The Power of Recess: Why Kids Need Time to Play on Tola Talks – Ep #288

Recess is not just free time; it is a vital component of a child’s school day. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a quality recess can help reestablish mental equilibrium and focus for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. This essential break allows students to release pent-up energy, engage in physical activity, and develop social skills.

Today we discuss the importance of recess in schools, advances in HIV treatment, and the biggest product failures in history, offering insights into health, education, and innovation.

Miracle in Mississippi: Education Reform Success on Tola Talks – Ep #239

In this engaging conversation, Rich Tola discusses various topics including the significance of Presidents’ Day, the remarkable educational reforms in Mississippi that have led to rising literacy rates, and intriguing facts about the human body. He emphasizes the importance of personal health and wellness, while also encouraging listeners to connect with others and understand different perspectives. The conversation concludes with key takeaways that reinforce the importance of self-care and interpersonal relationships.

Watch now and discover: → Mississippi has made impressive strides in education reform. → Literacy rates in Mississippi have risen significantly over the years. → Phonics and early intervention are key to improving literacy. → Respect your ABCs: workout, sleep, and diet are essential. → Understanding different viewpoints is crucial for personal growth.

Cell Phones in the Classroom & Movie Review on Tola Talks – Ep #226

In this conversation, Rich Tola discusses various topics including the changing attitudes towards cell phones in classrooms, his personal experiences as a teacher, and a review of the movie ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’. He reflects on the challenges of managing cell phone use among middle school students and shares insights from his book, ‘The Sub: Tales of an Inner City Teacher’. Additionally, he provides a detailed critique of the film, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

Watch now and discover: → Cell phones are a significant distraction in classrooms. → Many teens support banning cell phones in schools. → Rich’s experiences as a substitute teacher are insightful. → Rich’s teaching methods adapted to the challenges of technology. → ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’ is a unique take on a classic story.

Police Work is Hard & Officer Interview on Tola Talks – Ep #196

Today I interview my longtime friend, Guy LiMato, a retired police officer with a rich background in law enforcement and education. We discuss Guy’s journey into policing, the stress and challenges faced by officers today, and the realities of domestic violence calls. The conversation also touches on Guy’s transition into education, working with special needs children, and the importance of family dynamics in shaping behavior. We also explore the differences between policing as portrayed in the media versus real life, and delve into the roles of the National Guard and ICE in current law enforcement.

And since Guy is all too familiar with K-12 teaching – instructor’s aid for 10 years – we reflect on my new book, The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher and the challenges of classroom management and the future of education.

Thanks for tuning in, and as always, get your workout in! Peace – R

Live-streaming and More on Tola Talks – Ep #191

Hey everyone, Tola Talks is back!

This time around it’s all LIVE, so hope you can join us on YouTube or LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) or Twitch. For today’s Episode #191 we kept it short and sweet while discussing my new book, The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher, plus some excellent teachings from the Chinese philosopher and humanitarian, Confucius.

Have an awesome day and as always, get your workout in! Peace – R