Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, hosts Zach Diamond and Toni Rose Deanon delve into the complex realm of resistance in education

Toni Rose and Zach explore the emotions teachers and students experience as they face the beginning of a new school year and how these emotions can influence the learning environment.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

• Acknowledge Emotions: Both teachers and students have emotional responses to the start of a school year, and these feelings should be acknowledged and validated. Understanding and addressing these emotions can lead to a more supportive learning environment. Zach shares, "Students are going to show up, you know, and they're going to wish that summer had gone on longer. That’s normal!"

• Don’t Be Defensive: Understand that resistance, whether it is coming from students, their parents, other educators or administrators, often comes from a place of ignorance. Take the time to inform dissenters with kindness - share the research, answer questions, and guide them through the process, one step at a time.

• Balance Control and Student Autonomy: Zach highlights the challenge of finding the right balance between allowing students the freedom to explore their interests and maintaining academic expectations. Striking this balance is vital for effective teaching. Toni Rose applauds Zach for his reflections, “You're continually reflecting on your practices. And I really, really, really appreciate that."

In essence, it’s important to recognize and manage emotions, inform with kindness, and balance teacher guidance and student autonomy to foster a productive and empathetic learning environment.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can educators effectively acknowledge and address the emotional challenges students face at the start of a school year to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment?

• In what ways can the concept of accepting emotions be integrated into classroom practices to allow students, regardless of gender or background, to express their emotions authentically and comfortably?

• Finding the right balance between student autonomy and academic expectations can be challenging. What strategies can educators employ to strike this balance, ensuring students have the freedom to explore their interests while maintaining a structured learning environment?

Our Hosts

Zach Diamond studied Music History and Theory at Oberlin College and received a Masters of Music in Music Education from Boston University. He taught music for five years in Lima, Peru, and is currently a Middle School music teacher at DC International School, a language-immersion school where he teaches in Spanish. He began implementing the Modern Classrooms Model in the 19-20 School Year and enthusiastically continues his work with the organization as a mentor and podcast producer.

Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and aspire to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong.

To stay grounded and at peace, they practice yoga, write, get lost in stories, and go on 2-mile walks with their dogs. Rollerskating brings them so much joy.

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