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Mr. Bryan's Classroom

Mr. Bryan's Classroom

By Mr. Bryan

Most new teachers don't make it past the five year mark, and its easy to understand why. Teachers are stressed from budget cuts, testings, discipline problems, parents, poor adminstrators, etc. This show is designed to encourage teachers and to provide useful tools to help them succeed.
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2.25 Common Regrets

Mr. Bryan's ClassroomJun 25, 2023

00:00
08:28
2.25 Common Regrets

2.25 Common Regrets

Teachers, before we start the beginning of another school year I feel like it's important to hear the messages from those who are at the end of this life. What would they do differently? Would your dying self encourage you to keep teaching? A conversation with your older self could change how you live your life for the upcoming school year.

Jun 25, 202308:28
2.24 Leaving The Classroom

2.24 Leaving The Classroom

While we get ready to start our summer break in the States my time away from the classroom will be extended. Since the field of education doesn't seem to be making positive changes for teachers it's time for me to make a change.

Jun 18, 202310:16
2.23 When Is It Time to Quit Teaching?

2.23 When Is It Time to Quit Teaching?

Recently, many teachers are making decisions about leaving the classroom. Bryan reads "When Is It Time to Quit Teaching" by former guest Vicki Davis. The full article can be found at http://www.coolcatteacher.com/when-is-it-time-to-quit-teaching/


Ending something we enjoy is a decision we face several times in our lifetime. This episode will help you to determine if you just need a break or really need to let go. 


Original NBC news clip https://youtu.be/c6i2U6dRhgs

 

 

Jun 11, 202310:36
2.22 Let It Go
Jun 04, 202315:30
2.21 A Conversation With My Mom

2.21 A Conversation With My Mom

 On this episode, Bryan interviews his mom. Not only did she have an incredible impact on her family, she also made a difference in the lives of many students. Evelyn taught a vast amount of students during three decades. This episode highlights some of what she learned in her teaching journey. 

May 28, 202312:13
2.20 Classroom Connections
May 21, 202329:38
2.19 The Final Weeks Of School

2.19 The Final Weeks Of School

As the school year is coming to an end, many teachers shut down and give the students unstructured free time. While this may work with some groups, for many teachers it can lead to more stress and classroom management problems. In this episode, Bryan shares some ideas on how you can end the school year on a fun note, yet stay true to the learning environment. After all, students have all summer to rest and goof around. It shouldn't happen in your classroom.

May 14, 202307:47
2.18 Blackboard: A Personal History of the Classroom
May 07, 202318:36
2.17 From The Courtroom to the Classroom

2.17 From The Courtroom to the Classroom

On this episode, Bryan welcomes former Georgia Teacher of the Year for 2016 Ernie Lee (@GATOTY2016). At the time of this recording, Mr. Lee had only been in the classroom for a few years. He quickly found great success in the education profession. This former lawyer turned teacher shares  strategies that worked well for him and offers some motivation to fellow teachers.

Apr 23, 202317:05
2.16 Students Who Don't Care

2.16 Students Who Don't Care

Almost every teacher has a classroom where there is one unmotivated student, regardless of what you try. The parents have lost hope. Is this failure your fault? Could a better teacher have done better? Not likely.

Apr 16, 202307:22
2.15 Tales From The Teachers Lounge
Apr 09, 202314:29
2.14 Stop Comparing Your Life
Apr 02, 202313:20
2.13 What Great Teachers and Principals Do Differently

2.13 What Great Teachers and Principals Do Differently

Joining me on the show is Dr. Todd Whitaker (@ToddWhitaker). He's recognized as a leading motivational speaker in the field of education. On the program we discuss what great teachers and principals do differently.

Mar 26, 202329:31
2.12 The Best of Times and The Worst of Times

2.12 The Best of Times and The Worst of Times

It's my birthday month and that has put me in a reflective mood. I'm reminded that I'm getting older.  I have more years behind me than in front of me. This reflection has led me to look back over my long teaching career and offer some of what I have found to be effective for my classroom experience. 

