Episode 27: From Student to Teacher: Classroom Discussions, D&D, and Critical Thinking | Ben Boruff

Episode 27: From Student to Teacher: Classroom Discussions, D&D, and Critical Thinking | Ben Boruff

In this episode of the Suck Less Tomorrow podcast, I sit down with Ben Boruff, a veteran English teacher from Indiana—and a former student of mine. Ben and I first met when I was student teaching during the 2008 election cycle. Years later, Ben became an educator himself, and we reconnect to discuss teaching, critical thinking, classroom discussions, and what it takes to create an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas. We explore how teachers navigate political conversations in the classroom, the role of bias in education, and why fostering critical thinking is more important than ever. Ben also shares strategies for facilitating meaningful discussions, encouraging student participation, and helping students engage with complex ideas. Along the way, we talk about Dungeons & Dragons clubs, student leadership, civic engagement, and the lessons both of us have learned throughout our careers in education. Topics include: * Critical thinking in the classroom * Teacher bias and instructional choices * Classroom discussions and Socratic seminars * Civic education and government classes * Student engagement strategies * Dungeons & Dragons and extracurricular clubs * Creating safe spaces for student voice * Building classroom culture and trust * Teaching controversial topics effectively Whether you're a new teacher, veteran educator, or someone interested in how schools can help students think more deeply, this episode is packed with practical ideas and thoughtful conversation. If you enjoy conversations about education, teaching strategies, classroom culture, and educator growth, make sure to follow, share, and leave a review. Visit ⁠⁠We'll All Suck Less Tomorrow⁠⁠ [https://www.wesucklesstomorrow.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] for blog posts, podcast episodes, and more from Carlton. Purchase the book ⁠Suck Less in the Classroom Tomorrow: Honest Advice for Teachers in Their First Years⁠ [https://www.routledge.com/Suck-Less-in-the-Classroom-Tomorrow-Honest-Advice-for-Teachers-in-their-First-Years/Glassford/p/book/9781041196921] Follow along on: * ⁠⁠Instagram @sucklesstomorrow⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sucklesstomorrow?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * TikTok @SuckLessTomorrow [https://www.tiktok.com/@sucklesstomorrow?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe and help spread the message so we can all suck less tomorrow.

Episode 26: 40 Years in Education: Libraries, Technology, and What Schools Still Get Wrong | Ft. Colette Cassinelli

In this episode of the Suck Less Tomorrow podcast, I sit down in person with Colette Cassinelli, a veteran educator, library and instructional technology teacher, and instructional coach who is retiring after 40 years in education. Colette shares the story of her career journey from elementary classroom teacher to technology educator, certified librarian, and instructional technology specialist in the Beaverton School District. We talk about how education has changed over four decades, the evolution of technology in schools, and why collaboration between teachers, librarians, and instructional coaches matters more than ever. This conversation dives deep into research skills, project-based learning, interdisciplinary teaching, student engagement, and the growing challenges schools face when trying to build meaningful learning experiences at scale. We also discuss: * The decline of student reading and research skills * Why schools still need librarians * Technology integration and 1:1 Chromebook programs * Canvas and digital learning environments * Instructional coaching and teacher collaboration * Project-based learning and “signature projects” * Socratic seminars and inquiry-based learning * Vertical alignment and curriculum planning * What has changed most in education over 40 years Colette also reflects on retirement, the changing priorities in public education, and what she hopes schools continue to focus on moving forward. If you’re a teacher, librarian, instructional coach, administrator, or anyone interested in the future of education, this is a conversation worth hearing. If you enjoy conversations about education, teaching strategies, classroom culture, and educator growth, make sure to follow, share, and leave a review. Visit ⁠⁠We'll All Suck Less Tomorrow⁠⁠ [https://www.wesucklesstomorrow.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] for blog posts, podcast episodes, and more from Carlton. Purchase the book ⁠Suck Less in the Classroom Tomorrow: Honest Advice for Teachers in Their First Years⁠ [https://www.routledge.com/Suck-Less-in-the-Classroom-Tomorrow-Honest-Advice-for-Teachers-in-their-First-Years/Glassford/p/book/9781041196921] Follow along on: * ⁠⁠Instagram @sucklesstomorrow⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sucklesstomorrow?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * TikTok @SuckLessTomorrow [https://www.tiktok.com/@sucklesstomorrow?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe and help spread the message so we can all suck less tomorrow.

