Unprofessional Development

Stay Tuned-To Be Continued

Listen in to see why we haven't posted episodes in a while and what the future holds for this podcast Hit me at [email protected] or @unprocast on Twitter and Instagram

Ep 170: Brian Hoehn Gathers Data, Not Points

Brian Hoehn joins us this week to talk about his experience in the classroom as a math teacher, as well as about his current role as a TOSA. We talk about grades and if they matter (answer: not that much), plus Brian shares some great methods for making testing a valuable learning experience for students, rather than just another score chase. Follow Brian on Twitter   Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story o...

Ep 169: Davis & Revs’ Adventures in Co-Teaching

This week, we're joined by former co-teachers Davis and Revs. They share their experiences in a co-teaching classroom and how to make it click. From pro-tips to things to avoid, the dynamic pair of educators takes us through a pile of best practices that will help us all do a better job of working together in the classroom. Follow Davis on TwitterFollow Revs on Twitter Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story ...

Ep 168: Crystal Frommert Loves Calling Parents

Crystal Frommert teaches math at an international school in Texas. She joins us to chat about her cross-cultural experience in that space, plus how she works within that context to build a positive and productive classroom experience. Crystal talks about how solutions to issues are rarely a binary thing, but are more often in the gray area. We also discuss ungrading, and her book When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling. Follow Crystal on Twitter and check out her book!   Support Us: Don't for...

Ep 167 - At Home with Elle Cole

Elle Cole is a multi-hyphenate educator who joins us to talk about her seven years of homeschooling her two children. She tells us about the advantages - like student choice and motivation - and some disadvantages, like what to do when you've had a tough day with your students. Elle is also an advocate for Sickle Cell Disease, which affects one of her children. So yeah - we talk about that, too. Follow Elle on Twitter Listen to her podcast, Cleverly Changing ...or her other podcast, Vitamin S...

Ep 166: Oh Look! It’s Allyson Apsey

This week's guest just happens to be Allyson Apsey, and she joins us to chat about serendipity. And it's not just a coincidence, either. She's been thinking about this mindset and exploring it for quite some time as an administrator and now highly-in-demand consultant. In addition to chewing on the benefits of being open to new opportunities, we also chat about what it means to be a whole teacher, both within and beyond the profession. Follow Allyson on Twitter Check out her website, allysona...

Ep 165: Jay Wamsted is a Trusty Guy

This week, Mealey and guest-host Tudisco chat with Jay Wamstead about...well, lots of stuff. Jay is a middle school teacher who puts a special emphasis on building trust with students. But that doesn't stop the conversation from veering into testing, grading, racial inequality, and, of course, which muppet is the best. Follow Jay on Twitter and visit his blog!   Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story or sugg...

Ep 164: Pauline Shanks is a Midwife to Ethics

Pauline Shanks Kaurin is a midwife of sorts: she delivers critical thinking skills about ethics to her students every day. Not only that, but she does it in a military context. This episode, Mealey and Tudisco dig in to the ethics of war, education, interpersonal workplace conflict and lots more. You can follow Pauline on Twitter here. Or check out her blog right here!   Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny stor...

Ep 163: Jacob Johnson, Ungrader

This time out, Mealey and guest co-host Brad Shreffler chat with Jacob Johnson about ungrading. And while the mechanics of ungrading form part of the discussion, they also chat about how to prepare students, colleagues and admin for the sea change that ungrading represents. Follow Jacob on Twitter: @gradeslayer Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story or suggestion? Email us! Get your Unprofessional Developmen...

Ep 162 - Burning Questions with The Math Club

This week, we're joined by Pete & Noah of The Math Club podcast. And yeah - we talk about math. But we also take turns asking one burning question of each other: from spicy foods to tying up students to chair, we really cover it all this time out. Follow The Math Club podcast on Twitter and find their podcast right here.Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story or suggestion? Email us! Get your Unprofessional D...

