Schoolutions: Recent Episodes
Olivia Wahl
A podcast to inspire and connect PreK-12 educators, administrators, caregivers and community members as they identify and share solutions for issues they are facing in public education. Host Olivia Wahl, a veteran teacher and educational consultant, interviews those who are in the trenches, asking them to share their experiences—their trials as well as successes. You'll gain ideas for where to begin as you tackle similar challenges, next steps and what to expect along the way. Most importantly, you will be reminded of what keeps us motivated when the public education system feels broken and how we can reframe educational problems as inquiries, finding hope with others.
In this S5E13 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I unpack 3 game-changing insights from my conversation with attachment expert @attachmentnerd that will transform your approach to classroom behavior, student engagement, and inclusive teaching.
🧠 THE NERVOUS SYSTEM TRUTH: Learn why students laugh during serious lessons (hint: it's not about disrespect) and how this understanding changes everything about classroom behavior, student motivation, and effective teaching strategies.
📓 THE REACTION JOURNAL METHOD: Discover an innovative teaching approach that builds genuine empathy without forcing it - perfect for culturally responsive teaching, student participation, and creating inclusive classrooms where every child can process difficult content authentically.
🐕 THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER GREETING: This simple daily practice literally rewires brains for security and transforms student success, active learning, and attention in class. It's the ultimate pro-kid mindset shift for thriving students.
Whether you're managing low engagement, seeking education strategies for inspiring students, or working on school improvement through better home-school connection, these instructional strategies will revolutionize your teaching impact.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR EDUCATORS & CAREGIVERS:
✅ Why "reach before teach" is the foundation of student motivation and whole child development
✅ The critical difference between confidence and arrogance in empowered educators and students
✅ How to decode challenging behaviors as communication (essential for new teachers, teacher coaching, and instructional coaching)
✅ Simple strategies for parent communication and family partnerships that support education at home
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, school counselors, and anyone committed to anti-bias teaching and equity in education.
This episode provides practical instructional leadership insights, coaching strategies, and professional development ideas that support school culture transformation and education transformation at every level.
📧 Email me your biggest takeaway: solutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎧 Listen to the full interview with Eli Harwood: [Link to S5E13]
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction: When Kids Act Out During Serious Lessons
1:02 The Nervous System Response Behind "Inappropriate" Laughter
3:14 The Reaction Journal Method for Building Authentic Empathy
4:45 The Golden Retriever Greeting That Changes Everything
6:38 Confidence vs Arrogance: What We're Really Building
8:12 "Reach Before You Teach" - The Carpenter's Son Story
9:45 Every Behavior is Communication
10:24 Weekend Challenge & Practical Applications
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E13 @schoolutionspodcast interview here (https://youtu.be/PdSf9T4zmQg)
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E13 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, join me with attachment expert Eli Harwood ("The Attachment Nerd") as she revolutionizes our understanding of student behavior, classroom belonging, and student engagement. Discover why nervous laughter isn't defiance - it's a cry for help with emotional regulation.
In this transformative episode, you'll learn:
• Why "You're fine" might be damaging student success [33:00]
• The critical difference between confidence and arrogance in inclusive classrooms [8:00]
• How to transform low engagement through pro-kid mindset approaches
• Revolutionary strategies for student motivation and active learning
• The neuroscience behind classroom behavior and attention in class
Key Insights for Education Transformation:
✓ Innovative teaching method: "Reach before you teach" - the foundation of student participation
✓ How to create classroom belonging when students laugh at inappropriate times
✓ Instructional strategies that address tool deficiency, not heart deficiency
✓ Why 80% of brain development happens by age 3 - and what it means for teaching tips
Featured Teaching Strategies:
• One-down curiosity technique for inspiring students [29:00]
• Reaction journals for culturally responsive teaching [21:00]
• Enthusiastic greeting rituals for school culture improvement [33:30]
• Effective teaching approaches for whole child development
Resources Mentioned:
• Book: Raising Securely Attached Kids
• Website: attachmentnerd.com
• Research: Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation
Chapters
0:00 Introduction: When Students Laugh at Tragedy
1:00 Meet Attachment Expert Eli Harwood
2:00 Research Foundation: Mary Ainsworth & Attachment
5:36 "We Before Me": Understanding Development
7:00 The 80% Brain Development Milestone
8:00 Confidence vs. Arrogance Explained
10:00 The Problem with Praise-Based Feedback
13:00 Real Story: Connecting with Disengaged Students
14:14 "Reach Before You Teach" Philosophy
15:16 Why Students Laugh at Inappropriate Times
17:00 How to Respond to Nervous Laughter
19:00 Understanding Bullying Behavior
21:00 Creating Reaction Journals
22:00 Tool Deficient vs. Heart Deficient
23:00 Structure vs. Suffocation in Teaching
26:00 Setting Clear Expectations
28:00 Allowing Students to Fail Safely
29:00 One-Down Curiosity Technique
32:00 Lightning Round: Stop Saying "You're Fine"
33:30 Enthusiastic Greeting Ritual
35:00 The Secure Parent Program
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
SecurelyAttachedKids #AttachmentNerd #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E12 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I unpack three game-changing education strategies from my conversation with Gravity Goldberg that will revolutionize your classroom behavior and student motivation.
🧠 What if everything you've been taught about student engagement and student fatigue is WRONG?
Discover why the glazed eyes and fidgeting you see 15 minutes into independent reading isn't real exhaustion—it's anticipated fatigue.
🎯 THREE BREAKTHROUGH STRATEGIES YOU'LL LEARN:
• The Two-Thirds Rule: Why visible timers sabotage student participation and attention in class
• Movement as Memory: How students retain 76% MORE information through active learning
• Intentional Gestures: Transform low engagement into focused learning with simple hand signals
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction: Rethinking Student Fatigue
1:00 The Two-Thirds Rule Discovery
3:00 Strategy #1: Remove Visible Timers
4:00 Strategy #2: Movement as Memory (76% Better Retention)
5:00 Creating Embodied Memories
6:00 Strategy #3: Intentional Gestures
8:00 Bodies as Learning Pathways
9:00 Monday Implementation Challenge
💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR IMPLEMENTATION:
✓ Remove visible timers for better student engagement and sustained attention in class
✓ Use manipulatives and movement for deeper lesson planning and instructional strategies
✓ Create gesture-based teaching tips that support anti-bias teaching and thriving students
📑 VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 Rethinking Everything About Student Fatigue
0:45 Introduction to Three Game-Changing Strategies
1:00 The Two-Thirds Rule: Why Students Check Out
2:30 The Timer Problem: How We Sabotage Stamina
3:00 Strategy #1: Remove Visible Timers
3:30 Vary Duration Without Announcing
4:00 Strategy #2: Movement as Memory (76% Retention Boost)
4:30 How Actors Learn: Blocking as Memory
5:00 Creating Embodied Memories in Your Classroom
5:30 Age-Appropriate Movement Applications
6:00 Strategy #3: Intentional Gesture System
6:30 Creating Your Gesture Vocabulary
7:00 Student-Created Gestures for Ownership
7:30 Bodies as Learning Pathways, Not Obstacles
8:00 Recognizing Natural Movement Learners
8:30 Movement as Rigorous, Sophisticated Work
9:00 Monday Implementation Challenge
9:30 Choose Your Strategy and Transform Your Classroom
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E12 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies interview here (https://youtu.be/4-mosH0raZg)
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
BrainBodyConnection #StudentEngagement #ClassroomBehavior #ActiveLearning #TeacherCoaching #InstructionalStrategies #EducationTransformation #InclusiveTeaching #StudentMotivation #TeachingTips #MovementBasedLearning #WholeChild #EffectiveTeaching #SchoolImprovement #ProKidMindset #EmpoweredEducators
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E12 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, literacy expert and author Gravity Goldberg reveals game-changing strategies backed by 25 years of teaching experience. Discover the revolutionary research that explains why student exhaustion isn't about tired brains—it's about expectations.
🎯 KEY INSIGHTS:
✅Students retain 76% MORE information when movement is integrated into learning
✅The "two-thirds rule" explains why students get tired—and how to prevent it
✅Simple gestures can boost memory, engagement, and comprehension across all grade levels
✅Why sitting still actually SABOTAGES student memory and focus
✨ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
💡How to use movement to boost comprehension by over 50%
💡The actor's secret to memorization (and how it applies to your classroom)
💡Pre-test warmup strategies based on student anxiety levels
💡Why timers might be sabotaging your students' stamina
💡Simple manipulatives that transform understanding across content areas
Some Episode Mentions:
- Ellen Langer - Key Study: Eye exam reversal study (starting with small print vs. large print changed prescriptions)
- Arthur Glenberg - Key Study: Reading comprehension with manipulatives vs. rereading (50%+ improvement)
- The Noices - Researchers studying actor memorization techniques
- The Body-Brain Connection: Evidence-Based Ways to Reduce Anxiety, Boost Engagement, and Increase Comprehension Across Classrooms
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction: The Fatigue Paradox
1:00 Movement IS the Learning
2:00 Meet Gravity Goldberg
3:00 Ellen Langer's Eye Exam Study
4:00 The Two-Thirds Rule Explained
5:00 Gravity's Running Discovery
6:00 Mental Fatigue vs Physical Fatigue
8:00 Why Timers Might Be Sabotaging Stamina
9:00 The Broken Clock Advantage
10:00 What's Really Happening During Mental Fatigue
12:00 Stamina vs Willpower
13:00 The 76% Memory Boost from Movement
14:00 The Actor's Secret: Blocking and Memory Tags
16:00 Big Movement to Small Visualization
17:00 Walking with Perspective Exercise
18:00 Reading Comprehension and Facial Expressions
19:00 Envisioning Strategies for Parents
21:00 Decoding with Multisensory Approaches
22:00 Fluency and Physical Tracking
24:00 High-Impact Strategy: Intentional Gesture
25:00 Why Gesture Beats Talking Heads
27:00 The Manipulative Study: 50% Better Comprehension
29:00 What a Body-Brain Classroom Looks Like
31:00 Trust and Student Autonomy
33:00 Play Meets Rigor
34:00 Lightning Round Begins
35:00 Pre-Test Body Strategy Warmups
36:00 The Homework Position Secret
38:00 Gravity's Personal Discovery
39:00 Ending the Body-Brain Dualism
41:00 Closing Challenge and Resources
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E11 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I unpack game-changing insights from math expert Mona Iehl about why student engagement and student motivation actually INCREASE when we give kids harder problems. This counterintuitive approach transforms classroom behavior and builds true classroom belonging through mathematical struggle.
💡 What You'll Discover:
- Why rescuing kids from struggle hurts their mathematical identity
- The 2 magic phrases that revolutionize student participation and attention in class
- How to plan a week of transformative math lessons in ONE prep period
- Why wrong answers are actually windows into understanding
- The simple shift from math as performance to math as conversation
🌟 Key Takeaways:
This episode challenges traditional instructional strategies and offers practical education strategies for creating inclusive classrooms where every child discovers they ARE a math person. Learn how active learning through productive struggle creates thriving students and inspired teaching.
📚 Resources Mentioned:
- Word Problem Workshop by Mona Iehl
📖 CHAPTERS:
0:00 Why We're Hurting Kids By Helping Too Much
1:30 The Math Identity Crisis in Our Classrooms
3:00 Choosing Problems That Challenge Your Top Students
4:00 John Dewey: Learning Through Reflection
4:30 The Forecasting Guide Secret
5:30 Math Narration at Home
6:30 When Kids Rise to Hard Problems
7:00 From Silent Pencils to Mathematical Discourse
8:00 The Two Magic Phrases
9:00 Math as Conversation, Not Performance
10:00 Your Monday Morning Challenge
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E11 interview here (https://youtu.be/HO0l_eyKZPw)
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and
💬SHARE with fellow educators!
MathWorkshop #ProductiveStruggle #MathIdentity #TeachingStrategies #ElementaryMath #GrowthMindset #MathEducation #ActiveLearning #StudentEngagement #InclusiveTeaching #TeacherTips #InstructionalCoaching #EducationPodcast #MathAnxiety #ProblemSolving #WholeChild #EffectiveTeaching #SchoolImprovement #ParentInvolvement #InspiredTeaching #ThrivingStudents #EducationTransformation #ProKidMindset #TeacherSupport #MathDiscourse
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E11 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, elementary educator and math coach Mona Iehl shares her transformative 5-step Word Problem Workshop method that's revolutionizing how students engage with mathematics. From "I'm not a math person" to confident problem solver—this conversation will change how you think about teaching math.
🎯 What You'll Learn:
- The 5 steps to creating a classroom of problem solvers (Launch, Grapple, Share, Discuss, Reflect)
- How to plan an entire week of word problems in ONE prep period
- Why student-centered methods foster student engagement and student motivation better than traditional approaches
- The forecasting guide that transforms lesson planning and instructional strategies
- How to choose problems that challenge WITHOUT overwhelming
- Building positive math identities through classroom belonging and student participation
This isn't just about math—it's about effective teaching that builds the whole child through culturally responsive teaching and equity in education.
Resources Mentioned:
📚 Word Problem Workshop by Mona Iehl
📚 Five Practices for Orchestrating Mathematical Discussions by Peg Smith
📚 Adding It Up - Five Strands of Mathematical Proficiency
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction & Preview
2:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction
3:00 Book Reveal: Word Problem Workshop
4:00 Research Foundation: Peg Smith & Five Practices
5:47 Math Identities & Personal Journey
7:00 Project-Based Learning vs. Traditional Math
8:00 Traditional Word Problems vs. Word Problem Workshop
10:00 Student-Centered Learning & Building Confidence
11:00 Five Strands of Mathematical Proficiency
12:00 Conceptual Understanding in Practice
13:00 Strategic Competence & Adaptive Reasoning
15:00 Community-Based Learning Approach
16:00 Step 1: Launch - Packing the Backpack
16:37 Step 2: Grapple - Independent Problem Solving
17:00 The Joy of Figuring It Out
18:00 Step 3: Share - Making Thinking Visible
18:30 Step 4: Discuss - Facilitating Discourse
19:00 Step 5: Reflect - John Dewey's Wisdom
20:00 The Power of Reflection (Nuthall's 20% Research)
21:00 Teacher Roles in Word Problem Workshop
22:00 Getting Curious About Student Thinking
24:00 Teacher as Scribe During Sharing
25:00 Planning Magic: A Week in One Prep
26:00 Choosing Learning Goals & Problems
27:00 The Challenge Problem Philosophy
29:00 The Forecasting Guide Tool
30:00 Planning for All Learners
31:00 Collaborative Planning Time
33:00 Overcoming Fear: First Steps for Teachers
35:00 Administrator Support & Clear Focus
37:00 Supporting Math at Home: Caregiver Tips
38:00 Modeling Mathematical Thinking
39:00 Lightning Round: Math Misconceptions
40:00 Vision for Positive Math Identity Classrooms
42:00 Equitable Access & Confident Communities
43:00 Final Thoughts: Teachers as the Most Important
44:00 Closing & Call to Action
Connect with Mona:
🎙️ Math Chat Podcast
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E10 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I break down the Essential Standards Framework from Larry Ainsworth that completely transformed my teaching—and can transform yours too. Stop drowning in standards and start teaching what actually matters.
