The Unexpected Path to Lifelong Teaching Career with Jason Piechowiak  

Please note, this transcript is generated by AI and may include some errors. 

Spencer Payne (00:01): And sorry, real quick, just so I can introduce you correctly, can you help me with the pronunciation again real quick, Jason? Last name? Piechowiak, okay, cool, thanks.

Jason Piechowiak (00:08): Yeah, Piechowiak. 

Spencer Payne (00:15): I tell you, but yeah, are okay. Okay, here we are with another episode of Front of the Class Real Stories from Real Educators with Jason Piechowiak. Jason, would you mind giving us the down and dirty, where do you teach, for how long, what grades, and what's been your path kind of of what you have taught and where over the course of your career?

Jason Piechowiak (00:46): All right. I taught briefly in Ohio for like six months doing a long-term sub position. My wife got into DePaul and she's like, we got to move. I got to pack my bags. And I actually finished coaching the football season in that fall. And I got here and eight days later, you know, my mother-in-law is getting her hair done at a salon and a lady next to her is getting her hair done too and they start talking.

So she's a retired teacher doing a long-term sub position and the next thing you know, I'm in doing interview. And from there, I've been at Northbrook Junior High School, a little suburb Northwest of Chicago for the last 19 years. I think this is year 20. They start to blend together after a while. I've taught English. I've taught social studies for the last, I want to say 13, 14 years. And it's been the best. It's been really, really enjoyable.

Spencer Payne (01:54): So you got this job because mother-in-law chatting at the hair salon and that's how you ended up at this school that you're at.

Jason Piechowiak (01:59): Yes. God's honest truth. And the crazy thing is the teacher or the assistant principal who hired me, I have taught both of her kids and her nephew. So every time I have them at the start of the school year, I tell the story to the whole class that I wouldn't be here had it not been for her. So just random luck, man. And I haven't looked back once.

Spencer Payne (02:13): That's awesome. Encourage more people in friends and family networks to just tell your story of what you do and what you're looking for because you never know when that's going lead to a job. It's awesome. you mentioned teaching in Ohio first before getting this position here in greater Chicagoland. But just what drew you into teaching in the first place? How did you get into this profession?

Jason Piechowiak (02:35): Exactly. Exactly. Well, there were several impactful people in my life that kind of guided me down this path. First and foremost, my parents, you know, as you go through, you know, your, your formidable years of, you know, middle school and high school, you start to get a gauge of what you're good at. And one of the things I was really good at was helping kids. And one day my, you know, my parents are trying to help my little brother with math homework.

And, you know, just like we all know when you have kids and they're doing their math homework, you haven't done it in 25, 30 years. And, you know, it's confusing. You know, I still find some of the word problems my daughter does pretty hard. And so my dad's like, Hey, Jake, can you help your brother out? So then I'm sitting down helping my brother out. And I did it with such ease that my dad was like, both my parents are like, you should be a teacher.

And, you know, I grew up on a cul-de-sac with, I don't know, 11 or 12 boys that were, you know, 12 and under. And I'm this 17-year-old kid, and it basically was like sports camp. And the parents said the same things, and then I got into coaching right out of high school, high school football. And, you know, the path kind of was unfolding in front of me. And from there, it was just, you know, I got so much joy out of it that I haven't looked back. 

It's been a great opportunity for me because, you know, when your parents see something in you and then you chase it, I think not only is it fulfilling to me, but it's fulfilling to them. And then the other person is my eighth grade science teacher. You know, I tell my students all the time that I wasn't the best student. I couldn't sit still. You know, I went to a Catholic private school. They didn't like me because I just, I would shout answers. I was busy.

And so as time rolled on, you know, get to eighth grade and teachers know who you are and what you're like. And this teacher just put her arm around me and kind of was like, you're going to have fun this year. And the way she taught, you know, the, the, the class was filled with lectures and experiments and discussions and, bad jokes. And, from there, it was like, I just really liked the way she delivered information and the environment she, she provided. And from there, I was like, wow, this is awesome. I still, whenever I was back home 10, 12 years ago, I saw her and I told her, was like, you're one of the reasons why I became a teacher. special lady.

Spencer Payne (05:29): Yeah, that's awesome. We can all point to that one teacher or maybe two, maybe two, maybe three if we're lucky. But I feel like many people have that one. You're like, wow, if everyone was like that, like man, school could be really fun. So awesome that you had that one and that hopefully you're carrying the torch and being that teacher for somebody else. And you mentioned doing this for about 20 years or so. What has kept you doing it for that long? Like what keeps you in the game? What keeps you coming back year after year?

