Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Latest Episodes:

Classroom Timers Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, we explore digital classroom timers and ways to use them in your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Engineering Student Agency and Opportunity Aug 10, 2022

Show notes

The world needs problem solvers, and providing students with intentional opportunities to engineer solutions to authentic problems in our classrooms is a powerful way to develop these skills in our learners. In many cases, young students are already naturally creative problem solvers. They engineer the world around them every day. If we can foster and encourage this practice in them at a young age, they will not only be more apt to continue being confident in solving problems, they will also develop many transferable skills and be exposed to many potential careers.

Christine Cunningham, a Professor of Education and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, has launched Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) to develop curricula to help the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers become excited about learning. She joins us on this podcast episode to unpack the topic of integrating engineering into K-12 classrooms. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Digital Education: Skills and Leadership Aug 03, 2022

Show notes

When integrating technology successfully into your classroom, it’s important to identify your “why” first. Begin with an educational need or purpose that technology can help you achieve. What standards are you targeting? What goals do you want to achieve? Then ask yourself, are there technology tools that can better help me and my students achieve those goals? If the answer is yes, ask what instructional practices you can effectively pair with that device or program to maximize learning. This learning first and tools second approach will increase the odds of academic success in your classroom. Listen to this episode to hear the perspective of Dr. David Wicks as he shares what he is seeing at the university level when working with pre-service teachers as well as education veterans. Our conversation ranges from integration best practices to technology trends. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Neuroscience and Learning Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

Through new technology and a growing body of research, our collective understanding and knowledge base around neuroscience and the brain has exploded in the past 25 years. Researchers continue to have a better grasp on how educators can create conditions and experiences that improve student learning. Understanding and applying this knowledge is key to strengthening teaching and learning practices in our schools. In this episode, we are joined by Conn McQuinn, a career educator and expert in the area of neuroscience. Together, we explore research and insights around learning and the brain, and we look at how that knowledge can inform education academically, socially, and emotionally. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Views From Both the Classroom and District Leadership: Perspectives, Insights, and Understanding Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

This episode is all about perspective. It’s about recognizing different perspectives, and it’s also about gaining new perspectives through our own experiences or the experiences of others. No matter how we achieve it, a broader perspective is valuable and can bring better understanding and empathy to the conversations we have with colleagues and community members. In this episode, we hear from Ena Rassmussen, a teacher who has gained multiple perspectives by holding both classroom and district-level positions in her district. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Breaking Down Stereotypes in the PE Classroom Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

No matter the class or group of students in front of her, Amanda wants them to know her number one theme: “You belong here.” She believes that everyone should get a wonderful physical education experience. She also wants students to believe that they can pursue their dreams and be anything they want to be. She does not want her students defined by stereotypes or the way things have always been done. During our conversation, we explore the idea of growing beyond stereotypes in the context of the physical education classroom and in the role of a strength and conditioning coach. We discuss growing the voice of women in this field as well as the integration of technology in a traditionally offline curricular area. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Engage in Creative Coding with Scratch Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

Scratch is the largest children’s coding platform and online community in the world. This free block-based coding program was created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has become very popular in schools for introducing students to coding as well as for developing creativity, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Scratch’s philosophy revolves around the 4 Ps—projects, passions, peers, and play—with a 5th P of purpose also woven throughout. In this episode, we are joined by Francisco Cervantes, the Director of Creative Learning at Scratch. He shares background, insights, benefits, integration tips, and future plans for the Scratch product. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Grow Your Own Teachers Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

“Can you think of a better way to be a world-changer than to be working with students?” asks Carla Smith, the Teacher Academy Teacher-Coordinator for the Renton School District in Washington. She poses this question to both challenge and inspire her students to consider a career in education through a program called “Grow Your Own.” The goal of the program is to provide students with opportunities to explore and experience what it is like to be a teacher or paraeducator. The hope is that some students will decide to enter the profession and come back to Renton as teachers and paraeducators.

In this episode, we talk about this unique program and explore how it might be a model that other schools can emulate to help address the current teacher and staff shortage. We look at the benefits that it presents to those involved and how it provides opportunity knowledge to the students in the program. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Recruiting, Supporting, and Retaining Elementary Teachers Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

“Try to remember that this is the best job in the world. And no matter how down you feel, somebody in your classroom came to school today because you’re there.” These words from our guest, Dr. Teddi Beam-Conroy—Director of the Elementary Teacher Education Program at the University of Washington—hit on the essence of being a teacher. They reflect the difference we can make and the importance of showing up and giving our best every day. Throughout this episode, we explore the topic of keeping teachers in the profession so that they can continue to do their important work. We talk about the challenges faced by teachers each day, some approaches we can take to make schools a place where teachers want to remain, and specific ways that we can draw and keep teachers of color in the profession. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Recruiting, Supporting, and Retaining Secondary Teachers Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

Nearly everywhere, schools are facing staffing shortages, leaving them with open positions for teachers, support staff, custodial work, nursing, and more. These shortages have led to more work for everyone in the system. In this episode, we are joined by Anne Beitlers, Director of the Secondary Teacher Education Program at the University of Washington. Together, we discuss this ongoing challenge. We explore the causes of this staffing shortage and ways to potentially recruit, support, and retain more teachers in our school systems. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected