Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast

Christmas Collab with Kaitlin Reichart!

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:00:17 -0500

Jill and Colleen welcome Dr. Kaitlin Reichart into the Catholic Teachers’ Lounge to share the best things they have seen and heard in classrooms so far this year. Stop in the lounge to hear shout outs, accolades, and cheers for the hardworking and creative teachers and leaders in our schools. You’ll have lots of time over break to binge back episodes of the Catholic Teachers’ Lounge AND Connected Classrooms, the Greeley Center for Catholic Education’s podcast starring Kaitlin Reichart!

Lose the Rule Book: Making the Move to Multiage

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 23:00:07 -0500

This episode takes Jill and Colleen down a rabbit hole of multi-age instructional shifts, putting theory into practice, and wondering if PD is enough. Tune in as talk in lounge shifts to the way instructional leaders must create the space and opportunities for teachers to put practices that serve all students into action and help them let go of habits, systems, and structures that no longer serve today’s classrooms.

Hot Takes on Homework

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:19:44 -0500

This episode takes the lounge conversation back to homework, only this time Jill and Colleen are talking about high school kids. Studies show there is a sweet spot for impact when it comes to time spent on homework and success on standardized exams. Stop by the lounge to hear about stressors, tasks, and impact when it comes to homework in high school.

Hi, God!

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:00:05 -0500

“In this episode of the Catholic Teachers Lounge, Jill and Colleen explore various themes related to Catholic education, particularly focusing on the Advent season, prayer practices, and the role of AI in spiritual expressions. They discuss the importance of spontaneous prayer in schools, share personal anecdotes about prayer with children, and reflect on the authenticity of prayer in the context of modern technology. The conversation concludes with a historical insight into the oldest Catholic school building still in use in the United States.

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Go Out and Play — That’s Your Homework!

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 23:00:32 -0500

In this episode, Jill and Colleen ponder a homework study. What is the value of homework? What is the most effective use of student time in and out of school? Stop in the lounge for a topic that everyone has an opinion about.

How to Ride the Advent Wave

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 23:00:44 -0500

It’s Advent–A time of high energy, activities, service projects, special prayer events, art, music, and lots of patience. Join Jill and Colleen for a conversation about fresh ideas and traditions to bring Advent to life for students.

Displays of Gratitude

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:00:21 -0500

It’s Thanksgiving week! Join Jill and Colleen in a lounge conversation about classroom activiities that reflect the values and meaning of Thanksgiving, let kids be creative, and honor history. Jill and Colleen wish all Catholic school teachers and leaders all the best–they are so grateful for what you do every day!

De-Isloation Transformation

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:00:34 -0500

Teaching has historically been an isolating profession for many. We would go into our classrooms, not to see another adult until we ventured to the office or teachers’ lounge. When teachers experience the benefits of frequent visitors, co-teachers, and other adults in their classroom, they can experience a shift to openness that lifts them and their students to new heights. Join Colleen and Jill in the lounge for a conversation about teacher support practices.

Universal by Design

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:00:22 -0500

In this episode, Jill and Colleen explore the universal design aspects of marching band and music education and how these can apply to the classroom. Discover UDL through a musical lens.

How Handwriting Makes Kids Smarter

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 23:00:19 -0500

In this episode, Jill and Colleen put on their doctor hats and talk about a study proving the importance of handwriting to benfit learning to read. What begins as a simple conversation about spelling words goes down a rabbit hole of literacy. Stop in the lounge for this cutting edge–yet not surprising!– conversation about reading and writing.

Heros’ Honor

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 23:00:53 -0500

It’s Veteran’s Day, and Jill and Colleen take time to talk about the ways people can witness and support military veterans. Whether through fundraising support, gratitude, or song, anyone can have the opportunity to give thanks to those who serve!

Everything is Better with Prayer

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 23:00:15 -0500

In this episode Jill, Colleen, and some faithful listeners share their daily prayer routines. Discussion in the lounge centers on ways to integrate prayer into every day, and how to create a culture of prayer among the faculty in your school.

