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Hello amazing teachers, In this episode, I share three go-home-happy strategies for when you’ve had a bad day. Have you had a bad day recently? Did you go home frustrated, stressed, angry? Did you tell your spouse or significant other all about it in order to “get it off your chest?” I used to do this all the time, and now I regret it. My wife didn’t deserve to have her day ruined by my bad day. Here she was having a good day, and all of a sudden I get home, and I share all the bad stuff that happened to me, and now we are both upset. That’s not fair. In this podcast, I share what I’ve learned to do on those days, so I can go home happy.   I also share about my new course on Udemy – How to Nail the Teacher Interview.  I give you a coupon code that allows you to enroll for free. It’s a limited time offer, so get yours soon. I also  share my book recommendation: Big Potential by Shawn Achor.     Until next time, Be amazing! Sam

Hello amazing teachers, In this episode, I share a strategy that I learned from Brendon Burchard’s book, High Performance Habits – How Extraordinary People Become That Way. It’s called, Three Aspirational Words. I also share the Teach Happier Strategy from my book called the Control List.                 I hope you are finding these podcast episodes valuable. Thank you again for listening and spreading the news about The Amazing Teacher Podcast. Until next time, Be Amazing!       Thanks, Sam    

Hello amazing teachers, In this episode of the Amazing Teacher Podcast, I share three more strategies from my book, Teach Happier: 21 stress-reducing, joy-inspiring, burnout-avoiding strategies to help teachers love their jobs and have more success in the classroom. The three strategies in this episode are: Teach Happier Strategy #9: The Grateful Welcome Teach Happier Strategy #10: Smile and Teach Happier Strategy #11: The Starving Child I also recommend a couple of amazing books that I believe will help teachers be more inspired and teach happier. Solve for Happy – Engineer Your Path to Joy – Mo Gawdat Find the Fire – Ignite your Inspiration an Make Work Exciting Again – Scott Mautz   Until next time, Be Amazing! Thanks, Sam

Hello Amazing Teachers, In this episode, I share three more strategies from my new book, Teach Happier: 21 stress-reducing, joy-inspiring, burnout-avoiding strategies to help teachers love their jobs and have more success in the classroom. Strategy #6: The Positive Journal Strategy #7: The Gratitude Email Strategy #8: Talk Behind Someone’s Back   I hope you find this episode helpful. Please let me know what you think. Send me an email at sam@successintheclassroom.com.   Until next time, Be Amazing!   Thanks, Sam

Hello amazing teachers, Thank you for stopping by to listen to the latest episode of the Amazing Teacher Podcast. In this episode, I continue reading from my book, Teach Happier – 21 stress-reducing, joy-inspiring, burnout-avoiding strategies to help teachers love their jobs and have more success in the classroom. I read chapter 4, which is the strategy called, Thank Your Class. This is a strategy that I wished I had used more often when I was teaching. It’s a great way to bring a little bit of happiness into your classroom. I also read from chapter 5, where I share the strategy, Surprise Appreciation. This is one of my favorite strategies,  and I know that once you begin implementing it on a more regular basis into your life, you’ll understand why. I also mention and recommend a great book that I have found very helpful, especially in the area of happiness. The book is Brené Brown’s, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. Thank you again for taking a listen. Please share the podcast with your teacher friends on Social Media. Until next time…Be Amazing! Thanks, Sam

Hello amazing teachers, In this episode, I’m doing something different. I’m actually going to read from my new book, Teach Happier – 21 stress-reducing, joy-inspiring, burnout-avoiding strategies to help teachers love their jobs and have more success in the classroom. I’ll be reading from the Introduction along with the 3rd Teach Happier strategy – 21 Days of Gratitude. I share what I’ve learned about how our brains work, and how it is naturally inclined to look for the negative. With some training, however, we can learn new habits that keep our focus on the positive, leading us to be better teachers. I also talk about the power of gratitude. Gratitude is what balances out our negativity bias, and will allow us to have more good days. Thank you for taking a listen. Find my book on Amazon. Be amazing! Thanks, Sam I mention Caroline Webb’s book, How to Have a Good Day  and The Happiness Track by Emma Seppala in this episode. Check these books out!

