Playing Teacher

🎙️ What is a teacher, really?
And what’s it actually like inside a New York City school?

Welcome to Playing Teacher, where veteran educators Matt and Rob—with over 40 years of combined experience teaching in NYC—pull back the curtain on the myths, realities, and moments that make education unforgettable (for better or worse). From the mysterious teacher’s lounge to the myth of “summer off,” they explore what really happens when the classroom door closes.

This isn’t a shiny brochure version of school. It’s the real deal:
🧠 Learning vs. schooling.
❤️ What kids actually carry with them.
🔥 How teachers and counselors survive systems built to burn them out.

And when we’re lucky enough to have her, we’re joined by Beanie—school counselor, educator, and recurring co-host—who brings powerful insight, grounded compassion, and the kind of perspective only someone who's worked both inside and around the classroom can offer.

👥 Guests range from teachers, students, and administrators to learning scientists, former kids (yes, really), and other unexpected voices from the world of education.

Whether you're in the classroom, supporting from the sidelines, or just trying to make sense of how we learn and why it matters—this is your hallway pass to the inside.

Host

Rob Monahan

Over the last 25 years, I’ve been focused on learning how to recognize and appreciate the differences in the ways students process information and solve problems. A turning point in my research and program development came shortly after I became a parent (and uncle) ten years ago. Observing the learning process through the teacher lens around the clock from infancy through middle school has had a huge impact on my pedagogical beliefs. It became more obvious that the way kids think about, remember, process, and understand information is as unique as their personalities. There certainly isn’t a “best” way for all kids to learn anything. I refer to this concept as a child’s unique educational individuality. Something that’s clear to me is that when we focus on empowerment and actively teaching kids to become expert thinkers and learners, they truly begin to flourish.

https://www.stempassport.com