Pace Yourself

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 23:00:17 -0500

Colleen shares an experience in a 4th grade classroom where students were highly engaged in a well-paced, well-orchestrated science lesson.

Melodic Maneuvers

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:53 -0400

This episode highlights the importance of music education. Jill and Colleen share the variety of ways music is integrated into Catholic schools and showcases the Ward method that teaches students Gregorian chant.

A Classic Example

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:30 -0400

In this episode Jill and Colleen explore the ways full inclusion and education in the classical tradition can work together. Using an example of a Catholic school in Kentucky, the conversation reveals that it is possible, this model does exist as an example to others, and it is beautiful.

Conflict Mediation 2000 Years in the Making

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:37 -0400

In this episode, Jill and Colleen explore how to resolve student conflict. There are many peer mediation programs out there, and many link back to sacraments and values. Consider the ways your school’s charism or integration of Catholic values informs your peer mediation program potential.

AI: It’s the Same as the Calculator

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:09 -0400

In this episode, Colleen and Jill revisit the concept of AI with predictions, questions, and some trepedation. Based on lessons learned from the past, how should schools proceed into the future with confident faithfulness to mission and commitment to student formation? We may not have all the answers, but it’s a conversation.

Podcasting from a Classroom Near You

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:17 -0400

Today’s students need to learn new mediums of communication beyond just public speaking in order to thrive in the world of career and academics. In this episode, Jill shares two examples of student podcasts from elementary and high school classrooms to inspire ideas on using podcasting to communicate with parents, as assessments, and to grow students’ skills.

This Podcast Needs an Intervention

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:38 -0400

If the differences between accommodations, modifications, and interventions sometimes confuse you, you are not alone! In this episode, Colleen provides an analogy that Jill breaks down and applies to the classroom to clarify these terms and their applications in schools.

Why So Anxious?

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:36 -0400

In this follow up conversation from the previous episode, Colleen and Jill talk more about the impact of technology on kids, families, and schools as described in the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. For a copy of Jill’s community book study, emails us at CTL@ed-21.com.

When Phones Stopped Coming to School

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:45:11 -0400

In this episode Jill shares the way a diocesan-wide policy about phones triggered a series of community gatherings around a book study of 2024 epic publication The Anxious Generation. If you want a copy of Jill’s 4-part book study notes and facilitation guide, email us at CTL@Ed-21.com!

Prepping for Parent Night

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:40 -0400

Jill and Colleen have both fond and rough memories of parents teacher conferences–both as the parent and the teacher. Join this conversation for ideas on preping for the most effective parent teacher conferences possible.

Time for Change

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:00:05 -0400

In this episode Colleen and Jill talk about the very real struggle with making changes and learning new things. Using personal examples, the discussion is a metaphor for the classroom. If we seek certain results for our students and aren’t getting them, it might be time for a change.

The Joy and Wrath of Math

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:25 -0400

In this episode, Colleen and Jill explore the complexities of math instruction, discussing various teaching methods and their implications for student learning. They explore the concept of discovery and fostering critical thinking in math education. The conversation highlights the need to adapt strategies to engage students effectively and prepare them for real-world applications of math. The episode emphasizes collaboration among educators and the value of diverse teaching approaches to enhance student understanding and enjoyment of mathematics.

Math Wars

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 20:00:47 -0400

We’ve heard of the Science of Reading, but what is the Science of Math? In this episode Jill and Colleen break down conflicting views of math instruction.

Reading Wreckage

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:00:02 -0400

Jill and Colleen’s lounge conversation about learning to read and Science of Reading goes off the rails to discover they disagree about vocabulary.

The Long Game

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:37:55 -0400

How long should it take students to adjust to the new school year? It’s different for every kid, for a variety of reasons. Join Jill and Colleen’s lounge conversation about student influence and adjustment.

All In

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:00:58 -0400

Taking classroom procedures a step further, Colleen and Jill tackle the idea of schoolwide procedures that may impact school function and culture.

Procedures for Pros

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 20:00:40 -0400

Managing a classroom begins with effective procedures. Jill pitches 17 procedures that might impact the flow and function of any classroom.

