Education
**Ask The Tech Coach**

Welcome to Ask the Tech Coach, your weekly Q&A for practical, in-the-classroom support. Hosted by Jeff Bradbury, this podcast tackles your biggest questions about educational technology, instructional coaching strategies, and digital learning tools. Each episode provides clear, actionable tips to help you support your teachers and make an immediate impact. Whether you’re a new coach looking for guidance or a veteran teacher trying to solve a tech problem, this is your essential audio toolkit. Subscribe for your weekly dose of practical solutions and coaching confidence.

Latest Episodes:

Are Your Digital Literacy Resources … META? Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists. If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, please contact the podcast. We would love to have you join the show.

Join the TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network!

Are you a Tech Coach or looking to become one this year?
Are you searching for support in your position?

The TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network, is a brand new Professional Learning Network designed specifically for Tech Coaches and designed to provide weekly support for all Instructional Coaches. Click Here to Join!

About our Guest

Jennifer Hanley is the North American Head of Safety at Meta where she handles safety policy for the U.S. and Canada. She works with internal teams, external partners, and government stakeholders on issues including women’s safety, child safety, bullying, digital well-being, and suicide prevention. Prior to joining Meta she served as Vice President for Legal and Policy at the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) where she directed FOSI’s government outreach and policy strategy. During her time at FOSI, Jennifer built relationships with government officials and external partners, led research projects, and advised leading technology companies on best practices, policy developments, and emerging issues around online safety. Jennifer is a magna cum laude graduate of the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and is a member of the Maryland Bar and District of Columbia Bar. Jennifer graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude from the George Washington University where she studied political science. She resides in the District of Columbia with her husband, a U.S. Diplomat and son. [Social: LinkedIn]

About Meta Platforms Inc.

Meta Platforms Inc, previously Facebook, is the parent organization of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, among other subsidiaries. Together, our products Facebook & Instagram are the leading social media platforms connecting over a billion people worldwide. People, and young individuals in particular, come to Facebook and Instagram to share their stories, connect globally and maintain connections with friends and family. Our mission is to give people the power to share and to make the world more open and connected while ensuring that everyone feels safe when using our platforms. This vision will remain our priority as we expand into the Metaverse.

Links to resources:

Child safety hub: https://www.facebook.com/safety/childsafety
Get Digital: https://www.facebook.com/fbgetdigital
Both accessible from the Safety Center: https://www.facebook.com/safety

Contact the Podcast!

TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail
Twitter: @AskTheTechCoach
Email: feedback@teachercast.net

Subscribe to “Ask the Tech Coach”

Follow our Podcast on Social Media

The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast
Ask the Tech Coach Podcast | @AsktheTechCoach

Follow our Hosts

Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury
Susan Vincentz | @sv314dws

Join our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Let’s Work Together

Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
Email: info@teachercast.net
Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail
YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube
iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)
Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)
The Jeff Bradbury Show (http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com)

Need a Presenter?

Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!

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LEGO Education and NASA Team Up to Help You Skyrocket Your Students into Space! Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

Join the TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network!

Are you a Tech Coach or looking to become one this year?
Are you searching for support in your position?

About LEGO Education

LEGO® Education offers a range of playful, hands-on STEAM learning experiences based on its comprehensive learning system for students in early learning, primary and secondary education, as well as through after-school programs and competitions. From the Early Learning portfolio to the LEGO® Learning System, these solutions create an active and collaborative environment where learners of all levels and abilities build their confidence, future-proof their skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure, and the SPIKE logo are trademarks and/or copyrights of the LEGO Group. ©2021 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.

Links Of Interest

Twitter: @LEGO_Education
Instagram: @legoeducation
Facebook: @LEGOeducationOfficial

About Our Guest: Dr. Jenny Nash

Dr. Jenny Nash serves as the Head of Education Impact Team for LEGO Education in the US, where she provides direction and leadership in delivering meaningful education opportunities for students. With previous experiences as a professional development provider and Middle School Science teacher, Jenny is an advocate for hands-on, inquiry-based learning for students and building confidence in teachers to provide this type of learning.

