teacher podcast

This episode was inspired by one of my memebers inside of the Tutoring Growth Membership.  It's a question I get asked a lot, and this particular member asked me to share it on the podcast.  So here we are!

When starting a tutoring business, or any business for that matter, there are going to be challenges along the way, and in this episode I share with you some of the main challenges that I had and how I overcame them.

Hopefully you can learn from my journey (and mistakes) to get to your success quicker and easier!

If you have been considering starting your own tutoring business, but aren't sure how, book a free 'Half Hour Coaching Call' with myself and let's get the ball rolling.

LIKE THE PODCAST?  Tag me @kirstygibbs.coaching on Instagram and tell me what you're listening to and what you're enjoying.  I love hearing from you!

Okay, let’s get into today's show, where we’re going to chat about a special, cozy area in your classroom or homeschool that will promote a learner driven community. It’s what I like to call the “RELAXATION ZONE”.

Picture this: a little oasis where your learners can hit the pause button and just breathe. Sounds amazing?

Having a space like a Relaxation Zone can give your learners a sanctuary to decompress or do quiet activities. So in this episode I’m going to share why these spaces are so important, how to create one, and share some tips and tricks to make your Relaxation Zone both effective and engaging.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into a Learner Driven community

Natalie Hearn is the founder of Fundamental Literacy, a tutoring business that focuses on literacy from kindergarten to sixth grade. With a background in teaching, Natalie started her business in 2021 as a way to transition out of the classroom and have more control over her work. She offers one-on-one tutoring sessions, school readiness sessions and group sessions for kindergarten and first-grade students. Natalie is passionate about providing personalised support to her students and creating a learning environment that suits their individual needs.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Classroom to Business, Kirsty interviews Natalie Hearn from Fundamental Literacy. Natalie shares her journey of starting her tutoring business and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the importance of mindset and how she shifted her perspective to embrace her role as a business owner. Natalie also reveals a secret weapon in her business: the freedom to create her own rules and strategies without being bound by the constraints of the classroom and education system. She highlights the significance of standing out and being true to oneself in marketing and attracting the right clients. The episode concludes with Natalie sharing her goals for the future, including expanding her business and hiring staff.

If you would like to learn more about working with Kirsty to start or grow your tutoring business, then BOOK A FREE CALL HERE and let’s chat.  

LOVE THE PODCAST?  Please make sure you leave a review.  I absolutely LOVE hearing from you.

FULL SHOW NOTES AND OTHER LINKS HERE

Today let’s chat about how flexible seating can transform your classroom or homeschool space into a positive learner-driven community. We want to make our learning spaces a cozy corner of choice and comfort with flexible seating. Because, let’s face it, a happy classroom is all about giving our kids the power to choose how and where they best learn. 

Creating that feel-good vibe in our classrooms means we're not just teaching; we're crafting a place where our students feel heard, seen, and, most importantly, in charge of their learning journey. And guess what? Flexible seating is our secret ingredient.

It’s not just about mixing things up or making the room look cool (though, that’s a big plus); it’s about supporting our learners’ needs in the best ways possible. 

So, in this episode I’m going to share 10 flexible seating ideas that could just be the game-changer your classroom or homeschool space needs.

FREE GUIDE: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into a Learner Driven community

Chantelle Elbadaoui is the founder of Attain Education, an online tutoring business that specialises in providing personalised and engaging lessons for primary school students. With a background in primary school teaching, Chantelle started Attain Education during the UK lockdowns in 2020, recognising the need for additional support for students during remote learning. She has since expanded her business to Australia and continues to provide high-quality online tutoring sessions for students. Chantelle is also involved in educational content creation, offering resources and curriculum-linked materials for educators.

In this episode of Classroom to Business, Kirsty Gibbs interviews Chantelle Elbadaoui, about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in tutoring businesses. Chantelle shares her experience of implementing AI into her own tutoring business and provides valuable insights on how AI can be used to personalise lessons, create engaging content and streamline administrative tasks.

