Mr. Bryan's Classroom artwork

Mr. Bryan's Classroom

190 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★ - 9 ratings

Most new teachers don't make it past the five year mark, and its easy to understand why. Teachers are stressed from budget cuts, testings, discipline problems, parents, poor adminstrators, etc. This show is designed to encourage teachers and to provide useful tools to help them succeed.

Courses Education Self-Improvement education school teachers teaching
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Episodes

2.25 Common Regrets

June 25, 2023 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.76 MB

Teachers, before we start the beginning of another school year I feel like it's important to hear the messages from those who are at the end of this life. What would they do differently? Would your dying self encourage you to keep teaching? A conversation with your older self could change how you live your life for the upcoming school year. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.24 Leaving The Classroom

June 18, 2023 18:11 - 10 minutes - 9.4 MB

While we get ready to start our summer break in the States my time away from the classroom will be extended. Since the field of education doesn't seem to be making positive changes for teachers it's time for me to make a change. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.23 When Is It Time to Quit Teaching?

June 11, 2023 18:10 - 10 minutes - 9.81 MB

Recently, many teachers are making decisions about leaving the classroom. Bryan reads "When Is It Time to Quit Teaching" by former guest Vicki Davis. The full article can be found at http://www.coolcatteacher.com/when-is-it-time-to-quit-teaching/ Ending something we enjoy is a decision we face several times in our lifetime. This episode will help you to determine if you just need a break or really need to let go.  Original NBC news clip https://youtu.be/c6i2U6dRhgs     --- Send in a v...

2.22 Let It Go

June 04, 2023 18:09 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

Clutter kills creativity and serves no real value to you and your students. The minimalism movement is growing and teachers can use its core principals to have an improved classroom environment. It's simply getting rid of things you do not use or need, leaving an uncluttered, simple environment to where you can focus on things that really matter in your class.  Our days are tough enough as it is. Why not use the end of the year to get rid of things that are serving no real value to you or...

2.21 A Conversation With My Mom

May 28, 2023 18:09 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MB

 On this episode, Bryan interviews his mom. Not only did she have an incredible impact on her family, she also made a difference in the lives of many students. Evelyn taught a vast amount of students during three decades. This episode highlights some of what she learned in her teaching journey.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.20 Classroom Connections

May 21, 2023 18:09 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MB

 Joining us for this episode is Erin Gruwell. Her teaching story was made into a book "The Freedom Writers Diary" and a movie "Freedom Writers"!  By fostering an educational philosophy that valued and promoted diversity, she transformed her students’ lives, most of whom were seen as "unteachable". She encouraged them to rethink rigid beliefs about themselves and others, to reconsider daily decisions, and to re-chart their futures. With Erin's steadfast support, her students shattered stereo...

2.19 The Final Weeks Of School

May 14, 2023 15:13 - 7 minutes - 7.2 MB

As the school year is coming to an end, many teachers shut down and give the students unstructured free time. While this may work with some groups, for many teachers it can lead to more stress and classroom management problems. In this episode, Bryan shares some ideas on how you can end the school year on a fun note, yet stay true to the learning environment. After all, students have all summer to rest and goof around. It shouldn't happen in your classroom. --- Send in a voice message: ht...

2.18 Blackboard: A Personal History of the Classroom

May 07, 2023 20:12 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

Teacher and author Lewis Buzbee join us on the program to discuss his book "Blackboard-A Personal History of the Classroom". We discuss classrooms of the past, evaluate schools in the present, and offer possibilities for how education will be in the future. For more of Lewis Buzbee check out https://www.lewisbuzbee.com     --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.17 From The Courtroom to the Classroom

April 23, 2023 23:15 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

On this episode, Bryan welcomes former Georgia Teacher of the Year for 2016 Ernie Lee (@GATOTY2016). At the time of this recording, Mr. Lee had only been in the classroom for a few years. He quickly found great success in the education profession. This former lawyer turned teacher shares  strategies that worked well for him and offers some motivation to fellow teachers. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.16 Students Who Don't Care

