Modern Classrooms Project Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 237: 5th Grade Collaboration May 04, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by a fifth grade teaching team to talk about how they work together to use the MCP model in their different classes.

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

Show Notes

Connect with Abby, Amy, and Madeline by email
- Abby: abby.munn@tempeschools.org
- Amy: amy.wisehart@tempeschools.org
- Madeline: madeline.cole@tempeschools.org

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Calling all school and district leaders! We are hosting a virtual Summer Summit on June 24th for leaders supporting Modern Classrooms educators. Leaders will learn practical skills from fellow leaders, attend workshops of their choice, and connect with the Modern Classrooms Project Leadership Collaborative community. Modern Classrooms co-founder Robert Barnett is our featured keynote speaker and will share insights from his book Meet Every Learner’s Needs alongside voices of students, educators, and leaders. We invite educators to share the summit with their leaders and invite leaders to register. Learn more and register [here](www.modernclassrooms.org/summit)
Tired of tangled cords and tech-time chaos? This upbeat edWebinar is packed with real-world tips to help you bring technology into your early elementary classroom—without the stress. Whether you’re a teacher or school leader, you’ll walk away with easy-to-use strategies for setting routines, managing devices, and making technology purposeful for young learners. From headphone hacks to smooth sign-ins, we’ll tackle the common tech blockers that come with working with our littlest students. Come ready to get practical, get organized, and get inspired! This edWebinar will be of interest to K–2 teachers, librarians, school leaders, and education technology leaders. Register here
Want to start building your own Modern Classroom? Sign up for our summer Virtual Mentorship Program! From either May 19th - June 22nd or June 23rd - July 27th, work with one of our expert educators to build materials for your own classroom. We have scholarships all over the country so you can enroll for free if you teach in LA, Oakland, Chicago, Minnesota, Alabama, and more. To see if there’s an opportunity for you, check out [modernclassrooms.org/apply-now](modernclassrooms.org/apply-now)

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 Guests: Abby Munn, Amy Wisehart, and Madeline Cole.

Episode 236: Gifted Education Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Alex Clough to talk about gifted learners and how to help them thrive in a Modern Classroom.

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

Show Notes

Differentiation Doesn't Work, by James Delisle
Differentiation Does, in Fact, Work, by Carol Tomlinson
NAGC and the NAGC Annual Convention
SENG: Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted and the SENG Annual Community Conference and Retreat
William and Mary Center for Gifted Education
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the upcoming CEC 2026 Convention and Expo
CEC-TAG

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, April 28, 7pm ET. Register Here: https://modernclassrooms.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6EV2CvlnTiaZ2TMiRXIOdw
Calling all school and district leaders! We are hosting a virtual Summer Summit on June 24th for leaders supporting Modern Classrooms educators. Leaders will learn practical skills from fellow leaders, attend workshops of their choice, and connect with the Modern Classrooms Project Leadership Collaborative community. Modern Classrooms co-founder Robert Barnett is our featured keynote speaker and will share insights from his book Meet Every Learner’s Needs alongside voices of students, educators, and leaders. We invite educators to share the summit with their leaders and invite leaders to register. Learn more and register here: www.modernclassrooms.org/summit
Want to learn more about Modern Classrooms and how you can get started with your own? Join us at our next info session on Thursday, April 29th at 6pm ET. Even if you can’t make it - you can still register to get an on-demand recording afterwards! Register here: modernclassrooms.org/webinars.
Want to start building your own Modern Classroom? Sign up for our summer Virtual Mentorship Program! From either May 19th - June 22nd or June 23rd - July 27th, work with one of our expert educators to build materials for your own classroom. We have scholarships all over the country so you can enroll for free in places such as LA, Oakland, Chicago, Minnesota, Alabama, and more. To see if there’s an opportunity for you, check out modernclassrooms.org/apply-now

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: Alexandra Clough.

Episode 235: Is AI the Solution? Apr 20, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Carlos Canela to talk about how educators can use AI responsibly and the importance of connection, even in an AI-forward classroom.