🎯 The Game-Changer: Research shows students who master 88% of standards perform BETTER on tests than those who skim through 100%. This episode gives you three actionable insights from my conversation with Larry that you can implement Monday morning.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How the 88% solution frees you from coverage panic and improves student success
✅ A breakthrough approach for special education that maintains rigor while ensuring access (7th-grade thinking with 3rd-grade texts!)
✅ How to transform performance tasks from extra work to THE work
✅ The R-E-A-L criteria framework to identify your own essential standards (even if your district hasn't done this work)
Key Topics Covered:
- Overcoming teacher test anxiety through focused instruction and lesson planning
- Using the R-E-A-L criteria: Readiness, Endurance, Assessment, Leverage
- Maintaining rigor for students with disabilities and multilingual learners through inclusive teaching
- Replacing traditional instruction with authentic performance tasks that drive student engagement and active learning
- Creating clarity for student success and thriving students
This isn't about lowering expectations—it's about raising achievement through innovative teaching and a pro-kid mindset. Stop covering content and start uncovering what your students truly need with these practical teaching tips and instructional coaching insights.
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: The Essential Standards Framework
1:00 - The 88% Solution: Why Less Coverage = Better Results
3:00 - Teacher Test Anxiety & the R-E-A-L Criteria Framework
5:00 - Monday Move: Identifying Your Essential Standards
6:00 - Game-Changer for Special Education & Multilingual Learners
7:00 - The Formula: Grade-Level Thinking with Accessible Texts
8:00 - Performance Tasks: Replacement Work, Not Extra Work
9:00 - Authentic Learning Examples (Instagram Profiles, Podcasts, Community Gardens)
10:00 - Your Practical Roadmap: Where to Start
12:00 - The Power of Clarity in Teaching
13:00 - Challenge: Use the REAL Criteria This Week
14:00 - Final Invitation & Closing Thoughts
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E10 @schoolutionspodcast interview here.
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
EssentialStandards #TeachingStrategies #EducationPodcast #TeacherLife #InstructionalCoaching #StudentEngagement #ActiveLearning #EffectiveTeaching #LessonPlanning #InnovativeTeaching #InclusiveTeaching #SpecialEducation #TeacherSupport #ProfessionalDevelopment #InstructionalLeadership #StudentSuccess #ThrivingStudents #EmpoweredEducators #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #EquityInEducation #InclusiveClassrooms #ProKidMindset #W
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E10 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, join me with Larry Ainsworth, the pioneer of essential standards work, where he reveals why focusing deeply on fewer standards leads to BETTER assessment results than frantically trying to cover everything. Yes, you read that right: 88% focused teaching outperforms 100% surface-level teaching.
What You'll Learn:
✅ The REAL criteria for identifying essential standards (Readiness, Endurance, Assessment, Leverage)
✅ How to support students with disabilities and multilingual learners with essential standards
✅ Why teachers MUST be involved in selecting essential standards (ownership matters!)
✅ How to scaffold instruction for students reading below grade level while maintaining grade-level expectations
✅ The connection between essential standards and project-based learning, classroom engagement, and student motivation
✅ Why Arizona is now weighting its state assessments toward essential standards
✅ How essential standards save time and guide effective teaching, lesson planning, and instructional strategies
Larry has guided educators for over two decades and helped countless schools create culturally responsive teaching environments with equity in education at the center.
Resources from Larry:
💫Inquiring Minds Want to Know: FAQs About Prioritizing Standards
💫Clarity Pathway
💫Integrating Teaching & Learning Newsletter & Books
💫Essential Standards: Pathway to Success for All Students Course
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Introduction: The Standards Struggle
0:41 - The 88% Solution: Focus Over Coverage
3:00 - Meet Larry Ainsworth: Pioneer of Essential Standards
5:00 - Defining Essential Standards: Power, Priority, or Essential?
9:00 - The 88% Question: Will Students Fail the Test?
14:00 - Supporting Students with Disabilities with Essential Standards
17:00 - Scaffolding Strategy: Meeting Students Where They Are
19:00 - The REAL Criteria: Readiness, Endurance, Assessment, Leverage
23:00 - Assessment and the State Testing Reality
25:00 - Project-Based Learning and Essential Standards
27:00 - This IS the Unit: Depth Over Breadth
28:00 - Focus Dispels the Illusion of Coverage
30:00 - The Administrator's Role: Coach, Cheerleader, Quarterback
33:00 - Lightning Round: Essential Standards vs. Backward Design
35:00 - State-Level Essential Standards: Good or Undermining?
37:00 - The Spectacular Failure: When Teachers Aren't Involved
39:00 - Final Takeaway: Essential Standards as the Foundation
41:00 - Closing: Resources and Next Steps
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E9 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I break down my conversation with Angela Stockman. Have you ever thought admitting "I don't know" would ruin your credibility as an educator? In this bonus episode, I share the vulnerable moment in 2006 when I believed saying those three words had sabotaged my career—and what actually happened next that transformed my entire teaching practice.
Building on my conversation with Angela about embracing uncertainty, this episode gives you three concrete moves to practice this week: how to pick ONE focal point to study all year, how to document observations without adding compliance burden, and how to share uncertainty in ways that build trust instead of destroying it.
What You'll Learn:
✅ Why performing certainty is ruining teacher credibility and causing burnout
✅ The three-move system for operationalizing uncertainty in your classroom
✅ How pedagogical documentation sustains your energy and curiosity
✅ Why "I don't know" gives students and colleagues permission to actually learn
✅ How to pair uncertainty with structure so it becomes productive, not paralyzing
This isn't about having all the answers—it's about having the courage to study what genuinely fascinates you about student learning. When we stop performing and start documenting, teaching transforms from survival mode to sustainable discovery.
Key Quote: "I don't have to be certain to be credible." - Angela Stockman
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction: The Power of "I Don't Know"
1:00 - My 2006 Career-Changing Moment
3:00 - When a Teacher Said "That's the Most Honest Thing I've Heard"
4:00 - How to Operationalize Uncertainty
5:00 - Move 1: Name One Thing You're Curious About
6:00 - Move 2: Replace "I Should Know" with "I'm Going to Study This"
7:00 - Move 3: Share Your Uncertainty with One Person
8:00 - The Unintended Gift: Documentation Sustains Your Energy
9:00 - Curiosity as the Antidote to Burnout
10:00 - Call to Action: Your Three Moves This Week
💫Check out linked episode mentions here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/episodes/18106285
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E9 @schoolutionspodcast interview here (https://youtu.be/8omXvWmAPl0)
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
TeachingStrategies #TeacherBurnout #PedagogicalDocumentation #EmbracingUncertainty #TeacherCredibility #ProfessionalDevelopment #InstructionalCoaching #EducationPodcast #TeachingStrategies #StudentEngagement #ClassroomCulture #TeacherSupport #NewTeachers #InnovativeTeaching #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #EmpoweredEducators #WholeChild #ProKidMindset #InclusiveTeaching #EquityInEducation #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #ActiveLearning #EffectiveTeaching #InstructionalStrategies #SchoolLeadership #TeacherMentors #CoachingStrategies #InspiredTeaching #StudentSuccess #ThrivingStudents #Schoolutions #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E9 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, join me with Angela Stockman to move beyond feeling overwhelmed with data, thanks to Angela's practical teaching tips that foster student-centered learning. Learn how to refine your classroom practices and assessment strategies for better outcomes. This video provides actionable insights for teachers by improving data analysis to inform teaching strategies.
If you've ever felt like you're drowning in data but starving for actual insights about student engagement and classroom behavior, this conversation with Angela will transform your approach to teaching.
💡 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
✓ Why documentation sustains your energy instead of draining it
✓ How to use tools like Otter.ai and Unruler for easy documentation
✓ The difference between compliance paperwork and pedagogical documentation
✓ How to get "under the hood" of quantitative data with student perspectives
✓ Why saying "I don't know" increases your credibility as an educator
✓ How to pick one focal point and document for a full year
✓ Ways documentation improves instructional strategies and student success
Episode Mentions:
💫The Writing Teacher's Guide to Pedagogical Documentation
💫Carla Rinaldi
💫Bill Cope
💫Mary Kalantzis
💫Nell Duke
💫Kelly Cartwright
💫John Hattie
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Introduction: Drowning in Data, Starving for Insights
1:00 - Meet Angela Stockman: 20+ Years of Documentation Research
2:00 - Welcome & Episode Overview
3:00 - Research Foundations: Carla Rinaldi & Reggio Emilia
5:00 - Why Documentation Matters Now More Than Ever
6:00 - Understanding Learning from Students' Perspectives
8:00 - Documentation as Sustaining Energy (Not Draining It)
9:00 - Compliance vs. Pedagogical Documentation
10:00 - Being a Teacher by Learning, Not Just Doing
11:00 - Too Much Data, Not Enough Savvy
12:00 - Getting Under the Hood of Quantitative Data
14:00 - Making Documentation a Routine, Not a Burden
16:00 - Practical Tools: Otter.ai & Speech-to-Text
18:00 - Creating a Documentation System That Works
20:00 - Sharing Documentation with Students & Families
23:00 - Documentation as a Love Language
25:00 - The Power of "I Don't Know" in Teaching
28:00 - Credibility Through Curiosity, Not Certainty
30:00 - When Students Teach Us More Than We Teach Them
32:00 - Messy Implementation & the Beginner's Mind
33:00 - Avoiding "Lift and Drop" Best Practices
34:00 - Lightning Round: Best Documentation Tools
35:00 - Biggest Mistakes in Documentation
36:00 - Advice: Pick ONE Focal Point for the Year
37:00 - Connect with Angela Stockman
38:00 - Final Thoughts & Call to Action
39:00 - Outro & Next Steps
📧 schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵Benjamin Wahl
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E8 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I break down my conversation with Patty McGee about revolutionary grammar instruction that replaces shame with curiosity and memorization with discovery. If you've been struggling with student engagement in grammar lessons or wondering how to make grammar instruction actually stick, this episode will transform your approach..
Stop teaching grammar the way we were taught—there's a better way that takes just 10 minutes a day.
What You'll Learn:
✨ Why treating grammar like math (with manipulatives and exploration) changes everything
✨ The power of "conversationally compatible" grammar partnerships for student participation and classroom belonging
✨ How to implement effective 10-minute daily grammar study sessions that boost student motivation
✨ Why we need to stop expecting mastery after one lesson (active learning strategies that actually work)
✨ How to replace grammar shame with student empowerment and student success
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, new teachers, mentor teachers, instructional leaders, school administrators, homeschoolers, and anyone passionate about effective teaching and inclusive teaching practices.
This approach supports culturally responsive teaching, equity in education, pro-kid mindset, and whole child education while improving classroom behavior, attention in class, and overall student engagement.
Chapters
0:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Grammar Revolution
1:00 - The Problem with Traditional Grammar Instruction
2:00 - Revelation #1: Treat Grammar Like Math, Not Memorization
4:00 - Grammar Manipulatives: Making Grammar Tangible
5:00 - Revelation #2: Conversationally Compatible Grammar Partners
7:00 - Rethinking Partnerships for Student Success
8:00 - Revelation #3: The 10-Minute Daily Grammar Study Method
9:00 - What 10 Minutes Actually Looks Like in Practice
10:00 - Your Monday Morning Challenge
11:00 - Replacing Shame with Curiosity in Grammar Learning
12:00 - The Gift of Discovery Over Memorization
13:00 - Final Thoughts: Grammar as Power, Not Rules
14:00 - Coming Up Next & Closing
💫Check out linked episode mentions here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/episodes/17989335
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E8 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies interview here.
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and💬SHARE with fellow educators!
TeachingStrategies #GrammarInstruction #StudentEngagement #EffectiveTeaching #TeacherTips #EducationPodcast #ClassroomBelonging #ActiveLearning #StudentMotivation #InstructionalCoaching #TeacherCoaching #NewTeachers #MentorTeachers #ProfessionalDevelopment #InnovativeTeaching #InclusiveTeaching #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EquityInEducation #ProKidMindset #WholeChild #StudentSuccess #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #SchoolLeadership #InstructionalLeadership #LessonPlanning #TeacherSupport
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E8 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, join me with literacy consultant Patty McGee as she reveals how 10-minute daily grammar studies can revolutionize student engagement and writing power. Transform grammar instruction from worksheet dread to engaged discovery!
📚 GET THE BOOK: Not Your Granny's Grammar by Patty McGee & Tim Donohue
In this episode, discover:
• Why traditional grammar worksheets fail and what actually works for student success
• The revolutionary 10-minute grammar study approach that builds thriving students
• How conversational partnerships transform student participation and active learning
• Evidence-based instructional strategies that make grammar meaningful
• Why grammar gives students power to affect change in their lives
🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Replace worksheets with hands-on grammar manipulatives
- Build conversationally compatible partnerships for student engagement
- Use inquiry-based learning over direct instruction alone
- Create grammar notebooks for authentic learning
- Implement surface, deep, and transfer learning phases
Episode Mentions:
💫Steve Graham & Karen Harris
💫Jeff Anderson: Mechanically Inclined
💫Whitney La Rocca
💫John Hattie
💫Dr. Rebecca Winthrop - Winthrop's World of Education
This innovative teaching approach addresses low engagement, transforms classroom behavior, and creates inclusive classrooms where every student thrives. Learn effective teaching strategies that honor the whole child while building essential communication skills.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Making Grammar Fun & Engaging
01:00 Why Traditional Grammar Instruction Fails
02:00 Meet Patty McGee: Transforming Grammar Education
03:00 The Research Behind Grammar Study
05:00 What's Wrong with "Granny's Grammar"?
07:00 Defining Grammar Study vs Traditional Instruction
09:00 The Power of Comparison in Learning
11:00 Teachers as Facilitators, Not Experts
13:00 The Explorer Mode: Student Agency in Learning
14:00 Immersion Phase: Surface Learning
16:00 Deep Learning: Hypothesis & Discovery
18:00 Play & Experimentation in Grammar
19:00 Grammar Notebooks: Capturing Student Thinking
21:00 Why Worksheets Don't Work
23:00 Grammar Learning Partners vs Peer Editing
25:00 Fitting Grammar Study into Your Day
27:00 Tackling Sentence Construction Challenges
29:00 Communicating with Parents About Grammar Study
31:00 Why Grammar Matters for Student Power
33:00 Resources & Video Tutorials Available
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E7 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I'm unpacking 3 game-changing insights from my conversation with Stuart Yates about his creation, My Sport Diary.
These ideas apply way beyond sports—we're transforming how we approach education, feedback, student engagement, and what we choose to remember. Because what if we're teaching kids to measure success by all the wrong things? We celebrate the A on the test, the trophy on the shelf—but what about the student who showed up even when struggling, asked for help, or cheered for teammates without playing time?
The 3 Mindset Shifts:
1️⃣ The Process is the Prize – Moving from outcome obsession to celebrating growth
2️⃣ Reflection Before Interrogation – Why students need processing time before feedback
3️⃣ Memory Keepers vs Record Keepers – Documenting what actually matters
What You'll Learn:
✅ How to apply John Hattie's feedback research in practical ways (student success, effective teaching)
✅ Why "the car ride home" conversation needs to change (parent communication, family partnerships, caregiver support)
✅ Innovative teaching strategies that boost student motivation, student participation, and active learning
✅ How to create a classroom culture that values process over outcome (classroom belonging, student engagement, inclusive teaching)
✅ Practical lesson planning tips for reflection-based learning (instructional strategies, teaching tips)
✅ Why documenting the "human stuff" transforms student discipline and classroom behavior
✅ How sports diaries translate to classroom success (whole child, thriving students, pro-kid mindset)
Key Takeaways:
→ Celebrate the process as much as the outcome with your students
→ Build in reflection time before feedback conversations (coaching strategies, teacher coaching)
→ Create memory keepers, not just record keepers
→ Focus on student empowerment over compliance (managing students, classroom control)
→ Document relationships, growth, and joy—not just grades (inspiring students, attention in class)
This isn't just about sports. It's about raising humans who can reflect on experiences, articulate what they need, take ownership of growth, find value in the journey, and build meaningful relationships.
Your Next Step:
Pick ONE area—your classroom, your team, or your family—and try ONE shift this week:
• Add a reflection question to your routine
• Build in 5 minutes of think time before discussions
• Start a "silly awards" or memory-keeping tradition
CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Introduction: Are We Celebrating the Wrong Things?
1:00 – The Problem with Outcome-Based Success
2:00 – Meet Stuart Yates & My Sport Diary
3:00 – The Quote That Changed Everything
4:00 – Mindset Shift #1: The Process is the Prize
5:00 – John Hattie's 3 Essential Feedback Questions
6:00 – Celebrating the "How" Not Just the "What"
7:00 – Mindset Shift #2: Reflection Before Interrogation
8:00 – The Car Ride Home Problem
9:00 – Why Students Need Processing Time
10:00 – Creating the Protective Bubble
11:00 – Mindset Shift #3: Memory Keepers vs Record Keepers
12:00 – What Are We Really Recording?
13:00 – Your Action Steps This Week
14:00 – Final Thoughts & Next Episode Preview
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E7 @schoolutionspodcast interview here (https://youtu.be/a7npy42tJw0)
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
StudentEngagement #Schoolutions #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E7 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, Stuart Yates, UK educator and creator of My Sport Diary, shares about creating an innovative tool that's getting students who are reluctant writers to actually ASK for more.
So, what happens when you combine a student's passion for sports with reflective writing? Magic.
Stuart shares how his background in science, his work with disengaged students, and his coaching across New England led him to create reflection journals that work both on the field and in the classroom. These diaries aren't just about sports—they're about student engagement, self-regulation, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey.
What You'll Learn:
✅ Why traditional feedback fails and how to make it recursive and student-driven
✅ Innovative teaching strategies that work with resistant students and low engagement
✅ How to bridge the gap between student motivation in sports and classroom behavior
✅ Practical lesson planning tips using reflection as a literacy tool
✅ Teaching tips for inclusive teaching and culturally responsive practices
✅ How to develop student agency, active learning, and student participation
✅ Effective teaching methods that support the whole child approach
✅ Professional learning insights for new teachers and mentor teachers
Stuart's work demonstrates true teacher impact—turning student agency challenges into opportunities for inspiring students, building classroom inspiration through self-reflection, and creating thriving students who are motivated from within.
This conversation explores school improvement, instructional leadership, and how one teacher's innovative approach is creating education transformation one diary entry at a time. It's about more than managing students—it's about student empowerment, inspiring teaching, and building a pro-kid mindset that celebrates every learner.
Episode Mentions & Resources:
🔗 Find the diaries
🔗 Connect with Stuart Yates
- Carol Dweck - Researcher (Growth Mindset)
- Dr. Steve Peters - Psychologist, author of The Chimp Paradox
- Steven Gerrard - Football player (worked with Steve Peters)
- Ronnie O'Sullivan - Snooker player (worked with Steve Peters)
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction to Stuart Yates & My Sports Diaries
1:04 Research Foundation: Carol Dweck & Steve Peters
3:31 The Spark: From Personal Struggle to Student Solution
5:26 John Hattie's Feedback Framework in Action
6:20 What's Inside a Sports Diary?
9:19 Re-engaging Students Who Struggle with Writing
12:09 Building Reflection Skills & Emotional Processing
14:06 Cross-Curricular Applications & Classroom Use
17:27 Student Agency: From Passive to Active Learners
19:24 Measurable Outcomes & Student Transformation
22:29 Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future
24:47 Available Sports Diaries & How to Access Them
26:04 Final Thoughts
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E6 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I reflect on my conversation with Dr. Rebecca Winthrop about the shocking truth: 75% of elementary kids love school, but by 10th grade, that drops to just 25%. But disengagement doesn't always look like you think—sometimes it's hiding behind perfect grades.
Is your straight-A student truly thriving, or just performing? This episode reveals the hidden crisis of high achiever burnout and how to raise resilient, curious learners. Discover why the valedictorian headed to Yale might be more fragile than the "problem child," and learn the simple 3-question framework that transforms you from a nagging manager into a guiding consultant your kids actually want to talk to.
What You'll Learn:
✅ The 4 student engagement modes: Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, & Explorer
✅ Why straight-A students often lack agency and may struggle with failure
✅ How "problem children" actually demonstrate hidden strengths
✅ The 3-question homework strategy that builds student agency
✅ Why asking about grades shuts down learning (and what to ask instead)
✅ How to help your child develop resilience before they hit a crisis
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, caregivers, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, school counselors, and anyone invested in whole child education and student success.
Featured Resource: The Disengaged Teen by Dr. Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson
Try this tonight: Instead of asking, "Did you do your homework?"
Try these 3 questions:
1. What do you have to do?
2. How long will it take?
3. When will you do it?
Then stick to bedtime anyway—let natural consequences teach the lesson.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: The Hidden Crisis of High Achievers
1:00 - The Shocking Statistic: 75% to 25% Drop in School Engagement
2:00 - Understanding the 4 Student Modes
3:00 - Passenger Mode: Straight A's But Checked Out
4:00 - The Achiever's Dark Side: Amina's Story
6:00 - When Perfect Students Shatter: The Yale Experience
7:00 - The Gift of Failure Therapy
8:00 - Resistor Mode: Why "Problem Kids" Have Hidden Strengths
9:00 - Agency: The Missing Ingredient in High Achievement
10:00 - College Orientation Reality Check
11:00 - Building Explorer Mode: The Goal for All Students
12:00 - The 3-Question Framework: Stop Nagging, Start Guiding
13:00 - Action Steps: What to Do Tonight
14:00 - Final Challenge & Next Steps
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E6 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies interview here (https://youtu.be/-UZuA0qZ7xY)
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
TheDisengagedTeen #Schoolutions #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies #StudentEngagement #ParentingTips #ClassroomManagement #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport #StudentMotivation #HighAchievers #StudentSuccess #EffectiveTeaching #ParentCoaching #TeacherCoaching #SchoolLeadership #WholechildEducation #GrowthMindset #StudentBehavior #TeachingStrategies #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationLeadership #InspiredTeaching #EmpoweredEducators
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E6 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, discover why 75% of elementary students love school but only 25% of 10th graders do—and what we can do about it. Dr. Rebecca Winthrop from the Brookings Institution joins me to unpack the hidden disengagement crisis affecting teens everywhere, including straight-A students who appear perfect on paper.
In this episode, Rebecca reveals the four critical modes of student engagement: Passenger Mode (physically present but mentally checked out), Achiever Mode (chasing perfection instead of learning), Resistor Mode (disruptive but showing hidden agency), and Explorer Mode (where curiosity meets drive). Learn why caregivers have equal power to teachers in motivating students and discover practical strategies you can use immediately.
Key Takeaways:
• Why disengagement nosedives in middle school and what's really behind it
• How to identify which engagement mode your child or student is in
• The surprising dark side of being a straight-A student
• Why taking away extracurriculars when grades slip backfires
• Specific questions to ask that spark deeper conversations
• How to break the procrastination-nagging cycle
• Why "failure therapy" matters more than perfect grades
About Dr. Rebecca Winthrop:
Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Co-author of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better with Jenny Anderson.
Resources Mentioned:
• The Disengaged Teen by Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson
• Winthrop's World of Education (LinkedIn newsletter)
• Center for Universal Education at Brookings
• Mode Assessment Cheat Sheets (available in the book)
Perfect For:
Teachers, education coaches, school administrators, caregivers, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, school counselors, and anyone invested in helping students thrive
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction: The Disengagement Crisis
1:00 Meet Dr. Rebecca Winthrop
3:00 The Heartbreaking Statistics
6:00 Why Kids Stop Loving School
9:00 The Four Modes of Engagement Explained
12:00 Passenger Mode: Coasting Through School
13:00 Achiever Mode: The Dark Side of Perfection
16:00 Resistor Mode: Hidden Agency
18:00 Explorer Mode: Where Curiosity Meets Drive
21:00 The Failure Therapy Story
25:00 Breaking the Procrastination-Nagging Loop
28:00 Deep vs. Broad Conversations
30:00 Technology as a Disengagement Enabler
33:00 Global Perspective on Disengagement
36:00 Rapid Fire Questions
38:00 Call to Action & Closing Thoughts
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
TheDisengagedTeen #RebeccaWinthrop #JennyAnderson #Schoolutions #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies #StudentEngagement #ClassroomManagement #TeacherTips #ParentingTeens #EducationStrategies #StudentMotivation #DisengagedTeens #TeacherCoaching
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E5 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I reflect on my conversation with David K. Richards—breaking down the three most powerful takeaways about microschools and education transformation and show you how to apply them RIGHT NOW, whether you're in a traditional classroom, homeschooling, or anywhere in between. What if entrepreneurial thinking isn't about starting a business—it's about reclaiming your agency as an educator?
Three Game-Changing Ideas:
✅ The Operating System is Broken - Why we need to stop "fixing" education and start rebooting it entirely
✅ From Compliance to Entrepreneurship - How to shift from "who will fix this?" to "what can I do right now?"
✅ Bringing Back Intimacy - Reclaiming deep knowledge of students in massive bureaucratic systems
You'll Learn:
- Why we can't ask kids to be autonomous when teachers have zero autonomy
- The parallel pedagogy disconnect stifling innovation in schools
- How to identify where you've been waiting for permission (and what to do instead)
- The smallest step you can take RIGHT NOW without asking anyone
Resources:
💫Summit Public Schools' advisory program (14 kids, 4 years):
🌐 Learn more: https://www.changemakereducation.com/
🎧 Changemaker ED "U" Podcast
Key Concepts:
- Parallel pedagogy and modeling for adults what we want for kids
- Education transformation through agency, not permission
- Instructional leadership and empowered educators
- Student success through intimate knowledge and whole child approach
- Effective teaching strategies within system constraints
- Parent communication and home-school connection
- Teacher coaching focused on autonomy and entrepreneurial thinking
- School improvement through small, excellent innovations
- Culturally responsive teaching and inclusive classrooms
- Pro-kid mindset over bureaucratic compliance
Innovation doesn't have to scale to 100% to matter. It just has to exist and be excellent. Stop waiting for permission. Start asking "what can I do right now?"
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction: Stop Waiting for Permission
1:00 - What We Covered with David K. Richards
2:00 - Welcome to Friday Bonus Episode
3:00 - Big Idea #1: The Operating System is Broken (Not Just "Problems")
4:00 - Montessori's Paradox: The Cognitive Dissonance
5:00 - Parallel Pedagogy: We Can't Ask Kids What We Don't Model
5:30 - Reflection: Where's the Disconnect in Your Sphere?
6:00 - Big Idea #2: From Educator to Entrepreneur
7:00 - The Shift from Compliance to Autonomy
8:00 - Entrepreneurial Thinking = Agency, Not Business
8:30 - Challenge: Identify Where You've Been Waiting for Permission
9:00 - Big Idea #3: Center the Families (Not the Politics)
10:00 - Bringing Back Intimate Knowledge of Students
11:00 - How to Create Smaller Communities Within Large Systems
11:30 - Advisory Programs: Small Innovations That Scale
12:00 - The Three Big Ideas (Recap)
12:30 - David's Vision: 5-10% as Laboratories of Innovation
13:00 - Innovation Doesn't Have to Scale to 100% to Matter
13:30 - Your Next Step: What Will You Do Monday?
14:00 - Email Challenge & Monday's Preview (Dr. Rebecca Winthrop)
14:30 - Final Invitation: Stop Waiting, Start Acting
15:00 - Closing & Resources
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E5 @schoolutionspodcast interview here.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E5 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, join me with David K. Richards, founder of Changemaker Education, as we explore how microschools are revolutionizing classroom belonging, student engagement, and teacher empowerment.
Is the traditional education system stifling your child's natural curiosity? Discover why efforts to improve schools might be missing the point, potentially diminishing students' creativity and motivation to study.
David shares his 25+ years of experience from the classroom to the boardroom, revealing why traditional education strategies aren't working and how microschools offer a breakthrough solution.
What if the secret to fixing education isn't more funding or technology, but completely reimagining how we teach?
What You'll Learn:
- 💡How to boost student engagement through self-directed, experiential learning
- 💡Effective teaching techniques for working with students in multi-age environments
- 💡Instructional strategies that inspire students and increase participation
- 💡How caregiver involvement and family partnerships transform education outcomes
- 💡Professional learning insights for teachers ready to embrace education transformation
- 💡School leadership approaches that create positive school culture and climate
Episode Mentions:
- ➡️Drive by Daniel Pink
- ➡️Reinventing Organizations: A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage in Human Consciousness by Frederic Laloux
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, caregivers, homeschoolers, and anyone passionate about student success and thriving students. David's journey from teaching Spanish to seventh graders to founding innovative schools demonstrates how empowered educators can create lasting teacher impact and school change.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction: The Problem with Traditional Education
1:00 David's Educational Journey: From Banking to Innovation
3:00 25 Years in Education: Classroom to Boardroom Experience
6:00 The Mountaintop Moment: Starting Over at 40
9:00 The Fundamental Flaw in Our Education System
12:00 A Day in a Micro School: Multi-Age Learning Revolution
16:00 From Standards to Passion-Based Learning
18:00 Teacher Transformation: Educator to Entrepreneur
21:00 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Educational Innovation
24:00 Disrupting with Love: Handling Resistance to Change
27:00 The Future Vision: Education in 2035
29:00 Conclusion and Resources
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Schoolutions #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies #EducationReform #MicroSchools #StudentEngagement #ChangemakerEducation #TeacherEmpowerment #EducationalInnovation #SelfDirectedLearning #ParentInvolvement #SchoolLeadership #TeacherCoaching #EducationStrategies
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E4 BONUS @schoolutionspodcast conversation, discover the breakthrough science behind why traditional sight word drilling fails and learn the 4-step process that actually builds reading fluency. If you're frustrated watching students struggle with the same words repeatedly, this episode reveals the missing piece that makes all the difference.
🧠 What You'll Learn:
💫Why 30,000-70,000 words are stored in your brain (without memorization!)
💫The shocking truth about 99% of "sight words"
💫How orthographic mapping creates reading highways in the brain
💫Dr. Molly Ness's proven 4-step process for word recognition
💫Why middle schoolers can't access science content (it's not comprehension!)