In this podcast, I share one of my favorite Teach Happier strategies that I include in my book, Teach Happier – 20 stress-reducing, joy-inspiring, burnout-avoiding, strategies to help teachers love their jobs and have more success in the classroom. It’s the strategy I call, The Gratitude Wall. When we identify those people who have helped us get to where we are through their support, encouragement and inspiration, we can invite one of the greatest contributors to our happiness – gratitude. The Gratitude Wall helps us do this.   This is one of the strategies that will be included in my upcoming book, Teach Happier – 20 stress-reducing, joy-inspiring, burnout-avoiding, strategies to help teachers love their jobs and have more success in the classroom. Sign up to be notified when the book is available at TeachHappier.com.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain. I believe that for most teachers, this is an easy one. We know our purpose. We’re out to make a difference in the world. Right? We didn’t get into this profession to become millionaires. It’s not for the money or fame. Most of us became teachers to give something back. What happens, however, is that our purpose can get lost over time. With all the demand of the job, we can often lose sight of why we got into teaching in the first place. In this episode, I share how identifying your purpose in life will help us to teach happier. This is one of the strategies that will be included in my upcoming book, Teach Happier – 20 Strategies to Help Teachers Love What They Do Even More! Sign up to be notified when the book is available at TeachHappier.com.   Books mentioned in the podcast: Start With Why – Simon Sinek Grit – Angela Duckworth The Happiness Advantage – Shawn Achor

Hello amazing teachers, I was pleasantly surprised a few weeks ago when my former student – and former student teacher – Eva, contacted me to ask me if I would have a mock interview with her. She is planning on applying for a position in our district, and she wanted some practice. This is the second part of that interview. In this episode, we conduct the mock interview. I ask her some questions that she will most likely get from the interview panel.   If you would like to hear the Skype session in its entirety, you can download the full conversation here. You can also purchase my book, How to Nail the Teacher Interview from Amazon.com where I share some insights on what school administrators are looking for in a new teacher. Thank you again, Until next time… Be amazing! Sam

Hello amazing teachers, I was pleasantly surprised a few weeks ago when my former student – and former student teacher – Eva, contacted me to ask me if I would have a mock interview with her. She is planning on applying for a position in our district, and she wanted some practice. I, of course, agreed, and we spent about an hour on Skype going over some interviewing tips, along with a practice interview. It was great. I asked Eva if it was OK to record our conversation, and share it on the podcast, and she agreed. The Skype session is broken up into two parts. In this episode, I share some tips that will help Eva as she sits in the “hot seat.” In the next podcast, you’ll be able to hear the second half of the session, where we actually conduct a mock interview. I believe the information I share with Eva is valuable for anybody looking to become a teacher. I wish I would have known what I know now back when I was interviewing. Feel free to share this with anybody you know who is looking to change their life and the lives of students forever by becoming a teacher. If you would like to hear the Skype session in its entirety, you can download the full conversation here. Thank you again, Until next time… Be amazing! Sam

Welcome Amazing Teachers! In this episode, I share the three remaining questions that we need to ask to change Johnny’s behavior. In the last episode, we learned that the first question we need to ask is: What does Johnny believe about education? Why do we have to ask about Johnny’s beliefs? Because our behaviors are determined by our beliefs. In this episode I share the other three questions that we have to ask about what Johnny and we believe. The questions are: What does Johnny believe about Johnny? What does Johnny believe about me? What do I believe about Johnny? I hope you find this episode so important that it transforms the way you conduct your classroom. I know that once I recognized this belief-behavior concept, it totally changed how I interact with students, teachers, colleagues and even my family. We can’t change other people’s behavior. All we can do is try and influence what they believe, and then when they change their beliefs, then they will change their behavior. Please let me know what you think about the episode. Thank you for taking the time to download and listen. Don’t forget to share the episode to other teachers who you believe may find this helpful. Until next time, Be Amazing! Thanks,   Sam  

