Teach Me, Teacher

Hello everyone! In this closing episode of Season 9, host Jacob Chastain takes a heartfelt look back at the journey so far. We get real about where the show stands today, the challenges and growth behind the scenes, and the exciting direction we’re headed. Looking ahead to Season 10, big changes are on the horizon—new formats, fresh perspectives, and deeper conversations that push the boundaries of what Teach Me, Teacher has always been about: real talk for real educators. If you’ve been with us since the beginning, or just found us this season, this finale sets the stage for an evolution you won’t want to miss. The best is yet to come. Subscribe now and stay tuned—Season 10 launches soon.

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we delve into the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds. Joining us are Coach Alex Compton and Coach Kevin Dalafu, authors of Wisest Learners: Guiding Your Child’s Athletic Journey.With over a decade of experience in coaching, parenting, and education, they offer invaluable insights into how sports can be a powerful tool for teaching young people morals, work ethic, and resilience. Drawing from their extensive backgrounds, Compton and Dalafu discuss how youth sports go beyond physical development, serving as a platform for instilling essential life skills. They share practical strategies for parents and coaches to foster environments where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in the development of young athletes, offering a fresh perspective on the integral role sports play in holistic education. Tune in to explore how guiding young athletes through their sports journey can lead to the cultivation of wisdom, resilience, and character. SPONSOR LINK: The School Me Podcast from NEA  

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we delve into the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds. Joining us are Coach Alex Compton and Coach Kevin Dalafu, authors of Wisest Learners: Guiding Your Child’s Athletic Journey.With over a decade of experience in coaching, parenting, and education, they offer invaluable insights into how sports can be a powerful tool for teaching young people morals, work ethic, and resilience. Drawing from their extensive backgrounds, Compton and Dalafu discuss how youth sports go beyond physical development, serving as a platform for instilling essential life skills. They share practical strategies for parents and coaches to foster environments where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in the development of young athletes, offering a fresh perspective on the integral role sports play in holistic education. Tune in to explore how guiding young athletes through their sports journey can lead to the cultivation of wisdom, resilience, and character.   SPONSOR LINK: The School Me Podcast from NEA  

In part 2 of this powerful episode, host Jacob Chastain sits down with Dr. John B. King Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, to discuss his new book Teacher by Teacher. They explore Dr. King’s journey from classroom teacher to national education leader, offering a rare insider’s perspective on the state of American education. Together, they unpack the challenges educators face today, including the growing politicization of the profession and its impact on schools and communities. A must-listen for anyone passionate about teaching, policy, and the future of education. John B. King Jr. served in President Barack Obama’s cabinet as the tenth U.S. Secretary of Education. Over the course of his extensive and influential career in public education, he has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal, the first African American and Puerto Rican to serve as New York State Education Commissioner, a college professor, and the president and CEO of the Education Trust, a national education civil rights organization. King is currently the chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education. Both of King’s parents were career New York City public school educators.   SPONSOR LINK: The School Me Podcast from NEA

In this powerful episode, host Jacob Chastain sits down with Dr. John B. King Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, to discuss his new book Teacher by Teacher. They explore Dr. King's journey from classroom teacher to national education leader, offering a rare insider’s perspective on the state of American education. Together, they unpack the challenges educators face today, including the growing politicization of the profession and its impact on schools and communities. A must-listen for anyone passionate about teaching, policy, and the future of education. John B. King Jr. served in President Barack Obama’s cabinet as the tenth U.S. Secretary of Education. Over the course of his extensive and influential career in public education, he has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal, the first African American and Puerto Rican to serve as New York State Education Commissioner, a college professor, and the president and CEO of the Education Trust, a national education civil rights organization. King is currently the chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education. Both of King’s parents were career New York City public school educators. SPONSOR LINK: The School Me Podcast from NEA

Hello everyone! In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we dive into one of the most vital—and often overlooked—elements of teaching success: building genuine, lasting partnerships with parents. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, gaining parent support can transform your classroom culture, student outcomes, and your overall teaching experience. Join us as we explore five actionable steps to connect with parents on a deeper level: Invite, Communicate, Extend, Follow-Up, and Educate. These steps go beyond surface-level interactions and help foster real trust, meaningful collaboration, and shared investment in student success. Tune in to learn how to move from parent contact to true parent partnership—and why this shift is essential for modern educators. Are you currently working on building parent relationships or preparing for future connections?