Mar 19, 202311:35
2.11 A+ Interview Skills For Teachers

2.11 A+ Interview Skills For Teachers

This is the time of year when some of us are exploring other opportunities to work at other schools.  One of the disadvantages of our profession is that teachers have a very small window of time to interview and be hired.  Returning guests Evelyn and James help us to identify what school administrators are looking for.

 

Mar 12, 202314:07
2.10 Gone But Not Forgotten

2.10 Gone But Not Forgotten

  This episode was previously released in 2016. With our current times, now seems like a good time to revisit it and be reminded of the impact teachers have on their students.  

  Like Ben Ellis, one day we will die.  Make the most out of the opportunities the teaching profession presents to you. One never knows what kind of impact you can have on others. My grandmother, who was a teacher, was honored at a 50th high school reunion. She was remembered as an inspiration and friend to all.    

 What will our students remember about us, and our action,  long after we leave them? Here's a hint. It won't be about test driven data and meeting state standards for testing.

Mar 05, 202309:02
2.9 Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
Feb 26, 202323:23
2.8 Passion is Important for Effective Teaching

2.8 Passion is Important for Effective Teaching

If you watched the Superbowl, you couldn't help but notice the atmosphere was filled with excitement and passion. The announcers, players, fans, and halftime performers acted like they really wanted to be there and enjoyed what they were doing. Can the same be said about you in your classroom?
Feb 19, 202309:14
2.7 Ten Reasons To Love Teaching

2.7 Ten Reasons To Love Teaching

In honor of Valentine's Day, I share my thoughts on what I love about my job. Very often we are more focused on all of the negativity found in the teaching profession. So, let's flip the script. What do you love about being in the classroom?
Feb 12, 202311:51
2.6 Involving Our Invisible Students

2.6 Involving Our Invisible Students

  We as educators give attention to those who excel in our classrooms and to the ones who disrupt the learning environment.

 However, what about our invisible students? They are disappearing and we may not even know it. You know the type. They don't misbehave and we can go through a whole period/subject without engaging them at all. We can't ignore them. Bryan shares some strategies to help us include the invisible students in our classroom.

Feb 05, 202310:18
2.5 Helping Our Shy Students
Jan 29, 202312:36
2.4 Ten Plus Two

2.4 Ten Plus Two

Are you looking for a strategy that allows you to do some lecture but also builds in time for student interaction? In this episode, I'll share the Ten Plus Two strategy from the "Let's Teach" YouTube channel found at https://youtu.be/Y2udPWz_3vg

Jan 22, 202306:30
2.3 Communication That Connects
Jan 15, 202315:04
2.2 Jump-Start Your Creativity as a Teacher
Jan 08, 202312:20
2.1 It's About Progress Not Perfection

2.1 It's About Progress Not Perfection

Happy New Year! Joining us on this season premiere of my podcast for teachers is Vicki Davis (@coolcatteacher).  She too is a teacher and podcaster. On this episode, Vicki offers some motivation, teaching strategies, and some of what she's learned over her very successful journey as an educator. Check out her podcast  "The 10 Minute Teacher" at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/podcast/ .

Jan 01, 202313:58
1.25 Some Holiday Cheer

1.25 Some Holiday Cheer

 This season of the podcast concludes with some holiday cheer. Teachers, may your holiday break be merry and bright!

 It's Christmas time in the city, and that means we not only get to enjoy the holiday season but also some much needed time off. It's halftime for us as teachers...a time to rest and also maybe think of how the 2nd half of the year will go.

 Bryan shares some inspiring stories from teachers to remind you that we as educators can make a difference. Enjoy this episode on why you are a big deal.

Dec 25, 202217:30
1.24 From Darkness to Light
Dec 18, 202217:13
1.23 Traits of Successful Teachers

1.23 Traits of Successful Teachers

What truly can bring value to classrooms? To help coach us Bryan talks with National Hall of Fame educator Alan Haskvitz. Alan shares with us certain traits that many excellent teachers have in common.

Dec 11, 202223:38
1.22 Benefits of Classroom Animals

1.22 Benefits of Classroom Animals

 The right dog can be a very positive influence on your students. Both my dogs, Max and Nikki, were able to make a difference at my current school. This also allowed me to spend more time with them in their senior years. All three of us would all go home tired.