Contact the Podcast!

TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail
Twitter: @AskTheTechCoach
Email: feedback@teachercast.net

Subscribe to “Ask the Tech Coach”

Follow our Podcast on Social Media

The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast
Ask the Tech Coach Podcast | @AsktheTechCoach

Follow our Hosts

Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury
Susan Vincentz | @sv314dws

Join our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Let’s Work Together

Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
Email: info@teachercast.net
Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail
YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube
iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)
Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)
The Jeff Bradbury Show (http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com)

Need a Presenter?

Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!

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How Do You Successfully Plan Your Professional Development … Backwards? Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

Join the TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network!

Are you a Tech Coach or looking to become one this year?
Are you searching for support in your position?

What Should Your EdTech Integration Plan Look Like?

What is a EdTech Integration Plan?

plan and roadmap that a district will use to guide them in meeting the needs, goals, and recommendations of a school district's Strategic Plan.
shows off not what but how technology is going to be used in a district

Planning Process

Step 1: Review and discuss the district Strategic Plan and once again ask the question, “How do we want to respond to these goals and meet the needs of our students?”
Step 2: Review and discuss the findings in the District Snapshot. Make a list of everything that someone says is great about the district and everything that has been identified as needing improvement.
Step 3: Identify each key member of the district and assign them a task based on their areas of expertise and if possible, partner them up with another member of the district to collaborate on future tasks in this process.
Step 4: Assign groups and committees to compose the remaining steps of the process.
Step 5: Create an Outline of what the district would like to see in the final Educational Technology Integration Plan.
Step 6: Set short-term and long-term goals for planning, communicating, and create a meeting calendar to assist in project management.

What does the outline look like?

Overall questions
Materials required
Essential questions
The guiding force behind decisions
What should the staff members know?
Supporting standards
Baseline of knowledge
What does PD look like?

Contact the Podcast!

TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail
Twitter: @AskTheTechCoach
Email: feedback@teachercast.net

Subscribe to “Ask the Tech Coach”

Follow our Podcast on Social Media

The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast
Ask the Tech Coach Podcast | @AsktheTechCoach

Follow our Hosts

Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury
Susan Vincentz | @sv314dws

Join our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Let’s Work Together

Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
Email: info@teachercast.net
Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail
YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube
iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)
Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)
The Jeff Bradbury Show (http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com)

Need a Presenter?

Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!

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Creating a District Snapshot: Essential Steps for Long-Range Educational Planning Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists.

In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach,” Jeff and Susan discuss creating a district snapshot and why this is a place to start as you begin to make long-range plans for where your district is heading.

If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, please contact the podcast. We would love to have you join the show.

Creating A District Snapshot

Creating a roadmap for your district employees to follow over the coming years has to begin by deciding who you are at the beginning before you proceed to where you want to be.
Think Before Picture & After Picture beginning with the before and your District Snapshot
What is a District Snapshot?
Document, report, graphic to showcase where a district is at any given time
Simple or more complicated as you desire or dependent on the information requested
How Does A District Snapshot Work?
Self-Assessment tool for looking and analyzing data based on specific criteria
Data collected from various stakeholders
Clear and easy to understand by all stakeholders
Creating A Single Focused Question
This is the heart of the district snapshot as it is focused on where the district is and wants to go
Examples:
What is the overall makeup of our school district?
How can we properly redistrict our students due to the increase of low-income housing?
How do we want to effectively distribute next year’s budget funds across all our school buildings to meet the needs of our Title I students?
Formulating Your Instructional Technology Focus Question
Create a broad overview of how technology is used (hardware/software) to support students.
Examples:
In what areas of my school district is Instructional Technology being used effectively?
In what areas of my school district is Instructional Coaching being seen as Successful?
Is there a correlation between the amount of technology (hardware) funding provided to a school building and the amount of professional development provided?
Who Should the questions be addressed to?
Normal coach/teacher interactions; coach/admin interactions
Central Office staff
Non-school personnel
Students
Parents
How Can Your District Snapshot Support Instructional Coaching?
What is Beyond the District Snapshot?

