Teaching and Learning: Theory vs. Practice

In this episode, we talk to Staff Sergeant and Corporal Dwayne Brown about his role as a school resource officer. Corporal Brown discusses the importance of developing positive relationships with students and staff. He talks about ways in which school resource officers humanize the badge with friendly greetings and participating in school events.  We also discuss strategies for working with school resource officers.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Ahmet Can, Assistant Professor in the Division of Psychology and Counseling at Governors State University.  Dr. Can discusses the post-pandemic shift into e-learning and other methods to increase accessibility to academic and health services. We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face versus the virtual platform for assessing students’ mental, social, and physical health.  Dr. Can shares strategies for meeting students’ where they are and raising awareness for teachers who are searching for the appropriate resources to meet students’ needs.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Phyllis West, Director of the Social Justice Initiative at Governors State University. Dr. West discusses the importance of listening for opportunities, being curious, and doing what may seem most challenging.  She talks about staying connected with friends, family, and teachers from her youth and shares the lasting power of words, particularly from her 3rd and 4th grade teachers, that shaped who she would become. We also discuss the mission and vision for the Social Justice Initiative with its first tremendous step to coordinate a legal clinic.

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Fred Yeakey, Vice President of Providence Cristo Rey High School in Indianapolis. Mr. Yeakey shares his journey becoming an educator and bringing his gifts of mentorship, sponsorship, and service into his roles coordinating after school programs, teaching in the classroom, and later being an administrator. We talk about reviving passion through our talents and hobbies and how we might bring this joy into the curriculum. Most importantly, we discuss the power of relationships with students, parents, and community.

Referenced in this podcast

Principal Barber

fredrickyeakey.com

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Crystal Harris, Assistant Professor and Interdisciplinary Studies Program Coordinator.  Dr. Harris explains the civic responsibility of being involved, even in small ways, with addressing injustices. Dr. Harris discusses actions we can take to be civically engaged, as well as the resources available for faculty and students to see curriculum through a civic lens. 

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Gary Higham, Associate Director of Clinical Experiences, Student teaching, and partnerships at Illinois State University. Dr. Higham describes available teacher education program pathways at Illinois State University, which serves as a large-scale model for smaller, regional institutions such as Governors State University.  We discuss possible challenges in finding field experience placements for so many students. Dr. Higham explains the “pay it forward” mentality that keeps educator preparation programs going and the incentives that districts and universities can use to attract mentors to new teacher development. 

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tonya Perry who is the Professor of Secondary English Education and serves as the Executive Director for GEAR UP Alabama and the Red Mountain Writing Project at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Perry discusses the relationship building as foundational for tough conversations. She shares poignant stories from co-writing Teaching for Racial Equity, facilitating professional development, and being Teacher of the Year.  Dr. Perry offers strategies for having meaningful conversations. 

Referenced in this podcast

Perry, Tonya; Zemelman, Steve; Smith, Katy (2022). Teaching for Racial Equity

Becoming Interrupters.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Jeremy Coleman, the Principal of Brookview Elementary School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Drawing upon his experiences with mentoring youth, serving as a correctional officer, coaching, and teaching, Dr. Coleman discusses how theory met practice in his approach as a school administrator. He shares strategies for retention through teachers self-selecting professional development and having a strong sense of community. We also discuss ideas for improving the theory and practice connection in educator preparation.

Referenced in this podcast

• Greene, Ross (2014). Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them
• Kohn, Alfie (1999). Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes
• Yale University Child Study Center (2016). A RESEARCH STUDY BRIEF: Do Early Educators’ Implicit Biases Regarding Sex and Race Relate to Behavior Expectations and Recommendations of Preschool Expulsions and Suspensions? Walter S. Gilliam, PhD; Angela N. Maupin, PhD; Chin R. Reyes, PhD; Maria Accavitti, BS; Frederick Shic, PhD

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Carleton Brown, the school counselor program coordinator in the Educational Psychology and Special Services department of the College of Education at the University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Brown discusses the more student-centered focus in the American School Counselor Association framework model. He also explains what collaboration looks like among school counselors and teachers and how his school counselor program prepares candidates to be collaborative educators.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Paul Zionts, the dean of the College of Education at DePaul University. Dr. Zionts talks about his entry point into the education profession and the craft of teaching. He explains his role as dean in the curricular revision and alignment to new state standards. We also discuss teacher recruitment and retention.