Middle School Life

Jen Erdmann and Victoria Hammond

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Welcome to Middle School Life, where innovation meets education! Join us as we explore the latest trends, share inspiring ideas, and discuss strategies to create an enriching middle school experience for all.In each episode, your hosts, Assistant Principal Victoria Hammond and middle school teacher Dr. Jennifer Erdmann, will bring their wealth of knowledge and passion for education to the forefront.

02/26/2024

Unmasking Emotional Realities: Does Toxic Positivity Exist in Education?

Is the quest for a perpetually positive classroom overshadowing the real emotional needs of educators and students? Join us as we celebrate our 10th podcast episode and delve into the nuanced world of toxic positivity in education. In a special milestone episode, we raise our glasses to an incredible 500 downloads and share the candid conversations we've had. Together, we unravel the unintended consequences of a culture that prioritizes a 'positive at all costs' mentality, often at the expens...

27 min
02/12/2024

The Myth of Learning Styles and the Reality of Brain Power

Ever clung to the idea that we're either 'left-brained' or 'right-brained'? Prepare to have your mind expanded as we dissect and dismantle some of the most stubborn educational myths out there. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the fallacy of learning styles—auditory, visual, kinesthetic—and how they fail to hold up under scientific scrutiny. Despite their popularity, these categories don't necessarily enhance educational outcomes, and we explore the negative impact of pigeonholing stud...

21 min
01/29/2024

Guiding Students to Academic Triumphs Through Strategic Planning

Unlock the transformative power of goal setting with us as we explore not just the "how," but the remarkable "why" behind setting targets for middle school students. We'll take you on a journey through the art of achieving, revealing how realistic goals can supercharge motivation and academic prowess. We uncover how students can pinpoint meaningful objectives, with a cheerleading squad made up of school leaders, faculty, and parents. It's not just talk; we bring you stories of empowerm...

28 min
01/15/2024

The New Teacher Experience: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Self-Care, and Cultivating Classroom Joy

Ever wondered what it's like to walk a mile in a new teacher's shoes? Miss Samantha Ballman, with her refreshing honesty and second-year teaching wisdom, joins us to unravel the real deal behind the classroom door. From juggling the demands of time management to fostering a nurturing learning environment, we dissect the trials and triumphs that shape the early years of an educator's career. Samantha's revelations about the lifelines thrown by seasoned teachers and mentors shine a light on the...

37 min
01/01/2024

Shaping Futures: Embracing Restorative Justice and Empathy in Middle School Discipline

Embark on a journey with us as we uncover the transformative power of restorative justice and logical consequences in middle school settings, promising to reshape your views on discipline in education. Discover how these strategies, when infused with understanding and empathy, can turn conflicts into pivotal learning experiences. We've returned from our break with fresh perspectives and a hearty welcome to all our listeners, eager to build on the vital discussions initiated by our previous gu...

33 min
10/23/2023

Addressing the Invisible: Unpacking Mental Health Struggles and Solutions in Schools

In our latest episode, we sit down with Brittany Dean, a seasoned school counselor, and a registered therapist who is deeply aware of the mental health challenges our students are facing. She offers invaluable insights on the rising mental health issues among students and shares practical tips on identifying struggling students, understanding their behavior changes, and effectively navigating this as an educator.We illuminate the importance of providing effective mental health su...

38 min
10/09/2023

Navigating Discipline: Balancing Empathy and Control in Middle School Classrooms

Ever grappled with the unruly classroom? Lost sleep over how to manage disruptive behavior? As educators, we've all been there. Join Victoria Hammond and Dr. Jennifer Erdmann as we dissect the problems and potential solutions surrounding discipline in middle school education. We pull back the veil on the myriad sources of disruptive behavior, from unstable home environments to peer pressure and academic frustration. Navigating the waters of discipline often feels like a high-pressure bal...

33 min
09/25/2023

Climbing the Oak: Deconstructing and Reimagining School Climate and Culture

Have you ever pictured school as a majestic oak tree? Bear with us. Just as every tree has its climate and culture, so does every school. The day-to-day experiences form the climate, while the deeply entrenched values and beliefs represent the culture. It's fascinating, right? On this episode, we're taking a journey deep into the heartwood to unravel the complexities of school climate and culture. Let's get ready to explore the raw and real essence of our learning environments.Climbing up the...

31 min
09/10/2023

Teachers and Administrators: Building Bridges through Effective Communication

Are you often left wondering why there's a disconnect between school policies and classroom realities? Ever felt like your voice is unheard in the administrative labyrinth? Your hosts, Assistant Principal Victoria Hammond and Middle School Teacher Dr Jennifer Erdmann, are here to tackle this head-on! In our explorative conversation, we're dissecting the elephant in the room - communication within the educational system. We're focusing on the effects of organizational silence and the potential...

28 min
08/24/2023

Vital Connections: Self-Care and Building Powerful Relationships

Welcome to Middle School Life, a heartfelt conversation between educators seeking to build a positive learning environment for students. I, Assistant Principal Victoria Hammond, along with my co-host, Middle School teacher Dr. Jennifer Erdmann, share our unique perspectives derived from various backgrounds and roles in education. Excited? So are we! This episode kicks off our discussion on significant topics.Ever wondered how self-care links with effective teaching? We shed light on this vita...

28 min

10 Episodes

Creator

Jen Erdmann and Victoria Hammond
Years Active

2023 - 2024
Episodes

10
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Middle School Life

Middle School Life

Episodes

Unmasking Emotional Realities: Does Toxic Positivity Exist in Education?

The Myth of Learning Styles and the Reality of Brain Power

Guiding Students to Academic Triumphs Through Strategic Planning

The New Teacher Experience: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Self-Care, and Cultivating Classroom Joy

Shaping Futures: Embracing Restorative Justice and Empathy in Middle School Discipline

Addressing the Invisible: Unpacking Mental Health Struggles and Solutions in Schools

Navigating Discipline: Balancing Empathy and Control in Middle School Classrooms

Climbing the Oak: Deconstructing and Reimagining School Climate and Culture

Teachers and Administrators: Building Bridges through Effective Communication

Vital Connections: Self-Care and Building Powerful Relationships

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