Contact the Podcast!

TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail
Twitter: @AskTheTechCoach
Email: feedback@teachercast.net

Subscribe to “Ask the Tech Coach”

Follow our Podcast on Social Media

The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast
Ask the Tech Coach Podcast | @AsktheTechCoach

Follow our Hosts

Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury
Susan Vincentz | @sv314dws

Join our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Let’s Work Together

Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
Email: info@teachercast.net
Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail
YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube
iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)
Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)
The Jeff Bradbury Show (http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com)

Need a Presenter?

Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!

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The 4 Pillars of a Successful Instructional Coaching Program Nov 01, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists. In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach,” Jeff and Susan discuss The 4 Pillars of Instructional Coaching Programs. If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, please contact the podcast. We would love to have you join the show.

Join the TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network!

Are you a Tech Coach or looking to become one this year?
Are you searching for support in your position?

What are the 4 Pillars of Instructional Coaching?

What is the impact of a successful instructional coaching program on student achievement? Having a District Identity?

A Strong Self Identity based on Historical Use of Educational Technology
Strategic Plan
Mission & Vision Statements
Logos and Self Identifiers
Digital Learning Systems and Platforms
- SAMR
- 4C’s
- TIMS
- TPAC

The EdTech Integration Plan

District Tech Plan vs. EdTech Plan – What you have vs. What are you going to do with (or implement) what you have?
Create by including stakeholders mentioned below using the district mission, goals, learning systems, etc.
Include how the supportive programs will be carried out with the technology that you have.

Supportive Staff Members

Digital Learning Department
IT Department
Curriculum Department
Central Office Administration
Central Office Staff
Building Administration
Library Media Specialists

Supportive Programs

New Teacher Orientation
Parent University
Student Tech Teams
Day Time Professional Development / On Demand Professional Development
Building Evaluation Programs

Contact the Podcast!

TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail
Twitter: @AskTheTechCoach
Email: feedback@teachercast.net

Subscribe to “Ask the Tech Coach”

Follow our Podcast on Social Media

The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast
Ask the Tech Coach Podcast | @AsktheTechCoach

Follow our Hosts

Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury
Susan Vincentz | @sv314dws

Join our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Let’s Work Together

Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
Email: info@teachercast.net
Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail
YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube
iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)
Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)
The Jeff Bradbury Show (http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com)

Need a Presenter?

Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!

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Moviemaking in the Classroom: Lifting Student Voices Through Digital Storytelling Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

Join the TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network!

Are you a Tech Coach or looking to become one this year?
Are you searching for support in your position?

Weekly Topic

Why do stories appeal to us? Why does storytelling matter?
The potential for storytelling in the classroom as a powerful instructional strategy
How teachers can design storytelling opportunities that make efficient and effective use of instructional time
The impact of storytelling on my classroom
Where storytelling fits into pandemic or post-pandemic education

About our Guest: Jessica Pack

Jessica Pack is a California Teacher of the Year (2014) and CUE Outstanding Educator who has been teaching middle school for 17 years. She has used digital storytelling as an instructional strategy for most of her career and regularly presents on the topic at both regional and national conferences. In addition to her role as a classroom teacher, Jessica co-hosts a podcast called Storytelling Saves the World, available on iTunes and SoundCloud. She is currently serving as an ISTE PLN Leader and her upcoming speaking engagements include ISTE Creative Constructor Lab Virtual and California STEAM Symposium presented by the California Department of Education. You can connect with Jessica @Packwoman208 on Twitter and Instagram, as well as at jessicapack.com

Links of Interest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/packwoman208
Instagram: https://instagram.com/packwoman208

About the Book

Our world hinges on storytelling and the ways in which stories can be told are always evolving. For students to become future-ready, confident creators of original content, they need opportunities to share their stories. Moviemaking helps students showcase their learning, process their lives and connect with others in a meaningful way. Moviemaking in the Classroom breaks down the process of digital storytelling to help teachers plan efficient and effective instructional sequences. The book provides guidance on how to purposefully build visual and audio literacy skills to improve student work and increase student efficacy in the creative process. Also included are practical suggestions for removing barriers from the storytelling process, such as how to provide more opportunities for students to tell their stories during a single academic year.

