Tammy and Christine revisit their 2021 book "The Minimalist Teacher," reflecting on which concepts remain relevant in today's educational landscape and the ongoing conversations they're having with educators about minimalist approaches. • The Triple P funnel (Purpose, Priorities, Paring Down) helps teachers declutter instructional practices and ass…

Dr. Michele Ogden shares her journey from elementary principal back to the classroom, highlighting the importance of aligning career choices with personal strengths and sources of joy. Her story challenges traditional career progression narratives, demonstrating how finding the right fit can enhance wellbeing and professional satisfaction. • Former…

Dr. Krista Leh returns to discuss how educators can effectively integrate social emotional learning into their teaching without adding to their workload, emphasizing the importance of recognizing SEL skills already present in their practices. • Teachers continue to struggle with balancing personal lives and professional obligations while facing con…

In this episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we connect with Fred Ende, the Director of Curriculum and Instructional Services at Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES. Fred shares his journey from a middle school science teacher to an educational leader, highlighting the importance of professional development tailored to meet the needs of teache…

Laurie Namey shares how prioritizing people first in educational leadership leads to transformative school cultures and student achievement. Her leadership philosophy centers on a minimalist principle, proving that when people are valued first, everything else falls into place. • Prioritize people by day, paperwork by night • The physical environme…

Lindsay Durkin shares her transformative transition from a passionate first-grade teacher to a corporate training manager, reflecting on the challenges of feeling unfulfilled in teaching and the valuable skills she carries into her new role. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's value beyond the classroom and the potential for …

Discover how personalized tutoring reshapes lives and builds pathways to success in this engaging episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, featuring Craig Rudolph, owner of School is Easy Tutoring in Edmonton. With a background in banking and a passion for education, Craig transitioned to tutoring, highlighting the critical human touch in learni…

Can activity-packed lessons actually hinder true learning? Join Tammy and Christine on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we unravel the "twin sins of planning," a thought-provoking concept brought to light by McTighe and Willis. We promise you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how the focus on fun, activity-oriented lessons and an obsess…

Unlock the secrets of effective teaching by mastering the "double whammy" strategy with us on this week's Minimalist Educator Podcast. We'll guide you through the art of teaching content and learning behaviors simultaneously, a transformative approach pioneered by Guy Claxton. Discover how adopting this dual focus can reshape your classroom, ensuri…

This episode emphasizes the value of focusing on one teaching point to enhance clarity and learning outcomes in the classroom. Through practical strategies, real-life examples, and discussions on cognitive load, the hosts provide insights into effective teaching practices that can improve student success while promoting a minimalist approach to edu…

Join us for a compelling journey into the art of curriculum development with our brilliant guest, Jill Cross, a National Board Certified Teacher and seasoned curriculum director. Jill shares her diverse experiences across various educational settings, from small Catholic schools to innovative museum schools, and her current role at an independent J…

Discover the transformative power of empathy in education with Dr. Tom Hoerr, a distinguished educator and author whose 37-year journey in educational leadership is nothing short of inspiring. As we discuss his insightful book, "The Principal as Chief Empathy Officer," Tom explains why empathy is not just a buzzword but a crucial element for nurtur…

Can mastering only 70% of the material at a high level of mastery truly prepare students for life’s scientific challenges? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we chat with Lisa Fort, an accomplished earth science teacher from New York State, who believes it can. Lisa shares her expert strategies for organizing science curriculum and plann…

Unlock the secrets behind the fascinating world of teaching through the lens of their partners. This episode promises to enlighten you on how the partners of educators interpret the job satisfaction of their significant others. We highlight the intriguing dichotomy between those who perceive their partners as content and those who notice neutrality…

What happens when the classroom door closes, but the workday continues at home? Join us for an eye-opening exploration into the personal lives of educators, as seen through the eyes of their significant others. Discover the surprising truth that 65% of teacher partners report their loved ones bringing work home often. This episode reveals the intri…

Naomi Church, a passionate advocate for minimalist teaching strategies in math, joins us to unravel the complexities of modern math instruction. What if less really is more when it comes to teaching math? Discover how simplifying your approach can not only alleviate the overwhelming burden of an extensive curriculum but also transform the learning …

Could embracing minimalism and advocating for yourself transform your teaching and personal life? Join us as we promise to uncover how reducing unnecessary workloads and protecting personal time can lead to a more fulfilling and effective educational experience. Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and Christine Arnold revisit a beloved discussion, spotlightin…

