Have a Life Teaching

John Schembari
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED DAILY

In this podcast, we will engage in conversation with educators providing insight on best-in-class K-12 curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.

  1. How to Make Deep Sense of Informational Text (Gwen Pauloski)

    3D AGO

    How to Make Deep Sense of Informational Text (Gwen Pauloski)

    “If students can’t read to learn, they can’t learn through reading.” In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Gwen Pauloski, author of Making Deep Sense of Informational Text: A Framework for Strengthening Comprehension in Grades 6–12. We dig into why every teacher—not just ELA—needs to see themselves as a literacy teacher. Gwen shares her four pillars for helping adolescents make sense of complex texts: 1️⃣ Rebuilding confidence and “reading esteem” 2️⃣ Teaching comprehension strategies explicitly 3️⃣ Engaging students in scholarly talk 4️⃣ Guiding deep text study through pre-, during-, and post-reading work. We also talk about practical scaffolds like Cornell Notes, annotation strategies, and discussion protocols that keep students thinking deeply instead of skimming for answers. 🔗 Listen to the full episode below to hear how you can help students move from “just reading” to truly understanding what they read. Making Deep Sense of Informational Text Gwen Pauloski LinkedIn Page Music by Aylex

    41 min
  2. Podcasters on Education Podcasters - Episode 1

    OCT 9

    Podcasters on Education Podcasters - Episode 1

    In this inaugural episode, education podcasters sit down to reflect on the art and purpose of podcasting in education. From the challenges of balancing storytelling with scholarship to the power of teacher voice in shaping public dialogue, the panel explores what happens when educators turn the mic on themselves. Key Themes: The rise of podcasting as professional learning for educators Building authentic conversations in K–12 and higher ed contexts How podcasting strengthens community and reflection Tips for sustaining creativity and avoiding burnout The future of education podcasts as storytelling platforms Takeaway:Podcasting isn’t just about producing content—it’s about creating connection. This series opens a space for educators to learn from each other as they amplify ideas that move teaching and learning forward. Literacy Landscapes Podcast Teaching, Learning, Leading Podcast Learner-Centered Spaces

    39 min
  3. How to Empower Student Writers Through Personal Narrative (Paige Timmerman and Kourtney Hake

    OCT 7

    How to Empower Student Writers Through Personal Narrative (Paige Timmerman and Kourtney Hake

    In this episode of The Have a Life Teaching Podcast, host Dr. John Schembari talks with Illinois educators Paige Timmerman and Courtney Hake, co-authors of Their Stories, Their Voices. Together, they explore how teachers can use personal narrative writing to help students find and share their authentic voices—while meeting academic standards and preparing for real-world writing. Paige and Courtney discuss how narrative writing builds engagement, supports social-emotional learning, and develops critical thinking. They outline four key narrative types—informative, analytical, persuasive, and reflective—and share practical ways to weave student voice into everyday assignments without overhauling the curriculum. The conversation also dives into innovative projects such as experimental narratives, podcast assignments, and multimedia memoirs that make writing both relevant and joyful. John and his guests unpack how narrative connects to standards, fosters growth mindset, integrates with digital literacy, and even interacts with emerging tools like AI. The episode closes with an inspiring reminder: when students write about what matters to them, they not only learn to communicate—they learn who they are. Paige Timmerman LinkedIn Kourtney Hake LinkedIn Their Stories Their Voices Book Music by Aylex

    39 min
  4. How Micro Schools Work (David K. Richards)

    SEP 30

    How Micro Schools Work (David K. Richards)

    In this episode of the Have a Life Teaching Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with David Richards, CEO of Changemaker Education, to discuss the revolutionary world of micro schools. As a leader in the micro school movement, David shared his personal journey from traditional education to launching micro schools, emphasizing the importance of personalized learning, project-based learning (PBL), and social-emotional learning (SEL). David’s insights on the benefits of small, community-driven schools—where students are seen, heard, and supported—highlight the future of education in a world where one size doesn't fit all. We also explored the entrepreneurial spirit required to build sustainable, high-quality micro schools, as well as the risks involved in starting from scratch. 🔑 Key takeaways: Micro schools offer highly personalized, relationship-based education that larger schools often can’t provide. The growing micro school movement is not just about small size but about innovative, student-centered learning models. The entrepreneurial journey of starting a micro school is rewarding but comes with unique challenges in sustainability. 💡 Want to learn more about micro schools? Check out David Richards' work at Changemaker Education and dive deeper into the evolution of education! 🔗 Changemaker Education Website🔗 Changemaker Education Podcast🔗 David Richards on LinkedIn Music by Aylex