April 16, 2023 19:56 - 7 minutes - 6.74 MB

Almost every teacher has a classroom where there is one unmotivated student, regardless of what you try. The parents have lost hope. Is this failure your fault? Could a better teacher have done better? Not likely. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.15 Tales From The Teachers Lounge

April 09, 2023 22:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MB

Joining us in the Lounge today is Robert Wilder, author of 'Tales From The Teachers Lounge'  a series of irreverent, wickedly observant essays about what it really means to be a teacher today. Leaving a lucrative advertising career in New York, he got a job as a teacher at a Santa Fe alternative school—and never looked back. Now he brings his unique perspective—as a teacher, parent, and former student—to a series of laugh-out-loud essays that show teaching at its most absurd...and most rew...

2.14 Stop Comparing Your Life

April 02, 2023 10:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MB

We as teachers often compare ourselves to other teachers. This is especially true in the days of social media and the results are nothing good. Comparing ourselves to others isn't always healthy, yet we do it anyway. Bryan reads the blog post "Stop Comparing Your Life. Start Living It" by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist. The original post is located here: http://www.becomingminimalist.com/stop-comparing-your-life-start-living-it     --- Send in a voice message: https://podcaste...

2.13 What Great Teachers and Principals Do Differently

March 26, 2023 18:37 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

Joining me on the show is Dr. Todd Whitaker (@ToddWhitaker). He's recognized as a leading motivational speaker in the field of education. On the program we discuss what great teachers and principals do differently. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.12 The Best of Times and The Worst of Times

March 19, 2023 22:00 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MB

It's my birthday month and that has put me in a reflective mood. I'm reminded that I'm getting older.  I have more years behind me than in front of me. This reflection has led me to look back over my long teaching career and offer some of what I have found to be effective for my classroom experience.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.11 A+ Interview Skills For Teachers

March 12, 2023 16:35 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

This is the time of year when some of us are exploring other opportunities to work at other schools.  One of the disadvantages of our profession is that teachers have a very small window of time to interview and be hired.  Returning guests Evelyn and James help us to identify what school administrators are looking for.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.10 Gone But Not Forgotten

March 05, 2023 14:23 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MB

  This episode was previously released in 2016. With our current times, now seems like a good time to revisit it and be reminded of the impact teachers have on their students.     Like Ben Ellis, one day we will die.  Make the most out of the opportunities the teaching profession presents to you. One never knows what kind of impact you can have on others. My grandmother, who was a teacher, was honored at a 50th high school reunion. She was remembered as an inspiration and friend to all.    ...

2.9 Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

February 26, 2023 18:25 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

 Many teachers are now making the decision to stay in education or leave it for something else.  Some teachers remain indecisive. Others are scared in not making the perfect decision.  Special guest Dr. James Hughey will offer some insight for teachers about making the choice to leave/stay and some ways to take care of their mental health as we finish the school year.    For blog posts, podcasts, and videos from Dr. Hughey visit pfpl.us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.sp...

2.8 Passion is Important for Effective Teaching

February 19, 2023 17:23 - 9 minutes - 8.46 MB

If you watched the Superbowl, you couldn't help but notice the atmosphere was filled with excitement and passion. The announcers, players, fans, and halftime performers acted like they really wanted to be there and enjoyed what they were doing.  Can the same be said about you in your classroom?  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.7 Ten Reasons To Love Teaching

February 12, 2023 17:48 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

 In honor of Valentine's Day, I share my thoughts on what I love about my job. Very often we are more focused on all of the negativity found in the teaching profession. So, let's flip the script. What do you love about being in the classroom? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.7 Reasons To Love The Teaching Profession

February 12, 2023 15:52 - 10 minutes - 9.66 MB

 In honor of Valentine's Day, I share my thoughts on what I love about my job. Very often we are more focused on all of the negativity found in the teaching profession. So, let's flip the script. What do you love about being in the classroom? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.6 Involving Our Invisible Students

February 05, 2023 05:00 - 10 minutes - 9.43 MB

  We as educators give attention to those who excel in our classrooms and to the ones who disrupt the learning environment.  However, what about our invisible students? They are disappearing and we may not even know it. You know the type. They don't misbehave and we can go through a whole period/subject without engaging them at all. We can't ignore them. Bryan shares some strategies to help us include the invisible students in our classroom. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcas...