Join us on a transformative journey with our special guest, Dan Tricarico, a veteran high school teacher who has seamlessly woven Zen principles into the fabric of his teaching. Uncover Dan's inspiring story of navigating the throes of burnout and emerging with a toolkit of mindfulness strategies that not only reignited his passion for education bu…

In Season Four of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we explore the important intersection of teaching and personal life while reflecting on our most popular episodes. The discussions emphasize human connections in education, effective instructional strategies, and the importance of compassion in teaching. • Overview of new season and its highlights …

Ever wondered how you can streamline your teaching methods and maximize productivity? This final episode of Season 3 on the Minimalist Educator Podcast is your go-to guide! We’ve compiled the most impactful "Pair Down Pointers" from our brilliant guests, starting with Jennifer Orr’s practical end-of-day task hack from episode 45, to Naomi Church an…

Can you imagine navigating a world where your child's education is simplified and more effective? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we uncover how to streamline online educational programs with the help of our insightful guests, Naomi Church and Sarah DeCotis from Age of Learning. Naomi, an expert educator and national math curriculum s…

Can slowing down actually lead to more effective education? Join us as we unravel the slow schools movement, a transformative approach that prioritizes mindfulness, intentionality, and holistic well-being over the relentless pace of modern education. Discover how cultural shifts towards busyness as a badge of honor have infiltrated our schools, and…

Get ready to unlock the secrets of creating equitable educational environments in our latest episode featuring Dr. Sheldon Eakins, the visionary behind the Leading Equity Center. Gain firsthand insight into Dr. Eakins' experiences as a Black educator navigating predominantly white spaces in Idaho. His compelling journey underscores the critical nee…

Unlock the secrets of enhancing education through the arts with our special guest, Amanda Koonlaba, on the Minimalist Educator Podcast. Amanda, a talented mixed media artist and dedicated educational leader, takes us on a journey beginning with a pivotal moment in her childhood that sparked her lifelong passion for creative expression. Learn how he…

Can the act of simplifying curriculum transform education? On this episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast, we promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on how decluttering the curriculum can lead to more meaningful and effective teaching. Joined by Christine, we unpack what curriculum truly means and scrutinize the various forces that shape it, f…

Discover the secret to a balanced and fulfilling life alongside Sybil Hall, an esteemed educator and author of "Burn Bright, Not Out: 35 Lessons that Cultivate Teacher Wellbeing." Sybil opens up about her evolution from elementary school teacher to an international literacy consultant, sharing how her morning routine of yoga and coffee with her hus…

How can eight simple visual tools revolutionize the way we think, learn, and teach? Join us as we sit down with David Hyerle, the visionary educational researcher behind the Thinking Maps model, to uncover the transformative power of these minimalist tools. From his formative years teaching in inner-city Oakland to his groundbreaking work with the …

Have you ever felt like there’s just not enough time in the day to accomplish everything on your to-do list? Tammy and Christine get real about their own struggles with balancing professional duties and personal life on this episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast. They share heartfelt anecdotes and practical tips that make managing time feel a …

Curious about the secrets behind teacher resilience in a rapidly changing educational landscape? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee, seasoned educators with over 40 years of combined experience, as they share their invaluable insights from their book, "Habits of Resilient Educators: Strategies for Thrivi…

Unlock the secrets of fostering engaging classroom conversations that can transform your teaching experience. Join us as we chat with Jennifer Orr, a seasoned elementary school teacher and author, whose insights are a game-changer for educators, especially those working with English language learners. Jennifer shares her incredible journey of spear…

Unlock the secrets to effective communication and ensure your training sessions leave a lasting impact! Join us as we chat with Chris Fenning, the acclaimed business author and communication expert trusted by giants like Google and NATO. Discover how Chris turned his frustration with inefficient meetings into a fascinating journey of mastering comm…

Ready to transform your approach to educational leadership? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast, where we welcome Mihoko Chida, a seasoned educational leader with over two decades of experience in Tokyo and Bangkok. Mihoko opens up about her journey, the relentless pressures of the role, and the critical decision to take a career break for h…

Unlock the secrets to intentional leadership in education with our special guests, Peter DeWitt and Mike Nelson. This episode promises to transform your approach to educational leadership, as we dive into their book "Leading with Intention: How School Leaders Can Unlock Deeper Collaboration and Drive Results." Learn from Mike's game-changing experi…

Ever wondered why maintaining a tidy workspace seems impossible despite your best efforts? Join us as Christine and I unpack our personal struggles with clutter—from Christine's double-duty roles at school creating chaos in her office and classroom, to my ongoing battle with post-it notes overtaking my desk. We get candid about how life's interrupt…