Jason Piechowiak (05:42): Well, I think in large part, it's the fun of it. You know, there's, there's joy in what you do. I think the kids bring such energy that I, it's contagious. You you come in 8 a.m., 7 a.m. on a Monday morning and you're tired. You know, it's been a rough weekend. Go into every sporting event with your kids and, you know, play dates and parties and they come in with such energy because they're like, what are we going to do today? And that energy is contagious.

And then from there, it's like, I also know I get incredible joy by making someone else feel good about themselves, building their self-esteem. I mean, we're talking about 11 and 12 year olds. They're constantly looking for reassurance and positive feedback in a time in their life where things are changing, social groups are changing academic rigors is ramping for middle school and potentially in the future high school. And so if you can make a kid's day, they'd go to war for you in a sense. And so when I can do that for a kid, it's pretty cool. And so that's why I keep doing it.

Spencer Payne (07:16): I'd love to dig into that for a second. If you can make a kid's day, they'll go to war for you, they'll have a better day, better week, et cetera. Any examples come to your mind? Or how do you try to foster that?

Jason Piechowiak (07:19): Yeah. So one of the things I started doing because I was a coach from the beginning of this, you I've coached every, I mean, you name a sport, I probably coached it. I noticed early on how coaching is an extension of the classroom, but also that team before me attitude that was always instilled. And from there, it was like, they're also getting home at seven, eight, nine o'clock at night and you got homework on top of it.

So one of the things I tell the parents that open houses like, I get how talented your child is. I get how busy you are. And it really kind of cemented itself when I had kids of my own who started sports. And I was like, you know, if you have a bad day or, you know, dinner's not ready, you're home from practice, your child's exhausted, they need to bathe, they need to rest, whatever, they're not feeling well, just shoot me an email and they can have an extension on whatever I'm assessing them on. Because to me, they need to know I want their best performance, not just a performance to get it done.

I think that's another message I share with my students is like, I just, I want you to come here and feel like I care and that I'm going to give you my best every day. So I hope you give me your best. And if you're off, cause everyone has off days, like today's an off day for me. I'm not, I got a bit of a cold. So being in a lecture telling, you know, historical events, telling stories, you know, sometimes I'm not at my game. So, you know, I apologize to the kids, but they don't care. They just want to hear what I have to say.

And so the other side of it is, and the last thing I'd probably say is, you know, showing that you're human to your students, you know, telling them about your personal life. I share stories about my kids almost daily or stories of moments of when I was a kid and how my parents parented me. You know, I think when you share those moments, you're not just a teacher, you're a human.

And I think those connections, you know, transcend across all areas of life. And so the trust, the respect goes with it because you're willing to share.

Spencer Payne (09:39): Yeah, that's awesome. And after doing this for 20 years, is there anything that you're looking forward to, particularly over the next three, six, 12 months, you pick your timeframe that is particularly energizing to you? Anything new, how do you stay fresh? Like what's energizing to look forward to in the future when you've been doing this for so long?

Jason Piechowiak (10:00): You know, I think being able to have the energy to go to other conferences, you know, there's, there's this thing called idea com used to be ice, you know, other teachers from all different types of instructional levels, certifications, you name it. I tend to go for the technology side, but all of that, you know, just being around other educators that you don't work with on a day to day basis, give you the opportunity to kind of like pick their brains or you you share and they're like, whoa, you do that. Tell me a little bit more about it.

And being able to collaborate with, with other educators is super important. So that that's fun. you know, things that energized me over the course of the next three to 12 months, you know, we're in the heart of the curriculum that I love. I love talking about ancient Greece. I love talking about ancient Rome. We finished the year with the U.S. constitution and with, you know, the election and a new president.

It's really fun to talk to the kids about how that process goes and how the house changes, the Senate, all that stuff. That's fun stuff to talk about with kids because I'll be honest with you, I don't remember learning that as a child. so having more adult conversations, I think the other side of it is warm weather. I am at my best when it's warm. When it's cold, it is tough.

Spencer Payne (11:28): Greater Chicagoland in February, that might be, I was gonna say, that might be like late February, early March is the time where you're like, I've had enough. I need to see the sunshine again.

Jason Piechowiak (11:30): You can see behind me, it's a blizzard right now. Yes, yes, and we could have a snow day in April, guaranteed. It just surprises you.

Spencer Payne (11:45): Yep, I mean, I got the Cleveland hat on. I remember playing baseball in mid April in, in snow flurries. So I know exactly what you're feeling.

Awesome. On that note, I, I'm going to show this off just cause I, I don't, I had no idea you were going to talk about the Greeks and the Romans, but I just, I've Plutarch's lives has been on my must read list for like five years. And I randomly picked it up 30 minutes before this call, because I'm like, it's enough is enough. I need to go read this book. So you're giving me even more inspiration to go digging into it.

