Classroom management can be one of the toughest challenges educators face. Whether it’s dealing with disengaged students, preventing burnout, or finding creative ways to make learning engaging, the struggle is real. In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis is joined by two incredible guests.
Vicki Davis will share her eight tips for classroom management. But what if you’re a teacher and you’re not engaged and just don’t have your heart in the classroom like you need to? Michell Singh will share her wisdom on that. And let’s look at a powerful example of student engagement in a difficult STEM subject with Andrew vanden Heuvel and Fortnite physics.
This episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk airs on WDJY FM 99.1 in Atlanta on January 29 at 4 PM (listen to the live stream here) and releases on YouTube on February 8 at 7 PM. Bookmark this page and come back to watch the embedded YouTube video when it’s live! (Or just subscribe to the YouTube channel to get them delivered to you every Thursday at 7pm.)
Watch the Full Episode
What You’ll Learn
In this 58-minute episode, you’ll discover:
- Proven Classroom Management Techniques: Learn actionable tips for preventing burnout and improving classroom culture.
- Engaging Students through Innovation: Discover how gamified learning tools like Fortnite Physics can make complex subjects fun and accessible.
- Insights from Real Educators: Hear inspiring stories and strategies from expert guests.
Meet the Guests (Bios as Submitted)
Michelle Singh
Global Educator | TEDx Speaker | Best Selling Author | Founder | CEO Michelle Singh is a National Board Certified Teacher, the visionary founder of the Restful Teacher™️, and the dynamic CEO of LCT-E Learning Solutions®️. With over two decades of education experience, including over 20 years serving Miami-Dade County public schools as a teacher, district leader, and consultant, and over ten years as an adjunct professor of teacher education, Michelle’s unwavering commitment to fostering equity and inclusivity in education is truly inspiring. Her journey began as a 9-year-old immigrant from Jamaica, where she developed a passion for cultural understanding and empathy that has shaped her path to becoming an award-winning educator.
As the leader of LCT-E Learning Solutions®️, Michelle is on a mission to level the playing field in education by tackling the disengagement of students and teachers. Her team’s innovative teacher training programs are grounded in the EQUAL Methodology™️, designed to create a more inclusive and equitable educational experience for students, particularly Black students.
Michelle envisions a world where every child is seen, every student’s voice is heard, and every potential is realized. Her unwavering dedication to building an equitable and inclusive educational system has already impacted over 40,000 teachers globally. By leading with empathy, advocating for equity, and striving for excellence, Michelle Singh is reshaping the future of education.
Andrew Vanden Heuvel
Andrew Vanden Heuvel is an astronomy professor, education consultant, and gamer dad who blends curiosity, technology, and play to explore the future of learning.
Episode Highlights
- 0:00 – Vicki shares 8 time tested tips on classroom management
- 21:53 – Michelle Singh on teacher-student connections
- 31:40 – Gamification in education: The power of Fortnite Physics
- 37:45 – Andrew Vanden Heuvel on creative STEM teaching ideas
- 50:20 – Final thoughts and key takeaways about classroom management, teacher and student engagement
Books Mentioned in This Episode
Why This Episode Matters
Effective classroom management is about more than discipline. It’s about creating a space where students and teachers thrive together. This episode combines research-based strategies, relatable stories, and forward-thinking innovations to help you succeed in your teaching journey.
I wanted to share my heart and record the typical conversation I have with new teachers as they approach classroom management. I have advice for new teachers and some of us who have been around a while about this subject as well as a powerful example of engaging teaching of a touch subject with Fornite Physics.
Share Your Thoughts
What are your biggest classroom management challenges? Share your experiences in the comments below or on social media with the hashtag #CoolCatTeacher. Let’s learn from each other!
Subscribe for More
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Cool Cat Teacher YouTube Channel for weekly tips and inspiring stories that empower educators.
Never miss an episode
Get the 10-minute Teacher Show delivered to your inbox.
