The Schoolyard Podcast

Latest Episodes:

S1.Ep.15: Empowering Youth Through Career Tech Ed (CTE) Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Buckle up and get ready for an episode that will take you on an educational joyride that transforms students into the trailblazers of tomorrow, as we talk to Henri Crockett.

Henri Crockett is the co-founder and president of the Crockett Foundation. A South-Florida based non-profit organization that serves youth through educational programs with the mission to help build character, develop leaders, and improve the community, one child at a time. A Florida State University graduate, he also played in the NFL for seven years, notably starting in Super Bowl XXXIII with the Atlanta Falcons. The Crockett Foundation believes that kids deserve every opportunity to explore, engage and experience the changing world around them. Using programs focused around Coding and Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), The Crockett Foundation supports kids as they prepare for the jobs of the future.

S1.Ep.14: Hands On Learning Using Real Life Events Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

It's time to turn the everyday into extraordinary learning opportunities! On this episode, Nancy is joined by Dr. Erica Colón and talk about encouraging and facilitating hands-on learning for students by leveraging real life events.

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Dr. Erica Colón is a distinguished educator and author known for her influential work in science curriculum and instruction. As a National Board Certified Teacher with extensive experience teaching various science disciplines across grades 6-12, she profoundly understands the importance of student engagement.

Her commitment to enhancing science education led her to establish Nitty Gritty Science, LLC, in 2012, where she serves as the founder and CEO. Through this venture, Dr. Colón creates and publishes captivating science resources and curriculum materials that have gained widespread recognition and adoption in classrooms worldwide.

Beyond her educational contributions, Dr. Colón is active on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, where she shares insights, science demos, learning strategies, and engaging content under the handle @nittygrittyscience. She is currently working on her next book Science In The Wild, which will be available in the summer of 2024! Explore her work and resources at www.nittygrittyscience.com.

S1.Ep.13: Helping Students Find Joy in Literacy and Numeracy Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

To start the new year, Nancy is joined by Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. and Rebecka Peterson in Houston, Texas, for the Extra Yard For Teachers Summit, to discuss the love of literacy and numeracy!

Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr, also known as Mr. G, is an elementary teacher from Houston, TX. He is well-known and well-loved for his love of literacy. Juan is one of the main speakers and one of the biggest teacher conferences in the nation and uses his social media, teaching3rdwithmrg to connect with teachers all over the world. His mission through this work is to spotlight the great work all educators are doing in classrooms and to inspire everyone to read more books!

Rebecka Peterson @rebeckapeterson_, is a high school math teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who just happens to be named the 2023 National Teacher of the Year! As National Teacher of the Year, Rebecka plans to use her platform to highlight teachers’ stories of the good that’s happening in education. Rebecka administers and has contributed 1400 posts to the “One Good Thing” blog and credits daily posting on the blog to help her recognize the beautiful and positive experiences occurring in her classroom.

S1.Ep.12: The Joys of Teaching Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

You are in for a treat with this special holiday episode! Nancy is joined by Jere Chang and Ty Cook to discuss the “Joys of Teaching” Get ready to be inspired and entertained as we dive into their hilarious and inspiring stories, unique teaching approaches, and the power of humor in education.

For more info on Jere Chang and Ty Cook, visit their instagrams.

@mschanggifted

@cook_in_the_classroom

S1.Ep.11: Creating Inclusive Early Childhood Spaces Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

Early childhood classrooms are like magical wonderlands where creativity and fun go hand in hand. These classrooms are not just about teaching ABCs and 123s; they are about igniting a child's imagination and nurturing their unique talents.

On this episode episode, Nancy is joined by guests Cecilia Cruise and Jennifer Fernandez to discuss ways to create the most dynamic early childhood classrooms.

S1.Ep.10: Let's Talk About Burnout and Staff Shortages Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

The teacher shortage problem across the nation is indeed a pressing issue. Many schools are struggling to find qualified teachers, leading to larger class sizes and increased workload for existing teachers. This, in turn, contributes to teacher burnout.

In this episode, Nancy is joined by Dr. Richard Warren Jr. and discuss the teacher burnout and teacher shortages across the nation.

Dr. Richard Warren Jr., is an award-winning educator, renowned speaker, and dynamic professor. Follow Dr. Warren on Instagram to learn more about his efforts.

S1.Ep.9: Sensory Spaces, Not Just for Students Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, our guests Cecilia Cruse, Sue Ann Highland join Nancy to discuss the benefits of sensory spaces for both students and teachers and how to implement them into the classroom. Cecilia Cruse is the Special Needs Subject Matter Expert for School Specialty and she has dedicated herself to the health and well-being of others throughout a 38 year career as a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist. Dr. Sue Ann Highland is the National Education Strategist for School Specialty and derives her expertise from over 25 years in education.

S1.Ep.8: Healthy Teachers, Healthy Students Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

Physical well-being is crucial for teachers and students alike, as it directly impacts their overall performance and productivity. When teachers are healthy, they can effectively engage with their students and create a positive learning environment. Similarly, when students are physically fit, they can concentrate better and actively participate in classroom activities. In this episode, Nancy chats with our Maya Evans, a certified school psychologist, a personal trainer, and CEO and Founder of Mental and Muscle.Check out @mentalandmuscle on instagram to learn more about Maya and her efforts.

S1.Ep.7: Adaptive Art. Art for All Students. Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

Adaptive art is a wonderful way to bring people together through creativity and self-expression. It focuses on making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations. Tune in to listen to Nancy chat with Susan Loesl, an Adaptive Art Specialist and Art Therapist. To learn more about Susan Loesl, check out the American Art Therapy Association.

S1.Ep.6: How to Spark Parent Involvement and Fuel Family Engagement Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Nancy and our guest Kimberley Gorelik discuss the benefits of family engagement and how that can fuel student involvement.

To learn more about Kimberley's work, visit weareteachers.com and check out her book Hacking Parenthood: 10 Mantras You Can Use Daily to Reduce the Stress of Parenting (Hack Learning Series).

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