Jeannette Milburn, 6th grade teacher in Maryland, joins this episode to talk about how she uses “Math Labs” for both intervention and extension with students. Jeannette shares how she uses pre-requisite data and information about future units to decide student groupings. This information helps her support the students that need extra instruction, as well as students that need something more challenging. She wraps up by explaining what teachers can do if they want to start their own Math Lab, including where to start and places to go for resources. 

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Nellie Pagan, Vice Principal in New York, joins this episode to talk about how she has used vertical teams to strengthen close reading techniques across all grade bands. Nellie shares how a new three-day close reading protocol was planned, and what each day looks like for students, teachers, and administrators. She closes out by explaining what she looks for when deciding on a new literacy program for the school – ranging all the way from data to teacher feedback.

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Presley Seal, teacher in Mississippi joins this episode to discuss engaging students, building relationships, and forming a classroom community with her first graders.  She explains the importance of having a foundation of trust, and provides ways she gets to know her students. From attending out-of-school events, to singing with her students, Presley shares what makes her community special!

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Monica Maxey, Special Educator at Summersville Grade School in Illinois, joins this episode to talk about mindfulness in her classroom.  Monica dives into how she uses mindfulness, yoga, and bilateral stimulation with her students, especially during transitional times. She explains how she uses music to cue the transition, and how her students can now name the strategies she uses in her classroom.

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Dr. Janie Brown, teacher in Mississippi joins this episode to discuss tech in the math classroom.  She speaks about using i-Ready with middle schoolers, and how to include the interactive piece to the introduction lesson. Dr. Brown also shares best practices around engaging students and how to encourage discussion between students.

• Building community in the math classroom resources and tips
• Prerequisite report reference sheet
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David Cisneros, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, joins this episode to discuss goal setting as we head back into the swing of things in the new year. He discusses revisiting goal setting and how to motivate, instruct, monitor, and intervene with students. He stresses the importance of checking in with students, and communicating goals with students. David also explains how you can make learning a team effort and celebrate both progress and completion of goals.

• i-Ready Resources:
  • Goal setting guidance
  • Class data trackers
  • Collaborative Learning Extension: Goal Setting
  • Data Chats
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Georgianna Castellano, teacher in Florida joins this episode to discuss engaging students. Georgianna shares best practices for getting to know your students and connect with them to build relationships. 

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Jillian D. Johnson, teacher at Andover Elementary School in Florida, joins this episode to talk about making her dreams become a reality! Jillian has always been interested in STEM, and she's been able to create a STEM room and program for the students at her school. Jillian discusses why it has been successful, how she got buy-in from her community, and how she secured funding. She closes out by answering a question about becoming a teacher leader.

• Jillian's Instagram
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Megan Geise, second grade teacher in Pennsylvania, joins Danielle and Sari to discuss building relationships with students. This has always been a top priority to Megan throughout her twenty two years of teaching. Megan talks about small actions that can go a long way such as mailing letters to students, speaking with students one-on-one, and really getting to know her students on a personal level. Megan also shares a system she uses in her classroom called "Morning Bins," and how this helps her establish a positive classroom community and build trust with her students. She closes out by reiterating the importance of phone calls home.

• Megan's Instagram
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Brianna Lugibihl, fifth grade teacher in Ohio, joins this episode to talk about how challenging this year has been, and how her students are allowing her to become a better teacher just like a diamond under pressure. Brianna shares how she is now a mentor, and why this has forced her to develop a true growth mindset. Brianna also discusses imposter syndrome, and how she continues to battle this daily. She closes out answering a question about showing up for ourselves before we show up for others.

• Brianna's Instagram
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