What to do with all that PD

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:00:13 -0400

The school year begins for most teachers with a barrage of professional learning events, often to kick off new initiatives. How should teachers take all of the PD and make it come to life when the kids arrive? Jill and Colleen explore ideas that can move teachers from theory to implementation.

Summer Reading

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 20:00:30 -0400

Jill and Colleen are back in the lounge after a summer of rest and reading! Join the discussion of the gammut of professional reading, kids’ books, fiction, and non-fiction.

Season 3 Teaser

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 19:25:18 -0400

Colleen and Jill are back! Find out when new episodes drop.

The Power of Reading

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 12:00:36 -0400

Books change lives — for our students, parents and ourselves. It helps us see beyond ourselves and our immediate challenges while opening our hearts and minds to new ideas.

Fearless Inclusion

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 08:00:34 -0400

Fear of doing it wrong gets in the way of effective inclusion efforts for nuerodivergent students. How to embrace the beauty of belonging for all kids.

Board Shorts

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:00:43 -0400

Engagement ramps up when students can work through learning lessons in front of the class, but challenges abound making room for all kids at the board at the same time, let alone easing student stage fright. Explore ideas and options for 360 degree teaching!

What Matters is You

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:00:36 -0400

Teaching is isolating by design, but research shows one of the strongest indicators of effective learning is a teacher’s self confidence. This expands exponentially when a teaching staff collectively believes they are doing it well. Lean in and grow together!

What does a student desk look like?

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:00:44 -0400

Classroom size can wreak havoc on classroom design — not to mention how to incorporate individual learning vs. lectures vs. small groups and everything in between. But structure and creativity can make all the difference as students know what they are doing, when they are doing it and what tools they have to do it — even if their desk happens to be a bean bag or a make-shift lecturn.

If you can get 8th graders to do it, everyone will do it

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:00:30 -0400

The 8th grade class in a school from Dallas, Texas took their reigns of their destiny by self-identifying what they think an ideal 8th grade student should look like and how they should behave. This student led, backward design moment was made possible by an evironment of trust and empowerment for the students to step up on their own.

Lessons Learned

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:00:26 -0400

Building on outcomes and evidence of learning, now you can start mapping out instruction time and lesson plans. Like little clocks, kids love patterns of consistent and predictable learning systems.

Going Outside to Grow Inside

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:00:43 -0400

Staff retreats can be game changers for motivation and inspiration. Whether on campus or off, finding different environments and natural spaces bring new perspectives.

Facebook Forum

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 08:00:07 -0400

Jill and Colleen toss a topic out to facebook friends for feedback and insights on the issue of summer reading, summer homework and summer challenges.

Newsletter Fatigue

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:00:41 -0400

Parent-teacher communication is more important than ever, but one-way digital communication like newsletters to parents can be way too easy to ignore or miss. How to create a more consistent and effective two way communication method that is relevent and effective.

Individualized Orientation

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:00:07 -0400

Going beyond the norm for anxiety challenged students to ease the transition to a new year. How to remove the barriers with storytelling, one on one support, and extra tours and introductions to ensure every student is ready to learn.

Environment and Methodology

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:00:53 -0400

As you prep for the start of school, explore the intersection of classroom set-up and lesson planning. What comes first? How can one serve the other? What resources are available to maximize the space and opportunities for engagement?

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:00:20 -0400

As seen in the classic movie, bonding and personal growth will happen no matter the extent of challenges and chaos experienced during class trips. Whether it is a nature trip, a pilgrimmage, a service trip or even a weekend adventure, there is a real benefit for young people when they are literally removed from their comfort zone.

Summer Homework

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 08:00:51 -0400

Preventing summer learning loss is an annual challenge, made more critical coming off COVID learning loss. What’s doable, helpful, and impactful.

Teachers are people too

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 08:00:33 -0400

Running into students and school families while out and about during summer activities can be a surprise for all involved. Bringing a dose of humility and humanity can open everyone’s eyes to life on the other side of the teacher’s desk!

Transitions are hard

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:00:54 -0400

As our adrenaline subsides with the end of the school year, embrace the exhaustion as a sign of satisfaction and completion of a job well done. Now we can start the personal renewal process with rest and reflection.

