Just Schools

From Fatigue to Joy: Bryan Goodwin

Listen in today as I sit down with Bryan Goodwin, President and CEO of McREL International, and an experienced educator, to explore the intersection of science, art, and the joy found in teaching. We dive into the phases of learning, discussing how curiosity is the key to engaging students, followed by commitment, focus, consolidation, practice, reflection, and finally, extension and application.We also emphasize the importance of planning for learning rather than just teaching and how understanding the science of learning can bring true joy to the classroom, and we touch upon the challenges educators face, such as burnout, and how elevating the teaching profession and fostering a culture of curiosity can lead to more joyful and fulfilling learning experiences.Join us as we share insights and inspiration for creating joyful, curious, and engaging learning environments!To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.Be encouraged.Timestamps:[0:37] - Today’s guest is Bryan Goodwin of McREL International.[2:15] - What drew Bryan to education?[2:52] - Bryan’s first job was in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.[4:53] - Bryan argues that understanding the 'why' behind teaching fosters engagement.[6:36] - Engagement and commitment are fundamental; teaching must inspire curiosity and active involvement.[8:30] - Bryan points out how short-term memory is limited; effective teaching utilizes visuals and keeps content concise.[10:28] - Bryan explains how repetition enhances memory and retention.[12:33] - It's important not just to remember knowledge but to have done something meaningful with it.[13:16] - Bryan adds that designing learning around how kids' brains work makes teaching easier and more joyful.[16:05] - Experienced teachers, similar to veteran quarterbacks, adapt strategies based on students' needs and engagement.[17:45] - Teacher burnout and fatigue is what worries Bryan the most.[19:41] - Bryan finds hope in the power of curiosity, making education engaging and impactful.[21:19] - Positive classroom environments and meaningful work in Australia effectively retain engaged teachers.[23:51] - Bryan describes current United States education as fatigued.[24:01] - Bryan hopes to see schools become more joyful and curious.[24:14] - Hear some helpful advice for educators.[25:03] - We are encouraged to write, blog, and refine because sharing ideas builds expertise.[26:02] - In conclusion, we want schools to move from fatigue to joy and curiosity.Connect on Social Media:Baylor MA in School LeadershipBaylor Doctorate in EducationJon Eckert: @eckertjonCenter for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl

Gritty Optimism with Wonder and Magic: Eli Spector and Sierra Downs

In this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, join me (your host Jon Eckert) as I sit down with Sierra Downs and Eli Spector, two remarkable educators from Front Range Christian School in Colorado!We explore the wonder and magic that defines their school environment, fostering academic excellence and student well-being. Through their authentic experiences, we discover the power of relational leadership and the impact of teachers like Phil Schultz and Kelly Stidham, who inspire through quirkiness and honesty.Their story encapsulates the essence of collective leadership, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential of education, so tune in for a brief yet heartfelt discussion on the joy found in genuine connections within the teaching profession!To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.Be encouraged.Timestamps:[1:47] - Sierra introduces herself.[3:13] - Eli shares some information about himself with us.[4:46] - Sierra feels that educators create magic, fostering wonder, holistic growth, and academic excellence.[7:02] - Eli credits Phil Schultz for embracing quirkiness in the classroom.[9:00] - Sierra mentions Kelly Stidham, the head English teacher, who embodies honesty, mastery, and genuine love in the classroom.[12:30] - Sierra emphasizes celebrating teachers' professional successes.[14:15] - Eli and Sierra work collectively which promotes emotional fulfillment.[17:05] - Sierra adds that with collective leadership, relational modeling fosters genuine change and influence.[19:00] - Experiencing laughter, learning, and affirmation in education's network effect was impactful for Sierra.[20:41] - Eli feels reinvigorated by the shared optimism and determination in education.[22:36] - Sierra and Eli wrap up with some advice for educators.Connect on Social Media:Baylor MA in School LeadershipBaylor Doctorate in EducationJon Eckert: @eckertjonCenter for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl

Developing Beginning Teachers as Leaders: Meredith Frey and Brittany Griffith

It's time to start looking at younger teachers as a place where we can develop leadership.Two young educators, Brittany Griffith and Meredith Frey, join host Jon Eckert. Brittany is a teacher in Frisco and Meredith is a teacher in San Antonio. Today, they discuss what has made them passionate about their education careers and what has pushed them to gain their master's degrees in Educational Leadership.To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.Be encouraged.Timestamps:[1:45] - Meredith and Brittany introduce themselves.[5:50] - The two women discuss what made them decide to get a master's in School Leadership.[9:30] - Meredith discusses finding her why. [12:00] - Brittany appreciates Baylor's program being rooted in God.[15:40] - Everyone in the cohort celebrates each other, not competes with each other.[18:20] - Everyone has a novice advantage.[20:20] - Starting every day with humility is key.[21:20] - The women share their most embarrassing teaching moments.[23:00] - Jon puts the two women through a lightning round of questions.Connect on Social Media:Baylor MA in School LeadershipBaylor Doctorate in EducationJon Eckert: @eckertjonCenter for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl

Truth, Beauty, and Wisdom: Nikki Bell

Traditional schools don't work for every student. Nikki Bell is both a parent and an educator from Oklahoma. When she noticed her son didn't fit into traditional public school, she decided to homeschool. She is now a board member at a classical school. Classical schools focus on truth, beauty and wisdom and how we pursue those things. Today she joins host Jon Eckert to discuss her journey to becoming an educator.To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.Be encouraged.Timestamps:[2:06] - Nikki introduces herself.[5:30] - Putting her kids in classical school changed the way Nikki parented.[10:00] - There are plenty of advantages to the classical movement.[12:10] - Nikki's kids have learned how to articulate their opinion and beliefs.[14:05] - A difference of opinion is not challenging the person.[18:00] - Nikki has high hopes for her children's future.[20:03] - Jon puts Nikki through a lightning round of questions.Connect on Social Media:Baylor MA in School LeadershipBaylor Doctorate in EducationJon Eckert: @eckertjonCenter for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcslBooks:Atomic Habits by James Clear

"I Don’t Want to See My Students Here Again": Bing Parks

Education within the prison system is a challenge. From access to technology to access to books.Bing Parks is an educator who loves her students but never wants to see her students in her classroom again. That's because she works in the Texas Juvenile Department. Her students range in age from 11 to 18 years old. Today she joins host Jon Eckert to discuss how she uses engagement to drive her students' well-being. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.Be encouraged.Timestamps:[1:50] - Bing introduces herself.[3:35] - Providing supplies to students in the prison system is a challenge.[6:40] - There are some advantages in Bing's work setting.[9:00] - Building relationships with students is the most important thing.[11:40] - Bing shares a recent success story.[17:00] - Jon puts Bing through a lightning round of questions.Connect on Social Media:Baylor MA in School LeadershipBaylor Doctorate in EducationJon Eckert: @eckertjonCenter for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl

Engagement over Entertainment: Aaron Bond

Truly engaging students goes beyond entertainment. Having meaningful two-way discussions is one way to create authentic engagement.Aaron Bond has over two decades of education experience. Over his career, he's employed the Harkness Method to engage his students. Today, he joins host Jon Eckert to candidly discuss what he's learned throughout the year. Their conversation focuses on how throughout his career, Aaron encourages his students to love well and truly engage his students. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.Be encouraged.Timestamps:[2:35] - Aaron shares an embarrassing story from his early days working.[9:00] - Learning from your life experience to become more wise.[12:30] - Building a network of understanding helps students put what they've learned into practice.[16:30] - You have to be comfortable with watching students struggle.[18:00] - Allow dead space in your classroom.[23:40] - Aaron shares a story about two unengaged students.[26:11] - Jon puts Aaron through a lightning round of questions.Connect on Social Media:Baylor MA in School LeadershipBaylor Doctorate in EducationJon Eckert: @eckertjonCenter for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl

Life-giving People: Bill Sterrett

We all need colleagues that are life-giving. Those who help us find joy in what we do.Bill Sterrett is one of those colleagues. Today he joins host Jon Eckert. Bill is the Department Chair and Professor of Educational Leadership at Baylor University’s School of Education. Their conversation focuses on how to build a firm foundation on educators' why to help educators stay motivated through their careers.  To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.Be encouraged.Timestamps:[2:40] - Bill describes what drew him to work at Baylor.[8:00] - We have a void of teachers and principals who stay in their job.[11:30] - Engaging learning communities to focus on flourishing is key.[13:30] - You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with.[15:00] - If you feel called, follow that call.[18:40] - There is plenty of opportunity for students to stay connected to Baylor.[20:00] - Jon puts Bill through a lightning round of questions. Connect on Social Media:Baylor MA in School LeadershipBaylor Doctorate in EducationJon Eckert: @eckertjonCenter for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl

Accidents, Acid Wash, and Learning Spaces: Danish Kurani

Designing learning spaces with the end users -- teachers, students, custodians -- can make a huge difference in people’s lives.Today Danish Kurani, the founder of Kurani, an architectural firm, joins host Jon Eckert. Kurani specializes in designing education spaces with empathy and prioritizing the end user. Danish discusses an embarrassing moment in kindergarten that later inspired him to begin creating intentional learning spaces.To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.Be encouraged.Timestamps:[2:19] - Danish introduces himself.[5:13] - Looking beyond the most economical solutions, Danish designs intentional learning spaces.[7:00] - Danish discusses what inspired him to design learning spaces.[11:23] - Involving the students, teachers and custodians when designing spaces is essential to Danish.[16:00] - It's important to study data to know if the designs have an impact. [21:00] - Danish is most excited about his current projects that help equip students with relevant skills. [25:37] - Jon puts Danish through a lightning round of questions.Find Kurani online: Website - Kurani Connect on Social Media:Baylor MA in School LeadershipBaylor Doctorate in EducationJon Eckert: @eckertjonCenter for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl