Chris Mukiibi, a high school chemistry teacher, discusses his approach to classroom behavior management through a nervous system perspective. He emphasizes the importance of evoking growth emotions (curiosity, safety, play) over survival emotions (fear, rage, panic) to foster a cooperative learning environment. Mukiibi explains the concept of blue ribbon emotions, categorizing them into growth and survival emotions, and shares strategies for managing behavior, such as using visuals and faster feedback loops. He also highlights the significance of understanding the emotional states of students (safety, stress, survival) and tailoring responses accordingly.

Melissa Milner and Andrea discuss their recent activities and upcoming plans. Andrea shared her experience serving on a grand jury in Bristol County, which involved hearing cases for three months. She also took a cruise with MSC Cruises, highlighting the ship's unique features like mozzarella cheese making. Melissa visited the Grand Canyon, Iceland, and Paris integrating her travel experiences into her teaching. They also discussed the Massachusetts Computer Using Educators (MassCUE) fall conference at Gillette Stadium on October 14-15, 2026, and a mini-conference on August 4, 2026, focusing on learner variability in AI. Andrea talked about her many years working with interns.

Guest Phaea Crede, a neurodiverse picture book author, discusses her journey from struggling in school due to social discomfort and learning challenges to finding success in writing. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and shares her writing process, which includes extensive research and list-making. Crede also highlights the challenges of balancing writing with a full-time job and the need for supportive feedback in nurturing young writers. Melissa and Phaea share personal anecdotes and recommendations. They emphasize the value of using picture books and nonfiction for quick learning and suggest incorporating humor in writing to engage readers. They also discuss the impact of different narrative perspectives, such as first, second, and third person, on storytelling. The conversation highlights the benefits of diverse story generating methods, including improv and scripting, and the challenges of overcoming self-doubt in writing.

Debbie Hattery, a substitute teacher in Massachusetts, shared her journey from working in higher education policy to becoming a substitute teacher. She emphasized the importance of starting as a substitute para to understand classroom dynamics and recommended arriving early to prepare. Debbie highlighted the need for detailed sub plans, including student names and classroom routines, and suggested using a sub bag with essential items. She also discussed her role as a sub coordinator, focusing on improving the sub community through training, communication, and support. Debbie stressed the value of subbing for personal and professional growth.

Faye Bankler Cassell, a certified academic language therapist and dyslexia therapist, discusses her work with parents and children through her website and YouTube channel. She highlights the literacy crisis in the U.S., noting that only 1 in 5 children with dyslexia are labeled and receive services. Faye emphasizes the importance of early intervention and multi-sensory learning. She also discusses the challenges of dyslexia diagnosis and the need for systematic, cumulative, and repetitious instruction to help children decode with fluency. 

Melissa chats with Leah Crawford who discusses the "Think in English" program, a cognitive acceleration initiative developed at King's College, London. The program, which has been adapted for English language teaching, aims to enhance children's critical thinking and schema development through engaging lessons. Crawford explains the program's origins, its focus on Piagetian and Vygotskian theories, and its application in teaching children to classify texts and understand allegory. The discussion includes practical examples and the importance of collaborative learning in fostering intellectual growth.

Chris Papst, an investigative reporter from Fox 45 News, discusses his eight-year investigation into Baltimore City Public Schools. Despite being one of the most funded school systems, it ranks among the lowest performing. Papst's book, "Failure Factory," reveals systemic issues, including grade-changing practices that led to 12,542 failing grades being changed to passing over four years. He highlights a 30% funding increase over eight years without hiring additional teachers. Papst emphasizes the need for accountability, better educational policies, and community involvement to address these systemic failures.

Jessica Werner, founder and CEO of North Shore Learning, discusses her journey from teaching to helping teachers avoid burnout. She highlights the need for universal classroom management systems and the value of self-reflection and teacher well-being. Her company, North Shore Learning, offers free resources, webinars, and on-demand courses to support educators.

Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodivergent kids, discusses his work with ADHD, autism, giftedness, OCD, and dyslexia. He emphasizes the importance of awareness and accommodations for neurodivergent individuals, highlighting the need for universal design in education. Dr. Matt shares strategies for managing anxiety, such as praising behaviors and adapting environments. Dr. Matt's approach focuses on strengths rather than deficits and aims to support both students and educators.