She discusses the benefits of using AI tools like Chat GPT and Image AI, highlighting their ability to generate personalised texts and images for students. Chantelle also emphasises the importance of checking the accuracy of AI-generated content and being aware of copyright laws when using AI tools.

If you would like to learn more about using AI in your own tutoring business, then BOOK A FREE CALL HERE and let’s chat.  

LOVE THE PODCAST?  Please make sure you leave a review.  I absolutely LOVE hearing from you.

In this episode of the Classroom to Business podcast, I discuss the power of business cards in your tutoring business, in today's digital age. While many people have moved away from using business cards due to the prevalence of mobile phones and online contact information, I believe that business cards can still be a valuable tool, especially in the tutoring industry. 

In this episode, I share:
* How you can use business cards as a powerful tool in your business
* Things to consider when creating a business card
* Tips about using business cards effectively

If you find yourself a bit stuck or unsure how to market your tutoring business, effectively.  Book in a free call with me HERE and let’s make a plan! https://calendly.com/kirstygibbs/discoverycall

If you are just starting out in your tutoring business, then make sure you grab the free checklist that I created for start-up tutors, showing you what you need to start your own tutoring business: https://www.kirstygibbs.com/10-essentials

LOVE THE PODCAST?  Please make sure you leave a review.  I absolutely LOVE hearing from you.

FULL SHOW NOTES AND OTHER LINKS HERE

Let's chat all about student-led classrooms. Every other week in the year 2024, I will share actionable strategies and tips that are working well in my microschool to build a positive student-led community. 

In today's show, I'm going to share how my microschool learners choose their own reading and writing activities every day so that I can coach and guide them through 1-on-1 conferences and small group instruction. 

I'll also share what goal setting tools my learners use to help them choose lessons, games or activities that match their unique learning needs.

Are you ready? Let's get started.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

FREE GUIDE: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into a Learner Driven community

Can a growth mindset and positive thinking go hand in hand with the realities of daily life in the classroom? We think so. In this thought-provoking episode of The Rooted Teacher Podcast by KDP, we face the challenge of "Toxic Positivity" and its impact on the teaching profession.

As teachers, we explore the importance of embracing our feelings, promoting genuine well-being, and maintaining a healthy outlook on life. Join us for an enlightening discussion on how to navigate the fine line between promoting positivity and acknowledging the complexities of the human experience.

Now, are you ready to start planning your Black History celebration but don’t know where to start?

Well, the most successful educators who pull off the most memorable Black History skit celebrations all have a few things in common, a clear vision, a community that supports them, and a step-by-step proven plan to follow.

So inside of this episode, I'm going to share the 6 steps to plan your Black History celebration.

Are you ready? Let's get started.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

The Most Memorable Black History Celebration Planning Guide

Most Memorable Black History Celebration Facebook Community

Welcome back to a brand new year and another episode of Classroom to Business.  In this episode I share a theory that I have…. The 7 Month Freak-Out.  If you’ve been in business for more than a year, then you will have experienced it.  If you are in the first 12 months of your business then you might be experiencing it right now!  And if you’re starting your business this year, chances are you will experience it some time in the next 7 (ish) months.

It’s something that I come across at least once a week, with new and current clients that I work with, and I am here today to share with you, the ways to beat it!

In this episode I cover:

• What the 7 Month-Freak Out is

• Who it happens to and why it happens

• What you can do to get through it

• What to focus on in the early days of your tutoring business

• Why you can’t let the 7 Month Freak-Out take over

If you are feeling a little stuck, lost, confused or like you are failing, you aren’t alone… And there’s nothing wrong with you.  Jump on a FREE call and let’s chat about it some more.  CLICK HERE to book your call now.

And, if you are just starting out in your tutoring business, then make sure you grab the free checklist that I created for start-up tutors, showing you what you need to start your own tutoring business:  BUSINESS CHECKLIST

FREE 3-part online training, Jan 23-25th.   Register here: The Tutoring Business Breakthrough Mini Course

Tutoring Growth Membersip Waitlist:  Join Here

LOVE THE PODCAST?  Please make sure you leave a review.  I absolutely LOVE hearing from you.

