AMPed for Teaching Podcast

Steph Sukow
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hi, folks! Welcome to the Amped for Teaching Podcast! We’re two passionate educators who are AMPED about amplifying student voices, mentoring performers, and empowering learners to shine—on stage, in the classroom, and beyond. Steph is a high school English teacher, college communication arts adjunct, and soon-to-be community theatre teacher. Josh is a college communication arts instructor and community theatre teacher. Together —we bring a blend of creativity, experience, and a shared love for inspiring confidence, fostering creativity fostering, and helping others find their voices.

  1. 05/26/2025

    AMPed for Teaching S02 Ep01: What is Active Learning?

    In this kickoff to Season 2, Steph and Josh Sukow dive into the concept of active learning, launching their summer book study on Active Learning Online by Stephen M. Kosslyn. Drawing from brain science and practical classroom strategies, we'll explore how to make learning more engaging and effective, whether in person, online, or hybrid. Join us on this journey to implement the best teaching practices in any classroom setting using high-impact strategies.

    10 min

  2. 01/12/2025

    AMPed for Teaching: Engaging Students Everywhere

    Join Steph and Josh Sukow as they dive into the heart of student engagement and how to leverage student engagement to support students in the classroom and beyond. During this podcast, they will talk about student engagement and how it allows them to build relationships with students. They'll talk about gamification and how engagement strategies can improve students' confidence to share ideas and speak in the classroom. Steph will also share her favorite themed days to help start any classroom in meaningful and interactive ways. This podcast will also touch on how to empower students to use their voices and be active participants in their learning. Don't miss out on using your voice by rating or reviewing the podcast.

    22 min

  3. 12/23/2024

    AMPed for Teaching: Recalibration

    Steph and Josh end the year with a new podcast name and an exploration of recalibration—both personal and professional. We’ll share insights on adapting, growing, and learning from experience while staying connected to our core mission of amplifying student voices and empowering creativity. Join us as we define recalibration and talk about what it looks like in the classroom and beyond. We will also discuss how we’ve worked to make intentional adjustments to improve our practices and support others in their learning journeys as well.  During this podcast, we also touch on AI, shifts to make in 2024, and setting high expectations for students. Recalibration is key in all aspects of our lives as we look to make progress (not seek perfection).  Tune in and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts!

    25 min
  4. Ep12: Fail Big

    10/07/2023

    Ep12: Fail Big

    In episode 12, we discuss embracing failure as a valuable learning experience. As painful as it can be, failure can be a gift to us and our students. We can only learn if we make big mistakes and embrace the learning opportunities. Remember, when we are growing and learning, it is important that we take people with us on the journey. Students (and all people) need to use failure as a learning process both in the classroom and in our daily lives. Also, in this episode, we talk about the faults of perfectionism and how worry about what people will think hinders our growth. Some of the most significant discoveries (like penicillin and chocolate chip cookies) come from failure, and some of the silliest things (like Slinkies) do. Thanks as always for listening, and know that if you're still in the learning process with some aspect of your life, there is great power and growth opportunities in embracing not yet. References: Bailey, Dylan. "How To Lower Your Cortisol Levels Safely, According To Experts." Forbes, 23 June 2023, www.forbes.com/health/body/how-to-lower-cortisol-levels/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20generally%20recommend%20most%20people,each%20day%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20notes. Accessed 7 Oct. 2023. Brown, Brene. "Perfectionism Holds Us Back From Achieving Our Goals." Oprah Class, 26 Nov. 2020. Speech. Gordon, Jon. The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons, 2007. Krueger, Alyson. "15 Life-Changing Inventions That Were Created by Mistake." Business Insider, 10 Nov. 2010, www.businessinsider.com/these-10-inventions-were-made-by-mistake-2010-11?amp. Accessed 7 Oct. 2023.

    18 min
  5. Ep11: What Do You Value?

    09/10/2023

    Ep11: What Do You Value?

    Welcome to the Teach Speech Podcast. In Episode 11, we are talking all about our values. By kicking off our college speech class with a values search, we have seen the power of encouraging reflection and sharing semester after semester. During this episode, we also talk about the power of choice and voice in creating space for our students. Autonomy is empowering and allows students to take charge of their own learning in an English classroom, a science classroom, and really, in any discipline!  Josh will talk about the power of glimmers - moments when biology signals us to connect and calm down. Instead of looking for our triggers, he explains how to reshape our mindsets to seek out the joy in our daily lives.  In this episode, we even get on a tangent about basketball and how the US men’s team sometimes chooses to say no to competitions like THE WORLD CUP to spend time with the people they value most - their families. Join us on this journey! Don’t forget to leave us a comment to let us know how you like the show.  The Values Speech References: Autry, James A. The Servant Leader. New York City, Random House International, 2002. Chapman, Gary D. The Five Love Languages. Chicago, Northfield Pub., 1992. Dana, Deb, and Stephen W. Porges. The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation. New York City, W.W. Norton & Company, 2018.

