What happens when teachers understand how learning really works?

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Dr. Jim Heal, co-founder of Learning Science Partners, to talk about the science behind effective teaching. Dr. Heal explains why effortful thinking leads to stronger learning, challenges common myths about engagement, and shares how cognitive load, memory, and prior knowledge shape student success. The conversation offers a clear look at how learning science connects research to classroom decisions and helps teachers focus on what works.

Inside the Work of Learning Science Partners

Co-founded by Dr. Jim Heal and Meg Lee, Learning Science Partners collaborates with schools and districts to bring research-backed teaching practices into daily instruction. Their work focuses on long-term partnerships, implementation support, and building shared language around how learning happens.

Books by Dr. Jim Heal

Dr. Heal’s books explore how research in learning science can directly shape what happens in classrooms, coaching, and leadership. Each title offers clear explanations of complex ideas, along with practical applications for educators:

Instructional Illusions

Co-authored with Paul Kirschner and others, this book challenges common myths about teaching and learning, offering evidence-based alternatives that support long-term retention and real understanding.

How Teaching Happens

A guided tour of key research on effective teaching, with clear summaries of seminal studies and what they mean for instructional practice today.

Mental Models: How Understanding the Mind Can Transform the Way You Work and Learn

A practical look at how mental models shape thinking, decision-making, and learning—designed to help educators and learners make smarter choices.

Dive Deeper with Dr. Heal

These selected articles expand on the ideas discussed in this episode—from cognitive load and effortful thinking to the real meaning of student engagement. Use them to reflect on your own practice and explore how learning science can sharpen instructional choices:

• Just Because They’re Engaged, It Doesn’t Mean They’re Learning (Chartered College of Teaching) - A closer look at the difference between visible engagement and lasting learning, and why teachers should focus on what students are thinking about—not just what they’re doing.
• If We Are Going to Teach, We Need to Know How People Learn (Holly Korbey) - Dr. Heal explains why learning science matters for every teacher and how understanding memory, attention, and cognitive processes can improve student outcomes.
• If You Want to Remember Something, Think Hard and Dig Deep (Harvard Graduate School of Education) - An exploration of effortful thinking and why the right kind of struggle leads to deeper, more durable learning.

Organizations Supporting Research-Driven Practice

During the episode, Dr. Heal highlights several groups working to bridge the gap between learning science and real-world teaching. Explore these organizations to deepen your understanding and connect with others doing this work:

• Learning and the Brain - Hosts conferences that bring educators and researchers together to explore how neuroscience can inform teaching.
• ResearchED – A global movement focused on making education research more accessible and useful for classroom teachers.
• Learning Forward - An organization dedicated to advancing professional learning that leads to student success.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato sits down with Karen Stinson, Program Coordinator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education at Radford University. They discuss the urgent need for more teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and explore why teacher supply is not meeting the growing demand. Karen shares insights from her work at Radford, the challenges of preparing future educators, and how schools can better support DHH students. Listen in to learn how you can make a difference in Deaf education and discover opportunities to get involved.

Interested in Becoming a Teacher of the Deaf?

Karen Stinson encourages anyone considering a career in Deaf education to reach out directly for guidance and support. Feel free to contact her at [email protected].

Explore the Radford Deaf Education Program

Radford University’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teaching Program prepares educators to meet the unique needs of DHH students. Learn more about coursework, certification pathways, and how to start your journey.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by educator, author, and consultant Kwame Sarfo-Mensah to talk about honoring student identity in everyday teaching. Drawing from his new book Learning to Relearn, Kwame shares personal stories and practical strategies around identity, decentering, and collective action. He and Wendy discuss how cultural awareness, reflection, and empathy can shape stronger student-teacher relationships. Listen in for ways to build trust, center student voices, and create classrooms where every learner feels they belong.

Explore the Book Learning to Relearn

Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom is Kwame Sarfo-Mensah’s latest release for educators who want to center student identity and reflect on their own role in the classroom. The book offers questions and stories that challenge educators to reexamine old habits and stay rooted in what students actually need.

