Teach Me, Teacher

#416 Your Originality is Your Hook with Jay Wamsted (pt.1)

Every great teacher has something students can't find in a textbook: themselves. In this episode of Teach Me, Teacher, Jacob sits down with educator and author Jay Wamsted to discuss how teaching becomes transformational when we stop trying to fit a mold and start embracing our own originality. While Jay's latest novel, The Lockdown Artist, [https://www.amazon.com/Lockdown-Artist-Trilogy/dp/B0GGJHJJ4L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11GUI9VLFSV6E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._fC_EkrSsaPNXq8qicHxdF-n8LEdPgDJp3bWDaEvwe6c5MF3FhovIgj-a91OaR2csKOD40HJzFWNmpD_WMJZStlceXp_SHYz69FyhAiUAoBLEAwny_lfc22s0Zl73hBAHi3BesqQjTMAudfiqXy_6lJbWXliv-eeJjYUzCCiXFA.SzMJae4VoJeLKl02XinQwdnxK3PNrl5m0k9it6HjJPA&dib_tag=se&keywords=jay+wamsted&qid=1782151529&sprefix=jay+wamsted%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1] serves as the backdrop for the conversation, the heart of this episode is about the people behind the lesson plans. Jay shares why he chose fiction as a way to wrestle with the questions that have followed him throughout his years in the classroom—questions about belonging, curiosity, relationships, and the kind of schools we're creating for students. Together, Jacob and Jay explore an idea that every educator needs to hear: your personality isn't separate from your teaching—it is your teaching. The stories you tell, the passions you share, the music you love, the way you laugh, and the way you see the world become the "hook" students attach to. Long before they remember your content, they remember you. The conversation is a reminder that students don't need another perfect teacher. They need authentic adults who are willing to bring their whole selves into the classroom. Because when teachers embrace what makes them unique, they create spaces where students feel permission to do the same. If you've ever wondered what truly makes a classroom unforgettable, this episode offers a simple answer: it starts with the courage to be yourself.

Reflective Readers with Travis Crowder (pt.2) - Greatest Hits

Hello everyone! In light of the tragedies facing the world and America today, I found it timely to bring this talk to teachers. I don't believe there has ever been a time in modern history when our students need to be doing what matters most—exploring their thoughts and reflecting on the ideas, experiences, and lives of others. With the murder of George Floyd giving rise to Black Lives Matter protests across the globe, and an unprecedented pandemic changing everything about modern life, we need to become better teachers NOW. To help give us the tools to empower students in such a way, I brought on my friend Travis Crowder [https://twitter.com/teachermantrav?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor] to discuss his approach to reading workshop, and more specifically, his use of journals as tools for student reflection. If you missed part one, check it out here. [https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/2020/06/01/166-reflective-readers-with-travis-crowder-pt-1/] If you've ever struggled with keeping a journal or binder neat (or useful), or wondered if there was a better way to get kids invested in their reading, this is the podcast for you. Travis Crowder is the co-author of Sparks in the Dark [https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/2018/09/24/79-rage-against-the-dying-of-the-light-with-travis-crowder-and-todd-nesloney-pt-1/], and his latest book, Reflective Readers [https://www.amazon.com/Reflective-Readers-Power-Notebooks/dp/1987370481/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Reflective+Readers+travis+Crowder&qid=1590982493&sr=8-1] is out now (and it is FANTASTIC.) This episode originally appeared as #167.

Reflective Readers with Travis Crowder (pt.1) - Greatest Hits

Hello everyone! In light of the tragedies facing the world and America today, I found it timely to bring this talk to teachers. I don't believe there has ever been a time in modern history when our students need to be doing what matters most—exploring their thoughts and reflecting on the ideas, experiences, and lives of others. To help give us the tools to empower students in such a way, I brought on my friend Travis Crowder [https://twitter.com/teachermantrav?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor] to discuss his approach to reading workshop, and more specifically, his use of journals as tools for student reflection. If you've ever struggled with keeping a journal or binder neat (or useful), or wondered if there was a better way to get kids invested in their reading, this is the podcast for you. Travis Crowder is the co-author of Sparks in the Dark [https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/2018/09/24/79-rage-against-the-dying-of-the-light-with-travis-crowder-and-todd-nesloney-pt-1/], and his latest book, Reflective Readers [https://www.amazon.com/Reflective-Readers-Power-Notebooks/dp/1987370481/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Reflective+Readers+travis+Crowder&qid=1590982493&sr=8-1] is out now (and it is FANTASTIC.) This episode originally appeared as episode #166.

10 Tips to Get Hired as a Teacher

Hello everyone! Today I'm flying solo as I offer my best 10 tips for getting hired as a teacher. While this episode is geared to new teachers, I believe anyone can follow these tips. So if you are changing schools, positions, or moving, I think these 10 tips can increase your chances at nailing that interview. Each piece of advice in this episode is fueled by my experience with hiring teachers, and what I've heard and said behind closed doors as to why someone wasn't right for the job. If this episode helped you nail your interview, or you think it will help someone else, share it! We need to attract the best people to this profession—so if the best person you know needs help, direct them back here! This episode originally appeared as episode #309 of the podcast.

#415 On Endings, Failure, and Growth

As summer break begins, many educators find themselves carrying the weight of a hard year—stress, setbacks, frustration, negativity, and the moments that didn't go as planned. In this reflective episode of Teach Me Teacher, we explore what it means to move forward without being defined by the struggles behind us. How do we let go of what we couldn't control, learn from what challenged us, and return stronger for what comes next? This conversation is about reflection without regret, growth without perfection, and finding clarity in the lessons hidden inside difficult seasons. Together, we'll unpack how educators can move past negativity, reclaim perspective, and use the summer not just to rest—but to rebuild, refocus, and step into a new year with renewed purpose and resilience. Because growth doesn't happen in spite of the struggle—it often happens because of it. As mentioned in the episode, if you'f like to provide a memory or reflection for the podcast (to be used in a later episode), click here. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTxKUH_Jxh53Jqr1urnR-kZpIYQ_A8zCuqMLYf9XW5TyIo8A/viewform?usp=header]