ABOUT TEACHER SHTICK
Welcome to What’s Your Shtick?! A podcast where we explore educational talents, passions, and creativity in the classroom that makes you great at what you do!
The “What’s Your Shtick” Podcast is a progression of conversations about education in the eyes of a teacher (Tia) and administrator (Rachel). Rachel and Tia want you to feel like you are sitting at a coffee shop with them, sipping coffee, and discussing what is on their minds about education today. We will cover topics such as professional development, project based learning, and a vast variety of other classroom topics.
TIA JONES
STEAM Teacher
Tia Jones is a skilled teacher with seventeen years experience. Jones currently teaches Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students in Kansas. Jones has received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Kansas Wesleyan University and a Masters of Educational Technology from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Jones is a Kansas Teacher of the Year 2020 nominee. Jones strengths involve planning new projects for her students in creative and interesting ways. She strongly believes that creative thinking can be taught, so she cheers her students on to create objects, create good habits, create discipline, and create strong communication and leadership skills. Jones has a self-proclaimed superpower of encouraging others.
RACHEL MEENEN
Instructional Specialist
Rachel Meenen has been in the education field since 2010. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership, also from KSU. After teaching for eight years in a variety of K-5 classroom positions she moved out of the classroom into an administrative role, as the District Instructional Specialist. Rachel specializes in working with K-12 teachers on implementing best teaching practices, STEM/PBL, and creating an environment that is exciting for both teachers and students! Rachel’s passions are creating exciting and new Professional Development for all educators and running the districts STEM camp in the summer.
RE-NAME PASSION PROJECTS
Episode 012
In this mini-episode Tia discusses why she wants to change the name of “Passion Projects” in her classroom.
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
Episode 011
Rachel and Tia discuss educational trends they have seen in the classroom and what educators can do to keep up with the new, or the new-again, educational shifts. Some of the hot topics that are touched on are social-emotional learning, homework philosophies, student voice and choice, and STEM education. The conversation leads to generational differences when it comes to the peers you work with and the students you teach and keeping up with those generational changes. We want to hear from you! Share with us some educational trends you’ve experienced that are nostalgic, cringe worthy, or just that makes us laugh.
KILLING CREATIVITY
Episode 010
In this mini-episode Rachel discusses how we need to expose all students to creativity and open-ended projects as much as possible.
TEACHER IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Episode 009
“Teacher Imposter Syndrome” Tia shares her belief that educators struggle with being too humble. She attended an event that was designed to celebrate the accomplishments of great educators, but they kept being reminded they deserved to be there. Rachel and Tia tackle the question, “Why are teachers so humble?” Tia believes that teachers should be proud of their hard work and accomplishments and we should all be encouraging each other to highlight each others strengths as educators. Rachel reminds us all to “stop being a secret genius” and share the awesome work educators do on a daily basis. Included in the podcast are also tips to combat the teacher imposter syndrome trap.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Teacher Shtick to discuss their podcast, teaching, collaboration opportunities or for any other inquiries.
Send your ideas for podcast topics or questions you have about previous episodes.