Visit Learning2Relearn.com to download chapter previews, find discussion guides, and access tools that help you bring the book into your teaching practice.

Bring Identity Work Into Your School or District

Kwame founded Identity Talk Consulting, a group offering workshops, coaching, and speaking engagements focused on affirming student identity, building strong teacher habits, and supporting educators as they grow in the classroom.

Multilingual learners are the fastest-growing student group in the U.S., and their success depends on how well schools support language development alongside grade-level instruction. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Katherine Hamilton, Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, to share how educators can better support these students—whether they’re new to the country or born in the U.S. but still developing academic English. Katherine draws from classroom experience and district-level partnerships to break down key instructional strategies, the power of student talk, and what meaningful walkthroughs look like. She also shares the importance of aligning classroom practices with school and district priorities to keep support focused and manageable.

Learn More About Ensemble Learning

Ensemble Learning is a nonprofit that partners with schools, districts, and state agencies to support equity for multilingual learners. Their work includes professional learning, coaching, and systems-level alignment to ensure that students learning English receive the instruction and support they need to thrive.

Professional Learning with Teaching Channel

Looking to strengthen your support for multilingual learners? Teaching Channel’s graduate-level courses offer practical strategies to help educators create welcoming, language-rich classrooms for newcomer students.

5308: Empowering Multilingual Newcomers with Language and SEL Support

Learn how to create a Newcomer Kit, build a family resource guide, and plan meaningful opportunities for language development using multi-cue and comprehensible input approaches. The course also addresses ways to support newcomer students with learning disabilities.

How Can Storytelling Transform Learning?

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes performance artist and storyteller Liza Newell to explore the power of storytelling in education. Liza shares how fairy tales, folklore, and personal narratives can create meaningful connections, inspire curiosity, and help students navigate complex ideas. Together, they discuss how teachers can use storytelling techniques—like vocal expression, body language, and pacing—to engage students and make lessons more impactful. Listen in to discover how storytelling can foster empathy, build confidence, and create lasting learning experiences in the classroom.

Storytelling: A Tool for Engagement, Imagination, and Connection in the Classroom

Liza Newell provides a resource highlighting the essential components of compelling storytelling and how educators can use story structure, character development, and performance techniques to enrich student learning. Educators can explore practical strategies for using storytelling in the classroom by accessing Liza Newell’s guide, Storytelling: A Tool for Engagement, Imagination, and Connection in the Classroom.

Learn More About Liza’s Work

Explore Liza Newell’s performances, workshops, and creative projects by visiting her website: Learn more about Liza’s performances, workshops, and creative projects by visiting her website.

Educator Question Prompts for Story Responses

Use these question prompts developed by Liza Newell and Dr. Wendy Amato to encourage students to reflect on and connect with the stories they hear, fostering meaningful discussions in the classroom.

The Apple Seed Podcast

Discover a collection of rich and diverse stories on The Apple Seed Podcast, a show dedicated to sharing tales that inspire and entertain. This podcast is a great resource for educators looking to bring engaging narratives into their classrooms. Educators looking to bring engaging narratives into their classrooms can explore the collection of rich and diverse stories featured on The Apple Seed Podcast.

International Storytelling Festival YouTube Channel

Explore stories from around the world with the International Storytelling Festival's YouTube channel. This collection of performances from renowned storytellers provides a global perspective on the art of storytelling and can be a valuable resource for classroom learning. Teachers and students can explore stories from around the world through the performances available on the International Storytelling Center YouTube Channel.

What if strong parent engagement was the key to happier teachers and more successful students?

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by education consultant, coach, and speaker Peyten Williams to explore how schools can foster meaningful partnerships with parents. Peyten shares why parent education shouldn’t stop after orientation and how ongoing communication and support can make a real difference for students. From strengthening communication to facilitating supportive school communities, Peyten and Wendy discuss practical ways schools can connect with families, improve conversations, and build a stronger school community for students, teachers, and parents alike.