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, caregivers, homeschoolers, instructional leaders, and anyone supporting striving readers. This research-backed approach transforms how we think about reading instruction and student success.
🎯 Try the 4-step process tonight and email your results to: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
Subscribe for weekly evidence-based teaching strategies that work!
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: The Reading Mystery
1:00 - Why Traditional Methods Fail
2:00 - The Orthographic Mapping Breakthrough
3:00 - Real Classroom Example: The Word "Said"
4:00 - Dr. Molly's 4-Step Process Revealed
5:00 - The 99% Rule That Changes Everything
6:00 - Why Middle Schoolers Struggle
7:00 - Tonight's Challenge for Parents & Teachers
8:00 - Building Reading Highways
9:00 - Take Action & Share Your Results
💫Check out linked episode mentions here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/episodes/17908212
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E4 @schoolutionspodcast interview with here (https://youtu.be/QwDKde9sHJY)
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators! https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
ReadingInstruction #OrthographicMapping #SightWords #TeachingStrategies #ReadingScience #StruglingReaders #Phonics #LiteracyEducation #StudentSuccess #EffectiveTeaching #ClassroomStrategies #ParentSupport #EducationResearch #ReadingFluency #TeacherTips #HomeschoolReading #StudentEngagement #EducationTransformation #InstructionalCoaching #ReadingInterventions #Schoolutions #schoolutionsteachingstrategies #MakingWordsStick
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E4 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, Dr. Molly Ness challenges what you know about learning to read, sharing insights from her most recent book, co-authored with Dr. Katie Pace Miles, "Making Words Stick." Discover how brain science and the alphabetic principle reveal better teaching reading strategies and build stronger reading skills for kids.
You'll discover why 99% of "impossible" sight words actually follow phonetic rules and how orthographic mapping - not memorization - creates fluent readers. This episode is for teachers, education coaches, caregivers, homeschoolers, and anyone supporting developing readers.
🔥 KEY REVELATIONS:
💡 Why flashcard memorization fails (and what works instead)
💡The 4-step process that makes words "stick" permanently
💡How adult brains store 30,000-70,000 words instantly
💡The rubber band analogy that explains reading vs. spelling
💡Why middle school comprehension struggles start in elementary
Molly breaks down complex brain science into actionable teaching tips that work for new teachers, mentor teachers, and seasoned educators alike.
📚 Make sure to get Making Words Stick: A Four-Step Instructional Routine to Power Up Orthographic Mapping by Dr. Molly Ness & Dr. Katie Pace Miles so that you can implement the 4-step routine tomorrow.
People Mentioned:
- Dr. Linnea Ehri
- Dr. Jan Hasbrouck
- Mr. Dolch/Dr. Fry
- William Nagy
- Dr. Jan Wasowicz
Resources from Molly:
- Making Words Stick (pdf one-pager)
- Building Language Comprehension for Readers in Grades K-2
Chapters:
0:00 - The Flashcard Myth That's Hurting Kids
1:00 - Meet Dr. Molly Ness & "Making Words Stick"
3:00 - The Research Behind Orthographic Mapping
5:00 - Lanaya Ehri's Groundbreaking Discovery
8:00 - Least to Most Reliable Ways to Learn Words
11:00 - The Shocking Truth About Sight Words (99% Are Decodable!)
13:00 - Why Orthographic Mapping Never Stops
16:00 - High Frequency vs. Sight Words Explained
19:00 - The 4-Step Process: See & Say It
21:00 - Step 2: Segment & Spell It
23:00 - Step 3: Study & Suss It Out
25:00 - Step 4: Search & Stick It
27:00 - The Rubber Band Analogy: Reading vs. Spelling
29:00 - Helping Struggling Middle School Readers
33:00 - The Three-Legged Stool of Word Learning
35:00 - Take Action: Your Next Steps
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E3 BONUS Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, discover the game-changing difference between "marigold" and "walnut" teachers that transforms student success and school culture forever.
After 30 years in education, Sandy Halpin, a retired Teacher Center Director, reveals why some educators inspire thriving students while others create toxic environments. This isn't just about classroom management or student discipline—it's about collective efficacy, the research-backed strategy with a 1.57 effect size on student achievement.
What You'll Learn:
💫How to identify marigold teachers who enhance school culture vs. walnut teachers who poison it
💫Why collective efficacy beats traditional behavior strategies and classroom control methods
💫Practical tips for new teachers to find mentor teachers and build professional support
💫How effective teaching transforms when educators embrace collaborative leadership
💫 Student engagement secrets that turn low engagement into active learning
💫Why this approach works better than typical education strategies and lesson planning
Whether you're seeking teacher coaching support or looking to improve school leadership, this episode shows how the right mindset creates empowered educators and inspired teaching.
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, and anyone committed to student success and education transformation. No complex behavior strategies needed—just the power of choosing collaboration over competition.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction: The Teacher Types That Change Everything
1:00 Walnut vs Marigold Teachers Explained
2:00 The Power of Collective Efficacy (1.57 Effect Size!)
4:00 How to Identify Marigold Teachers in Your School
6:00 Becoming a Marigold Teacher Yourself
8:00 Building Collective Efficacy in Your School
10:00 Real Impact: When Students Feel the Difference
12:00 Your Challenge: Find and Be the Marigolds
🚀📚 Watch the full @schoolutionspodcast S5E3 episode with Sandy Halpin here.
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
MarigoldTeachers #CollectiveEfficacy #TeacherCoaching #StudentSuccess #SchoolCulture #EducationStrategies #NewTeachers #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeachingTips #EffectiveTeaching #ClassroomManagement #StudentEngagement #EmpoweredEducators #EducationTransformation #TeacherSupport #SchoolLeadership #InstructionalCoaching #MentorTeachers #ThrivingStudents #InspiredTeaching
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
This S5E3 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation with 30-year education veteran, Sandy Halpin, reveals the game-changing approach to professional learning that's revolutionizing teacher support and driving real student success.
Starting as a new teacher can be tough, even with formal teaching qualifications. Many educators feel unprepared, highlighting the need for effective professional learning in school life. This video shares a story about this common challenge and emphasizes the need for better teaching strategies that benefit both the student and the educator.
🎯 What You'll Discover:
💫The "evidence-required" model that transforms teaching tips into measurable classroom impact
💫Why most teacher coaching programs fail and how to fix them
💫The research-backed approach with a massive effect size on student engagement
💫How to support new teachers beyond traditional mentoring
💫Revolutionary strategies for instructional coaching that actually stick
📚 Perfect for: Teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, teacher mentors, school counselors, and anyone passionate about education transformation.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
✅ Professional learning should mirror effective teaching strategies
✅ Collective efficacy has the highest impact on student achievement
✅ Classroom management starts with a collaborative school culture
✅ Evidence-based instructional strategies require ongoing support
✅ Teacher impact multiplies when educators work together, not in isolation
Episode Mentions:
➡️Utica University
➡️John Hattie - Meta-analysis researcher focused on student learning impact
➡️Jenn David Lang - The Main Idea platform creator for educational book recommendations
➡️The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast
Join me and Sandy as we explore how to create professional learning that moves beyond checkbox compliance to genuine teacher growth and student empowerment. Learn the "marigold teacher" concept, discover why lesson planning alone isn't enough, and get actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
And join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction: The Professional Learning Crisis
1:00 Meet Sandy Halpin: 30 Years of Education Excellence
4:00 The Role of Teacher Centers in Professional Development
7:00 What New Teachers Need Most: Beyond Theory to Practice
11:00 Evidence-Required Professional Learning Model
15:00 How to Ensure Professional Learning Reaches Students
18:00 Curating Responsive Professional Development
20:00 When Professional Learning Goes Wrong: Lessons Learned
23:00 Magic Wand Question: Solving Education's Biggest Challenge
26:00 Critical Skills Teachers Need in the Next 5 Years
28:00 Collective Efficacy: The Highest Impact Strategy
30:00 Advice for New Teachers: Find the Marigolds
32:00 Professional Learning Myths Debunked
33:00 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
EducationPodcast #TeacherTips #InstructionalStrategies #SchoolLeadership #NewTeachers #EducationReform #TeacherGrowth #EffectiveTeaching #EducationStrategy #TeacherImpact #Schoolutions #schoolutionsteachingstrategies
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
This S5E2 BONUS Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation explores the sinking feeling of not knowing what to say when someone you care about is hurting. The video highlights how one picture book is teaching empathy to over 105,000 kids, providing tools for how to support others. Silence can feel like abandonment, but even small acts of communication can make a big difference for cancer patients.
Empathy isn't taught—it's caught. I reflect on my transformative conversation with Brett Fox (@Hopecam) and Suzanne Stone (@Livestrong) about their picture book "My Brave Friend" and reveal how we can proactively prepare children for emotional emergencies.
Discover three game-changing revelations: how 105,000 students learned empathy through real experience, why we need proactive versus reactive approaches to crisis support, and how isolation affects entire families—not just patients.
This episode will shift your perspective on classroom management, student engagement, and creating inclusive classrooms where every child learns to approach learning with courage. Make sure to watch the original S5E2 @schoolutionspodcast interview with Brett and Suzanne, including linked show notes.
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, caregivers, homeschoolers, and anyone committed to raising compassionate humans.
Learn practical teaching tips for building empathy, effective teaching strategies for emotional preparedness, and how to create a supportive school culture through challenging times.
Don't wait for crisis to strike—get "My Brave Friend" for your classroom or home library today and start these critical conversations now.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: When We Freeze in Crisis
1:00 - The Power of Connection: 105,000 More Empathetic Humans
2:00 - Welcome & Episode Overview
3:00 - Revelation #1: Teaching Empathy Without Knowing It
5:00 - Revelation #2: Proactive vs Reactive Mindset Shift
7:00 - Revelation #3: Isolation Affects Entire Families
9:00 - Three Action Steps You Can Take Right Now
11:00 - Final Thoughts: Courage & Showing Up
12:00 - Call to Action & Closing
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators! https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Hopecam #Livestrong #MyBraveFriend #Schoolutions #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies #EmpathyEducation #ClassroomManagement #StudentEngagement #InclusiveTeaching #TeacherSupport #WholeChild #EducationStrategies #ParentCommunication #SchoolCulture #TeacherCoaching #StudentMotivation #ProfessionalDevelopment #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #AntiBiasTeaching #ProKidMindset #StudentSuccess #ThrivingStudents #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #SchoolImprovement #FamilyPartnerships #HomeschoolSupport #EffectiveTeaching #InnovativeTeaching #CaregiverSupport #EducationAtHome #InstructionalStrategies
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S5E2 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, you'll hear from Brett Fox (Hopecam) and Suzanne Stone (Livestrong), who discovered a shocking gap in resources for teachers and parents dealing with childhood cancer. When a child in your classroom or community is diagnosed with cancer, do you know what to say?
Their collaboration resulted in My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together - the first picture book specifically designed to help K-2 students understand cancer in an age-appropriate, non-scary way.
You'll discover:
➡️Why 1 in 285 kids will face cancer and how it affects entire school communities
➡️The exact language to use when talking to young children about cancer
➡️How isolation impacts not just the child, but entire families
➡️Free resources available to teachers and parents right now
➡️The simple action that helps kids feel empowered to help their friends
This isn't just about cancer - it's about building empathy, community, and giving children tools to navigate difficult situations with courage and kindness.
Episode Mentions:
- Livestrong
- Livestrong at School
- Hopecam
- My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together
- September Initiatives (Childhood Cancer Awareness Month)
- Living with Scanxiety: Cancer Podcast - Hosted by Rosaria Kozar
Chapters:
- 0:00 - Introduction to Brett Fox and Suzanne Stone
- 2:00 - Community-Based Research Approach
- 4:30 - Discovering the Resource Gap
- 7:00 - Real Stories from the Classroom
- 12:00 - The Impact of Isolation on Families
- 17:00 - Age-Appropriate Cancer Education
- 22:00 - Taking Action: How Kids Can Help
- 26:00 - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Initiatives
Weekly Episode Release Schedule:
🔥 Guest Episodes: Every Monday
⭐ Highlight Reels: Every Wednesday
💡 Bonus Reflections: Every Friday
**Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔*SUBSCRIBE* for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
ChildhoodCancer #MyBraveFriend #Hopecam #Livestrong #ChildrensBooks #TeacherResources #CancerAwareness #ElementaryEducation #ParentingAdvice #CommunitySupport #SocialEmotionalLearning #BackToSchool #CancerEducation**
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Professor John Hattie's research reveals in this S5E1 BONUS Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation that teachers only see 20% of what actually happens in their classrooms. This episode breaks down the three daily impact questions that transform good teachers into expert teachers, plus the feedback strategy that's 80% more effective while requiring 80% less effort.
After 5 years of teaching, there's virtually NO correlation between experience and expertise. But here's what separates expert teachers from everyone else: they're professionally "nosy" about their students' learning.
What You'll Discover:
✅ The 3 daily questions expert teachers ask themselves
✅ Why "being nosy" is actually an act of love in teaching
✅ How to make your feedback dramatically more effective
✅ The truth about student engagement and why curiosity beats compliance
✅ Research-backed teaching tips that work immediately
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, and anyone committed to student success and teacher impact.
🎯 Key Topics Covered:
Effective teaching, instructional strategies, teacher coaching, professional development, student engagement, student motivation, classroom management, teaching tips, instructional coaching, teacher support, mentor teachers, education strategies, student success, thriving students, empowered educators, inspired teaching, education transformation, school improvement, instructional leadership, whole child approach, pro-kid mindset
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
➡️Original S5E1 interview with Professor John Hattie
➡️Three impact questions framework
➡️Feedback effectiveness research
Chapter Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction: The Uncomfortable Truth About Teaching Experience
1:00 - Why We Only See 20% of Our Teaching Impact
2:00 - What Does It Mean to Be "Professionally Nosy"?
3:00 - The Three Daily Impact Questions Expert Teachers Ask
4:00 - Reflection: Moving Beyond Surface-Level Teaching
5:00 - The Power of Evaluative Thinking in Education
6:00 - Real Expertise vs. Years of Experience
7:00 - The 80% of Classroom Impact We're Missing
8:00 - From Curiosity to Compliance: A Heartbreaking Story
9:00 - Why Students Need 5-7 Opportunities to Learn
10:00 - The Art of Effective Feedback: Less is More
11:00 - Checking Our Assumptions: Self-Confirmation Bias
12:00 - Why Learning Isn't Always Joyful (And That's OK)
13:00 - Teachers Deny Their Expertise (Here's Why That Matters)
14:00 - Challenge: Embrace Being Professionally Nosy
15:00 - Call to Action & Next Steps
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators! https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
JohnHattie #ExpertTeachers #TeachingTips #EducationStrategies #StudentEngagement #TeacherImpact #EffectiveTeaching #InstructionalStrategies #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherCoaching #StudentSuccess #ClassroomManagement #StudentMotivation #InstructionalCoaching #TeacherSupport #MentorTeachers #EducationTransformation #ThrivingStudents #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #SchoolImprovement #InstructionalLeadership
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎉 MASSIVE NEWS! I've just signed with Stenhouse Publishers to write my dream book, Forever Getting Better: Mastering the 5 Essential Moves of Expert Teachers!
