Ed Talk with Dr. Bob Bravo

STEM, coding, and robotics—more specifically, a Robotics Smackdown—are the topics of this week’s episode of Ed Talk with Dr. Bravo. Dallas ISD STEM Executive Director Oswaldo Alvarenga, Director of Educational Technology Roland Antoine, and Educational Technology Coordinator Jeff Marx join Dr. Robert Bravo, the Dallas ISD Chief of School Leadership, to talk all things educational technology. The conversation touches on the district’s effort to get students involved with STEM-type activities at an earlier age, and gives a rundown on what a district teacher can do to bring robotics and STEM programing to their school. (Spoiler alert: It’s usually pretty easy and doesn’t cost the school any money.)

Leading up to Sept. 18, which is when teachers will receive their first-ever TEI scorecards, this episode of Ed Talk with Dr. Bravo provides background and context on the district’s comprehensive teacher evaluation system. TEI director Lindsay Coshatt talks with Dr. Robert Bravo, the Dallas ISD Chief of School Leadership, about the three main components—defining excellence, supporting excellence, and rewarding excellence—that make up TEI. Coshatt explains that, under TEI, an effective teacher over 15 years has the earning to potential to make $100,000 more than they could under a traditional step salary schedule. She added that no teacher would see a salary decrease this year under TEI.

What’s the gold standard in education? Join the conversation, as Dr. Bravo and John Vladovic, Principal of Dodson Middle School, retrace the steps Dodson took along its journey to becoming a Golden Ribbon School.       

Times passes quickly, and we sometimes neglect pausing to celebrate our accomplishments. Join Chris Cassidy, Dr. Amber McKinney, and Dr. Bravo as they remind us of our collective achievements, and remind us that there’s more to come.  Opening and closing music "Poco a Poco" by José Coaro Fumero (lyrics), Luis Tejada (arrangement), and Tanya Avelleyra (lead vocalist).

Listen in as Dr. Bravo discusses summer professional development opportunities and recommended reading with Faynessa Armand, Eric Grow, and Lisa Saldivar.  Opening and closing music "Poco a Poco" by José Coaro Fumero (lyrics), Luis Tejada (arrangement), and Tanya Avelleyra (lead vocalist).

A few weeks ago, Dr. Bravo interviewed two teachers who recently achieved National Board Certification. In this podcast, Dr. Bravo interviews Michael de la Torre, coordinator of the Support Network, to get additional insight into the certification process and to examine the impact National Board Certification has on one’s career, school, and community.  Opening and closing music "Poco a Poco" by José Coaro Fumero (lyrics), Luis Tejada (arrangement), and Tanya Avelleyra (lead vocalist).

What does it mean to be college and career ready? Listen in as Dr. Bravo discusses the A-G graduation requirements for the class of 2017 with members of the ESC South instructional team and hear about promising practices teachers are using to help students succeed.  Opening and closing music "Poco a Poco" by José Coaro Fumero (lyrics), Luis Tejada (arrangement), and Tanya Avelleyra (lead vocalist).

Teachers like their work to be research-based, but often taking that research from a study to the classroom can be challenging. Join Dr. Bravo and Dr. Nell Duke as they discuss how to practically implement research-proven pedagogy.  Opening and closing music "Poco a Poco" by José Coaro Fumero (lyrics), Luis Tejada (arrangement), and Tanya Avelleyra (lead vocalist).