Ever wonder what actually helps teachers, not just more training or tools, but real support?

In this episode of Building Thinkers, I’m joined by Alton Riggins to dig into what really matters when it comes to supporting teachers and creating meaningful learning experiences for all students. We talk about how schools and leaders often overcomplicate instructional design and professional development, and what it looks like to strip it back to what actually works in the classroom.

Alton shares how he empowers teachers to try new strategies, take risks, and feel supported, not judged, in the process. Whether it’s co-planning, modeling lessons, or just showing up consistently, he’s all about building trust and creating space for growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Books

Pedagogy, Policy and the Privatized City| Kristen L. Buras

Worth Striking For: Why Education Policy Is Every Teacher's Concern |  Isabel Nuñez, Gregory Michie, Pamela Konkol

The Autobiography of Red | Anne Carson

Favorite Ed-Tech Tools

Formative | Formative Assessment

Blooket | Review Games

Gimkit | Live Learning Game Show

Connect with Alton:

Twitter: @AltonSocrates

LinkedIn: Alton Riggins

More About Building Thinkers: 

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.