http://www.twoteacherspodcast.comenEducationCopyright Tom Freesmeierhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ef69c608804b9d1c68613d20d3ccf8b1.jpghttp://www.twoteacherspodcast.comWed, 01 Mar 2023 20:07:30 +0000Tom FreesmeierTom Freesmeierfeedback@twoteacherspodcast.comA 10 Minute Teaching Podcastcleanepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-46-diversity-in-textshttps://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=742Mon, 06 Jun 2022 01:53:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierIn this episode, I am honored and humbled to be joined by 3 professors from the University Wisconsin Stevens Point to discuss and opportunity that is incredible important to me. Their passion and excitement is infectious. In previous episodes we have...1607clean346fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-45-authentic-audiences-blogging-https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=725Mon, 07 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierWhen students write, their audience is typically just the assessor(teacher). If we want to give them meaning in their writing, we have to give them an authentic audience. On this episode we explore R.A.F.T. and specifically the use of blogging in...1563clean445fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-44-book-club-part-1https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=720Mon, 21 Feb 2022 06:32:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierLindy and I have begun a long desired journey to provide a book club to the parents of our students who struggle to navigate the complication and challenges of the adolescent journey. We have chosen to read with our parents(of our students) two books....1356clean444fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-43-engaging-the-same-old-same-ol


What is engagement?



Lindy describes engagement in 3 categories: behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. Behavioral is student behave in class, they don't act up, the bring their materials to class. Its their behavior in that class. Then there is emotional engagement. They feel connected to the school community. They are happy to be there. They act positively. When you are giving your lesson they are alert and are emotionally invested in what you are saying. And finally there is cognitive engagement. This is their intellectual engagement. They want to learn and think more deeply about the subject. They ask challenging question. Together this is big picture engagement. this is a long term disposition to learn.



What happens to engagement over the years?



Over an educational career it is normal for engagement to wain. Think of the complexity and specificity of the learning. Think about the general practice of a kindergarten teacher vs. a high school teacher. Exceptions aside the amount of reading increase, the expectation of compliance raises and the length of the learning tasks widens. In 2nd grade the instruction is designed to be quick, fast paced and interactive. With each passing year those opportunities lessens. Emotionally school continues to be described as enjoyable by the younger the students.



Change your practice to engage the kids.



You can try writing on novel surfaces. Beyond the whiteboard or Smartboard try writing on the windows or floor. They excitement alone is a great a]]>https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=713Mon, 31 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierIn this episode, Lindy joins us to discuss quick adaptations to everyday practices to increase engagement. We will run through a number of strategies that will not cost more time or money to improve the attention of your students. We like many of you...


What is engagement?



Lindy describes engagement in 3 categories: behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. Behavioral is student behave in class, they don't act up, the bring their materials to class. Its their behavior in that class. Then there is emotional engagement. They feel connected to the school community. They are happy to be there. They act positively. When you are giving your lesson they are alert and are emotionally invested in what you are saying. And finally there is cognitive engagement. This is their intellectual engagement. They want to learn and think more deeply about the subject. They ask challenging question. Together this is big picture engagement. this is a long term disposition to learn.



What happens to engagement over the years?



Over an educational career it is normal for engagement to wain. Think of the complexity and specificity of the learning. Think about the general practice of a kindergarten teacher vs. a high school teacher. Exceptions aside the amount of reading increase, the expectation of compliance raises and the length of the learning tasks widens. In 2nd grade the instruction is designed to be quick, fast paced and interactive. With each passing year those opportunities lessens. Emotionally school continues to be described as enjoyable by the younger the students.



Change your practice to engage the kids.



You can try writing on novel surfaces. Beyond the whiteboard or Smartboard try writing on the windows or floor. They excitement alone is a great a]]>1740cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-42-my-problem-is-your-problem-to


How did we get here?



We have reached the midpoint of the year. It has been truly exhausting. Teachers are battling the ins and outs of learning modes in this pandemic world and the continuing addition of new students. We’ve implemented new procedures to keep us healthy and strained our eyes on the countless hours of screen time. 



What cannot be lost is the routine that I practice every January. I take some time to receive feedback from my colleagues and my students. I more intentionally reflect on the shortcomings of my practice and how it is affecting the students I have right now.



