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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.
Playing Teacher
Episode 9: Carrots, Sticks, and the Art of Motivation in the Classroom
In this episode of Playing Teacher, we unpack one of the most familiar — and controversial — strategies in elementary education: rewards and incentives. From treasure boxes and pizza parties to Dojo points and public praise, we examine how these practices shape student motivation, behavior, and identity in the classroom. Are we inspiring effort — or cultivating compliance? Are extrinsic rewards helpful stepping stones or long-term obstacles to deeper learning and self-regulation?
Whether you're a teacher filling sticker charts or a parent wondering about prize-based learning, this episode offers practical insights and philosophical food for thought.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
#MotivationMatters #GameBasedLearning #ClassroomCulture #PlayingTeacherPodcast