This book will revolutionize how we think about impactful teaching, classroom management, and student engagement. Drawing from John Hattie's research and rooted in real classroom stories from PreK through 12th grade (across content areas), I'm sharing the five essential qualities that expert educators who cultivate thriving students have.
This isn't just another education book - it's a complete framework for teacher impact, featuring QR codes linking to Schoolutions podcast episodes, real classroom vignettes, and resources to connect you with a global community of empowered educators.
Whether you're a new or veteran teacher, an experienced instructional leader, a teacher mentor, a school counselor, a school administrator, a university-based teacher educator, a caregiver, a homeschooler, or an instructional coach working toward school improvement, this book will help you develop the crucial pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
Expected Release: Spring 2027! Join me on this journey of inspired teaching and education transformation! 🚀
Connect with our learning community on social @oliviawahlcoaching&consulting and Schoolutions podcast if you are:
💫Teachers, teacher mentors, school counselors, and instructional coaches in the field
💫Caregivers seeking family partnerships and support
💫School leadership focused on school culture and instructional leadership
💫University-based teacher educators nurturing future teachers
💫Anyone passionate about student success and equity in education
Chapters/Timestamps:
0:00 - HUGE Announcement: Book Deal with Stenhouse!
0:30 - Forever Getting Better (Book) - The Vision
1:15 - John Hattie's Research as the Foundation
2:00 - The Five Essential Moves Framework
2:45 - Real Classroom Stories (Pre-K to 12th Grade)
3:30 - QR Codes & @schoolutionspodcast Integration
4:00 - Spring 2027 Release Timeline
4:30 - Join Our Global Learning Community
ForeverGettingBetter #5EssentialMoves #ExpertTeachers #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies #Schoolutions #EducationNews #TeachingTips #ClassroomManagement #teachingtips #StudentEngagement #EffectiveTeaching #TeacherCoaching #ProfessionalLearning #SchoolLeadership #StudentMotivation #EducationStrategies #InspiredTeaching #StudentSuccess #EmpoweredEducators #SchoolImprovement #InclusiveTeaching #ProKidMindset #WholeChild #ThrivingStudents #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #InstructionalStrategies #TeacherSupport #NewTeachers #SchoolCulture #ParentCommunication #FamilyPartnerships #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EquityInEducation #AntibiasTeaching #InstructionalCoaching #educationleadership
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
S5E1 of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies begins with Professor John Hattie, renowned for his groundbreaking Visible Learning work. After analyzing 2,500+ studies with 200 million students, Professor John Hattie discovered something shocking: there's virtually no correlation between teaching experience and effectiveness after 5 years. So what separates expert teachers from the rest?
In this eye-opening conversation, Hattie reveals that expert teachers are "nosy" - obsessed with understanding not just IF students got the right answer, but HOW they're thinking. They constantly ask three essential questions (watch to learn more) that transform their impact on student learning.
Discover why one expert coach reduced feedback by 80% while making it 80% MORE effective, and learn the specific mindframes that turn good teachers into exceptional ones.
This isn't about adding more to your plate - it's about recognizing the expertise that's already within you and learning how to access it.
Key Takeaways:
✅The shocking truth about teaching experience vs. expertise
✅Why "nosy" teachers get better results
✅The 3 questions every expert teacher asks daily
✅How to make feedback 80% more effective with less effort
✅The mindframes that separate expert teachers from the rest
Episode Mentions:
- Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning
- Why are so many of our teachers and schools so successful? (video)
- John Hattie on Visible Learning and Feedback in the Classroom (video)
- National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
- Hattie’s 10 Mindframes
- Professor Graham Nuthall's Legacy
- Antonia Cameron - Joyful Learner Routines
- Daniel Willingham
- Kenneth R. Koedinger
- Jim Knight - The Instructional Playbook
Chapter Timestamps
0:00 Introduction: The "Magic" of Expert Teachers
3:00 Meet Professor John Hattie
5:00 What Makes a Teacher an Expert?
11:00 Experience vs. Expertise: The Shocking Truth
15:00 The Power of Being "Nosy" in Teaching
22:00 The Three Essential Impact Questions
25:00 Rethinking Feedback: Quality Over Quantity
32:00 The Student's Perspective on Feedback
35:00 Reducing Feedback by 80%, Increasing Effectiveness by 80%
38:00 The Danger of Praise in Learning
40:00 Supporting High-Achieving Students
42:00 Call to Action: Celebrating Teacher Expertise
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎓 Welcome to Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Season 5! September brings powerful insights from education experts who are transforming classrooms worldwide. This season will share practical advice, grounded in education research, for improving student and caregiver connections.
What You'll Discover:
➡️John Hattie reveals how expert teachers think differently - why curiosity beats credentials in effective teaching and instructional strategies that drive student success.
➡️Brett Fox & Suzanne Stone share their inspiring children's book My Brave Friend - a vital resource supporting students, caregivers, and educators navigating childhood cancer with culturally responsive teaching and whole child support.
➡️Sandy Halpin, retired Teacher Center Director, breaks down what works (and what doesn't) in designing districtwide professional learning opportunities and teacher coaching strategies.
➡️Dr. Molly Ness unveils her breakthrough book, Making Words Stick (co-authored with Dr. Katie Pace Miles), featuring a proven four-step orthographic mapping process for student engagement and active learning.
➡️David K. Richards illuminates the microschool revolution and innovative teaching approaches reshaping education.
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, caregivers, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, and school counselors seeking practical classroom management, behavior strategies, and teaching tips.
Chapters
0:00 - Welcome to Season 5
September kicks off our newest season of teaching strategies
0:12 - Episode 1 Preview: John Hattie
Expert teachers and the power of professional curiosity
0:25 - Episode 2 Preview: My Brave Friend
Brett Fox (Hopecam) and Suzanne Stone (Livestrong) on supporting children with cancer
0:38 - Episode 3 Preview: Professional Development
Sandy Halpin shares insights on effective district-wide learning
0:51 - Episode 4 Preview: Reading Science
Dr. Molly Ness returns with orthographic mapping strategies
1:04 - Episode 5 Preview: Microschools
David K. Richards on educational innovation, microschools, and school choice
1:17 - Season Invitation
Be part of the learning journey this September
📢 Season 5 Launches on September 1st!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
Schoolutions #TeachingStrategies #EducationPodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎓 Welcome to Season 5 of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies!🎓
Join me, Olivia Wahl, for the most dynamic season yet, focusing on teaching in the age of change. This season brings you innovative education strategies, effective teaching methods, and teaching tips from education researchers, master teachers, coaches, school administrators, and instructional leaders.
Perfect for new teachers building their toolkit, veteran educators seeking innovative teaching approaches, school leadership supporting their teams, caregivers and homeschoolers understanding learning experiences, and teacher mentors providing guidance.
What You'll Discover:
✅ Classroom management techniques for today's learners
✅ Student engagement and student motivation strategies
✅ Instructional strategies and lesson planning innovations
✅ Professional learning insights from teacher coaching experts
✅ Culturally responsive teaching and inclusive teaching methods
✅ Caregiver communication and family partnerships building
✅ School improvement and education transformation approaches
New Weekly Episodes Schedule 📅 Starting September 1st:
🔥 Guest Episodes: Every Monday
⭐ Highlight Reels: Every Wednesday
💡 Bonus Reflections: Every Friday
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Chapters
0:00 - Welcome & Season 5 Introduction
0:15 - Teaching in the Age of Change Theme
0:30 - Who You'll Hear From This Season
0:45 - Try-It-Tomorrow Strategies Preview
1:00 - Who This Season Is For
1:15 - New Episode Schedule & Call to Action
1:30 - Community & Closing Message
SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies #TeachingStrategies #EducationPodcast #TeacherTips #ClassroomManagement #StudentEngagement #TeacherCoaching #SchoolLeadership #ParentCommunication #InclusiveTeaching #ProfessionalLearning #EducationTransformation #TeacherSupport #InnovativeTeaching #StudentSuccess #TeachersOfYouTube #EducatorsUnite #BackToSchool #TeachingLife #ClassroomTips #EducationMatters #TeacherCommunity #LearningStrategies #TeachingPodcast #EducationLeadership
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Let's transform your classroom together into a learning powerhouse with these 3 strategic design pillars! In this final episode of my summer series, discover how your classroom layout becomes an invisible curriculum that either supports or sabotages student success every day. I'll share how to use classroom design ideas to aid student progress. This video also covers strategic pillars like traffic flow and classroom management.
What You'll Learn:
🏫 Pillar 1: Traffic Flow - Create a "highway system" with clear pathways for seamless movement and reduced disruptions
👥 Pillar 2: Collaborative Spaces - Design flexible zones that reconfigure in 20 seconds for maximum student engagement and active learning
♿ Pillar 3: Accessibility - Implement universal design principles for inclusive classrooms that work for every learner
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, new teachers, instructional leaders, and anyone focused on effective teaching strategies and classroom management. Whether you're dealing with disruptive students or looking to boost student motivation and participation, your physical space is a powerful tool for student success.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: Your Classroom's Invisible Curriculum
1:00 - Welcome to Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Summer Series
2:00 - The Restaurant Analogy: Why Layout Matters
3:00 - Pillar 1: Traffic Flow - Creating Your Highway System
4:00 - Pillar 2: Collaborative Spaces - Flexible Design for Learning
5:00 - The 20-Second Rule for Group Formation
6:00 - Pillar 3: Accessibility - Universal Design Principles
7:00 - Your Summer Layout Strategy: 4-Step Process
8:00 - Testing Your Layout: Traffic Light Test & More
9:00 - Next Steps: Sketch Your Vision
10:00 - Season 5 Preview & Wrap-up
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast 🎙️Season 5🎙️
New every week ➡️
✅Monday guest interviews
✅Wednesday guest highlight reels
✅Friday bonus episodes!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
ClassroomManagement #TeachingStrategies #ClassroomDesign #StudentEngagement #EducationTips #TeacherLife #ClassroomSetup #InclusiveEducation #TeacherCoaching #SchoolLeadership #EffectiveTeaching #ClassroomOrganization #LearningEnvironment #TeacherSupport #EducationTransformation #StudentSuccess #TeachingTips #ClassroomLayout #ProfessionalLearning #InstructionalStrategies
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Transform your 5 AM sick day panic into peaceful confidence with this foolproof emergency substitute plan system!
Are you tired of frantically texting lesson plans from your phone while running a fever? In this episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies, I'll show you how to create a comprehensive emergency sub plan system that works for any grade level or subject - even when you can't think clearly.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How to create self-contained activities that pass the "substitute success test"
✅ Three types of backup plans: Any Day, Subject Continuation, and Fun Friday plans
✅ Perfect substitute instructions that set subs up for success
✅ Organization systems for quick access when you're sick
✅ Summer action plan to prep everything before school starts
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, new teachers, mentor teachers, school administrators, and anyone involved in lesson planning and instructional strategies.
This practical teaching tip will save you hours of stress and help you maintain effective teaching even when you're absent. No more classroom management nightmares or worried thoughts about student engagement while you're home sick!
Time Investment: Just 3-4 hours this summer eliminates 5 AM panic forever!
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: The 5 AM Sick Day Panic
1:00 - Why You Need an Emergency Sub Plan System
2:00 - The Reality of Teacher Sick Days
3:00 - Welcome to Summer Series
4:00 - Step 1: Create Your Emergency Kit Foundation
5:00 - Step 2: Design Self-Contained Activities
6:00 - Elementary Activity Ideas
7:00 - Step 3: Create Perfect Sub Instructions
8:00 - Golden Rules for Sub Instructions
9:00 - Step 4: Organize for Quick Access
10:00 - Step 5: Your Summer Action Plan
11:00 - Wrap-up and Challenge
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
EmergencySubPlans #TeachingTips #ClassroomManagement #LessonPlanning #SubstituteTeacher #TeacherPrep #EducationStrategies #EffectiveTeaching #InstructionalStrategies #TeacherSupport #ProfessionalDevelopment #NewTeachers #TeacherCoaching #SchoolLeadership #StudentEngagement #ClassroomControl #TeacherImpact #EducationTransformation #InspiredTeaching #EmpoweredEducators #TeacherLife #BackToSchool #SummerPrep #TeachingHacks #EducationPodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Let's focus your professional learning into intentional strategies that improve teaching practice, turning scattered learning into focused classroom tips. This episode helps you be strategic about connecting your learning directly to your classroom. Discover effective teaching strategies and what it means to have continuous learning and teacher growth.
🎯 What You'll Learn:
• How to conduct an honest self-assessment of your teaching strengths and growth areas
• Strategic goal-setting with SMART criteria and measurable outcomes
• Implementation triggers that connect new learning to existing routines
• Timeline for sustainable professional development throughout the school year
• Accountability systems that ensure lasting classroom impact
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, teacher mentors, new teachers, and anyone committed to education transformation and teacher impact.
Whether you're focusing on classroom management, student engagement, instructional strategies, or culturally responsive teaching, this episode provides the roadmap for professional learning that creates real school change. Stop letting great workshop ideas gather dust – start building teaching practices that truly support student success!
Key Topics Covered:
✅ Self-assessment strategies for effective teaching
✅ Choosing 2-3 focused professional development areas
✅ Creating implementation plans with built-in accountability
✅ Collaborative learning approaches for sustained growth
✅ Connecting learning to classroom control, student motivation, and lesson planning
Ready to become one of those empowered educators who never stops growing?
This framework works for classroom behavior strategies, innovative teaching methods, inclusive teaching practices, and building that pro-kid mindset that transforms school culture.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Chapters
0:00 Introduction: From Scattered to Strategic Learning
1:00 The Problem with Random Professional Learning
2:00 Welcome to Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Summer Series
3:00 The Power of Intentional Summer Learning
4:00 Honest Self-Assessment Questions for Teachers
5:00 Popular Focus Areas: Curriculum, Environment, Assessment
6:00 Setting SMART Goals with Measurable Success Criteria
7:00 8-Week School Year Learning Timeline
8:00 Creating Implementation Triggers That Work
9:00 Building Accountability and Collaborative Learning
10:00 Progress Over Perfection: Your Growth Journey
11:00 Wrap-up and Next Steps
Free Resources:
💫Edutopia and Teaching Tolerance websites
💫Coursera and edX free education courses
💫YouTube channels like Cult of Pedagogy
💫Teacher blogs and podcasts
💫Your school or district's professional library
Low-Cost Options:
💫Professional learning networks on Twitter or Facebook
💫Local university extension courses
💫Education conferences (many offer virtual options)
💫Professional books from your library or used book stores
Investment Options:
💫Graduate courses for credit
💫National conferences and workshops
💫Coaching or mentoring programs
💫Subscription-based platforms like Teaching Channel
Don't Forget:
💫Colleagues who excel in your focus areas
💫Your instructional coach or mentor
💫Local education cooperatives
💫Community partnerships
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Streamline your school year with a digital teaching infrastructure organization! This episode shares practical teaching tips for how to declutter your digital files and create a command center that saves time. Learn file management techniques to keep your lesson plans and resources at your fingertips and boost teacher organization.