    17 min
  6. Ep10: After Day One: The Transformative Possibilities in Routines

    09/03/2023

    Ep10: After Day One: The Transformative Possibilities in Routines

    Welcome to episode 10 of the Teach Speech Podcast. In this episode, we discuss the transformative potential of routines in our everyday lives. Routines are necessary to help teams work and to help us unlock our full potential as educators, parents, and people. In Josh’s SEL corner, we will talk about the power of storytelling, especially when we find ourselves out of our routine and amidst life changes.  In the classroom, we will also discuss establishing routines for our students through tangible formative practices that led students to success on summatives. From increasing accessibility to our content to providing meaningful practice, we can build routines for our students and ourselves that will make the learning process more effective and more fun.  How do we establish routines in our lives? Tune in to hear more about Josh’s magical sleep-training habits, too. Yes, all three of our kids slept through the night at six weeks (or earlier). Josh really is the baby whisperer.  Finally, we will laugh and share some of our stories to remind us that routines profoundly affect our well-being and success.  Resources: Customizing Your Canvas Course Bringin the Energy: Hooking Students from the Beginning of Class Rethinking Success: Shifting the Focus from Achievements to Personal Growth and Development (Part 2) References: Duhigg, Charles. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. New York City, Random House, 2012. Heart Matters. "12 Tips for Coping with Change." British Heart Foundation, www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/mental-health/coping-with-change/tips-for-coping-with-change. Accessed 3 Sept. 2023. Lencioni, Patrick. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Team Assessment. San Francisco, Pfeiffer, 2007. "Meet the Elite 'Baby Whisperer' Who Is Paid More than $2,000 a DAY to Sleep Train Celebrities' Little Ones." Daily Mail, 17 Dec. 2022, www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/parenting/article-11527899/Baby-whisperer-Anna-Baker-gets-paid-2-000-day-sleep-train-celebrity-babies.html. Accessed 3 Sept. 2023. Hagel, John. "Good Leadership is about Asking Good Questions." Harvard Business Review, hbr.org/2021/01/good-leadership-is-about-asking-good-questions. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023. Matousek, Mark. "The Joy of Missing Out." Psychology Today, Aug. 2023, www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-seekers-forum/202308/the-joy-of-missing-out. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.

    20 min
  7. Ep09: Asking Reflective Questions

    08/19/2023

    Ep09: Asking Reflective Questions

    Welcome to epsiode 09 of the Teach Speech Podcast. In this episode, we talk about the art of asking reflective questions and embracing mindful practices. Josh will talk about his first week as a college instructor, and Steph will shed some light on her first week with students and teachers back in the building. Questions can elicit great responses from our students and the people we interact with daily. Whether we are talking in the classroom or with friends, our timing, tone, and word choice all impact the responses we receive. So join us on this mindful journey to self-reflect and embrace the power of great questions. Remember, asking the right questions and being present can lead to more fulfilling communicative experiences. Stay curious!

    17 min
  8. Ep 08: Making a Mantra

    08/06/2023

    Ep 08: Making a Mantra

    In Episode 08 of the Teach Speech Podcast, we delve into the concept of "Making a Mantra." From the start of the school year to an end of a season, mantras are critical in motivating and uniting people under one goal. We'll discuss how mantras can be integrated into the classroom, encompassing elements like classroom design, setting the tone, employing the WOOP goal-setting technique, establishing norms, guiding group work, and infusing positive energy into the learning environment. Remember, we are all projecting a mantra every day. Take time to craft yours and share it with the world. Thanks for listening. Please leave us a comment and some feedback to let us know if you liked the show. References: Carter, Judy. The Message of You: Turn Your Life Story into a Money-making Speaking Career. New York City, St. Martin's Press, 2013. Penman, Maggie, and Shankar Vedantam. "WOOP, There It Is! 4 Steps To Achieve Your Goals." NPR, 10 May 2016, www.npr.org/2016/05/10/477379965/woop-there-it-is-four-steps-to-achieve-your-goals. Accessed 7 Aug. 2023. Science Museum of Virginia. "Question Your World: Does Eye Contact Matter?" Science Museum of Virginia, 14 Aug. 2020, smv.org/learn/blog/does-eye-contact-matter/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20for%20us%20it%27s,eye%20painted%20on%20a%20butt. Accessed 7 Aug. 2023.

    16 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hi, folks! Welcome to the Amped for Teaching Podcast! We’re two passionate educators who are AMPED about amplifying student voices, mentoring performers, and empowering learners to shine—on stage, in the classroom, and beyond. Steph is a high school English teacher, college communication arts adjunct, and soon-to-be community theatre teacher. Josh is a college communication arts instructor and community theatre teacher. Together —we bring a blend of creativity, experience, and a shared love for inspiring confidence, fostering creativity fostering, and helping others find their voices.

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