The Forum Faculty Podcast

The Heights Forum

Welcome to the Forum Faculty Podcast, a podcast featuring conversations with teaching faculty of The Heights School, as well as friends of The Heights Forum. In each episode, we share the ideas, stories, and challenges rising out of the experience of teaching in the 21st century. These recordings are an expansion of chats and conversations had by teachers in the hallways, lounge, and offices of school, and we hope that they are not only enriching, but also an invitation to join in the discussion!

Episodes

  1. Athlete or Academic: What's the Real Priority in Schools?

    08/01/2025

    Athlete or Academic: What's the Real Priority in Schools?

    In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, we're discussing the significance of sports in school life and striking the balance between being a student and an athlete. We welcome to this converastion coaches and teachers Jeff Thompson, Joel Sellier, and Brian Carroccio. They dive into the historical importance of physical education, the post-COVID surge in youth sports, the impact of club sports on school sports, and the critical development of discipline and teamwork through athletics. They also touch on challenges like balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments, and the role of parents in shaping a child's sports journey. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on how sports contribute to the all-round development of students. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 The Importance of Physical Education 01:38 Post-COVID Sports Boom 02:19 Balancing School and Sports 04:09 The Rise of Club Sports 05:27 Challenges of Travel Sports 13:58 Parental Influence in Youth Sports 17:54 School Sports vs. Club Sports 18:12 The Role of Discipline in Sports 19:31 Managing Expectations in Competitive Leagues 25:58 The Value of School Sports Beyond Winning 27:11 Balancing Academics and Sports 27:47 Lessons from the Field 28:20 Dealing with Success and Failure 28:58 The Importance of Teamwork 30:57 The Role of Coaches 35:32 Challenges of Scheduling and Facilities 45:23 The Value of Multi-Sport Participation 47:44 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    53 min
  2. Assigned Reading: A Gateway to Lifelong Learning or a Killer of Joy?

    07/09/2025

    Assigned Reading: A Gateway to Lifelong Learning or a Killer of Joy?

    In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, we're joined by teachers Finn Mehigan, Joe Bissex, and Shane O'Neill, to discuss how assigned reading can affect a student's interest in literature. They delve into the reading habits of students across different school levels, the decline in reading for pleasure, methods to encourage reading engagement, and the challenges of assigning and assessing reading material. Finn, Joe, and Shane share their experiences and insights on making literature exciting and meaningful for their students, while also addressing the balance between assigned reading and fostering a love for reading. Chapters: 00:00:09 Welcome and Introductions 00:00:48 The Reading Drop-off Phenomenon 00:03:36 Lower School Reading Habits 00:09:56 Middle School Reading Transition 00:21:03 Engaging Students with Literature 00:33:15 Rethinking Literature Class Structure 00:33:20 Balancing Quizzes and Reading Time 00:34:02 Creating a Culture of Reading 00:36:04 Engaging Students with Non-Literary Texts 00:37:18 The Role of Teachers in Encouraging Reading 00:38:47 Interactive Classroom Activities 00:40:44 Challenges and Strategies in Teaching Literature 00:55:32 The Importance of Assigned Reading 01:05:32 Concluding Thoughts on Teaching Literature

    1h 8m
  3. On Grades: Building or Breaking Growth?

    05/29/2025

    On Grades: Building or Breaking Growth?

    In this episode of the Forum Faculty podcast, host Tom Cox is joined by Mike Hude, Joel Sellier, and Shane O'Neill to delve into the complexities and controversies surrounding grades in education. The discussion covers the transactional nature of grades, how they can detract from genuine learning, and the ways in which teachers can use grades as both motivational tools and communication devices. The teachers share personal anecdotes and experiences, debate the merits of public versus private grades, and explore potential alternatives to traditional grading systems. The conversation wraps up with reflections on how grades affect students' identities, parent expectations, and the long-term implications for higher education and careers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:42 What's Wrong with Grades? 02:03 Grades as a Motivational Tool 03:07 Effort vs. Mastery in Grading 05:29 Subjectivity and Objectivity in Grading 13:05 Student Identity and Grades 16:38 Teacher Strategies and Challenges 33:29 Public vs. Private Grades 35:45 Healthy Shame in Grades 36:16 The Wall of Shame for Teachers 36:43 Reflecting on Test Grades 39:55 Parental Pressure and College Expectations 45:45 Lessons Learned from Grades 59:16 The Value of Grades and Feedback 01:05:08 Concluding Thoughts

    1h 7m
  4. Textbooks: Tool or Crutch?