Jason Piechowiak (12:14): Perfect, Yeah, the foundation of our society is all based off of Greek and Roman. Being a US history person, I spent so much time studying that because I was fascinated how our country evolved and shaped itself. But the connections and overlying themes of those civilizations and ours, it's super cool.

Spencer Payne (12:43): Yeah, I'm a big biography junkie. so yeah, reading about Hamilton and Washington and John, all those guys were their references are Cato and Plutarch and Cicero and Seneca and Marcus Aurelius and all these Roman and Greek kind of philosophers and emperors and rulers and things like that. So yes, it's a fascinating world to do a separate deep dive into that's maybe a whole separate one. But more on the interest. Yeah.

Jason Piechowiak (12:49): Yep. Fun fact, I'll give you this, I don't mean to interrupt you, but look up, Cincinnati's. Yeah, that's a good one too.

Spencer Payne (13:13): Fun facts, I love them. Yeah, yeah. We'll give that we'll give that one to me and to all the viewers. Look up look up Cincinnati's and obviously also of the Cincinnati city name. And going back into some of your teaching and stories in this 20 year career. I'm curious to hear like what like what do look back on that are one or multiple of kind of the coolest, most enjoyable or just

Jason Piechowiak (13:27): Yes.

Spencer Payne (13:42): proudest moments of your teaching career. Stuff that you think about and it still kind of makes you light up and smile and you'll probably still when you're 80 years old look back and be like, man, that was a really cool moment. Like what strikes you for that?

Jason Piechowiak (14:00): I'll tell two. The first one was the day I called my dad when I got this job. Being able to tell him that I landed on my feet in a place that he was worried about, and just being like, I'm going to be gainfully employed. I found a path. I found a job. That was a memorable moment.

But the one that comes back to me always, because people will Google my name or you know, students will Google my name, parents, whatever, you know, the other day, my daughter was telling me that her teacher, you know, stumbled upon this, you know, WGN article on me and it was back in COVID. I think it was fall at 2020. I received the Buddy Helpers PepsiCo Teacher of the Year Award. And, you know, my wife knew I was getting this award and I didn't.

And the true backstory is this. It was a Sunday. Her sister was in town visiting. We were supposed to meet. You know, my wife tells me we're supposed to meet her sister and her new boyfriend and go for a walk with the kids. So I put on sweatpants, gym shoes and a t-shirt and I plan to go for a walk. She's like, you're going to wear that. And I'm like, what are you talking about?

Spencer Payne (15:00): Okay. If we're for a walk, why not?

Jason Piechowiak (15:25): And she goes, put on something nice. You're meeting this guy for the first time. So I put on jeans, gym shoes, and a hoodie. And that was about as far as you were going to get me on a Sunday, you know, start of the school year. You know, it was like November-ish. And I was like, this is about the best you're going to get. She's like, okay. And she's all dolled up. She's makeup, hair, nice sweater, know, jeans, heels. And I'm like, what are you wearing heels for? We're going for a walk.

I walk outside and there is like six different news cameras and a crowd of people ready to hand me this award. And I'm like, what's going on? And I was recognized for being someone who, you know, does, goes the extra mile, you know, incorporates acts of service and community. you know, it, it, it went back, you the award and what they talked about in the article was losing my dad to cancer in 2016. And then our house was victim to a fire. And then I had a student who had leukemia and I dedicated this ride that I do every year, this charity 100 mile bike ride through Pelotonia. I guess colleagues or whoever, I don't know who nominated me. I still don't know. Actually I do know Christine did, but people nominated me for this and I just was so floored by it.

And you you're, you get, you're asked these questions in the moment and you're, you're trying to answer and sound articulate and smart and an educator. And then he asked me a question, you know, like, what would you think if your dad was here right now? And of course I'm crying on national television and you know, was just, but it was such a powerful moment to be recognized. And I said in the interview, Every one of the teachers deserves something like this. Anybody who dedicates their life to this profession should be recognized in some capacity simply because you don't do it because of the pay or the status or whatever. You do it because you care about kids and the impact you can have. And so I think that's probably the most memorable that will always come back to me and be like something I'm so proud of.

Spencer Payne (17:47): Yeah, that's, thank you for sharing that. And obviously that's amazing. Congratulations. And as a fun side note, we'll have to think of if she hasn't already, like how else could she have teed up you to wear something besides a hoodie with a better backstory?

Jason Piechowiak (17:55): Thank you. Yeah, you know, I still, and she says to this day, it was better that way because I was able to off the cuff, speak from the heart and not be prepared. And I think that, you know, the way they're able to edit just like they edit this, you know, they made me look better than I think I sounded. But, you know, the whole day I spent reflecting like, you know, it was like one of those moments. I wish my dad could have seen it.

