Advertise on podcast: Mr. Bryan's Classroom

In this episode, Bryan explores the Edutopia article “How Novice and Expert Teachers Approach Classroom Management Differently” by Youki Terada. He also shares six practical takeaways from the article you can use to create a more focused, positive, and effectively managed classroom this school year.

Has education changed for the better?Today’s guest, Mr. Gary, brings 30 years of experience in education—including 10 years as a classroom teacher and 20 years as a curriculum writer and educational consultant. In this episode, we compare “old-school” and “new-school” experiences. We also examine how parenting has changed, why students are given more labels than ever before, and whether those labels truly prepare them for life beyond the classroom—where expectations, responsibilities, and results often matter more than labels.

Feel like your class is already getting out of control? One of the simplest ways to prevent behavior problems is to make sure students know exactly what to do. Clear classroom procedures take the guesswork out of everyday situations and help students understand what’s expected of them. In this episode, we look at why procedures can often be more effective than simply adding more rules—and how a few practical classroom management strategies can create a calmer, smoother-running classroom. For the full article, visit http://www.teachers.net/wong/SEP13/

The beginning of a new school year can be exciting—but with so much to accomplish, it can also feel overwhelming. It’s easy for educators to become discouraged and focus on the most difficult aspects of the profession. In this conversation, guest Owen Griffith shares how practicing gratitude can help teachers develop a healthier perspective on their work and their lives. Owen is a classroom teacher, public speaker, blogger, and published author. His book, *Gratitude: A Way of Teaching*, provides solution-focused strategies and research-based resources designed to help educators create a more positive classroom culture, strengthen student engagement, and support academic achievement.*Gratitude: A Way of Teaching* is currently available on Amazon. #Gratitude #Teachers #Education #Teaching #Classroom #Students

The final days of the school year can either be the most stressful… or some of the most meaningful. Too often, teachers shut things down early and fill the days with unstructured free time. While that may work for some classes, for many teachers it leads to more behavior problems, stress, and chaos. In this episode, Bryan shares practical ideas to help teachers finish the year strong while still keeping learning fun, engaging, and purposeful. Your students can absolutely enjoy the final weeks of school without turning the classroom into a free-for-all. Remember: students have all summer to relax and goof around. It shouldn't start in your classroom.

In Smart Kids, Bad Schools, award-winning author and educator Brian Crosby (brian-crosby.com)draws on his many years as a high school English teacher to offer a candid appraisal of why our schools are failing and what we must do to save them.

If you watched the Super Bowl, you couldn't help but notice the atmosphere was filled with excitement and passion. The announcers, players, fans, and halftime performers acted like they really wanted to be there and enjoyed what they were doing.  Can the same be said about you in your classroom?

Teaching is supposed to be about shaping lives—not surviving the workplace. We talk a lot about bullying in schools, and rightly so. But there’s a hard truth we rarely acknowledge: teachers are being bullied too—by students, parents, and even the very leadership meant to support them. In spaces that claim to be “safe zones,” many educators are walking on eggshells, burned out, and leaving.

Congratulations to the teachers in the States! You have made it to Thanksgiving break. Kriscia Cabral took some time to write down what she is thankful for when she goes to work as a teacher. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, Bryan shares her top five reasons on why she is a thankful teacher. For the full article go to http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/top-teaching/2013/11/top-5-reasons-im-thankful-teacher

In this episode, Bryan is joined by returning guests Dr. James Hughey and Evelyn Sellers, who bring years of experience and valuable perspective on the teaching profession. Together, they respond to listener questions and tackle some of the most common challenges teachers face in the classroom and beyond.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with National Teachers Hall of Fame educator Alan Haskvitz to explore what truly defines a successful teacher. Too often, we equate success with test scores or picture-perfect classrooms seen on Pinterest. But as Alan explains, the real value in education comes from deeper, less flashy qualities.

In this episode, Bryan shares how his dogs, Max and Nikki, brought joy, comfort, and connection to his students—proving that the right dog can make a lasting impact in a school community. From classroom visits to becoming beloved companions, their presence not only supported student well-being but also gave him precious time with them during their senior years. Janelle's Cox article lists those benefits at http://www.teachhub.com/teacher%E2%80%99s-guide-classroom-pets

With over 3.5 million educators in public school classrooms, teaching is the largest professional workforce in the U.S.—yet nearly half leave the profession within five years. Why is burnout so common, and what can be done about it? In this episode, Bryan sits down with a former classroom teacher who was on the verge of walking away from education but instead made a pivotal change that reignited her passion to stay in education. She became a librarian/media specialist. Together, they explore the realities of modern teaching, the evolving landscape of education, and how finding the right fit can make all the difference.

In a world where classroom demands are higher than ever, clutter—both physical and mental—can silently drain creativity and focus. This episode explores how embracing minimalism can lead to a more intentional, efficient, and inspiring learning environment. By removing what no longer serves you or your students, you make space for what truly matters. Our days are tough enough as it is. Why not use the end of the year to get rid of things that are serving no real value to you or your students? Mentioned on the program: Tiny Houses & the Quest to De-Clutter As most of us conclude a challenging school year, this will be the final show for this season.

In this inspiring episode, I'm joined by Erin Gruwell whose powerful teaching journey became the foundation for "The Freedom Writers Diary" and the major motion picture "Freedom Writers". Erin shares how she transformed a classroom of students once labeled "unteachable" by embracing diversity, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a culture of empathy and critical thinking. With her unwavering belief in her students, they not only wrote their own stories but also became published authors. Erin reflects on the impact of their bestselling book and the lasting legacy of the Freedom Writers.  For more about the Freedom Writers foundation visit http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org