Modern Classrooms Project Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 227: From Content- to Skills-Based Teaching With MCP Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

Zach is joined by Carson Hickox to talk about how MCP transformed his middle school social studies classroom and his approach to teaching in general.

Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.

Show Notes

Captain Underpants
Proficiency-based grading
Cult of Pedagogy Podcast on Mastery Based Grading with MCP
Richard DuFour (The PLC at Work Process)
"Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning," by Mike Schmoker
"The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System - And How to Fix It," by Natalie Wexler
You can email Carson at carson.hickox@modernclassrooms.org

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Want to connect with other educators of color who are creating a more student-centered learning environment? Join our monthly Shades of Excellence meetup on Monday, February 24, 7pm ET. Register here.
Do the students in your community have different needs? In a diverse world, that’s inevitable, and it can feel impossible for a teacher or school to meet every learner’s needs at once. But there are evidence-based ways to help every student achieve their potential. In this edLeader Panel, you will discover classroom-tested techniques that your teachers can use right away to keep each of their students appropriately challenged—and appropriately supported—every day. Join us on February 25, at 5 pm ET.
We are reading Rob Barnett’s Meet Every Learner’s Needs together as a community and our second session is on Redesigning Courses sponsored by ScreenPal on Wednesday, March 5 9 at 7:00pm ET. Register and join us in sharing ideas, questions, and resources.**

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Special Guest: Carson Hickox.

Episode 226: I Want Students To Be Proud Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Jamie Nutter to talk about her approach to using and sharing MCP as an instructional coach.

Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.

Show Notes

Connect with Jamie by email at jnutter@hoover.k12.al.us

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Join Arpan Choski, Katie Fatiga, and Lindsey Anderson, distinguished Modern Classroom Educators, for a live webinar on Tuesday, February 18 at 6pm ET, where they'll share their expertise in transforming your Social Studies classroom into a dynamic, personalized learning environment.
For school and district leaders, join Modern Classrooms Project (MCP) co-founder and Chief Product Officer Robert Barnett, City Year co-founder Michael Brown, former district superintendent and state education commissioner Deborah Gist, and Brian Pick of Schusterman Family Philanthropies, to learn: why traditional methods of instruction fail to meet so many learners’ needs, how teachers around the world are using research-backed teaching practices to keep each of their students appropriately challenged - and appropriately supported - every day, and what you can do to support student-centered teaching and learning in your own work on Wednesday, February 19 at 3pm ET.
Our Fall Book Club was so popular that we’re bringing it back this spring! We are reading Rob Barnett’s Meet Every Learner’s Needs together as a community and our first session is on Redesigning Lessons on Wednesday, February 19 at 7:00pm ET. We are partnering with Kami, ScreenPal, Screencastify, and Edpuzzle. We’d love to have you!
We have a booth at the Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services (NKCES) Resource Fair on Feb. 21. If you’re attending, make sure to check us out!

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Special Guest: Jamie Nutter.

Episode 225: History + MCP Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Frank Hernandez to talk about his approach to teaching social studies using MCP.

Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.

Show Notes

Document-Based Questions (DBQs)
"Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two," by Joseph Bruchac
Quizziz
Eduphoria
Snorkl
Connect with Frank by email at frank.hernandez@modernclassrooms.org

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Looking for virtual connection? Join our implementer meetup on Wednesday, Feb, 12, at 7 pm EST to connect with other Modern Classroom educators!
Alison Stone and Evin Jarett, MCP implementers and DMCE, are presenting at Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C) on Feb. 10-12 at Hershey Lodge, PA. Our co-founder, Kareem Farah, will also be there as a keynote speaker. If you’re attending, make sure to check them out and say hi!
Melissa Stagg, DMCE and MCP implementer, is presenting at Innovative Schools Summit in New York on Feb. 13-15. If you’re attending, make sure to check them out and say hi!

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Special Guest: Frank Hernandez.

Episode 224: Kindergarten Classroom Feb 02, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Saenovia Smith to talk about how she implements MCP in her kindergarten classroom.

Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.

Show Notes

Elmo document cameras
Adam Grant
MCP's new progress tracker (in partner ship with Wavio)
Connect with Saenovia by email at the219teacher@gmail.com

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Do you ever wonder how to meet all of your learners’ needs at once? That’s natural! Every student needs different things, and it’s a challenge for any teacher to provide them all at once. Fortunately, there are classroom-tested steps you can take to help all your students achieve their true potential. In this edWebinar, you will discover evidence-based techniques that you can use right away to keep each of your students appropriately challenged—and appropriately supported—every day. Former teacher and Modern Classrooms Project Co-founder Robert Barnett will explain, using insights from his new book, Meet Every Learner’s Needs, as well as the lessons he has learned from empowering thousands of educators worldwide on Tuesday, February 4 at 5pm ET. Register here
Join Beth Benavides, Jackie Durr, and Dustin Tatroe, distinguished Modern Classroom Educators, for a live webinar on Tuesday, February 4 at 6pm ET, where they'll share their expertise in transforming your ELA classroom into a dynamic, personalized learning environment. Register here

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: Learning to Teach

Special Guest: Saenovia Smith.