About the Book: Moviemaking in the Classroom

Shows teachers how to create efficient and effective lesson sequences with digital storytelling in mind, particularly in a blended learning environment.
Supports teachers who are new to digital storytelling by showing the impact and importance of providing students with multiple opportunities to tell their stories.
Offers project ideas for teachers already implementing digital storytelling in their classes and shows how to streamline workflow and improve their professional practice.
Supports distance and remote learning through a full chapter on strategies for applying these practices to a distance learning environment.

Fosters diversity, inclusion and student empowerment by showcasing student examples on topics including racism, death and illness, immigration, gun violence and pollution.

About ISTE

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is home to a passionate community of global educators who believe in the power of technology to transform teaching and learning, accelerate innovation and solve tough problems in education. ISTE inspires the creation of solutions and connections that improve opportunities for all learners by delivering: practical guidance, evidence-based professional learning, virtual networks, thought-provoking events and the ISTE Standards. ISTE is also the leading publisher of books focused on technology in education. For more information or to become an ISTE member, visit iste.org. Subscribe to ISTE’s YouTube channel and connect with ISTE on Twitter or Facebook.

ISTE BOOKS

ISTE books and jump-start guides address both established and emerging industry topics, and are aligned with the ISTE Standards, providing clear, practical guidance to help educators meet the standards. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, librarian, district leader or teacher educator, ISTE books are your answer to effective districtwide PD and professional learning to meet your goals or tech initiatives.

Become An ISTE Books Insider!

Subscribe to the ISTE Books Update newsletter for exclusive savings and updates on books, author events and more.

Contact the Podcast!

TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail
Twitter: @AskTheTechCoach
Email: feedback@teachercast.net

Subscribe to “Ask the Tech Coach”

Follow our Podcast on Social Media

The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast
Ask the Tech Coach Podcast | @AsktheTechCoach

Follow our Hosts

Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury
Susan Vincentz | @sv314dws

Join our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Let’s Work Together

Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
Email: info@teachercast.net
Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail
YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube
iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)
Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)
The Jeff Bradbury Show (http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com)

Need a Presenter?

Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!

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How to Use Project Based Learning Strategies to Get Students Excited About Face-to-Face Learning. Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists. In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach,” Jeff and Susan welcome Tract co-founders Esther Wojcicki and Ari Memar, a peer-to-peer online community designed for kids in grades 3 - 12 to discover new interests, fuel their creativity, and develop 21st Century skills through engaging classes and clubs led by outstanding student leaders who inspire, mentor, and guide kid's learning. onto the program to discuss the importance of having all of our students exited to come to school each day to experience dynamic learning experiences. If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, please contact the podcast. We would love to have you join the show.

Join the TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network!

Are you a Tech Coach or looking to become one this year?
Are you searching for support in your position?

About Tract

Tract is the world’s first peer-to-peer learning platform that provides kids ages 8+ with project-based learning activities to ignite their imagination and help them develop creativity, independence, critical thinking skills, and skills in problem-solving. Tract content can be used in school or at home in a 100 percent ad-free environment that is moderated and curated by a team of education experts led by Esther Wojcicki. Learn more at tract.app.