Remember My Name

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 08:00:36 -0400

Graduation is in the air and there is no better time to embrace the results of our hard work than to help the graduating class celebrate their accomplishment and leap into the next stage of their life.

Keep or Toss

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 08:05:14 -0400

The annual ritual of what to purge and what to keep as you wrap up for the summer doesn’t have to be driven by your personality. There are many great ways to share, remember and archive all the hard work compiled over the school year.

Magnetic Personalities

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 08:00:47 -0400

Great culture is the best recruitment tool for Catholic schools. Share the joy and extend the fun as God prepares the person being called to fill open teacher slots at your school.

Pre-school Prognosticators

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 08:00:38 -0400

Pre-school teachers bring a special creativity that every grade level can learn from in regard to engaging classrooms with multi-sensory approaches. Give yourself permission to be playful!

1st Year Teachers

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 08:00:59 -0400

Year 1 is memorable for all sorts of reasons for new teachers. Parent engagement, lesson plans, classroom management, and everything in between creates both good and bad memories for the ages!

100th Day Celebrations

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 31 May 2023 08:00:41 -0400

Embracing the unique and fun aspects of the time tested opportunity to celebrate school year progress!

Creating a Healthy Data Culture

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 30 May 2023 08:00:08 -0400

Many teachers are intuitive by nature, but sometimes our greatest skill can be our biggest blindspot. Leaning into data can be the perfect compliment to help our students excel.

Dance the Night Away

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 23 May 2023 08:00:44 -0400

80’s, 90’s and now. How relationships and culture changed as seen through school dances and social events.

Emergency 101: Language Arts Subs

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 18 May 2023 08:00:49 -0400

Teachers don’t get days off, but emergencies still happen and it pays to be prepared with timeless tools and exercises. Specific to Language Arts class, hear more about writing prompts, journaling and fun, Mad Lib type grammar exercises.

Emergency 101: Math Subs

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 17 May 2023 08:00:37 -0400

Teachers don’t get days off, but emergencies still happen and it pays to be prepared with timeless tools and exercises. Specific to math class, hear more about fun thinking plans surrounding daily life with fresh tools like www.whenmathhappens.com.

Emergency 101: Science Subs

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 16 May 2023 08:00:36 -0400

Teachers don’t get days off, but emergencies still happen and it pays to be prepared with timeless tools and exercises. Specific to science class, hear more about easy conversation starters surrounding Catholic social teaching and pre-selected science articles or storybooks.

A Day in the Life: Teacher Interviews

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 10 May 2023 08:00:26 -0400

The magic sauce of any school culture is based on connections with parents. Hear ideas for making schools a place of comfort and support for parents as well as a great new idea for honoring moms on Mothers Day.

A Day in the Life: Teacher Interviews

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 09 May 2023 08:00:45 -0400

The teachers lounge is a place to celebrate each other and build a culture of camaraderie among teacher peers at the school.

A Day in the Life: Teacher Interviews

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 08 May 2023 08:00:20 -0400

Character development is a priority for every school at every grade. Hear a creative, expandable solution for focusing it through a Catholic lens so it has a lifelong, faith-filled impact: Saints in the Making!

A Day in the Life: Teacher Interviews

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 04 May 2023 08:00:31 -0400

Shifting from education to application to keep students engaged between spring break and the end of the school year. Make learning about the student while helping them find God everywhere and in everything.

A Day in the Life: Teacher Interviews

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 03 May 2023 08:00:53 -0400

Drama, drama, drama. Harnessing and inspiring student energy and passion through theatre and the arts in elementary school.

A Day in the Life: Teacher Interviews

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 02 May 2023 08:00:47 -0400

High energy, “teacher on the street” conversations with engaging practitioners on the exhibit floor of NCEA 2023. Hear from a principal about school culture and one teacher’s creative teaching techniques around film and literature.

Conference Connections

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:00:42 -0400

How to make the most of speakers, workshops and conferences. Best strategies for maximizing the learning and camaraderie at teacher gatherings.