Episode 223: Zach and TR Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

Zach and TR catch up and chat about Zach's new role as a high school media production teacher, planning new courses, and transitioning into different teaching roles with MCP.

Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.

Show Notes

Soundtrap
Dragon TV Youtube Channel (DCI's student television program)
Zach's progress tracker
An example of Zach's lessons with animated gifs
CleanShot X (excellent screenshot and screen recording application) (also available on Setapp if you have a subscription)
Zach's MCP Email address: zach.diamond@modernclassrooms.org

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Episode 222: Introducción al Modelo MCP y el Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos Jan 19, 2025

Show notes

This episode is in Spanish. Zach is joined by Rossana Gotuzzo to talk about the basics of the MCP model and how she uses project based learning in her art classes

Show Notes

Edpuzzle
Zach's tracker (el rastreador que usa Zach en su clase)
MCP's Comprehensive Guide to Progress Trackers
Project Based Learning (aprendizaje basado en proyectos)
Connect with Rossana on (pueden conectarse con Rossana por) Instagram @rossanagotuzzoartista or by email at (o por email) rossanagotuzzo75@gmail.com

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

The January session for our Virtual Mentorship Program launches on January 27th and we have scholarship opportunities available for educators in the U.S. and abroad. Many of the opportunities even include a cash stipend and state PD credits upon completion. Apply now to work with a personal mentor and learn how to apply blended, self-paced, and mastery based practices to your classroom. Head to www.modernclassrooms.org/apply-now to learn more and submit your application.
We have partnered with Wavio to develop a new progress tracker for our teacher community. This powerful and intuitive tracker was designed with and tested by 20 Distinguished Modern Classroom Educators and is currently being used in over 100 classrooms! Join MCP Co-Founder Robert Barnett, Wavio CEO Dana Kravchick, and fellow Modern Classroom Educators this Wednesday, January 22 at 7pm ET.

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Special Guest: Rossana Gotuzzo.

Episode 221: Meet Every Learner's Needs Jan 12, 2025

Show notes

Zach is joined by Rob Barnett, MCP Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder, to talk about his new book, "Meet Every Learner's Needs," which comes out on February 5th, 2025.

Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.

Show Notes

Rob's upcoming book, "Meet Every Learner's Needs: Redesigning Instruction so ALL Students can Succeed" (and on Amazon)
Click here for a chance to win a copy of "Meet Every Learner's Needs"
MCP Podcast Episode 12 - Modern Classrooms Founder's Chat (Rob's first time on the podcast)

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

The January session for our Virtual Mentorship Program launches on January 27th and we have scholarship opportunities available for educators in the U.S. and abroad. Many of the opportunities even include a cash stipend and state PD credits upon completion. Apply now to work with a personal mentor and learn how to apply blended, self-paced, and mastery based practices to your classroom. Head to www.modernclassrooms.org/apply-now to learn more and submit your application.

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Special Guest: Robert Barnett.

Episode 220: Elementary Special Education Jan 05, 2025

Show notes

Zach is joined by Leslie Pittman to talk about her approach to using MCP as an elementary special education teacher.

Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.

Show Notes

Connect with Leslie on Instagram @leslie_jaybird

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Special Guest: Leslie Pittman.

Episode 219: Student Voice (EC) Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

Zach is joined by Marlene Tapia Garcia and three of her first grade students, Olivia, Arya, and Ethan, to talk about their experience in a Modern Classroom.

Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.

Show Notes

MCP Podcast episode 138: La Revisión y las Pruebas de Dominio (Marlene's previous episode, entirely in Spanish with an English blog recap)
Two-Way Language Programs
Spring Math

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Special Guest: Marlene Tapia-Garcia.

Episode 218: Culturally Responsive Teaching Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

Zach is joined by Xian Lu to talk about culturally responsive teaching and the importance of prioritizing authentic relationships with students.

Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.

Show Notes

MCP Podcast episode 114: World Language Acquisition (more of a focus on language learning, with Xiaomin Sun)
Building a Class Contract for Antiracist Learning (the Nearpod lesson Xian mentions)
Learning for Justice
Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, by Zaretta Hammond
Why Are All the black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria, by Beverly Daniel Tatum
You can connect with Xian by email at reninglu@gmail.com and on LinkedIn

Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:

Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
- Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!

The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Special Guest: Xian Lu.

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