Links of Interest

Instagram: @tractlearning
Twitter: @tractlearning
Facebook: @tractlearning
LinkedIn: @tract-learning
TikTok: @tract.app

About our Guests

Esther Wojcicki - Tract Cofounder + Chief Learning Officer

Esther Wojcicki is known as the GodMother of Silicon Valley because of the number of highly successful students coming out of her program at Palo Alto High. She is co-founder of TractLearning, Inc (2020), founder of the largest scholastic media program in the US at Palo Alto High (1984), the 2002 California Teacher of the Year; a 2009 MacArthur Foundation Research Fellow. Dr. Wojcicki was Chair of Creative Commons, Chair of PBS Learning Matters, and on the Board of the Freedom Forum, the Newseum, & the Alliance for Excellent Education. She co-founded the Journalistic Learning Initiative at the University of Oregon, is CEO of GlobalMoonshotsinEducation.org (2019) and holds three honorary doctorates. She is the author of Moonshots in Education (2014) and How to Raise Successful People (May, 2019). She is mother of CEO of YouTube, Susan Wojcicki; CEO of 23andMe, Anne Wojcicki, and Fulbright Scholar, Janet Wojcicki.

Ari Memar = Tract Cofounder + CEO

Ari Memar is the CEO and Co-founder of Tract - the world's first peer-to-peer learning community - which he started with his former high school teacher, Esther Wojcicki. Prior to starting Tract, Ari was a Product Leader at Uber, helping start and scale several new business lines within Uber's New Mobility division.

Contact the Podcast!

TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail
Twitter: @AskTheTechCoach
Email: feedback@teachercast.net

Subscribe to “Ask the Tech Coach”

Follow our Podcast on Social Media

The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast
Ask the Tech Coach Podcast | @AsktheTechCoach

Follow our Hosts

Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury
Susan Vincentz | @sv314dws

Join our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Let’s Work Together

Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
Email: info@teachercast.net
Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail
YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube
iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)
Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)
The Jeff Bradbury Show (http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com)

Need a Presenter?

Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!

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What does Project Based Learning Look Like in Hybrid Classrooms? Oct 18, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists. In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach,” Jeff speaks with educator, coach, and co-author of the new book “Environment Science for Grades 6-12” from ISTE Books, James Fester. If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, please contact the podcast. We would love to have you join the show.

Join the TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network!

Are you a Tech Coach or looking to become one this year?
Are you searching for support in your position?

In This Episode ...

What is Project Based Learning?
- What isn’t Project Based Learning?
The difference between focusing on the End Point and the Journey
The Importance of Authentic Learning
Shifting to a “Learner-Centered” Environment
PBL and Distance Learning
Understanding how to create a Call to Action
Getting Started with Project Based Learning
- What is the role of the coach in this process?
Advice for Coaches in the 2021-22 School Year
- Be willing to jump in along with your teachers!
  - Let them know that they are not alone
- Give Grace and recognize that sometimes no matter how brilliant an idea is … if it’s not the right time … it’s just not the right time. Don’t give up on it.
- Ask Questions to your teachers
  - What’s on your mind?
  - What is challenging you!

About our Guests

James Fester

James Fester is a teacher, educational consultant and instructional coach who helps teachers harness the power of authentic, experiential, technology-infused approaches to classroom instruction. He works as a project-based learning consultant for PBLWorks, the industry leader in providing high-quality professional development for teachers and schools. Additionally, he has collaborated with organizations such as National Geographic, Google, and the National Park Service on educational initiatives. His writing has been featured on well-known educational sites such as Getting Smart, TEDex, Edutopia, and KQED. Links of Interest

https://www.festeredu.com/
@saintfester

Jorge Valenzuela

Jorge Valenzuela is an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University and the lead coach at Lifelong Learning Defined. Jorge's extensive experience as a facilitator of professional development has taken him all over the country where he regularly works with teachers to develop their project-based learning knowledge integrated with STEM and SEL. His book Rev Up Robotics and its companion jump start guide Ready, Set, Robotics! are available from ISTE, and his next book, which explores his Equity and SEL Integration Framework, is forthcoming from Solution Tree.

