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Podcast Blurb: Giving Teachers the ELL Edge (Special Winter Edition)

This episode is all about practical, high‑impact strategies teachers can use right away to support English Language Learners. We’re diving into tools that make instruction more accessible, routines that build language confidence, and classroom moves that help multilingual learners thrive without adding extra stress to your workload.

From scaffolding techniques and vocabulary routines to engagement strategies, technology tools, and professional learning, we’re sharing the approaches that truly give teachers an ELL edge. Whether you’re new to working with English learners or looking to sharpen your toolkit, this conversation is packed with ideas you can bring straight into your classroom.

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Join me as I chat with the inspiring Dr. Trevor Sparacio — Social Studies teacher, department chair, and lifelong learner in St. Lucie Public Schools. In this episode, we explore how teachers can move beyond test scores and spreadsheets to help students become masters of their own data. Trevor shares practical strategies that empower learners to track progress, set goals, and take ownership of their growth. Get ready for an engaging conversation full of insights, stories, and tools you can bring back to your classroom to unlock every student’s potential.

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Join the conversation with Dr. LeiNitia Robinson and Terrence Platt, dynamic Career Coaches from St. Lucie Public Schools, as they explore how educators are transforming Career and Technical Education (CTE) from a classroom concept into a powerful pathway for student success. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring stories, strategic guidance, and real-world impact of teachers who are championing CTE programs—bridging passion with purpose and helping students earn industry-recognized certifications. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate for workforce readiness, this conversation will energize your vision for what’s possible when teachers lead the way.

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In this episode, Behavior Specialist Caroline Redding brings practical wisdom and real-world strategies to help teachers turn their classroom vision into reality. Whether it's building a community of respect, setting clear expectations, or simply trying to get your students to line up without chaos—this episode is packed with actionable insights you can use today. If you're ready to lead with purpose and manage with confidence, this is the episode you don’t want to miss, turning classroom dreams into daily routines! 

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🎙️ Season Premiere: Level Up Your Professional Learning
Welcome to a brand-new season of the podcast where we dive into power moves that elevate your professional learning journey! This season kicks off with a dynamic conversation with instructional specialist Kim Wadsworth exploring how educators can take intentional steps to grow, lead, and thrive. This season highlights the wide range of differentiated learning experiences we offer in Talent Development—designed to meet all educators where they are and help them level up in meaningful ways. Get ready to 'Grab & Grow!'

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Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. In this episode of Math Matters, we dive into the power of mathematics in education with former Curriculum Specialist and now Assistant Principal Courtney Ballantine. From fostering a growth mindset to making math more engaging and meaningful, Courtney shares practical strategies for helping students connect math to real-life experiences. Whether you're an educator looking for fresh insights or a math enthusiast eager to explore new teaching approaches, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and discover how to inspire curiosity, confidence, and deep understanding in the math classroom!

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Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. In this episode, I sit down with a dynamic principal, Ebony Jarrett to explore powerful ways school leaders can uplift, inspire, and support teachers in building self-efficacy and flourishing in their profession. From fostering a culture of confidence to creating meaningful growth opportunities, we dive into what it truly takes to help educators feel valued, capable, and energized in their work. 

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Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. Special thanks to Renae in Australia for writing in to suggest the area of focus for this episode. Listen to a compelling conversation with Didi Johnson, Coordinator of Quality Instruction at St. Lucie Public Schools. Didi oversees the Talent Development Department, ensuring that all staff receive timely and relevant professional learning opportunities. Tune in to this insightful episode to hear Didi discuss the concept of 'best fit' pedagogy, which aims to optimize outcomes for both teachers and students. 

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Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of StraightChalk podcast for busy educators where she gets to chat with Rylan Jay, 3rd grade teacher & recently awarded Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year in St. Lucie Public Schools. Listen to Rylan share about her experiences as a new teacher & what it was like to be nominated and chosen as the winner at this year's prestigious Night of the Stars gala evening honoring educators annually! 

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Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of Straight Chalk podcast for busy educators where she gets to chat with Anna Babcock & Renee Hawkins, K-5th grade teachers in St. Lucie Public Schools about Learning Expeditions a brand new differentiated professional learning initiative that promotes authentic and embedded learning experiences for teachers.