Episode 25: The Classroom Management Advice Most Teachers Need to Hear | Nicole Parks

Note: This episode contains explicit language and is intended for a mature audience. In this episode of the Suck Less Tomorrow podcast, I sit down with Nicole Parks, known online as TeachWithMrs.Parks, for a deep dive into one of the biggest challenges facing educators today: classroom management and student behavior. Nicole brings her experience as a behavior intervention specialist, Dean of Students, and educator to an honest conversation about what actually works when students struggle with behavior, why traditional discipline often falls short, and how teachers can build classrooms that balance accountability with relationships. We discuss behavior management strategies, restorative practices, teacher mindset, student accountability, and the realities of working with challenging behaviors in today's schools. This is not a surface-level conversation—we get into the messy, complicated parts of teaching that most professional development sessions avoid. Whether you're a new teacher trying to establish classroom expectations or a veteran educator looking for fresh perspectives on student behavior, there's something in this episode for you. Topics include: * Classroom management strategies * Student behavior and accountability * Restorative practices * Building relationships with students * Teacher burnout and behavior challenges * School culture and discipline * Supporting students while maintaining expectations * Real-world behavior intervention techniques Learn more about Nicole's work at @TeachWithMrs.Parks and explore her behavior management resources and training materials found at her website: https://www.teachwithmrsparks.com/ If you enjoy conversations about education, teaching strategies, classroom culture, and educator growth, make sure to follow, share, and leave a review. Visit ⁠⁠We'll All Suck Less Tomorrow⁠⁠ [https://www.wesucklesstomorrow.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] for blog posts, podcast episodes, and more from Carlton. Purchase the book ⁠Suck Less in the Classroom Tomorrow: Honest Advice for Teachers in Their First Years⁠ [https://www.routledge.com/Suck-Less-in-the-Classroom-Tomorrow-Honest-Advice-for-Teachers-in-their-First-Years/Glassford/p/book/9781041196921] Follow along on: * ⁠⁠Instagram @sucklesstomorrow⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sucklesstomorrow?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Subscribe and help spread the message so we can all suck less tomorrow.

Episode 24: Teaching in Japan Through the JET Program: Culture, Language, and Education | Erica Reynolds

In this episode of the Suck Less Tomorrow podcast, I sit down with Erica Reynolds, an American educator who has been living and teaching in Japan for several years through the JET Program. We talk about her journey from learning Japanese in high school to eventually moving abroad to teach, and what it’s really like navigating life and education in a completely different cultural and school system. Erica shares insights into the JET Program experience, cultural differences between the U.S. and Japan, and how teaching abroad has shaped her perspective as an educator and as a person. Whether you're interested in teaching abroad, international education, language learning, or the JET Program, this episode offers a firsthand look at life and teaching in Japan. Topics include: * The JET Program experience * Teaching English in Japan * Cultural differences in education * Learning Japanese and language immersion * Living and working abroad as a teacher * International school systems If you enjoy conversations about education, teaching strategies, classroom culture, and educator growth, make sure to follow, share, and leave a review. Visit ⁠⁠We'll All Suck Less Tomorrow⁠⁠ [https://www.wesucklesstomorrow.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] for blog posts, podcast episodes, and more from Carlton. Purchase the book ⁠Suck Less in the Classroom Tomorrow: Honest Advice for Teachers in Their First Years⁠ [https://www.routledge.com/Suck-Less-in-the-Classroom-Tomorrow-Honest-Advice-for-Teachers-in-their-First-Years/Glassford/p/book/9781041196921] Follow along on: * ⁠⁠Instagram @sucklesstomorrow⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sucklesstomorrow?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Subscribe and help spread the message so we can all suck less tomorrow.

Episode 23: Teacher Stress, Grace, and School Leadership | Robert Blumenthal

In this episode of the Suck Less Tomorrow podcast, I’m joined by veteran Indiana school administrator Robert Blumenthal for an honest conversation about leadership, teaching, and what really matters in education. Rob currently works at the same school we both graduated from — and now supervises teachers who once taught him. We talk about the realities of school administration, what principals and admins are actually worried about, how teachers can give themselves more grace, and the mindset shifts that make the biggest difference in education. Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, administrator, or just passionate about education, this episode dives into teacher burnout, school culture, educator relationships, and the human side of leading schools. Topics include: * * School leadership and administration * * Giving yourself grace as an educator * * What administrators really look for * * Education mindset and growth * * Teaching, coaching, and leadership If you enjoy conversations about education, teaching strategies, classroom culture, and educator growth, make sure to follow, share, and leave a review. Visit We Suck Less Tomorrow [https://www.wesucklesstomorrow.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] for blog posts, podcast episodes, and more from Carlton. Follow along on: * TikTok @sucklesstomorrow [https://www.tiktok.com/@sucklesstomorrow?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Instagram @sucklesstomorrow [https://www.instagram.com/sucklesstomorrow?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Subscribe and help spread the message so we can all suck less tomorrow.