High Expectations Regardless of Circumstances



This year is special, I am trying to divide the Covid problems and the normal challenges I would face in a typical year. I believe this is absolutely important. Many months ago I heard someone suggest we drop the language that suggests our kids just can’t and won’t do as well this year because of the pandemic. I’m guilty of this montra more than once and that is far too many. We must continue to have high expectations no matter the extrinsic circumstances.



I know I’ve seen what I call covid learning apathy in my own class. Some students “checked out” during the pandemic in the spring and may have struggled to check back in. What I mean is that students developed bad habits during emergency virtual learning(out of our control) and have continued those habits. As we all know, unfortunately, depending on what grade you are in, some students might have been barely hanging on to start with. And in reality they may have plenty of justified reasons, but nonetheless.



I believe the problems I am struggling with are certainly manifesting because of the pandemic world. Students in my world are in-person, cohorted and near similar people all day as they have for 90 days. This has exacerbated the issues I might see to be minor in most years.



Problem 1: Student work completion



Problem: Students not turning in needed practice and/or untimely completion(late)



Solutions: 



Build the capacity to stay organized by binder/folder use and utilization of the assignment notebook. I have dedicated much of my time to online solutions. (Despite the common LMS, they do not look or are just overwhelmed with the many platforms.)



Fill out the assignment notebook together. Duh right? Binder/folder organization on Friday’s



Friday email



Problem 2: Off-Task Behavior during independent time



Problem: The students are not on-task when it is independent time to work.



Solutions:



Praise the desired behavior.



More immediate feedback(return of task or check-ins) to create urgency. if they know they’ll see results with immediacy it creates value and motivation to get it done



Post-it note to do list - visual incentive. Eyes on the computer (literally).



Exemplar - Motivation to achieve desired result.



Problem 3: Blurting 



Problem: Students are not participating properly in class discussion. Frequently the blurting is not on-task, but can be just lacking timing of proper participation.



Solutions: Cultural Sensitivity (prespecified normal)



Explain why it is wrong,]]>https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=706Mon, 22 Feb 2021 20:43:33 +0000Tom FreesmeierOn this episode I have identified 4 issues(my problems) I am having in my classroom right now(Classroom Management). I will share with you my plan for managing and hopefully improving my classroom with some researched and solid solutions. How did...


How did we get here?



We have reached the midpoint of the year. It has been truly exhausting. Teachers are battling the ins and outs of learning modes in this pandemic world and the continuing addition of new students. We’ve implemented new procedures to keep us healthy and strained our eyes on the countless hours of screen time. 



What cannot be lost is the routine that I practice every January. I take some time to receive feedback from my colleagues and my students. I more intentionally reflect on the shortcomings of my practice and how it is affecting the students I have right now.



High Expectations Regardless of Circumstances



This year is special, I am trying to divide the Covid problems and the normal challenges I would face in a typical year. I believe this is absolutely important. Many months ago I heard someone suggest we drop the language that suggests our kids just can’t and won’t do as well this year because of the pandemic. I’m guilty of this montra more than once and that is far too many. We must continue to have high expectations no matter the extrinsic circumstances.



I know I’ve seen what I call covid learning apathy in my own class. Some students “checked out” during the pandemic in the spring and may have struggled to check back in. What I mean is that students developed bad habits during emergency virtual learning(out of our control) and have continued those habits. As we all know, unfortunately, depending on what grade you are in, some students might have been barely hanging on to start with. And in reality they may have plenty of justified reasons, but nonetheless.



I believe the problems I am struggling with are certainly manifesting because of the pandemic world. Students in my world are in-person, cohorted and near similar people all day as they have for 90 days. This has exacerbated the issues I might see to be minor in most years.



Problem 1: Student work completion



Problem: Students not turning in needed practice and/or untimely completion(late)



Solutions: 



Build the capacity to stay organized by binder/folder use and utilization of the assignment notebook. I have dedicated much of my time to online solutions. (Despite the common LMS, they do not look or are just overwhelmed with the many platforms.)



Fill out the assignment notebook together. Duh right? Binder/folder organization on Friday’s



Friday email



Problem 2: Off-Task Behavior during independent time



Problem: The students are not on-task when it is independent time to work.



Solutions:



Praise the desired behavior.



More immediate feedback(return of task or check-ins) to create urgency. if they know they’ll see results with immediacy it creates value and motivation to get it done



Post-it note to do list - visual incentive. Eyes on the computer (literally).



Exemplar - Motivation to achieve desired result.