Hello everyone! What a title for a podcast. But, this is a real one. No guest, just me (Jacob Chastain,) the reality of changes in my life, and my continued frustration with the discussions around education.  For followers of the show, you have seen a lot of "Greatest Hits" episodes dropping. This is due for a lot of reasons that I go into, but the short of it is that life has thrown some major curveballs my way and it has been hard to balance everything. I am slowly getting there, but some things take time.  This episode details changes in my life and where I am finding it hard to navigate the changing landscape of discourse in education. Come along and dialogue with me! 

Hello everyone! Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman (Stenhouse 2018) is by far one of the most influential books I’ve read in my teaching career. It’s a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students.  So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. In part 1 of the podcast, we dove deep into the increasingly alarming practice of talking about students as if they are data points and not children. We discussed why we need to humanize our classrooms, and how to think about our school culture in a way that fosters equitable practices. In part 2, we took a look at some practices we are letting happen in our classes and schools that are hurting students, and what to do about them. And now in part 3, we are wrapping it all together in a discussion about why learning should be joyful—for teachers and students—and should drive us into the beauty and gift that is TEACHING. Do not miss it!  Enjoy!

Hello everyone! Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman (Stenhouse 2018) is by far one of the most influential books I’ve read in my teaching career. It’s a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students.  So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. In part 1 of the podcast, we dove deep into the increasingly alarming practice of talking about students as if they are data points and not children. We discussed why we need to humanize our classrooms, and how to think about our school culture in a way that fosters equitable practices. Today, we take a look at some practices we are letting happen in our classes and schools that are hurting students, and what to do about them. Among other topics, we hit on: Why breaking everything into parts makes learning harder for students Why “training” is not professional learning How modeling can elevate your lessons What it takes to begin innovating as a teacher, and as a student Do not miss it!  Enjoy!

This episode previously aired in another season. Hello everyone! Literacy Essentials by Regie Routman is by far one of the most influential books I’ve read in my teaching career. It’s a book I turn to weekly for advice, insight, and encouragement in my work to bring authentic literacy to my students.  So when I was given a chance to talk to Regie herself, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. To my delight, Regie is just as honest and passionate in person as she is in her many books. She doesn’t waste time in our talk getting to the heart of the matter, which is that if we want to make an impact on kids in a positive way, we can’t see them as numbers, or data points, or problems. If we want true equity in our schools and classrooms, we have to see them as PEOPLE first. We have to be energetic if we want them to care about the class.  We have to get them to feel loved and comfortable in our spaces.  We have to allow them to be themselves, in their writing, and in their reading.  We have to humanize school, and use research supported practices to move them in meaningful ways.  Together, we address these topics and many more in this 3 part discussion, so do not miss a minute of it! Enjoy! To listen to my talks with other literacy giants, such as Kelly Gallagher, Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Mary Howard and Laura Robb, click here.    About Regie: REGIE ROUTMAN has more than forty-five years of experience working in diverse, under-performing schools across the U.S. and Canada as an educational leader, mentor teacher, literacy coach, classroom teacher, and teacher of students with learning differences. Her current work involves on-site demonstrations of highly effective literacy and leadership practices and side-by-side mentoring and coaching of principals, administrators, and lead teachers in order to improve reading and writing engagement, achievement, and enjoyment—across the curriculum–for all learners. Her many research-based books and resources have supported hundreds of thousands of teachers, principals, and educators at all levels to create and sustain trusting, intellectual school cultures where hearing all the voices and ongoing, professional learning are priorities. Regie’s most recent book is Literacy Essentials: Engagement, Excellence, and Equity for All Learners. (Stenhouse, 2018) For full information on Regie’s publications including her Transforming Our Teaching video-based, online literacy series, her PD offerings, and blogs, see www. regieroutman.org  

