The Great Teachers Movement Podcast

Episode 12 Back to School - First Day Tips from Our Guests

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, CanadaDirector, 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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Episode 11 Back to School with Pat and Steve

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
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Episode 10 Helping Students Pass Gen Ed: Success Strategies and Insights with Megan Dotson

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
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Episode 9 From Clinician to Educator: An Interview with Nurse Educator Mary Jo Westerfield

Guest Mary Jo Westerfield, R.N.
Instructor, ASN, Somerset Community College, Kentucky, USA
Former Director of Obstetrics at Saint Joseph London, London, Kentucky
 
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, we sit down with Mary Jo, a dedicated nurse and nurse educator, to explore her journey from clinician to educator. Mary Jo shares her initial thoughts on teaching strategies and how she naturally gravitated towards methods used by her peers in the nursing discipline. She then discusses the value of exploring the methods in other disciplines.
Mary Jo provides valuable insights on moving from hands-on clinical work to the world of education, discussing the challenges and rewards of this significant career shift. She also explains how she uses Kahoot to seamlessly transition students from one day's instruction to the next, highlighting the effectiveness of 5-10 question quizzes as a formative assessment tool. Addressing the debate on study guides, Mary Jo explores different approaches and shares the method that works best for her and her students.
Her approach to teaching clinical skills emphasizes hands-on experience and practical application, ensuring competency-based learning. She underscores the significance of incorporating culturally relevant pedagogy in nursing education and discusses how ethics across different cultures play a crucial role in her teaching methods.
A memorable moment in the interview is when Mary Jo shares the story behind what caused her to lie down on the floor of her office—a moment of vulnerability and learning. In a first for our podcast, host Steve challenges Mary Jo to respond to three emerging trends in education, and she provides her take on each trend and its potential impact on the future of nursing education.
Tune in to this episode for valuable insights and practical strategies from a seasoned nurse educator. Whether you're a fellow educator or simply interested in the field of nursing, Mary Jo's experiences and advice are sure to inspire and inform.
 
Resources:
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning Hardcover – April 14, 2014 by Peter C. Brown (Author), Henry L. Roediger III (Author), Mark A. McDaniel (Author)
Kahoot is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn – any subject, in any language, on any device
About the National Great Teachers Movement
Other Great Teachers Resources
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Special Episode Broadcast from the National Great Teachers Seminar

Guests:
Shari Thompson, Hopkinsville Community College, TNMursalata Muhammad, Grand Rapids Community College, MI  Maayan Ornath, Nashville State Community College; TNAshley Garrett,  Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC), KY
Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.
In this special episode, we bring a broadcast from the National Great Teachers Seminar! Four outstanding educators join us to share their first impressions and key takeaways from this transformative experience. From innovative teaching strategies to personal growth, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for educators everywhere.
Resources
About the National Great Teachers Movement
Other Great Teachers Resources
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Episode 8 Reaching the Reluctant Learner: Active Techniques That Work with Carolyn Ives and Paul Martin (Part 2)

Guests: Carolyn Ives, M.A., and Paul Martin, Ph.D.
Carolyn Ives (she/her) is a Coordinator, Learning and Faculty Development and co-chair of the Learning Design and Innovations Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). She is a former faculty member in English at MacEwan University and at TRU, and she has also held previous roles as Academic Integrity Officer, Academic Quality Assurance Manager, Curriculum Planning and Development Coordinator, and Interim Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence at MacEwan. Her current research focuses on evidencing value of educational development work, decolonizing academic integrity, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), open pedagogical practices, and humanizing science education. Recent work also includes open educational resources for faculty for course design and for students engaging in competency-based PLAR. As a Métis and neurodiverse faculty member, she cares deeply about making space for multiple perspectives in learning spaces. 
Dr. Paul Martin is the Director of Curriculum Development and Delivery, Open Learning, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. There, he oversees not only the design and development of Open Learning’s course offerings but also the delivery of their courses to nearly 30,000 students annually. Prior to joining TRU in 2019, he was the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Marquette University (2018-19), Faculty Development Coordinator at MacEwan University (2011-2018), and an Assistant Professor of English and Director of Canadian Studies at the University of Vermont (2003-2011).
Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.
Steve leads today's podcast by introducing two leaders of the Great Teachers Movement in Canada. He also shares some of his cultural norms with us and wonders if listeners know where he was raised because of his accent. Carolyn and Paul share that they are joining the podcast from one of the Thompson Rivers University campuses. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The TRU region also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples.
We explore active learning and gamification in this exciting second part of our interview with Carolyn and Paul. Both educators share their expertise and passion for innovative teaching methods that keep students engaged.
We begin with a lively discussion on active learning, highlighting how it transforms the classroom experience. Carolyn and Paul offer insights into making learning more dynamic and interactive.
Paul then explains a gamification model a colleague used in her course, detailing elements that make learning fun and engaging. He also discusses challenges with colleagues and administration when introducing new methods and shares strategies to overcome resistance.
Paul shares his favorite app for tracking attendance, noting its user-friendly features. Carolyn contributes with apps she uses and some reliable old-school methods. Together, they provide a balanced view of high-tech and traditional gamification approaches. Steve shares one of his favorite games - The Crime Scene Wig.
An interesting segment features Carolyn and Paul’s differing approaches to introducing the syllabus. Their contrasting styles offer valuable insights into influencing classroom dynamics.
Carolyn and Paul’s enthusiasm and commitment to student success are evident throughout the episode. Their stories, tips, and advice provide a wealth of information for educators looking to innovate and inspire.
This is part 2 of the interview with Carolyn and Paul.
Resources:
Impact of Generative Artificial IntelligenceI on Academic Integrity
Beyond the Scope
Attendance2    
Sarah E Silverman Blog
About the National Great Teachers Movement
Other Great Teachers Resources
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Episode 7 Books that Transform Teaching with Carolyn Ives and Paul Martin (Part 1)

