Episodes

  • Season 2 Episode 7 Teaching with Optimism: Explanatory Optimism
    Jan 4 2024
    In today's episode we will discuss the concept of Explanatory Optimism and its impact on both teachers and students. Explanatory Optimism revolves around how individuals explain the events in their lives, influencing their mindset and resilience. So, grab your coffee, favorite pen, and planner...and let's get started! In this episode, you will learn about: Explanatory Optimism Explained: We break down the concept in simple terms, exploring how individuals interpret successes and setbacks in their lives. Whether one leans towards a pessimistic or optimistic explanatory style can significantly impact their outlook on challenges. Impact on Teachers: Discover how a teacher's explanatory style can shape their approach to setbacks in the classroom. From handling challenging situations to fostering a positive learning environment, the teacher's mindset plays a pivotal role in shaping the classroom dynamic. Impact on Students: Explore the direct correlation between students' explanatory styles and their motivation, resilience, and overall academic performance. Understand how cultivating explanatory optimism in students can contribute to a more positive and productive learning experience. 3 Strategies to Foster Explanatory Optimism in the Classroom: Uncover actionable tips for educators to cultivate explanatory optimism among students. From praising effort to promoting a growth mindset, these strategies aim to create an environment where setbacks are seen as opportunities for growth. Episode Quote: “For optimists, defeat is a challenge, a mere setback on the road to inevitable victory.” ― Martin E.P. Seligman, Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life Connections are so important to me as a person and a teacher! If you have connected with this episode in any way, I would love to hear about it! I invite you to email me at The30MinutePD@gmail.com or leave a voice message by clicking on the voicemail link. Let's also connect on social media! Instagram: @The30MinutePD Facebook: The 30 Minute PD, LLC Website: https://the30minutepd.godaddysites.com/ Store: The 30 Minute PD, LLC on Teachers Pay Teachers Resources mentioned in this episode Positive Notes for Students Houston, Elaine, and Maike Neuhaus. “What Are Attributional and Explanatory Styles in Psychology?” Positive Psychology, 11 March 2019, https://positivepsychology.com/explanatory-styles-optimism/#style-dimensions. Accessed 14 December 2023. Seligman, Martin E.P. Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2006. Accessed 14 December 2023. https://amzn.to/46YQgvt Hamilton, Eric. “Learned Helplessness & Optimism: How teachers can transform pessimists into optimists.” SchoolRubric, 16 October 2019, https://schoolrubric.com/learned-helplessness-optimism-how-teachers-can-transform-pessimists-into-optimists/. Accessed 14 December 2023. Some of the links we provide are Amazon affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, it helps support our podcast and keeps the educational goodness flowing. Rest assured, it doesn't cost you anything extra. Thanks for being part of our journey to make learning fun and engaging!
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    20 mins
  • **BONUS** Teaching with Optimism: Isaiah's Interview
    Dec 12 2023

    Hey Teachers!

    Welcome to a 30 Minute PD BONUS Episode! This is a continuation of Season 2, Episode 6 Teaching with Optimism: Dispositional Optimism. Join Learning Expert, Isaiah, as he explains how his teacher fosters dispositional optimism in her instructional practices and how it influences the entire class. If you haven't heard Isaiah discuss his learning experiences before...you are in for a treat! So...let's get started!

    Let's connect!

    If you have connected with this episode in any way, I would LOVE to hear about it! Email me at The30MinutePD@gmail.com or leave a voice message by clicking on the voicemail link.

    Find me on Instagram @The30MinutePD

    I'm excited to share some fantastic products and recommendations with you. Just so you know, some of the links we provide are Amazon affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, it helps support our podcast and keeps the educational goodness flowing. Rest assured, it doesn't cost you anything extra. Thanks for being part of our journey to make learning fun and engaging!


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    8 mins
  • Season 2, Episode 6 Teaching With Optimism: Dispositional Optimism
    Dec 11 2023

    Hey Teachers! Welcome to part two of the series, Teaching with Optimism!

    In today's episode we discuss teaching with dispositional optimism. Unpack the key concepts, receive some valuable insights into what dispositional optimism is and how it can be channeled to create an optimistic and thriving classroom environment! So grab your coffee, favorite pen, and planner...and let's get started!


    Episode Quote: “Optimism isn’t a belief that things will automatically get better; it’s a conviction that we can make things better.”— Melinda Gates


    Let's connect!

    If you have connected with this episode in any way, I would LOVE to hear about it! Email me at The30MinutePD@gmail.com or leave a voice message by clicking on the voicemail link.

    Find me on Instagram @The30MinutePD


    Resources used in this episode:


    • Erickson, E. P., & Gillihan, S. (2023, May 8). Optimism: Definition, Health Effects, and How to Be More Optimistic. Everyday Health. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/optimism/guide/
    • Kogan, N. (2022). The Awesome Human Project: Break Free from Daily Burnout, Struggle Less, and Thrive More in Work and Life. Sounds True. https://amzn.to/3R7kMgz

    Hey Teachers! I'm excited to share some fantastic products and recommendations with you. Just so you know, some of the links we provide are Amazon affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, it helps support our podcast and keeps the educational goodness flowing. Rest assured, it doesn't cost you anything extra. Thanks for being part of our journey to make learning fun and engaging!




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    28 mins
  • Season 2, Episode 5 Teaching with Optimism: The Essential Overview
    Nov 4 2023

    Hey Teachers! Welcome to part one of this series, Teaching with Optimism! In this episode, we discuss optimism's impact on the teaching profession and discover how optimism isn't just a concept; it's the force that drives educators to create vibrant, engaging classrooms and turn simple lessons into lifelong passions for learning.

    In a brief overview, we are introduced to the three types of optimism that shape the lives of educators in a brief overview

    Dispositional Optimism Explanatory Optimism Unrealistic Optimism Episode Quote: "Teaching is the greatest act of optimism." -Colleen Wilcox Connections are so important to me as a person and a teacher! If you have connected with this episode in any way, I would love to hear about it! I invite you to email me at The30MinutePD@gmail.com or leave a voice message by clicking on the voicemail link. Let's also connect on social media! Find me on Instagram @The30MinutePD Resources used in this episode Understanding the Optimism Bias All About Optimism: Definition, Health Effects, and How to Boost Your Outlook Hey Teachers! I'm excited to share some fantastic products and recommendations with you. Just so you know, some of the links we provide are Amazon affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, it helps support our podcast and keeps the educational goodness flowing. Rest assured, it doesn't cost you anything extra. Thanks for being part of our journey to make learning fun and engaging!


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    10 mins
  • Season 2, Episode 4: Cultivating a Sense of Belonging by Acknowledging Student Achievement
    Jul 24 2023


    Hey Teachers!

    In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the essence of student success, the significance of acknowledging accomplishments publicly, and creative ways to recognize the achievements of our young learners. Defining and achieving student success has been a longstanding goal of educators and parents alike. But what does it really mean? Join me as we answer that burning question by exploring its definition, the significance of public acknowledgment, and various ways to celebrate and recognize the achievements of our bright young minds. So, grab your coffee, favorite pen, and planner...and let's get started!


    In this episode, you will learn about:

    Defining Student Success

    What does it truly mean for a student to succeed?

    Is it solely about academic achievements, or does it encompass personal growth, character development, and emotional well-being


    The Power of Public Acknowledgement

    Public acknowledgment can be a powerful catalyst for inspiring students to reach greater heights.

    Insights on the positive impact of public recognition on students' self-esteem, motivation, and overall well-being.


    Creative Ways to Recognize Student Success

    Innovative and creative ideas to recognize student success.

    Creating a culture of celebration that uplifts all students.


    Episode Quote: Everyone enjoys being acknowledged and appreciated. Sometimes even the simplest act of gratitude can change someone’s entire day. Roy T. Bennett, Author of The Light in Your Heart


    Want some creative and fun positive notes to give to your students? I have created 16 different positive notes that you can attach to classwork or give it directly to your student! Click HERE to purchase my Positive Notes for Students and start acknowledging students today!


    Connections are so important to me as a person and a teacher! If you have connected with this episode in any way, I would love to hear about it! I invite you to email me at The30MinutePD@gmail.com or leave a voice message by clicking on the voicemail link. Let's also connect on social media!

    Instagram & Threads: @afroandadaisyteacher and @The30MinutePD


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    23 mins
  • Season 2 Episode 3: Cultivating a Sense of Belonging in the Classroom by Asking Parents and Guardians Questions
    Jul 10 2023

    Hey Teachers! Many of us know that it is so important to get to know our students. How many of us have gotten our class list and immediately sought out the students' teachers from the previous year to ask questions about their behavior, learning style, and other information. We love to create getting to know you activities to do in our class on the first day of school. We observe our students' behavior and actions to come up with our conclusion about our new students. However, many of us are not tapping into an important resource when getting to know our students…the parents and guardians!