Transform your chaotic digital overwhelm into a streamlined command center that saves hours during the school year! In this episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Summer Series, I reveal the secret to building three interconnected systems that work together as your digital infrastructure.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How to create an organized file folder system that makes finding any teaching material take seconds instead of minutes
✅ Strategic email management techniques to keep your inbox empty at the end of each day
✅ Purposeful bookmark organization for instant access to your most-used resources
✅ The two-minute rule that transforms email chaos into clarity
✅ Weekly maintenance tips to prevent digital clutter from building up again
Perfect for: Teachers, education coaches, instructional leaders, new teachers, teacher mentors, and school administrators looking to improve their digital organization and teaching tips.
This practical, try-it-tomorrow approach to education strategies will help you spend your energy on effective teaching and lesson planning instead of searching for files. No more Sunday night scrambles looking for that perfect resource!
Summer Action Steps Included:
• Build your master folder structure (Teaching 2025-2026)
• Set up essential email folders with automated rules
• Organize bookmarks that mirror your real teaching needs
• Create maintenance routines that stick
Ready to build your digital command center? Grab your coffee, open your laptop, and let's get your digital house in order!
Chapters
0:00 Introduction - Welcome to Summer Series
1:00 The Problem - Digital Overwhelm & Chaos
2:00 Solutions Teaching Strategies Introduction
3:00 Foundation - Computer File Organization System
5:00 Email Management - Essential Folders & Rules
7:00 Bookmark Organization - Strategic Categories
9:00 Digital Command Center - How Systems Connect
10:00 Weekly Maintenance & Visual Organization
11:00 Three-Step Summer Challenge Recap
12:00 Wrap Up & Contact Information
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
TeachingTips #EducationStrategies #TeacherProductivity #ClassroomManagement #DigitalOrganization #TeacherLife #EffectiveTeaching #LessonPlanning #InstructionalStrategies #TeacherCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #NewTeachers #EducationCoaches #InstructionalLeaders #TeacherMentors #SchoolAdministrators #TeacherSupport #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #BackToSchoolPrep #SummerTeacherPrep #TeacherWorkflow #EducationalTechnology #TeacherEfficiency #SolutionsTeachingStrategies
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Discover a new way to approach student progress with streamlined data collection! In this episode, learn valuable teaching tips for creating a student data system that benefits both you and your students. This approach simplifies data visualization and enhances your instructional strategies.
Transform your classroom with a data tracking system that actually works! In this episode, I share my revolutionary "most-some-one" framework that will change how you approach student progress tracking forever.
🎯 What You'll Learn:
• The most-some-one framework for analyzing student needs in seconds
• How to focus on power standards instead of drowning in unused data
• The 30-second update rule that keeps you teaching, not tracking
• Building decision-making directly into your tracking systems
• Creating systems that drive immediate instructional action
This practical approach helps with student engagement, effective teaching, instructional strategies, and student success by giving you real-time insights into learning. Perfect for teachers, education coaches, instructional leaders, and anyone focused on student motivation and classroom management through data-driven decisions.
Whether you're planning lessons, forming groups, or supporting individual students, this system transforms how you use data to inspire students and create thriving classrooms. Ideal for new teachers, mentor teachers, and anyone committed to innovative teaching and education transformation.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction - Transform Your Data Tracking
1:00 The Most-Some-One Framework Explained
2:00 Why Current Systems Don't Work
3:00 Building Responsive Tracking Systems
4:00 What Data Actually Matters
5:00 Focus on Power Standards
6:00 Designing Systems That Fit Your Teaching Life
7:00 Digital vs Paper: What Works Best
8:00 Making Data Actionable
9:00 Color Coding for Immediate Decisions
10:00 Student Ownership of Progress
11:00 Summer Implementation Plan
12:00 Starting Simple and Staying Consistent
13:00 Wrap Up and Next Steps
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
StudentSuccess #EffectiveTeaching #DataTracking #ClassroomManagement #EducationStrategies #TeachingTips #StudentEngagement #InstructionalStrategies #TeacherCoaching #ProfessionalLearning #StudentMotivation #InnovativeTeaching #EducationTransformation #ThrivingStudents #EmpoweredEducators
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Imagine if all subjects connected around a single, engaging theme! This episode discusses the benefits of a thematic approach and integrated curriculum. By using a cross-curricular teaching method, you can boost student engagement and provide teaching strategies that make learning more meaningful.
Transform your teaching with cross-curricular integration! This episode reveals how to connect subjects naturally while reducing your planning burden and boosting student engagement.
🎯 What You'll Learn:
✅ How to conduct a standards audit to find natural subject connections
✅ Backward design techniques for authentic integration
✅ 3 proven strategies that work across all grade levels
✅ Step-by-step mapping process using anchor themes
✅ How to create meaningful assessments across subjects
Whether you're dealing with lesson planning challenges, looking to improve student motivation, or seeking effective teaching methods that inspire students, this episode provides practical instructional strategies you can implement immediately.
Perfect for: new teachers, mentor teachers, instructional coaches, homeschoolers, and anyone focused on student success and education transformation. These teaching tips will help you create inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive through connected learning experiences.
Ready to revolutionize your approach to lesson planning and student engagement? Hit play and discover how small intentional connections can transform both your teaching and your students' learning!
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Chapters
0:00 Introduction: The Power of Connected Learning
1:00 Why Integration Simplifies Teaching
2:00 Welcome to Schoolutions Summer Series
3:00 The Cross-Curricular Connection Vision
4:00 Step-by-Step Standards Mapping Process
5:00 Choosing Your Anchor Theme
6:00 Three Proven Integration Strategies
7:00 Project Bridge Strategy Examples
8:00 Starting Small: Practical Implementation
9:00 4-Week Summer Planning Timeline
10:00 Closing & Next Steps
CrossCurricularTeaching #IntegratedLearning #TeachingStrategies #LessonPlanning #StudentEngagement #EducationPodcast #TeacherTips #InstructionalStrategies #EffectiveTeaching #StudentMotivation #ActiveLearning #InspiringStudents #TeacherCoaching #InstructionalCoaching #NewTeachers #ProfessionalDevelopment #SchoolLeadership #EducationTransformation #ThrivingStudents #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #TeacherImpact #InclusiveTeaching #WholeChild #StudentSuccess #EducationCoaches #SchoolAdministrators #Homeschoolers #MentorTeachers #InstructionalLeadership
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Ever find yourself scrambling because the field trip you wanted for your ecosystems unit is booked solid? This video shares relatable moments with teacher humor and insights on lesson planning to avoid such situations. Learn tips for teachers and strategies to make your lessons more exciting, so you can avoid school life disappointments and keep your students engaged.
Transform your teaching year with strategic summer planning! In this episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies, I share the "Field Trip Formula" - a proven system for building an incredible network of field trips and guest speakers that will make your lessons come alive.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How to turn curriculum standards into engaging real-world experiences
✅ The secret to finding hidden educational gems in your community
✅ Smart strategies for connecting with expert guest speakers (including tapping into student families!)
✅ Summer action plans that save you stress come September
✅ Budget-friendly alternatives and funding options
✅ Organization systems that make planning effortless
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders who want to boost student engagement, improve lesson planning, and create memorable learning experiences.
Stop scrambling for last-minute field trips! This teaching tips episode shows you how a little summer preparation creates classroom magic all year long. Whether you're a new teacher or veteran educator, these education strategies will help you move from reactive to proactive, transforming your instructional strategies and boosting student participation.
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: The Field Trip Scramble Problem
1:00 - Why September Hits Like a Freight Train
2:00 - The Magic of Real-World Learning Connections
3:00 - Welcome to Solutions Teaching Strategy Summer Series
4:00 - Building Your Educational Resource Network
5:00 - Curriculum Alignment: Your Planning Roadmap
6:00 - Finding Hidden Gem Field Trip Destinations
7:00 - Building Your Guest Speaker Network
8:00 - Tapping Into Student Families as Resources
9:00 - Summer Outreach Strategy & Templates
10:00 - Organization Systems That Actually Work
11:00 - Building Long-Term Educational Partnerships
12:00 - Budget Considerations & Funding Options
13:00 - Your Complete Summer Action Plan
14:00 - The Transformation: From Reactive to Proactive
15:00 - Why This Investment Pays Long-Term Dividends
16:00 - Wrap-up & Contact Information
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
FieldTrips #GuestSpeakers #TeachingTips #LessonPlanning #EducationStrategies #StudentEngagement #TeacherResources #SummerPlanning #EffectiveTeaching #ClassroomActivities #InstructionalStrategies #TeacherCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #SchoolYearPrep #RealWorldLearning #CommunityPartnerships #TeacherSupport #EducationLeadership #ParentInvolvement #EmpoweredEducators #ThrivingStudents #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #InnovativeTeaching #ActiveLearning #StudentMotivation #TeacherMentors #NewTeachers #SchoolImprovement #FamilyPartnerships
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Transform your classroom this fall with 5 game-changing formative assessment strategies that go beyond traditional quizzes!
🎯 In this episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies, discover my innovative teaching tips and instructional strategies that help you catch learning gaps in real-time and boost student engagement.
Perfect for teachers, new teachers, education coaches, and instructional leaders looking for effective teaching methods that actually work!
These education strategies will revolutionize your lesson planning and help you create more inclusive classrooms where every student thrives.
What You'll Learn:
✅ 5 innovative formative assessment categories that take 30 seconds or less
✅ Digital tools that make assessment engaging instead of stressful
✅ Peer assessment strategies that boost student participation
✅ Quick check techniques for real-time classroom management
✅ How to assess more efficiently without creating more grading
These innovative teaching approaches support student success, improve attention in class, and help you build stronger student motivation. Whether you're a classroom teacher, teacher mentor, school administrator, or instructional coach seeking professional development, this episode provides practical strategies you can implement tomorrow!
🎧 Subscribe for more teacher coaching content, instructional coaching tips, and strategies that put students first!
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: The Quiz Grading Weekend Problem
01:00 - What is Innovative Formative Assessment?
03:00 - Strategy 1: Reimagined Exit Tickets
05:00 - Strategy 2: Digital Check-ins That Engage
07:00 - Strategy 3: The Power of Peer Assessment
08:00 - Strategy 4: Quick Check Techniques (30 seconds or less)
09:00 - Strategy 5: Making Assessment Feel Like Learning
10:00 - Implementation Tips: Start Small, Build Confidence
12:00 - Key Takeaways for September Success
13:00 - Wrap-up and Call to Action
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Hashtags:
FormativeAssessment #TeachingTips #ClassroomManagement #StudentEngagement #EducationStrategies #InstructionalStrategies #TeacherCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #EffectiveTeaching #InnovativeTeaching #StudentSuccess #LessonPlanning #TeacherSupport #EducationCoaches #NewTeachers #ClassroomStrategies #StudentMotivation #ActiveLearning #TeacherMentors #InstructionalCoaching
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Stop scrambling in September and start the school year with confidence!
In this episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Summer Series, discover how strategic preassessment design during your summer planning can transform your classroom from day one. Learn the research-backed approach that increases student achievement through targeted, responsive instruction.
What You'll Learn:
✅ 3 essential types of preassessments every teacher needs
✅ How to identify students' background knowledge before you start teaching
✅ Practical tools and workflows for efficient assessment creation
✅ Digital solutions including Google Forms, Flipgrid, and Padlet
✅ Common mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them)
✅ Flexible grouping strategies based on student readiness
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, instructional leaders, new teachers, teacher mentors, and school administrators looking to improve student engagement, lesson planning, teaching tips, effective teaching, instructional strategies, student success, professional development, and education strategies.
Whether you're dealing with low engagement, student motivation challenges, or need better classroom management approaches, this summer planning strategy will help you meet every student where they are so you can take them where they need to go.
00:00 Introduction - The September Scramble Problem
00:47 Why Preassessment Matters (30% Achievement Boost!)
01:51 Summer: The Perfect Planning Time
02:46 3 Essential Types of Preassessments
04:08 Setting Up Low-Stakes Success
05:41 Practical Design Workflow
06:54 Using Data Strategically
07:53 Digital Tools That Work
08:36 Common Mistakes to Avoid
09:27 Building Long-Term Resources
10:47 Your Summer Challenge
11:13 Wrap-Up & Next Steps
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
TeachingTips #LessonPlanning #StudentEngagement #EducationStrategies #TeacherCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #InstructionalStrategies #StudentSuccess #EffectiveTeaching #NewTeachers #EducationCoaches #InstructionalLeaders #TeacherSupport #StudentMotivation #ClassroomManagement #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #ThrivingStudents
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Transform your teaching with strategic summer unit planning!
🌟 Stop the last-minute Sunday night scramble and walk into September feeling confident, organized, and excited about your lessons.
In this episode of I share my game-changing 3-pillar framework for effective teaching and lesson planning that will revolutionize your classroom management and boost student engagement. Learn how thoughtful summer planning creates better learning experiences and saves you countless hours during the school year.
What You'll Learn:
✅ The 3-pillar framework: Clear learning targets, authentic assessments, and engaging tasks
✅ Step-by-step summer planning process that actually works
✅ How to create flexible unit plans without perfectionist overwhelm
✅ Practical tools and templates for instructional strategies
✅ Why December/January units should be your summer priority
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, instructional leaders, new teachers, mentor teachers, and anyone focused on student success and education transformation. Whether you're implementing innovative teaching methods, working on inclusive teaching approaches, or seeking professional development, this episode provides teaching tips that support the whole child and create thriving students.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction - End the Sunday Night Planning Panic
1:00 The Secret of Strategic Summer Planning
2:00 Welcome to Summer Series - Your Teaching Reset
3:00 Why Summer is Perfect for Unit Planning
4:00 The Problem with Survival Mode Planning
5:00 Three-Pillar Framework Introduction
6:00 Pillar 1: Clear Learning Targets & Objectives (Bloom’s Taxonomy of Measurable Verbs)
7:00 Pillar 2: Authentic Assessments That Matter
8:00 Pillar 3: Engaging Tasks That Bridge Learning
8:30 Step-by-Step Summer Planning Process
9:00 Assessment Design - Start with the End
10:00 Why Start with December/January Units
11:00 Building Flexibility Into Your Plans
12:00 Practical Tools for Summer Planning
13:00 Wrap-Up - Your Foundation for Success
14:00 Closing & Connect with Olivia
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
TeachingStrategies #LessonPlanning #UnitPlanning #ClassroomManagement #StudentEngagement #TeacherPlanning #SummerPlanning #EducationStrategies #TeachingTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherCoaching #InstructionalStrategies #StudentSuccess #EffectiveTeaching #NewTeachers #MentorTeachers #InstructionalCoaching #SchoolLeadership #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #ThrivingStudents #ActiveLearning #StudentMotivation #InnovativeTeaching #SchoolImprovement #InstructionalLeadership #TeacherSupport #EducationCoaches
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Transform your teaching practice this summer with strategic professional reading! Join me as I reveal why most educators approach summer reading completely wrong and the simple strategy that turns overwhelming book lists into genuine classroom breakthroughs.
🎯 What You'll Learn:
➡️The strategic approach to choosing 2-3 books that create real impact
➡️Essential reading categories: classroom management, student engagement, subject-specific pedagogy, and educational technology
➡️How to bridge theory and practice with active reading strategies
➡️Creating sustainable reading habits that fit your summer schedule
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, teacher mentors, new teachers, and anyone committed to professional development and student success.