Links of Interest

https://www.lifelonglearningdefined.com/
@jorgedoesPBL

About the Book

Environmental science (ES) education is essential to providing students with opportunities for hands-on investigations to find solutions to complex environmental problems. But the recent COVID-19 crisis has dramatically curtailed student access to ES-focused experiences, particularly affecting students of color and those from low-income communities. At the same time, changes in pollution and air quality levels, as well as a resurgence of wildlife, have created new avenues for students to connect with the revitalized world through technology and social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies. Project-based learning (PBL), with its emphasis on inquiry and authentic challenges, can be an effective approach to teaching ES. Those new to PBL may not feel they have adequate training. Likewise, teachers who haven’t taught ES may question how to incorporate it into their curriculum. This book addresses both situations, providing practical guidance for teachers, along with examples of technology-rich, learner-centered student projects covering a range of timely and cross-curricular topics such as endangered animal populations, maintenance of oceans, rebounding of bee populations and urban air quality. This book:

Helps teachers design learning experiences that model authentic problems and processes practiced by scientists and engineers, to prepare students for future careers in science.
Provides strategies to develop students’ SEL skills and instill in them a renewed empathy for the environment as they get a glimpse of what a better, cleaner and more sustainable world can look like.
Introduces facilitation techniques that redefine the teacher’s traditional role as one that supports increased student agency, the development of critical thinking skills and an expanded awareness of their place in the global community.
Includes a chapter that focuses on applying the principles and strategies shared in the book in an online learning environment.
Addresses Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) topics in environmental science and is aligned to the ISTE Standards for Educators.

PBL is one of the best ways for students to explore complex processes and concepts, and this book will help teachers leverage this approach to empower students to take action toward a better future and world. https://www.festeredu.com/book

About ISTE

ISTE BOOKS

Become An ISTE Books Insider!

Subscribe to the ISTE Books Update newsletter for exclusive savings and updates on books, author events and more.

Explore these Resources

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

www.lifelonglearningdefined.com
EduTopia (Need a Direct Link to PBL)
PBLChat (Join the Chat on Tuesday Afternoons!)
Environmental Science in Grades 6-12
- AMAZON
- ISTE

Contact the Podcast!

TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail
Twitter: @AskTheTechCoach
Email: feedback@teachercast.net

Subscribe to “Ask the Tech Coach”

Follow our Podcast on Social Media

The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast
Ask the Tech Coach Podcast | @AsktheTechCoach

Follow our Hosts

Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury
Susan Vincentz | @sv314dws

Join our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Let’s Work Together

Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
Email: info@teachercast.net
Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail
YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube
iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes

Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)
Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)
The Jeff Bradbury Show (http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com)

Need a Presenter?

Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!

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Instructional Coaching through Computational Thinking Oct 11, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists. In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach,” Jeff welcomes Greenville K-8 Virtual School educator Emily Strickland and Kelli Recher, from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) onto the podcast to discuss Ignite My Future in School (IMFIS) program. If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, please contact the podcast. We would love to have you join the show.

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In This Episode ...

Welcome Emily
- About Emily’s School
- Leadership Council for Discovery Education
- Learning Leader for Ignite My Future
Welcome Kelli Recher (RECKER)
- About Tata Consultancy Services
Ignite My Future In Schools Program
- Ignite My Future in School (IMFIS) was created in partnership with Discovery Education to empower educators to teach computational thinking, which are the critical skills that help students solve real-life problems and challenges by expressing them in a way that computers can solve.
- Program Goals
What is the Ignite My Future in School Program?
- Created in September 2017
- Empowering 20,000 teachers and 1 million students
- 353 school districts
- 50 States
  - California, Texas, New York, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey
- The Importance of teaching students about computational thinking.
  - What is it?
  - Why is it important?
    - Makes up 67% of all project new STEM jobs
    - More than 500,000 open computing Jobs in the US
    - Unfortunately, only 45% of high schools currently teach computer science
  - What do beginning lessons look like?
  - What grades should we begin teaching computational thinking?
  - Examples of computational thinking
  - What resources are available to educators to support the curriculum?
- Once a student is fluent in Computational Thinking … what could their next learning pathway be?
- Why should school districts partner with the Ignite My Future In Schools Program?
  - IMFIS combines the best of digital content, lesson plans, career vignettes, and professional learning to help teachers prepare students for future careers.
  - The program offers educators instructional resources and year-round curriculum support.
- Ignite My Future In Schools Learning Leaders Network
  - 246 Educators
  - Free Teacher-Driven community of like-minded individuals
  - Sharing Resources
  - How did the Learning Leaders Network start?
  - The importance of having this community as a teacher
  - The Global Innovations Program
- The Pandemic
  - How to teach Computational Thinking while hybrid learning
  - Creating a community during a pandemic
  - How to keep Ignite My Future alive during the pandemic?
    - How to keep students engaged?
    - How did activities change?
    - What is this year going to be like for you and your students?
  - What is the future for computational thinking curriculum and projects?
  - What should the role of a coach be when supporting teachers who are working with edtech companies and programs?