It was like just one of those like my parents, know, my, talk to my mom, she's still alive and we talked, you know, that they kind of put me down this path. And I was so grateful that they did because, you know, I could have picked any career and never been recognized and been just as happy, but to pick something that has such a lasting impact on kids and then be recognized for it was so powerful. It really re-energized what I do on a day-to-day basis.

Spencer Payne (19:07): Yeah, on that note, I'm curious, like, for such a surprise like that to happen, right? Do you remember after the cameras are gone, the trucks have faded away, and now it's back to a normal Sunday evening? Do you remember what did that feel like? Like, were you just like ecstatic the rest of the day? Like, how'd that feel after the cameras had sped off?

Jason Piechowiak (19:30): Complete transparency, I went upstairs and cried, to be honest. you know, just because of the reflecting of, you know, I said in the interview, my father preached family, friendship, service and community. And I feel like being recognized for this award, you have to embody those values. And, you know, I got choked up in the interview and then I went upstairs and you know, my kids are sitting in my lap. My wife's like, what do you think? Like, how crazy is this? This is amazing.

And in my head, I, I couldn't enjoy it right, right away. And then I talked to my mom and she's like, enjoy it, you know, sit back. And of course my phone's blowing up by five o'clock. Apologize for the bell classes are switching, but, you know, my phone's blowing up and all these people are texting me from every part of my contacts list. Like guys I played sports with, know, good friends, colleagues, acquaintances, husbands of the, or you know, parents of kids that my, you know, that go to daycare with. Like you name it, I was getting it. And it was super cool. And it was just like, you know, you look back at it and you just think, why me?

Like there's so many other educators out there so deserving of it. I almost felt guilty at, you know, after the fact when I came into work the next day, all these people are congratulating me and I'm like, you deserve it too. Like just as much as I do, you know? And that was probably the part that like stuck with me. was like remembering to recognize other people, not just myself for this award was, you know.

So at the end of the school year, they gave you 250 or $300 towards your classroom. told my principal, said, at the end of that school year, was such a tough year with COVID and everything. I said, let's use this money to get a shaved ice truck for the last day of school for everyone. And so we had this huge last day of school event and we had shaved ice to celebrate making through the year COVID and masks and social distancing and it was cool. It was awesome.

Spencer Payne (21:53): That is awesome. And you mentioned just recognition and gratitude. know, one thing I've tried to consciously shift my own mind on is like, when I, you, whomever, you see someone who's just doing a good job or doing something awesome, like just go tell them. Go tell them. Go tell, otherwise you're robbing them, because they don't realize that you saw it and you recognized it and you appreciate it. And that's a shame. Like, go tell them. When someone's doing a great job, tell them. Tell them right now. So yeah, thank you. Yeah.

Jason Piechowiak (22:19): Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Or just saying thank you. Like, you know, somebody does something for you or, you know, they, sub for your class because you got a meeting running late or whatever, and they just pick it up and they're not asking to be paid. They're just doing it because they're your friend. It's like, you know, we're all in the trenches together and there's no better than to trust the person to your left or right and give them gratitude for their effort.

Spencer Payne (22:49): Yeah, no doubt. obviously incredibly powerful moment. And again, congratulations. And on the other end of the spectrum, over 20 years, I'd imagine there's some tough times and some, my gosh, what did I get myself into? Any particularly tough times or tough moments in your career? And how did you get out? How'd you bounce back?

Jason Piechowiak (22:57): Thank you. When, you know, there's, there's quite a few, if you think about the course of 20 years and the type of roles I've had here at Northbridge junior high, but there's, have this outdoor ed program, where I used to be, I used to be in charge of it for, I don't know, 15, 16 years. And, you know, we take the kids, the whole class up North to Wisconsin and they do all kinds of outdoor activities.

And you you're responsible for 250 people and there are are bumps, there are bruises, there are broken ankles, there's broken arms, there's epi pens. I mean, you name it. I've dealt with it all. But there there have been several. You know, one time there was a student who he had at the time we didn't know he was having a seizure and it's middle of the night. Kids are calling me.

And I run out of my room, go there. He's unconscious. can't unresponsive. just, I grab him and I sprint to the nurse's station, kick down the door, put him on the bed. And of course he comes to, and you know, the powerful moment was when, you know, he, comes to and he's like, Mr. P you stay with me. And so I'm holding this hand and I'm next to him. You know, later we found out he had a history of seizures, but in that moment, I mean, I was like, you know, and I've given the Heimlich out at recess, a kid was, had like a little piece of candy in his mouth and he's running around playing football. And the next thing you know, he's, I see him like give the Heimlich.