Key Topics Covered:
✅ Classroom management and student engagement strategies
✅ Effective teaching and instructional strategies
✅ Professional development through intentional reading
✅ Teacher coaching and mentor teachers support
✅ Inspiring students and student motivation techniques
✅ Education strategies that transform practice
✅ Empowered educators and teacher impact
Stop drowning in endless reading lists and start making your summer professional development count! Your students deserve a teacher who never stops learning and growing.
Chapter Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction: Why Most Summer Reading Fails
1:00 - The Strategic Approach to Educational Reading
2:00 - Welcome to Solutions Teaching Strategies
3:00 - Three Essential Reading Categories
4:00 - Making Research Practical and Digestible
5:00 - Creating Your Summer Reading Plan
6:00 - Bridging Theory and Practice
7:00 - The Power of Professional Learning Communities
8:00 - Investing in Your Teaching Journey
9:00 - Closing & Next Steps
TeacherReading #ProfessionalDevelopment #SummerReading #EducationStrategies #TeacherGrowth #ClassroomManagement #StudentEngagement #EffectiveTeaching #InstructionalStrategies #TeacherCoaching #EmpoweredEducators #TeacherImpact #StudentSuccess #ThrivingStudents #NewTeachers #MentorTeachers #InstructionalLeaders #TeacherSupport #InnovativeTeaching #StudentMotivation #ActiveLearning #InspiringStudents #LessonPlanning #TeachingTips #EducationalResearch #TeacherMentors #EducationCoaches #InstructionalCoaching #SchoolLeadership #EducationLeadership #WholeChild
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🌟 Transform Your Teaching This Summer - Strategic Professional Learning That Actually Works!
Are you tired of overwhelming yourself with random workshops or skipping professional development entirely? This episode reveals the game-changing 80/20 rule for summer learning that will energize (not drain) you while transforming your September classroom.
What You'll Learn:
✅ The strategic framework that prevents professional learning burnout
✅ Why timing your conferences matters more than you think
✅ How to choose between virtual vs. in-person learning opportunities
✅ The 3-goal implementation system that ensures lasting change
✅ Networking strategies that build meaningful educator connections
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, new teachers, teacher mentors, and anyone committed to effective teaching and professional development.
Whether you're struggling with classroom management, student engagement, or looking for innovative teaching strategies, this episode provides the roadmap for strategic summer learning that leads to real classroom transformation.
Key Topics Covered:
- Professional development planning and education strategies
- Teacher coaching and instructional coaching approaches
- School leadership and instructional leadership insights
- Teaching tips for student motivation and active learning
- Lesson planning and instructional strategies
- Teacher support systems and mentor teachers guidance
Research shows that teachers who engage in targeted summer learning report higher job satisfaction, better student outcomes, and increased teacher impact. Don't let another amazing conference go to waste - learn how to implement what you learn for lasting school change.
Chapter Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction: Energizing Summer Learning
1:00 - The Problem with Random Professional Development
2:00 - Welcome & Reality Check: Strategic Learning Choices
3:00 - The 80/20 Rule Framework for Summer Learning
4:00 - Timing Matters: When to Schedule Professional Learning
5:00 - Virtual vs. In-Person Learning Opportunities
6:00 - Subject-Specific and Pedagogical Conferences
7:00 - Maximizing Your Investment: Note-Taking & Networking
8:00 - The Implementation Planning Moment
9:00 - Creating Your Professional Learning Portfolio
10:00 - Implementing Learning: Start Small, Build Momentum
11:00 - The Ripple Effect: Maximizing Learning Impact
12:00 - Wrap-Up: Strategic Summer Learning Success
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
ProfessionalLearning #TeacherTraining #SummerLearning #EducationStrategies #EffectiveTeaching #InstructionalStrategies #TeacherCoaching #ClassroomManagement #StudentEngagement
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Turn last year's classroom data into September success! 🎯
Start your next school year strong by focusing on data-informed student growth, moving beyond expensive materials to what truly helps students thrive. Discover effective instructional strategies to foster academic growth and maximize student engagement. This episode provides essential teacher professional development to help refine your pedagogy and positively impact your students.
Discover the summer strategy that transforms struggling classrooms into thriving learning environments. In this 10-minute episode, I reveal how to analyze your previous year's data to create breakthrough moments for your next group of students.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How to gather and organize your teaching data treasure trove
✅ The detective method for spotting student engagement patterns
✅ Why celebrating your classroom management wins is crucial
✅ Strategic planning for difficult students and behavior strategies
✅ Concrete steps to boost student motivation and participation
✅ How to translate data insights into effective teaching strategies
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, instructional leaders, and school administrators who want to make data-driven decisions that actually work. Whether you're planning lesson planning improvements, developing coaching strategies, or seeking professional development insights, this episode provides actionable teaching tips you can implement immediately.
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: Why Summer Data Analysis Matters
1:25 - Step 1: Gather Your Data Treasure Trove
2:43 - Step 2: The Trend Detective Work
4:32 - Step 3: Celebrate Your Strengths
5:27 - Step 4: Identify Growth Opportunities
7:07 - Step 5: Connect Dots to September Planning
9:17 - Realistic Summer Planning Action Steps
10:26 - Mindset Shift: Data as GPS
11:12 - Summer Data Analysis Toolkit
12:32 - Wrap-Up: Progress Over Perfection
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and
💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
TeachingTips #ClassroomManagement #StudentEngagement #EducationStrategies #TeacherCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #InstructionalStrategies #StudentMotivation #EffectiveTeaching #SchoolLeadership #DataAnalysis #SummerPlanning #TeacherSupport #StudentSuccess #EducationLeadership #ThrivingStudents #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #TeacherImpact #classroombehavior
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Avoid the chaos of inconsistent teaching! This episode explains the importance of teacher collaboration to ensure curriculum coherence across grade levels. Discover how vertical and horizontal alignment can prevent student confusion and promote consistency in instruction, supporting a positive school culture.
In this episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies, I reveal why the best time to align your teaching approaches isn't during the busy school year—it's during summer when you can think clearly about big-picture planning.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How spending just a few hours collaborating this summer can save you dozens of hours during the school year
✅ 5 essential areas to align with colleagues (standards, expectations, assessments, vocabulary, and resources)
✅ Practical tools and systems for sustainable collaboration
✅ How to create "The Vault" - a shared resource system that cuts planning time in half
✅ Simple strategies for reaching out to colleagues and scheduling productive meetings
Perfect for: Elementary teachers, middle school teachers, department heads, grade-level teams, and any educator looking to create consistency and reduce workload through collaboration.
Don't let September chaos derail your year. Start building your collaborative foundation today!
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Video Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: The September Scramble Scenario
1:00 - Why Summer Collaboration Beats School Year Planning
2:00 - Welcome to Solutions Teaching Strategies
3:00 - The Real Cost of Misaligned Teaching
4:00 - Benefits of Summer Teacher Collaboration
5:00 - How to Reach Out to Colleagues
6:00 - Essential Areas to Align On
7:00 - Creating Shared Vocabulary and Resources
8:00 - Practical Collaboration Tools
9:00 - Building "The Vault" Resource System
10:00 - Maintaining Collaboration All Year Long
11:00 - Closing and Next Steps
TeacherCollaboration #SummerPlanning #TeacherTips #EducatorLife #TeachingStrategies #GradeLevelTeam #TeacherSupport #BackToSchool #TeacherCommunity #EducationalPodcast #TeacherResources #ClassroomManagement #TeacherWellness #EducatorProfessionalDevelopment #TeachingTogether #TeacherBurnout #EducatorSupport #TeachingLife #SchoolYear2025 #TeacherMotivation
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Transform your September launch with a strategic summer communication plan! In this episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies, I reveal my three-phase framework for building strong teacher-caregiver partnerships before school even begins.
🎯 What You'll Learn:
➡️Why summer silence creates anxiety while summer communication builds confidence
➡️The complete three-phase communication framework: Welcome Wave, Bridge Builder, and Final Countdown
➡️Specific timing strategies for maximum impact
➡️Practical delivery methods and response systems
➡️How to address common caregiver concerns proactively
Research shows that strong teacher-caregiver partnerships can increase student achievement by up to 30% - but these relationships don't magically appear in September. They're built through intentional summer communication.
Whether you're a new teacher or experienced educator, this episode provides concrete, try-it-tomorrow strategies that will set you up for success. No more overwhelming communication - just clear, purposeful connection that builds trust and excitement for the year ahead.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: Why Summer Communication Matters
01:00 - The Problem with Summer Silence
02:00 - Research on Teacher-Caregiver Partnerships
03:00 - Three-Phase Communication Framework Overview
04:00 - Phase 1: The Welcome Wave (Early July)
05:00 - Personal Introduction Strategies
06:00 - Phase 2: Bridge Builder (Mid-Late July)
07:00 - Academic Preparation Tips
08:00 - Phase 3: Final Countdown (Late August)
09:00 - Communication Channel Strategy
10:00 - Timing and Frequency Best Practices
11:00 - Managing Responses and Follow-Up
12:00 - Action Plan for Implementation
13:00 - Conclusion and Next Steps
TeacherTips #ParentCommunication #BackToSchoolPrep #TeachingStrategies #EducatorLife #ClassroomSuccess #TeacherPodcast #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies #SummerTeacherPrep #FamilyPartnership #EducationalPodcast #TeachingCommunity #EducatorResources #SummerPlanning #EducationalLeadership #SchoolCommunication #classroomculture
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Feeling isolated in your classroom? Discover how joining a Professional Learning Community (PLC) this summer can completely transform your September teaching experience!
In this episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies, I reveal why the most successful educators never teach alone and how you can build your support network during the summer when you actually have time to engage meaningfully.
What You'll Learn:
➡️How to find and join the perfect PLC for your specific teaching needs
➡️Why summer is the ideal time to build your professional support network
➡️Actionable strategies to actively participate in PLCs and maximize benefits
➡️Real teacher success stories from Marcus (high school English) and Elena (kindergarten)
Key Takeaways:
🗝️Online PLC options: Blue Sky, Facebook groups, EdWeb, Voxer
🗝️Local networking: District offices, state associations, universities, and coffee shop meetups
🗝️Active participation strategies that create lasting professional relationships
Whether you're a veteran teacher looking to reignite your passion or a new educator seeking support, this episode provides your roadmap to finding your professional family and walking into September feeling confident, prepared, and supported.
🎯 Action Step: Identify one growth area, research relevant PLCs, join one community, and ask one genuine question this week!
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and
💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Video Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: Transform Your September Experience
1:00 - Why Successful Teachers Don't Teach Alone
2:00 - The Power of Professional Learning Communities
3:00 - Why Summer is Perfect for Joining PLCs
4:00 - Finding Online PLCs: Global Connections
5:00 - Building Local Networks in Your Community
6:00 - Active Participation: Beyond Being a Lurker
7:00 - Success Stories: Marcus & Elena's Transformations
8:00 - Your Action Plan: Getting Started This Week
9:00 - Wrap-up & Next Steps
PLC #TeacherSupport #EducatorNetworking #TeachingStrategies #TeacherTips #EducationPodcast #TeacherGrowth #ClassroomPrep #TeacherCommunity #SummerPD #TeacherCollaboration #EducatorSupport #TeachingLife #ProfessionalLearning #ProfessionalLearningCommunity #ProfessionalDevelopment #ClassroomPreparation #TeachingCommunity #TeacherResources #EducationLeadership
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Transform your teaching with the 5-Circle Community Connection Strategy! 🎯
Tired of feeling disconnected from your community? In this episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Summer Series, I reveal the powerful yet underutilized strategy that will revolutionize your classroom experience.
Discover how community engagement can completely change your teaching! This episode will show you how to strategically build public partnerships that bring real-world learning into the classroom. Learn how to connect with your local farmers market this summer to bring learning directly to your students, while also building business networking skills and boosting personal development!
What You'll Learn:
✅ The 5-Circle Strategy for mapping community connections
✅ 4-step summer action plan to build lasting partnerships
✅ How to overcome common barriers and fear of rejection
✅ Templates and scripts for reaching out to organizations
✅ Why summer is the PERFECT time to start this work
The 5 Circles:
🔵 Direct Service Providers (food banks, tutoring centers)
🔵 Educational Enrichment Partners (museums, libraries)
🔵 Career & Life Skills Connectors (local businesses, trade orgs)
🔵 Cultural & Arts Communities (theaters, art studios)
🔵 Civic & Leadership Organizations (city council, volunteer groups)
Stop spending your summer just planning lessons - start building bridges that will benefit your students all year long!
Challenge: This week, pick ONE circle and make ONE connection. That's it!
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Chapters
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:18 - Why Summer is Perfect for Community Building
01:10 - The 5-Circle Strategy Explained
02:00 - Circle 1: Direct Service Providers
02:30 - Circle 2: Educational Enrichment Partners
03:00 - Circle 3: Career & Life Skills Connectors
03:40 - Circle 4: Cultural & Arts Communities
04:10 - Circle 5: Civic & Leadership Organizations
04:45 - 4-Step Summer Action Plan
05:15 - Step 1: Research & Map
05:45 - Step 2: Make the Connection (Email Template)
06:20 - Step 3: Meet & Listen
06:50 - Step 4: Follow Up & Plan
07:40 - Making It Manageable (Time Management Tips)
08:40 - Overcoming Common Barriers
09:35 - Your Weekly Challenge
10:20 - Wrap Up & Call to Action
TeacherTips #CommunityPartnerships #EducationStrategy #TeacherLife #ClassroomSuccess #StudentEngagement #TeachingHacks #EducatorGrowth #SchoolCommunity #TeacherSummer #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationalNetworking #TeachingStrategy #CommunityConnections #teachertraining
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🎯 Transform Your Pencil Chaos Into a Self-Managing System!
Tired of picking up pencils like confetti? Discover how to implement Mrs. Wheeler's brilliant solution - a simple number system and toothbrush holders to manage classroom pencils and foster student responsibility. This behavior management strategy shifts the locus of control to the students, promoting a positive classroom culture. Say goodbye to pencil chaos with this simple, effective solution that emphasizes autonomy and education matters!
In this episode, I share veteran teacher Mrs. Wheeler's brilliant solution, which transforms pencil management from a daily struggle into a system that students can maintain themselves.
What You'll Learn:
➡️The numbered pencil system using toothbrush holders
➡️How individual ownership eliminates floor pencil pickups forever
➡️The brilliant backup method that keeps instruction flowing
➡️Weekly check-in system that builds responsibility without punishment
➡️Summer setup guide to be ready for September
Materials Needed:
✅Toothbrush holders (2 per student)
✅Fresh pencils (10 per student)
✅Dot labels & black Sharpie
✅Packaging tape
✅Simple tracking chart
🎯 Perfect For: Elementary teachers, middle school educators, classroom management struggles, new teachers, veteran teachers looking for better systems
📅 Summer Implementation Timeline:
Phase 1️⃣ (July): Gather materials
Phase 2️⃣ (August): Choose a setup weekend
Phase 3️⃣ (Late August): Classroom integration
Stop letting pencil management disrupt your teaching! This system creates independent learners while giving you back precious instructional time.
