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Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that has the potential to transform the way students learn in high school classrooms: cooperative learning. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to engage students, improve peer relationships, and foster deeper understanding of the material, cooperative learning is a strategy worth mastering. It’s not just about having students work in groups; it’s about structuring those groups in ways that maximize learning, collaboration, and accountability.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• Johnson, David W., and Roger T. Johnson – "Cooperation and Competition: Theory and Research": A comprehensive guide to cooperative learning theory.
• Kagan Cooperative Learning – Structures for Success: www.kaganonline.com - Tools and resources for implementing cooperative learning structures.
• Edutopia – Cooperative Learning Resources: www.edutopia.org - Articles and videos on cooperative learning strategies.
• Teaching Channel – Cooperative Learning Techniques: www.teachingchannel.org - Videos showcasing cooperative learning in action.
• National Education Association – Collaboration in the Classroom: www.nea.org - Resources for fostering collaboration and cooperative learning in schools.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

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Welcome to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re tackling an incredibly important topic—one that impacts countless students in classrooms across the world: identifying and supporting learning disabilities. 

As educators, it’s not just our job to teach, it’s also our responsibility to notice when students are struggling and figure out why. In many cases, those struggles may be rooted in a learning disability that, once identified, can open the door to a whole new world of support and success for the student.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources: 

• Learning Disabilities Association of America: www.ldanatl.org - A comprehensive resource for understanding learning disabilities and finding support.
• Understood – For Learning and Attention Issues: www.understood.org - Resources for parents and teachers of students with learning disabilities and attention issues.
• National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD): www.ncld.org - Advocacy, resources, and information on learning disabilities.
• Edutopia – Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities: www.edutopia.org - Articles and strategies for teachers working with students with learning disabilities.
• The International Dyslexia Association (IDA): www.dyslexiaida.org - Information, support, and resources for understanding and addressing dyslexia.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

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Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that has become more relevant than ever in our modern, technology-driven world: teaching digital citizenship. 

As educators, we’re not only responsible for teaching our students math, science, and language arts—we’re also responsible for preparing them to navigate the digital landscape safely, responsibly, and ethically. 

From social media to online research, students are interacting with the digital world daily, and it’s crucial that they understand how to do so in a way that is respectful and informed.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• Common Sense Education – Digital Citizenship Curriculum: www.commonsense.org/education - A comprehensive guide to teaching digital citizenship at all grade levels.
• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Students: www.iste.org - Guidelines and resources for teaching technology skills and digital citizenship.
• Edutopia – Digital Citizenship Resources: www.edutopia.org - Articles, lesson plans, and strategies for teaching digital citizenship.
• NetSmartz – Online Safety Education: www.netsmartz.org - Resources for online safety, including videos, activities, and lesson plans.
• Digital Citizenship Institute: www.digitalcitizenshipinstitute.com - A platform dedicated to promoting and teaching digital citizenship in schools and communities.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

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Welcome to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re exploring a topic that’s central to student success but often overlooked or taken for granted: parent-teacher communication.

It’s no secret that when teachers and parents are on the same page, students tend to thrive. But effective communication doesn’t just happen on its own—it requires effort, empathy, and clear strategies.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• "Building Parent-Teacher Partnerships" by Sue Watson: A guide to fostering strong communication between parents and teachers.
• Edutopia – Parent-Teacher Communication: www.edutopia.org - Articles and resources on effective parent-teacher communication strategies.
• Teaching Channel – Communication Tools for Teachers: www.teachingchannel.org - Videos and tools for engaging with parents.
• Parent Teacher Association (PTA) – Strengthening Parent-Teacher Communication: www.pta.org - Tips and tools for building effective communication.
• Understood – Resources for Parents of Students with Learning Disabilities: www.understood.org - A resource for parents to navigate school communication and advocacy.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

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Welcome to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I'm your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving deep into one of the most crucial aspects of teaching—student engagement.
 
Let’s face it, no matter how well you plan your lessons or how important the content is, if your students aren’t engaged, real learning doesn’t happen. Student engagement is the key that unlocks curiosity, motivation, and active participation. It’s the driving force behind meaningful learning and academic success.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• Danielson, Charlotte – "Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching": A valuable resource on building student engagement and effective instruction.
• Edutopia – Student Engagement: www.edutopia.org - Articles and strategies on boosting student engagement across grade levels.
• ASCD – Strategies for Student Engagement: www.ascd.org - Professional development resources for fostering engagement.
• Teaching Channel – Engaging Students in the Classroom: www.teachingchannel.org - Videos and tools to enhance engagement.
• The Growth Mindset Coach by Annie Brock and Heather Hundley: A guide to fostering a growth mindset and keeping students engaged in their learning.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

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Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I'm your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that lies at the very heart of a thriving educational environment: fostering a positive school climate. Every educator knows that the atmosphere within a school can significantly impact both teaching and learning.
 
