Puke and Rally with Devin Siebold
Digest
Andrea Forkham welcomes comedian Devon Sebold to the podcast, "Those Who Can't Do." Sebold shares his unique path to stand-up comedy, starting as a psychology major who was advised by his professor to pursue teaching instead. He discusses his experiences as a teacher, including the challenges of managing student energy and the unexpected moments of chaos. Sebold also shares a hilarious story about confiscating a note between two students that turned into a back-and-forth argument about the meaning of "maybe." The conversation then shifts to advice for teachers, with Sebold emphasizing the importance of compartmentalizing tasks, seeking support from colleagues, and finding ways to de-stress outside of the classroom. He also highlights the wealth of resources available to teachers through school media centers and libraries. The episode concludes with a discussion about the challenges of teaching in under-resourced schools and the importance of finding joy in the profession despite the difficulties.
Outlines
Introduction and Guest Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast "Those Who Can't Do" and welcomes comedian Devon Sebold as the guest. Andrea Forkham, the host, expresses her excitement about having Sebold on the show and mentions his upcoming tour in Indiana. She also shares a personal anecdote about her upcoming OBGYN appointment and the possibility of her husband, a PA student, being present during the procedure.
Devon Sebold's Journey from Teaching to Comedy
This Chapter delves into Devon Sebold's background, exploring his initial career path as a teacher. He shares how his passion for psychology led him to teaching, and how a pivotal moment with a professor changed his perspective on the profession. Sebold discusses his experiences teaching various grade levels, highlighting the challenges and rewards of each. He also shares anecdotes about his time in the classroom, including a memorable experience where he was pied by students during a school festival.
Confiscated Notes and Texting Mishaps
This Chapter focuses on humorous anecdotes from Devon Sebold's time as a teacher. He shares a story about confiscating a note between two students that turned into a back-and-forth argument about the meaning of "maybe." Sebold also recounts a personal texting mishap where he accidentally sent a message to a girl he was dating, expressing his disinterest in her. He then shares another story about a colleague who sent an email to the entire school district, criticizing the district's treatment of staff. Sebold also discusses the phenomenon of "reply all" emails in school settings and how they can often lead to awkward situations.
Administrative Reassignments and Teacher Shortages
This Chapter explores the topic of administrative reassignments in schools, particularly in under-resourced schools. Sebold discusses how principals and assistant principals often get reassigned to higher positions, even when their performance at their current school is not satisfactory. He also shares his observations about the increasing trend of administrators having to teach due to teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas.
Resources for Teachers
This Chapter focuses on the resources available to teachers, particularly those offered through school media centers and libraries. Sebold emphasizes the wealth of online resources, including journals, research portals, online textbooks, and videos, that are often overlooked by teachers. He encourages teachers to explore these resources and utilize them to enhance their teaching.
Advice for Teachers Facing Challenges
This Chapter addresses a listener question about how teachers can stay hopeful and motivated when facing challenges such as teaching for multiple preps, having extra duties, and lacking collaboration. Sebold offers practical advice, emphasizing the importance of compartmentalizing tasks, seeking support from colleagues, and finding ways to de-stress outside of the classroom. He also suggests that teachers consider seeking out more supportive school environments if they are experiencing burnout.
Student Shenanigans and Podcast Wrap-Up
This Chapter features a segment where Andrea Forkham shares stories submitted by listeners about their students' antics. The stories include a student who stole a security guard's golf cart and rode around the school and another student who twerked after receiving an A+ on an assignment. The episode concludes with a reminder for listeners to submit their own stories and a call to action to follow the podcast on social media.
Keywords
Devon Sebold
Devon Sebold is a comedian and former teacher who is known for his humorous stories and observations about the education system. He has toured with the "Bored Teachers Comedy Tour" and hosts the podcast "Crying in My Car." Sebold's comedy often draws from his experiences as a teacher, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of the profession.
Stand-up Comedy
Stand-up comedy is a form of comedic performance in which a comedian performs in front of a live audience, typically using humor, anecdotes, and observational jokes to entertain. Stand-up comedy has become a popular form of entertainment, with many comedians achieving fame and success through their performances.
Teaching
Teaching is the profession of instructing students in a particular subject or skill. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds and lives of students, providing them with knowledge, skills, and values. Teaching can be a challenging but rewarding profession, requiring patience, creativity, and a passion for education.
Education
Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values. It encompasses formal learning in schools and universities, as well as informal learning through experiences and interactions. Education is essential for personal growth, societal development, and economic progress.
School
A school is an institution where students receive formal education. Schools provide a structured environment for learning, with teachers, classrooms, and curriculum designed to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Schools play a vital role in preparing students for future success in their personal and professional lives.
Teacher Shortages
Teacher shortages refer to a lack of qualified teachers to fill available teaching positions. This issue is a growing concern in many countries, driven by factors such as low salaries, high workload, and a lack of support for teachers. Teacher shortages can have a negative impact on the quality of education and student outcomes.
Resources for Teachers
Resources for teachers include materials, tools, and support systems that help teachers effectively plan, deliver, and assess instruction. These resources can include online databases, textbooks, lesson plans, professional development opportunities, and collaborative networks. Access to quality resources is essential for teachers to provide high-quality education to their students.
Compartmentalizing
Compartmentalizing is a technique for managing time and tasks by dividing them into smaller, more manageable units. This approach can help individuals focus on one task at a time, reducing stress and improving productivity. Compartmentalizing is particularly helpful for professions with demanding workloads, such as teaching.
Burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. It is often characterized by feelings of cynicism, detachment, and a lack of accomplishment. Burnout can affect individuals in various professions, including teaching, and can lead to decreased job satisfaction and performance.
Q&A
What advice does Devon Sebold offer to teachers who are feeling overwhelmed by their workload and lack of support?
Sebold suggests compartmentalizing tasks, seeking support from colleagues, and finding ways to de-stress outside of the classroom. He also encourages teachers to consider seeking out more supportive school environments if they are experiencing burnout.
What are some of the resources that teachers often overlook, but are readily available to them?
Sebold highlights the wealth of online resources available through school media centers and libraries, including journals, research portals, online textbooks, and videos. He encourages teachers to explore these resources and utilize them to enhance their teaching.
What are some of the challenges that teachers face in under-resourced schools?
Sebold discusses the challenges of teaching in schools with limited resources, including teacher shortages, administrative reassignments, and a lack of support for teachers. He also shares his observations about the increasing trend of administrators having to teach due to teacher shortages.
How can teachers find joy in their profession despite the difficulties?
Sebold emphasizes the importance of finding ways to de-stress and recharge outside of the classroom, such as engaging in physical activity or pursuing hobbies. He also suggests that teachers seek out supportive colleagues and create a positive and collaborative work environment.
Show Notes
This week I spoke with Devin Siebold! He shares stories about the teacher who inspired him in his youth, the time he volunteered to be pied in the face by students, and what led to him vomiting in the classroom.
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Want to Learn Devin Siebold?
All Social Media: @devinsiebold or @devincomedy
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Don’t be shy come say hi: andrea@human-content.com and podcasterandrea.com
Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
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A Human Content Production
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