Saving the Environment

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 08:00:32 -0400

Space matters when it comes to learning. It can be fun to create the ultimate Pinterest worthy classroom, but magic happens when the environment is perfectly suited to the topic you are teaching.

Sage on the Stage

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:00:53 -0400

It can be scary to give up control in the classroom, but we also know the ideal teaching methodology is giving students the opportunity to teach themselves and each other.

Running to Community

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:00:12 -0400

The pressures of school sports can be legendary, especially with the rise in club sports and specialization, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Building community while maintaining reasonable priorities can be the new normal.

Feeding the Fish

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:00:39 -0400

Conversation and participation can be a challenge for any classroom, but Ashley Schoeller uses the concept of a fishbowl to create robust, yet controlled interaction and engagement.

Voice and Choice

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 08:00:50 -0400

When given the chance, students can thrive when allowed to participate in their learning environment. What if you challenged your class to “Choose a seat where you can learn best today.”

Describe and Guess

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 08:00:02 -0400

Show and tell takes on a new spin with fellow student trying to guess the special item using their inquiry skills.

Robust Cross Curricular Learning Techniques

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 08:00:06 -0400

Catholic Teachers’ Lounge hosts Jill Annable and Colleen McCoy-Cejka welcome curriculum expert and Mr. Roger’s protégé, Joellyn Cicciarelli, to the lounge for a special deep dive discussion. Mixed with personal stories, practical examples and plenty of empathy for teachers navigating current challenges, the three experts provide creative solutions for making learning really rich, exciting and active.

We are an Easter People

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 08:00:07 -0400

Keeping the focus on Easter Joy during the busy, hectic and anxiety driven whirlwind countdown toward the end of the school year.

Artistic Expression

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:00:22 -0400

Art can transform student understanding and appreciation of not just faith, but a multitude of topics, including science, history and reason.

Passion for Palms

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 08:00:56 -0400

Traditions of the church can bring structure and comfort throughout the year. This is especially true for Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

Public Displays

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:00:02 -0400

Catholic schools uniquely provide opportunities for public engagement, whether it is participation at Mass, presentations in class, or even activities in front of the whole school for various functions.

Opposites Attract

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 08:00:29 -0400

By design, it can be helpful to embrace our differences as teammates as well as teachers to play to our strengths across curriculum and grades.

Reward System

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 08:00:46 -0400

Reinforcing good behavior is the key to child development. Explore the long term impact of currency or other rewards on motivating students.

Lessons Learned

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 08:00:10 -0400

The pandemic forced us to rethink the process of teaching and we have a great opportunity to continue experimenting with new models. What needs to be hands on and what doesn’t?

Welcome Wagon

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:00:24 -0400

How does your school culture reflect radical welcoming? Do you have an official onboarding plan? Are students and families welcomed naturally by all?

Portfolio Precision

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 08:00:59 -0400

Testing for student progress can take many forms, but a great tool for assessing skill development over the course of the year is portfolio assessments. Learn how to make the transition.

Grading Discipline

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:00:46 -0400

What is the academic impact of students’ choices and behavior? Is the class grade measuring knowledge or the students’ ability to follow directions, or both? If not in the grade, how do we measure behavior?

Disciplined Discipline

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Discipline is a necessary part of every teacher’s classroom experience, but there are ways to ease the process — even when parents and administration need to get involved.

Schoolhouse Rock

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 07:00:45 -0500

Replicate these memorable Saturday morning teaching tools through song in your classroom. Let it trigger memories, discussion and conversation across a variety of topics and ages.

Poetry in Motion

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 07:00:16 -0500

Helping learners of all ages remember the key points of content across science, history and theology, can be enhanced with a fun and interesting experiment in poetry.

Leadership Lookout

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 07:00:58 -0500

Academic leadership comes in many forms and from many different sources. How do the new realities of Catholic education impact the next generation of leadership?

Ideation Creation

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 07:00:02 -0500

Books and movies change lives by introducing new ideas, expanding knowledge and creating empathy for others. Hear more about how one teacher creates a fun book tasting event for her students.

Failure IS an option

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 07:00:55 -0500

Ideas flow on helping teachers help their students to hold themselves accountable through empowerment, accompanyment and the patience to let them learn through their mistakes.

