Teaching and Learning: Theory vs. Practice

In the episode we talk to Dr. Peggy Brookins, President and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. We discuss creative ways to get students excited about learning through Thematic Instruction as well as the benefits of certification.

In this episode, we talk to Camille Auguste about book censorship and book banning trends. Ms. Auguste stresses the importance of self-reflection and really knowing our students to better connect with their needs. We also discuss partnerships with parents to encourage rich conversations about curriculum. Ms. Auguste is inspired by the works and philosophies of revolutionary individuals such as James Baldwin, Paulo Freire, Gholdy Muhammad, Assata Shakur, Gloria Ladson-Billings, Muhammad Ali, and Bettina Love, to name a few.

In this episode, we talk to Adelfio Garcia about translanguaging.  We learn translanguaging is when a multilingual person's full linguistic repertoire is used and honored. Mr. Garcia explains some of the fears and underlying biases teachers may have with accepting multiple expressions of learning in the classroom. We also discuss our experiences with the term “melting pot” and its connotations. 

Referenced in the podcast:

Teaching Readers not Reading by Peter Afflerbach

Archeology of Self by Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Marlon Cummings and Dr. Tim Harrington about their views on Culturally-Responsive Teaching. Dr. Cummings explains the aspects of being culturally responsive, including race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and so many more parts of what makes us individuals. Dr. Harrington shares his perspectives on the other “CRT” (Critical Race Theory) and how it is a lens for interpretation. We also discuss the negative impacts of confusing these two terms.

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi talk about teacher retention. After discussing the causes of teachers leaving the profession in Part 1 and the sense of belonging in Part 2, we explore the ideal conditions for retaining teachers. We discuss the importance of positive conflict resolution and transparent communication. We also share some strategies for creating a positive school culture through acknowledgements, rewards, recognition, and growth.

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi talk about teacher retention. After discussing the causes of teachers leaving the profession in Part 1, we look at what we can do to keep them, especially experienced teachers. We discuss the necessary sense of belonging in a school culture and how educators need to feel they matter as part of the school and as individuals.  We also share our personal experiences with being developed professionally and the importance of being empowered with leadership and voice. 

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi have a no-holds-barred conversation about teacher retention.  We discuss the increase in teachers retiring or leaving the profession altogether, further impacting the crisis levels of teacher shortages across the nation.  In Part 1 of this 3-part series on teacher retention, we use the Ultimate Guide to Teacher Retention by Education Elements and a survey by the National Education Association to guide our conversation about the reasons teachers leave the classroom. 

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Damon Williams about using data to drive important conversations about increasing education gaps and the innovation needed to close them.  We discuss how to examine our teaching practices, and Dr. Damon shares reflective questions we should ask ourselves about our presence in the classroom.  Dr. Williams also provides large and small-scale ideas and strategies for administrators and teachers to consider for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion. Importantly, he offers suggestions for refreshing and reenergizing ourselves for the hard work in education.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Pam Fenning about persistent discipline trends in K-12 schools. Dr. Fenning shares prominent research on implicit bias, discipline policies, and discipline disparities, as well as provides examples from her own observations as a school psychologist. We discuss strategies for monitoring our vulnerable decision points and the need for collaboration among school professionals when addressing students’ needs and behavior.

Referenced in the podcast

Kent McIntosh -- Vulnerable Decision Point work related to implicit bias

Dan Losen -- Discipline policy work and recent report on discipline disparities in age of COVID -especially as it relates to 504

Russ Skiba -- discipline work showing that Black students are disciplined more harshly despite not engaging in more serious behaviors.

In this episode, we talk to Jimmeka Anderson about her work with digital access for digitally limited learners. Ms. Anderson describes the framework for understanding motivation versus ability in terms of students’ personal, social, and structural environments. We also discuss strategies for providing support for digitally limited learners and strategies for improving motivation and engagement.

Referenced in podcast

Open Education Resource Commons Cyber Citizenship

https://www.oercommons.org/hubs/cybercitizenship