Best Matt Bramuchi Podcasts (2024)

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Episode $26: Zero Regrets....Yeah Right 22:54

3h ago22:54

22:54

As humans and effective teachers, we will always regret things - certain choices we made, how we taught a lesson, how we reacted to a student, etc. Not only is that natural, it makes us better educators and people. Learning from mistakes is at the center of any authentic learning. To the narcissistic few that say they have "zero regrets," I'll remi…

1
Episode #25: Young and the Restless 25:14

5h ago25:14

25:14

Effective teachers turn the challenges of working with teenagers into opportunities for success and learning. Working with high schoolers is not for the weak. They will be hormonal, use inappropriate language and humor, face peer pressure, and so much more. We can't just stick our heads in the sand. If we do, we will miss opportunities to guide the…

1
Episode #24: X-Factor 22:26

9h ago22:26

22:26

It's amazing how often we notice that certain teachers have the "X-factor." They just "get it." They are superstars. We may say the same about certain teachers we had in school. Do you have the X-factor? Have you lost it? Think back to your first teaching interview. Are the things you said in that interview about why/how you wanted to teach still t…

1
Episode #23: Warning Signs 30:15

25d ago30:15

30:15

Effective teachers understand and define success through goal-setting. If we don't set goals and pay attention to the warning signs that indicate we are off-track, we risk being less effective in the classroom and beyond.By Matt Bramuchi

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Episode #22: Vast Learning Opportunities Are Being Missed 37:14

1M ago37:14

37:14

The world is changing, and it always will. Effective teachers know, understand, and adapt to this change. Educators and the education system need to focus on producing students that are dynamic innovators and thinkers. This episode presents several classroom lessons that illustrate instructional strategies and pedagogies that will better help learn…

1
Episode #21: Undercover Agents and Unholy Alliances 16:03

1M ago16:03

16:03

Serving in education, like most occupations, comes with its fair share of "politics." The goal is to stay out of the fray as much as possible. Instead, focus on your job and your students. Few things bring more "political" unrest than undercover "agents" and "unholy" alliances. Effective teachers avoid these at all costs.…

1
Episode #20: Tragedy of the Commons 21:06

2M ago21:06

21:06

The "tragedy of the commons" is having a real impact on educators and the system as a whole. Teachers are a limited resource with limited time and capacity. Educators need clear job descriptions and boundaries that are both respected by and communicated to all stakeholders. Not only should we advocate for those things at our schools and in our vari…

1
Episode #19: Stop the Sham Trials 21:11

2M ago21:11

21:11

It's sad to say, but students endure sham trials all the time in education. They are regularly "crystal-balled", pigeon-holed, stereotyped, and found guilty by association. Effective teachers instead make building individual relationships the priority. They don't permanently shackle students to bad decisions or poor performance. They don't place a …

1
Episode #18: Rigor and Rigidity are Overused Weapons 24:02

2M ago24:02

24:02

Making a class convoluted and challenging without purpose or intentionality is a losing strategy. Also, serving as the inflexible dictator of your process will inevitably fail students. Don't weaponize rigor and rigidity. Instead, be an advocate for empathy and individuality. You will get students that are more willing and able to learn.…

1
Episode #17: Question what You Celebrate 21:25

2M ago21:25

21:25

You can determine a great deal about the culture of a classroom or school by what is celebrated in them. Be intentional about what you celebrate (and how). If not, you will undermine your own process and inevitably leave students behind.By Matt Bramuchi

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Episode #16: Part to Whole vs. Whole to Part Learners 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

One of the fundamental questions we must ask ourselves about a student is whether he/she is a "Part to Whole" (PW) or "Whole to Part" (WP) learner. Does a student need all the details in order to fully understand a concept or does he need to see the big picture first to truly master a concept? The truth is that ultimately our scaffolding, lessons, …

1
Episode 15: Out of Bounds 39:06

3M ago39:06

39:06

Connecting and building relationships with students in the classroom is hugely impactful, as is building community with those you work with/for professionally. However, effective teachers know that there are things that should always be out of bounds. Establishing these boundaries will not only make you a better teacher, but they will also improve …