2.5 Helping Our Shy Students

January 29, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MB

Shyness is often misunderstood because it is not one emotion, but a mixture of fear, tension, apprehension, or embarrassment. Shy children seem to lack confidence and are self-conscious especially in new surroundings or when they are the center of attention. Changes in the environment and school pressures are also factors that affect a child’s demeanor. It is noteworthy that shyness is not necessarily a negative attribute. Many shy children exhibit an ability to please and think for thems...

2.4 Ten Plus Two

January 22, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 11.9 MB

Are you looking for a strategy that allows you to do some lecture but also builds in time for student interaction? In this episode, I'll share the Ten Plus Two strategy from the "Let's Teach" YouTube channel found at https://youtu.be/Y2udPWz_3vg --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

2.3 Communication That Connects

January 15, 2023 05:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MB

Remind (@RemindHQ) is a free tool that has helped me to be more effective with classroom communication by sending quick, simple messages to any device that parents and students may use. All phone numbers stay private. I talk with Taylor Chapman about the many benefits of using the Remind platform and how it can make us more effective in communicating with students and parents. Visit Remind at https://www.remind.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/...

2.2 Jump-Start Your Creativity as a Teacher

January 08, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB

 Despite the fact that teaching seems to be phasing out of modern classrooms, many of us in education recognize its value. In fact, many teachers are doing their best to keep creativity in classrooms.   However, like our car batteries, we sometimes wear down and our inspiration to be creative is lost. We can enter a rut.   Fortunately, this rut can be temporary.  On this episode, Bryan shares a blog post from "Write On With Mrs. G" that can help us jump-start our creativity as a teacher....

2.1 It's About Progress Not Perfection

January 01, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 12.9 MB

Happy New Year! Joining us on this season premiere of my podcast for teachers is Vicki Davis (@coolcatteacher).  She too is a teacher and podcaster. On this episode, Vicki offers some motivation, teaching strategies, and some of what she's learned over her very successful journey as an educator. Check out her podcast  "The 10 Minute Teacher" at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/podcast/ . --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

1.25 Some Holiday Cheer

December 25, 2022 05:00 - 17 minutes - 32.1 MB

 This season of the podcast concludes with some holiday cheer. Teachers, may your holiday break be merry and bright!  It's Christmas time in the city, and that means we not only get to enjoy the holiday season but also some much needed time off. It's halftime for us as teachers...a time to rest and also maybe think of how the 2nd half of the year will go.  Bryan shares some inspiring stories from teachers to remind you that we as educators can make a difference. Enjoy this episode on why...

1.24 From Darkness to Light

December 18, 2022 19:50 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

 Child abuse is not something we like to discuss, especially this time of year. However, sexual child abuse is going on somewhere right now. Often we as teachers hear this information at the start of the year when we have a ton of responsibilities on our plate and we haven't even met our students.  Now as we approach the halfway mark of the year and know our students, The Teachers Lounge goes back to this topic and invites special guests from Darkness to Light (http://www.d2l.org). They ar...

1.23 Traits of Successful Teachers

December 11, 2022 19:49 - 23 minutes - 43.3 MB

What truly can bring value to classrooms? To help coach us Bryan talks with National Hall of Fame educator Alan Haskvitz. Alan shares with us certain traits that many excellent teachers have in common. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

1.22 Benefits of Classroom Animals

December 04, 2022 22:15 - 7 minutes - 14.5 MB

 The right dog can be a very positive influence on your students. Both my dogs, Max and Nikki, were able to make a difference at my current school. This also allowed me to spend more time with them in their senior years. All three of us would all go home tired.  Sadly, we lost Nikki on November 29th 2017 and Max on December 10, 2020. Shortly, after Max’s passing I had made a tribute video that highlighted his time at my school. Max had been at the school for 5 and a half years. He was a ro...