Ep 161: Brad Shreffler Can Escape a Crocodile

This week, we're joined by former teacher - now administrator - Brad Shreffler. He talks with us about making the transition from one role to the other, the role of anxiety medication, his north star as an educator, and how he strives to streamline processes for teachers. Turns out Brad is also really into spreadsheets, and you can get a bunch of cool tips and tricks from him right here: bradshreffler.com   Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast a...

Ep 160: Nick Fuhrman Teaches with Animals

Dipping once more into the Ed Podcast archive, this week, Shane talks with Nick Fuhrman about his adventures in teaching using animals as educational assistants. Nick also talks about his course, where he teaches students to do the same. Watch Nick's TED Talk right here.   Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story or suggestion? Email us! Get your Unprofessional Development Merchandise!  T-shirts, bumper stick...

Ep 159: ChatGPT Did Not Write this Episode

In a guest-less episode, Shane and Mealey tackle the latest tech on the block - namely ChatGPT. We sample it's scriptwriting skills, discuss the implications of this new tool, and even use it to get a few project ideas across various subjects. You can chat with ChatGPT right here Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story or suggestion? Email us! Get your Unprofessional Development Merchandise!  T-shirts, bumper...

Ep 158: A Cup of Tea with Dr. Poppy Gibson

Dr. Poppy Gibson joins us to talk help us understand some of the particularities of education in the UK. Plus, we go deep on our discussion of mental health, grief and loss, and giving educators a voice. Follow Dr. Poppy on Twitter at @poppygibsonukCheck out her blog at inspiredideas.uk Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story or suggestion? Email us! Get your Unprofessional Development Merchandise!  T-shirts,...

Ep 157: Donnie Piercey Doesn’t Consume...He Creates!

Donnie Piercey is the 2021 Kentucky teacher of the year and he joins us to talk about that experience, plus his fun approach in the classroom. At the centre of his practice is teaching kids to create, rather than to consume. We also practice how to say "fermented shark" with an Icelandic accent. It does not go well. Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story or suggestion? Email us! Get your Unprofessional Devel...

Ep 156: Let’s Do Nothing with Constance Kassor!

In a world of increasing distraction, Eastern Religion professor Connie Kassor decided to try something radical: teach a class about nothing. Just...nothing. We talk about the huge impact that had which - unexpectedly - went far beyond her school. We also discuss rising mental health issues, which are increasingly linked to the use of social media and personal devices, plus the myth that we need to be productive all the time. Check out the viral story from FOX News here. Support Us: Don't fo...

Ep 155: Gholdy Muhammad is a Joyful Genius

This week, we're releasing a never-before-heard conversation from Shane's days as the host of Ed. In this conversation, Gholdy and Shane talk about Gholdy's experience in education as a student and how important representation is for young people. They also discuss the importance of constructing healthy narratives, both in the present and from a historical viewpoint as well. Finally, Gholdy shares her thoughts on love, joy, and beauty and why all these things need to be central to the educati...

Ep 154: Two Liars and a Teacher

This episode, Shane is presented with two liars who say they're teachers, and one who is the real deal. After asking five questions of each, he must choose the one who actually works in the classroom. Play along and place your bets!   Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast and @unprocast_shane  Have a funny story or suggestion? Email us! Get your Unprofessional Development Merchandise!  T-shirts, bumper stickers, magnets, and mugs!!! Unprofessional...

Ep 153: Mia Young, Coach on Call

Unprofessional Development is brought to you by: Park Power Alberta Blue Cross

Ep 152: Unprofessional Engineering

This episode of Unprofessional Development is brought to you by: Alberta Blue CrossConnect First Credit Union

Ep 151: Just Us, Together, Simultaneously

This episode of Unprofessional Development is brought to you by: PodPower and the Edmonton Community Foundation: Check out Overdue Finds from the Edmonton Public Library Alberta Blue Cross

Ep 150: Brian Moote Changes His First Diaper

Unprofessional Development is brought to you by: The Alberta Blue CrossThe Edmonton Community Foundation

Ep 149: Bryan Zevotek - Burning Out

Ep 148: Deanna Rice - Twitter Fight!