Problem 3: Blurting 



Problem: Students are not participating properly in class discussion. Frequently the blurting is not on-task, but can be just lacking timing of proper participation.



Solutions: Cultural Sensitivity (prespecified normal)



Explain why it is wrong,]]>1166cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-41-interview-with-a-virtual-schohttps://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=693Thu, 24 Dec 2020 23:25:37 +0000Tom FreesmeierThis week we are joined by Brandon. He is Principal and Teaching and Learning Specialist extraordinaire. We hear from Brandon who is full of tips for managing the madness of the virtual classroom now and whenever.2113cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-40-english-learners-during-the-p


Equity Issues Across the Board



Luke and I have discussed this before, but the pandemic has exacerbated the shortcomings of education. Its not our fault, but its true. The pandemic has highlighted a few things. The first hurdle is the communication piece with families especially those who do not have an English speaking adult at home. Scrambling to translate the district website is a good start. However the student loses the practice with the academic language since the practice can not be daily in the classroom.



Technological Literacy



The families of English learners can often be new to our education system and certainly new (like all of us) to the virtual world we might be teaching in. We are more easily able to address the needs of those with more common language through something like a language line. However it has not been possible to push in to these households during this time to help them with the tech like setting up a hot spot or navigating tools. Now we are in person and are pushing to teach the students about setting up these tools so we are prepared if we go back to virtual.



What needs to stick?



After the pandemic we cannot just abandon some of these things we've seen. Teachers have had an opportunity to present the curriculum at their level and pace. With EL students there can be pressure in front of peers. In the virtual world they could pause and reflect and then respond. Flipgrid is an example of a way this have been expanded. Learning became more visual which is a common connection among other languages. Things like subtitles in YouTube can be super helpful. Kids can even turn on the translating feature in a GoogleMeet. Seesaw offers some really impressive assistance. The family app automatically translates messages from teacher into native languages.



What is good for some students is good for all students.Episode 40



Use Their Native Language



They are literate in their native language and sometimes this is forgotten. Provide them with background books to front load content. RazzKids offers some great options. Subtitles could be used in their language too.



Provide Audio Direction



Audio directions became the norm in virtual learning. This needs to stay. This allows the learners to review what was said on their own time and pace. Some different software can translate the audio. Screencasts can be great for parents to provide that same opportunity.



Another app that has been incredible is TalkingPoints. It does not have to be downloaded by the family. It will send a text message in the language that you have selected. They can reply from their cell phone in their native language and it will translate for the teacher.



New Kid New Experience



Create a warm and welcoming environment. Learn their name and learn it correctly. If possible ask a parent to record their name so it can be practiced. Learn some background about their country or culture to connect with them. So important is to consider their cultural norms. Invite the EL teacher in to prep the class. Give the student the curriculum at their language level.



Focus on the "Can Do" and Not the Can't Do



English Learners come with many can't dos because of...]]>https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=688Tue, 15 Sep 2020 06:51:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierToday we take a long overdue visit with Jayna who is a long time and exceptional English Learners teacher. She hails from the twin cities and has taught students of 39 different languages and cultural background. She has taught in immersion programs...


Equity Issues Across the Board



Luke and I have discussed this before, but the pandemic has exacerbated the shortcomings of education. Its not our fault, but its true. The pandemic has highlighted a few things. The first hurdle is the communication piece with families especially those who do not have an English speaking adult at home. Scrambling to translate the district website is a good start. However the student loses the practice with the academic language since the practice can not be daily in the classroom.



Technological Literacy



The families of English learners can often be new to our education system and certainly new (like all of us) to the virtual world we might be teaching in. We are more easily able to address the needs of those with more common language through something like a language line. However it has not been possible to push in to these households during this time to help them with the tech like setting up a hot spot or navigating tools. Now we are in person and are pushing to teach the students about setting up these tools so we are prepared if we go back to virtual.



What needs to stick?



After the pandemic we cannot just abandon some of these things we've seen. Teachers have had an opportunity to present the curriculum at their level and pace. With EL students there can be pressure in front of peers. In the virtual world they could pause and reflect and then respond. Flipgrid is an example of a way this have been expanded. Learning became more visual which is a common connection among other languages. Things like subtitles in YouTube can be super helpful. Kids can even turn on the translating feature in a GoogleMeet. Seesaw offers some really impressive assistance. The family app automatically translates messages from teacher into native languages.