1
Episode #14: Nickelback 23:00

3M ago23:00

23:00

The obvious reality is that teachers are overworked. Also, there is no such thing as "giving 110%." Why do we take on more classes, more clubs, and more duties just to get a nickel back? Effective teachers know that we have to make hard choices. We have to learn to say "no" when it doesn't also benefit us and our own personal and professional growt…

1
Episode #13: Mundane in the Membrane 14:59

3M ago14:59

14:59

The moment your class (or you) becomes mundane for students is the very moment our process begins to be less effective. Even the best instructional and assessment strategies have to be used thoughtfully and intentionally. Is your class the same each and every day? I hope not -- and so do your students.…

1
Episode #12: Low Expectations = Low Results 20:58

4M ago20:58

20:58

A simple truth: Low expectations almost certainly equal low results. From homogenizing the population to pushing 50% "zeroes," the system seems built to soften expectations and push students through regardless of actual learning. As educators, we have to resist and lead the culture of learning in our classrooms. We have to focus on developing grit,…

1
Episode #11: Kryptonite for Kids 34:52

4M ago34:52

34:52

We have to take a deep and empathetic look at what is affecting our kids today. From school dances and time management woes to friend drama and bullying, there is a great deal of kryptonite out there making it harder and hardener to effectively reach students in the classroom and beyond. We can't teach (or coach) in a bubble and/or stick our heads …

1
Episode #10: Jerry...Jerry...Jerry! 27:58

4M ago27:58

27:58

More and more classrooms are becoming absolute clown shows and ineffective learning environments because of student populations that are becoming increasingly disruptive, disinterested, and disillusioned. While effective teachers primarily focus on controlling what they can control, they also know that emphasizing the ABC's of teaching, remaining d…

1
Episode #9: Inequity is Inevitable 23:17

4M ago23:17

23:17

Strive for equitable access to education, knowing your classroom will never be perfect. However, don't obsess with trying to create equitable outcomes - no matter how much some in society and educational leadership push you to do so. Equitable outcomes are both unrealistic AND undesirable. Students are individuals with different backgrounds, life e…

1
Episode #8: Heavy Lifter Hostility 17:39

5M ago17:39

17:39

As you know, 20% of people do 80% of the work. It's no different in our profession. In the high-functioning world of eduction, years of "heavy lifting" by a teacher can inevitably lead to burnout, health repercussions, time management issues, and yes, resentment and hostility. Get better at margin and setting personal and professional goals for you…

1
Episode #7: Get Preppy 18:46

5M ago18:46

18:46

Secondary teachers are getting absolutely buried by the number and types of preps they are assigned. Subject/content-areas aren't arbitrary -- and neither are the teachers. We need to focus on putting educators in the appropriate classrooms that match training, experience, and motivation. It's about putting people where they are most effective. If …

1
Episode #6: Four-Letter Words 25:28

5M ago25:28

25:28

Effective teachers realize that there are some four-letter words that are crucial in the classroom and our academic process. Words like "can't," "fear," and "love" have a huge impact on our students. They should have a huge impact on us too if want to better reach those we serve.By Matt Bramuchi

1
Episode #5: Efficacy and Efficiency 16:53

5M ago16:53

16:53

Effective teachers, by definition, reach their objectives and desired goals. They are also efficient. Falling short on either efficacy or efficiency means students and other stakeholders are paying the price academically. Hold your process to that standard each and every day.By Matt Bramuchi

1
Episode #4: Ditch the Useless Professional Development 20:59

6M ago20:59

20:59

It's time we ditch the useless professional development (PD). That doesn't mean we stop PD - it just means we stop wasting the valuable (and limited) time of educators with tired ideas and inapplicable training. It's time we provide teachers with meaningful PD and collaborative opportunities that support and complement their own growth and goals.…

1
Episode #3: Crayons or Pencils? 17:41

6M ago17:41

17:41

As a teacher, you need to reflect on your lessons and decide if they tend to be built for younger or older students. As you diversify instruction and assessment, effective teachers also need to balance your mix of "crayon" and "pencil" lessons. Students are on a spectrum developmentally and academically. Therefore, if our lessons aren't dynamic on …

1
Episode #2: Boulevard of Broken Dreams 17:54

6M ago17:54

17:54

Teachers play a huge role in helping students achieve their goals and dreams. However, if we aren't honest with them and don't help them find value in education, we are likely doing more harm than good.By Matt Bramuchi

