In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali welcome Jennifer Hartman, an associate principal at Memorial Junior High in Lansing, Illinois, to discuss the critical importance of structured mentoring programs in education. Jennifer shares her unique journey from aspiring dentist to educational leader and her passion for supporting new educators. They dive into the development of effective mentoring strategies that not only improve teacher retention but also create lasting pipelines of leadership in schools. Jennifer highlights the importance of classroom management, personalized mentoring approaches, and the profound impact of mentors in her own career. Whether you're an educator or an administrator, this episode offers insightful and practical advice on fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment for new teachers.

Interested in being a guest? Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali dive into the crucial topic of teacher retention in this episode titled "Why Teachers Stay and Why They Leave." They address the guiding question: What keeps teachers in the classroom, and how do we make teaching sustainable without lowering expectations for students or educators? They discuss common misconceptions about teacher attrition, emphasizing issues beyond pay, such as professional autonomy and administrative support. Dustin and Gali also explore signs of teacher burnout, share personal experiences, and offer strategies to create a balanced and sustainable teaching environment. They highlight the importance of trust, autonomy, collegial support, and professional growth. This episode provides valuable insights for educators and school leaders aiming to enhance teacher retention and improve the overall educational environment.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali dive deep into the topic of cultural awareness and internationalization in education on this episode of Teachers Talking. Their guiding question: How can educators create meaningful connections across cultures locally, nationally, and globally, so students grow in empathy, understanding, and real-world readiness? They start by defining culture in a school context, discussing both visible and invisible layers, and the importance of students understanding that culture is something within them every day—shaped by their families, values, and lived experiences. They highlight strategies to help students see and respect cultural differences and overcome challenges such as language barriers and biases, while stressing that building cultural awareness should be a continuous, integrated effort in the classroom, not a standalone lesson. By fostering curiosity, empathy, and open communication, teachers can help students expand their cultural horizons and prepare for a globally connected world.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9