Teaching and Leading with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi Dr. Amy Vujaklija and Dr. Joi Patterson

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Jamell O'Neal, assistant principal and former 2nd grade teacher, about her purpose in education. Ms. O'Neal shares her passion for centering students in conversations about education. She discusses how she engages families, collaborates with colleagues, and seeks feedback in her growth as an educator and administrator. Ms. O'Neal tells us how much it means to hear from students who attribute success to what they learned in her second grade classroom.

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Shannon Payne about her start as a substitute teacher and how it led her to being a school counselor. Ms. Payne discusses the passion ignited by working with students and how she establishes relationships with students, families, and colleagues through trust. Her primary reason for staying in education is the service to students.

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi talk about teacher retention. After discussing the causes of teachers leaving the profession in Part 1 and the sense of belonging in Part 2, we explore the ideal conditions for retaining teachers. We discuss the importance of positive conflict resolution and transparent communication. We also share some strategies for creating a positive school culture through acknowledgements, rewards, recognition, and growth. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning: Theory vs Practice Season 2 Episode 28

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi talk about teacher retention. After discussing the causes of teachers leaving the profession in Part 1, we look at what we can do to keep them, especially experienced teachers. We discuss the necessary sense of belonging in a school culture and how educators need to feel they matter as part of the school and as individuals. We also share our personal experiences with being developed professionally and the importance of being empowered with leadership and voice.

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi have a no-holds-barred conversation about teacher retention. We discuss the increase in teachers retiring or leaving the profession altogether, further impacting the crisis levels of teacher shortages across the nation. In Part 1 of this 3-part series on teacher retention, we use the Ultimate Guide to Teacher Retention by Education Elements and a survey by the National Education Association to guide our conversation about the reasons teachers leave the classroom. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning: Theory vs Practice Season 2 Episode 26.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Don Parker, a principal, author, and professional development provider. Dr. Parker discusses relationships and clear expectations as the starting points for turning around a school culture. He explains the framework of his new book, Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity, a practical guidebook for education leaders. Dr. Parker closes with some clear first steps that can be immediately implemented.