    02/27/2025

    Textbooks: Tool or Crutch?

    In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, Tom invites Heights teachers Austin Hatch, Mark Grannis, and Shane O'Neil to discuss the use of textbooks in their classes. They explore whether textbooks are vital tools or limiting agents, sharing personal experiences and strategies for balancing textbooks with engaging and personalized teaching methods. The conversation covers a range of subjects including literature, history, logic, and math, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of using textbooks, the importance of teacher-student interactions, and the flexibility required in dynamic teaching environments. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 01:02 Personal Experiences with Textbooks 03:25 Austin Hatch's Approach to Textbooks 06:05 Mark Grannis on Textbook Use and Logic 12:21 Shane O'Neill's Perspective on Teaching History 20:19 Challenges and Limitations of Textbooks 32:14 Grading Midterm Essays: A Frustrating Experience 33:53 The Impact of Textbooks on Learning 34:45 Balancing Skepticism and Receptiveness in Education 35:37 Engaging Students Beyond the Textbook 36:57 Challenges and Strategies in Teaching Different Subjects 43:01 The Role of Primary Sources in Education 50:10 Incorporating Freedom and Choice in Learning 54:11 Advice for New Teachers: Embrace the Journey 01:00:28 Conclusion: Reflecting on Teaching Practices

    1h 2m
  5. A Doctor, a Lawyer, and a Cop Walk Into a Boys School

    12/05/2024

    A Doctor, a Lawyer, and a Cop Walk Into a Boys School

    In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, middle school teacher Rob Liotta, upper school teacher Mark Grannis, and lower school teacher Josue Zelaya—discuss their transitions from careers in policing, law, and medicine, respectively, to teaching. They share their backstories, motivations for changing careers, and how their previous experiences shape their approach in the classroom. The discussion also dives into the skills they bring into teaching and advice for those considering a similar career switch.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Teacher Podcast 00:10 Meet the Guests: Transitioning to Teaching 01:11 Josue Zelaya: From Police Officer to Teacher 03:16 Mark Grannis: From Lawyer to Teacher 04:37 Rob Liotta: From Flight Surgeon to Teacher 06:57 Skills and Experiences Brought to the Classroom 16:06 Life Lessons and Impact on Students 30:46 Advice for Aspiring Teachers 37:54 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

    39 min
  6. The Homework Problem

    10/23/2024

    The Homework Problem

    In this episode, Lower School teacher, Elias Naegele, and Upper School teachers, Joel Sellier, and Michael Hude, engage in a comprehensive debate on the role and effectiveness of homework in student development. They explore differing viewpoints on the necessity of homework, its impact on motivation and resilience, and how it balances with classroom work and personal time. The conversation delves into the merits of fostering independent learning versus traditional rote assignments, the importance of tailored and thoughtful homework, and strategies for incorporating creativity and virtue-building into school routines. The discussion concludes by considering the broader implications for educational philosophy and practical classroom approaches. Chapters 00:17 Intro 02:04 What is "Homework?" 06:19 Reading vs. Written Work 07:47 The "No Homework" Argument 12:26 Homework as an Exercise in Self-Discipline 16:08 How Much Time Does a Student Have? 21:40 Does Homework Even Work? 23:09 Homework Time 25:03 Are Textbooks beneficial? 27:22 Maybe We Should Hold onto Homework 29:02 Elias is Reminded of Seabiscuit 30:34 Change from Family Centered into School Centered Mentality 32:12 Appropriate Homework Loads for Students 33:47 Unassigned Leisure Reading 35:33 Joel Asside and Seventh Grade Religion 37:09 Memory Work 39:00 Memorization 39:50 Homework must be Assigned Well 42:31 Other Responsibilities and the Juggling Act 43:10 Does Homework make one Pretend or Love their work 46:42 The Overworked Student is the Exception, Not the Rule 51:16 Homework as Training in Virtue

    1h 1m
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Forum Faculty Podcast, a podcast featuring conversations with teaching faculty of The Heights School, as well as friends of The Heights Forum. In each episode, we share the ideas, stories, and challenges rising out of the experience of teaching in the 21st century. These recordings are an expansion of chats and conversations had by teachers in the hallways, lounge, and offices of school, and we hope that they are not only enriching, but also an invitation to join in the discussion!

Information