1.21 Change your Classroom and Yourself with Gratitude

November 27, 2022 17:00 - 19 minutes - 36.5 MB

 Teaching can be a very discouraging field. It's very tempting to gravitate to the dark side while complaining about our career and being very negative. Owen Griffith is our guest in the Lounge. He is a veteran teacher and educational blog writer (http://spirituallyteaching.blogspot.com). Owen has found that teaching gratitude not only has changed the students in his classroom but also has made him a stronger teacher. We discuss the importance of cultivating an attitude of gratitude in our c...

1.20 Five Reasons I'm a Thankful Teacher

November 20, 2022 17:00 - 5 minutes - 9.26 MB

 Congratulations to the teachers in the States! You have made it to Thanksgiving break! We all deserve some rest from the classroom. It's also a good time to give thanks.   Kriscia Cabral took some time to write down what she is thankful for when she goes to work as a teacher. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, Bryan shares her top five reasons on why she is a thankful teacher. For the full article go to http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/top-teaching/2013/11/top-5-reasons-im-thank...

1.19 The Trouble With Boys

November 13, 2022 16:45 - 24 minutes - 44.1 MB

 Girls rule in school. Great, right? Not to the millions of boys who are performing poorly in reading and writing, being diagnosed with learning disabilities in record numbers, and opting out of college.  Joining us is Peg Tyre, best selling author of The Trouble with Boys. Peg will be giving teachers, school administrators, and concerned parents a clear idea of the problems that beset boys from all walks of life and helping families and schools come up with new tools to ensure all childre...

1.18 Stand Up For Yourself

November 06, 2022 16:17 - 19 minutes - 36.1 MB

 Teachers, no less than anyone, deserve safe workplaces. These days we show a lot of concern about the topic of bullying in regards to our students. Unfortunately, very little is being done about teachers being bullied by their students, parents, and leadership at a place that is supposed to be a bully free zone.   School officials must send an unmistakable message to students that striking or threatening physical violence against a teacher will bring the swiftest and most severe consequen...

1.17 Common Frustrations In Teaching

October 29, 2022 17:19 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

 Joining me on the program is returning guests Dr. James Hughey and Evelyn Sellers. Together they bring a lot of experience and insight about the teaching profession. For this episode, we respond to our listeners and discuss some common problems that teachers experience.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

1.16 Teaching In South Korea

October 16, 2022 20:29 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MB

With the current cost of living, and the struggles of the teaching profession here in the States, many teachers are wanting change. Some teachers realize that little will change in their favor. So they make a change by teaching overseas like South Korea where the profession is better respected and the stress is less. In this episode, we talk with a young teacher in South Korea who gives us some insight into the pros/cons of teaching overseas. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcaste...

Making A Difference In The Lives Of Students

October 16, 2022 05:58 - 10 minutes - 19.4 MB

 On this episode, Bryan interviews his mom. Not only did she have an incredible impact on her family, she also made a difference in the lives of many students. Evelyn taught a vast amount of students during three decades. This episode highlights some of what she learned in her teaching journey. 

1.15 Don't Be Afraid To Ask

October 09, 2022 05:06 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MB

Mr. Bryan's Classroom is proud to have a Georgia Teacher of the Year join us for this episode. Emily Jennette is a teacher who has a passion for making a difference in the lives of her students and fellow educators. On this program, Emily discusses her history about why she became a teacher and some strategies that worked in her classroom. Also, Emily offers encouragement/insights to her fellow teachers who truly want to make a difference. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters...

Successful Student-Led Meetings

October 08, 2022 21:59 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

 Parent/teacher conferences can be something that both parents and teachers dread. We can get tired of the same old interactions that really did not affect change. Often this conferences take the shape of telling the parents all the “wrong” things their child is doing to earn a bad grade – or it is a time for the parents of the high performing students to come to school to hear how great their child is or is doing. Most of the time the student is excluded from the conference or not given muc...

1.14 Successful Student-Led Meetings

October 02, 2022 18:40 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

 Parent/teacher conferences can be something that both parents and teachers dread. We can get tired of the same old interactions that really did not affect change. Often this conferences take the shape of telling the parents all the “wrong” things their child is doing to earn a bad grade – or it is a time for the parents of the high performing students to come to school to hear how great their child is or is doing. Most of the time the student is excluded from the conference or not given muc...