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

Show Notes

Carlos' Padlet with AI resources for teachers
MCP's Instagram
Black Male Educators Convening (BMEC) conference
Knowlej
Padlet
Canva
Magic School
Diffit
TextFX
Large Language Models discussed in this episode:
- Google Gemini
- ChatGPT
- Llama
- Claude
Dave Grohl autographing a toy drum set
Hip Hop in Education Conference
ISTE
SXSW EDU
Born to Teach
Connect with Carlos on Instagram and TikTok @techymrc and by email at carlos.canela@ltsconsult.com

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Join educator and implementer, Joanna Schindel, for a live webinar where she’ll share her expertise in transforming your ELL classroominto a dynamic, personalized learning environment on Tuesday, April 22 at 7pm ET. Register here: https://modernclassrooms.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_08tkT49zQDuBWj6Z_x2AUg
We have partnered with Wavio to design a unique progress tracker just for you! Get hands-on experience setting up your Wavio tracker and organizing your course effectively. Learn best practices from ELA teachers already using Wavio and get all your questions answered in this interactive session on Wednesday, April 23 at 7pm ET. Register here: https://modernclassrooms.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_umqjei9RRwGSUjQJVP9cgQ
Lindsay Armbruster, MCP implementers and DMCE, is presenting at NERIC Model Schools 2025 on April 22, 2025. If you’re attending, make sure to check her out and say hi!
Want to start building your own Modern Classroom? Sign up for our summer Virtual Mentorship Program! From either May 19th - June 22nd or June 23rd - July 27th, work with one of our expert educators to build materials for your own classroom. We have scholarships all over the country so you can enroll for free in places such as LA, Oakland, Chicago, Minnesota, Alabama, and more. See if there’s an opportunity for you at modernclassrooms.org/apply-now

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: Carlos Canela.

Episode 234: Learned Helplessness Apr 13, 2025

Show notes

Toni Rose is joined by Ernest Rodriguez to discuss learned helplessness and the importance of SEL and vulnerability in a student-centered classroom.

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

Show Notes

Hot Yoga
On Purpose, with Jay Shetty
Gimkit
Connect with Ernest by email at mr.rod2425@gmail.com

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Toni Rose Deanon and Lauren Kimlinger, MCP implementers and DMCE, are presenting on Inside Out: A Joyful Journey of Learning and Growth at Oregon Early Learning Conference from April 16-18 in Portland, OR. 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: Ernest Rodriguez.

Episode 233: Driver Education Apr 06, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Debbie Fry to talk about how she uses the MCP model in her Driver Education, P.E., and Health classes.

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

Show Notes

MCP Podcast Episode 231: Physical Education
Connect with Debbie by email at deborah.fry@cpschools.com

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: Debbie Fry.

Episode 232: Workforce Readiness Training Mar 30, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Sam Meisenburg, co-founder of Study Snacks, to talk about the importance of, and methodologies for, teaching cybersecurity and AI concepts to high schoolers.

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

Show Notes

Study Snacks
Transparent bird feeder
Brave Browser
Onion Router and the Tor Project
Duck Duck Go (alternative search engine, more private than Google)
Connect with Sam on LinkedIn. You can also email him at hello@studysnacks.net

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Want to start building your own Modern Classroom? Sign up for our summer Virtual Mentorship Program! From either May 19th - June 22nd or June 23rd - July 27th, work with one of our expert educators to build materials for your own classroom. We have scholarships all over the country so you can enroll for free in places such as NYC, LA, Oakland, Chicago, Minnesota, Alabama, and more. Check out modernclassrooms.org/apply-now to see if there’s an opportunity for you!
We have a book club! We are reading Rob Barnett’s Meet Every Learner’s Needs together as a community and our last session is an Author Q&A with Rob Barnett on Wednesday, April 2 at 7:00pm ET. Join us in sharing ideas, questions, and resources. Register here
Eileen Ng, Nichole Freeman, and Carmen Welton, MCP implementers and DMCE, are presenting at NEASC Educator Showcase 2025 on April 3, in Nashua, NH. 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: Sam Meisenburg.

Episode 231: Physical Education Mar 23, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Jake Bersin to talk about the unique considerations of teaching health and PE and the ways he thinks MCP may benefit health and PE teachers.

