How to Help Your Teachers Love Teaching Again | E224
This episode focuses on practical ways administrators can address teacher burnout and reignite their passion for teaching. Burnout is characterized by a disconnect from the joy of teaching, often stemming from a lack of autonomy and meaningful teaching opportunities. Project Based learning (PBL) is presented as a way to combat teacher burnout by fostering a student-centered approach that can revitalize teachers' love of teaching. This episode emphasizes that while quick fixes like hot chocolate and meditation can help, it's important to address the root causes of burnout.
Three Key Ways to Reignite Teachers' Love of Teaching:
Autonomy and Creativity: Teachers need the freedom to design meaningful and engaging projects that are tailored to their students' needs.
Following a rigid scope and sequence can stifle creativity and excitement.
PBL provides opportunities for both teachers and learners to have autonomy.
Building Relationships: Focus on both student-teacher and teacher-teacher connections.
Teachers want to connect with their students on a personal level beyond just the curriculum.
Creating opportunities for teachers to collaborate and connect with their peers is crucial.
Relevance and Purpose: Teachers need to feel that their work is meaningful and connected to real-world problems.
PBL can provide this sense of relevance and purpose.
When students are engaged, teachers are also more likely to be engaged and feel fulfilled.
Practical Steps Administrators Can Take Immediately:
Start with small wins.
Redesign faculty meetings to be more collaborative and to celebrate successes.
Use faculty meetings to build relationships between teachers.
We offer a free resource for how to redo your faculty meeting on our website, magnifypbl.com.
Empower student voice.
Encourage teachers to give students voice and choice in their learning.
Consider starting a student voice group to gather feedback.
Identify what "fills the bucket" for teachers: Find out what activities or actions bring joy to individual teachers and implement them.
It may vary by grade level or content area.
Something as simple as a positive note can mean a lot to teachers.
Encourage teachers to try new student-centered strategies: Provide opportunities for teachers to share what they have tried.
Create a culture of collaboration and shared learning.
Build a positive culture in the school to reduce teacher turnover.
When teachers are excited to be there, it creates a positive current.
Call to Action:
Challenge teachers to reflect on one small change they can make to bring joy back into their teaching.
Recognize that joy is an important part of the educational process, along with standardized tests and learning outcomes.
Additional Resources Mentioned:
Binge PBL for Administrators Podcast
Magnify Learning Website (magnifypbl.com) for a free resource on how to redo your faculty meeting
pblpress.com for books to help with project-based learning
Design Days where you can visit a PBL model site and create a three-year implementation plan
Episode 158: No More Teacher Turnover
Next Episode:
Features a leadership guest, Matthew Taylor, a coach for principals and administrators in Washington DC.
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18:07
Transforming Self-Talk for Effective Leadership With Marianne Renner | E223
In this episode, Ryan Steuer interviews leadership coach Marianne Renner about her new book, Self Talk: 10 Stories You Tell Yourself That Hold You Back. They discuss the importance of self-talk in leadership, the impact of personal narratives on emotional well-being, and practical strategies for transforming negative self-talk into empowering narratives. Marianne shares her personal journey of overcoming depression and addiction, emphasizing the power of mindset and emotional awareness in achieving personal and professional growth. The conversation highlights the significance of vulnerability in leadership and the ongoing nature of self-improvement.
Takeaways
Self-talk is a universal experience for everyone.
Changing self-talk can lead to significant personal transformation.
Leaders should embrace vulnerability to connect with others.
The SEER process helps in reframing negative narratives.
Emotional awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
Practicing self-talk is similar to developing a workout routine.
Vulnerability can enhance leadership effectiveness.
Every situation presents a choice in how we respond.
Self-talk can either empower or hinder our actions.
Continuous self-improvement is a lifelong journey.
Resources and links:
mariannerenner.com
Get Marianne's book
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34:13
The Power of Professional Learning Communities in PBL With Dr. Chad Dumas | E222
In this episode of the PBL Simplified for Administrators podcast, host Ryan Steuer welcomes back Dr. Chad Dumas to discuss the importance of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in enhancing Project Based Learning (PBL) environments. They explore the mindset and culture necessary for effective PLCs, the role of teacher team leaders, and strategies for creating a collaborative and safe environment for educators. Dr. Dumas emphasizes the significance of adult learning and the need for a supportive culture to drive student success. The conversation also highlights success stories and practical advice for educators and leaders looking to implement or improve PLCs in their schools.
Takeaways
PLCs should be viewed as a culture, not just meetings.
Creating a psychologically safe environment is crucial for effective PLCs.
Teacher team leaders play a vital role in building capacity within their teams.
Mindsets and assumptions significantly impact leadership effectiveness.
Conflict can be a positive force for growth in teams.
Ongoing learning and reflection are essential for successful PLCs.
Success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of PLCs in various school settings.
Adult culture in schools directly influences student culture.
Educators need clarity on what to guarantee every student learns.
Collaboration among teachers leads to better outcomes for students.
Resources and links:
allthingsplc.info
The Teacher Team Leader Handbook Information
Get Chad's Book:
Amazon
Solution Tree
Book Resources
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39:54
From Curiosity to Connection: Building Positive School Cultures with Gabriele Nicolet | E221
Key takeaways from this episode:
Relationships are paramount in education: The strength of the relationship between teachers and students significantly impacts learning outcomes.
Seeing each child: Educators should strive to understand and acknowledge each student's individual needs and experiences.
The Importance of Nervous Systems: Educators should be aware of their own nervous system and how it impacts their students. They should also be mindful of their students' nervous systems and how they are responding.
Attachment and Attunement: Attachment refers to the strength of the relationship between two people, often an adult and a child. Attunement refers to adults adjusting their nervous system to match that of the child.
Child-Led Learning: Empowering students to take ownership of their learning is crucial, especially for neurodivergent learners.
Practical Strategies for Leaders: Principals can support teachers by acknowledging their challenges, offering help, and promoting a positive school culture.
Parent Perspectives: Parents of neurodivergent children want educators to understand their child's unique needs and collaborate with them to create a supportive learning environment.
Embrace Curiosity and Grace: Educators should approach challenging situations with curiosity and give themselves and their students grace.
Call to Action: Be more curious in your interactions with students, teachers, and parents, especially those who present challenges.
Resources:
Website: whatispbl.com
Podcast: Complicated Kids Podcast
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33:16
Why is PBL Good for Kids? | E220
This episode focuses on the benefits of Project Based Learning (PBL) for K-12 students. It explores how PBL can enhance academic achievement, social-emotional learning (SEL), and future readiness.
Key Takeaways:
PBL improves academic performance. Studies show that PBL can lead to significant gains in standardized test scores, AP exam scores, and literacy and numeracy skills.
PBL supports social-emotional learning. PBL provides opportunities for students to develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
PBL prepares students for the future. PBL helps students develop 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and inquiry, as well as career preparation skills.
Examples and Resources:
Dixie Elementary: This school improved its state test score from a D to an A using PBL.
Southport Elementary: This school, which already had an A, implemented PBL to improve employability skills for its high socioeconomic and ELL students. They then had the highest growth on their state standardized test in the entire state.
Southside Elementary: This Title 1 elementary school also saw success with PBL.
School Within a School: Ryan discusses a PBL program he started in a large middle school that led to increased attendance, decreased discipline issues, and improved academic outcomes for the participating students.
The Lucas Foundation: This organization conducted randomized controlled trials in 2021 that demonstrated the positive impact of PBL on student learning.
CASTLE (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning): This organization provides resources on SEL competencies.
Book Recommendation: Ryan’s book, PBL Simplified, provides a framework for implementing PBL, including the six steps of PBL and strategies for grouping students.
Book Recommendation: Life's a Project is another book that delves deeper into PBL implementation.
Call to Action:
Communicate the Why: School administrators should articulate the benefits of PBL to teachers, parents, and students.
Encourage Risk-Taking: Administrators should support teachers in trying new approaches and provide resources and support for their efforts.
Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of teachers and students involved in PBL.
Next Episode:
Topic: Neuroscience behind great learning, focusing on attunement and the importance of authentic PBL.
PBL Research: https://www.lucasedresearch.org/research/research-briefs/
About PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning
WHAT: PBL Podcast for School Administrators
FREE RESOURCE: WhatisPBL.com for free PBL Resources for Administrators
PBL Simplified for Administrators
Helping School Leaders Launch Their PBL Vision
Project Based Learning (PBL) isn’t just for classrooms—it’s a transformative school-wide approach that starts with leadership. Hosted by Ryan Steuer, founder of Magnify Learning, this podcast is designed exclusively for school administrators, principals, and district leaders who are ready to implement and sustain PBL in their schools.
Each episode breaks down real-world leadership strategies to help you build a thriving PBL culture, from crafting a clear vision to supporting teachers and engaging your community. Tune in for solo episodes with Ryan packed with actionable insights, as well as guest interviews with top educational leaders who share their challenges, wins, and best practices in making PBL a success.
If you're ready to shift from traditional instruction to authentic, learner-driven education, this is the podcast for you.
🎧 Subscribe now and start leading the PBL movement in your school!
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