In this episode of PodcastPD, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco dive into a mix of professional development topics, from school community participation to the challenges of dealing with verbally abusive parents. The hosts share personal experiences, offer insights into the complexities of the teaching profession, and discuss how to maintain professionalism in difficult situations.

Main Topics Discussed:

1. School Community Participation and Dress-Up Days Chris and AJ explore the financial burden of participating in school spirit days for staff. They empathize with educators, particularly paraprofessionals, who struggle to keep up with the cost of dress-up days and other activities that require out-of-pocket expenses. The discussion focuses on finding balance and communicating when participation becomes financially difficult.
2. Supporting Struggling First-Year Teachers The hosts address a Reddit post from a first-year teacher who feels overwhelmed and unsupported by their colleagues. AJ, as a newly appointed principal, shares advice on how administrators can offer mentorship and support to new teachers, while Chris emphasizes the importance of time management and self-care in the teaching profession.
3. Dealing with Verbally Abusive Parents The episode’s main topic centers around a teacher's experience with a verbally abusive parent. Chris and AJ discuss how to document incidents, involve administration, and maintain professionalism while protecting oneself. They stress the importance of creating a paper trail for in-person conversations and share personal experiences of handling confrontational situations with parents.
4. Perfectionist Students and the Pressure of Grades The episode also touches on the issue of perfectionist students and the pressure they often feel to achieve high grades. Chris advocates for focusing on learning and personal growth rather than grades, while AJ reflects on how parental expectations can contribute to this pressure.

Key Takeaways:

• Teachers and administrators should communicate openly about financial concerns related to school participation activities.
• First-year teachers benefit from mentorship and strong leadership but must also manage their time effectively and set boundaries.
• Educators should document all interactions with difficult parents to protect themselves and maintain professionalism.
• It’s crucial to shift the focus from grades to personal growth and learning in education, helping students manage the pressure to succeed.

What Are We Listening To:

• Chris recommends the podcast Empire City: The Untold Origin of the NYPD, a historical series exploring the origins of the NYPD and its connection to slavery and policing gangs in New York.
• AJ shares The Elemental Educator, a podcast that challenges educational leadership norms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco catch up after a hectic summer. AJ reveals his exciting career move from Vice Principal to Principal in a new school district. The duo discusses the challenges and emotions involved in making such a significant decision, the interview process, and AJ's vision for his new role. They also explore how AJ’s family and mentors influenced his decision, and what he hopes to accomplish in his first 90 days as a principal. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an experienced educator, this conversation is packed with insights into educational leadership, personal growth, and the transition into a top administrative role.

Key Topics Covered:

• AJ’s transition from Vice Principal to Principal
• Insights from the interview process
• Balancing family and career decisions
• AJ's vision and goals for his new school
• Advice from mentors and how it shaped AJ’s leadership style

AJ highlights The Mindset Advantage podcast hosted by DJ Hillier, a show that explores mindset, leadership, and overcoming challenges. A recent episode that caught AJ’s attention features Amy P. Kelly, co-author of John Gordon's The Energy Bus, discussing how to have difficult conversations. This episode, titled A Master Class in Difficult Conversations, dives into why people avoid difficult conversations, how to change your mindset around them, and practical strategies for engaging with difficult people. It’s a great listen for anyone looking to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Chris, on the other hand, brings The Art of Manliness podcast to the table, specifically the episode titled Unlock Better Sleep and Health by Harnessing Your Circadian Rhythm. In this insightful discussion, Professor Russell Foster talks about how understanding and working with your body's natural circadian rhythms can lead to better sleep, improved health, and overall well-being. Chris found this episode particularly eye-opening, as it provided practical tips that he’s already unknowingly implemented in his daily routine. It’s an informative listen that can help anyone looking to optimize their health and productivity.

Both recommendations offer valuable takeaways that align with the theme of personal growth and leadership, making them perfect additions to your podcast playlist!

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PodcastPD founder Stacey Lindes joins Chris while AJ is away. We dive into educational topics pulled from Reddit, offering practical advice for educators.

Here's a breakdown of the key educational topics discussed:

1. Preparing for Your First Teaching Job: The hosts discuss strategies for new teachers to effectively prepare for their first classroom experiences. They emphasize the importance of being organized, proactive, and open to learning from every situation. Key advice includes seeking mentorship, being prepared to adapt, and maintaining a reflective practice to continually improve teaching methods.
2. Classroom Management Techniques: We explore different approaches to managing classroom dynamics, particularly in relation to technology use such as cell phones. We share personal anecdotes and strategies for setting clear, consistent policies that encourage student responsibility and minimize distractions.
3. Building Effective Classroom Systems: We include tips on how to create an organized and inclusive classroom environment. Stacy talks about her methods for organizing physical and digital resources, which ensures that both she and her students can find what they need when they need it. This segment highlights the benefits of having a well-structured classroom setup that supports educational activities and student engagement.
4. Engaging and Supporting Students: We discuss the importance of understanding students' needs, creating supportive relationships, and fostering a community-oriented classroom atmosphere that encourages students to take an active role in their education.

What Are We Listening To?

As we wrapped up the episode, Stacy and I shared some of our favorite podcasts that have been particularly impactful or interesting:

• NPR Politics Podcast: A balanced political commentary that provides comprehensive insights into current political events and issues, suggested for those who appreciate a slightly left-of-center perspective.
• The Daily by The New York Times: Delve deep into a single topic each day, providing a detailed examination and diverse viewpoints, which can enhance classroom discussions and personal understanding of complex issues.
• The Run-Up by The New York Times: Focusing on the electoral process, this podcast is perfect for anyone interested in the mechanics and drama of American politics, particularly during the election cycle.
• Smash Boom Best: A debate-style podcast that pits two concepts against each other. This show not only entertains but also serves as a fantastic resource for teaching persuasive speaking and argumentation in the classroom.

Chris's Recommendation:

• Everything Everywhere Daily: Hosted by Gary Arndt, this podcast delivers daily knowledge across various subjects, from history to science, in digestible 15-minute episodes. It's an excellent resource for educators and students alike to broaden their knowledge in a fun and engaging way.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.