Teaching Channel Talks

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.

Are we equipping students with the skills they need to succeed beyond the classroom?

Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she sits down with Lindsey Dixon, the Vice President of Product and Innovation at NAF. Lindsey shares how NAF, a national nonprofit leader in career readiness education, leverages technology to extend its mission to high schools nationwide. Learn about the innovative KnoPro platform, designed to provide students with real career opportunities and the importance of passion-based and project-based learning. Lindsey also dispels myths about career and technical education and underscores the value of holistic educational models. Discover how NAF evolves to ensure all students have access to future-ready skills and opportunities.

In this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato and Lindsey Dixon explore the essential elements of preparing students for future-ready careers. To build on this conversation and bring these practices into your school or classroom, take advantage of these valuable resources:

KnoPro connects students with real-world projects and industry mentors to develop career-ready skills. Download their Work-Based Learning Platform Overview to see how you can offer hands-on, meaningful experiences for your students.

For nearly 45 years, NAF has pioneered immersive, career-focused teaching. Their flexible programming, curriculum resources, and public-private partnerships help ensure students graduate with the skills, networks, and confidence to succeed.

Is your school preparing students for the challenges of the future? Download this resource on How to Know If Your Students Are Truly Future Ready to evaluate your curriculum, student experiences, and program design.

How can we introduce social justice topics to young learners in a meaningful way? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato sits down with Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder of Little Justice Leaders, to discuss the importance of teaching social justice at the elementary level. Discover how Little Justice Leaders’ curated educational boxes empower teachers and parents to guide children in understanding diversity, inclusion, and other significant themes. As she reflects on her own journey, Dr. Kretz explains how early exposure to justice paves the way for impactful, lifelong change in communities.

In this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato and Dr. Shelby Kretz discuss how educators and parents can introduce social justice topics in ways that resonate with young children. To continue this journey and bring practical, impactful tools to your classroom, we encourage you to explore these valuable resources.

Start by diving into the Creating an Inclusive Classroom Culture Mini-Course. This course offers educators step-by-step guidance to create learning spaces where every student feels represented and valued.

Looking to enhance the diversity in your curriculum? Little Justice Leaders’ comprehensive Checklist to Deepen Classroom Representation can help you evaluate and broaden the materials and voices included in your lessons.

Make complex topics approachable for students with the “Explained for Kids” YouTube series. Designed to break down intricate social justice themes into kid-friendly explanations, this series supports teachers and parents in sparking meaningful discussions.

Finally, engage your students with hands-on learning by trying out 3 Activities to Teach Kids About Social Justice. These activities provide a fun, interactive way for children to explore important concepts while building empathy and understanding.

How can drama transform learning beyond the stage? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, our host Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Sam Marsden, drama instructor and author of Drama Games for Early Years, to explore drama as a powerful interdisciplinary tool for every classroom. Sam opens up about her personal journey with dyslexia and how drama helped her overcome learning challenges, while also explaining how it fosters safe spaces for authentic self-expression. Tune in to discover practical strategies to harness drama’s power to boost student engagement and confidence in your classroom!

Sam Marden has many resources for Teaching Drama to Empower Your Students, including her latest book, Drama Games for Early Years: (4-7 Years), mentioned in this episode. She has also written books on acting games for 8-18 year-olds, improv, and creative writing.

Even if yoou're not a drama instructor, these games can help your students express themselves and get out oof your comfort zone. Sam has provided a free sample from one of her books to get you started.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Trish Keiller, the CEO and Founder of Roots Education, for an insightful conversation on creating thriving school environments. Trish shares her unique experience blending academic and wellness strategies while focusing on empowering students and educators from the inside out through practical, daily wellness rituals. Learn Trish’s favorite tips for cultivating a thriving culture in schools and hear her perspective on growth mindset and language shifting for fostering a more positive and effective learning environment.

In this episode, Wendy asks about Roots Education. Visit the site to learn more about Trish’s Brain-Body Literacy programs, professional development opportunities, and workshops for teachers and school leaders.

You’ll also find free resources like this downloadable on Language Shifts for Educators mentioned in the episode.

Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics in education with Mark Atkinson, CEO of Mursion. Learn how Mursion's AI-powered simulation platform is revolutionizing teacher training by offering educators a safe space to practice under pressure, receive real-time coaching, and improve rapidly—without posing risks to real students. This discussion dives into how these simulations enhance teaching skills, support classroom management, and foster emotionally intelligent teaching practices.

