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As the school bells chime for the final time this academic year, I'm pausing to reflect on a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and trials from the substitute teacher's perspective. Wrapping up before our well-earned summer hiatus, I'm bringing you a candid ranking of the five most testing disciplinary issues in the classroom—from the mildly frustrating to the downright exhausting. Expect heart-to-heart insights as we unpack why a physical scuffle ranked surprisingly low and unveil the origins of the term 'discipline' itself—hint, it's all about learning!

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Remember the last time the classroom Wi-Fi went out, leaving you in a tech-free panic? I've been there, and in this episode, I'm sharing the teacher-tested tactics that saved the day. We're talking no-fail strategies for substitute teachers to keep the learning engine running, even when digital lesson plans are a no-go. You'll get a peek at how a stack of index cards can transform into an engaging review session, the clever use of personal data to bring online resources back to life, and the timeless effectiveness of a well-prepared PowerPoint presentation. Plus, I'm dishing out my own plans to spice up the usual Q&A with a random selection process that keeps students on their toes and ready to dive into the material.

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Have you ever considered the impact of truly listening, not just hearing, on your life and the lives of others? Today's conversation with Christine Miles, author of "What Is it Costing You Not To Listen?", promises to unravel the often-overlooked power of listening in shaping education and personal growth. From the echoes of her mother's mental health journey to her own professional triumphs, Christine unveils how emotional intelligence and active listening can be harnessed as key elements for success. Our candid chat ventures into her drive to embed listening education into school curriculums, her innovative methods to equip students with this vital skill, and our shared experiences of the yearning to be heard across different industries.

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Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a classroom, attempting to navigate the stormy seas of student behavior? I'm Greg Collins, and in this candid conversation, I'll open up about my own journey through the challenges that every substitute teacher faces. From understanding the nuanced contexts of student language to managing physical confrontations, I share the strategies that have helped me maintain both order and empathy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trenches of education, as I delve into the art of providing constructive feedback, the intricacies of reporting incidents, and why it's crucial to stay respectful and pragmatic when the classroom feels like a pressure cooker.

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As we count down the days to summer, the importance of communication and planning cannot be overstated. I'll guide you through the do's and don'ts of securing our future roles as substitute teachers, alongside the pragmatic steps to ensure we're top of the list for the coming academic year. But it's not all logistics; the soul of the school is its people. I delve into the art of rebuilding relationships with both educators and pupils, championing genuine interactions that go beyond a simple 'hello'. From unexpected donuts in the teachers' lounge to our very own Substitute Teachers Lounge online, it's all about fostering a community that thrives on support and shared wisdom. Together, let's make this final act of the school year one that resonates with connection and purpose.

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The landscape of teaching is one of constant evolution, and nowhere is this more evident than in my own experiences as a substitute teacher. My journey through the educational system has led me to a crossroads: to maintain an approachable, friendly persona, or to adopt a sterner, more formal demeanor in the face of shifting student behaviors. It's a candid exploration of how the subtleties of respect and discipline play out in the modern classroom, and the internal debate that rages within any educator who has felt their kindness mistaken for weakness. As a volleyball coach, the parallels between coaching and teaching are striking, and they've offered me unique insights into how authority, when wielded with care, can be the cornerstone of both leadership and learning.

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Ever wonder what an exchange student thinks about their time in American high schools compared to their education back home? Grab your earbuds and join me, Greg Collins, as I sit down with Romy, a vibrant German exchange student who's navigating the halls of high school on this side of the Atlantic.

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Navigating the controversial arena of smartphones in academic settings, we dissect the myriad teacher responses to these pocket-sized disruptors. Can texting and tweets find harmony with the age-old mission of education? I argue that the answer isn't as straightforward as a blanket ban. By exploring the nuanced issue of individual student behavior and responsible device usage, the conversation shifts—from a focus on sweeping restrictions to a more personalized approach that honors both the evolving communication landscape and the timeless pursuit of knowledge. Tune in for insights that challenge the status quo and redefine what it means to be "focused" in today's connected classroom.