Unprofessional Development

Ben Hoff, Nate Langel
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  • EDUCATION

Two teachers who ought to know what they're doing by now.

Episodes

  1. APR 12

    Episode 11 | The one right before spring break

    In this episode, Nate and Ben reflect on their recent experiences leading up to spring break, discussing the impact of collaborative learning projects with ninth graders. They explore the significance of building relationships with students, the challenges of group dynamics, and the importance of fostering empathy through education. The conversation highlights the successes and challenges faced during project-based learning, showcasing student work and the community-building aspects of their teaching methods.

    42 min

  2. MAR 30

    Episode 10 | We're Official Now

    In this episode, Ben and Nate introduce their podcast, reflecting on their journey as educators and the unique school they are building. They discuss the importance of project-based learning, the challenges and successes they face, and the innovative approaches they are taking to rethink high school education. The conversation highlights their commitment to continuous improvement and the meaningful work they are doing with students in a museum context.

    1h 2m

  3. MAR 9

    Episode 9 | Context, Design, Story

    In this conversation, Ben and Nate discuss various aspects of education, including the importance of domain names for online presence, the development of their podcast, and the significance of project-based learning. They explore the challenges teachers face in engaging students with real-world projects, the need for effective collaboration among educators, and the potential for rethinking traditional learning management systems to better fit their teaching methods. The discussion highlights the duality of excitement and frustration in the educational process, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of their roles as educators.

    1h 5m

  4. MAR 2

    Episode 8 | Patterns, Abstractions, and Debates

    In this episode, Ben and Nate explore the concepts of abstraction and patterns in both coding and education. They discuss how these ideas apply to teaching methods, project-based learning, and the systems they use in their classrooms. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding these concepts to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, while also reflecting on their own teaching practices and the evolution of their methods.

    50 min

  5. MAR 1

    Episode 7 | Recycling, Feedback, & Staff Bands

    In this conversation, we discusses various aspects of teaching, including the challenges faced in the classroom, innovative approaches to composting and recycling in schools, and the exciting project of gamifying education through game design. The conversation highlights the importance of student engagement and ownership in environmental initiatives and the creative processes involved in learning as well as the importance of quality work in education and the role of feedback in student growth. They share the story of the Staff Infections, a band formed by teachers, and their journey in creating a sense of community through music and merchandising.

    54 min

  6. MAR 1

    Episode 6 | Unprofessional Development

    In this episode, Ben Hoff and Nate Langel discuss the evolution of their podcast, the challenges of professional development in education, and the innovative concept of un-PLCs. They explore the importance of shared experiences in learning, the breakthroughs in competency-based learning, and the practical applications of project management in educational settings. The conversation also delves into the significance of coding and technology in enhancing efficiency and the ongoing evolution of Flex Friday as a flexible learning model.

    35 min

  7. MAR 1

    Episode 5 | Redefining the teachers' lounge

    In this episode, Ben Hoff and Nate Langel discuss the evolution of their podcast, the challenges faced by new teachers, the emotional toll of teaching, the importance of community among educators, and the concept of the teacher's lounge as a space for collaboration and support. The conversation highlights the need for teachers to navigate their feelings of self-doubt and the significance of camaraderie in overcoming daily challenges in the classroom. In this conversation, Ben explores the intersection of hobbies, community, and education, emphasizing the importance of balancing seriousness with fun. Nate discusses his experiences with virtual racing, the dynamics of motivation in the classroom, and the need for students to discover their passions through engaging and enjoyable activities.

    49 min

  8. MAR 1

    Episode 4 | Funding real experiences

    In this engaging conversation, Ben and Nate explore the intersection of education, community service, and chemistry. They discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching, the importance of compassion in education, and how real-world applications can enhance student learning. The conversation highlights various projects that connect students with their community, emphasizing the role of teachers in facilitating these experiences and the need for better funding and support for educational initiatives. In this conversation, they discusses the importance of empowering teachers with budget autonomy, allowing them to make decisions that directly impact their classrooms.

    1h 3m

  9. MAR 1

    Episode 3 | Being exposed

    Ben Hoff and his co-host Nate Langel explore the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by educators in a rapidly changing educational landscape. They discuss a humorous mishap during their podcast setup, delve into the fear of exposure in teaching, and critically analyze the concept of competency-based education. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency, adaptability, and understanding in the teaching profession, while also addressing the frustrations surrounding educational jargon and the need for clear definitions.

    37 min

  10. MAR 1

    Episode 1 | How do you innovate school?

    In this engaging conversation, Ben Hoff and his co-host explore the dynamics of starting a podcast, the challenges of conversation flow, and the complexities of educational topics such as competency-based education, radical autonomy, public showcases, and the role of deadlines. They also delve into the implications of AI in education, discussing both its potential benefits and challenges. In this conversation, Ben Hoff and his co-host delve into various themes surrounding education, including the importance of hope in educational narratives, the role of AI in enhancing podcasting, and the complexities of defining authenticity in educational projects. They explore project management strategies, the significance of design briefs, and the collective effort required in project-based learning.

    1h 2m

  11. MAR 1

    Episode 0 | What is this?

    In this episode, Ben Hoff and his co-host Nate Langel embark on their podcasting journey, discussing the importance of naming their podcast, the role of AI in generating ideas, and their experiences as high school science teachers. They share insights on project-based learning, classroom dynamics, and the challenges of engaging students. The conversation flows naturally as they explore various themes, culminating in reflections on their teaching practices and aspirations for the podcast.

    32 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Two teachers who ought to know what they're doing by now.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Hoff, Nate Langel
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ben Hoff, Nate Langel
  • Show Website
    Unprofessional Development