Organic Community (Interview with John Rodney): Classroom Management Series Part 2 [S5 E112]

Listen to the full episode below:

Here at Brave New Teaching, we feel strongly about several things, one of which is creating a classroom culture that exudes trust, acceptance, and community. We believe that these things are at the heart of successful, and holistic, classroom management.

That’s why in this second episode of our four-part classroom management series, we are chatting with our friend, John Rodney (and may be slightly fan-girling while doing it!).

When it comes to building a community in your classroom, John has really got this dialed in. After hearing him talk, you’re going to quickly see the deep appreciation he has for his students.

John’s philosophies are very much about the whole child, and you’ll find that his ideas and perspectives are very practical for any age group. In this episode, you’ll have the chance to feel what it’s like to step into his classroom community. 

John shows us how classroom management is about so much more than rules and expectations. Building an organic community of mutual respect between the teacher and student all starts with you. As John says:

“It starts with me. I think the biggest thing is just to really kind of know who I am as a person to know who I am as a teacher. That way, when I am coming into the classroom, they know where I'm coming from, they know what my intentions are, and they know the reason behind things. Day one, I tell them the type of teacher I am, I tell them what they can expect from me. I tell them what the wants are that I have for them. Everything sort of stems out of there.”

If you are enjoying this series, please share it with a teacher friend. You can also screenshot this episode, add it to your Instagram stories, and tag us @bravenewteaching to let us know that you’re listening!

Topics Covered:

  • John’s background, and the pillars of his teaching practice

  • What the student experience looks like when they enter John’s classroom community every day

  • Starting off the year by intentionally building kids up and making connections with them

  • Building community and rigor while simultaneously teaching content

  • Strategies for building student relationships with other students, and building group work skills

  • The role that your content plays in classroom management

  • Offering the space for your students to have important conversations

Meet John

John Rodney has been teaching English at the secondary level for the past 15 years in Southern California. In addition to teaching English, he has also served as the student leadership advisor for the past six.  

For ten years, John has taught adult basic English at an adult school in the evenings for students looking to attain their GED/high school diploma. For inclusive practices, relatable experiences, classroom tips, book recommendations, and good laughs, follow him on Instagram at @teachertoteacher, TikTok at @teachertoteacher, and YouTube.

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Amanda Cardenasinterview, inspiration, community, advice, strategies, discussion