1
Episode #1: Aged and Confused 31:47

6M ago31:47

31:47

We're back and adjusting our format a little this season! Join us for all new topics and expanded discussions of current events in education that will make all of us better educators. This week, let's talk about some things in today's academic world that have most of us veterans totally confused....By Matt Bramuchi

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Episode #26: Zone in on Standardized Testing 41:53

8M ago41:53

41:53

Effective educators move the needle for their students on standardized test performance. From curriculum integration and innovative lesson planning to regular practice and parent education, we need to put students in position to be the best version of themselves. Teachers, because of our unique expertise and relationship-building ability, can help …

1
Episode #25: Yank Back Financial Control of Our Classroom 30:34

8M ago30:34

30:34

From managing our resources to building effective school supply lists and enriching lessons, teachers need to take control of the financial spending and planning in our classrooms. It's difficult to be effective when the needs of our students aren't met. Teachers also shouldn't carry the burden of spending personal income on lessons and infrastruct…

1
Episode #24: "X"ecute Plan A, B, C, D... 13:50

8M ago13:50

13:50

As the cliche goes, education is messy and change is inevitable. Do yourself and your students a favor - be flexible. Effective teachers know that improvising, renovating, and adjusting your approach and process are the keys to long-term growth and meaningful success.By Matt Bramuchi

1
Episode #23: Weaken the Grip of Helicopter Parents 47:06

9M ago47:06

47:06

Don't let helicopter parents have a death grip on you or your process. Use classroom management strategies and policies that promote healthy professional relationships with parents. Those relationships will subsequently generate better experiences and student outcomes.By Matt Bramuchi

1
Episode #22: Venture Into the Unknown 15:24

9M ago15:24

15:24

Get out of your comfort zone and venture into the unknown. As always, exploration and application should be built into your lessons. Build a classroom that does not trap students by your own personal strengths and weaknesses. Be a facilitator that is on a journey of learning with your students. It makes the process more meaningful for you and them.…

1
Episode #21: Utilize Social Media 17:13

9M ago17:13

17:13

It's time for us to accept that students communicate primarily through social media. Instead of running from it, teachers should embrace it in their lessons and in their classroom communications. Effective teachers know that they should focus on leading in technology and modeling responsible use.By Matt Bramuchi

1
Episode #20: Teach Them to Explore 21:13

9M ago21:13

21:13

Even if we successfully empower students, if we don't build in time for exploration, as well as model it consistently, our students will not likely individualize or own the learning. Effective teachers know that relationships must come before the content. Help develop those relationships with you, each other, AND the content by building exploration…

1
Episode #19: Separate Business and Personal 21:20

9M ago21:20

21:20

While educators can never completely separate business and personal, effective teachers know that finding work-life balance, unplugging, and focusing on personal and professional growth are the keys to both success and improved quality of life. It's possible to be extremely effective, passionate, and empathetic while still having a boundary between…

1
Episode #18: Regroup Before Regrading 22:43

10M ago22:43

22:43

Take a little time and regroup before regrading assessments. Effective teachers know that making rash or "on the spot" decisions about feedback can negatively impact the learning process and the data. Encourage students to advocate and ask questions, but don't be quick to add add points, curve grades, or throw out questions. Always ask "why" studen…

1
Episode #17: Quit Stressing Over Reteaching 19:46

10M ago19:46

19:46

Effective teachers know that using feedback from assessments is the key to achieving mastery. Thus, we can't be scared to reteach. This may mean our classes across the day don't pace together or even get identical lessons. Shouldn't that actually be the norm? If learning is messy and the goal is to achieve mastery, you would certainly expect less s…

1
Episode #16: Preach Less and Partner More 22:33

10M ago22:33

22:33

It may be cliche`, but effective teachers know that it has to be less us and more them. Our goal should be to partner with them in the learning - not simply preach all day. Stay passionate about what you're teaching, but remember, they have to be the star.By Matt Bramuchi

1
Episode #15: Open Your Mind to Open-Book Exams 13:13

10M ago13:13

13:13

Effective teachers diversify their assessment strategies. This should include occasionally giving open-book/note assessments. These types of assessments offer another powerful way to assess a student's ability to apply and analyze information, as well as for a teacher to measure his/her own instructional/assessment practices (i.e. amount of memoriz…

