100% Engagement (Part 1) [S7 EP. 285]

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Ever feel like you’re listening to all the best teaching ideas, but when real life hits, none of them make it into your actual lesson plans? We can relate! In this episode, we’re kicking off an extra-special 3-part series with Brian Sztabnik and Susan Barber, co-authors of 100% Engagement.

We’re chatting all things participation, collaboration, and, yes, how to beat the dreaded student boredom - without overhauling your whole world. These two joined us to share their story and give us a sneak peek of highly practical strategies that will breathe life back into your classroom, whether you teach AP lit, middle school, or anywhere in between.

Not only do we share a behind-the-scenes look at Brian and Susan’s journey from Twitter friends to education rockstars and book co-authors, but we also dig deep on what authentic engagement really means. Is it busywork? Is it compliance? Or is it living, breathing classrooms where curiosity and community happen for real? 

We get honest about what’s happening in our own schools, what’s working, and the messy reality of building buy-in with students who (let’s be real) sometimes just want the “easy packet”. Plus, don’t miss the rapid-fire round where we challenge Brian and Susan with common classroom scenarios, and get their favorite strategies for getting all students talking, moving, and actually caring.

topics discussed:

  • The story behind 100% Engagement and why the world (and our students) need it more than ever

  • The real difference between compliance, participation, and deep engagement

  • Myths about engagement and what authentic learning actually looks and feels like

  • Strategies for shifting from teacher-as-knowledge-giver to teacher-as-facilitator

  • Practical, ready-to-roll solutions for common classroom challenges

  • How inquiry-driven teaching and community learning can break students, and teachers, out of old ruts

resources:

Connect with Brian and Susan:

check out other bnt episodes:

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

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