Guests: Carolyn Ives, M.A., and Paul Martin, Ph.D.
Carolyn Ives (she/her) is a Coordinator, Learning and Faculty Development and co-chair of the Learning Design and Innovations Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). She is a former faculty member in English at MacEwan University and at TRU, and she has also held previous roles as Academic Integrity Officer, Academic Quality Assurance Manager, Curriculum Planning and Development Coordinator, and Interim Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence at MacEwan. Her current research focuses on evidencing value of educational development work, decolonizing academic integrity, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), open pedagogical practices, and humanizing science education. Recent work also includes open educational resources for faculty for course design and for students engaging in competency-based PLAR. As a Métis and neurodiverse faculty member, she cares deeply about making space for multiple perspectives in learning spaces. 
Dr. Paul Martin is the Director of Curriculum Development and Delivery, Open Learning, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. There, he oversees not only the design and development of Open Learning’s course offerings but also the delivery of their courses to nearly 30,000 students annually. Prior to joining TRU in 2019, he was the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Marquette University (2018-19), Faculty Development Coordinator at MacEwan University (2011-2018), and an Assistant Professor of English and Director of Canadian Studies at the University of Vermont (2003-2011).
Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.
Steve leads today's podcast by introducing two leaders of the Great Teachers Movement in Canada. He also shares some of his cultural norms with us and wonders if listeners know where he was raised because of his accent. Carolyn and Paul share that they are joining the podcast from one of the Thompson Rivers University campuses. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The TRU region also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples.
This episode explores various teaching strategies, especially how reading can profoundly influence teaching practices. Our distinguished guests, Paul Martin and Carolyn Ives, share how powerful books reshaped their approach to education, fostering more engaging, inclusive, and effective classrooms. Carolyn shares the books inspired her to cultivate a hopeful and resilient classroom atmosphere, encouraging critical thinking and deep engagement among her students. She also explains how one guidebook prompted her to implement anti-racist strategies in her writing workshops, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. Paul discusses how one book helped him connect physical activity and cognitive function, leading him to integrate movement into his teaching to enhance student engagement and learning. Yet another resource has the hosts and guests reflect on how understanding the underlying causes of cheating has influenced his approach to assessments and fostering academic integrity.
Key Topics:
Fostering hopeful and engaged learning environments
Implementing anti-racist practices in education
The impact of physical exercise on cognitive performance and student engagement
Addressing and mitigating academic dishonesty in the classroom
This episode is essential for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in the transformative power of reading on teaching practices. Our guests offer valuable insights, personal stories, and practical tips on creating more equitable, engaging, and effective educational experiences.
This is part 1 of the interview with Carolyn and Paul.
Resources:
Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto by Kevin Gannon
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey, MD
The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop by Felicia Rose Chavez
Cheating Lessons: Learning from Academic Dishonesty by James M. Lang
Failing Our Future: How Grades Harm Students, and What We Can Do about It by Joshua R. Eyler 
Impact of Generative Artificial IntelligenceI on Academic Integrity
Sarah E Silverman Blog
About the National Great Teachers Movement
Other Great Teachers Resources
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Episode 6 Rethinking Teaching: Collaborative Curves, Gamification, and Kindness with Missi Patterson