Food for Thought Parent Discussions

Join Food for Thought, a weekly Zoom session hosted by Peyten Williams and Becky McKnight, a former school administrator. These free discussions cover common parenting concerns, including friendships, technology, and discipline. Watch past recordings on Peyten’s YouTube Channel.

Bowbend Consulting Best Practices for Parent Engagement Events

Peyten Williams developed the Best Practices Checklist for Parent Engagement Events to help schools improve parent participation. This resource includes:

• Grouping parents by grade level for more relevant discussions.
• Converting lectures into podcasts or recorded videos for flexible access.
• Scheduling events at convenient times, such as after drop-off or before pick-up. By using these strategies, schools can create events that encourage meaningful engagement.

Professional Learning with Teaching Channel

Looking to boost your teaching skills and advance your career? Teaching Channel’s graduate-level courses are designed to help educators build strong partnerships with families and enhance student success.

5844: Engaging Parents for Student Success

This course explores effective ways to foster parent, caregiver, and community engagement. Learn how to strengthen family-school relationships, encourage participation, and improve communication between teachers and families to create a more supportive learning environment.

Subscribe to Teaching Channel Talks on your favorite podcast platform for more insights, resources, and professional learning opportunities.

Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Contact us at [email protected]

How can a single image spark rich mathematical discussions?

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Sarah Larison from Northwestern to explore Multiplicity, a platform designed to transform math instruction through rich images and meaningful discussions. Sarah shares how this innovative approach, born during the pandemic, continues to engage students and empower teachers by making math more accessible and collaborative. Learn how Multiplicity fosters deep mathematical thinking, supports multilingual learners, and builds teacher confidence—one image at a time.

Explore the tools and resources mentioned in the episode to enhance math instruction in your classroom:

Get Started with Multiplicity. Engage students in meaningful mathematical discussions using carefully curated images and inquiry-based tasks. Multiplicity provides a low-floor, high-ceiling approach that encourages flexible thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Try discussing Multiplicity at your next PLC meeting and collaborate with colleagues to curate images that align with key math concepts in your curriculum!

• New to the platform? Follow this step-by-step guide to select tasks, facilitate discussions, and integrate Multiplicity into your instruction with confidence.

Advance Your Math Instruction with Teaching Channel: Looking to boost your teaching skills and advance your salary? Teaching Channel’s 3-credit math courses are designed to help educators grow professionally while making a greater impact in their classrooms.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, guest host Keely Keller steps in for Dr. Wendy Amato to explore the critical topic of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) with Dr. Stephanie Stollar, an expert in reading science and educational frameworks. Stephanie highlights the essential role of effective Tier 1 instruction in improving literacy outcomes and aligning with the science of reading.

The conversation dives into evidence-based practices for universal instruction, emphasizing the importance of addressing diverse student needs through data-informed decision-making, small-group instruction, and early interventions. Stephanie also sheds light on the barriers educators face, such as limited resources, data literacy challenges, and entrenched practices, while offering actionable strategies to overcome them.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Keely Keller and Dr. Stephanie Stollar discuss how the science of reading and data-informed decision-making can help educators create equitable and effective literacy instruction for all students. To support and expand on the ideas discussed in the episode, Stephanie has shared several invaluable resources to help educators take actionable steps toward improving literacy outcomes in their schools:

Reading Science Academy

Founded by Stephanie Stollar, the Reading Science Academy focuses on advancing literacy education through evidence-based practices and professional development. Explore resources and training opportunities to enhance your teaching and improve student literacy outcomes.

MTSS Implementation Guide

This guide, created by Stephanie Stollar, provides a structured framework for schools and districts implementing multi-tiered systems of support. It offers strategies for collaborative problem-solving, tiered instruction, and professional learning to improve student outcomes.

Fundamentals of Reading Assessment

Gain insights into the four key purposes of assessment within MTSS: screening, diagnostics, progress monitoring, and outcome evaluation. This resource outlines how to use assessments effectively to identify and address student needs.