What is good for some students is good for all students.Episode 40



Use Their Native Language



They are literate in their native language and sometimes this is forgotten. Provide them with background books to front load content. RazzKids offers some great options. Subtitles could be used in their language too.



Provide Audio Direction



Audio directions became the norm in virtual learning. This needs to stay. This allows the learners to review what was said on their own time and pace. Some different software can translate the audio. Screencasts can be great for parents to provide that same opportunity.



Another app that has been incredible is TalkingPoints. It does not have to be downloaded by the family. It will send a text message in the language that you have selected. They can reply from their cell phone in their native language and it will translate for the teacher.



New Kid New Experience



Create a warm and welcoming environment. Learn their name and learn it correctly. If possible ask a parent to record their name so it can be practiced. Learn some background about their country or culture to connect with them. So important is to consider their cultural norms. Invite the EL teacher in to prep the class. Give the student the curriculum at their language level.



Focus on the "Can Do" and Not the Can't Do



English Learners come with many can't dos because of...]]>1521cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-39-preparing-for-the-unknownhttps://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=679Mon, 31 Aug 2020 06:44:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierHere we sit usually setting up our classroom for the coming year. If you are like us, you might be in limbo with what is to come this year. Today's episode seeks to discuss things we can do NOW even though we are approaching the unkNOWn.1286cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-38-covid-chronicles-assessing-thhttps://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=662Mon, 18 May 2020 06:30:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierOn this episode we address how to grade within the inequity of virtual learning and how to set yourself up to be fair. We stumble upon the solution. It is not about the grade(letter, percentage or otherwise) its about the feedback. All students...1139cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-37-covid-chronicles-student-sendhttps://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=646Mon, 04 May 2020 06:41:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierWe are devastated that we do not get to bring closure and celebrate success with our student in our physical classroom. With things so up in the air, we do not know if we will have this chance for months to come. Obviously there are some significant...1139cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-36-covid-chronicles-trial-and-erhttps://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=637Mon, 20 Apr 2020 05:42:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierOn this episode we take a critical look at what #VirtualLearning has exposed good and bad about education. Our goal continues to be to provide take aways for now and later. We will discuss things that need to be tossed when we return to school and...1213cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-35-one-week-in-virtual-learninghttps://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=628Mon, 23 Mar 2020 06:38:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierOn this week's episode we share our thoughts, feelings, and reflections on our first full week of remotely educating our students from home. We take a look at what's worked and what struggles we're having during this time.1230cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-34-remotely-educated


School Closings due to Health Related Emergencies



Here we are in a crazy time. In attempt to flatten the curve and manage the transmission of COVID-19 many schools across the country have closed for 14+ days. For many this is around spring break and thus lessening the unplanned burden on families and teachers. For others there is no good time for this to happen. We are placed in an awkward situation trying to prove our classroom value in a rather difficult to manage situation of delivering quality instruction to our students remotely for 2-3 weeks.



Equity is an Issue



In our districts we are fortunate to be 1:1. Our districts have made arrangements to provide Wifi hotspots for students without internet, which is actually a small number. Not so many areas of the country are as fortunate. Expecting a teacher to deliver through technology may not be a luxury. We also worry about those who depend on school for breakfast and lunch. Its been heartwarming to see the many companies step up to provided assistance for those in need. I just saw a tweet where a local cable company is offering free internet for families without.



No Tech Ideas



What it really comes down to, we must just do the best we can. If given the preparation you may need to put together a packet or documents to guide the students. Maybe there is a way to communicate to the families, but the consistent use of tech is not. This packet may be the only option. There is the possibility of designing a bingo board. Maybe including measuring your room or reading for 20 minutes.



Another approach is to emphasize reinforcement of skills. At this point of the year we've taught our students many things. What can we go back to in our curriculum that can be emphasized? Without instruction we worry about poor practice without the opportunity to provide quality feedback. At least in the short term, "Reinforce the things they already know, skill building and sustaining the knowledge they already got rather than building on it." For the long run we can work to build some virtual instruction than can then work toward new learning targets and goals.



