Teacher Life Archives - John Spencer

Sep 06 2024

Campfires or Fireworks? Which Story Will You Choose?

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

Perfectionism often creeps in because we buy into the wrong story about what it means to be a teacher. In this week's article, I share two different stories that ultimately lead to either burnout or sustainability. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog…

Aug 02 2024

Kieran O’Mahony on Neuroscience in Education

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life No Comments

In my latest podcast episode, we get into the intersection of neuroscience and student learning with renowned expert Kieran O'Mahony. He is Founding Principal of the Institute for Connecting Neuroscience with Teaching and Learning, Chief Learning Officer of HUE Learn, and Emeritus Research Scientist at…

Jun 18 2024

From Battlefields to Common Ground: Embracing Nuance, Paradox, and Empathy in Education

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

Something about the current educational climate has me feeling unsettled. Although I often write about PBL, educational technology, and student empowerment, I want to share something different this week. It's about paradox, nuance, empathy, and the danger in making things a "war" in education. Listen…

Oct 26 2023

Cara Zelas on SEL, Emotional Support Dogs, and the Big World of Little Dude

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life No Comments

In this week's episode I interview Cara Zelas, the founder of Big World of Little Dude. Together we explore the crucial topics of emotional support dogs in schools, social-emotional learning, and enhancing student soft skills. Join us as we delve into practical strategies and the…

Jan 02 2023

Launching Into the New Year

By John Spencer Creativity, Mindsets, Podcast, Teacher Life One Comment

Each year, I choose a single word to focus on as my “one word.” I realize this might sound cheesy but I find it helpful. Having a single word helps me stay focused on a general theme for the year. I typically create visual reminders.…

Dec 05 2022

Always Teach in Beta

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Teacher Life 5 Comments

In my first year of teaching, my mentor said something I'll never forget. I taught a lesson that tanked. It was awful. I literally did everything wrong. It was the cringiest of cringe and I shared every detail with him over a coffee. I expected…

Dec 27 2021

Using the SLIME Method for Setting New Year’s Resolutions

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

Back in college, I started making New Year’s Resolutions. I would turn these resolutions into goals. Typically, I would start something entirely new and often I would finish my goal halfway through the year. Unfortunately, I didn’t always develop the habits needed for long-term change.…

Dec 17 2021

Finding Renewal on Your Winter Break

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

I wrote this post fifteen years ago as a 400 word reminder to myself to choose renewal and rest rather than work during winter break. I realize that it goes beyond the personal level. Often, the systems and structures fail to support teachers' ability to…

Oct 29 2021

Teachers Need a Genius Hour, Too

By John Spencer Creativity, Professional Development, Teacher Life 5 Comments

In my hardest year of teaching, we had a toxic school culture after a leadership change. I had panic attacks in the parking lot. Eight teachers quit by December. I had a stretch of nineteen days where I had no prep period. For me, community,…

Oct 21 2021

Ask the Teachers

By John Spencer Podcast, Teacher Life No Comments

Roy Kent gets it. There's a scene in the last episode of this season's Ted Lasso where the team's game plan doesn't seem to be working. The coaches huddle together in Ted's office and debate whether they should stick with the plan or try something…