Value Adds Value!

Over the last 15+ years Joe Beckman has spoken in educational settings all over the world with one simple mission… to reclaim human connection. We were so lucky to have the chance to talk with him about his new book JUST LOOK UP! Just look up. It is amazing how easy it can be to forget to look up and appreciate what we have as teachers. It is especially true this year that we have gotten bogged down in our classrooms, virtual or otherwise, and lost sight of our purpose. That is why we were so fortunate to have Joe Beckman on the podcast this week to talk about classroom culture, authenticity and his new book JUST LOOK UP!  We also got to talk about how to make connection the plate that all our other plates sit on, striving towards community culture in through community buy in, and and how we can stay focused on our values.   https://justlookupbook.com/ https://joebeckman.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valueaddsvalue/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/itskylekrueger/?hl=en https

We are happy to share with you part 1 of a 2 part interview with our good friend Gary Gray Jr. We are so blessed to call Gary and his wife Narin family and to have interviewed him four times for the podcast. On this episode we caught up with Gary for the first time since the summer of 2019 to discuss with him his move from Singapore to Manila, what it has been like to be off of Instagram, and how he has built a thriving professional development community on Twitter. Once again this conversation centers around helping teachers find their authenticity and voice so that we can help students do the same thing. Gary strives to make every student feel seen and be the curator of their own learning. It got super interesting when we talked about whether the traditional role of the teacher as "content expert" has become outdated when our students can fact check us with Alexa, Siri, and Google. In the second part of the episode we'll be talking about how to create a library that is inclusive and so much more! Thank you

Welcome back the Value Adds Value Podcast! On this episode we talked with Tabatha Wesley, who is currently a math instructional coach in Georgia, but has lived and taught in many different places. We wanted to have her on the podcast to talk about how she uses TikTok and teach math, but that conversation will have to wait because we got to talking and things went a different direction. This episode is about how to embed your content into the culture of the students. It stemmed from her answer on why she started making TikToks and how they have made a difference for her kids. Here's what else we talked about: Moving Schools and States. How moving schools can give you a bad reputation Our journeys as new teachers Making the choice about administrative positions What Tab tries to model for her new teachers Getting students to love being around you We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast and be sure to go follow Tabatha on Instagram and Tiktok! Instagram and TikTok: @tabwesley Here is how you can

This is throwback to conversation we had in the summer of 2019 about building relationships that influence students to do the right things versus using authority to get what you want. It seemed relevant to us given the challenges that many of us are facing building relationships this year over virtual, social distanced, and with far less interactions. Thanks for checking out this episode of the Value Adds Value Podcast! We loved being in the same room when record podcasts and in this episode we talk about how our relationships with students impact the leaders they will become. If you listen to this podcast you know that we believe there is nothing more important for a teacher to succeed than their ability to build, maintain and leverage their relationships. Building relationships is the easy part, maintain them is more difficult, but being able to leverage them is the most difficult challenge for teachers. When you have built and maintained relationships with kids you still are using some degree of authority

Danna Thomas is an educator in Baltimore who was the founder of The Happy Teacher Revolution. After seven years in the classroom Danna realized the need to make the health and happiness of teachers a priority and started her organization that now has more the 31,000 members. The Happy Teacher Revolution is a network of teachers – a network that serves as a support system for teachers who are struggling with the shame, blame, guilt and difficulties of balancing an incredibly demanding profession with their own sense of self and happiness. We brought Danna on the podcast to talk about creating our own sense of self and happiness and it was one of the most fun and inspiring interviews we have had. It was just a real conversation about the negative impacts our emotions can have on students (like how our stress creates stress in them), how pursuing hobbies and passions can change our attitudes, and how we can strive for work life integration. We hope you enjoy this episode of Value Adds Value and if you don't mind

It is crazy to us that we are approaching our 300th podcast episode and that we continue to get to talk with amazing educators like Shannon Cunningham Lanning! Shannon is known to many teachers as @primaryshannonigans on Instagram and provides a ton of resources through her website http://primaryshannonigans.com/. Shannon is an elementary literacy specialist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who joined us for a conversation on what it takes to create safe spaces for students in 2020 and how we can communicate the needs of this school year to students in ways that are age appropriate.  Here are a few other things we talked about: Shannon's high school experience with juvenile arthritis  Her experiences teaching in the primary grades How we can use empathy this year A refresher on Love and Logic Why Wisconsin football is vastly superior to Nebraska football!!! Thank you to everyone for tuning into to this episode of Value Adds Value and if you liked this episode please share it out!! Follow us

This part 2 of our conversation with Lauren Larson (@structuredspecialed on Instagram) who is a K-6 SEL Specialist in the Phoenix area. Prior to that job she was a self contained Elementary SPED teacher and an ABA Therapist. We talked with Lauren about how dangerous it is for teachers to try keeping up with the Joneses. We had seen a post on Lauren's IG about how teachers should strive for function in their classrooms over having things that look cute and we asked her about it during this part of the podcast. It got us into a conversation about how now more than ever teachers are seeing things on the internet highlight reels of people and thinking that will work for them in their teaching. This episode is ultimately about how we stay true to ourselves as teachers whether we are teaching from home or on campus.  Here are some of the other things we talked about: 1. The desire of teachers and schools to rush into content. 2. The 2 minutes for 10 days method. 3. How to equip parents and caretakers with reso

Lauren Larson is SEL K-6 Behavior Specialist in Phoenix who has a background as an ABA Therapist and Special Education teacher. We brought  Lauren on to have a conversation about what SEL looks like in a school year that looks different than any other year we've had before. In part one of this conversation we had with Lauren how her background as an ABA therapist and how she was inspired by the inaction of the teachers she worked with in regards to using strategies to help her students. After getting her Master's in Special Ed. she worked in self contained rooms before taking this job working specifically and building SEL strategies into behavior plans. We also began a conversation about what great teachers do for students who have experienced trauma and how to build on the relationships between families and teachers. We hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to go follow Lauren on Instagram @structuredspecialed! Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valueaddsvalue/?hl=en  https://www.

Hey Teacher... YOU ARE ENOUGH!! Hey Teacher... YOU ARE ENOUGH!! Hey Teacher... YOU ARE ENOUGH!! And to prove it we'll give you some reasons why on this episode of Value Adds Value! Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valueaddsvalue/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/itskylekrueger/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/its.wil.law.iii/?hl=en Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/itskylekrueger https://twitter.com/its_wil_law_iii Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valueaddsvalue https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ7hVS9BqW0OFOO5SFKxydA --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/valueaddsvalue/support

This is part 2 of our conversation with Fiona Gonzalez (https://www.spedadulting.com/) who is Special Education teacher in Orange County that works in a high school transition program. In part one we talked about the outcomes they want from their transition program as they prepare students to have a job and live independently as well as how she is adapting to the virtual classroom. Here is what we talked about in part 2: The role of relationships in SPED The career skills need for students to succeed How we found our first jobs The value of the trades What she would put on a billboard Legacy Please make sure you follow Fiona online as @spedadulting or visit her website to learn more about her work! Here's how to connect with us! Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valueaddsvalue/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/itskylekrueger/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/its.wil.law.iii/?hl=en Follow us on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/itskylekrueger  https://twitter.com/its

Fiona Gonzalez is a Moderate/Severe Education Specialist, with a Masters in Education, and a B.A. in Marketing.  She was a moderate/severe special education aide of various age groups for many years before getting her Masters in Education and working with students in an adult transition program in Orange Country, CA. We wanted to talk with Fiona because the adult transition aspect of Special Education is not something we are very familiar with the classroom setting. Fiona also has a really fun back story that somehow got us talking about our first jobs and the differences between growing up in a small town versus a major city.  Here are the highlights of our talk: We asked Fiona what she believes the teacher students deserve looks like. We discuss how to use breaks in the virtual classroom. We acknowledged that it is ok not to feel ok. Fiona explains her teaching positions and the programs she works with as well as explain what they strive to provide their students. If you want to content with

This is part two of our conversation with Sarah McCarthy (mccarthymathacademy.com)  in which we talk with her about how she has learned to stay in her lane as an educator. We know that the Teacher-preneur is a real thing, but at time we have gotten lost chasing opportunities that weren't for us. We talk with Sarah about how to learn from your mistakes and when you find your lane to ride it like a champ! We also talk about what it is like to be parents and teachers in 2020 and the power of a morning routine!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Value Adds Value! Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valueaddsvalue/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/itskylekrueger/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/its.wil.law.iii/?hl=en Follow us on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/itskylekrueger  https://twitter.com/its_wil_law_iii Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valueaddsvalue https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ7hVS9BqW0OFOO5SFKxydA --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.

Sarah McCarthy is the creator of the McCarthy Math Academy which provides online math curriculum and tutoring for grades 3-5. Prior to going full time with the academy Sarah was an elementary math teacher and coach in the Orlando area. We brought her on to talk about how she interacts with students on the digital platform and to give advice on how teachers can build authentic relationships with their students. Here are some of the highlights! How to work with teachers who are resistant to change How her classroom experience shapes the math academy How teachers can become more comfortable teaching to the camera Why we should leave our mistakes in our videos for students Why you don't need a fancy set up to teach online We hope you enjoy the first part of this episode with Sarah McCarthy and be sure to tune in later in the week to hear more about online learning and how to build a powerful morning routine! https://www.mccarthymathacademy.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valueadds

This part two of our conversation with Levi Spangrud who is an Educational Assistant and Youth Pastor in the Twin Cities! In part one Levi shared with us how he strives to both challenge and champion students. In this episode he discusses how he has stayed connected to his students over the course of the pandemic and how discussions are going to be an important part of the school year whether they are virtual or in  person.  Here are the highlights of our conversation: How to approach people who disagree with you in a loving way Saying to ourselves, "maybe I'm wrong." How to facilitate discussion and conversation How to build relationships during distance learning Understanding that positive looks different on everyone You can connect with Levi via Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/levispangrud/?hl=en Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/valueaddsvalue/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/itskylekrueger/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/its.wil.law.iii/?h

Levi Spangrud is an Educational Assistant and Youth Pastor in Lakeville, Minnesota, who Kyle is lucky enough to call a colleague and friend. We brought him on the podcast to talk about how he builds relationships with students in both settings and how the skills he has learned as a pastor influence how he works with students. He also happens to be a snappy dresser and has a championship level beard!! Here's what we talked about in part one of this conversation: Why students need to be both championed and challenged How to make yourself accessible to students The lens we use to see our students The impact of owning our mistakes  Connect with Levi on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/levispangrud/?hl=en Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/valueaddsvalue/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/itskylekrueger/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/its.wil.law.iii/?hl=en Follow us on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/itskylekrueger        &nbs

This is the second part of our conversation with Gerald Schattle, who is the principal at the Aldine Education Center in Houston, Texas! This podcast shows how when one teacher pours into another they can change the trajectory of many teachers. The lessons Coach Schattle taught Wilkie when he was a new teacher are the same lessons he taught Kyle when they became teammates. As we've said many times... when you add value to someone they will add that value to someone else! VALUE ADDS VALUE!! Here's what we talked about on this episode of the podcast: How we can keep the pulse of our school as leaders How to find good mentors How to give and receive feedback Coach's fitness journey and the example it sets A 100k race Thank you again for listening to Value Adds Value!  If you want to connect with Gerald please find him on social media:  https://twitter.com/gwschattle281 https://www.instagram.com/runwithschattle/?hl=en Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/valueaddsvalue/?hl=e

It is crazy that two teachers from Aldine ISD in Houston have yet to have an Aldine teacher on the podcast, but that changes today! We are blessed to have Gerald Schattle on the podcast to talk about his journey from Aldine student to principal. A little bit of background on our connection to Coach Schattle. He was the teacher in the GAP room in which Wilkie started as a paraprofessional and has been a mentor to Wil ever since. He is now the principal at the Aldine Education Center which is an alternative program for high school students.  Here are some of the things we cover in this episode: His journey in Aldine ISD Building relationships with people who don't look like you How to find good mentors and take constructive criticism The value of common ground in building relationships What students are teaching us How to prepare for your next position To connect with Coach Schattle follow him: https://twitter.com/gwschattle281  https://www.instagram.com/runwithschattle/?hl=en Follow us on

Jen Newton, PhD and Mira Cole Williams, PhD are teacher educators striving to make the work of preparing inclusive teachers and supporting inclusive teachers visible.  They are assistant professors at Ohio University and James Madison University respectively, teacher educators, professional developers, learners, mentors, mentees, moms, and more. This is the second half of our interview with them and we can't wait to have them back on the podcast soon! Here are some of the topics for this episode: Teaching is political Getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations Creating Brave Spaces What Regular Ed. teachers get wrong about SPED How the system creates problematic framing "Learned Helplessness" The Legacy of Teaching Is Intellectual We hope you have enjoyed this episode of the podcast and to learn more about Jen and Mira visit their website Teaching Is Intellectual! To learn more about the work we do visit our Lighthouse Educator Development or find us on social media! Ins

Jen Newton, PhD and Mira Cole Williams, PhD are the creators of TEACHING IS INTELLECTUAL and we feel so fortunate to have had a conversation with the are teacher educators striving to make the work of preparing inclusive teachers and supporting inclusive teachers visible.  They are assistant professors at Ohio University and James Madison University respectively, teacher educators, professional developers, learners, mentors, mentees, moms, and more.  Here are some of the topics and questions for this episode: Inclusions teachers aren’t in the room just to teach the students with disabilities. Giving students access to typical spaces. Ableism and Equity Being Disruptive in Teacher Ed. and Special Ed. Inequity in Teacher Prep  How do we know when they’re ready for what’s next? False Barriers What should be imbedded within all teach prep programs and courses? Social Justice, Anti-bias anti-racist, anti-ableism Prioritizing data interpretation vs. just collection This is part one

Nick Mann is the creator of the online health and wellness programs TeacherFit and StudentFit and we are lucky to call him a friend and mentor. We are sharing this bonus episode with you in the hopes that you can incorporate StudentFit into your school this year. In this episode Nick discusses why he created StudentFit, what the student programming looks like and why this year health and wellness for students is so important. When you reach out to Nick to learn more please let him know that you heard about it on Value Adds Value! Learn more about StudentFit and TeacherFit on the links below or connect with Nick on Instagram and Twitter: @teacherfir_  https://www.teacherfit.com/ https://studentfit.teacherfit.com/info https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuAIUUaoNr4&t=3s --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/valueaddsvalue/support