About our Guests

Emily Strickland is an educator for Greenville K-8 Virtual School in Greenville, SC as the Middle level Math Interventionist. Through this role, she helps motivate students to love mathematics and bridges the gap between skills that have been lost throughout students’ education. She has 24 years of experience in middle school math in South Carolina. She serves on the Leadership Council for Discovery Education and is a Learning Leader for Ignite My Future in Schools program through Tata Consultancy Services. Twitter @estrickteach Kelli Recher works for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as the North America Program Lead for Ignite My Future in School (IMFIS). Through this role, she helps to bring free, high-quality, computation thinking lessons to educators across North America. Additionally, she has 18 years of teaching experience in middle school science in Harrisburg, PA. Twitter @kellirecher

About TCS

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world’s largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 50 years. TCS offers a consulting-led, cognitive powered, integrated portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions. This is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile™ delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development. A part of the Tata group, India's largest multinational business group, TCS has over 488,000 of the world’s best-trained consultants in 46 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $22.2 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, and is listed on the BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) and the NSE (National Stock Exchange) in India. TCS' proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the MSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. For more information, visit www.tcs.com and follow TCS news at @TCS_News.

Links of Interest

www.ignitemyfutureinschool.org

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Should Instructional Coaches be seen as School Leaders? Oct 04, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists. In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach,” Jeff and Susan welcome podcaster, administrator, and author Josh Stamper on the program to discuss the importance of coaches being seen as leaders in their school districts. If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, please contact the podcast. We would love to have you join the show.

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Are you searching for support in your position?

Weekly Topic

How do we define Leadership inside of our school buildings?
What do/should we be looking for when selecting our school leaders?
What is the role of the Instructional Coach in the world of school leadership?
What types of leadership roles should we be expecting from our coaches?
What should the role of the coach be when active in a building’s leadership council?
What is the one key thing that all coaches must have with the teachers they work with to be effective leaders?
If a coach is not comfortable in a leadership role, what can they do to improve their confidence in themselves and in the position?
How can an Instructional Coach lead the transformation of classrooms … especially this year?
Advice for anyone in a leadership role this year when working with so many variables?

About our Guest: Josh Stamper

Joshua Stamper initially used his artistic talent, creativity and original ideas as a professional graphic designer. He then transitioned to inspiring students to utilize their imagination and creative expression in public education. Being unsuccessful as a student growing up, Joshua never expected to be back in the classroom as a teacher, athletic coach or administrator. His struggles as a student spawned a passion to change the education model, push the boundaries of traditional learning, and explore new innovative ideas. Joshua has been a middle school Assistant Principal in North Texas for the past eight years, where he's served at four campuses in two school districts. In addition to his current administrative position, Joshua is the host of Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast, an author, leadership coach, education presenter, and Podcast Network Manager for the Teach Better Team. Joshua lives in the Dallas, TX area with his wife and five children. You can stay connected by following @Joshua__Stamper on Twitter and Instagram, or by visiting his website www.joshstamper.com.

Links of Interest

Twitter: @Joshua__Stamper (@Joshua__Stamper)
Instagram: @Joshua__Stamper (@Joshua__Stamper)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper/
Aspire Podcast: joshstamper.com
Team Twitter: @teachbetterteam
Team Instagram: @teachbetterteam
Team LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachbetterteam
Aspire to Lead Book: https://amzn.to/3Cqz8Qj

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Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
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Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)
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