Why Can’t School be More Like Camp?
Originally written in 2012, but still as heartfelt today. For more information about the work I’m doing to help educators make school more like camp, visit my speaking page or GATA (Gold Arrow Teacher Academy). Why can’t school be more like camp? Yesterday, my fourth grade son came home from school downcast. It’s his third…
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10 Fun Ways Teachers Can Help Kids Connect with Other Kids
2020 Update: Educators who are interested in access to my ongoing webinars, chats, and resources related to creating connection, celebrating strengths, and cultivating character in students, check out GATA (Gold Arrow Teacher Academy) for community, support, and resources! September, 2017 My oldest daughter started her first teaching job about a month ago. She’s teaching high…
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Activities to Foster Online Classroom Connections (Free Webinar Replay & PDF Download)
Thank You! Thank you for joining us for our very first Gold Arrow Teacher Academy (GATA) webinar! Our team leaders, Andy and Audrey, enjoyed sharing some kid-tested activities that will help get your classroom off to a great start! As you embark on a new school year, our GATA team is ready to help you create…
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Ep. 125: Transforming Schools with Positivity
Show notes & links available here. In this episode, I’m speaking with Niki Spears, the co-founder of the Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey. She started this organization to bring the positive messages of Jon Gordon’s book, The Energy Bus, to schools everywhere. Niki has spent over 15 years working in education. Once an elementary…
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Ep. 122: How to Connect with Your Teen with Chris Thurber
Show notes & links available here. In this episode, I’m chatting with Dr. Chris Thurber, a legendary trainer in the camp industry and a clinical psychologist who works at Phillips Exeter Academy, about how important it for parents to connect with their teens. Chris has developed online training programs for educators and youth leaders around…
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Ep. 107: How College Makes or Breaks Us with Paul Tough
In episode 107, I’m talking with Paul Tough about his latest book, The Years That Matter Most: How college makes or breaks us, a powerful mind-changing inquiry into higher education in the United States. We talk about the state of higher education today and how can we help more young Americans achieve success. Big Ideas…
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Ep. 65: Raising Engaged, Happy Kids with Mary Hofstedt
Kids need time in adolescence to answer the questions: Who am I? Where do I belong? Am I normal? They need reflective spaces, quiet time, time for daydreaming, time to listen to music on the couch, not having anywhere to be. We need to protect this time for our kids. Mary Hofstedt, Challenge Success …
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Ep. 59: 5 Ways to Help Kids Thrive During Their School Years and Beyond with Pam Roy
“We need to prepare our kids for a future world that is changing. The economy is changing so fast and the corporate ladder is dissolving. We need to get out of our kids’ way and allow them to try new things, figure out what they like and don’t like. Let them fail and learn in…
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Ep. 58: Authentic Teaching with Jackie Beyer
At Authentic Teacher we are dedicated to helping students learn using culturally relevant lessons, best teaching practices and state of the art technology to help parents and teachers provide the best education possible in the 21st century! Jackie Beyer Episode 58 features Authentic Teacher website and podcast founder Jackie Marie Beyer. Jackie is an experienced educator…
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Ep. 53: Four Ways to Help Your Child Succeed at School
In Episode 53, I’m chatting with my oldest daughter and favorite high school English teacher, Gretchen Monke. She has done a terrific job of connecting with her students and has some excellent insights on how parents can partner with teachers to help kids succeed at school. We discuss four ways to help your child succeed…
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4 Ways to Make School more like CAMP
My dream is for my kids to attend a school they love as much as they love camp. Two years ago, when my son started at a new school and was having a difficult time, I wrote Why Can’t School be More Like Camp?, and that quote was how my post started. I went on to share some…
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