In this episode, I share what I’ve learned about changing Johnny’s bad behavior. You know Johnny. He’s the student that you go home talking about. Your family knows who Johnny is. When you go home happy, your family assumes it’s because Johnny was absent. Yes, that Johnny. We spend the entire year, giving Johnny lectures about the how he needs to change his behavior, but nothing seems to get through. Then we take the next step: giving consequences. We start small, like a detention or a loss of a recess. When the bad behavior continues, what do we do? Right. We give greater consequences. We’re trying to change his behavior by adding some kind of pain to his life, so that he considers the pain of the consequence before he chooses to act out. This is what think is an effective strategy for changing Johnny’s behavior. What I’ve discovered, however, is that we’ve been doing it all wrong. In this podcast, I share that in order to change Johnny’s behavior,  we have to change what Johnny believes. It’s a statement based on a lot of good research out there. Once we understand this, we can focus on what really will have an impact on changing Johnny’s bad behavior – changing what Johnny believes. There are four questions that we need to answer in order to change Johnny’s behavior. In this episode, I only have time to talk about the first question: What does Johnny believe about education? I wish I would have known this earlier in my career. I would have had better success with my Johnnys. Take a listen. Share it with a friend who might be struggling with their Johnny. Until next time, Be amazing! Thanks, Sam

Welcome amazing teachers to the 35th episode of the Amazing Teacher Podcast. In this episode, I share what I call, The Amazing Teacher Goal Creation Formula. You can find more details on the Formula at SuccessInTheClassroom.com, where I take the different parts of the formula, and write a post for each. In the podcast, I share how success in the classroom begins with setting a goal. What happens, however, is that the goals we create are often times never reached for one reason or another. We either get distracted or discouraged, and we end up never reaching our true success. That is where the Amazing Teacher Goal Creation Formula can help. I’ve read a lot of books about goal setting, and I’ve taken the best elements of some of them, and I modified them to fit our needs in education. Amazing teachers set amazing goals. I believe that once you learn how to make goals using this formula, you will never set goals the same again. Using this formula has allowed me to reach some goals that have always seemed out of reach for me, and I had to share it with my audience. I know you will find this podcast valuable. I would love to hear what you think about it. Also mentioned in the podcast: Brad Currie’s book – All Hands on Deck Until next time… Be amazing! Thank you,   Sam

Welcome amazing teachers to the 34th episode of the Amazing Teacher Podcast. In this podcast, I share what I learned recently about how our expectations of our students has a major impact on their success. I mention the results of the Pygmalian Effect Study that took place back in the 1960’s that demonstrated how our subconscious actions as educators can either help or hurt our students’ chances to be successful. It was an eye-opening and revealing study for me, and I wanted to share that with you in the podcast. The quote of the podcast is, “We get what we expect, so expect the best.” This is not only true in the classroom, but in life. I’ve learned that when we expect good things to happen to us, good things seem to happen. The same is true for when we expect bad things. I like testing this idea when I go to the mall. I drive into the parking lot expecting a spot right up in front, and almost always I do. It’s almost funny. I’ve learned to expect the best, and it’s changed my perspective on students, school, work, life, etc. Give it a try. Expect good things. Expect that you will have a good day. Expect that your students will behave for the sub. Expect that your lesson will be amazing. Expect that Johnny will do well. Watch what happens. I believe that you will get what you expect. Please let me know what you think about the podcast. Until next time, Be Amazing! Thanks, Sam   Also mentioned in the podcast… Pernille Ripp – Blogging Through the Fourth Dimension               Give and Take – Adam Grant

Welcome to the 33rd episode of the Amazing Teacher Podcast. In this episode, I share what I learned while on a trip to a conference. Not knowing how to get to the conference, I asked my iPhone, and the pleasant, patient voice that I’ve come to know and love took me straight to my destination. As I was driving the two miles, listening to the lady in my iPhone, and it occurred to me that there are three ways that amazing teachers are like her. I know that sounds a little out there, but I think you’ll understand once you hear the show. Thank you again for listening. I would love to hear from you. Please connect with me on Twitter or Facebook. Be Amazing! Sam  

