Dropped in the Classroom: WTF are State Standards with Valerie Dominy

In this week's episode "Dropped in the Classroom: WTF are State Standards", I'm joined by Valerie Dominy, a high school business teacher and the founder of The Highest Standard. Valerie shares her insights into teaching, from navigating state standards and alternative certification to helping new teachers survive their first years in the classroom. They discuss the importance of parent communication, student relationships, and how administrators can better support educators. Valerie also reflects on her role as a business owner, bridging the gap for alternative certification teachers to feel confident in their profession. Takeaways: Navigating State Standards: Understanding and mastering state standards is essential for teachers, especially those from alternative certification programs. Supporting New Teachers: Schools need to offer real mentorship programs where experienced teachers regularly support new hires, not just for evaluations. Parent-Teacher Communication: Clear communication with parents can alleviate many classroom issues, building trust and improving student success. Work-Life Balance: Teachers must set boundaries and take care of themselves to avoid burnout, especially with the pressures of adapting to new curriculum and standards. Teaching is Ever-Evolving: Whether it’s mastering new standards or adjusting to different student needs each year, teaching is a continuous learning process. — Want to Learn more about Valerie Dominy? Instagram: @the_highest_standard_pd Facebook: The Highest Standard — Don’t be shy come say hi: andrea@human-content.com and podcasterandrea.com Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — A Human Content Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Welcome to “Those Who Can’t Do" with host Andrea Forcum (aka Educator Andrea on TikTok), a former high school teacher and now professor at Indiana State University. Each week, hang out in our podcast faculty lounge as Andrea trades notes with teachers, professors, students, politicians, and maybe even some celebrities as we explore what makes a great educator. Along the way, we’ll spotlight heroes, trade resources, share hilarious classroom war stories, and, most importantly, encourage one another as we shape the leaders, innovators, and future of our world. Teaching may be hard, but it’s as rewarding as it is challenging. The one thing it’s not… is driven by those who can’t do!