play out in classrooms each and every day. Unfortunately, too many teachers fail to recognize this and/or are simply unaware of how to create a "mastery classroom." As a result, they become highly ineffective.
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  Episode #18: Rise of the Rot 02.05.2026 21min

  Excessive negativity and overreaction seems to be creeping into the classroom from all around us. It can make our jobs seem counterproductive or even impossible. However, effective educators use philosophical approaches and practical strategies to keep the rot at bay. Will there always be problem stakeholders and problem situations that come up in the classroom...absolutely. Can we overcome and minimize those things...absolutely.
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  Episode #17: Quit Normalizing Dysfunction 25.04.2026 25min

  It's amazing how much dysfunction is ingrained in our classrooms, schools, and the education system itself. Much of it is so prevalent that we have resigned ourselves to accept it as reality. We can do better. Effective educators identify normalized dysfunction in their classrooms and then take steps to begin eliminating it. For things we can't completely control, we advocate for change and focus on leading by example.
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  Episode #16: Public vs. Private Lives 18.04.2026 32min

  Teachers live a dual existence as very public figures trying to also have a private life. It is difficult for many educators to understand and achieve a balance between the two. It's important that we don't let awareness of our public perception become worry or fear. Also, we can't be scared to be ourselves inside or outside of the classroom. Being unauthentic reduces your quality of life and the quality of education for your students.
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  Episode #15: Octopus Mentality 11.04.2026 24min

  The Octopus Mentality is crucial for any effective educator. If you're not familiar with it, you should definitely tune in to this week's episode. It could change your whole perspective on working with your students, your process, and even with yourself. This is an episode of self-reflection that could lead to real improvement for your students and a longer and more successful career in education for you.
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  Episode #14: Nothing is Black and White 04.04.2026 27min

  Effective teachers know that functioning in absolutes is very difficult and often counterproductive to authentic learning. Learning to expect, navigate, and plan for the gray is both a skill and professional necessity in education. As a teacher, becoming more comfortable working in the gray will have lasting benefits for you and your students.
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  Episode #13: Most People Aren't Terrible 28.03.2026 25min

  Most people aren't terrible. You have to believe that to survive and thrive in education. It's both a mindset and a philosophy. If you let the negative control you or your process, everyone will suffer.
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  Episode #12: Lord of the Flings and Zings 21.03.2026 28min

  This week's episode is a good old fashion reminder of some key classroom management mistakes. If you are the teacher that "throws" or the teacher that "quips" with your students, or you know someone who is, you better listen up.
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  Episode #11: Kids Need ______. 14.03.2026 20min

  Effective teachers regularly ask themselves, "What do kids need?" in order to understand their own teaching philosophy and measure effectiveness. It's difficult to improve outcomes if you don't know what you actually value as an educator and subsequently set goals to achieve it.
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  Episode #10: Judge Professional Development Fairly 07.03.2026 18min

  This week's episode is all about challenging ourselves to open our minds to growing and developing as a professional. Yes, "PD" can be time-consuming and terrible, but it doesn't have to be! Start advocating and getting involved! Be a part of the solution and not the problem. Professional development provided by your school or other organizations should supplement your own efforts to grow as both a content specialist and classroom manager. Explore topics and beco...
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  Episode #9: Intelligence is NOT the Same as Compliance or Experience 28.02.2026 20min

  In this week's episode, we look at some commonly confused words that have huge implications for the education system, and most importantly, our students. Effective educators must understand these words, as well as how they impact their teaching philosophy and academic process.
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  Episode #8: Hero Worship 21.02.2026 24min

  Your students respect and love you...even if they don't show it or even know it yet! It's hard for secondary teachers to get that much needed affirmation from students in the short-term (which is important for making adjustments in the learning process AND finding confidence and self-worth in our roles). Trust me though, the signs are there! Keep your focus on building relationships and reminding yourself you're making a difference. You are bringing both value and life...
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  Episode #7: Go from Good to Great with Grading Using These 5 Things 14.02.2026 49min

  In this episode, we discuss 5 things that can transform your classroom from "good" to "great" when it comes to grading and giving feedback. Don't miss this opportunity to improve mastery and outcomes for your students!