Teach Better Talk

This is the audio version for the blog post, "Proactive vs. Reactive Goal Setting" written by Rae Hughart  (@raehughart) at www.teachbetter.com. Proactive vs. Reactive Goal Setting I knew I had the puzzle pieces. After 4 years in college studying the right approach, the proper progressive philosophy, and the data supported “future” of education. I could rattle off the acronyms with the best of them - SBG, MTSS, RTI, PBL, UDL, etc. Living the majority of my life labeled as the girl with an LD IEP diagnosis has never been a fond memory for me. To be frank, my future was written even before high school. College was never the path a student like me was going to attempt - much less a master's degree. Walking into my first classroom as a certified, passionate educator, I was filled with emotion. I was desperate to do well, but even with all the grit and perseverance I developed to reach this point in my life, I felt as if I had been dealt a poor hand once again. I felt like I had a bag of puzzle pieces for creating a strong, data-supported classroom. Students Deserve More Have you ever attempted a 1,000 piece puzzle? You take each piece, study it closely, and begin to sort what you have in front of you. Blue pieces - yeah let’s put those together. Bright orange? Well ok, put that over here. As you look at the collection in front of you, sorting seems like the first of a thousand steps that you will take to put each piece in the right order, slowly snapping pieces together. Or at least you hope so. While I felt confident with the innovative middle school classroom philosophy of the future, I had no idea how to snap together the pieces of each component and implement it with fidelity. If only I was in that perfect situation - one with supportive administration, collaborative teachers, supportive parents, eager to learn students, financial backing. Then, just maybe, I could take each of these best practices and implement them well, day-in and day-out. But I wasn't working in that type of school. I was working in a school filled with students who needed a teacher that believed those circumstances were not the only answer to implementing best practice strategies. They deserved more. The Missing Element: Being Proactive The missing element was finding ways to allow the data-supported best practices, like goal setting and reflection, to work for me, rather than utilizing them occasionally in isolation. Prior to finding my love of this integrated approach, I struggled to be more than fluff. I knew student engagement was essential and goal setting was a useful resource for students. But I found myself extremely inconsistent. Seemingly every week was a new game. An awesome lesson Monday and a mediocre Tuesday. Then, at the end of the week, I'd be left with a laundry list of "to do's" which would always include sharing with families and stakeholders what we did in our classroom. What good is good teaching if it only took place on Fridays and put all the work on the already stressed out educator? The reality is, fluff ain’t enough! Choose to be proactive with your students' goal-setting rather than reactive after something occurs! Allow students to help you be a better educator by involving them in the process of taking ownership over the experience. KEEP READING AT WWW.TEACHBETTER.COM --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

BreAnn Fennell chats with us about play-based learning, finding excitement, and why we need to spend our time being kind.  More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/breannfennell. BreAnn's Recommendations EdTech Tool: Remind Book: "Little Fires Everywhere" By Celeste Ng "Talk Like Ted" By Carmine Gallo Who to Follow on Instagram: @emilyfranESL  Emily Francis  @jarrett_lerner Jarrett Lerner  @sarahdateechur Sarah Thomas, PHD YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: www.teachbetter.com Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Reflecting in a way that is meaningful to you. Find a way to PLAY! This does not have to be with your kids, find excitement and discover what makes you THRILLED to do! Best piece of advice you've ever received: We have history that shows what hate can do. We have nature that shows what hate can do. Why waste your time being anything but kind? Links to Connect With BreAnn Website: www.playyay.weebly.com Twitter: @playyay Facebook Page: @playyay Instagram: @playyayauthor Books: "Play? Yay!" "Choose Your Cheer" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

This is a livestream with with Jeff and Chad Ostrowski of the Teach Better Team. During this livestream, we chat about the 3 questions you need to ask and answer to increase student success, whether in a physical classroom, a virtual classroom, a blended classroom, or some new hybrid of in person and remote learning after COVID-19.  For more visit www.teachbetter.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

