Episode cover of My

My "Brand New Public School Teacher" Era: Student Teaching with Tonya Dunn

The Teachers Teaching Teachers Podcast

9/13/24 • 42 min

About this Episode

Send us a textWelcome to the podcast!These first few episodes are all about getting to know me, your host, Cassi Noack, by introducing you to the amazing teachers who have been key players in different chapters of my teaching journey.Each of these incredible teacher friends you'll meet has played a vital role in shaping my path, leading me to where I am today as a resource creator and advocate for teachers through Minds-in-Bloom.com.In this inaugural episode of the Triple T Podcast, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Tonya Dunn, my student teaching mentor and one of the most instrumental teachers in my early public school years. Our conversation is packed with laughs, heartfelt stories, and plenty of practical tips that will give you a taste of what’s ahead on the podcast.Tonya and I talk about everything from the surprise of her being named Teacher of the Year to the little things that make a big difference in the classroom—like creative writing and cozy, dim-lit rooms that feel like home. We also dive into the ups and downs of mentorship, sharing how we both grew through the experience and how embracing different teaching styles can make all the difference.This episode is all about celebrating the connections that make teaching so special—whether it’s with students, parents, or fellow teachers. So, grab your favorite drink and settle in for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is practical.Thanks for joining us on this journey!Learn more about Tonya: https://minds-in-bloom.com/our-podcast-guests/#callie-danielle Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

Tracks

Send us a textIn this episode of The Teachers Teaching Teachers Podcast, Cassi chats with Melissa Campbell, a K-5 Math Specialist with the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). Melissa shares her unique approach to blending math and literature to help students develop perseverance and problem-solving skills.From using the humorous picture book Stuck by Oliver Jeffers to brainstorm strategies for getting “unstuck” in math, to her favorite tips for integrating reading into STEM lessons, Melissa’s insights are practical, inspiring, and easy to implement. Plus, hear about her favorite books to use in the classroom and how they can transform the way students see math.Whether you’re looking to enhance your math lessons, explore cross-curricular connections, or simply get inspired by fresh teaching ideas, this episode has something for you!Links and Resources:Connect with Melissa on Twitter: @MelAGCampbell or @AMSTI4allLearn more about AMSTI: amsti.org00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement01:01 Melissa Campbell's Background and Role03:32 Integrating Reading and Math in the Classroom06:55 Favorite Books for Teaching Math10:28 Incorporating Literature into Math Lessons21:24 Fun Math Story Problems Based on Books25:21 Final Tips and Contact Information Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

11/19/24 • 29:38

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow educator, Mikey Sivert, a passionate fifth-grade teacher and expert in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). With November here, we’re chatting all about the theme of gratitude and exploring how to make it a genuine and lasting part of our classrooms. Mikey shares practical ways to introduce gratitude to students, build buy-in, and keep the practice alive beyond just the holiday season. From creative activities like gratitude circles to tying gratitude into other subjects, Mikey’s insights are both easy to implement and deeply impactful. Plus, he’s offering a special set of resources to help you bring these ideas into your own classroom. Join us for a conversation filled with inspiration, laughter, and actionable ideas to create a more thankful classroom all year long.@MikeyDTeachwww.MikeyDTeach.comFREE RESOURCES: https://hello.mikeydteach.com/the-science-of-gratitudeTime Stamps:00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:43 Mikey's Background and Passion for SEL02:23 The Importance of Gratitude03:58 Teaching Gratitude to Students05:08 Integrating Gratitude into Daily Routines10:00 Gratitude Projects and Activities16:03 Gratitude in Science Lessons20:03 Final Thoughts and Farewell21:21 Fun Gratitude Game26:54 Closing Remarks and Resources Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

11/6/24 • 30:05

Send us a textAre you struggling to fit science into your already-packed classroom schedule? 🌟 In this episode, I chat with science expert Shari Stewart, Science Coordinator at Manzano Day School, who shares her tried-and-true tips for making science fun, engaging, and easy to manage! With over 20 years of experience, Shari reveals her secrets to hands-on labs that don’t require tons of prep or materials, plus clever ways to integrate science with other subjects like reading and math. 🧪✨Join us as we discuss practical ways to prioritize science, engage students with everyday materials, and keep the joy of discovery alive in the classroom. We even play a fun game where Shari shows how to turn household items into mini science labs that students will love. Don't miss this episode if you're looking for tips to make science an exciting and achievable part of your curriculum! 🎧🔗 Download a list of ways to integrate science content into your lesson plans!https://bit.ly/ShariScience🔗 Download a Weather vs Climate Activityhttps://bit.ly/ShariWeather🔗 Download a Fossils Activityhttps://bit.ly/ShariGummyBears Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

10/29/24 • 37:35

Send us a textIn this episode, I’m joined by Jeannine Schneider, a teacher with 20 years of classroom experience and a master at adding seasonal fun to her lessons—without sacrificing learning. Jeannine shares all about Boo-grams, a creative way to spread kindness and build community in the classroom that might not be what you think! If you’re scrambling for a last-minute, no-prep Halloween idea that won’t add stress to your day, this episode is for you.Plus, stick around for a fun game of ‘What’s Scarier?’ where Jeannine and I talk about some of the spookiest moments teachers face. Let's get started! Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