Well, I guess I couldn’t stay away forever. I am back on the air, and I am so excited. In the last episode, I told my listeners that I was going to put the podcast to rest, but I did leave the door a little open for my eventual return, and after a year away from my microphone, I am back. The main reason is because, like I say in the episode, I have discovered my purpose in life. I know that sounds a bit “out there,” but it’s true. I have found out what I’m supposed to be doing - helping others attain more success in their lives. I guess that’s why I get so much happiness when I’m blogging or writing or podcasting. I’m helping other be more successful. I learned a lot from my first go-round as a podcaster. I’ll be balancing my time with family and work a little better, so I can continue doing what I love to do – help others. I won’t be able to have as many guests on the show as I did before. The podcast will be me sharing what I’ve learned over the years as a classroom teacher and as a school administrator, along with the lessons I’m still learning from the amazing educators I come in contact with either in person or through their books. I’m addicted to audiobooks. In this episode, I share how teachers can have amazing success with THAT student. You know who I’m talking about – THAT student who gets on your last nerve, and who, if he would only choose to take school seriously,  your life would be so much happier. You know who I’m talking about. It is possible to have amazing success with THAT student. You just have to modify your  BLAME  page. Check out the episode to find out what I’m talking about. I would love to hear what you think about the new Amazing Teacher Podcast. Send me a message via Twitter at @SamRangelSITC. Until next time, Be Amazing!   Thanks, Sam  

This is a special episode of the Amazing Teacher Podcast. It is the final episode. Yes, this is the last episode. I have had a great year of inspiring interviews with amazing teachers, and as much as I have enjoyed putting on the podcast, I feel it’s time to bring it to an end. I know that I have become a better educator after picking the brains of these amazing teachers, and I have received so many messages from the listeners who have told me that they also have found great value in the podcast, so I’m happy about that. I would like to thank all of the subscribers who have supported the podcast by sharing it with your friends and colleagues. I especially want to thank the 31 amazing guests who have taken time to sit down with me and share their experience and expertise and their heart and their passion for teaching and love for students. I have been so inspired by all of you. I don’t want to close the door completely. You never know. I might post another podcast in the future, but for now, this is the final episode. So I thought, who would be a great guest for the final episode? Why not interview the teacher who inspired this podcast? If you heard the very first episode of the Amazing Teacher Podcast, I share how I was sitting with one of my colleagues at my school, and she was sharing her insights on teaching, and talking about what she does in her classroom, classroom management, connecting with students, etc. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if I could share her ‘amazingness’ with new teachers and soon-to-be teachers?” And that’s when the podcast idea came to me. 31 podcasts later, here we are. So I am happy and honored to have my colleague and friend Dr. Jackie Sapp on the podcast. We had an amazing conversation, and she shared some advice and tips that I know you will find valuable. She also shares with the listeners about an incident that happened last year that she considered one of the most difficult times in her life, and it is truly inspiring how she was able to go through this episode in her life, and still be that amazing teacher for her students, so listen for that. Listen also for when we talk about the “hug line.” That is good stuff right there – showing how important it is to show your students that you care about them. I had an incredible time speaking with Jackie. We could have gone on for another two hours just talking about how to best connect with kids. Jackie is truly an amazing teacher, and I know that you will find what she shares both valuable and inspiring.   Again, I want to thank you for listening to the podcast. It has been one of the most inspiring years of my life.  I would love to hear from you. Let me know how the podcast has helped, what value you have found. The emails and messages on Twitter I receive always make my day. You can email me at sam@theamazingteacher.com or send me a tweet at @amazingpodcast. Thank you for spreading the word about the podcast. Until next time, Be Amazing! Thank you, Sam   Find Jackie at: jsapp@cnusd.k12.ca.us.  