Cursive as Art or Antiquity?

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 07:00:37 -0500

Controversy and conversation revolves around the topic of teaching students cursive. Join the discussion as we explore the positives and negatives and what’s unique about Catholic school’s approach.

Ash Wednesday Social Stories

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:00:17 -0500

Ash Wednesday can be an overwhelming day for kids as well as adults when considering the full scope and meaning. Help ease students of all ages and backgrounds into the day by using social stories to set expectations and open their minds for real understanding and transformation.

Fat Tuesday

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 07:00:15 -0500

Any change of season brings an opportunity for learning and growth and the beginning of Lent is no exception. Fat Tuesday can be a great day for celebration and preparation leveraging traditions from all backgrounds.

Project Runway

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 07:00:07 -0500

Danielle Iannelli brings out the funk and fun of grammar with an annual Adjective Fashion Show starring her 4th graders who create their own vivid description of their fashionista creations. Grammar doesn’t have to be dry and boring and language, activities and creative writing brings it to life.

Fidget Widgets

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:00:54 -0500

Navigating best practices for helping kids concentrate in the classroom is a tough assignment. The development of new fidget tools often blur the lines of what is a toy and what is a tool. Hear more about the fidget rules that can guide the way.

Generational Pen Pals

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 07:00:52 -0500

Go beyond classroom learning with connections across generations as noted by principal Adrianne Van Norman and her Grandbuddy Pen pals for grades 4-6. This concept can extend from Kindergarten through high school as both styudents and grandparents enjoy the sharing of wisdom, time and experience.

Meeting Students Where They Are

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 07:00:35 -0500

Leaning on multiple intelligence research, Karl Sieglaff creates lesson plans to engage his students using visual, tactile, naturalist, interpersonal, and intrapersonal tactics — breaking the model of teaching to our own learning styles or teaching as we were taught.

Digital Dilemma Part II

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:00:08 -0500

Where does the love of reading come from and how is it impacted by technology and the lack of physical books in schools and classrooms? When reading to learn, how to balance simple Google searches with in-depth primary sources?

Digital Dilemma

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Exploring brain research in the area of consuming and retaining content digitally vs. in print. What is the best way to engage and connect with content while still embracing the reality and convenience of technology?

Celebrating faculty, staff, and volunteers

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:00:59 -0500

Ground zero of school culture is the teachers lounge. It is an opportunity to consciously support and connect with your peers in a positive and helpful way — and vice versa. Teaching can be hard and isolating, but Catholic schools have a special and unique enviornment to bring joy to others through faith.

Celebrating Vocations

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 07:00:55 -0500

Prayerful discernment is at the core of any vocation assessment process — religious or otherwise — as we embrace the fact each of us is uniquely unrepeatable in the eyes of God.

Celebrating the Nation

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:00:13 -0500

What happens in a classroom doesn’t have to stay in the classroom. Local, state and national funding, policy making, and research depends on awareness of teacher, student and classroom activity. Invite your representatives for a visit and conversation.

Celebrating Your Students

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 07:00:34 -0500

Classroom management tips are as much about maximizing learning time as it is about controlling behaviors, and purposeful call back techniques can reinforce your underlying goals.

Celebrating Your Community

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:00:51 -0500

Whether it’s Catholic Schools week or not, extend the reach of students and school with creative community service projects and the natural conversation connections that come with them.

From Classroom to Home

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 07:00:13 -0500

It’s empowering to know when classroom experiences get replicated at home, especially when related to faith. Classroom prayer tables are a great example of an idea that finds its way to students’ homes — in bedrooms, living rooms or any special place for kids and parents to grow in faith together.

Station Rotation

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:00:39 -0500

While the benefits of learning through rotating stations in the classroom can be exponential, getting the students to perfectly implement the necessary coreographed movements can be a signifcant challenge. Learn from the experts on managing transitions with clues and cues.

Worship Fusion

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:00:50 -0500

Catholic worship can come in many shapes and sizes — especially across age groups of school kids. Teacher Michelle Hurley worked with her pastor to creatively approach adoration with her littles by fusing praise and worship music with the Real Presence.

