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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 19: Teachers, Titles, Telehealth, and Trust
Overview
In this milestone episode, the hosts celebrate reaching 500 podcast downloads and reflect on personal experiences that reveal how trust, credentials, and communication shape everyday life — from healthcare visits to professional identity. The discussion balances humor and insight as they explore the quirks of the healthcare system, telehealth mishaps, and the nuanced meaning of titles like “Doctor” in both education and medicine.
Healthcare Experiences & Telehealth Confusion
Matthew opened up about a recent telehealth appointment that turned unexpectedly chaotic — he was directed to a physical office only to discover it was actually a virtual session. The group dissected the confusion, inefficiency, and lack of clear communication in modern healthcare systems.
Brugge and Robert related this to common frustrations in other areas of life, comparing the uncertainty of waiting for a doctor’s call to waiting endlessly during job interviews. Matthew drew further parallels to his experience teaching online during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing how digital interactions can amplify misunderstandings.
Professional Titles and Academic Credentials
The hosts dove into an engaging discussion about the use of professional titles — when and why to call someone “Doctor,” and how context matters. Brugge questioned whether titles should always be used among peers, while Robert and Matthew shared their own experiences navigating formal and informal norms in education.
Robert explained his motivation for pursuing a doctorate in education, not as a measure of teaching quality but as a gateway to new academic opportunities, particularly in higher education. The group reflected on how uncommon doctoral degrees are in elementary education and how the New York City education system offers no salary differential for advanced degrees like PhDs or EdDs.
Credentials vs. Experience
Robert and Brugge explored society’s overreliance on credentials and how it can overshadow genuine expertise and practical experience. They drew parallels between medicine and education, noting how the public often trusts degrees more than proven ability.
Matthew contributed personal stories of medical mistakes and the human side of healthcare — reminding listeners that even highly trained professionals can err. The group emphasized the importance of critical thinking, humility, and personal advocacy, encouraging listeners to question and verify rather than blindly defer to authority.
Medical Decision-Making & Awake Surgery
In one of the episode’s most gripping moments, Robert recounted undergoing awake surgery, a rare and deeply personal experience. He described the intense physical sensations, the pain management process, and the necessity of remaining conscious to assist the surgeon during the operation.
Robert highlighted how this decision stemmed from his commitment to thorough research and multiple consultations with specialists — combining surgical and functional medicine perspectives before making a final choice. He also recalled a prior medical scare involving a benign cyst, reinforcing his belief in seeking multiple opinions and maintaining an informed, proactive role in one’s healthcare decisions.
