The Phenomenal Student

06/07/2026

🚨 Registration is NOW OPEN! 🚨

I'm excited to launch the R.I.P.E. Professional Learning Series: From Conversation to Critical Response — a 4-part webinar series designed to help educators strengthen Extended Constructed Responses through a practical, classroom-tested framework.

📚 Session Topics:

🔹 July 2 – Informational Text Responses (Central Idea & Cause-Effect) | 6:00–7:00 PM CT

🔹 July 11 – Literary Responses (Plot & Character Change) | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM CT

🔹 July 16 – Argumentative Responses (Informational & Fiction/Literary Text) | 6:00–7:00 PM CT

🔹 July 25 – Paired Text & Synthesis Responses | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM CT

Each session includes:

✅ Live Modeling of the R.I.P.E. Framework
✅ Downloadable Graphic Organizers
✅ Student Exemplars & Analysis
✅ Implementation Tips
✅ Q&A
✅ Replay Access

💲 $49.99 per session
💲 $159.99 for the complete 4-part series

Whether you're looking to strengthen STAAR responses, support multilingual learners, or improve student writing overall, this series is designed to provide strategies you can implement immediately.

🔗 Register Here:
https://form.jotform.com/261574643679067

Please share with educators, instructional coaches, interventionists, and administrators who may be interested!

05/14/2026

🎙️ Phenomenal Conversations W/ Mr. Short: Lyn Stone 🎙️

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with international literacy expert Lyn Stone! 🌏 We took a deep dive into her incredible career and her unwavering focus on what literacy truly means for life outcomes. 📚✨

In this full interview, we explore a variety of critical topics in the literacy world and get an exclusive look at her upcoming book, "Foundations for Life." 📖 You won't want to miss the gems she shared! 💎

Stay Phenomenal,
Mr. Short

05/06/2026

Another Phenomenal Conversation W/Mr. Short 🎙️

I had the opportunity to sit down with Jan Hasbrouck to discuss her incredible journey in education—from her early career beginnings to her work in higher education and her impact on the Science of Reading movement.

We also discussed the importance of mentorship, including a special moment where she shared about mentoring Angie Hanlin early in her career.

This conversation was filled with insight, reflection, and wisdom from one of literacy’s most respected voices.

📚 Educators, literacy leaders, and interventionists—you won’t want to miss this one.

02/13/2026

Part 2 of my conversation with Angie Hanlin, co-author of It’s Possible, is now live.

In this segment, we dive into Angie’s journey beyond the classroom—from teacher to instructional coach, administrator, and consultant—and how those experiences shaped her perspective on leadership, literacy, and what it truly takes to move systems forward. We also discuss key ideas from her new book and what it means to create conditions where student success is not just hoped for, but expected.

Grateful for the opportunity to learn from and share the work of educators who continue to impact the field at multiple levels.

Be Phenomenal,
Mr. Short

02/10/2026

Phenomenal Conversations w/ Mr. Short: Angie Hanlin 🎙️

Back in December, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Angie Hanlin, co-author of It’s Possible, for a great conversation that lasted nearly two hours. Because of the length, I decided to split the interview into two parts.

There were a few lag issues in the recording, but I was able to clean it up using the app Descript, which helped remove delays and improve the overall quality.

I hope you enjoy Part 1, and be on the lookout for Part 2 this Thursday.

Be Phenomenal,
Mr. Short

12/23/2025

Phenomenal Conversation W/Mr. Short: Dr. Stephanie Stollar Consulting

In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Stollar to discuss her journey into education and leadership, her early career experiences, and the work that led her to become a national voice in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).

We dive deeply into:

The 3 tiers of instruction and what each tier is truly designed to do

Why Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of the entire system

Common misunderstandings schools have about MTSS

How systems, data, and instruction must align for MTSS to work

Practical advice for teachers and leaders implementing MTSS in real classrooms

Dr. Stollar also shares insights from her book, MTSS Essentials, which provides a clear, actionable framework for building MTSS systems that are effective, sustainable, and student-centered.

📘 Learn more about her book here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1681253470

This conversation is a must-listen for teachers, instructional coaches, campus leaders, and district administrators looking to move beyond compliance and toward impact-driven MTSS implementation.

12/09/2025

I had the privilege of sitting down with Shannon Anderson—award-winning children’s author, nationally recognized educator, and creative force behind some of today’s most uplifting classroom reads.

We explored her newest works, including:

📘 I Love Blueberries!
🧡 B Is for Belonging
🏡 Do-It-Yourself Dollhouse
🕊️ The expanding Scooter the Word Bird series

Our conversation dug into the heart of what kids need most right now: belonging, confidence-building, growth mindset, and strong communication skills.

We even took a deep dive into a shared passion of ours—how underperforming G/T students are often misunderstood, overlooked, and how educators can better nurture their brilliance.

Shannon brought warmth, clarity, and practical wisdom to every moment of the interview.

Be Phenomenal,
Mr. Short

12/09/2025

Phenomenal Spotlight W/Mr. Short: Shannon Anderson

I had the privilege of sitting down with Shannon Anderson—award-winning children’s author, nationally recognized educator, and creative force behind some of today’s most uplifting classroom reads.

We explored her newest works, including:

📘 I Love Blueberries!
🧡 B Is for Belonging
🏡 Do-It-Yourself Dollhouse
🕊️ The expanding Scooter the Word Bird series

Our conversation dug into the heart of what kids need most right now: belonging, confidence-building, growth mindset, and strong communication skills.

We even took a deep dive into a shared passion of ours—how underperforming G/T students are often misunderstood, overlooked, and how educators can better nurture their brilliance.

Shannon brought warmth, clarity, and practical wisdom to every moment of the interview.

Be Phenomenal,
Mr. Short

12/06/2025

The Switch Room’s Workspace Manager sent us out right today! 🔥🧹
Everything organized, materials prepped, stations tight — leadership on full display.
Love seeing students take pride in the way our space runs.
Be Phenomenal,
Mr. Short

12/03/2025

Connected Skills Series(Part 1): Context Clues

What Are Context Clues? Context clues are the words, phrases, or sentences around an unfamiliar word that help readers figure out its meaning. Connected Skills There are several skills that depend on students first mastering context clues. When students can unlock word meaning, they can think more deeply and respond more accurately across the entire ELA spectrum. 🧠 Character Skills…...

What Are Context Clues? Context clues are the words, phrases, or sentences around an unfamiliar word that help readers figure out its meaning. Connected Skills There are several skills that depend …