FULL SHOW NOTES AND OTHER LINKS HERE

In this episode, I have a special treat for you. I am finally revealing what the focus and topics are going to be on the All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast in 2024. If you are a teacher, then you know how important it is to look at student data, work, or evidence to decide what you're going to teach next.

Well, that's exactly what I did. I looked at my podcast data to determine which episodes got the most downloads. So are you ready for the big reveal? Let's get started.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Free Guide: 5 Steps to Start Planning Your Dream Microschool and Homeschooling Business

Private Podcast: Microschool and Homeschooling Business Series

Microschool and Homeschooling Business Dreamers Facebook Community

Intro

• Welcome to a special bonus episode of House of #EdTech, where I'm celebrating a remarkable 10-year journey!

My Memories of the Last 10 Years

• Reflecting on a decade of growth, challenges, and triumphs.
• The evolution of educational technology over these years.

Inspiration for the Show

• Sharing the spark that ignited the idea for House of #EdTech.

Recording and Publishing That First Episode

• The excitement and nervousness of bringing the first episode to life.
• Overcoming initial hurdles and learning along the way.

House of #EdTech - episode 1

• A nostalgic snippet from the very first episode.

Favorite Episodes

• 3 - Joe Iacono
• 14, 52, 54, 66, 76, 92, 138 - Katelyn
• 117, 137 - Miles
• 100, 108 - Dad
• 59 - Stacey & AJ Interviewed Me

By the Numbers

• 10 Years = 120 months, 521 weeks, 3,652 days, 87,648 hours, 5,258,880 minutes, 315,532,800 seconds.
• 239 official episodes.
• 1,457,893 total downloads.

Awesome Supporters

• Expressing heartfelt gratitude to all supporters.
• Jeff Herb - 1st supporter, sticking with us for 211 episodes.
• Leo Calbusch - Our latest awesome supporter.
• Acknowledging former and current Awesome Supporters.
• Special mention to Stacey Lindes - my 1st fan.
• Derek Larson - Fill-in host and the creator of the Smackdown sheet.

Because of HoET...

• How HoET gave me the confidence to put my voice out there.
• Believing in the value of what I have to say.

Awards

• 2015 Educator's Voice
• 2016 EdTech Digest Leadership Award
• 2018 EdTech Digest Top-100 EdTech Influencer
• 2019 K-12 Education 30 Must-Follow IT Influencer
• 2021 Learning Ladders Best Educational Podcaster

Travel and Conferences

• Memorable trips to Utah, Alabama.
• Experiences at EdCamps, NJECC, ISTE, and Podcast Movement

Rutgers Professor since 2016

• The journey of becoming and being a professor at Rutgers.

The Pod Journal

• A dive into the creation and impact of The Pod Journal.

I Like to Podcast and You Will Too!

• Discussing my guide to podcasting and its influence. Purchase your copy!

Education Podcast Network

• The growth and success of the Education Podcast Network.

Podcast Editor

• Role and experiences as a podcast editor for:
  • Google Teacher Podcast
  • Partial Credit
  • Assist Learning Podcast
  • The Infused Classroom Podcast
  • Zebra Podcast Network
• PodcastPD
• Chase for 28
• Knock Knock, Who's There?
• Behind the Mic: Voices of the EPN
• Inspiring Thoughts Daily

As we kick off this brand new year, I know we're all setting those resolutions and goals, not just for our personal lives but for our classrooms too. So, in today's episode, we're going to focus on something I think we all could use a little help with - simplifying, organizing, and streamlining our teaching life. That's right, it's all about starting the year on the right foot, feeling refreshed, and ready to tackle whatever comes our way.