Non-Negotiables for Virtual Learning



It can't just be something to do: Maybe write a rationale to show the purpose. Something similar in the "real" classroom should be practice anyway, but communicate why they are completing what they are. Reasonable amount of work time: We operate in classperiods from anywhere from 45 minutes to 70 minutes. Expecting the kids to replicate a 7-8 workday is crazy talk. 30 minutes is plenty for each class. Afterall this might still be a 3-4 hour day depending on the requirements of other classes. We are thinking a 10-20 breakdown. Start with instruction, a video, a podcast, etc. for 10 minutes. After that assign 20 minutes of work, note-taking, writing, processing, etc.Accountability: We have to be sure that they are doing what we asked them to do or we lose the potential value in these virtual days. In our district we are using these daily checks as evidence to count the students present or absent. We are also hosting Google Hangouts during "office hours." We have a district wide 2-hour window when all teachers are available. Canvas or Google Classroom/Docs are great for electronic turn-in and feedback.]]>https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=615Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:47:39 +0000Tom FreesmeierIn this episode we address some very pressing teacher needs. What do you do with many days of virtual learning in a row? Remotely educated students have very different needs. Our conversation starts with what to do if your district is not so fortunate...


School Closings due to Health Related Emergencies



Here we are in a crazy time. In attempt to flatten the curve and manage the transmission of COVID-19 many schools across the country have closed for 14+ days. For many this is around spring break and thus lessening the unplanned burden on families and teachers. For others there is no good time for this to happen. We are placed in an awkward situation trying to prove our classroom value in a rather difficult to manage situation of delivering quality instruction to our students remotely for 2-3 weeks.



Equity is an Issue



In our districts we are fortunate to be 1:1. Our districts have made arrangements to provide Wifi hotspots for students without internet, which is actually a small number. Not so many areas of the country are as fortunate. Expecting a teacher to deliver through technology may not be a luxury. We also worry about those who depend on school for breakfast and lunch. Its been heartwarming to see the many companies step up to provided assistance for those in need. I just saw a tweet where a local cable company is offering free internet for families without.



No Tech Ideas



What it really comes down to, we must just do the best we can. If given the preparation you may need to put together a packet or documents to guide the students. Maybe there is a way to communicate to the families, but the consistent use of tech is not. This packet may be the only option. There is the possibility of designing a bingo board. Maybe including measuring your room or reading for 20 minutes.



Another approach is to emphasize reinforcement of skills. At this point of the year we've taught our students many things. What can we go back to in our curriculum that can be emphasized? Without instruction we worry about poor practice without the opportunity to provide quality feedback. At least in the short term, "Reinforce the things they already know, skill building and sustaining the knowledge they already got rather than building on it." For the long run we can work to build some virtual instruction than can then work toward new learning targets and goals.



Non-Negotiables for Virtual Learning



It can't just be something to do: Maybe write a rationale to show the purpose. Something similar in the "real" classroom should be practice anyway, but communicate why they are completing what they are. Reasonable amount of work time: We operate in classperiods from anywhere from 45 minutes to 70 minutes. Expecting the kids to replicate a 7-8 workday is crazy talk. 30 minutes is plenty for each class. Afterall this might still be a 3-4 hour day depending on the requirements of other classes. We are thinking a 10-20 breakdown. Start with instruction, a video, a podcast, etc. for 10 minutes. After that assign 20 minutes of work, note-taking, writing, processing, etc.Accountability: We have to be sure that they are doing what we asked them to do or we lose the potential value in these virtual days. In our district we are using these daily checks as evidence to count the students present or absent. We are also hosting Google Hangouts during "office hours." We have a district wide 2-hour window when all teachers are available. Canvas or Google Classroom/Docs are great for electronic turn-in and feedback.]]>1089cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-32-respect-the-process-inghttps://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=573Mon, 02 Mar 2020 01:39:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierOn this episode we take a look at what is a bit of a new revelation to us as teachers. It is definitely something that should've been (it might've been) explained to us in our teaching education. This revelation is the concept of effective note...843cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-31-new-student-new-opportunityhttps://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=562Mon, 17 Feb 2020 06:26:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierOn this week's episode we converse on some equitable ways to welcome a student into your classroom especially in the middle of the year. The statistics on student mobility are just as shocking as the experiences that are causing students to move; some...930cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-29-avoiding-subpar-plans


Obvious and Legal - In an common, communicated and obvious location. Luke's hangs by his door and Tom has a folder on the top of his desk labeled "SUB PLANS." Luke takes i a step further and recruits students who know the procedures and are tasked with checking in with the substitute teacher.



