In this episode, we feature a conversation with veteran AP Physics teacher Christine Rittenhouse regarding the implementation of student-centered grading practices in the secondary classroom. Christine shares her focus on a grading philosophy that emphasizes student growth, ownership, and mastery over traditional point-chasing. The episode serves as a practical guide for educators, detailing a multi-tiered assessment structure that leverages frequent feedback to help students navigate the learning cycle and reach their full academic potential.

Mentioned Resources

• Grading From the Inside Out: Bringing Accuracy to Student Assessment Through a Standards-Based Mindset by Tom Schimmer

• Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl

• Frisco ISD Secondary Grading Philosophy (7/2023)

Music Included:

Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)

Artist: NAM

License #: 4601725855

Song: New Kids (Instrumental)

Artist: More Like Georgia

License #: 9511520888

In this episode, we take a deep-dive conversation with teacher candidates Alysa, Julianna, Parker, and Abigail regarding the rigorous process of preparing for Texas secondary teacher certification exams. While the students briefly touch on their personal inspirations for entering the field , the primary focus is on the academic and logistical hurdles of the certification pathway. The episode serves as a practical guide for pre-service educators, leveraging the recent successes and stressors of current candidates to help those coming after them navigate the path to certification.

Mentioned Resources:

Texas Educator Certification Examination Program Website

Music Included:

Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)

Artist: NAM

License #: 4601725855

Song: New Kids (Instrumental)

Artist: More Like Georgia

License #: 9511520888

In this episode, guest host Dr. Jennifer Whitfield interviews aggieTEACH-Arts & Sciences Program Manager Kenric Davies about why he decided to become a high school educator. Kenric also shares why he eventually got out of the classroom to pursue his changing passion related to supporting educators in Texas.

Music Included:

Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)

Artist: NAM

License #: 4601725855

Song: New Kids (Instrumental)

Artist: More Like Georgia

License #: 9511520888

In this episode, a deputy for a local sheriff's department joins in a discussion about school safety and what a teacher should do in difficult situations.

Mentioned Resources:

Texas School Safety Center

Stop The Bleed Training

Music Included:

Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)

Artist: NAM

License #: 4601725855

Song: New Kids (Instrumental)

Artist: More Like Georgia

License #: 9511520888

In this episode, former teachers in science and social studies discuss tips to help a classroom run smoothly. We cover topics from room layout, classroom procedures, group work and projects, and content spiraling as all ways to help teachers stay on track and enjoy their classroom environment.

Music Included:

Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)

Artist: NAM

License #: 4601725855

Song: New Kids (Instrumental)

Artist: More Like Georgia

License #: 9511520888

In this episode, we talk with ⁠Dr. Matthew Neighbors '96 ⁠about the role of the superintendent of a school district and how they can support classroom teachers.Music Included:Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)Artist: NAMLicense #: 4601725855Song: New Kids (Instrumental)Artist: More Like GeorgiaLicense #: 9511520888

In this episode, we discuss how technology can be integrated into a classroom to emphasis learning. Our guest speaker (Miguel Guhlin from TCEA) gives advice to new teachers about how to avoid the traps of introducing technology to your lessons at the wrong time or for the wrong reasons.

Episode Resources:

• Ed Tech Adoption Stages, Part 1 - https://blog.tcea.org/ed-tech-adoption-part-1/
• AI and the SOLO Taxonomy: A Path to Deeper Learning - https://blog.tcea.org/ai-and-solo-taxonomy-a-path-to-deeper-learning/
• Evidence-Based Teaching - https://www.mglead.org/materials/ebs
• Online, Self-Paced Courses - https://tcea.org/courses
• Free Resources for Teachers  - https://mglink.org/resources/

Music Included:Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)Artist: NAMLicense #: 4601725855Song: New Kids (Instrumental)Artist: More Like GeorgiaLicense #: 9511520888

In this episode, we talk with a teacher turned assistant principal about the current teacher appraisal system in Texas. Our conversation covers the individual parts of the process as well as how new teachers can use this process to hone their craft and become more effective in the classroom.

Music Included:

Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)

Artist: NAM

License #: 4601725855

Song: New Kids (Instrumental)

Artist: More Like Georgia

License #: 9511520888

In this episode, I dive into the various people that are part of the day-to-day work that a teacher does. Having a good relationship with these groups or individuals will greatly enhance the job satisfaction and effectiveness of a classroom teacher.

Music Included:

Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)

Artist: NAM

License #: 4601725855

Song: New Kids (Instrumental)

Artist: More Like Georgia

License #: 9511520888

In this episode we discuss the expectations a general education teacher has when working with students in special education or Section 504. Many new teachers have little experience in this area and our guest (Catherine Davies '10, Registered Educational Diagnostician) helps give more practical information.

Resources: TEA - Special Education , Intervention Central , Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports

Music Included:

Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)

Artist: NAM

License #: 4601725855

Song: New Kids (Instrumental)

Artist: More Like Georgia

License #: 9511520888