Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Latest Episodes:

ANSWERS Inquiry Process, Step 3: Search and Seek Credible Information Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll review five ways that students can search and seek out credible information to support their inquiry questions. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Assessment as Revelation, with Dr. Kelly Camak Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Kelly Camak joins us to discuss ways to rethink assessment in our classrooms. Using a five-part framework, she explains how we can use assessment as revelation and make assessment a more collaborative, personal, and student-centered experience. Dr. Camak says that this framework is not a one-way-to-do-things recipe, but rather, these elements include “ideas and constructs to help us really think through how we can truly center student as curriculum—how we can really partner and eliminate the boundaries of any type of constraint around assessment.”

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Camak continually references how amazing our young people are and how assessment can become a tool for us to allow that brilliance to shine. She says, “There is so much more kids could do if we get out of the way. How do we step back and bask in the glory and brilliance of our young people? And that’s good for us. That’s what we need. That’s what we want. That’s actually what we say we do this for.” Tune in to learn about the five-part revelatory assessment framework and how it can positively impact learning in your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

ANSWERS Inquiry Process, Step 2: Noting Possibilities Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll review how to have students gain general background knowledge about their topic and develop a research plan by noting the possibilities available to them. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The Future Ready Librarian, with Shannon McClintock Miller Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

This week, we are joined by Shannon McClintock Miller, a teacher librarian, director of innovation of instructional technology, international speaker, and leader in future ready education. She joins us to talk about the role of librarians in our schools and how the Future Ready Librarians Framework impacts everyone in a school system. Shannon says, “Every person, no matter what role you are within a school, fits into the Future Ready Framework.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

ANSWERS Inquiry Process Step 1: Ask Questions Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore step 1 of the ANSWERS inquiry process and learn how to have students generate questions that drive their learning. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

From Trials to Triumph, with De'Kwaan Wynn Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

“Every week, you’re within arm's reach of a kid who needs to hear the right words to get them looking in the right direction,” says our guest, Dé Kwaan Wynn. He continues, “And kids need a light these days, so do your best to be that for them.”

This message rings true throughout this episode as Dé Kwaan shares his story. It’s a story that begins with his earliest memory of a SWAT team breaking down the door of his family apartment and arresting his mother. It’s a story about an academically gifted child who struggled with behavior in school. Ultimately, it’s a story of teachers who helped Dé Kwaan see his worth and helped steer him in the right direction, so he could use his gifts and fulfill his potential. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Cultivating Curiosity Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore the unique and important role curiosity plays in the learning process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Mission:MathMinds, with Ruby Arun May 31, 2023

Show notes

This week, we share a student success story about a current high school student rather than a past graduate. Our guest, Ruby Arun, is a high school sophomore and the founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Mission:MathMinds. Ruby created the organization in 2020 and says, “Our purpose and mission is to empower girls in STEM.”

Through a combination of hard work and passion, Ruby and her team at Mission:MathMinds have mentored hundreds of students, donated thousands of books, shared inspirational stories of female leaders, and hosted such events as webinars, in-person gatherings, and a national conference. Tune in to hear more about this inspirational story of a student with big dreams, incredible talents, and a motivation to make the world a better place. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Managing Email May 30, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll review four strategies for making email more manageable. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

A Journey From Jamaica to a PhD, with Dr. Winston Benjamin May 24, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Unpacking Education cohost Dr. Winston Benjamin shares his unique story of success. He retells his memories from growing up in Jamaica, his family’s journey to the Bronx in New York, and ultimately his move to Washington state where he earned his PhD.

As he tells his story, Winston explains the life lessons that he learned along the way and how those lessons have shaped him personally and professionally as an educator. By listening to his story, we can vicariously learn from his road to success. In turn, by implementing those lessons ourselves, we can help students be more successful in our classrooms. Through these insights, we can do as Winston says: “Let your kids be all they can be.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.