Ever wondered why your meticulously planned day goes awry the moment an unexpected event occurs? Join us on the Minimalist Educator Podcast as we delve into the art of creating buffers in educational settings. In this episode, Tammy Musialski-Bornemann and Christine Arnold, co-authors of the Minimalist Teacher Book, share how building extra time in…

Curious about how to align your time with your true educational priorities? In this bonus episode, Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and Christine Arnold give you an exciting preview of what's coming in season three of the Minimalist Educator Podcast. From innovative thinking maps to slow schools, and from classroom dynamics to resilience, we’ve got an arra…

Ever wondered how a dash of joy and a sprinkle of simplicity can transform your educational practice? Prepare to be charmed by Sheila Kennedy's infectious mantra for reveling in every moment, and Nicole Dissinger's celebration of uncomplicated yet effective teaching. Our season finale is a treasure trove of wisdom from visionaries like Michelle Jas…

Dive headfirst into the enlightening world of educational data with our special guest, Dr. Emily Davis! She's here to shatter the myth that data is just a series of intimidating numbers, revealing how it can become a teaching superpower. Together, we navigate through the nuances of quantitative and qualitative data, unlocking the stories and patter…

Embark on an intellectual journey with us, Tammy Musiowsky-Borniman and I, Christine Arnold, as we delve into the world of cognitive load theory, unveiling its transformative power in educational settings. Prepare to shift your perspective on teaching and learning, as we unravel the complex dance between sensory input and working memory, and its pr…

Unlock the secrets of Professional Learning Communities with Dr. Lori Stollar, a seasoned expert who joins us to illuminate the transformative power of PLCs in education. Shedding light on the essence of effective collaboration, Laurie dismantles the myths that have long shrouded PLCs, guiding us through the pivotal shift from a traditional teachin…

Unlock the secrets to fostering strong family engagement in schools with Alina Davis, a visionary from Orange County Public Schools. Our candid discussion peels back the layers of the Parent Academy's success and shares how to tailor family initiatives to meet diverse needs. Discover the art of effective communication and how a strategically organi…

Ever wondered how a seasoned mentor guides fresh educators through the labyrinth of their first year? Join us as Nicole Dissinger, a beacon of wisdom in the teaching community, returns to our show to illuminate the path for new teachers navigating the crucial first steps of their career journey. With Nicole's expertise, we delve into the art of bui…

Transform your instructional coaching methods with the wisdom of Kenny McKee, our special guest, who brings the power of compassionate coaching into the spotlight. Get ready to harness the 'rule of two' through our discussion, ensuring that your coaching aligns seamlessly with teachers' goals and tackles the universal struggle with time constraints…

Ever found yourself guarding that last pack of sticky notes like a dragon with its gold? Join us, Tammy Musiowsky-Borniman and Christine Arnold, as we tackle the all-too-common scarcity mindset in education. We're diving headfirst into the reality of teachers reaching into their own wallets for classroom supplies and the silent message it sends to …

Unlock the secrets of effective communication within the classroom and beyond as Dr. Meghan Everette joins us to share her expertise in the educational sphere. With a focus on crafting concise messages that resonate, our enlightening conversation with Megan is a treasure trove for educators grappling with the challenge of reaching diverse audiences…

When faced with the daunting task of guiding her non-English speaking parents through the complexities of a new country, Ming Shelby learned early on that courage isn't just an abstract concept, but a muscle we can all develop. This very lesson fuels her mission today, which she passionately shares with us, to embolden educators with the bravery to…

What does it mean to truly invite joy into our lives? What impact can it have on our personal and professional experiences? This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the esteemed Sheila Kennedy, founder of Be Positively Connected. Together, we took a deep dive into her 25-year journey in education and discovered the immense power of appli…

Struggling to strike the perfect balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being? Craig Aarons Martin joins us to illuminate the path to self-care mastery for educators, emphasizing the transformative effects of physical activity, meditation, and mindfulness. His personal anecdotes serve as a beacon for those looking to r…

Discover the transformative power of collaboration and leadership in education with Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and me, Christine Arnold, on the minimalist educator podcast. This episode promises to leave you with invaluable insights on how building teacher capacity is not just about enhancing individual skills but revolutionizing the entire school co…

Have you ever wondered how to effectively manage multiple responsibilities in a school setting without losing your sanity? Join us as we chat with Michelle Jocinska, a seasoned educator who wears many hats as an assistant principal, PYP coordinator, and teacher at a medium-sized international school in Japan. She generously shares her unique perspe…