When the school climate is positive, students feel safe, respected, and engaged; teachers feel supported and empowered; and parents feel connected and involved. Creating such an environment doesn’t happen overnight—it requires intention, commitment, and continuous effort from all members of the school community.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) – SEL Resources: www.casel.org - Comprehensive resources for integrating social-emotional learning into the classroom.
• Edutopia – Positive School Climate Strategies: www.edutopia.org - Articles, videos, and strategies for fostering a positive school environment.
• National School Climate Center – School Climate Resources: www.schoolclimate.org - Tools and resources for assessing and improving school climate.
• ASCD – Building a Positive School Culture and Climate: www.ascd.org - Professional development resources on school climate.
• Teaching Tolerance – Fostering a Positive School Climate: www.tolerance.org - Resources for promoting inclusivity, empathy, and respect in schools.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

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Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re delving into a topic that is close to the heart of many educators and parents: Special Education Best Practices. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that understands and nurtures their unique abilities. 

As teachers, it's our job to make sure that every student, regardless of their challenges, receives the support they need to succeed. 

Today, we'll explore the most effective strategies for supporting students with special needs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. We'll discuss how to create an inclusive classroom environment, implement individualized instruction, and use a variety of tools and techniques to reach every learner. 

And for our parent listeners, we’ll wrap up with a special bonus segment addressing a common question about how to best support their child's learning journey at home.

So, whether you're a seasoned special education teacher, a general education teacher with students who have special needs, or a parent looking for ways to advocate for your child, this episode is for you. Let's dive right in.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources below:

• Tomlinson, Carol Ann – "The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners": A guide to differentiated instruction.
• Edutopia – Special Education Resources: www.edutopia.org - Articles, videos, and resources on special education best practices.
• The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) – Professional Standards and Resources: www.cec.sped.org - Resources for educators working with students with disabilities.
• Understood – Resources for Special Education: www.understood.org - A resource for parents and educators to support students with learning and attention issues.
• Teaching Channel – Special Education Strategies: www.teachingchannel.org - Tools and strategies for inclusive education.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

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Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I'm your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving deep into a topic that is incredibly relevant and vital for educators everywhere—trauma-informed teaching, particularly in the high school setting.
 
The truth is, many of our students come to us carrying experiences and emotions that we can't always see or understand. Trauma can manifest in so many ways—through behavior, academic struggles, or even silence. And while we may not be able to change the experiences they’ve faced, we do have the power to create a classroom environment where they feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• Souers, Kristin and Hall, Pete – "Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom": A guide to understanding and implementing trauma-informed practices.
• Edutopia – Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies: www.edutopia.org - Articles and videos on trauma-informed practices for educators.
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – Educator Resources: www.nctsn.org - Resources on understanding and supporting students affected by trauma.
• Teaching Tolerance – Trauma-Informed Teaching: www.tolerance.org - Tools and strategies for building a trauma-sensitive classroom.
• ASCD – Trauma-Sensitive Schools Resources: www.ascd.org - Professional development resources for educators on trauma-informed teaching.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

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Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I'm your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that has become increasingly vital in the modern classroom: the effective use of technology tools. 

As educators, we know that technology has transformed how we teach and how our students learn. But with so many tools, apps, and platforms available, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what works best.

How to implement them effectively, and, most importantly, how to use them in a way that truly enhances learning rather than just adding another layer of complexity.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• Richardson, Will – "Why School? How Education Must Change When Learning and Information Are Everywhere": A thought-provoking read on the role of technology in modern education.
• Edutopia – Technology Integration in the Classroom: www.edutopia.org - Articles and resources on best practices for using technology in education.
• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards: www.iste.org - Guidelines and resources for effective technology integration.
• Common Sense Education – Digital Citizenship and Safety: www.commonsense.org/education - Resources for teaching responsible and safe technology use.
• Teaching Channel – Technology Tools and Strategies: www.teachingchannel.org - Videos and articles on using technology to enhance learning.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

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This is a video about A "9-11 Remembrance Ceremony Open Letter to the State Board of Educations" And my willingness to create a program at all high schools across the United States. 

We will never forget! 

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!