    In today's episode we will discuss important questions to ask parents and guardians that will help you get to know your students as individuals and learners. So, grab your coffee, favorite pen, and planner...and let's get started!


    In this episode, you will learn about:

    • Why parent involvement is important for student success.
    • Important questions to ask parents and guardians.
    • Types of forms you can use to ask the questions.


    Episode Quote: "At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents." Jane D. Hull


    Click HERE to download the Podcast Handbook for this week's episode! You will find sample questions to asks parents and guardians and a link to a printable and digital Student Information Form!


    Check out my recommended teacher and classroom books on my Amazon Storefront! *I am a pariticipant in the Amazona Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites. I receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using this link.


    Connections are so important to me as a person and a teacher! If you have connected with this episode in any way, I would love to hear about it! I invite you to email me at The30MinutePD@gmail.com or leave a voice message by clicking on the voicemail link. Let's also connect on social media!

    Instagram & Threads: @afroandadaisyteacher

    TikTok: @stacihayes

    Twitter: @StaciofAZ


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    15 mins
  • Season 2, Episode 2: Cultivating a Sense of Belonging by Asking Questions
    Aug 1 2022

    Hey teachers! Back to school is an exciting time! New students, new activities, and the classroom and bulletin board decorating ideas galore! We are ready to pour all of the standards into our students, but before you do a deep dive into the curriculum, it’s important to slow down and get to know your students and make a connection with each one. And I’m not just talking about the age-old “What I did this summer” paragraph, I’m talking about really getting to know your students!

    In today's episode we will discuss inclusive questions that you can ask your students to cultivate a sense of belonging and create connections in your classroom. So, grab your coffee, favorite pen, and planner...and let's get started!

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    • Why students need to feel a sense of connection to learn.
    • Different inclusive and non-threatening questions to ask students to make deeper connections.
    • Different formats to present questions to students.

    Episode Quote: “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” Dr. James P. Comer, Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center

    Connections are so important to me as a person and a teacher! If you have connected with this episode in any way, I would love to hear about it! I invite you to email me at The30MinutePD@gmail.com or leave a voice message by clicking on the voicemail link. Let's also connect on social media!

    Instagram: @afroandadaisyteacher

    Twitter: @StaciofAZ

    Resources used in this episode

    Significant learning · James P. Comer · Social Pedagogy. (n.d.). Pedagogy for Change. Retrieved August 1, 2022

    101 Inclusive Get-to-Know-You Questions for Students [+ PDF Download]. (n.d.). Panorama Education. Retrieved August 1, 2022

    Flip (Formally known as Flipgrid)

    Thinking Maps

    Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures


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    28 mins
  • Season 2 Episode 1: Cultivating a Sense of Belonging in Your Classroom Community Before the First Day of School
    Jul 11 2022

    Welcome to the first episode of season two of The 30 Minute PD: A Podcast for Busy Teachers!


    Hey Teachers! Think about a time that you felt as if you truly belonged in a community. What factors were involved that helped you feel like you belong? How did that sense of belonging affect your attitude and behavior?

    In today's episode we will discuss the importance of establishing a classroom community and cultivating a sense of belonging so that every student who enters your classroom knows that they are in a safe and welcoming environment. You will get THREE simple tools to place in your teacher toolbox that we help you cultivate a sense of community and belonging BEFORE the first day of school! So, grab your coffee, favorite pen, and planner...and let's get started!


    In this episode, you will learn about building community with:

    • The Welcome Letter
    • The Welcome Video
    • The Photograph Door


    Episode Quote: "'Do I belong' is one of the biggest concerns students have in almost every grade level. Let’s give students proof every day that this is the right class and teacher for them." Rick Wormeli from Education Week


    Connections are so important to me as a person and a teacher! If you have connected to with this episode in any way, I would love to hear about it! I invite you to email me at The30MinutePD@gmail.com or leave a voice message by clicking on the voicemail link. Let's also connect on social media!

    Instagram: @afroandadaisyteacher

    Twitter: @StaciofAZ


    Resources used in this episode

    Response: Several Ways to Get the New Year Off to a Good Start -- Part One written by Larry Ferlazzo, Opinion Contributor, Education Week


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    27 mins