There's a student who's had a bathroom accident and, you know, trying to conceal those moments. And then obviously teaching through COVID was like, every teacher will tell you that was a nightmare. Like, you know, get kids on screens and kids in the room and trying to navigate these two environments simultaneously. you know, to me, those are like some of the craziest moments. And I still can't believe they've happened, you know, that I was a part of them. But yeah.

Spencer Payne (25:29): Yeah, that's a lot of wild, crazy moments that you've seen in 20 years.

Jason Piechowiak (25:32): That's like off the cuff. got, I mean, I'm telling you right now there's probably six or seven more if I sat down and actually like thought about it. You know, you're, mean, as a teacher, there's a reason why they say you're, a, what was the term for nurses and doctors and every, you were during COVID, they gave them a title like.

Spencer Payne (25:38): Yeah. Yeah, yeah essential workers or yeah yeah 

Jason Piechowiak (25:55): Yeah, yeah, like teachers are essential workers. I mean, we're first responders in some cases.

You know, you get a kid who's who takes a bad spill, you know, in basketball, I had a kid break his arm and, you know, it's it's sticking out like that. And everyone's like, and I'm like, I mean, it's like, I don't know what what's in me that causes me to do it. But immediately in moments of chaos, my son was choking once when he was three and I had to give him the Heimlich. He was blue.

Spencer Payne (26:11): Yeah, what do I do? Yeah.

Jason Piechowiak (26:25): To me in those moments, I don't panic, but if I'm late to school, I'm a mess. Like my kids are running late, my wife's running late. I'm like, I gotta get out of here. You know, I freak out, but in moments like that, I don't know what it is, but I've had quite a few over the years that I'm just like, it's wild.

Spencer Payne (26:47): And one more, maybe proud moment, maybe wild, maybe it comes through all of these, as just, again, looking at your background, there's a story about a basketball team with 50 straight wins. Can you tell us more about that?

Jason Piechowiak (27:03): Yeah. Those boys will forever be special. There's several groups that are special. But the common theme with all these special groups of players, specifically this 50 and 0 team, was that there was not a single player on the team that cared about their individual performance. What made them great was that every time they were on the floor, they celebrated everyone's success. So if you really think about what makes a great team, you know, you can have one player and, and be great. But the same kid who comes off the bench mid-second quarter and buries a shot, and everyone's swinging their towel and cheering.

And I have tried to convey that to every team, my own children's team that I coach, to you know, teams that are still here. I refer back to those guys because it is so easy to get caught up in what I did to lead to a win, rather than, let's celebrate everyone, a team win, a collective effort and contribution. You know what, that was what made them great. I had stopped coaching, technically. I had a newborn at home, but I told the coaches after that sixth grade year, we went undefeated. I had coached eighth grade for 12 years probably and I stepped down to six lesser season and this group of boys is in my lap. And I just was like, this is, mean, they're acting like high school kids, like high school seniors. And, you know, as the year did the following year came up, I said, I told the coach, said, I'll come to practice, you know, I'm just going to hang out, do some drills. I just wanted to be around them.

It was so fun to just watch a group of boys care genuinely care about learning about the game. There was never talking back. There was nobody who was ineligible. Like you think of hiccups that teams experience. There were no major injuries. If they had travel basketball, they chose the school team over travel because they had so much fun doing it. Like I could think of a thousand reasons that made them great. And every single one of them they did. And that was what was so special about them. I, to be honest, I don't think, and what's crazy is there were closer games in sixth grade and seventh grade. By the time they were eighth grade, they had mastered that skill of being a team. nobody even came close to them in eighth grade. Like they just rolled the whole season. But, and then they just finished their senior year last year. They had lost. This is what makes them great.

They were in the state I think final four quarterfinals. And I took my kids to the game. They lose on a like Hail Mary three pointer buzzer beater to miss out on going to the state final four. And all of them are like in a huddle arms around each other, tears in their eyes hugging each other. Not one of them is worried about themselves. The selflessness was I told my daughter, said, that's how you lose.

Like that's how you lose. I get chills talking about it.

Spencer Payne (30:37): Well, thank you for, mean, wide ranging phenomenal stories in your career. Those are some of the standouts and I'd love to focus in again on 20 years of educating. What are some things or what's one big thing that you just consistently do in your teaching career that just seems to work for you day in, day out, week in, week out? And maybe you're surprised other people don't do that thing because it just seems to work for you and does anything stand out for you things you kind of consistently do in your career that work for you and maybe you're surprised others don't do that thing.

Jason Piechowiak (31:14): So my mom was, she ran a daycare out of her house when we were kids. And one of the things she would tell the parents was, you know, I'm going to treat your child as if they're my own. They're going to be in good hands. I'm going to care for them. I'm going to do everything to, you know, treat them as if they were in your house with you. And that kind of, that just naturally translated in the classroom. You know, I, treat my students the same way I would treat my own children. You know, I'm going to give them the love.

But I'm also going to give them the tough love. I'm going to discipline them. I'm going to teach them what it's like to be a student. If you want to be your student's friend, you're going to have a long year. If your students respect you and trust you and know that they can look up to you in difficult times or share celebrations. Anytime someone does something special.

We had a student recently who finished fifth at a very, very competitive math contest. And instead of me like, it's on the school news. Everyone cheered. I stopped my lesson for that morning and wanted to showcase Ed. went, Ed, tell me about the weekend. What, how was that? Like, you know, let them get that, feeling that they're in, they're important. You know, I tell the parents at the beginning of school year, said, I want you to know that you need to feel comfortable knowing that
I'm gonna care for the most important person in your life. These kids are your everything, just like my own are to me. I wanna give them that support in all aspects of their life, academically, socially, emotionally, and when they need it, a kick in the bottom, that tough love, like, I'm not gonna accept this work, because I know you can do better. And consequences for actions, you make a mistake, well, we have school rules here.

We had a follow through, but it's that follow up conversation, letting them know, I think you're better than this, or that was a really poor decision. Would you do that? You know, I tell my, my son's team, you know, he's first grade playing basketball. Anytime they're doing something, they're getting physical with each other. They're getting upset or someone's crying because someone did something else. I ask them, would you behave this way if your parents were watching you? And that's the same thing I say to my students. Would you do what you if your mom and dad were watching you? And the answer is always what? No. So that's how you should be in my classroom. And that's tenfold every year. It's been great. I've written one detention in 20 years.

Spencer Payne (33:56): Yeah. Incredible. I'd like to highlight two things there that I just think are awesome. One is that upfront kind of conversation with the parents at the beginning of the year, right? Of like setting the stage that you're going to be their students, their child's biggest advocate, but you're also going to hold a high standard and that you're there to give them the love as if they were your own kids, right? And like, that's the expectation you're having with them upfront. And then that one little question.

Jason Piechowiak (34:12): Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Spencer Payne (34:25): Right? Like sometimes there's a power of just, you don't have to make this big show. That one little question of like, would you do that if your mom and dad were watching? Nope. That's a powerful, powerful question that other people listening can potentially go use and take in their classrooms. A couple more quick hitter questions as we, we kind of wrap things up a little bit. As you look back to maybe your first, second, third year teaching or as you as you are maybe around brand new teachers, right? What's what's the number one piece of advice that you give to new first second year teachers or what what advice might you go back and give yourself at that time knowing what you know today?

Jason Piechowiak (35:06): This is going to be the hardest job or the hardest year of your life that first year. In education, there's so many acronyms. I remember my first year and it being so intimidating that I went down to a colleague's office and I was like, could you make me a cheat sheet for all these acronyms we have in the building? I'd be in meetings every day. have no idea what people are talking

And that complete transparency, was intimidating because you want to participate in the meetings, but you're so new and all that's in your head is, what are my lesson plans for the next day? What do I have to do? I just, you know, always plan for the possibility that your lesson plan or what you're doing in class that day can go wrong. And what is your solution? I think like naturally I just off the cuff am able to adjust to chaos or disruption. And so no matter what challenge or, challenges arise, I think you have to remember that the kids energy is contagious. And if you keep a positive attitude, they'll keep a positive attitude as well. You know, and my wife says it always, tomorrow's a new day, you know. So if you have a bad day at school, the next day it resets. Every day is a reset.

So it's not like, fix what was wrong yesterday and tomorrow's a new day, be better. And one other thing is it's okay to veer off and spend time building the relationships instead of following the plan. I think that there have been times, January 6th is a perfect example. We were Zoom teaching, we had this gap post holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas because of COVID and not having outbreaks that we were Zoom teaching. But I came into the building and you can see the TV here. I have my students on it and I'm talking to them. And I said, lesson plans out the window. What questions do you have? And the amount of just not understanding how the process of politics works and why were people so angry and you know, throw it out the window if you feel like it's right.

And also, them, know, a kid wants to, I've had students who want to be called a different name because they're unsure of gender or they just don't like their name, whatever. I will keep a post it or I will make note of it. And I try to call them by that name every day so that they feel comfortable. think the biggest thing, you can do is create an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. And if you do that, everything else falls into place. That's probably what I could give.

Spencer Payne (38:11): And I would imagine just real quick follow up on the January 6 and turn on the TV and just having an open forum and throwing out the lesson plan. I would imagine that fostered a very high amount of curiosity from the kids. This is no longer you teach it. This is just like, here's what's actually going on in today's world. What do you think? What questions do you have? I would imagine a day like that creates a tremendous amount of curiosity amongst your students.

Jason Piechowiak (38:27): Yeah. It is and there were like questions where I was like, they're going to be, told the kids there, there are going to be questions that I can't answer simply because there's a lie a bit. How do you feel about it? Do you think that, you know, Trump is in the right? Do you think Trump's? I was like, I can't answer that, but what question, what other questions do you have? And if they asked a question that I didn't know, cause they ask questions, they ask good questions.

And sometimes there are questions I don't have answers to. I will be like, let me write it down. I'm going to do some research. I'll get back to you tomorrow. And that can even be within my content. Like, you know, we're talking about, cover 5,000 years of history. There are some things they come across that I'm like, I got to do a little research, a little recount, and I'll get back to you.

Spencer Payne (39:27): What is the single number one best thing about this profession? What do love about it?

Jason Piechowiak (39:36): I love watching my students become adults, contributing members of society. I'm at the point in my career where the kids I first taught are now adults. They're in the thick of the day to day of going to work, paying bills. Some of them are getting married. Some of them already have kids, you know? And I say at the end of sixth grade when the last day of school, I always have them in my room right before the bell rings and I say to them, this isn't goodbye, this is see you later. And when you are a junior in high school, you come back and visit me, I will give you my phone number and if you ever need anything, you can call me.

And I have had, this year alone, I've probably had dinner, a text exchange, a phone call, a sit down in my classroom, a cup of coffee with I don't know, a dozen former students just wanting to hear about my life and what's going on and giving your students the time of day well after they had you as their teacher. Reinforces all the sleepless nights and extra work and concern you gave them. They know it because they're back and they want to talk.

And I think that is the greatest thing about the job is when you see the, were a small piece of the puzzle, but you were a piece of the puzzle to shape that individual into the adult they are today and getting into see it and hear about it. know, students are like, I'm going to law school and you're like, like my response is what? Like you couldn't sit still in my class. You hated what, when we did the constitution. You want to be a lawyer? And to hear their journey of how they found this path is also fulfilling for me because it's like, I assure you that if teachers that I had in elementary school or middle school heard that I was a teacher, they'd probably, you know, keel over.

Spencer Payne (41:57): Yeah.

Jason Piechowiak (41:57): Because I was that kid, I was that kid, you know, and so that's, think the other message I would give a first year teacher is like, the kid you have now is not going to be the adult you meet 20 years, 30 years from now. But the only thing you can do is help them learn what is appropriate behavior, behavior, how to be respectful, how to be kind, how to be a contributing member of society, how to be a part of your community, how to respect and be a certain and be of service to others. think if you can convey that message enough, it sticks.

Spencer Payne (42:29): Yep, that's awesome. on the other end of that spectrum, what is the single worst or hardest thing about this profession? Or if you had a magic wand and could change one thing, what would you change?

Jason Piechowiak (42:44): Well, I'm going to ask for the second part of that question. But the first part of the question, the worst thing about the profession is the financial burden it puts on teachers. I love this job. I love the profession. And I know I'm good at it. But teachers don't make that much money. Simple. I'm actually in a really great school district. And I'm taken care of. But I tell my students all the time, be rich in life.

Money won't give you happiness. I'm rich in life. You guys fill my cup. I have a wife, healthy wife and kids and they love me and that's, and I got friends. That's what fills me up. But I think the worst part of the job is like, you know, I understand education doesn't generate revenue or dividends or, you know, sales that will allow bonuses or extra money. And so I always like to tell myself that this is an investment into our child, our children's future, which is far more valuable than anything else. It's hard to ignore how draining the job can be and how compensation isn't proportional to the amount of time and energy and passion you put into it. You give your heart and soul to it, you know, really, truly. And, and then you turn around and do the same to your own kids.

And if you have them, it's, you know, it's difficult when you're trying to give your kids and your family the best Christmas or the most memorable spring break vacation memory. And, you know, or if you want to upgrade to a bigger house, cause you're growing out of your house, those burdens hit hard for educators because there are times where I spend my own money on my classroom just because I'm like, I'm out of, used my budget, but I really want this for my students.

And I'll spend it. And, know, there are times where I've considered other professions or other financial opportunities, but I know that if I went down that path, one, I might not be happy or two, if I tried to do both, one's going to take a hit and that's going to be my dedication to this. And so that's probably the worst part about it is it's just tough, you know, because I'm friends with a lot of people who do not work in this field and they're better off than me. And so I think you really have to commit to the passion and understand that, you know, money doesn't buy you happiness. And if you go to work every day and you love your job, that says something, you'll, you'll live a long and happy life.

Spencer Payne (45:30): Yeah, and you mentioned two separate answers. So if you could wave a magic wand at one thing, what would you wave it at? Is that a separate answer?