Emergency PlansClass Rosters (accurate and up to date)Seating ChartsIEPs/504 - Not the original but rather applicable notes for that day's lesson. The exception here might be a behavior plan that details a certain process for the substitute teacher.Health Information - Unfortunately, this could be life or death.Class Schedule



Academic Must Haves - You must ensure that you are not wasting a day of instruction, but rather setting the substitute up to be successful in replicating what you would normally in the classroom.



Rationale / Context - Set the stage for them. What objectives came before and where are you going. Be explicit.Screenshots / Pictures - With students on tech this allows the sub to see what the students might be seeing. Another benefit is they can better hold the student accountable to being on task on that tech.Behavior Management Explanation - How do you normally handle common behaviors in the classroom?FAQs - You've likely taught the lesson before or assigned a similar task. What kind of questions might they ask?



Optional Additions - What else might be beneficial for the sub?



List of students who could be helpful.Share your lesson plans with the students too.Write-up about the classroom culture. Yes, typically we work in groups. No, students can not have their phone and when they do, I typically just ask them to put them away.A list of "problem" students. DO NOT call it that and do not make it negative. A potentially harmful situation would be to write negative things on paper, display it on the desk and to have a student view that. It may also create a fixed expectation for the substitution. INSTEAD make the "These Kids Could Benefit From.." list. Write comments like, "Johnny could benefit from check-ins throughout the lesson." "Johnny may need reminders to keep him on task." "Johnny has troubles getting started. Please encourage him a few extra times."



Ultimate Sub Plan Template - Coming Soon!!!]]>https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=539Mon, 03 Feb 2020 06:01:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierEpisode 29 shares our thoughts on creating plans for a substitute teacher that will ensure success in your classroom while you are away. We share some of our secrets and discuss some potential dos and don't that may go onto your plans. After listening...


Obvious and Legal - In an common, communicated and obvious location. Luke's hangs by his door and Tom has a folder on the top of his desk labeled "SUB PLANS." Luke takes i a step further and recruits students who know the procedures and are tasked with checking in with the substitute teacher.



Emergency PlansClass Rosters (accurate and up to date)Seating ChartsIEPs/504 - Not the original but rather applicable notes for that day's lesson. The exception here might be a behavior plan that details a certain process for the substitute teacher.Health Information - Unfortunately, this could be life or death.Class Schedule



Academic Must Haves - You must ensure that you are not wasting a day of instruction, but rather setting the substitute up to be successful in replicating what you would normally in the classroom.



Rationale / Context - Set the stage for them. What objectives came before and where are you going. Be explicit.Screenshots / Pictures - With students on tech this allows the sub to see what the students might be seeing. Another benefit is they can better hold the student accountable to being on task on that tech.Behavior Management Explanation - How do you normally handle common behaviors in the classroom?FAQs - You've likely taught the lesson before or assigned a similar task. What kind of questions might they ask?



Optional Additions - What else might be beneficial for the sub?



List of students who could be helpful.Share your lesson plans with the students too.Write-up about the classroom culture. Yes, typically we work in groups. No, students can not have their phone and when they do, I typically just ask them to put them away.A list of "problem" students. DO NOT call it that and do not make it negative. A potentially harmful situation would be to write negative things on paper, display it on the desk and to have a student view that. It may also create a fixed expectation for the substitution. INSTEAD make the "These Kids Could Benefit From.." list. Write comments like, "Johnny could benefit from check-ins throughout the lesson." "Johnny may need reminders to keep him on task." "Johnny has troubles getting started. Please encourage him a few extra times."



Ultimate Sub Plan Template - Coming Soon!!!]]>1061cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-28-the-perfect-parent-email






Create Context - Important to be brief but do not forget to create context. Paint the picture so the parent understands what you are getting out. This might be the 15 minutes leading up to the meat of the email or may be the days leading up to the need to send the email. Regardless, don't just speak about the incident, positive or negative.CC Someone - A third set of eyes can help better deliver the message. Consider CC'ing the student so there are no secrets among the stakeholders. Our favorite is the counselor. This can give them the opportunity to follow-up, provide context, or congratulate the student if the email is a positive message.Sandwich Method for Feedback - Take the "Positive-Suggestion-Positive" approach. It can be difficult to find the positive when the suggestion is one addressing a concern. You can hearken back to a positive from a previous quarter. Then you would explain the changes you've seen. Luke suggests begin sure you have sent a positive email before so the negative is not the first interchange you have with the parent/guardian. Check out Episode 16: Magic Words for more about finding ways to phrase the positive.Goal-Oriented Message - This can empower the parent. Talk about what can be done or what you would like to try to improve the situation. Even if a conclusion is not met say something like, "I look forward to working with you toward the solution."Be Grateful - Parents are working hard. Over the course of our combined 19 years it has occasionally felt like we were not getting the support and follow through at home. We must acknowledge that no matter the degree of support we feel, the parent is trying. They are likely managing different behaviors, battles or hidden stories at home too. Thank them for their support. Its a great way to end the email.]]>https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=528Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:30:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierIn this timely episode as we come to the end of the 1st semester, we share our 5 keys to writing the perfect parent email. We share some strategies to be sure we infuse empathy, concern, compliment and even gratitude into even the most difficult to...






