Upgrade My Classroom

Throughout my time as a teacher, coach and speaker, I've learned quite a bit about how teens make decisions. One major realiztion I've had is that our decisions are governed by three fundamental truths. No matter what age and what circumstance, these principles are what guide and shape our decisions. 

When it comes to teens, they are much more vulnerable due to the lack of life experience, as well as their timeline of cognitive growth. So today, I will break down what these three truths are and how we can better understand them. If we are to improve upon something, we must understand the fundamentals.

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When it comes to high amounts of energy, there are no better people that Matt and Phil from M&P Presentations. This dynamic youth speaking duo has been working with teens for over a decade. They have a truly unique perspective considering both Matt and Phil work professionally in the field of education.

In this episode, we discuss a wide range of topics such as self-care, personal growth, and overcoming challenges that teachers face on a day to day. We also dive into their journey in professional speaking, as well as how teaching better helps their speaking programs and vice versa.

You can find everything they have going on over at https://www.mppresentations.com/

Or follow them on social!

https://www.instagram.com/mppresentations/

https://www.youtube.com/@MPPresentations

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At some point every teen will fail at something. The issue is that students are facing this idea of perfectionism that is engineered from social media and the constant connection to all their peers. So how can we help them and what strategies can we give them to work through their failures?

Today we'll dig into the importance of evaluating and revising goals, celebrating wins along the way, gaining perspective, and discovering the real motivation behind a goal.

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The SMART or SMARTER goal framework is fairly common among professionals and executives but how about teens? Has you student ever formally tried to sit down and create a detailed goal?

Considering it's the first episode of the year, the conversation on everyone's minds is always New Year's resolutions and this also could be on the mind of a high school student. If so, today I'll give you a few examples of some of the pitfalls and things to watch out for as you work with your teen to craft their goals. More importantly, I'll discuss the action steps that students need to take in order to achieve these lofty ambitions!

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It's a hard question...what do I do for the rest of my life? Even harder when you have to make that decision at 16 when applying for colleges. I have embarked on a few different entrepreneurial pursuits in my life. While I believe they all kind of stemmed from the same purpose, they were definitely different in the day to day. After deciding to pursue speaking full time, I asked myself the most important question...

If money was no longer an issue, would I still do what I'm doing today?!

Check out today's episode to find out my answer!

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If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

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Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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I was recently watching a video from Ali Abdaal, one of the most successful productivity Youtubers. He was going through a lot of higher level thinking and figuring out what direction to take his business next. This is where he dropped a gem!

If you're having trouble with achieving a goal or not sure what to do next in your life, ask yourself why...5 times! This is a really effective exercise that I think might bring more clarity than you even intended!

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This is crunch time for college applications. That means that students will need to shift their priorities.

Here are a few things that can help your students to reprioritize.

1. Mindset Reframing: It's important for students to understand that they won't be able to get everything done, and that's okay. Prioritizing is about making choices and focusing on what truly matters.

2. Delayed Gratification: In today's instant gratification world, it's essential to help students recognize the long-term benefits of investing their time and energy into important tasks, even when it may not bring immediate satisfaction.

3. Ideal Week Planning: Encouraging students to plan out their ideal week can help them allocate time for essential tasks, such as college applications, while also prioritizing self-care, physical activity, and mental well-being.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

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Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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Today is another Educator Spotlight Series!

Join me as we dive into the world of Will Elliott, a 25-year-old teen life coach. When Will first appeared in my feed, I was conflicted with the thought of a 25 year old life coach. On one hand I said "he's still a kid himself"! On the other hand I thought that being young would make him much more relatable than mom and dad!

Check out today's review as we unravel the insights, challenges, and nuances of Will's approach while acknowledging the critical connection between teens, their mentors, and the influential role of parental guidance.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!

Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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I recently saw a video of Jocko Willink where he attempted to answer a question from a listener. The question was revolved around discipline and how to develop it when you come from a undisciplined household. I found it really interesting to say the least...

Today we'll unpack the crucial aspect of taking accountability and setting clear expectations in the classroom in order to help your students become more accountability. Moreover, we'll tackle the art of overcoming challenges and why it's vital for a teen's personal growth.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!

Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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As a musician for a huge part of my life, practice has always been something that is necessary. Even if I don't have a specific gig coming up, I always have to practice to get better at the craft and to keep my endurance at a high enough level.

In today's quick episode, I'm digging into a question that's been on my mind – the role of practice in the life of a teenager. Not necessarily practicing a musical instrument but practicing anything they want to improve upon. 

The reality is students are dealing with constant distractions, as well as a society that promotes immediate gratification. From my musical journey, we'll talk about practice and how time management, efficiency, and consistency are all key players in this equation.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!

Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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As a youth speaker and coach, I'm well aware of how crucial it is to teach teenagers the art of embracing failure and navigating the challenges it presents. It's all about helping them understand that failure isn't the end of the road but rather a stepping stone towards eventual success.

It took Thomas Edison 1000 tries to invent the lightbulb and with that being said, I want to emphasize the importance of perseverance and never giving up, no matter how many times you stumble along the way. There's a certain clarity that comes with each failure, and it's through learning from these setbacks that we can truly grow and evolve.

Throughout this episode, I'll be sharing personal stories from my own journey, recounting instances where I faced failure both in my previous career and as an entrepreneur. So, I invite you to join me on this exploration of mindset and strategies that can help students not just accept but embrace failure as a catalyst for personal growth.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!

Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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High school can be challenging. One of the biggest problems is that students are still so young. They haven't lived enough yet to gain the best tool in the toolbox...experience! So instead of trying to step into a time machine, I have three simple ways that students can gain the next best thing. Perspective.