15 year veteran teacher, and host of Cylinder Radio Podcast, William Reusch chats with us about bringing critical thinking back to education, challenging what we believe, and teaching students HOW to think instead of WHAT to think. More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/williamreusch William's Recommendations EdTech Tool: Social Media Book: "Extreme Ownership" by Jacko Willink Who to Follow on Instagram: Eric Weinstein @ericweinstein Joe Rogan @joerogan Tim Ferriss @tferriss YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: The Heterodox Academy Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Healthy lifestyle. Best piece of advice you've ever received: Be unapologetically yourself. You have good ideas, be assertive. Links to Connect With William Website: www.williamreusch.com Twitter: @teecherreusch Facebook Page: Heterodox K-12 Education Instagram: @willreusch YouTube: Will Reusch --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Rae Hughart, Jeff Gargas, and Hans Appel drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.   We also celebrate the release on Hans' new book, "Award Winning Culture." More at www.awardwinningculture.com If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Jeff Gargas and Shawn peck drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Jake Kelfer chats with us about preparing students to stand out in the job marketing, figuring out what success means to us, and helping guide kids to the best chance of having their ultimate version of success.  More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/jakekelfer. Jake's Recommendations Tech Tool: Evernote Book: "A Happy Pocket Full of Money" by David Cameron Gikandi  "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman Who to Follow on Instagram: @careacter @AlanSteinJr YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: www.actionpackedleadership.com envolved www.characterstrong.com Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Practicing gratitude. Best piece of advice you've ever received: "Live in the moment and enjoy the journey." And "The only shortcut in life is to start now." Links to Connect With Jake Website: www.jakekelfer.com Twitter: @jakekelfer Facebook Page: facebook.com/jakekelferjourney Instagram: @jakekelfer YouTube: youtube.com/jakekelfer Books: "Elevate Beyond" "Elevate Your Network" LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jakekelfer Jake's Take Flight 21 Day Challenge:  takeflightchallenge.jakekelfer.com Get a FREE Copy of "Elevate Your Network" here. (Just cover shipping) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Rae Hughart and Elisabeth Bostwick drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Chad Ostrowski and Neil Gupta drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Rae Hughart and Lindsay Titus drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Chris Anderson chats with us about finding out what works for you, taking chances to try new things, and his journey of sharing his love of science with more people.  More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/chrisanderson Chris's Recommendations EdTech Tool: YouTube Books: "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States of America" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz "The Golden Compass" by Phil Pullman Podcast: Ologies with Alie Ward Who to Follow on Instagram: @SciAroundCincy The Zoos, specifically @cincinnatizoo and @OregonZoo Also @weratedogs but you already knew that YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: It’s Lit from PBS Digital Studios Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Crossword puzzles. Best piece of advice you've ever received: “Don’t be an idiot.” - Michael Scott. Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, "Would an idiot do that?" And if they would, I do not do that thing. Do something that you are good at because it will bring you joy and vice versa. Links to Connect With Chris Website: www.sciaroundcincy.com Twitter: @TheScienceJedi   @SciAroundCincy Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/sciaroundcincy Instagram: @TheScienceJedi YouTube: Science Around Cincy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Chad Ostrowski and Kim Strobel drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Becky Thal and Phil Strunk drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Dr. Shamaine Bertrand chats with us about helping teachers be effective in diverse classrooms, truly knowing who you are teaching, and ensuring every day includes a heart, mind, and equity check.  More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/shamainebertrand. Shamaine's Recommendations EdTech Tool: YouTube Book: "How to Be Antiracist" by Ibram Kendi Who to Follow on Social Media: @drporcher @DrTMP @blackgazepod YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: Teaching Tolerance, Teaching for Change Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Equity check. Best piece of advice you've ever received: "You do not have to be on every tackle." Links to Connect With Shamaine Twitter: @dr_s_bertrand Facebook Page: Shamaine Bertrand Books: Check out Google Scholar for published articles  Black Gaze Podcast (May 15th Launch) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Jeff Gargas and Tyler Cummings drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Rae Hughart and Bryan Zwemke drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Rae Hughart drops in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

20+ year teaching veteran, consultant, and author, Kathleen Almy, chats with us about creating the best math experiences possible, adjusting to new ways of teaching, and the awesomeness of educators doing what needs to be done.  More at www.teachbetter.com/podcast/kathleenalmy Episode Highlights 3:00 - Discussing our lives during the COVID-19 / Coronavirus Pandemic. 13:19 - Previewing the episode with Kathleen Almy 16:40 - Kathleen introduces herself. 19:20 - How the COVID-19 / Coronavirus Pandemic has changed Kathleen's work. 23:30 - Chatting about Kathleen's new program: ONRAMP 30:15 - What's keeping Kathleen excited about education right now: The way educators have done what has needed to be done to make education work right now. 35:40 - 6 questions answered in 15 seconds or less. 38:12 - How to connect with Kathleen. Kathleen's Recommendations EdTech Tool: Zoom Book: "Do Less" by Kate Northrup Who to Follow on Social Media: @joboaler @busynessgirl YouTube/Podcast/Website/Blog: PatrickJMT Daily/Weekly/Monthly Routine: Reflect and adjust.  Best piece of advice you've ever received: Math should not be mysterious. Everything I teach I should be able to explain why. Links to Connect With Kathleen Website: www.almyeducation.com Twitter: @Almy_Education Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/AlmyEducation YouTube: Almy Education Book:  "Math" Lit by Pearson Education On Ramp Courses: courses.almyeducation.com/onramp --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Becky Thal and P. Sloan Joseph drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message

Rae Hughart and Brad Shreffler drop in to the Teach Better Team private Facebook group as part of our effort to support you in anyway we can during this unique and challenging time while schools are closed for an unknown period of time as our country tries to fend off the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.    If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out on social media or via email at info@teachbetter.com     We're here for you!   To join the private Facebook group, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/teachbetterteam Learn more at:  www.teachbetter.com Follow us on Twitter: @teachbetterteam Connect on facebook: @teachbetterteam Follow us on Instagram: @teachbetterteam Free Online Course: www.teachbetteracademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teach-better-talk/message