Welcome back, teachers! In this special back-to-school episode of the Great Teachers Movement Podcast, we’ve gathered the best first-day-of-school tips from some of our favorite past guests. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, these tips will help set a positive tone, build relationships with students, and create an engaging learning environment from day one.

Hosts: Pat Hendrickson and Steve Smith

Guests:

• Elaine Cruse- Licensed pharmacist, pharmacy tech, and clinical instructor.
• John Haney - Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, MacEwen University, Canada Director, ThreeSixty Analysis Inc.
• Sherry Woitte - Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Alberta, Canada
• David Wohl, Ph.D. - Professor and Dean Emeritus, Winthrop University
• Elizabeth Burton - Assistant Professor of English at Hopkinsville Community College
• Missi Patterson, Ph.D. - Professor Of Psychology, Austin Community College
• Carolyn Ives, M.A.- Coordinator, Learning and Faculty Development and co-chair of the Learning Design and Innovations Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).
• Paul Martin, Ph.D. -Director of Curriculum Development and Delivery, Open Learning, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia
• Mary Jo Westerfield, R.N. - Instructor, ASN, Somerset Community College, Kentucky, USA
• Megan Dotson, MAE- Professor, Developmental Studies, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC)

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.

Resources

About the National Great Teachers Movement

Other Great Teachers Resources

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Co-hosts Pat Hendrickson, Ed.D., Core Variable, and Steve Smith, M.A., C.P.P. 1st Person Seminar

In this episode of the Great Teachers Movement podcast, Steve talks with Pat about her recent transition to a new school. Pat shares her experiences, discussing both the challenges and opportunities that come with starting fresh in a new environment. They explore the importance of building relationships with students and colleagues, adapting to a new school culture, and maintaining a positive mindset during the transition. Steve also reflects on his learning journey, reminding us that learning starts when we enter the world and continues throughout our lives. Together, they emphasize the value of being lifelong learners and how embracing new experiences can enhance both teaching and personal growth.

Resources

Biteable - online video maker and editor

About the National Great Teachers Movement

Other Great Teachers Resources

Listen and subscribe on your favorite app:

Apple Podcasts

Podbean App

Spotify

Amazon Music

iHeartRadio

PlayerFM

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BoomPlay

Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!

Guest Megan Dotson, MAE

Professor, Developmental Studies, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC)

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.

In this episode of the Great Teachers Movement podcast, Pat and Steve chat with Megan Dotson, a seasoned professor of developmental studies whose teaching journey spans from pre-K to college. Megan explores the “Jigsaw” strategy for group work, a dynamic approach that keeps students engaged and encourages diverse perspectives. She also shares insights into the innovative Accelerate You! The program integrated embedded tutors to help students struggling with General Education courses—guiding them toward earning their degrees. Megan then discusses the trend of rising tuition costs and affordability challenges. Our guest also reflects on what she wishes she had known before she started teaching and shares a book that is currently changing the way she thinks. Wrapping up, Megan offers a glimpse into one of her first-day activities and pays tribute to her favorite teacher.

Resources: Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad by John Eldredge

Lucidspark

About the National Great Teachers Movement

Other Great Teachers Resources

Listen and subscribe on your favorite app:

Apple Podcasts

Podbean App

Spotify

Amazon Music

iHeartRadio

PlayerFM

Podchaser

BoomPlay

Visit our sponsor, The Roost Laptop Stand, and subscribe to the podcast to be entered into a drawing for your very own Roost!