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Difficult Student
John Vergara
83 episodes
3 days ago
We explore how to connect with students with challenging behavior through real stories and strategies from educators.
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Education
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All content for Difficult Student is the property of John Vergara and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
We explore how to connect with students with challenging behavior through real stories and strategies from educators.
Show more...
Education
Episodes (20/83)
Difficult Student
Why are Latino Males Overrepresented in Alternative Education?

Eric Garcia, a district social worker, shares his experiences in alternate education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding students' backgrounds and the need for supportive educational environments. Eric discusses his book, 'Aidan's Wellness Adventure,' which aims to address mental health and representation in education.

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5 days ago
49 minutes 21 seconds

Difficult Student
Fixing Special Education

Karen Mayer Cunningham (Special Education Boss), shares her journey into the field of education, driven by personal experiences with her child's disability. She discusses the complexities of the IEP process, the challenges faced by educators and families, and the importance of compassion and resources in special education.

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1 month ago
52 minutes 46 seconds

Difficult Student
Representation In Classrooms Changes Everything

Edgar Palacios (Education advocate & nonprofit founder) shares how Latino representation in schools, identity, vulnerability, and storytelling can inspire educators, empower youth, and drive lasting community change.

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1 month ago
58 minutes 59 seconds

Difficult Student
Are We Setting New Teachers Up to Burn Out?

Dr. Michael Vallejo (Professor of Teacher Education) shares his journey into education, highlighting the transformative power of teaching and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the challenges faced by new teachers, the significance of building relationships with students, and the critical need for teacher wellness to prevent burnout.

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2 months ago
1 hour 6 seconds

Difficult Student
How to Keep Your Passion Alive as an Educator

Joey Sims shares his journey as a special education teacher, balancing family life, and the importance of building relationships with students. He discusses his experiences with ADHD, his teaching philosophy, and how he creates a supportive community in his school

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2 months ago
55 minutes 3 seconds

Difficult Student
How Do We Deliver Real Inclusion While Supporting Teachers in Strained Schools?

SPED teacher and board trustee James Forsythe shares challenges and solutions for sustaining inclusion, building trust, and keeping teachers thriving amid shrinking resources and growing student needs.

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3 months ago
53 minutes 39 seconds

Difficult Student
Is Community Schooling the Missing Link?

In this episode, Dean of Students Kamilah Todd shares powerful insights on community schooling, teacher authority, and supporting students’ basic needs. From rural Louisiana to urban classrooms, we explore how trust, grace, and real-world connections can transform schools into safe, thriving spaces.

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3 months ago
42 minutes 24 seconds

Difficult Student
Can Smart Grouping Build Classroom Community?

I sit down with Rob Stauffer, an international educator, to unpack why challenging behavior is communication, how to build belonging through smart grouping, and what vulnerability looks like in real classrooms. We discuss supporting autistic students, de-escalation through affirmation, and practical tips for new teachers and those considering teaching abroad.

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3 months ago
58 minutes 59 seconds

Difficult Student
3 Tips to Build Positive Student Relationships

Learn classroom management strategies to build positive student relationships, improve behavior, and create a safe, supportive learning environment.


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3 months ago
7 minutes 23 seconds

Difficult Student
Why Do So Many Teachers Struggle With Fitness?

In this solo episode, I open up about my real journey with health as an educator, father, and now grandfather. From growing up without strong examples of fitness, to juggling family and teaching in my 20s, to finally building consistent habits in my 30s and 40s.

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4 months ago
8 minutes 34 seconds

Difficult Student
Is Social Media Helping or Hurting Educators

A roundtable of educator-creators with guests Eric Glenn (MS math), Mash Makhlyagina (SPED advocate/coach), and Laura Vazquez (dual-immersion 6th grade) swap real-world stories about how social media has reshaped their teaching lives, community impact, and boundaries.

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4 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 50 seconds

Difficult Student
How Admin Support Impacts A School's Success

Julio Lopez shares his journey from being a PE teacher to administrator, highlighting the challenges in physical education and the lessons learned in leadership. We dive into how strong administrators support teachers, the importance of building relationships, and why having a good leader makes all the difference for school culture and student success.

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4 months ago
57 minutes 48 seconds

Difficult Student
From Playground Supervisor to Assistant Principal

In this video, I share my journey in education, from starting as a playground supervisor at 18 to becoming an assistant principal. It hasn’t been easy, but every setback opened new doors. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your path, I hope my story encourages you to keep going

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4 months ago
26 minutes 37 seconds

Difficult Student
How Can First-Year Teachers Avoid Burnout?

David Melendez shares his journey as a middle school choir teacher, discussing the importance of building connections with students, being authentic in the classroom, and the significance of self-reflection. He emphasizes the need for work-life balance and creating a comfortable environment for students.

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5 months ago
1 hour 8 seconds

Difficult Student
Transforming Education Through Restorative Practices

Tisha Marina Bernard shares her journey in education, emphasizing the importance of restorative practices and community building in schools.

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5 months ago
54 minutes 44 seconds

Difficult Student
How to Build Connections in the Classroom

I sit down with Sherry Asberry to talk about different aspects of teaching like how important it is to build strong relationships with our students, the role social emotional learning plays in the classroom, and some of our favorite strategies for creating a positive learning environment. We also share some personal stories, from becoming grandparents to how we take care of ourselves as educators.

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5 months ago
55 minutes 24 seconds

Difficult Student
From Autism Mom to Special Ed Teacher

Elizette Cuevas, a special education teacher, shares her journey into education, driven by her personal experiences as a mother of an autistic child. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and their families, understanding the root causes of behavior, and the need for empathy in education.

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5 months ago
53 minutes 18 seconds

Difficult Student
The Secret to School Culture

Rafael Dominguez shares his journey as an educator and school climate advocate, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students, creating a safe environment, and the transformative power of mentorship. He discusses the significance of consistency, love, and care in education, and how these elements contribute to a positive school culture.

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6 months ago
53 minutes 33 seconds

Difficult Student
School Social Worker: How We Can Show Up For Our Students

Eric Garcia shares his journey from a troubled youth to a school social worker, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community support, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. He discusses the challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing immigration issues.

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6 months ago
53 minutes 47 seconds

Difficult Student
Christian School Teacher's Experience

John Vergara and Sana Sunia discuss the multifaceted role of educators, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation, transparency, and emotional intelligence in teaching. Sana shares his journey from a campus supervisor to a fifth-grade teacher at a Christian school, highlighting the challenges and rewards of teaching in a diverse classroom.

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6 months ago
1 hour 36 seconds

Difficult Student
We explore how to connect with students with challenging behavior through real stories and strategies from educators.