Teachers Who Mattered Most & What I Learned

Igniting Curiosity: New Approaches to Get Teens Excited About Learning

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Falling for Learning Podcast , T.D. Flenaugh dives into the core reasons why traditional schooling methods fail to engage teens and how innovative approaches can reignite their passion for learning. This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical strategies for parents, educators, and advocates to help transform the educational experience for teens. Points of Discussion 1. The Problem with Traditional Schooling    - Traditional methods haven't evolved in decades, leading to disengagement.    - Importance of finding innovative ways to engage learners. 2. Project-Based Learning (PBL)    - Shift from teacher-centered to student-centered learning.    - Examples of PBL: Advocating for community policy changes, publishing a book, starting a social media campaign.   - Benefits of PBL: Real-world implications, civic engagement, and enhancing academic skills through practical application.   - Success stories: Watch our interview that features Social Justice Learning Institute’s  impact on youth -  SJLI Interview with Derek Steele -  https://youtu.be/Nr3aFlE4e_g?feature=shared [https://youtu.be/Nr3aFlE4e_g?feature=shared] 3. Maker Spaces and Maker Labs    - Definition and benefits of maker spaces: Hands-on learning through tools and creative  projects.   - Types of projects: Art, robotics, coding, culinary arts.   - How to implement maker spaces in schools and communities.   - Encouraging entrepreneurship and trade skills among teens. - Here is a link to the HGTV show that features a makerspace for building and designing  furniture - Flea Market Flip - https://www.hgtv.com/shows/flea-market-flip [https://www.hgtv.com/shows/flea-market-flip] - Los Angeles also has a makerspace for kids. Find out more - https://lamakerspace.org/ [https://lamakerspace.org/] 4. Interdisciplinary Learning   - Combining multiple subject areas to enrich learning.    - Examples: Writing poetry about history, creating science fiction, using 3D printers to understand viruses.   - Benefits: Broadening educational dimensions and enhancing creativity. 5. Passion Projects and Independent Research    - Encouraging students to explore interests beyond the classroom.    - Examples: Participating in research projects with organizations like the Natural History Museum’s Community Science Initiative -   - Personal anecdotes: The host's experience with gardening as a passion project.    - How to support teens in pursuing their passions, even in limited spaces. - Community Science with the Natural History Museum -  https://nhm.org/community-science-nhm [https://nhm.org/community-science-nhm] 6. Alternative Assessments and Grading   - The need for assessments beyond traditional tests.    - Examples: Portfolios, performances, presentations.    - Equitable grading practices: Reducing the impact of homework on final grades,  eliminating zeros, offering retests and re-submissions.   - Challenges and solutions in implementing equitable grading. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/support] We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.instagram.com/falling4learning/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.facebook.com/falling4learning/] https://linktr.ee/falling4learning [https://linktr.ee/falling4learning]

Discover the Magic Hiding in Libraries

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/fan_mail/new] Summer is upon us! Take your children to the library! Dr. Eno Attah, a school librarian with a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, discusses the transformative power of libraries. She highlights her journey from a Nigerian American background, influenced by PBS and her community, to becoming an educator. Dr. Attah emphasizes libraries' role as safe spaces offering resources beyond books, such as hotspots, calculators, and Chromebooks. She advocates for parents to leverage librarians as allies in supporting their children's interests and passions. Dr. Attah also shares her experience transitioning from teaching to librarianship and the diverse roles librarians play in connecting people with resources and passions. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/support] We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.instagram.com/falling4learning/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.facebook.com/falling4learning/] https://linktr.ee/falling4learning [https://linktr.ee/falling4learning]

Teacher Appreciate Done Right

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/fan_mail/new] Celebrating Teachers and Supporting Student Success: A Personal Reflection In this episode, TD Flenaugh shares heartfelt stories and lessons about the importance of teachers in shaping lives, from elementary school to college. It’s a call to recognize ongoing teacher appreciation, foster collaboration, and empower parents and students alike to create environments for success.Key Topics:   * The lasting impact of inspiring teachers like Ms. Byler, Ms. Corr, Ms. Nelson,  and Mr. Beu.   * Practical strategies for students and parents to cultivate meaningful relationships with teachers.   * Lessons in writing, resilience, and navigating educational pathways from elementary to college.   * The importance of affirming potential, self-care, and growth mindset in education.   * Addressing current challenges faced by teachers and proposing ways to support their vital role.   * The significance of community collaboration in fostering student achievement.   * Reflection on personal experiences that highlight the power of intentionality, kindness, and advocacy in education.   * Encouragement to honor teachers beyond one week and to appreciate their contributions year-round.  Resources & Links:   * The Rewrite Method [https://amazon.com/s?k=The+Rewrite+Method]   * Little Mobile Home on the Tundra [https://amazon.com/s?k=Little+Mobile+Home+on+the+Tundra]   Connect with TD Flenaugh: * Instagram [https://instagram.com/td_flenaugh]   Let's honor our teachers every day and support their critical role in shaping our futures. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/support] We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.instagram.com/falling4learning/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.facebook.com/falling4learning/] https://linktr.ee/falling4learning [https://linktr.ee/falling4learning]

Teachers Who Mattered Most & What I Learned

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/fan_mail/new] Join us for a special Teacher Appreciation Week episode where I share personal stories about the teachers who shaped our futures. This teacher story dives into memorable classroom stories, offering insights into effective education. We also provide tips on how to identify a good teacher and collaborate effectively for student success, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in supporting strong teachers to guide children.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/support] We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.instagram.com/falling4learning/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.facebook.com/falling4learning/] https://linktr.ee/falling4learning [https://linktr.ee/falling4learning]

Why Traditional Schools Fail Some Kids and How Micro Schools Fill the Gap

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/fan_mail/new] What if there was a way to personalized learning that actually works? Benita Gordon, an education strategist and micro school pioneer, reveals how innovative schooling models can transform your child's success and happiness. This episode dives into the world of micro schools—what they are, how they differ from traditional and homeschool settings, and why they might be the best fit for your child. Benita shares her journey from public school teacher to founder of a micro school, offering concrete examples of how personalized, project-based, and trauma-informed education creates engaged, motivated students. You'll discover how micro schools leverage the principles of small class sizes, flexible schedules, and tailored curricula to meet diverse learning needs. Perfect for curious parents, educators exploring new models, or community leaders advocating for change, this episode unlocks the potential of micro schools to revolutionize learning. Join us and learn how you can be part of the movement creating more inclusive, customized, and effective education options—because every child deserves a space to thrive. In a broader context, this episode emphasizes the critical need for educational choice in our current landscape. Whether your child is disengaged, needs a flexible schedule, or has specific learning challenges, micro schools can offer a viable, scalable solution. With actionable tips for parents and advocates, Benita empowers listeners to seek alternatives that truly serve the child’s best interests—not just conformity or standardized metrics. Benita Gordon is an innovative education strategist, founder of Global Education Concierge, and a leader in the micro school movement. Her decades of experience in public education and community-driven school models fuel her mission to expand access to personalized learning. If you're ready to rethink education and discover the future of schooling tailored for every child, this episode is essential listening. Empower yourself with practical insights and inspiration to make a difference today. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199415/support] We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.instagram.com/falling4learning/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/ [https://www.facebook.com/falling4learning/] https://linktr.ee/falling4learning [https://linktr.ee/falling4learning]