Learning Unlocked

Guest: Vicki Jones

Gilbert Public Schools, Director of Professional Growth and Development

Looking to score a touchdown in the classroom? In this episode, Vick and I discuss the importance of intentional instructional design in moving students beyond "drill and kill" by leveraging high-yield strategies that allow students to "scrimmage" and make adjustments before game time.

Want more from Vicki? Twitter: @GPSLearns

Guest: Elizabeth Evans

https://teachingapgovernment.com/

In this episode, Liz provides teachers with practical strategies to avoid teacher burnout and the comparison trap. We discuss the trials of teaching and how they can take their toll on our mental and physical health. Even in the midst of fear, pain, and uncertainty, we need to remember to take care of ourselves and each other.

Want more from Liz? Twitter @lizevansnbct, IG @teachingapgovernment

Guest: Jennifer Lugo

Gilbert Public Schools, English Language Arts & AVID educator

In this episode, Jennifer and I discuss the "Pygmalion Effect" as it applies to teaching and learning. Our conversation also focuses on how teachers sometimes communicate that students can and will fail--but they will also rise.

Want more from Jennifer?

Follow her on Twitter @jlugo1908

Guest: Sharon Crandall

Gilbert Public Schools, 4th Grade Math Teacher

In this episode, Sharon discusses her experience with using hands-on, play-based learning in math to help the learning "stick" with her students, whether in a virtual or classroom setting. We also chat about some awesome online math manipulatives as well that are not only beneficial but "mix it up" for students to keep them engaged.

Want more from Sharon? [email protected]

Guest: Suzanne Lunt

Gilbert Public Schools, Kindergarten Teacher

In this episode, Suzanne and I discuss that no matter the learning environment your classroom is right now, we can still embrace hands-on materials to increase student participation and engagement. We also chat about the importance of mindfulness during the learning process and how impactful it is for both the teacher and the students.

Want more from Mrs. Lunt?

Instagram: @kickinginkinder | [email protected]

Guest: Julia Salce

Instructional Specialist, Gilbert Public Schools

In this episode, we debunk the myths of direct instruction and converse about the high-impact of blending short bursts of instruction with active learning experiences (ALEs), no matter the age group or content area. We also discuss briefly the importance of teacher and student clarity in relation to direct instruction.

Want more from Julia?

[email protected]

Guest: Susan Cadena

K-12 Prevention Coordinator, Gilbert Public Schools

In the episode we converse about the fact that teachers that students are anxious with the current pandemic situation. Susie provides ways for teachers to easily incorporate SEL and trauma awareness into their lessons with students (and ways teachers can also take care of themselves). While providing teachers tangible "take-aways" to help students move through this time of remote learning, we also discussed the transitioning time back into face to face learning from an SEL/trauma aware perspective.

Want more from Susie?

[email protected] or visit https://www.gilbertschools.net/domain/79

Guest: Sarah Munoz

5th grade ELA & Social Sciences Educator, Gilbert Public Schools

In this episode, we define respect agreements for students and educators and what they mean and the awesome community they can create in a classroom learning space. We also discuss how respect agreements, as opposed to norms or rules, is huge mind-shift in thinking of "classroom management".

Want more from Sarah? [email protected]

Twitter: @MrsMunoz_5th

Guest: Jennifer Schrenk

Reading Specialist, Gilbert Public Schools

In this episode, Jennifer and I talk through the idea that teachers having high expectations for their students really starts with teachers rethinking past pedagogical beliefs that the teacher is the only one in control of learning in the classroom. We also discuss the importance of entrusting a bit more of the decision making around learning to their students.

Want more from Jennifer?

Email: [email protected], Instagram: @astute_hoot, Website: astutehoot.com, Business FB: Astute Hoot

Guest: Kaylie Peterson

Junior High World Language (Spanish) Teacher, Gilbert Public Schools

In this episode, we discuss how to increase engagement the 'pirate way' with one of our district's awesome world language teachers. She was inspired by Dave Burgess' book Teach Like a Pirate and learned that the PIRATE way was an acronym that was just what she needed to learn as an educator to engage her students in her classroom.

Want more from Kaylie? [email protected]