1
Episode #14: Never Dismiss Standardized Testing 34:21

11M ago34:21

34:21

It's time to change your relationship with standardized testing. Fair or foul, right or wrong, they are an important metric for identifying where kids are in the learning process. Are they flawed? Absolutely. However, standardized tests are a metric of learning, and your students need to be successful on them. We have to stop dwelling on excuses fo…

1
Episode #13: Make Use of the Entire Classroom 36:11

11M ago36:11

36:11

If you're not using the entire classroom to provide both a better experience for your students and an enriched learning process, you're missing out on crucial opportunities to improve outcomes. From developing effective lessons to diversifying instructional and assessment strategies, the physical classroom plays a major role. Effective teachers lev…

1
Episode #12: Leave Counseling to the Counselor 28:37

11M ago28:37

28:37

Clear role identification is crucial in generating better academic outcomes. This is particularly true when it comes to the partnership between teachers and school counselors. Teachers aren't trained counselors. School counselors aren't always trained teachers. We have to have clear boundaries, protocols, procedures, and mutual support to work toge…

1
Episode #11: Know That Modeling Has Its Limits 15:23

11M ago15:23

15:23

Effective teachers know that modeling behaviors is hugely impactful in generating positive student outcomes. However, they also know that modeling has its limits. It's important to remember that teachers are professionals at work and not children at school. They should always be treated as professionals. Also, healthy student-teacher relationships …

1
Episode #10: Jumble Up the Content 28:17

12M ago28:17

28:17

You know why learning isn't "sticky" for most students? The answer is not an oversimplification. The truth is that we simply don't spend enough time reinforcing content and allowing for practice/feedback throughout the academic year. This affects a student's ability to actually master content, and in turn, leads to poor academic outcomes - especial…

1
Episode #9: Inspect Your "Why" 25:29

12M ago25:29

25:29

If you haven't done so lately, it's time to inspect your "why". Why do you teach? Why are/aren't you happy? Why are your kids learning/not learning? Why are you successful/not successful? These kinds of questions are important because they help you self-reflect on your own motives, needs, and process. The answers in-turn allow you to better underst…

1
Episode #8: Hop Aboard the AI Train 20:59

12M ago20:59

20:59

If you aren't using AI as an educator, you are missing out on both an incredibly useful tool and an important piece of our future. AI shouldn't be feared. It should be embraced and taught effectively. Don't stick your head in the sand or dwell on the negatives. Instead, direct your energy on generating positive outcomes for your kids using these am…

1
Episode #7: Grading Policies Have to Make Sense 43:29

1y ago43:29

43:29

In this episode, we revisit some key priorities with assessment. Effective teachers know that grading policies have to make sense in order to properly assess mastery. We have to understand why we do the things we do and how our choices affect our students. Sound grading practices and feedback must be in the DNA of every classroom's process.…

1
Episode #6: Framing Content is a Failing Strategy 19:32

1y ago19:32

19:32

Effective teaching requires students to learn to think and build/analyze arguments. When you frame content, you are limiting their ability to do just that. Focus on building capable students that are exposed to both diversity and diverse ideas. That in turn will help them better understand your lessons and themselves.…

1
Episode #5: Enjoy the Ride 19:39

1y ago19:39

19:39

If you are battling stress and anxiety about starting the school year, working as an educator, etc., remember that teaching is incredibly rewarding. Are there challenges? Absolutely. However, the positives far exceed the negatives. We teach because few can do what we do. We teach because we can reach kids. We teach because we are obsessed with watc…

1
Episode #4: Don't Underestimate the Value of Community Building 23:17

1y ago23:17

23:17

Effective teachers focus constantly on community building because it generates better learning experiences and outcomes. Strong communities are built by consistent student investment, student empowerment, and a personalized learning environment. A sense of community in your classroom will also allow your students to overcome mistakes and difficult …

1
Episode #3: Come to Terms with Lesson Plans and Curriculum Mapping 28:50

1y ago28:50

28:50

It's time to come to terms with the necessity of tools like lesson plans and curriculum mapping. Many teachers spend a significant amount of time complaining that these tools are in fact a waste of time. No, that kind of attitude and mentality are a waste of time. An effective process needs a defined plan to better assess what is working and what i…

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