Welcome to the powerED Up Podcast! Listen to this episode to meet your host Ken Ehrmann and his co-host Matt Rogers. We will discuss our goals and vision for the podcast as well as provide some background information on our experience as classroom educators. Join us on our journey where we focus on talking to classroom teachers to find inspiration in their success to improve our craft as educators. You can find us on any podcast app with this information: https://anchor.fm/s/426f32f8/podcast/rss

We interview Mike Creed, an incredible elementary teacher. We follow his unconventional journey into education while being inspired by his work ethic to launch his career. Most of all, we learn about Mike's classroom culture, which he has branded as Creeds Crew. Mike provides our listeners with actionable steps to raise the game in your lessons and how to focus on student development. His differentiation strategies exemplify how we can support all students.

In this episode, we interview Rhett Oldham, a secondary social studies teacher from Missouri. Rhett provides the listeners with inspirational lessons and actionable takeaways for classroom instruction. He thrives on creating an atmosphere where students are passionate to learn, excited to share, and encouraged to offer ideas.

In this show Wade dives deep into the strategies and programs in place to advocate for student success; especially in a struggling rural community. Wade will provide the listeners with actionable steps to implement a more differentiated and personalized approach to instruction. He completes the interview by sharing his "dream lesson" he plans to implement with students.

Ken and Matt interview Susan Jachymiak, a third-year teacher from Illinois. She brings authentic insight, raw discussions, and insightful reflections for such a young teacher. We dive deep into her use of social media and how vulnerability has helped her grow. This can serve as a guide for young teachers and a reminder to our veteran teachers of what is important to remember for a classroom.

Ken and Matt go toe to toe in a "look at a lesson" smackdown! Watch and listen as they duke out one of their favorite experiences they provide for students! Okay, so there are no figure-four leg locks or chokeholds in this show, but Ken and Matt dive deep into what is becoming the most popular segment of the show, you know, the one that has a different name every episode.  Ken and Matt have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the lessons of the guests, so they run through the questions with each other.

Kinesthetic learning is an instructional strategy much deeper and more important than brain breaks.  The author of the book The Kinesthetic Classroom, Mike Kuczala, tells the truth about this teaching style.  He provides actionable tips and specific lesson examples of what kinesthetic teaching looks like and how to best integrate it into any classroom.  This instructional style was a core component of Ken's classroom, and the conversation is rich with authentic reflections.  Mike shares the 6 core foundations of kinesthetic learning and provides specific examples for each pillar.

As educators, we have the opportunity to create a lasting impact on young peoples' lives. Jessyca Mathews takes this responsibility and opportunity very seriously. Her students are dedicated to advocating for positive change in their local communities. She utilizes real-world instruction to engage the students with current and relevant topics. Jessyca offers great inspiration for navigating heavy topics and doing so with grace. She also shares some strategies for using alternative media in writing courses.

Dr. Sam Fecich has flipped the switch on what it means to prepare the next generation of educators. Her innovative undergraduate course on ed-tech is innovative and relevant. She creates engaging lessons but more importantly the opportunity for authentic and real-world mentorship. Additionally, she provides the listeners with staple ed-tech tools and amazing criteria to evaluate all other tools.

In this show, Matt and Ken compare their own personal approach to how they "train" their students on using technology tools in the classroom. Their personal approach could not be farther apart. They both heavily utilize technology in the classroom. Matt has a beginning of the year "boot camp" to whip his students into shape. Ken has his trademarked "blended objectives" approach he integrates throughout the year.

Lee Carlson will do anything to ensure his students, and all students in his district have a positive experience. He will even drive the bus, seriously, he is driving the bus this year. Lee is big on harnessing his own growth mindset and modeling it for students. He shares specific lessons forcing students to harness a growth mindset to find success.

Laura Boyd is an incredible Spanish teacher focused on creating the best experience for students. She starts with a purposeful plan to establishing a positive rapport with each student and a welcoming community in her classroom. It transitions into experiences where students are forced to use the language in restaurants and stores speaking only Spanish. This is a must-listen for all teachers!

Cindy Soule is the 2021 Maine Teacher of the Year.  It is quite obvious, from beginning to end, why she has earned those accolades.  She is focused on developing hard-working students, that care for themselves and others, and are ready to tackle real-world problems with grit.  One of her favorite messages to convey to other teachers is that "every teacher's superpower is belief in students."  Real, genuine belief.   To top it off, Cindy dives deep into her strategies for inquiry-based learning and how they can impact a student's ability to learn to read.

Stephanie brings passion, insight, and practical lesson ideas from the first question! The energy of this podcast is off the charts, and the lessons provide an equal punch. Stephanie is an elementary teacher and differentiation coach. She shines a much-needed light on the gifted population of students. She provides amazing strategies for improving differentiation for the benefit of all learners. Any teacher, K-12, can come out of this interview with strategies for supporting and challenging students. Get your pen and paper ready!

Zach has many unique perspectives through his educational journey translating into supportive and realistic expectations for teachers.  Zach moved from Ohio to South Carolina to teach South Carolina history! His strong work ethic and focus on relationships helped him build a strong foundation in the community as a teacher leader.  Zach transitioned into a role as a curriculum coach for his school.  We discuss strategies for capturing teachable moments and maintaining curricular pacing expectations.