Data Driven Scheduling

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 07:00:58 -0500

School routines can support student development across grade levels when the right data is available and schedule blocks align. Notre Dame academy in Park Hills, KY created a universal remediation schedule for all students to improve their math skills.

Faith-based Connections

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 07:00:54 -0500

Catholic schools are unique in their ability to build common connections through faith. Traditions and prayer experiences allow students (and teachers!) to share in vulnerability, hope and values, bringing everyone together in our faith routines.

Finding and Being an Influencer

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:00:32 -0500

Teachers spend all day every day mentoring and supporting students, but what about your needs? Whether or not a formal mentoring process exists at your school, there are many ways to find — and be — people of influence.

Community Collaboration

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:39:28 -0500

Especially in rural areas, everyone wins with collaboration and conversations across the community and other schools to celebrate everything from the holidays to service to inclusion.

Saint Madness

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 07:00:29 -0500

Mark Ninmer shares the growing interest in his 8th grade class’ popular YouTube saint competion using the bracket format of March Madness. It brings fun and creativity to a new level.

Common Ground

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 07:00:45 -0500

As Catholic schools celebrate the inclusion of more non-Catholics, are we focused on teaching our reality or learning more of theirs? Jennifer Ferrand finds value in everyone learning about each other.

Brain Space

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 07:00:36 -0500

Teachers aren’t the only ones who need dedicated time to refuel and engage our imagination. Ashley Ezell reminds us that students of all ages can benefit from brain bins and dream labs to explore new possibilities.

Feasting on the Saints

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 07:00:08 -0500

Understanding the stories of our faith community is a key aspect of connection and inclusion. Saints can be the catalyst for a new and deeper awereness and amazement. Hear how Joe Marble brings Our Lady of Guadalupe to life on her feast day.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 07:00:04 -0500

Initiate a fun and faithful journey to Christmas using Mary and Joseph as the creative centerpiece that your students won’t soon forget!

Self Advocates

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:00:55 -0500

Speaking up for one’s needs is a critical lifeskill. Explore ways to help our most vulnerable students turn their challenges into strengths with examples from Jennifer Kohl.

Making a list, checking it twice

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 07:00:57 -0500

Collaboration and cooperation is key to success in every school environment. Who deserves a special thank you in this season of gratitude?

Partnering with Parents

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:00:26 -0500

Nothing is more stressful than the potential wildcard moments of parent/ teacher conferences. But led by advice from principal Jim White, Jill and Colleen explore ways to build new bridges with parents.

Don’t Smile Until Christmas

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 07:00:48 -0500

What is the magic mix of baring your soul to be relatable for your students and keeping a distance as you maintain classroom control? Are you a free range teacher or a master of control?

Coping Skills for Life’s Limitations

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:00:18 -0400

We’ve all experienced failures in life but how do we empower our students to embrace the normalcy of life’s emotional roller coaster — especially our littles? Take a lesson from Tricia’s Richardson’s kindergarten class and apply it all the way through college visits.

Spooktacular Saints and Souls

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 08:00:57 -0400

Explore a wide range of tips and tricks for classroom specific or school wide acknowledgment of Halloween and/or All Souls Day — all with a sense of purpose that matches the culture of your environment.

Leap of faith

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 08:00:25 -0400

It’s scary to lead controversial topics with no clear answers, but hear how it can lead to robust student engagement at all levels with additional research, thought and ideas. Sr. Elizabeth challenges her students with mysteries of the faith.

What does reading stamina have to do with Adoration?

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 08:00:56 -0400

Connect the dots with prayer and practice across all subject matters while experiencing personal growth as well. Find out how Hilary Russell does it at Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Woodstock, Illinois.

One Big Life

Catholic Teachers' Lounge Podcast — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 08:00:15 -0400

As teachers, we can hyper focus on the act of teaching, but for the young people in our classrooms, learning is just one aspect of their complicated lives. Starting with Sue Alper’s experience, let’s talk about the transformative impact on kids when we make room for the Holy Spirit in our classroom.