Looking to advance your skills and knowledge in teaching literacy? Teaching Channel's graduate-level courses offer research-based strategies to help you grow as an educator while impacting your students' success.

Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks for an inspiring conversation with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, President of Mrs. Wordsmith. Discover how Mrs. Wordsmith is revolutionizing literacy education with tools like Word Tag and Readdiculous, blending explicit instruction with gamified learning. Brandon shares his passion for addressing the literacy crisis, unpacking the impact of reading proficiency on health, economic success, and personal growth. Learn how innovative solutions and bold strategies can empower educators and families to close literacy gaps and create brighter futures for all students.

In this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato speaks with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez about the critical state of literacy in the United States. They discuss the importance of explicit instruction, phonics-based learning, and innovative tools that educators can use to bridge literacy gaps.

Explore the tools and resources mentioned in the episode to support literacy in your classroom or at home:

• Word Tag: Boost vocabulary skills with this engaging game that combines spaced repetition and game-based learning. Ideal for classroom and at-home use, Word Tag has been shown to increase vocabulary scores by 43% in just one month. Learn more and try it free for three months!
• Readiculous: Strengthen foundational reading skills with this Science of Reading-backed phonics game. With just 10 minutes of gameplay daily, Readiculous helps young learners master phonemes and sight words in a fun and interactive way. Discover more and claim your free trial!

Looking to boost your teaching skills and advance your salary? Teaching Channel’s graduate-level courses are designed to help educators grow professionally while making a greater impact in their classrooms.

• 5274: Explicit Writing Instruction with the Science of Reading in Mind: This course offers actionable strategies to align your writing instruction with the Science of Reading. It’s perfect for educators who want to enhance their teaching practices while working toward career advancement.

Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this impactful episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she speaks with Dr. Luke Berryman, founder of The Ninth Candle, an organization dedicated to transforming Holocaust education. Discover how Dr. Berryman's unique background in classical music and the history of Nazi Germany inspired him to create educational programs that challenge misconceptions and foster critical thinking.

In this episode, Dr. Berryman discusses:

• The Ninth Candle’s inquiry-based approach to teaching the Holocaust.
• Misconceptions about Jewish resistance and the myth of Nazi infallibility.
• How The Ninth's Candle's customized holocaust education programs help educators meet the unique needs of their schools and communities.

Gain insights into how we can move beyond storytelling to empower our students with tools for critical analysis and historical context. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or simply passionate about education, this episode offers valuable perspectives on combating antisemitism and fostering deeper understanding.

In this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato and Dr. Luke Berryman explore how educators can reshape Holocaust education to empower students and combat antisemitism. To build on this conversation and incorporate these insights into your teaching, explore the following resources:

Here’s the complete show notes section with everything integrated:

Connect with The Ninth Candle

The Ninth Candle offers customized Holocaust education programs designed to foster critical thinking, challenge misconceptions, and promote historical inquiry. Learn more about their work by visiting, The Ninth Candle Programs, or reach out to their team ([email protected]) to develop a customized program that equips students with the tools to critically analyze historical documents and gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its lessons for today.

Connect with The Ninth Candle on : Facebook | Instagram | X | LinkedIn

Discover Resisting Nazism by Dr. Luke Berryman

The question that’s asked most often on The Ninth Candle's programs is, "Why didn’t more people resist Nazism?" Luke's years of discussing the answer inspired him to write Resisting Nazism.

Ever since it began, Nazism has faced resistance from people of all faiths, nationalities, and political affiliations—but many of them have been forgotten. Like the German artists who risked their lives by drawing caricatures of the Nazis in the 1920s, or the man who infiltrated the SS to try and expose the Holocaust in the 1940s, or the women who uncovered former Nazis as part of a groundbreaking documentary in the 1970s. The list goes on.

Resisting Nazism will be the first book to connect such stories, creating a vivid picture of resistance to far-right extremism across the generations. It's built on deep research, and on interviews with the people involved, their families, and their colleagues, and with academic experts. It will be published by Rowman & Littlefield before the end of 2026.