Athlete or Academic: What's the Real Priority in Schools?
Release Date: 08/01/2025
Athlete or Academic: What's the Real Priority in Schools?
The Forum Faculty Podcast
In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, we're discussing the significance of sports in school life and striking the balance between being a student and an athlete. We welcome to this converastion coaches and teachers Jeff Thompson, Joel Sellier, and Brian Carroccio. They dive into the historical importance of physical education, the post-COVID surge in youth sports, the impact of club sports on school sports, and the critical development of discipline and teamwork through athletics. They also touch on challenges like balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments, and the...
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Assigned Reading: A Gateway to Lifelong Learning or a Killer of Joy?
The Forum Faculty Podcast
In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, we're joined by teachers Finn Mehigan, Joe Bissex, and Shane O'Neill, to discuss how assigned reading can affect a student's interest in literature. They delve into the reading habits of students across different school levels, the decline in reading for pleasure, methods to encourage reading engagement, and the challenges of assigning and assessing reading material. Finn, Joe, and Shane share their experiences and insights on making literature exciting and meaningful for their students, while also addressing the balance between assigned reading...
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On Grades: Building or Breaking Growth?
The Forum Faculty Podcast
In this episode of the Forum Faculty podcast, host Tom Cox is joined by Mike Hude, Joel Sellier, and Shane O’Neill to delve into the complexities and controversies surrounding grades in education. The discussion covers the transactional nature of grades, how they can detract from genuine learning, and the ways in which teachers can use grades as both motivational tools and communication devices. The teachers share personal anecdotes and experiences, debate the merits of public versus private grades, and explore potential alternatives to traditional grading systems. The conversation wraps up...
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Textbooks: Tool or Crutch?
The Forum Faculty Podcast
In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, Tom invites Heights teachers Austin Hatch, Mark Grannis, and Shane O’Neil to discuss the use of textbooks in their classes. They explore whether textbooks are vital tools or limiting agents, sharing personal experiences and strategies for balancing textbooks with engaging and personalized teaching methods. The conversation covers a range of subjects including literature, history, logic, and math, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of using textbooks, the importance of teacher-student interactions, and the flexibility required in dynamic...
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A Doctor, a Lawyer, and a Cop Walk Into a Boys School
The Forum Faculty Podcast
In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, middle school teacher Rob Liotta, upper school teacher Mark Grannis, and lower school teacher Josue Zelaya—discuss their transitions from careers in policing, law, and medicine, respectively, to teaching. They share their backstories, motivations for changing careers, and how their previous experiences shape their approach in the classroom. The discussion also dives into the skills they bring into teaching and advice for those considering a similar career switch. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Teacher Podcast 00:10 Meet the...
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The Homework Problem
The Forum Faculty Podcast
In this episode, Lower School teacher, Elias Naegele, and Upper School teachers, Joel Sellier, and Michael Hude, engage in a comprehensive debate on the role and effectiveness of homework in student development. They explore differing viewpoints on the necessity of homework, its impact on motivation and resilience, and how it balances with classroom work and personal time. The conversation delves into the merits of fostering independent learning versus traditional rote assignments, the importance of tailored and thoughtful homework, and strategies for incorporating creativity and...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, we're discussing the significance of sports in school life and striking the balance between being a student and an athlete. We welcome to this converastion coaches and teachers Jeff Thompson, Joel Sellier, and Brian Carroccio. They dive into the historical importance of physical education, the post-COVID surge in youth sports, the impact of club sports on school sports, and the critical development of discipline and teamwork through athletics. They also touch on challenges like balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments, and the role of parents in shaping a child's sports journey. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on how sports contribute to the all-round development of students.
00:00 Introduction
00:48 The Importance of Physical Education
01:38 Post-COVID Sports Boom
02:19 Balancing School and Sports
04:09 The Rise of Club Sports
05:27 Challenges of Travel Sports
13:58 Parental Influence in Youth Sports
17:54 School Sports vs. Club Sports
18:12 The Role of Discipline in Sports
19:31 Managing Expectations in Competitive Leagues
25:58 The Value of School Sports Beyond Winning
27:11 Balancing Academics and Sports
27:47 Lessons from the Field
28:20 Dealing with Success and Failure
28:58 The Importance of Teamwork
30:57 The Role of Coaches
35:32 Challenges of Scheduling and Facilities
45:23 The Value of Multi-Sport Participation
47:44 Final Thoughts and Reflections