Teacher Guard Podcast

Adam Ramirez

We discuss topics related to teacher sustainability. Guests include new and veteran teachers, retired educators, administrators, and consultants from across the country. We want great teachers to stay and thrive in the profession for a long time. Topics of discussion include strategies for managing burnout, uncertainty, culture, and many more obstacles that make staying in the profession challenging. Many of these topics are discussed through the lens of Teacher Guard's mentorship model. We hope you find this content helpful wherever you may be teaching.

  1. 6d ago

    How Teachers Protect Their Time w/ Dwaina Sookhoo

    In this episode, Dwaina Sookhoo shares her experiences as a teacher in the New York City public school system, discussing the challenges of emotional labor and the importance of supportive environments for teacher sustainability. She emphasizes the need for boundaries and self-care while navigating transitions between schools. Takeaways Emotional labor impacts sustainabilitySupportive environments enhance teacher retention Chapters 00:00 Navigating Teacher Challenges14:29 The Impact of School Environment23:26 Finding Balance in Teaching29:15 Making Informed Career DecisionsVisit our http://teacherguard.net website for more information on how to get mentorship. This podcast is brought to you by the https://the-cei.org/

    How Teachers Protect Their Time w/ Dwaina Sookhoo

  2. Oct 10

    This is How Teachers Take Back Their Time

    In this episode of the Teacher Guard podcast, Adam reflects on key takeaways from interviews with various educators, focusing on the theme of teacher sustainability and the challenges of task management. He shares practical strategies for prioritizing tasks and managing expectations to help teachers feel more in control and reduce burnout. Takeaways Task management is crucialPrioritization reduces teacher burnout Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Teacher Sustainability02:42 The Challenge of Task Management07:17 Organizing Expectations for Success15:09 Automating Task Completion20:13 Planning for Victory in TeachingVisit our http://teacherguard.net website for more information on how to get mentorship. This podcast is brought to you by the https://the-cei.org/

    This is How Teachers Take Back Their Time

  3. Sep 26

    Support Changes Everything with Josh Thurbee

    The conversation delves into the challenges faced by beginning teachers and the unsustainability of teaching, highlighting the need for support and community. It also explores reflections on time, energy, and the journey of learning and growth, concluding with insights on teaching concepts and mastery. The conversation delves into the importance of exposure and repetition in mastering concepts, the significance of ego management and emotional regulation for new teachers, the loneliness of leadership and the need for community, the challenges of teacher sustainability, systemic support for teachers, and the value of community and alignment with values in the teaching profession. Takeaways Teacher sustainabilityChallenges of beginning teachers Exposure and repetition lead to masteryEgo management and emotional regulation are crucial for new teachers Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:19 The Challenges of Beginning Teachers08:24 The Unsustainability of Teaching13:22 Reflections on Time and Energy19:27 The Journey of Learning and Growth25:17 Teaching Concepts and Mastery25:47 The Importance of Exposure and Mastery27:14 Ego Management and Emotional Regulation29:05 The Loneliness of Leadership and the Need for Community30:10 The Challenges of Teacher Sustainability32:27 Systemic Support for Teachers44:39 The Value of Community and Alignment with ValuesVisit our http://teacherguard.net website for more information on how to get mentorship. This podcast is brought to you by the https://the-cei.org/

    Support Changes Everything with Josh Thurbee

  4. Sep 19

    Relationships Fuel Teaching with Dr. Joel Amidon

    Joel Amidon shares his journey from teaching high school to becoming a professor and his passion for podcasting. He emphasizes the importance of relationships in teaching and the impact of time management on teacher sustainability. The conversation covers the importance of personal connections in teaching, the value of mentorship, and the need for a supportive community. It also emphasizes the significance of reflective practice and the challenges faced by new teachers. The discussion concludes with a focus on understanding and supporting teachers who may be considering leaving the profession. Takeaways Relationships are the key to teacher sustainabilityTime management and systems are crucial for creating space for meaningful relationships Personal connections and shared experiences are essential for building rapport with students.Mentorship and supportive communities are crucial for sustaining a successful teaching career. Chapters 00:00 Joel Amidon's Teaching Journey02:50 The Power of Podcasting08:57 The Importance of Relationships in Teaching13:01 Time Management and Teacher Sustainability20:40 Building Personal Connections23:00 The Role of Mentorship24:05 Reflective Practice and Supportive Communities25:22 Challenges Faced by New Teachers34:03 Understanding and Supporting Teachers Visit our http://teacherguard.net website for more information on how to get mentorship. This podcast is brought to you by the https://the-cei.org/

    Relationships Fuel Teaching with Dr. Joel Amidon

  5. Sep 12

    Building Belonging for Students in Math with Rebecca Guarino & Tamala Wiley

    The conversation explores the Cultivate Belonging Collaborative, a program focused on belonging-centered instruction and teacher coaching. It delves into the framework for belonging-centered instruction, reflecting on instruction and relationships, challenges and buy-in for the program, building community and relationships, and critical points in teacher development. The conversation delves into the support and affirmation of teachers, emphasizing the importance of creating space for reflection, empowerment, and control. It explores the impact on students, sustainability, and the navigation of learning dynamics. The themes of belonging, student support, and recognition of moments of power are also highlighted, along with the skill set for positive classroom perception and the support of new teachers. Takeaways Belonging-centered instructionTeacher coachingCreating a sense of belonging in the classroom Teacher supportBelonging and affirmation Chapters 00:00 Critical Points in Teacher Development23:53 Sustainability and Space for Reflection24:20 Impact on Students and Motivation25:37 Creating Space for Reflection and Connection26:22 Empowerment and Control28:28 Prioritizing Impact and Sustainability29:12 Incremental Improvement and Overwhelm30:21 Belonging and Student Support31:37 Supporting Students Below Grade Level32:33 Navigating Learning Dynamics and Instructional Impact33:27 Teacher Emotions and Response34:17 Recognizing Moments of Power35:56 Supporting New Teachers and Affirmation36:46 Affirmation and Self-Recognition39:26 Skill Set for Positive Classroom Perception Visit our http://teacherguard.net website for more information on how to get mentorship. This podcast is brought to you by the https://the-cei.org/

    Building Belonging for Students in Math with Rebecca Guarino & Tamala Wiley

  6. Sep 5

    The Hidden Cost of Teaching with Ian Caldwell

    The conversation covers Ian Caldwell's journey into teaching, the challenges he faced early in his career, the concept of teaching sustainability, reimagining education, the impact of class size, teaching math and learning, and the importance of facing challenges and validation in education. The conversation delves into the challenges and emotional toll of teaching, the journey of growth and awareness, and the importance of reflection and self-care in teaching. It also explores the impact of personal challenges on the teaching experience. Takeaways Teaching sustainability is crucial for the well-being and fulfillment of educators.The impact of class size on teaching and learning is significant, affecting the depth of student-teacher interactions and the ability to support individual students effectively. The emotional toll of teaching is a significant factor in teacher retention.Personal growth and self-awareness are essential for effective teaching. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Teaching03:20 Challenges of Early Teaching06:20 Teaching Sustainability11:24 Reimagining Education13:26 Impact of Class Size18:20 Teaching Math and Learning23:05 Facing Challenges and Validation26:10 The Challenge of Reaching Every Student27:08 The Emotional Toll of Teaching28:12 The Journey of Growth and Awareness30:21 Balancing Personal Growth and Teaching Responsibilities32:34 Reflection and Self-Care in Teaching43:40 The Impact of Personal Challenges on Teaching Visit our http://teacherguard.net website for more information on how to get mentorship. This podcast is brought to you by the https://the-cei.org/

    The Hidden Cost of Teaching with Ian Caldwell

  7. Aug 29

    Discussing Why We Teach with Dr. Edmond Chang

    The conversation with Dr. Chang revolves around the joy of teaching, sustaining consistency, student engagement and impact, teaching philosophy and approach, and retirement and future plans. Dr. Chang's passion for teaching, mission-driven approach, and commitment to student engagement are evident throughout the discussion. His decision to retire and pursue writing and poetry reflects a new chapter in his life, driven by a long-held passion. Takeaways Passion for TeachingImpact of TeachersMission-Driven Teaching Chapters 00:00 The Joy of Teaching09:01 Sustaining Consistency18:13 Student Engagement and Impact25:01 Teaching Philosophy and Approach36:04 Retirement and Future Plans Visit our http://teacherguard.net website for more information on how to get mentorship. This podcast is brought to you by the https://the-cei.org/

    Discussing Why We Teach with Dr. Edmond Chang

  8. Aug 22

    Voicing Concerns as Teachers with Dr. Shelley Kunasek

    Shelley shares her teaching experiences in West Africa and Norway, highlighting the challenges of sustainability in teaching and the importance of managing classroom dynamics. She emphasizes the value of vulnerability and building relationships with students. Additionally, she discusses the impact of cultural differences on teaching approaches and the significance of finding support and mentorship within the teaching community. Takeaways Vulnerability and relationship-building are essential for sustaining a teaching career.Cultural differences impact teaching approaches and classroom dynamics. Chapters 00:00 The Challenge of Sustainability in Teaching02:57 Managing Classroom Dynamics and Building Relationships07:00 The Impact of Cultural Differences on Teaching Approaches26:05 The Role of Classroom Management in Teacher Retention36:06 Encouraging Words for New TeachersVisit our http://teacherguard.net website for more information on how to get mentorship. This podcast is brought to you by the https://the-cei.org/

    Voicing Concerns as Teachers with Dr. Shelley Kunasek
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About

We discuss topics related to teacher sustainability. Guests include new and veteran teachers, retired educators, administrators, and consultants from across the country. We want great teachers to stay and thrive in the profession for a long time. Topics of discussion include strategies for managing burnout, uncertainty, culture, and many more obstacles that make staying in the profession challenging. Many of these topics are discussed through the lens of Teacher Guard's mentorship model. We hope you find this content helpful wherever you may be teaching.

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Ramirez
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Adam Ramirez