In this episode, I have Jeff Baxter, the 2014 State Teacher of the Year for Kansas, and this was one of the most inspiring interviews I have had on the podcast.
I am so glad that I was able to spend a little bit of time with him, not only for the amazing advice that he offered to new teachers, but for the inspiration that he gives with his life story.
He is such an amazing person. I know you will enjoy our conversation.
Listen for when he shares about the moment when his life and his career was transformed and the effect it had not only on his family, but on his students. I was blown away, and I know you will be saying, “Wow!” when you hear it.
He shares so much about building positive relationships and how important that is to have success in the classroom.
He talks about rigor, and something that he shares is that rigor is just mean if there’s no relationship. I thought that was so true. Rigor is so popular now in education, but for it to be effective, there has to be a positive relationship between the teacher and the student.
Jeff surprised me when he said that he has read Herman Melville’s Moby Dick over 50 times. He uses this novel in his classes, and his kids are excited to read this book. I was surprised, because when I read it in college, I hated the book, and as we discussed, it all goes back to something that all amazing teachers have – passion. His passion for Moby Dick is evident, and since our interview, I have downloaded the audio version of the book, and I’m listening to it on my way to school each day, and I am understanding why it is considered a classic.
Jeff has a way of igniting passions in others that I found totally inspiring.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Jeff and went away with a great desire to have an impact on the kids I come in contact with. I know you will find him just as inspiring.
Thank you again for spreading the word about the podcast.
Until next time,
Be Amazing!
Thanks,
Sam
Find Jeff:
Website: 2014ktoy.weebly.com/jeff-baxter.html
Twitter : @MobyJeff
Mentioned on the Podcast:
Moby Dick Audiobook – Free Version – Click here.
Moby Dick – Audiobook – Not Free, but a little better quality. Click Here.
