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
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 share a jaw-dropping story about an overly involved (and very persuasive) parent trying to charm a teacher into changing a grade. Plus, what happens when one class starts to take over an entire school? And yes, we go there: from a student with stalker vibes to a surprising twist involving babysitting and college acceptance. It’s all about adapting, flying by the seat of your pants, and doing whatever it takes to get students motivated.