Breaking The Syllabus
Breaking the Syllabus is a podcast for educators who believe great teaching isn’t always found on the lesson plan. Hosted by Tyler Powell, this show explores what happens when we step away from rigid pacing guides and scripted curricula to follow curiosity, student voice, and the unpredictable moments that make real learning stick. Each episode features conversations with teachers, researchers, and thought leaders who are reimagining what classrooms can be — when we stop playing by the book.
Follow along on social media @breakingthesyllabus for episode updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more ways to connect.
Episodes
16 episodes
Confessions of a Teacher: My Three-Strike Plan to Change Cell Phone Plans!
Tired of fighting the good fight against cell phones in the classroom? On this episode of "Breaking the Syllabus," I'm flying solo to tackle the hot topic of Utah's new cell phone law. I've seen the impact firsthand, and it's not what you'd thi...
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8:58
Read with your children!
In this weeks episode I discuss how important reading is with your children and for yourself! I reflect on how much reading can help a child at a young age and how it helps them be prepared for their future academic journey!
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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4:58
Easiest Way to Get Students Attention
This week I talk about how easy it is to get attention from the students. I explain how elementary school teachers are way better than secondary teachers in the most perfect aspect. I also provide examples of what makes teaching fun and why you...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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11:31
New Teachers, New School, and Bigger Problems
In this weeks episode we finish our conversation with Ryan Webb and we dive deep into the conversation around what happens when someone has bigger problems than not understanding classroom material! New teachers what do you need to know when en...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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12:03
Motivation, Manipulation, and Mayhem in the Classroom
In this week’s episode, we dive into the wild world of student motivation—what drives some students to thrive while others seem checked out. Education isn’t what it used to be, and we explore how that shift affects engagement today. We also sha...
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10:27
Give them a high 5 already.
In this weeks episode we sit down with a fantastic administrator, heck of a teacher, incredible wrestling coach, and above all that someone I call a close friend. In part one we go through a few strategies on how to gain respect of the students...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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11:25
They Think They Know Everything: Turning Chaos into Connection in PE
In this episode, we dive into a PE class that starts off rough—students acting out, thinking they know it all, and pushing back on every rule. But through the lens of behavior strategies and the power of relationship-building, we explore how un...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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24:56
Will music get him fired? Pranks that could cost a teacher their job.
In this weeks episode we have a great discussion on what supports new teachers need. How Nick went from is the black sheep of the family going from business to teaching! We also talk about how to deal with tricky members of your department that...
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9:35
Is Physical Education secretly the toughest job in education? Should uniforms be mandatory?
In this weeks episode I sit down with a great friend and collegues who walks me through some of the difficult parts of teaching PE. We discuss how to change the game for teachers and how to raise the standards. What do you think about school un...
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8:22
Utah Science Department of the Year
In this episode of Breaking the Syllabus, host Tyler Powell teams up with special guest Randi Phillips—aka Mrs. Phillips Science—for an honest, funny, and insightful look at the highs and lows of teaching. From state testing struggles ...
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15:36
Rookie Teacher of the year!!
In today's episode we sit down with a first year teacher who is way further ahead than most. We dive into all things education a few impactful review games. Along with what makes her classroom so unique and welcoming! Instagram:
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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16:26
Teachers who coach or coaches who teach!
Are your lesson plans written during halftime? Do your players call you “Coach” more than your students call you “Mr./Ms.”? If so, this episode’s for you. We’re tackling the identity crisis of educators who juggle the classroom and the court—an...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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17:23
How I Think I Finally Cracked the Code to Student Engagement (After a Lot of Trial and Error)
I used to think getting students engaged just meant getting them to participate. Turns out, it’s a whole lot messier—and way more interesting—than I ever imagined. In this episode, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons I’ve learned about wha...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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16:52
Why I Became a Teacher (And Yes, You Still Forgot Your Pencil)
I became a teacher to make a difference, to inspire young minds, and to be part of something meaningful. I didn’t know that would also mean reminding the same student for the fifth time this week to bring a pencil. In this episode, I share the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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16:19
Hall Pass Hijinks & Digital Ghosting: Rants That Might Get Me Fired
Tired of silent staff rooms, Canvas cop-outs, and hallway marathons? Same. In this unfiltered episode of Breaking the Syllabus, host Tyler Powell calls out the classroom chaos and staffroom silence that make educators everywhere ...
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Episode 2
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18:12
Breaking the Syllabus: The Why Behind the Mic
Episode 1: Why I’m Breaking the SyllabusWelcome to the very first episode of Breaking the Syllabus! I’m your host, Tyler Powell — a math educator, PhD student, and someone who believes the most powerful learning happens w...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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3:20