Create Context - Important to be brief but do not forget to create context. Paint the picture so the parent understands what you are getting out. This might be the 15 minutes leading up to the meat of the email or may be the days leading up to the need to send the email. Regardless, don't just speak about the incident, positive or negative.CC Someone - A third set of eyes can help better deliver the message. Consider CC'ing the student so there are no secrets among the stakeholders. Our favorite is the counselor. This can give them the opportunity to follow-up, provide context, or congratulate the student if the email is a positive message.Sandwich Method for Feedback - Take the "Positive-Suggestion-Positive" approach. It can be difficult to find the positive when the suggestion is one addressing a concern. You can hearken back to a positive from a previous quarter. Then you would explain the changes you've seen. Luke suggests begin sure you have sent a positive email before so the negative is not the first interchange you have with the parent/guardian. Check out Episode 16: Magic Words for more about finding ways to phrase the positive.Goal-Oriented Message - This can empower the parent. Talk about what can be done or what you would like to try to improve the situation. Even if a conclusion is not met say something like, "I look forward to working with you toward the solution."Be Grateful - Parents are working hard. Over the course of our combined 19 years it has occasionally felt like we were not getting the support and follow through at home. We must acknowledge that no matter the degree of support we feel, the parent is trying. They are likely managing different behaviors, battles or hidden stories at home too. Thank them for their support. Its a great way to end the email.]]>837cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-27-discussing-discussion


Luke shares what iss called "I Wonder, You Wonder." In this strategy you really set the students up for success in asking questions and then sharing questions with one another. A great way to read and process a primary source, text, experiment or word problem.



Tom shares what is called Philosophical Chairs. Here is a link to a great Edutopia article that explains it. Especially what is called the rules of engagement. Some of my favorites are the "Listen to seek to understand" and "Summarize the previous speakers argument before sharing your own." Those are just 2 of the essential rules to assure fair and safe discussion space that is not a debate but a discourse. Try them both. You will like them.]]>https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=521Mon, 20 Jan 2020 05:58:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierOn this first episode this new calender year, we share our favorite ways to get kids engaged into a high quality discussion surrounding content. Luke shares what iss called "I Wonder, You Wonder." In this strategy you really set the students up...


Luke shares what iss called "I Wonder, You Wonder." In this strategy you really set the students up for success in asking questions and then sharing questions with one another. A great way to read and process a primary source, text, experiment or word problem.



Tom shares what is called Philosophical Chairs. Here is a link to a great Edutopia article that explains it. Especially what is called the rules of engagement. Some of my favorites are the "Listen to seek to understand" and "Summarize the previous speakers argument before sharing your own." Those are just 2 of the essential rules to assure fair and safe discussion space that is not a debate but a discourse. Try them both. You will like them.]]>868cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/11081326/episode-26-the-power-of-pd-through-podca


As educators ourselves, our goal is to provide some PD to other teachers in a timely manner through a platform that allows our listeners the power to select topics they are interested in either learning more about or gaining fresh ideas in. This is why we felt that creating an episode advocating for podcasts as a source of PD is so beneficial and should be recognized by all our school districts as PD hours.]]>https://twoteacherspodcast.com/?p=513Tue, 17 Dec 2019 06:41:00 +0000Tom FreesmeierOn Episode 26 we share an argument for why listening to podcasts for professional development is the BEST way to receive Professional Development. We then share a couple of our favorite professional development podcasts for you to check out too....


As educators ourselves, our goal is to provide some PD to other teachers in a timely manner through a platform that allows our listeners the power to select topics they are interested in either learning more about or gaining fresh ideas in. This is why we felt that creating an episode advocating for podcasts as a source of PD is so beneficial and should be recognized by all our school districts as PD hours.]]>847cleanfull