    42 min
  5. How to Teach the Power of Words Through Poetry (Jewellyn Forrest)

    SEP 23

    How to Teach the Power of Words Through Poetry (Jewellyn Forrest)

    Poetry isn’t just “beautiful prose” — it’s a doorway into critical thinking, voice, and perspective. In this episode, I sit down with Jewellyn Forrest, national writing consultant and co-founder of Autonomy Learning, to explore how poetry — and especially figurative language — can: ✔️ Help students “read between the lines” ✔️ Unlock reluctant writers ✔️ Build community and celebrate student voice ✔️ Offer an equity lens by honoring culture and personal experience Jewellyn also shares her powerful Figurative Language Stretch strategy which she wrote about on the ASCD blog — a simple, playful way to help students move from identifying similes and metaphors to confidently weaving them into their own poems. Give it a listen if you’ve ever wondered: How do we get students not only to understand poetry, but to love creating it? Jewellyn Forrest LinkedIn Page AutonoMY Learning Website ASCD Blog Post - The Figurative Language Stretch Music by Aylex

    29 min
  6. How to Develop a Learning Classroom (Alice Vigors)

    SEP 16

    How to Develop a Learning Classroom (Alice Vigors)

    Too often, I see learning objectives on the board that say “Students will think about…” — but how do we actually know what students are thinking? This week on the Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Alice Vigors, author of The Thinking Classroom and her brand-new book The Learning Classroom. We dig into how teachers can make thinking visible by: - Clarifying learning intentions & success criteria - Embedding real-time, actionable feedback - Building student self- and peer-assessment routines Alice shares practical strategies (like scaffolding verbs, using thinking routines, and creating “pause points”) that help students not just do the work, but show their thinking — leading to deeper learning and independence. Listen in and learn how to design a classroom where learning is transparent, feedback is meaningful, and students own their growth. Alice Vigors LinkedIn Page The Learning Classroom Book Thinking Pathways Teacher Takeaway Podcast Music by Aylex

    41 min
  7. How to Improve the Collective Efficacy of Teachers (Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes)

    SEP 9

    How to Improve the Collective Efficacy of Teachers (Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes)

    When Teachers Believe—in Themselves and Each Other—Students Thrive This week on the podcast, we sit down with Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes to discuss their new book, Collective Impact: Overcoming the Twelve Enemies of Teacher Efficacy. We explore how collective efficacy—educators’ shared belief in their power to impact student learning—creates school cultures where both teachers and students flourish. Just as we encourage students to see challenges as opportunities, teachers must shift from fixed, demoralized mindsets to one where a small win is celebrated and setbacks fuel growth. Together, educators can—and do—make the difference. - In this episode we highlight John Hattie’s research on collective efficacy as the #1 influence on student achievement. - Explore the authors’ framework of the “12 enemies of efficacy” (from isolation to negativity). - Share practical “micro moves” rooted in Bandura’s four sources of efficacy—mastery, modeling, emotions, and persuasion. Jenni Donohoo LinkedIn Page Jenni Donohoo Website Glenn Forbes LinkedIn Page Collective Impact Book Southern Tioga School District Music by Aylex

    39 min
  8. How Outdoor Learning Helps Students Thrive (Shannon McLeod)

    SEP 2

    How Outdoor Learning Helps Students Thrive (Shannon McLeod)

    In this episode, we are joined by Shannon McLeod from Thrive with Outdoor Learning for an inspiring and insightful conversation about the power of taking learning outside the classroom. We cover the how, why, when, and what of outdoor learning—from practical strategies to deeper reflections on its benefits for students' well-being, engagement, and development. Shannon shares her journey into outdoor education, the philosophy behind her work, and the tangible ways educators can integrate nature into everyday teaching. Whether you're new to outdoor learning or looking to expand your toolkit, this episode offers valuable takeaways and motivation to get outside and make learning come alive. Thrive with Outdoor Learning Website Teach Better Article Pinterest

    30 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

In this podcast, we will engage in conversation with educators providing insight on best-in-class K-12 curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.

Information

  • Creator
    John Schembari
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Schembari
  • Show Website
    Have a Life Teaching

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