Ep 147: Nick Zaveri - Politics, Racism, and Coaching

Nick has his own podcast  link We talk about how to fix education...again Probably lots of other stuff, but now that Mealey is writing the show notes and yes I'm refering to myself in the 3rd person it will take a few before they are as good as when Tudisco wrote them-get over it and just listen

Ep 146: Zaynab Baalbaki - Justice, Love and Charter Schools

Lots of laughs and follow her on Twitter And look for her in the stands at World Cup link

Ep 145: Monte Syrie - Builder of Humanity

Smiles and Frowns are you gonna join the movement? Listen and find out what it is about All you need right here link

Ep 144: The Debate Math Guys - Let’s Hear it for Trapezoids!

So much fun with these guys. Go listen to their podcast after you listen to this episode Trapezoids-who knew they were so controversial? Debate Math website

Ep 143: Scott Hershovitz - Philosophy and Drinking Straws

Our guest is a philosopher who believes we are all philosophers, especially kids. How can we have philosophical discussions regardless of our content while still covering material we need to get to? Also how many holes does a straw have? Scott's Website

Ep 142: Miriam Plotinsky is Not a Helicopter Pilot

Many of us complain of micromanaging admin, but are we also micromanaging our students. We discuss how to "Hover Less, Teach More" the title of our guests book. Link to her website. Her Twitter handle is @MirPloMCPS And follow us as well @unprocast

Ep 141: Passing the Torch

Mealey is Staying Tudisco is Leaving Shane is Joining Lots of laughs and info as we pass the torch/microphone from one Unprofessional to another

Ep 140: Diala, the International Teacher

Mealey and Tudisco get to learn about the world from Diala, a teacher who has worked in America, The UAE, China, and Russia.  We learn about the sweet people in Moscow, the nervous students in Shanghai, and how teachers could earn some extra money in Dubai...   Sponsors: Goodniks is a podcast series exploring the journey and meaning of doing good in the world — for people who do good or are just thinking about it.   Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unp...

Ep 139: Geeky Kyle (Part 2)

Mealey and Tudisco meet Geeky Kyle, a teacher, podcaster, coach, and brilliant person.  She tells us about how to incorporate podcasts in the classroom, why questioning is important for our students, and that time that she died...   Follow her on Twitter @KrolTeach Check out the 7 Days a Geek podcast And all of the rest of the Monkey Poo Studios podcasts Check out Adventures of an English Nerd (which has her bio and her lessons!)   And, just for fun, here's Joe Pera.   Sponsors: Goodniks is a...

Ep 138: Geeky Kyle (Part 1)

Mealey and Tudisco meet Geeky Kyle, a teacher, podcaster, coach, and brilliant person.  She tells us about how to incorporate podcasts in the classroom, why questioning is important for our students, and that time that she died...   Follow her on Twitter @KrolTeach Check out the 7 Days a Geek podcast And all of the rest of the Monkey Poo Studios podcasts Check out Adventures of an English Nerd (which has her bio and her lessons!)   And, just for fun, here's Joe Pera.   Sponsors: Goodniks is a...

Ep 137: EDUPODLOOZA 2022! Fixing Pedagogy

For the finale of Edupodlooza, Tudisco and Mealey host a round table to fix pedagogy:  what should stay in, what should be eliminated, and where rich podcasters get to visit...   Featuring: Shane from The Edpodcast Mike Yates from Schoolish Aviva Levin from Lesson Impossible Katie Kinder from Untold Teaching Truths and Mealey and Tudisco from Unprofessional Development   Sponsors: Goodniks is a podcast series exploring the journey and meaning of doing good in the world — for people who do goo...

Ep 136: EDUPODLOOZA 2022! Poetry Slam

Mealey and Tudisco are joined by author, educator, and poet Katie Kinder to host a poetry slam!  Here are some of our Edu-poets: Katie Kinder of Untold Teaching Truths Podcast (Follow her on Twitter @KatieKinder1 and check out her book, Untold Teaching Truths) Chey and Pav of The Chey and Pav Show (and check out the poets they read from: Tu Vuong who wrote Coming Home and Humble the Poet) Jack of Educhaos And Mealey of Unprofessional Development   Sponsors: Goodniks is a podcast series explor...