Amy McMahon, with 27 years in education, discusses the importance of brain breaks in the classroom, especially post-COVID, to help students self-regulate and focus. Amy shares various no-prep brain break activities, including the "timer game," "mind reader," "silent partner draw," and "going on a picnic."

Phil Janiszewski, a former high school chemistry and physics teacher, discusses his transition to motivational speaking to combat educator burnout and boredom. He emphasizes the importance of integrating personal interests into teaching to maintain enthusiasm. Phil highlights the significance of positive psychology, which suggests that happiness leads to success. He advises educators to identify activities that fill them up and to give back to their community. Phil also stresses the need for administrators to support teachers better, acknowledging the challenges they face, and offers his services as a motivational speaker to boost morale and resilience.

Website: https://philjanuszewski.com/

Melissa chats with Jon Rand and Tom Turner from the "Failing Writers" podcast. John and Tom highlight the significance of making writing enjoyable and the potential of flash fiction and radio ads as educational tools.

https://www.failingwriterspodcast.com/

In Episode 2 of What About This?, Melissa talks about her fourth and fifth-grade drama club's upcoming performance and a recent Thanksgiving play. Andrea recounts her experiences at the MassCUE Fall Conference at Gillette Stadium, highlighting keynote speakers and the positive feedback. They also discuss Andrea's role at MassCUE, including organizing events and an internship program.  

Leah Crawford is an experienced educator and independent education consultant. She emphasizes the importance of engaging teaching methods, such as using dialogic exchange and mentor texts to enhance student comprehension and creativity. Leah also highlights the significance of teaching concepts over skills and the value of using literature to foster a rich understanding of storytelling and writing techniques.

https://leahcrawford.com

https://searchingforexcellence.co.uk  Bob Cox’s site - the home of Opening Doors

https://www.crownhouse.co.uk/opening-doors The Opening Doors series of books

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxCgNvQM8mbQK9KZ3P5UtQ5dmy5uQrRAX  15 mini tutorials lifted from the books on YouTube

Bluesky  @thinktalkleah.bsky.social

LinkedIn   Leah Crawford

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Major Choice is a career mentorship program for students with and without disabilities. The program emphasizes personalized mentorship, self-exploration, and career exploration, aiming to help students find fulfilling careers. Educators and professionals are encouraged to become mentors or volunteers. https://www.majorchoice.com/home-page5pdqllzu62926234

Holly Britton, a handwriting instruction specialist, discusses the importance of early transcription skills in education. She highlights the decline in handwriting proficiency, especially during COVID-19, and the need for explicit instruction starting from kindergarten. Holly founded Squiggle Squad, designed to teach handwriting through a fun, research-based approach.

Melissa chats with AJ Cullen, a licensed independent clinical social worker and certified Animal Assisted Intervention specialist. She discusses her podcast "Rising Voices" with co-host Danielle Terrell, which aims to connect young professionals with careers in autism and human services. AJ also shares her journey with Autism Barks, a business connecting neurodivergent individuals to Animal Assisted services.

Melissa interviews Mel Emerick, an elementary music teacher and author. Mel discusses her innovative teaching methods, including using a rubber chicken for green-screen lessons and creating a curriculum for oral dictation. She emphasizes the importance of humor and engagement in teaching, aiming to make learning enjoyable and memorable for students.

Melissa Milner and Andrea Calvin are starting their podcast adventure with this episode. They share personal interests, such as Melissa's love for concerts and Andrea's passion for baking. Andrea mentions upcoming events, including the MassCUE Fall Conference at Gillette Stadium. Melissa talks about her after school drama club and podcasting with students. Their next episode will be in December.

Melissa Milner hosts Ed Goyette, co-founder of Major Choice, a career mentorship program for students with and without disabilities. Major Choice is a sponsor of The Teacher As…Podcast. Ed shares the program's inception during the pandemic and its expansion to a national level. The program emphasizes personalized mentorship, self-exploration, and career exploration, aiming to help students find fulfilling careers. Educators and professionals are encouraged to become mentors or volunteers.

Melissa discusses the inspiration that came from a Metallica Master Class titled "Being a Band." She shares metaphors to teaching including Metallica's keys to building a resilient team: not neglecting individuals, keeping cool, empathizing, being real, embracing strengths, checking egos, building up bandmates, and remembering common goals.