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

Show Notes

TGFU Model of PE teaching
Jake's Padlet "Advocacy and Education Beyond the Classroom Walls"
MAHPERD (Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Inc.)
Insta~lesson, by Rob Barnett
Connect with Jake using his Padlet (linked above), on Bluesky, or at his website Next Level Physical Education

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, March 24, 7pm ET. Register here.
Join educators Monte Woodard, Alison Stone, and Suma Paidi for a live webinar where they'll share their expertise in transforming your science classroom into a dynamic, personalized learning environment on Tuesday, March 25 at 7pm ET. Register here
We have four educators presenting at Personalized Competency-Based Learning (PCBL) Summit in Layton, UT on March 26, 2025. Dr. Cindi Dunford and Stephanie Quilan are presenting on Creating a Culture of Competency in the Middle School Math Classroom and Cammie Moore and Elizabeth van Patten are presenting on Modernizing Instruction in CTE with MCP. If you’re attending, make sure to stop by and say hi!
Alison Stone is presenting at NSTA 2025 in Philadelphia, PA from March 26-29 on Using a self-aced, mastery-based, blended model in the high school science classroom. If you’re attending, make sure to stop by 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: Jake Bersin.

Episode 230: HS Credit Recovery Team Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Amy Steele, Kara Cisco, Renee Swanson, and Sierra Burris to talk about their work incorporating MCP into the credit recovery program in St. Paul Public Schools.

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

Show Notes

Alternative Education in St. Paul
MCP University (link to come)
Canva, and Kara's video on using it
ChatGPT
Sierra's class layout
You can contact Amy, Kara, Renee, and Sierra by email:
- amy.steele@spps.org
- kara.cisco@spps.org
- renee.swanson@spps.org
- sierra.burris@spps.org

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

We have a book club! We are reading Rob Barnett’s Meet Every Learner’s Needs together as a community and our third session is on Redesigning Instruction sponsored by Screencastify on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00pm ET. Join us in sharing ideas, questions, and resources. 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: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to Teach

Special Guests: Amy Steele, Kara Cisco, Renee Swanson, and Sierra Burris.

Episode 229: Family and Consumer Science Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Mauranda Comley to talk about using the MCP model in a middle school Family and Consumer Sciences classroom.

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

Show Notes

Family and Consumer Science
Mauranda's article in NGLC, "Benefits of Self-Pacing in Skills-Based, Hands-On Classes"
Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development
Mauranda's Reflection Form and Exploring Career's Choice Board tes
Mauranda's business, "My Wholesome Table"
Connect with Mauranda on her website, or by email at mauranda.comley@modernclassrooms.org

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Our co-founder, Rob Barnett, will be at the Summit for Transformative Learning presenting on How Modern Classrooms Meet Every Learner’s Needs in Atlanta, GA from March 10-11.
Looking for virtual connection? Join our implementer meetup on Wednesday, March 12, at 7 pm EST to connect with other Modern Classroom educators! Register here
Toni Rose Deanon and Avery Balasbas will be at the 2025 Good Teaching Conference - South presenting on Cultivating Community in Your Classroom and Teaching Critical Pedagogy through Fil-Am Lit in Garden Grove, CA from March 14-16. If you’re attending, make sure to stop by 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: Mauranda Comley.

Episode 228: iReady Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

TR is joined by Teri McNulty to talk about how she uses MCP in conjunction with iReady to plan and teach units in her 5th grade class.

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

Show Notes

Disney Castle Lego set
iReady
Teri's pacing tracker
Connect with Teri in the MCP Facebook group here, and linked below the show notes for each episode (scroll down!), every week. Come join us!

Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week

Join educators Carol Madruga, Rob Barnett, Leah Frederick, and Jessica Bille for a live webinar where they'll share their expertise in transforming your math classroom into a dynamic, personalized learning environment on Tuesday, March 4 at 7pm 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 at 7:00pm ET. Register and join us in sharing ideas, questions, and resources
Join parent and MCP co-founder and Chief Product Officer Robert Barnett, parent and MCP Chief Growth Officer Aubrey White, and parent and Modern Classroom Expert Mentor Laura Domingo, to learn what you can do to support student-centered teaching and learning in your own community on Thursday, March 6 at 1pm 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: Teri McNulty.

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