Unprofessional Development

Episode 11 | The one right before spring break

In this episode, Nate and Ben reflect on their recent experiences leading up to spring break, discussing the impact of collaborative learning projects with ninth graders. They explore the significance of building relationships with students, the challenges of group dynamics, and the importance of fostering empathy through education. The conversation highlights the successes and challenges faced during project-based learning, showcasing student work and the community-building aspects of their teaching methods.

Episode 10 | We're Official Now

In this episode, Ben and Nate introduce their podcast, reflecting on their journey as educators and the unique school they are building. They discuss the importance of project-based learning, the challenges and successes they face, and the innovative approaches they are taking to rethink high school education. The conversation highlights their commitment to continuous improvement and the meaningful work they are doing with students in a museum context.

Episode 9 | Context, Design, Story

In this conversation, Ben and Nate discuss various aspects of education, including the importance of domain names for online presence, the development of their podcast, and the significance of project-based learning. They explore the challenges teachers face in engaging students with real-world projects, the need for effective collaboration among educators, and the potential for rethinking traditional learning management systems to better fit their teaching methods. The discussion highlights the duality of excitement and frustration in the educational process, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of their roles as educators.

Episode 8 | Patterns, Abstractions, and Debates

In this episode, Ben and Nate explore the concepts of abstraction and patterns in both coding and education. They discuss how these ideas apply to teaching methods, project-based learning, and the systems they use in their classrooms. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding these concepts to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, while also reflecting on their own teaching practices and the evolution of their methods.

Episode 7 | Recycling, Feedback, & Staff Bands

In this conversation, we discusses various aspects of teaching, including the challenges faced in the classroom, innovative approaches to composting and recycling in schools, and the exciting project of gamifying education through game design. The conversation highlights the importance of student engagement and ownership in environmental initiatives and the creative processes involved in learning as well as the importance of quality work in education and the role of feedback in student growth. They share the story of the Staff Infections, a band formed by teachers, and their journey in creating a sense of community through music and merchandising.