The Power of Listening

October 02, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 34 MB

Teachers expect their students to listen. However, how are we as listeners to our students? Listening is an important skill for educators and it's a skill many of us struggle with. Dr. James Hughey and Bryan discuss the impact of teachers who listen.  For Dr. Hughey's “Power For Positive Living” podcast & blog posts  visit PFPL.US

1.13 Smart Kids in Bad Schools

September 25, 2022 23:45 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MB

In Smart Kids, Bad Schools, award-winning author and educator Brian Crosby (brian-crosby.com)draws on his many years as a high school English teacher to offer a candid appraisal of why our schools are failing and what we must do to save them.        --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

Involving Our Invisible Students

September 25, 2022 16:00 - 10 minutes - 18.6 MB

  We as educators give attention to those who excel in our classrooms and to the ones who disrupt the learning environment.  However, what about our invisible students? They are disappearing and we may not even know it. You know the type. They don't misbehave and we can go through a whole period/subject without engaging them at all. We can't ignore them. Bryan shares some strategies to help us include the invisible students in our classroom.

1.12 What Motivates You?

September 18, 2022 16:00 - 9 minutes - 8.72 MB

We often hear from others a lot of complaining about how schools are failing. Too often, it's the teachers themselves who are negative about their profession. What keeps you motivated when you enter your classroom? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

Students Who Are Quiet Thinkers

September 18, 2022 16:00 - 17 minutes - 31.1 MB

Shyness is often misunderstood because it is not one emotion, but a mixture of fear, tension, apprehension, or embarrassment. Shy children seem to lack confidence and are self-conscious especially in new surroundings or when they are the center of attention. Changes in the environment and school pressures are also factors that affect a child’s demeanor. It is noteworthy that shyness is not necessarily a negative attribute. Many shy children exhibit an ability to please and think for themse...

1.11 The Power of Listening

September 11, 2022 18:35 - 18 minutes - 34 MB

 Teachers expect their students to listen. However, how are we as listeners to our students? Listening is an important skill for educators and it's a skill many of us struggle with. Dr. James Hughey and Bryan discuss the impact of teachers who listen.  For Dr. Hughey's “Power For Positive Living” podcast & blog posts  visit PFPL.US --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

Ten Plus Two

September 11, 2022 16:00 - 6 minutes - 11.9 MB

Are you looking for a strategy that allows you to do some lecture but also builds in time for student interaction? In this episode, I'll share the Ten Plus Two strategy from the "Let's Teach" YouTube channel found at https://youtu.be/Y2udPWz_3vg

Teachers Who Are Fascinating Facilitators

September 04, 2022 16:00 - 17 minutes - 32.7 MB

We continue our insightful interview with teacher and author Robert Ward. On part two of this program we discuss more topics from his book The Firm, Fair, Fascinating Facilitator: Inspire your Students, Engage your Class, Transform your Teaching Robert's resource's can be found on Amazon and his blog is at https://rewardingeducation.wordpress.com. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RewardingEdu

1.10 Students And Their Excuses

September 04, 2022 05:06 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MB

Our culture is one who likes to whine and complain. Many people see themselves as victims, and today's students are no exception. Regardless of what grade you teach, educators are bombared by a variety of excuses. Bryan encourages listeners to not accept your average student excuse. Don't get angry, get creative. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

1.9 Teachers Who Are Fascinating Facilitators

August 28, 2022 18:33 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

 We continue our insightful interview with teacher and author Robert Ward. On part two of this program we discuss more topics from his book The Firm, Fair, Fascinating Facilitator: Inspire your Students, Engage your Class, Transform your Teaching  Robert's resource's can be found on Amazon and his blog is at https://rewardingeducation.wordpress.com. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RewardingEdu --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-class...

Books

In the Beginning
2 Episodes

Twitter Mentions

@rewardingedu 6 Episodes
@gatoty2016 3 Episodes
@coolcatteacher 3 Episodes
@roberttwilder 1 Episode
@brianfcrosby 1 Episode
@freedomwriters 1 Episode