Resources for Continued Learning

This conversation focuses on how early career teachers are using Mursion to enhance their teaching. If you’d like to learn more about how you or your district can harness the power of Mursion for teacher training, request a demo.

You can also download an overview of Mursion, to learn more about the impact of using simulations in training.

During this conversation, Mike and Wendy noted that a tool like Mursion can be a great pairing to using video in the classroom. Teaching Channel’s Empower Platform has the tools you need to get started using video for professional coaching and feedback.

Join Dr. Wendy Amato and Dr. Kaishan Kong, for an enriching conversation about the intricate relationship between language proficiency and cultural understanding. Episode 101 of Teaching Channel Talks focuses on the powerful impact of global virtual exchanges and introduces practical strategies for integrating cultural context into language education. Dr. Kong shares personal anecdotes, classroom strategies, and insights into navigating social justice in teaching, making this episode a must-watch for educators looking to cultivate intercultural competence in their students.

In this episode, Wendy and Dr. Kaishan Kong discuss Collaborative International Online Learning (COIL) as a key component of language learning. COIL fosters communication skills in both home and new languages through intentionally designed activities. To learn more, visit their website.

The episode also highlights the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), which supports the implementation of social-emotional learning programs in school districts while building support among parents and educators.

Resources for Continued Learning

For a deeper exploration of the intersection between language and culture, check out Dr. Kong’s book, Intercultural Citizenship in Language Education: Teaching and Learning Through Social Action. The book examines the framework of Intercultural Citizenship across various US teaching contexts.

Wendy also asks Dr. Kong about her article, Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones: Understanding and Integrating Social Justice in Chinese Language Class. Listeners can access the full journal and explore other articles Dr. Kong has contributed to that relate to the topics in this episode.

Additionally, Dr. Kong shares insights about the virtual exchange program her students participate in. She has provided a comprehensive description and outline of this project for listeners to explore further.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Dr. Angela Goodloe, President-elect of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP). This conversation focuses on Dr. Goodloe's extensive involvement with KDP and the organization’s commitment to inclusive education while highlighting the importance of critical thinking, teacher accountability, and educator support. Dr. Goodloe also shares practical advice for new teachers, emphasizing the value of listening, self-reflection, and cultural sensitivity.

Dr. Goodloe has contributed to several articles and journals on the topics discussed in this episode. Explore the links below to learn more about KDP and Dr. Goodloe's work involving diversity, cultural responsiveness, and ethics in education.

• Teacher Candidates Using Annotated Technology Foster Cultural Responsiveness and Ethics
• The “Awakening Dragon”: Addressing Policies and Procedures
• Emergent Themes from the 2020 KDP Diversity Summit: Teacher Educators’ Awareness of Factors That Support and Retain Prospective Teachers of Color

In this episode, Angela and Wendy talk about the use of AI for instructional support. The K12 Hub has several resources for you to explore more on this topic:

• Teaching Channel Talks Episode 70: Why is ChatGPT Intimidating Educators? (w/Shouvik Paul)
• 50 ChatGPT Prompts for Teachers
• 65 AI Prompts for Lesson Planning

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, our host Dr. Wendy Amato discusses the importance of literacy and reading with Robin Rubenstein, Director of Curriculum and Implementation at K12 Coalition. This conversation centers around K12 Coalition's Red Thread literacy curriculum, a K-8 program designed to integrate the science of reading into everyday instruction and to address gaps in existing literacy education materials. In this discussion, Robin and Wendy cover the foundational components of the Red Thread program, the creation process of decodable texts, the significance of explicit instruction in reading strategies, and the ongoing professional learning support provided to educators.

Resources for Continued Learning

This episode focuses on K12 Coalition's RedThread literacy program, a holistic reading program that's redefining literacy education. Learn more about how you can bring RedThread to your school.

K12 Coalition is offering a free resources so you can try our the RedThread literacy program in your classroom including a sample lesson plan, student workbook, and decodable book. Download your free samples of the RedThread Foundations Curriculum and experience the difference firsthand!

During the episode, Robin and Wendy reference an NYU study on the RedThread Foundations program. You can read the full comparative study on the RedThread website