Jason Piechowiak (45:39): Yeah, I mean...One thing I could change about it would be the rigor that people who don't always, people who aren't in the classroom decide what you teach, how much of it you teach, what is the standard that which a child should attain. And I'm not knocking politicians or administrators. I just feel like sometimes the voice of a classroom teacher or a specific curriculum teacher such as myself teaching social studies, isn't always a point person for them to go to to ask those questions. And the fact that I have to teach 5,000 years of history and four of them or three of them are some of the most famous, Egypt, Greece and Rome, I could spend the whole year on Rome. I could spend the whole year on Greece. I could spend the whole year on Egypt. But what is that? That's not a...a diverse learning experience.

So, you know, and that's the hard part because recently I didn't have to teach the U.S. Constitution that was handed to us because there were other federal and state initiatives that were handed down to other curriculums and they couldn't fit the Constitution. And so they threw it to us. And I don't mind teaching it, but it's just, it's tough when you compact learning experiences further, further down and it's onto the next unit, onto the next unit, onto the next. It's like, you want us to dig deeper. That's where growth is made. That's where there's where those moments of surprise and and and learning take place. And if you can't, you know, it's it's hard because if you're not getting through the whole curriculum, then it looks bad on your your observation or your your evaluation.

Spencer Payne (47:31): Yeah. And so two more quick ones as we as we wrap up, can you share a little bit about did you did you get your masters? And if so, what is what is getting your master is kind of unlock or unleash for you in terms of ability to grow or more, etc. So can you speak a little bit about about kind of all right, once you're in the profession, right? Again, how do you how do you kind of advance and how critical is the masters to earning more advancing, etc.

Jason Piechowiak (47:34): Sure, sure. Yeah, I mean, there's no question that every. I believe every school district should provide additional competent compensation to a teacher who goes back to school to be better at what they do. Um, it's the same as a professional athlete who takes the off season and invests in their body by training and, and health and diet and all that stuff. And they, they play better.

Well, the, you know, the graduate programs are what help us. I have two master's degrees and I never thought that I would actually go back and enjoy it. I thought it was just something I had to do, but in all reality, felt like it was, it was, it was great. You know, I learned what I enjoyed most about it was that, you know, I reflected on meaningful practices and I didn't go right away. That would be a piece of advice I would give a new teacher like get good at what you're doing, then go back to school. I didn't go back to school until eight years after doing this. And I felt like it was extremely valuable simply because a lot of the coursework in these graduate programs ask you about experiences and what you would do differently, or how would you incorporate this new technology or this new practice into what you're already doing. And I feel like if you don't have the experience, it makes the classes that much harder.

And then I would say the collaboration with colleagues who you don't know, and they work in a different school district or a different state. And you you set up times to meet and you hear about their stories and the things they're doing and what are the procedures or curriculums at their school districts. And you know, there's nothing better than meeting people in your craft and kind of spitballing and sharing about the struggles and the cool parts and the experiences just like we're doing now.

Spencer Payne (49:58): Yeah, awesome. And one more, anything that you'd want to share with the audience out there of perspective or younger teachers, anything new, interesting, worthwhile that you want to highlight or anything that you already shared that you just feel like it's so important that you want to double underline and just kind of restate.

Jason Piechowiak (50:17): Yeah, I think the thing that I would reiterate and the most important thing for an educator is to connect with your students. Develop a positive relationship because just like my eighth grade science teacher did for me, know, Mrs. Justin, she connected with me and she found a way. I went from a C student to an A student because of her. And I have had experiences with students, you know, just at a meeting the other day about a student where the mom was like, I don't know what you're doing, but keep doing it because he's a night and day, a totally different student. And I think in large part, it's that, that relationship we've built finding the one thing that interests them and build a positive relationship can change everything. You know, I have a student who barely talks, but he'll, he'll be at my door before school and want to tell me about a history documentary watch. And we'll sit here for 20 minutes before students come in and talk.

And to me, yeah, I'm not, I'm not getting ready as much for the day, but that time with him mean what, it, it, it'll, it'll, he'll run through a brick wall for me if I asked him to simply because I take the time. If you take the time to build those relationships and make those connections, not only will it make your job easier because teaching is tough, but the relationships that you have will impact and It'll make it worth it in the end because you'll be going to have dinner with one of your former students 20 years from now and hear about how they're in the thick of having a newborn and the struggles and you know, that has value far more than a 97 % on the test. No care. And I tell my own kids, I don't care what you did on the test. Did you do your best and did you learn something?

Spencer Payne (52:16): Well, Jason, that was awesome. So much phenomenal wisdom in here for new or even existing teachers. So thank you for sharing your story, real stories from real educators. Jason, thank you so much for sharing.

Jason Piechowiak (52:28): Thanks for having me. Take care.