Ep 135: EDUPODLOOZA 2022! Game Show

Aviva Levin of Lesson: Impossible joins forces with Jamie the Unprofessional Development Superfan to conquer a game show!  First, they have to determine if a quote is from Common Core, Nerdcore, or the Marine Corps.  Then, they have to spot which story from the classroom is from a movie and which are from our podcast.  Last, they have to answer some Unprofessional multiple choice questions.  Can they get to 30 points to win the game?   Sponsors: Goodniks is a podcast series exploring the jour...

Ep 134: Edupodlooza 2022 Three Teacher Traits

We asked Twitter to pick their top three characteristics that make a great teacher-- and now we're going to judge them!  Join us as we discuss what makes a good teacher, how important content knowledge is, and how Mealey dabbles in the youth culture... This round table features... Aviva Levin of Lesson Impossible Jack of Educhaos Nick Zaveri of Can We Please Talk? Mealey and Tudisco of Unprofessional Development   Sponsors: Goodniks is a podcast series exploring the journey and meaning of doi...

Ep 133: Edupodlooza 2022 Radio Drama: MURDER AT HOMLES HIGH!

Our scripted radio drama, Murder at Holmes High!   Written by Mealey, Tudisco, and Aviva Levin.   Starring: OFFICER SPARROW… CHRISTOPHER TUDISCODETECTIVE VINSCOLEY … NICK ZAVERIANNETTE DALLAS (PRINCIPAL)… BATSHEVA FRANKELBLAKE BROWN (VICE-PRINCIPAL).... AVIVA LEVINJIM GARCIA (PE TEACHER).... JACKDREW DALLAS (CHEMISTRY TEACHER).... WILLIAM MEALEYVALERIE HALL (STUDENT).... LINDY MEALEYBOB LEUNG (CUSTODIAN)… CHRISTOPHER TUDISCOLEE DAVIS (CAFETERIA MANAGER)… AVIVA LEVIN   Support Our Stars: Aviva...

Ep 132: EDUPODLOOZA 2022! Round Table Part 2

EDUPODLOOZA 2022! Mealey and Tudisco have teamed up with education podcasters from around the world to share, reflect, and be unprofessional. This is part two of our round table of edupodcasters to ask one question:  how has podcasting changed you and your teaching? This is only Part 1 of the Round Table.  Check back next week for Part 2! THE ROUND TABLE: Aviva Levin of Lesson Impossible Rob Baier of Debate Math Jack of Educhaos Nick Zaveri of Can We Please Talk? Mealey and Tudisco of Unprofe...

Ep 131: EDUPODLOOZA 2022! Round Table Part 1

EDUPODLOOZA 2022! Mealey and Tudisco have teamed up with education podcasters from around the world to share, reflect, and be unprofessional. For our first segment, we host a round table of edupodcasters to ask one question:  how has podcasting changed you and your teaching? This is only Part 1 of the Round Table.  Check back next week for Part 2! THE ROUND TABLE: Aviva Levin of Lesson Impossible Rob Baier of Debate Math Jack of Educhaos Nick Zaveri of Can We Please Talk? Mealey and Tudisco o...

Ep 130: Nolan Higdon, Let’s Agree to Disagree

Mealey and Tudisco talk with Dr. Nolan Higdon, an author and a university lecturer at Merrill College and the Education Department at University of California, Santa Cruz. We discuss how to disagree respectfully, how to settle disagreements with people of different authority levels, and what exactly is covered in his book...   Check out his four books, including Let's Agree to Disagree Follow his work on Project Censored! Read his publications on Anthro(dendum) (formally Savage Minds)! Follow...