 Sadly, we lost Nikki on November 29th 2017 and Max on December 10, 2020. Shortly, after Max’s passing I had made a tribute video that highlighted his time at my school. Max had been at the school for 5 and a half years. He was a rock star too many. The school posted it on their social media pages. There was a tremendous amount of support from current families and families who were no longer attending the school. This podcast episode shows that the right dog can make a positive influence in a school environment.

Janelle's Cox article lists those benefits at http://www.teachhub.com/teacher%E2%80%99s-guide-classroom-pets

Dec 04, 202207:55
1.21 Change your Classroom and Yourself with Gratitude

1.21 Change your Classroom and Yourself with Gratitude

 Teaching can be a very discouraging field. It's very tempting to gravitate to the dark side while complaining about our career and being very negative. Owen Griffith is our guest in the Lounge. He is a veteran teacher and educational blog writer (http://spirituallyteaching.blogspot.com). Owen has found that teaching gratitude not only has changed the students in his classroom but also has made him a stronger teacher. We discuss the importance of cultivating an attitude of gratitude in our classrooms and the many benefits it brings.

Nov 27, 202219:55
1.20 Five Reasons I'm a Thankful Teacher
Nov 20, 202205:03
1.19 The Trouble With Boys
Nov 13, 202224:06
1.18 Stand Up For Yourself

1.18 Stand Up For Yourself

 Teachers, no less than anyone, deserve safe workplaces. These days we show a lot of concern about the topic of bullying in regards to our students. Unfortunately, very little is being done about teachers being bullied by their students, parents, and leadership at a place that is supposed to be a bully free zone. 

 School officials must send an unmistakable message to students that striking or threatening physical violence against a teacher will bring the swiftest and most severe consequences.

 Cyber bullying is real not just with student victims but educators as well. If teachers are not safe, disrespected, and have no place to turn for support, our educational system is in serious trouble.

 

Nov 06, 202219:42
1.17 Common Frustrations In Teaching

1.17 Common Frustrations In Teaching

 Joining me on the program is returning guests Dr. James Hughey and Evelyn Sellers. Together they bring a lot of experience and insight about the teaching profession. For this episode, we respond to our listeners and discuss some common problems that teachers experience.

 

Oct 29, 202219:08
1.16 Teaching In South Korea

1.16 Teaching In South Korea

With the current cost of living, and the struggles of the teaching profession here in the States, many teachers are wanting change. Some teachers realize that little will change in their favor. So they make a change by teaching overseas like South Korea where the profession is better respected and the stress is less. In this episode, we talk with a young teacher in South Korea who gives us some insight into the pros/cons of teaching overseas.

Oct 16, 202213:55
1.15 Don't Be Afraid To Ask

1.15 Don't Be Afraid To Ask

Mr. Bryan's Classroom is proud to have a Georgia Teacher of the Year join us for this episode. Emily Jennette is a teacher who has a passion for making a difference in the lives of her students and fellow educators.

On this program, Emily discusses her history about why she became a teacher and some strategies that worked in her classroom. Also, Emily offers encouragement/insights to her fellow teachers who truly want to make a difference.


Oct 09, 202214:55
1.14 Successful Student-Led Meetings

1.14 Successful Student-Led Meetings

 Parent/teacher conferences can be something that both parents and teachers dread. We can get tired of the same old interactions that really did not affect change. Often this conferences take the shape of telling the parents all the “wrong” things their child is doing to earn a bad grade – or it is a time for the parents of the high performing students to come to school to hear how great their child is or is doing. Most of the time the student is excluded from the conference or not given much of a voice to advocate for themselves.

 Instead of conferences, why not try goal setting meetings that are led by students? This meeting can be a positive, proactive approach to improve student achievement by facilitating a positive mindset. 

 Learning cannot happen if students do not understand the expectations and do not have a positive attitude and mindset. Student success is more likely with parents as part of the instructional team.

Oct 02, 202211:52
1.13 Smart Kids in Bad Schools

1.13 Smart Kids in Bad Schools

In Smart Kids, Bad Schools, award-winning author and educator Brian Crosby (brian-crosby.com)draws on his many years as a high school English teacher to offer a candid appraisal of why our schools are failing and what we must do to save them. 

 

 

 

Sep 25, 202225:53
1.12 What Motivates You?

1.12 What Motivates You?

We often hear from others a lot of complaining about how schools are failing. Too often, it's the teachers themselves who are negative about their profession. What keeps you motivated when you enter your classroom?
Sep 18, 202209:31
1.11 The Power of Listening
Sep 11, 202218:35
1.10 Students And Their Excuses

1.10 Students And Their Excuses

Our culture is one who likes to whine and complain. Many people see themselves as victims, and today's students are no exception. Regardless of what grade you teach, educators are bombared by a variety of excuses. Bryan encourages listeners to not accept your average student excuse. Don't get angry, get creative.
Sep 04, 202210:59
1.9 Teachers Who Are Fascinating Facilitators
Aug 28, 202211:53
1.8 Meaningful Things Educators Can Do Every Day

1.8 Meaningful Things Educators Can Do Every Day

As we return to teaching, Bryan shares an article from Mike Roberts (@BaldRoberts) on 20 simple-yet-meaningful things teachers can do every day to improve the classroom atmosphere for themselves and their students. 

 This article can be found on the National Association of Independent Schools website at https://www.nais.org/learn/independent-ideas/august-2018/20-simple-yet-meaningful-things-educators-can-do-every-day/


Aug 21, 202209:29
1.7 The Firm But Fair Teacher
Aug 14, 202212:15
1.6 Classroom Management Tips

1.6 Classroom Management Tips

 On this podcast series, I will not only share his own views and experiences but feature the voice of other educators as well. Some are featured in a conversational episode and others are highlighted by having their written words read aloud.  

 This episode features an article from edutopia.org titled "How Novice and Expert Teachers Approach Classroom Management Differently" byYouki Terada—plus 6 takeaways for managing your classroom effectively this year."

 Whether you are an experienced teacher, or a fairly new educator, I hope you will find some value from this article. 

Aug 07, 202210:21
1.5 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude

1.5 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude

For many teachers, it is a struggle to transition from summer to teaching. The beginning of the school year is so full of things to do and can be overwhelming. Educators often make the mistake of complaining about the start of school and focus on all the negative aspects of the job. Guest Owen Griffith (@owenmgriffith) is here to help us have a more grateful mindset about our jobs and life. Owen is not only a classroom teacher but also a public speaker, blog writer, and published author. His book Gratitude: A Way of Teaching will help many discouraged teachers and how they conduct their classrooms. This valuable book will give educators solution-based methods and research-based resources to improve classroom culture, as well as enabling schools to elevate students’ engagement and academic achievement. This highly praised book is currently available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Gratitude-Teaching-Owen-M-Griffith-ebook/dp/B01CRJ4FNE/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=#nav-subnav
Jul 31, 202211:54
1.4 A Key to Solving Discipline Problems
Jul 24, 202211:23
1.3 A Back To School Mindset

1.3 A Back To School Mindset

It's that time of year again! Summer vacation is coming to an end and we're getting ready to start a brand new school year! The start of the year is critical, and so much depends on your attitude. Bryan and Dr. James offer some suggestions.


For more of Dr. James visit PFPL.US

Jul 17, 202210:60
1.2 The Debt Free Teacher

1.2 The Debt Free Teacher

 Many teachers are doing a variety of side hustles like tutoring, food delivery, or pet sitting. Why? Because many are trying to better their financial situation, especially with current high cost of living.   Others are working to pay off debt. 


Is it worth it to be debt free? For many people the answer is yes. 


 For many, getting out of debt is one of the best things you can do for your financial well-being. The teaching profession is difficult enough to manage with all the various stresses we encounter everyday. Financial stress can add to that.

 

 

Jul 10, 202207:41
1.1 The Calm Before The Storm

1.1 The Calm Before The Storm

This brief episode is a prequel to the upcoming season. Bryan checks in and share his thoughts about this podcast series which aims to encourage educators and provide them a voice. This series will also provide teachers helpful tools and strategies.  So stay subscribed and be ready for a great season of episodes that will help us become better educators!

Jul 03, 202203:28