In this episode,  I have Dorina Sackman the 2014 Florida State Teacher of the Year. She was also one of the finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. I had such a great time picking Dorina’s brain about teaching and education. She’s a middle school teacher, so you know as a former middle school teacher myself, we had so much to talk about. We spoke a lot about the importance of building positive relationships, and if you have heard any of the other podcast, you know that is something that I believe in, and it is a common thread among the amazing teachers I’ve had on the podcast. They focus on building those positive connections with their kids right off the bat, and it pays off all year long. Dorina reinforces that on the podcast. I was impressed and inspired by how far she goes to build those relationships. She has survey that she gives her students at the beginning of the year that goes beyond just asking the basic information on a student. It asks for information about their family and their community. She then takes this information and goes out into the community to make those connections with their family and the community members. Amazing. Dorina also shares about B.E.L.I.E.V.E.  - Be the Educators who Lead to Inspire and Empower Via Excellence! It’s her way to inspire teachers to have an impact and be effective. So listen for that. This was another very inspiring conversation with a truly amazing teacher. I know you will find this podcast  full of value and great take-aways. Thank you again for  spreading the word about the podcast. Until next time, Be Amazing! Thanks,   Sam Find Dorina: Website: DorinaSackman.com Twitter: @2014FloridaTOY Facebook: 2014FloridaTeacherOfTheYearDorinaSackman Mentioned on the podcast:

In this episode,  I have Jeff Baxter, the 2014 State Teacher of the Year for Kansas, and this was one of the most inspiring interviews I have had on the podcast. I am so glad that I was able to spend a little bit of time with him, not only for the amazing advice that he offered to new teachers, but for the inspiration that he gives with his life story. He is such an amazing person. I know you will enjoy our conversation. Listen for when he shares about the moment when his life and his career was transformed and the effect it had not only on his family, but on his students. I was blown away, and I know you will be saying, “Wow!” when you hear it. He shares so much about building positive relationships and how important that is to have success in the classroom. He talks about rigor, and something that he shares is that rigor is just mean if there’s no relationship. I thought that was so true. Rigor is so popular now in education, but for it to be effective, there has to be a positive relationship between the teacher and the student. Jeff surprised me when he said that he has read Herman Melville’s Moby Dick over 50 times. He uses this novel in his classes, and his kids are excited to read this book. I was surprised, because when I read it in college, I hated the book, and as we discussed, it all goes back to something that all amazing teachers have -  passion.  His passion for Moby Dick is evident, and since our interview, I have downloaded the audio version of the book, and I’m listening to it on my way to school each day, and I am understanding why it is considered a classic. Jeff has a way of igniting passions in others that I found totally inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Jeff and  went away with a great desire to have an impact on the kids I come in contact with. I know you will find him just as inspiring. Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast. Until next time, Be Amazing!   Thanks, Sam   Find Jeff: Website: 2014ktoy.weebly.com/jeff-baxter.html Twitter : @MobyJeff Mentioned on the Podcast:   Moby Dick Audiobook – Free Version – Click here.   Moby Dick – Audiobook – Not Free, but a little better quality. Click Here.

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Gilchrist who is a Bammy Award Finalist and Christa McAuliffe Pioneer in Education Award winner. She also was selected as the Teacher of the Year in her school district. Laura was so great on the podcast. She shared her insights on teaching which focuses on connecting and believing in kids and stepping outside the box. I was particularly impressed with what she shares about Edcamp. As you know, I like the idea of Edcamp, where teachers learn from each other, and Laura shares her insights on Edcamp from the perspective of an Edcamp organizer. What she has done, however, is bring Edcamp into her school with what she calls a one-hour Edcamp.  I was really excited about that, because that can be done in any school. So listen for that. Laura also shares her advice on classroom management which focuses on building that positive relationship with students. Her advice is a must listen for any teacher who may be struggling with that tough class. As always, I come away inspired after every conversation that I have with these amazing educators, and my time with Laura was no different. I had a great time speaking with Laura, and I know you will find her insights and advice very inspiring and valuable as I did. Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast! Until next time… Be Amazing! Thank you, Sam Here is a video from her post: Storytime: My favorite Think-Outside-the-Box lesson Find Laura: Website: lauragilchrist4.com Twitter: @LauraGilchrist4 Also mentioned on the podcast: Voxer