Ep 130: Nolad Higdon, Let’s Agree to Disagree

Mealey and Tudisco talk with Dr. Nolan Higdon, an author and a university lecturer at Merrill College and the Education Department at University of California, Santa Cruz. We discuss how to disagree respectfully, how to settle disagreements with people of different authority levels, and what exactly is covered in his book...   Check out his four books, including Let's Agree to Disagree Follow his work on Project Censored! Read his publications on Anthro(dendum) (formally Savage Minds)! ...

Ep 129: Shane of the Ed Podcast

Mealey and Tudisco are taking today off to get ready for EDUPODLOOZA!  Instead of a normal episode, here is an episode of The Ed Podcast featuring Shane-- a soon to be host of Unprofessional Development!   Check out the Ed Podcast here!   Support Us: Don't forget to like and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @unprocast Have a funny story or suggestion? Email us! Get your Unprofessional Development Merchandise!  T-shirts, bumper stickers, magnets, and mugs!!!

Ep 128: Coach Victor Hicks, Coding with Culture

Mealey and Tudisco meet Coach Victor Hicks, the coach, coder, and educator!  We discuss how to incorporate culture into coding, the pros of HBCU's, and why tokenism may just be bad...   Follow Coach Hicks on Twitter @CodingWCulture Check out his website to learn more about Coding with Culture!   And, just for fun, here's a song by Discovery.   Sponsors: Goodniks is a podcast series exploring the journey and meaning of doing good in the world — for people who do good or are just thinking about...

Ep 127: Rhetoric Warrior Daniel French

Mealey and Tudisco meet Dr. Daniel French-- a rhetorician, author, comedian, and teacher.  We discuss how we use rhetoric for good and evil, the difference between persuasion and manipulation, and how Daniel is basically a jedi...   Follow him on Twitter @RhetoricWar Check out his YouTube channel to see him as a rhetoric warrior or as a stand-up comedian. Read his book, 21 Coliseums of Persuasion   And, just for fun, here's John Mulaney's bit about a horse loose in a hospital (explicit conten...

Ep 126: Bastard Teacher

Mealey and Tudisco meet our Twitter friend, Bastard Teacher!  We discuss our controversial grading strategies, how teachers act as bureaucrats, and Mealey snitches on his friends...   Follow him on Twitter @BastardTeacher   And, just for fun, here are our favorite episodes of Epic Rap Battles of History (Warning:  Explicit Content): - Mealey:  Dr. Suess vs. William Shakespeare - Bastard Teacher:  Easter Philosophers vs Western Philosophers - Tudisco:  Romeo and Juliet vs. Bonnie and Clyde   S...

Ep 125: The Math Nerds, Shelby and Justin

Mealey and Tudisco meet the Math Nerds, Shelby Strong and Justin Aion!  We discuss how to fix math curriculum, why real life math is so important, and whether or not a hot dog is a sandwich...   Check out Shelby's website at strongermath.com Want to see math new math routines that could help your classroom?  Check out their summer Math Routine Collaborative! See them in upcoming NCTM conferences! See them in Harrisburg at the upcoming PCTM conference!   And, just for fun, here's a math lesson...

Ep 124: Beth Donahoe, Union Rep

Mealey and our guest host, Shane Lawrence from The Edpodcast, inteview Beth Donahoe, a Maine teacher and teaching union rep.  We discuss common misconceptions about union reps, what teachers can do to help their unions, and what Mealey keeps hidden in his desk...   Just for fun, check out our first conversation with Shane on Unprofessional Development's 18th episode:  "The 'Ed Podcast' Podcast   Listen to more of The Edpodcast!   Sponsors: Goodniks is a podcast series exploring the journey an...

Ep 123: Art Markman, The Guy on Your Head

Mealey and Tudisco get schooled by professor, author, podcaster, psychologist, and musician Art Markman!  We discuss the psychology tips all teachers should know, why projects and unanswered questions are important, and how Art joined the dark side...     Check out Art's Podcast, Two Guys on Your Head. Check out his many, many books! Follow him on Twitter @abmarkman Read his many articles on psychology here! Check out his article in Psychology Today!   And, just for fun, enjoy his ska band, P...