1. Take on leadership roles: Encourage students to step up and exhibit leadership in small ways. This could involve reaching out to include someone who is sitting alone at lunch or volunteering to assist a teacher or fellow student in need. These simple acts of kindness and courage can provide students with a broader understanding of empathy and human connection.
2. Travel: Experiencing different cultures and ways of life can be transformative for students. Even if it's a family vacation to a new destination or a school trip abroad, travel exposes students to new perspectives, challenges them to navigate unfamiliar situations, and helps broaden their understanding of the world.
3. Volunteer: Volunteering allows students to give back to their communities while gaining a deeper appreciation for their own privileges and opportunities. By helping others who have fewer resources, students can develop empathy, compassion, and a greater understanding of the world beyond their immediate surroundings.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!

Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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Have you ever come across those intense, aggressive, and highly popular motivational videos on YouTube? You know the kind, the ones that feature people running and lifting weights while some voice over dude screams in the background?! But have you ever wondered why these videos don't show people sitting down and studying or writing?!

In this episode, we explore the concept of motivation and why physical activities are often portrayed as being easier to motivate oneself for, compared to other tasks like studying or problem-solving. We'll discuss the differences between motivation and inspiration, and how understanding these distinctions can help us better support our students in their personal development and mental health.

But it's not just about understanding the psychology behind motivation; we'll also explore the importance of discovering one's "why" and developing positive habits in order to sustain motivation. Whether it's helping our students pass a challenging exam or overcome a difficult time in their life, truly understanding how motivation works can be the make or break.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!

Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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As teachers, administrators, and anyone involved in education, we can probably all recall the impact these activities had on our own lives and why they are so important for our students. From theater to sports, from music to student government, extra curricular activities teach our kids so much in the ways of social and emotional skills

1. Responsibility: Being part of a team or group requires students to take on responsibility, whether it's memorizing lines, learning songs, or managing their time effectively. The collective effort of working toward a common goal fosters a sense of accountability and instills valuable life skills.
2. Time Management: Juggling academic responsibilities with extracurricular commitments is a challenge many students face. By encouraging students to participate in these activities, we provide them with an opportunity to develop time management skills, learn to prioritize, and strike a balance between their various commitments.
3. Leadership: Joining clubs, sports teams, or debate groups allows students to explore and develop leadership qualities. From being a team captain to leading a section, extracurricular activities provide students with the chance to take on leadership roles and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!

Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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Today is a first experiment of the spotlight series. This will be a series on this podcast where we highlight individuals who are making a difference in the world of education. Today, we turn the spotlight on Doctor Justin Baeder, a former principal turned administrator mentor, who is helping principals become better leaders. We delve into one of his thought-provoking Tiktok videos regarding the push for teachers to also become therapists. Check it out!

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

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Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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Last week I recorded an episode about the conflicting feelings of going back to school. I figured I would continue down of talking about the beginning of the year. 

As educators, we have the power to not only teach academic subjects but also to prioritize our students' mental and physical health. So, how can we start the year off right and truly make an impact on their lives? What are some of the routines and systems that you're going to put into place this school year? Most importantly, how can we show our students that we care about more than just their grades?!

If your school district needs a little help with starting they year off right, book Kevin to speak at your school!

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August is always a strange month for me. Whether I was in high school myself or as a teacher, I always had mixed feelings about going back to school. 

On one hand, I was so excited! I can literally smell the excitement in the air! I was pumped to see my friends, all the after school activities starting up and just being around the action!

On the other hand, I was terrified of all the hard classes and unknown challenges that were about to come my way.

I felt similar as a teacher...and maybe you do to?

Are you dreading going back or are you amped to get into your classroom and start setting up the room? 

Check out today's episode in order to truly lean in to one or the other!

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

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Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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I've noticed a recurring theme – this fear of making the wrong decision. And trust me, I get it. High school is a time of change.

But here's the thing – it's absolutely okay to be wrong sometimes. In fact, making mistakes is an essential part of growth and learning. That's why I believe it's crucial to equip students with the skillsets to handle making decisions and learning from the outcomes.

Throughout this episode, I'll be sharing my experiences and insights from conversations with students of different grade levels, offering practical advice on how to navigate the fear of making decisions. I'll also be sharing a few tactics such as a decision matrix which can be super helpful when making choices.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

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Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, adaptability has become a crucial skill for success, particularly for high school students. Being adaptable means having the ability to adjust and thrive in different situations, allowing students to navigate the challenges they face both academically and personally.

Think about the fact that both Facebook and the iPhone are not even 20 years old and these two companies and products have completely reshaped the world and how we interact with it. Now with VR and AI on the brink, we are about to see some insanely fast change!

On today’s episode, I break down three areas that have practical application for students.

1. Academic adaptability: High school students can adapt their study environments, manage workloads effectively, and adjust their learning strategies based on different subjects and challenges they encounter.
2. Social adaptability: Navigating social dynamics can be challenging, but by developing adaptability, students can handle conflicts, build positive relationships, and improve communication skills.
3. Future-oriented adaptability: Looking beyond high school, students need to embrace change, prioritize continuous learning, and develop transferable skills to succeed in their chosen paths.

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!

Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

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On this episode, we explore the power of nonverbal communication through vocal inflection, hand gestures, facial expressions, and physical stance. We break down the box they are in and show them how to excel in communication and become successful students! Remember, communication is more than just the words we say, it's how we use them. 

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Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!

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Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!

Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!

Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.

Follow Kevin on social!

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