Guest: Missi Patterson, Ph.D.
Professor Of Psychology, Austin Community CollegePast President of Texas Community College Teachers AssociationPiper Award Nominee for Austin Community CollegeNISOD Excellence Award for Teaching
Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.
This episode features an educator who has led and facilitated a Great Teaching Retreat at her institution and participated as both facilitator and participant in the National Great Teachers Seminar. This week starts with discussing the distinction between seminars and retreats, emphasizing the rationale behind their nomenclature.
Our guest introduces her innovative "collaborative curve" for exam scoring, encouraging group effort and collective problem-solving, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter through peer interaction. The discussion then moves to the importance of large group projects and effective grouping strategies, highlighting the use of group work surveys to optimize dynamics and focus on goals, grading, and timing.
Missi shares her insights into gamification in classrooms, providing examples like using clickers in human sexuality courses to reduce discomfort and encourage participation. She discusses creative gamification techniques such as giant Jenga cubes and flyswatters for exam reviews, emphasizing the joy of making learning fun.
The conversation also covers Missi's transition from punitive practices to a kindness-focused teaching approach, stressing the importance of a supportive classroom environment. Steve discusses how self-perception and cultural roots influence teaching styles and classroom management. This leads to a discussion on the value of the Great Teachers approach for adjuncts and veteran teachers, highlighting the importance of learning and listening to others. Missi concludes by pointing out that brilliance in teaching may be overrated, advocating for practical strategies and continuous improvement over innate intelligence.
Join us as we engage in conversation with Missi.
Resources:
Student Engagement Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty 2nd Editionby Elizabeth F. Barkley (Author), Claire H. Major (Author)
About the National Great Teachers Movement
Other Great Teachers Resources
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Episode 5 Life Lessons Beyond the Classroom with Elizabeth Burton

Guest: Elizabeth Burton
Assistant Professor of English at Hopkinsville Community College
Writer of (mostly) literary fiction
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, we dive into the transformative power of teaching with Elizabeth, an inspiring educator who shares her journey and methods that have left a lasting impact on her students. Elizabeth recounts the poignant story of her favorite teacher who instilled in her the confidence to pursue her dreams, demonstrating the profound influence a single teacher can have on a student's life. The discussion explores how positive reinforcement and personalized attention can change the trajectory of a student's life.
Elizabeth describes her innovative method of incorporating life lessons alongside academic content, using object lessons to help students grasp and remember concepts more effectively. She emphasizes the importance of building community in the classroom, sharing, "I care about them as a human being, it offers community, and cuts down on students coming in late because they want to know what the life lesson is." Steve is amazed as he does the math on one of Elizabeth's lessons and sees its effectiveness in encouraging student mastery.
The conversation shifts to the urgent need for mental health supports for students, both on campus and in online classrooms. Elizabeth stresses the importance of fostering a supportive environment and providing mental health resources. Host Pat adds her perspective, sharing her experience with outsourced mental health services and their impact on student support.
Elizabeth also offers strategies to guide students to mental health resources and manage them in both online and seated courses. She addresses student reluctance towards group work and shares strategies for encouraging participation. Additionally, she introduces her favorite new platform that engages students by simulating a social media environment for discussions.
The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to reflect on how they can positively impact others' lives, whether in a teaching role or otherwise. Join us for an inspiring discussion on the power of great teaching and how it can shape the future, one student at a time. Tune in and be part of the movement!
Resources:
Motivating Students Who Don't Care: Proven Strategies to Engage All Learners, Second Edition (Proven Strategies to Motivate Struggling Students and Spark an Enthusiasm for Learning)
Perusall - Transform nearly any type of course content into a social learning experience, driving meaningful engagement and deeper understanding.
Murdle.com -  Daily Mystery Puzzles by  G. T. Karber
About the National Great Teachers Movement
Other Great Teachers Resources
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Episode 4 Navigating Modern Education: Embracing Ambiguity with David Wohl

Guest: David Wohl, Ph.D.Professor and Dean Emeritus, Winthrop UniversityFormerly, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Winthrop University and Dean of Arts and Humanities at West Virginia State University
Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast.
With an illustrious career in academia and the arts, David was the Artistic Director of the Charleston Stage Company in West Virginia. His scholarly contributions include publications in Theatre Journal, Southern Theatre, the Journal of the Association for Communication Administration, and ArtWorks. Notably, he helped create the Cultural Resources and Capitol Improvement grant, securing $8 million for arts organizations in West Virginia. Our guest has received accolades such as the Mayor's Award for Artist of the Year from Charleston, WV, and a Lifetime Achievement Arts award from WV Governor Joe Manchin. As a co-producer, he has worked on films like "Chillers" and "Paradise Park." His directing credits include notable productions such as "Hamlet," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Sweeney Todd." He has also taken on significant acting roles in "The Tempest," "The Elephant Man," and "Angels in America."
In this episode, David shares insights on current trends in education, ranging from the impact of student demonstrations and protests to the innovative use of AI for improving student feedback in his teaching practice. He also offers his thoughts on the importance of teaching students to develop a tolerance for ambiguity, preparing them for the complexities of the modern world. 
Co-host Steve shares his insights on a crushing episode in his educational early life that haunted him for decades. Tune in and find out what that's all about.
Join us as we dive into an enlightening conversation with David.
Resources:
ChatGPT
About the National Great Teachers Movement
West Virginia Great Teachers Seminar Reports
Other Great Teachers Resources
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