Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Latest Episodes:

Preparing Students as They Transition Out of High School for a Future Full of Possibilities May 25, 2022

Show notes

"We can make ripple effects, and often change occurs outside of what we’re able to see." These words from our guest, Nichola Fulmer—College and Career Readiness Program Facilitator for Renton School District—reverberate throughout this episode and reinforce the difference that we can make in the lives of our students. Each student comes to us at a different point in their journey, but if we make a safe space for them and listen openly, we can help guide them on their career and personal pathways.

During this episode, Nichola helps us unpack the topic of transitioning out of high school and how we can support our students on this journey. We discuss what it means to prepare for life after high school and what teacher support might look like in practice. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Sparking Collective Educator Agency: Reigniting Hope Through Professional Learning May 18, 2022

Show notes

“Educators really are hope dealers. We deal in hope, and that’s what our students rely on us for. It has to start with ourselves.” These words from our guest, Jenn Nagle—Communications Manager at AVID Center—reverberate throughout our conversation about professional learning. During this episode, we explore how we can reignite hope for educators and students by empowering teachers through well-designed, collaborative professional learning. We discuss various in-person and virtual models that can be implemented as well as the need for teachers to work collectively toward mastering specifically identified strategies. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Understanding FAFSA and the Financial Aid Process May 11, 2022

Show notes

As the costs of postsecondary education continue to rise, students and families often must seek funding opportunities to make college more affordable and accessible. Our guest, Tariq Habash from the U.S. Department of Education, provides valuable insights into accessing available funding. Most importantly, he reminds us that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is “the single best thing that a student or family can do to make college more affordable because it unlocks so much additional aid that’s out there.” This application is due June 30 each year. Join us for this episode as we explore how students and families can unlock doors to educational opportunity through FAFSA and the financial aid process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The Wonder of STEM and Robotics in the Elementary Classroom May 04, 2022

Show notes

Technology and computer science are becoming foundational components of our modern world. We see them in nearly every aspect of our lives: shopping, communication, school, work, banking, and even applying for a job. Since tech is so important, we need to make sure our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be innovators in this field. Computers, technology, and coding are no longer “extras.” They are essentials. In this episode, we are joined by Bryan Miller, Global Partnership Manager at Wonder Workshop. Together we discuss how the Wonder Workshop robots Dash, Dot, and Cue can be used to both introduce students to computer science and coding and also to stretch them into developing their SEL and critical thinking skills while solving real world problems. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Supporting Students Even When They Walk Out Our Classroom Doors Apr 20, 2022

Show notes

Students come to us in a wide variety of situations—many of which are out of their immediate control. They also come to us with often overlooked assets that we should leverage in the process of helping them grow. To provide the necessary support that students need to be successful, school systems need to work together and with families. This often starts with meeting basic needs, like reliable food and shelter, and grows from there toward supporting academic, personal, and career success. In this episode, we gain insights from our guest, Michele Starkey, the Title I McKinney-Vento Liaison in her district. Michele provides us with insights about programs and supports that are available for students and families. This awareness is often the first step in helping students and families in need. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Exploring the Crossroads of Assessment, Student Choice, and Grading: Stories From a High School Science Class Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, we are joined by veteran science teacher Mark Peterson. Mark is committed to living a life in beta, always seeking to improve his craft as an educator. In our conversation today, we explore the crossroads of assessment, student choice, and grading. We ask the hard questions, look for solutions, and reflect on Mark’s experiences as a science teacher striving to empower his students and make learning meaningful. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

What Does It Mean to Live a Life Full of Possibility? A Conversation with AVID CEO Thuan Nguyen Apr 06, 2022

Show notes

Our students come to us from so many different places. They have different backgrounds, different lived experiences, different interests, and different talents. To provide personal meaning for each learner in such a diverse group, we need to provide our students with a wide variety of possibilities and experiences, so they can each find their own passion and path forward. Each one of them deserves to discover what a “life full of possibilities” means for them. In this podcast episode, we explore this idea of possibility and how we can open up the world for our students, with AVID’s new CEO, Thuan Nguyen. We discuss keys to unlocking possibility, including the fundamental need for strong relationships, mentors, and breadcrumbs to possibility, as well as the role of teachers in this process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Online Learning: What People Think It Is, What It Actually Is, and What It Can Be Mar 30, 2022

Show notes

The sudden exposure to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has simultaneously increased people’s awareness of online learning, given them some insights into what it is like to learn online, and led to misconceptions about what an intentional and well-planned online learning program can look like. In this episode, we are joined by Jeff Plaman—the Online and Digital Learning Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education—and we dive into this topic of online learning. We explore the current status of online learning programs, discuss some misconceptions, and consider the potential benefits of a well-constructed online program. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Authentic Demonstration of Student Knowledge: Helping Students Share Their Stories Authentically to Validate Their Voices Mar 23, 2022

Show notes

One of the ways to increase student ownership in learning is to provide students with meaningful and authentic “voice and choice.” But what does this really mean? How do we implement it in our lessons, and what does it look like in practice? In this episode, we dig into these questions, and we'll also focus on what it means to provide “authentic” options for our students. When done well, we can use this approach to create learning experiences where students feel empowered, connected, and motivated. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

What Does the Classroom of the Future Look Like? Mar 16, 2022

Show notes

The world is changing at an accelerating rate. What once was science fiction—cell phones, videoconferencing, the Internet—is now reality. To prepare our students for a rapidly evolving world, we must continually question and rethink what education looks like. What structures do we have in place? What opportunities do we provide? How are we empowering students in the learning process? These questions and more will help us make our schools the best they can be and empower our students with the skills needed to invent the jobs of the future. In this episode, we look into these questions and others about the future of education. While we don’t have all the answers, we begin to ask important questions and define core components that can lead to an effective classroom of the future. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

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