10/24/24 • 28:56

Send us a textIn this episode of The Teachers Teaching Teachers Podcast, we’re joined by Teresa Kwant, a former 6th-grade teacher and full-time teacher-author, to explore the many ways Canva can transform your classroom. Teresa shares her top tips on how educators can use Canva to make lesson planning quicker, classroom decor more creative, and teaching more engaging for students. We also talk about fun and practical ways students can use Canva to enhance their own learning. Whether you’re a Canva newbie or a daily user, this episode is packed with ideas and tools to help you get the most out of this powerful platform. Don’t miss the rapid-fire game where Teresa reveals her favorite Canva features! Tune in for practical, easy-to-apply strategies to level up your teaching with Canva. Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

10/15/24 • 28:09

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alissa Levy, a veteran educator and author of Morning Routines for Productive Teens. With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Levy has worn many hats—from classroom teacher to Montessori school founder—and she’s here to share her wisdom on how effective morning routines can transform both home and classroom environments.We’ll talk about why morning routines are so crucial for students, how parents and teachers can help kids develop their own routines, and how even small habits can make a big difference. Dr. Levy also shares insights from her Montessori background and offers practical tips for creating routines that help kids thrive, no matter their age or ability.Whether you're a parent trying to establish a smoother morning for your kids, or a teacher looking to integrate structured routines into your classroom, this episode has something for you! Stick around until the end for a fun rapid-fire game where Dr. Levy reveals her own morning habits.Listen in to discover:The role morning routines play in student successHow to introduce micro-habits that build independenceWays to make morning routines fun and engaging for kidsTips for integrating routines into classroom managementIf you’re looking for simple, actionable ways to create a more organized and productive start to the day, this episode is for you!Resources Mentioned:Dr. Alissa Levy’s book, Morning Routines for Productive Teens (available on Amazon)Visit Dr. Levy’s website: alissalevybooks.com Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

10/8/24 • 26:27

Send us a textI am so excited about today's guest, Heather Bookstaver! With over 33 years of experience, Heather is a true veteran of the classroom and a second-generation teacher who’s been teaching in the very same district where she grew up. We talk about her incredible journey—teaching alongside her parents and even her spouse—and how she’s navigated some tough personal challenges, including beating cancer during COVID.Despite it all, Heather has completely reimagined how she approaches teaching, putting a huge emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL). In this episode, Heather shares how she’s creating warm, supportive classroom environments, the role of SEL in helping students regulate their emotions, and her experience with programs like the Positivity Project.Heather’s insights will inspire you to prioritize your students' emotional wellness and rethink what it means to really connect with them. You’ll walk away feeling empowered to create a classroom where students feel seen, heard, and supported. You won’t want to miss this conversation—it’s heartfelt, motivating, and full of practical tips that you can bring right into your classroom tomorrow! Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

10/1/24 • 30:45

Send us a textIn this episode, I had the chance to chat with Rachel Gurr, an educational consultant and coach who’s incredibly passionate about student-centered learning. Rachel dives into her experiences and shares some fantastic insights on how to foster student agency, spark creativity, and tackle classroom challenges. We get into what it really looks like to put students in the driver's seat and talk about some practical, easy-to-implement ways teachers can start shifting toward a more autonomous classroom. Rachel also gets real about her own transition into student-centered learning—what worked, what didn’t, and everything in between. Whether you're ready to make small tweaks or take big leaps in your teaching, this conversation is packed with useful advice and inspiration for building a more student-centered classroom. Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

9/24/24 • 50:09

Send us a textWelcome to the podcast!These first few episodes are all about getting to know me, your host, Cassi Noack, by introducing you to the amazing teachers who have been key players in different chapters of my teaching journey.Each of these incredible teacher friends you'll meet has played a vital role in shaping my path, leading me to where I am today as a resource creator and advocate for teachers through Minds-in-Bloom.com.In this inaugural episode of the Triple T Podcast, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Tonya Dunn, my student teaching mentor and one of the most instrumental teachers in my early public school years. Our conversation is packed with laughs, heartfelt stories, and plenty of practical tips that will give you a taste of what’s ahead on the podcast.Tonya and I talk about everything from the surprise of her being named Teacher of the Year to the little things that make a big difference in the classroom—like creative writing and cozy, dim-lit rooms that feel like home. We also dive into the ups and downs of mentorship, sharing how we both grew through the experience and how embracing different teaching styles can make all the difference.This episode is all about celebrating the connections that make teaching so special—whether it’s with students, parents, or fellow teachers. So, grab your favorite drink and settle in for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is practical.Thanks for joining us on this journey!Learn more about Tonya: https://minds-in-bloom.com/our-podcast-guests/#callie-danielle Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

9/13/24 • 42:11

Send us a textIn this second intro episode of the Triple T Podcast, I’m sharing a major turning point in my teaching journey—my move from Hassler Elementary to Mahaffey Elementary, a brand-new, high-tech school. Leaving behind a place I loved and stepping out of my comfort zone wasn’t easy, but it led to so much growth.I’m joined by the incredible Ashley Vara, who was named ESL Teacher of the Year, and together we talk about our time at Mahaffey, where we embraced innovative teaching methods and found ways to balance the demands of the job with life outside the classroom. We get into the nitty-gritty of efficient grading, using digital tools, and even navigating maternity leave. Ashley shares some super practical tips on how to stay on top of everything without burning out, and we reflect on how these experiences have shaped us as educators.This episode is full of inspiration and actionable advice for teachers, no matter where you are in your career.Learn more about Ashley: https://minds-in-bloom.com/our-podcast-guests/#ashley-vara Visit us at Podcast.minds-in-bloom.com

9/13/24 • 30:24