In a round-table discussion, Trenton and guests explore the challenges of defining expertise in K-12 education. Even when educators become experts of their schools and students, they often make one major mistake: they don’t act like experts. Listen in for a discussion on how teachers can reclaim their title as the leading authority in our classrooms.

Guests: Cindi Dunford, Carly Silva and Melissa White

In this episode, Trenton talks with a former colleague about the literacy program they launched together at Heartland Elementary. They recall the fears and struggles they had with their first experience with a systematic implementation of mastery learning…and it’s unexpected results.

Guest: Chris Dunn

Trenton and guests break down the different types of assessments used in our schools and how each is meant to help students. They discuss the primary benefit of year-end tests — and how it’s often neglected by schools and districts.

Guests: Noel Gomez and James Seaman

Designed to hold educators responsible for student learning, high-stakes tests could actually be relieving teachers of the responsibility of doing their jobs. This week, we sit down to discuss the hot-button issue of standardized tests and the shortcomings of using them to evaluate teachers and schools.

Guests: James Seaman and Cindi Dunford

In this week’s episode, Trenton and Principal Steven Giles tackle the controversial topic of high-stakes testing. They explore the impact demographics have on scores and examine how this type of testing forces educators to count the wrong things while making them accountable for someone else’s work.

Guest: Steven Giles

Studies show principals who work to create a culture of community and cooperation encourage greater motivation and instructional effectiveness. This week, Trenton and guests examine the importance of inspired K12 administrative leadership and the impact it has on school culture and student outcomes.  

Guests: Danny Stirland and Todd Theobald

Real change, change that lasts and makes a difference, depends on leaders who understand the importance of building a collaborative culture within their schools. Join Trenton and this week’s guests as they discuss how progressive K-12 administrators build environments that benefit both teachers and students.

In an emotional episode, Trenton and guests discuss why they left teaching. They reveal how they made this tough decision, explain why we need good teachers more than ever, and share their optimism for the future of the profession.

This week, Trenton and guests dig into the world of K-12 standards and the impact they have on teaching. They discuss why established standards are good for the classroom, explore the ways standards help more accurately measure student levels of understanding—and question if they go too far.

A technology specialist and a former school administrator sit down with Trenton to discuss the shaping factors, like parenthood and technology, that influence the way teachers approach the classroom.

Guests: Kelly Dumont and Justin Matagi