Hello everyone! Today, I am releasing what I believe is the most important podcast in the history of the show. Not only is it filled with honest and real world talk, it is filled with research based advice and insight from one of the premier thinkers on education today. In this episode, I sit down with Alfie Kohn and discuss a range of topics, such as why grading hurts more than it helps, why rewards do more harm than good, and why the testing obsession leads to bad teaching. I consider these the three pillars of what holds up an outdated educational model, and Alfie Kohn is the main reason for that perspective. Without a doubt, Alfie has influenced my teaching in such fundamental ways, and I know his thinking, research, and expertise will encourage you to question some of the norms of our educational climate. Alfie Kohn writes and speaks widely on human behavior, education, and parenting. The most recent of his 14 books are SCHOOLING BEYOND MEASURE…And Other Unorthodox Essays About Education (2015) and THE MYTH OF THE SPOILED CHILD: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom About Children and Parenting (2014).  Of his earlier titles, the best known are PUNISHED BY REWARDS (1993), NO CONTEST: The Case Against Competition (1986), UNCONDITIONAL PARENTING (2005), and THE SCHOOLS OUR CHILDREN DESERVE (1999).  

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we’re diving deep into the misconceptions about student behavior and how traditional behavior management approaches are falling short. Part 1 can be heard here.  I had the privilege of interviewing the authors of The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Support, a book that challenges the old paradigms and offers a new way to understand and address student needs. We discuss how shifting our perspective on behavior can lead to more effective and empathetic support for our students, helping to create a more positive and productive school environment. Tune in to hear how this approach can revolutionize the way we manage behavior and elevate student success! The authors of the book are Joshua Stamper and Dr. Kayla L. Lannin. Joshua is an educator and behavior specialist with years of experience in shaping school culture and supporting student development. Dr. Lannin is an expert in educational leadership, behavior science, and teacher training, with a focus on creating inclusive learning environments that foster success for all students.

In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we’re diving deep into the misconceptions about student behavior and how traditional behavior management approaches are falling short. I had the privilege of interviewing the authors of The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Support, a book that challenges the old paradigms and offers a new way to understand and address student needs. We discuss how shifting our perspective on behavior can lead to more effective and empathetic support for our students, helping to create a more positive and productive school environment. Tune in to hear how this approach can revolutionize the way we manage behavior and elevate student success! The authors of the book are Joshua Stamper and Dr. Kayla L. Lannin. Joshua is an educator and behavior specialist with years of experience in shaping school culture and supporting student development. Dr. Lannin is an expert in educational leadership, behavior science, and teacher training, with a focus on creating inclusive learning environments that foster success for all students.

Far too often educators give up teaching the love of reading and writing during instruction.  They feel pressure from the curriculum developed due a need to perform on high stakes testing. In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss how to help students develop a love for reading and writing while maintaining a high level of learning that will meet the rigorous requirements necessary for high stakes testing. Pam explains how she never shirks self selected reading and writing time.  She shares how she ties that time to her lessons.  Jacob remembers how he designed his lessons so the students would create their own learning goals and set a purpose for the reading and writing. Join Jacob and Pam as they talk about how to keep the joy in the reading and writing instruction and more! Part 2 can be found by clicking here and heading to the Craft & Draft podcast.

This episode was previously published as episode 93 of the podcast. __ Hello everyone! In a world where too many educators want the short and easy answers to literacy education, Evan and Laura Robb are here to help us see the value and purpose for putting in the real work and time it takes to learn our craft, and support kids the way they need to be supported. I couldn’t be more excited for part two of this conversation! In part two, we discuss where public education is going wrong in how we judge quality literacy teaching, why teachers should be learners along side their students, and how modeling from coaches and leaders is powerful for both the teachers and students to see. As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the most important episodes Teach Me, Teacher has to offer. Do not miss it. Enjoy! Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!  If you enjoyed this conversation, I highly recommend my discussion with Dr. Mary Howard (who we mention in this episode.)