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.
Breaking The Syllabus
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 what actually works in the classroom. From turning boring lectures into real conversations, to surviving the chaos of group projects (where half the team forgets what day it is), I’m spilling it all. You’ll hear about my surprising wins, my cringe-worthy mistakes, and the strategies that finally started to click. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly capture attention—and keep it—this one’s for you.