Episodes

  • Easiest Way to Get Students Attention
    Aug 21 2025

    This week I talk about how easy it is to get attention from the students. I explain how elementary school teachers are way better than secondary teachers in the most perfect aspect. I also provide examples of what makes teaching fun and why your personality is your best kept secret!

    Drop a comment on what I should discuss next and follow me or reach out with any questions at breakingthesyllabus@gmail.com or on socials @breakingthesyllabus.

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    12 mins
  • New Teachers, New School, and Bigger Problems
    Aug 7 2025

    In this weeks episode we finish our conversation with Ryan Webb and we dive deep into the conversation around what happens when someone has bigger problems than not understanding classroom material! New teachers what do you need to know when entering a school mentor, material, colleagues, vision) where do you start? Teachers scared to talk with their administrators, teachers need connection, and how to face the battlefield together. Get parents in the room and I made my students stand or sit for an entire day.

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingthesyllabus?igsh=eDY3eHBlZTMxNzN5&utm_source=qr


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    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakingthesyllabus?feature=shared


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    12 mins
  • Motivation, Manipulation, and Mayhem in the Classroom
    Jul 31 2025

    In this week’s episode, we dive into the wild world of student motivation—what drives some students to thrive while others seem checked out. Education isn’t what it used to be, and we explore how that shift affects engagement today. We also share a jaw-dropping story about an overly involved (and very persuasive) parent trying to charm a teacher into changing a grade. Plus, what happens when one class starts to take over an entire school? And yes, we go there: from a student with stalker vibes to a surprising twist involving babysitting and college acceptance. It’s all about adapting, flying by the seat of your pants, and doing whatever it takes to get students motivated.

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    10 mins
  • Give them a high 5 already.
    Jul 24 2025

    In this weeks episode we sit down with a fantastic administrator, heck of a teacher, incredible wrestling coach, and above all that someone I call a close friend. In part one we go through a few strategies on how to gain respect of the students, how to connect, and some secret tips for teachers that want a little more from their students!

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    11 mins
  • They Think They Know Everything: Turning Chaos into Connection in PE
    Jul 10 2025

    In this episode, we dive into a PE class that starts off rough—students acting out, thinking they know it all, and pushing back on every rule. But through the lens of behavior strategies and the power of relationship-building, we explore how understanding students—especially in alternative settings like SOAR Academy—can completely change the game. This is a real look at what happens when you go beyond managing behavior and start actually connecting.

    Make sure and send me your questions or if you are intersted in being a guest.

    Email: breakingthesyallabus@gmail.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingthesyllabus?igsh=eDY3eHBlZTMxNzN5&utm_source=qr


    Tik-tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingthesyllabus?_t=ZT-8wPUBuw8dd0&_r=1


    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakingthesyllabus?feature=shared



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    25 mins
  • Will music get him fired? Pranks that could cost a teacher their job.
    Jun 12 2025

    In this weeks episode we have a great discussion on what supports new teachers need. How Nick went from is the black sheep of the family going from business to teaching! We also talk about how to deal with tricky members of your department that do not want to collaborate. What happens when you have data but administration does not support your changes?'

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingthesyllabus?igsh=eDY3eHBlZTMxNzN5&utm_source=qr


    Tik-tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingthesyllabus?_t=ZT-8wPUBuw8dd0&_r=1


    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakingthesyllabus?feature=shared


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    10 mins
  • Is Physical Education secretly the toughest job in education? Should uniforms be mandatory?
    Jun 5 2025

    In this weeks episode I sit down with a great friend and collegues who walks me through some of the difficult parts of teaching PE. We discuss how to change the game for teachers and how to raise the standards. What do you think about school uniforms good or bad?


    Follow me on any and all social media @breakingthesyllabus. Shoot me an email with your questions or what you would like to hear next on the channel. breakingthesyllabus@gmail.com

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    8 mins
  • Utah Science Department of the Year
    May 29 2025

    In this episode of Breaking the Syllabus, host Tyler Powell teams up with special guest Randi Phillips—aka Mrs. Phillips Science—for an honest, funny, and insightful look at the highs and lows of teaching. From state testing struggles and burnt-out students to falling over pregnant in the classroom and the perils of drawing cylinders on a whiteboard, they don’t hold back. Randi shares her journey from confused student council sponsor to award-winning middle school science teacher with a growing TikTok following. Tune in for a candid conversation about burnout, blunders, and why they both still love this chaotic career.

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    16 mins