We're going to cover five fantastic strategies that are all about making your life as a literacy teacher a bit easier. Whether it's managing those towering piles of essays, navigating the digital world of teaching resources, or just finding that perfect balance between your professional responsibilities and your well-deserved me-time.

Plus, I'm going to reveal what's coming your way in 2024 to support and serve educators. And make sure you listen all the way to the end of this episode because I have a few FREEBIES you don't want to miss.

Today, we're going to chat about how to implementing student-centered learning in traditional classroom spaces." We all know the classic setup: rows of desks, a teacher at the front, a blackboard filled with notes. But the times, they are a-changin', and so are our classrooms.

Student-centered learning turns the traditional model on its head. It's not just a different teaching method; it requires a fundamentally different space. Think about it: an active, flexible environment that caters to a range of activities and learning objectives.

So what does a student-centered learning environment look like?

Well in today's show, I'll share some strategies and tips as we explore how these traditional spaces are transforming to accommodate a more student-focused approach. We're talking about dynamic spaces, innovative teaching methods, and how these changes impact both educators and learners.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

FREE GUIDE: Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into a Learner Driven Community

ARTICLE by CHARLES TYLER: Renovating Schools for Student-Centered Learning

Thanks For Tuning In. Ready For More? I Like Your Style!

Literacy Teachers: Tag me @desireemcgeegreene on Instagram or Facebook and tell me you just listened to this episode. I would love to hear what resonated with you the most. 

I don't want you to miss a thing! Be the first to know when a new episode is available by subscribing on iTunes here!

If you would like to support The All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, it would mean the world to me if you would leave a review on iTunes. By leaving a review, you are helping fellow literacy teachers, coaches, homeschool families, churches and community leaders find this podcast and start their own learning transformation!

To leave a review on iTunes, click HERE and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews. Click “Write a Review” and share with me how this podcast is changing your classroom, home, church, community, or your life!

Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history.

Literacy Teachers –> Check out this blog post: How to Make Your Reading and Writing Workshop Learner Driven

And remember...
All Things Are Possible For YOU and Your Learners!

Creating literacy centers that are learner-driven and self-paced is an awesome way to increase independence, engagement, and create more personalized learning experiences for students. So in this episode, I'm going to share five strategies that I'm going to use in 2024 to make my literacy centers more learner driven and self-paced.

Want to start your own microschool or homeschooling business? Maybe you've been daydreaming about starting a microschool, homeschool hybrid, tutoring, enrichment program, or sell your teaching resources. If that's you, you'll definitely want to listen to the end of this episode because something BIG is coming in 2024.

This BIG surprise is going to help take turn those big dreams of yours into reality. It's going to help you start your dream teacher business by taking what you're already doing and turning into a successful, sustainable online or local business. 

So start listening to find out what's coming your way in 2024.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Microschool and Homeschooling Business Podcast Series

Teaching is hard. In our last episode, we talked about why teaching is hard. We thought it would be fun to bring some positivity to this episode and discuss what our dream schools would include! We of course would have a lot more items that we'd have, but here's what we came up with on the spot! What would you add?

This is a bit of a controversial topic, but I’m going to go out there and say it….. You NEED a really good website for your tutoring business if you are taking it seriously and want to grow your numbers and revenue. And to have a really good (amazing) website, there’s a fair chance you will need to outsource this… Not go at it yourself.

In this episode, I share

• What a website can do for your business

• Why some tutoring businesses need them and others don’t

• What you need for a good website

• Why I strongly recommend you do NOT do your own website

• The negative impact an average website can have on your business

Head to the link in my bio, or search ‘Classroom to Business’ wherever you listen to your podcasts.

If you are just starting out in your tutoring business, then make sure you grab the free checklist that I created for start-up tutors, showing you what you need to start your own tutoring business: https://www.kirstygibbs.com/10-essentials

If you are ready to learn what you can do in your own business to get more enrolments and make more income, then book a free discovery call.  CLICK HERE and choose a time that suits you.

LOVE THE PODCAST?  Please make sure you leave a review.  I absolutely LOVE hearing from you.