🎧 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast New episodes every Monday & Friday this summer!
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators who need this pencil peace!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Chapter Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction: End Your Pencil Chaos
01:00 - The Problem: When Good Systems Go Bad
02:00 - Welcome to Solutions Teaching Strategies
03:00 - Mrs. Wheeler's Story: The Pencil Nightmare
04:00 - The Brilliant Solution: Individual Accountability
05:00 - Materials & Setup Process
06:00 - How the System Works in Practice
07:00 - Building Community & Positive Reinforcement
08:00 - Summer Implementation Guide
09:00 - Psychology Behind Why This Works
10:00 - Wrap-up & Next Steps
11:00 - Credits & Contact Information
ClassroomManagement #TeacherTips #PencilManagement #ElementaryTeaching #StudentResponsibility #BackToSchool #TeachingStrategies #ClassroomOrganization #TeacherHacks #EducationPodcast #TeacherResources #ClassroomSystems #BehaviorManagement #IndependentLearners #SummerTeacherPrep #Teaching #Education #Teachers #ClassroomLife #TeacherLife #ElementaryEducation #MiddleSchool #BackToSchoolPrep #TeacherCommunity #ToothbrushHolderHack #NumberedPencilSystem #SolutionsTeachingStrategies #OliviaWahl #PencilPeace #ClassroomHacks #TeacherPodcast #EducationalContent
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Sustainable self-care for educators doesn't require costly spa days, but rather a practical approach tailored to your life. Learn how to implement a simple wellness plan and prioritize teacher wellbeing to avoid burnout. Discover actionable self-care tips for teachers that will help you maintain resilience throughout the school year.
What You'll Learn:
✅ The 4 Pillars of Sustainable Self-Care (works even on your worst days!)
✅ How to set boundaries that feel strategic, not selfish
✅ Your bare minimum backup plan for overwhelming days
✅ 8-week summer implementation guide
The 4 Pillars I Share:
1. Physical Restoration - Simple movement, sleep hygiene, and nutrition strategies
2. Emotional Boundaries - Learning to say no and creating transition rituals
3. Mental Space & Creativity - Non-teaching activities and mindfulness techniques
4. Social Connection - Building relationships beyond the classroom
Perfect for teachers heading into summer break who want to reset and rebuild their reserves for the upcoming school year. Remember: self-care isn't selfish - it's essential!
Connect with me and Schoolutions Teaching Strategies:
📧 Email: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Background music by Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to 👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬COMMENT below with your best classroom library organization hacks!
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
Chapter Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction: Self-Care Isn't About Perfection
1:00 - What You'll Learn: 3 Key Takeaways
2:00 - Welcome to Solutions Teaching Strategies
3:00 - The Reality of Teacher Burnout
4:00 - Pillar 1: Physical Restoration
5:00 - Movement & Sleep Strategies
6:00 - Pillar 2: Emotional Boundaries
7:00 - Transition Rituals & Emotional Processing
8:00 - Pillar 3: Mental Space & Creativity
9:00 - Pillar 4: Social Connection & Community
10:00 - Your 8-Week Personal Action Plan
11:00 - Weeks 1-4: Assessment & Experimentation
12:00 - Weeks 5-8: Integration & Preparation
13:00 - Final Thoughts: You're More Than Just a Teacher
14:00 - Closing & Contact Information
TeacherSelfCare #EducatorWellbeing #TeacherBurnout #SelfCareForTeachers #TeacherMentalHealth #EducatorWellness #TeachingTips #SummerBreak #TeacherSupport #Education #BurnoutPrevention #WorkLifeBalance #TeacherStress #EducatorTips #TeachingPodcast #SchoolYearPrep #TeacherWellness #EducatorMentalHealth #TeachingStressRelief #TeachersOfYouTube #TeacherCommunity #EducatorLife #TeacherStruggles #TeachingReality #SelfCareMatters #TeacherMotivation #EducatorSupport #TeachingJourney #teacherlifestyle
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Transform Your Chaotic Classroom Library into an Organized System in 3 Simple Phases! 📚
Is your classroom library a mess? Discover how to turn that literary tornado into an organizational system with simple steps for classroom management. Discover how this organizational system can make your teaching life easier and set you up for a successful September. What if the mess isn't the problem?
What You'll Learn:
✅ The Great Sort System - 4 simple categories to triage your entire collection without decision fatigue
✅ Strategic Summer Packing Secrets - Why packing by category (not size) saves hours in September
✅ September Success Blueprint - Design your system around students' actual browsing behaviors
Perfect for: Elementary teachers, middle school educators, librarians, homeschool parents, and anyone managing a classroom book collection.
No more putting off this overwhelming task! This step-by-step roadmap will have your library organized, protected, and ready for an amazing new school year.
Resources mentioned:
- Clear plastic storage bins
- Book repair supplies
- Inventory tracking systems
- Organization planning templates
Connect with me and Schoolutions Teaching Strategies:
📧 Email: scihoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Background music by Benjamin Wahl
Don't forget to LIKE this video if it helped you, SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and COMMENT below with your best classroom library organization hacks!
Chapter Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction - Transform Your Literary Tornado
1:00 The Problem with Fixing Everything at Once
2:00 Welcome to Solutions Teaching Strategies Summer Series
3:00 Phase 1: The Great Sort - Keepers vs Casualties
4:00 Four Categories System: Keep, Repair, Donate, Trash
5:00 Three Key Questions for Every Book
6:00 Organizing Your "Keep" Pile by Type
7:00 Phase 2: Strategic Summer Packing
8:00 Packing by Category, Not Size
9:00 Phase 3: September Success System Planning
10:00 Designing Around Student Browsing Behaviors
11:00 Your Immediate Action Plan
12:00 Why Organization Matters for Your Learning Community
13:00 Outro & Next Episode Preview
ClassroomLibrary #TeacherTips #ClassroomOrganization #TeacherSummerPrep #ElementaryEducation #MiddleSchoolTeacher #TeachingStrategies #ClassroomManagement #BookOrganization #TeacherProductivity #EducationPodcast #ClassroomSetup #TeacherLife #LiteracyEducation #ReadingClassroom #TeacherPlanning #ClassroomDeclutter #SchoolOrganization #TeacherHacks #EducationalTips #TeachersOfYouTube #EducatorsUnite #TeachingCommunity #ClassroomGoals #TeacherMotivation #BackToSchool #TeacherSupport #EducationMatters #TeachingLife #ClassroomInspiration
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
This bonus episode highlights how the Danish education system's focus on community well-being can inspire change. Pernille Ripp's insights emphasize that teachers need to embrace good enough for effective teacher well-being. By experimenting with boundaries, educators can prioritize teacher wellness and individual achievement.
🎯 Feeling burned out as an educator? Tune in for game-changing insights from Danish education expert Pernille Ripp that will transform how you approach teaching and work-life balance!
Discover why "good enough is okay" and learn 5 powerful micro-experiments that will help you reclaim your time and energy without sacrificing your effectiveness in the classroom.
What You'll Learn:
✅ Why perfectionism is stealing your precious time and energy
✅ How to create sustainable teaching practices that actually work
✅ The Danish approach to education that prioritizes community wellbeing
✅ 5 micro-experiments you can try TODAY to reduce overwhelm
✅ How to set strategic boundaries without guilt
✅ Why you're a human being who teaches, not a teaching robot
Perfect for K-12 teachers, educators, school administrators, homeschool caregivers, and anyone in education feeling overwhelmed by endless perfectionism.
Ready to try a micro-experiment? Email me at schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com and share your experience!
🔔 Subscribe for more teaching strategies and join our summer series starting Monday with bite-sized tips to make September's school year launch feel lighter!
Connect with me: 📧 Email: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com 🎵 Music by Benjamin Wahl
Don't miss the full interview with Pernille (Season 4, Episode 40)
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: Why "Good Enough" Changes Everything
1:00 - The Problem with Perfectionism in Education
2:00 - Micro-Experiment #1: Simple Slideshow Solutions
3:00 - Micro-Experiment #2: Emergency Sub Plans That Work
4:00 - Micro-Experiment #3: Setting After-Hours Boundaries
5:00 - Micro-Experiment #4: Community-Focused Problem Solving
6:00 - Micro-Experiment #5: Daily Work Timer Strategy
7:00 - You're Human, Not a Teaching Robot
8:00 - Taking Action: Choose Your Experiment
9:00 - Summer Series Preview & Closing
TeacherBurnout #EducationPodcast #TeachingStrategies #WorkLifeBalance #TeacherWellbeing #EducatorLife #TeachingTips #ClassroomManagement #TeacherSelfCare #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherMentalHealth #SustainableTeaching #EducationReform #TeachingBoundaries #EducatorSupport #BackToSchool #TeacherPrep #SummerPD #EducationGoals #teachingcommunity
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode featuring Pernille Ripp, discover how the Danish education system values community well-being over individual success, fostering a supportive environment for educators. You will gain practical ideas to improve your teacher well-being, and implement strategies to foster supported learning. This conversation highlights the importance of teacher wellness and the positive impact of sustainability in the teaching profession.
In this powerful conversation, you'll learn:
➡️How Denmark's "community first" approach transforms education
➡️Why Danish teachers get hours of prep time weekly
➡️The shocking differences in teacher working conditions
➡️How to protect yourself from burnout in any system
➡️Practical micro-experiments to create a better work-life balance
Whether you're considering leaving education or looking for ways to sustain your teaching career, this episode offers hope and practical strategies for educators worldwide.
Episode Mentions:
- Denmark’s Well-Being Commission
- The Global Read Aloud
🎯 Perfect for: Teachers, educators, administrators, parents interested in education reform
Chapter Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction: Why Danish Education is Different
2:30 - Culture Shock: Rediscovering Teaching Identity
7:00 - Community First vs Individual Achievement
12:00 - A Day in the Life: Danish Teacher Schedule
18:00 - Work-Life Balance
23:00 - Healthcare and Support Systems
27:00 - Relearning "Good Enough" and Self-Care
32:00 - Advice for Educators Considering Change
38:00 - Protecting Yourself in Unsustainable Systems
42:00 - Finding Joy and Community in Teaching
TeacherBurnout #EducationReform #DanishEducation #TeacherWellbeing #WorkLifeBalance #TeachingAbroad #EducationSystem #TeacherLife #SustainableTeaching #CommunityEducation #TeacherSupport #educationpolicy
✨Tune in every Monday and Friday this summer, when I'll offer a new task to help you get set up for success in the fall. If you have ideas, reach out. Send me an email at schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com. I can't wait to hear from you.
🌞Spend lots of days in the sunshine - rest, rejuvenate, and I hope you tune in this summer. Take care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode, discover how transformational change in education requires three essential elements and a strategic approach. Based on a conversation with Stephen Polera and Dr. Wendy Bunker, the episode highlights the importance of a data-driven approach in effective literacy instruction. It's an essential insight for education leadership seeking school improvement, taking a playbook page from Westmoreland's district-wide literacy transformation.
Discover why their approach worked when so many literacy initiatives fail, and learn the three critical elements every educational leader needs for successful implementation:
✅ Vulnerability in Leadership - Why naming problems out loud is the foundation of real change
✅ Understanding the Science - How knowing the "why" transforms resistance into advocacy
✅ System-Wide Alignment - Breaking down silos for maximum impact
Perfect for: Superintendents, principals, literacy coaches, reading specialists, elementary teachers, and anyone leading educational change.
Key Takeaways:
➡️How to have courageous conversations about struggling readers
➡️The power of orthographic mapping in reading instruction
➡️Why including ALL teachers (not just reading teachers) multiplies success
➡️How to use data strategically for literacy implementation
➡️Finding joy in reading outcomes beyond test scores
Connect with me: 📧 Email: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com 🎵 Music by Benjamin Wahl
Don't miss the full interview with Stephen Polera and Dr. Wendy Bunker (Season 4, Episode 39) for the complete literacy transformation story!
Next Episode: Season 4 Finale with Pernille Ripp - Monday!
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview
01:00 - Welcome Back to Solutions Coaching
02:00 - Element #1: Vulnerability in Leadership
03:00 - Naming the Problem Out Loud
04:00 - Element #2: Understanding the Science of Reading
05:00 - From Resistance to Advocacy
06:00 - Element #3: System-Wide Alignment
07:00 - The Joy Factor in Reading Success
08:00 - Your Next Steps for Implementation
09:00 - Closing & Next Episode Preview
10:00 - Credits & Contact Information
ScienceOfReading #LiteracyInstruction #EducationalLeadership #ReadingIntervention #ElementaryEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationalPodcast #TeacherTraining #SchoolImprovement #LiteracyCoaching #EducationalChange #ReadingStrategies #DataDrivenInstruction #EarlyLiteracy #PhonicsInstruction #TeachersOfYouTube #EducatorsUnite #ReadingIsFun #EducationMatters #TeachingTips #SchoolLeaders #LiteracyMatters #EducationReform #TeacherLife #principallife
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired, and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
When K-2 intervention numbers and 3rd-grade reading struggles reached crisis levels, Westmoreland Central School took action. Stephen Polera and Dr. Wendy Bunker explain how aligning district systems with Science of Reading practices creates collaborative cultures that drive measurable reading improvements.
Stephen and Wendy share their revolutionary process for:
✅ Conducting classroom audits with expert teams
✅ Implementing phased Science of Reading training
✅ Creating 4-day teacher bootcamps
✅ Restructuring schedules for high-dosage tutoring
✅ Building co-teaching models that work
Episode Mentions:
- District-wide and School-Based Implementation
- School Administrators Association of New York State
- Westmoreland Central School
- Dr. Benita Blachman
- Dr. Linnea Ehri
- Bolman and Deal’s Four-Frame Model of Leadership
- Section 818: Evidence-based and scientifically based reading instruction
- Rocco Migliori
- Trevor Haskell
- Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES - Ann Turner
- The Simple View of Reading & Scarborough's Rope
- Orthographic Mapping
- Achieve the Core Audit Tool
- Six Syllable Types
- Dr. David Kilpatrick - Equipped for Reading Success
- Just-in-Time vs. Just-in-Case Scaffolding
- How to Choose a Co-Teaching Model
0:00 - Introduction & Background
2:13 - Research Foundations
4:23 - The Problem: Red Flags in Reading Data
7:14 - Science of Reading Framework Overview
9:30 - Classroom Audit Process
12:34 - Audit Implementation & Team Calibration
16:32 - Four-Day Teacher Bootcamp
20:13 - Scheduling & Staffing Changes
22:46 - Classroom Activities That Work
24:37 - Early Results & Student Joy
27:36 - Measuring Success: Metrics That Matter
29:23 - Parent & Caregiver Connections
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
This bonus episode emphasizes why educators need to go beyond passively accepting policies and instead become informed advocates. Learn how federal education policy directly impacts classrooms and why teacher leadership is essential for student engagement. Discover how to support students effectively by becoming an advocate.
Want to become a powerful advocate for your students?
This episode reveals five practical tasks every teacher can do this summer to build their advocacy toolkit and speak up effectively for education policies that actually help kids.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How to understand your school's funding streams (Title I, IDEA, federal grants)
✅ Which information sources actually matter for education policy
✅ How to document student impact stories that change minds
✅ Simple ways to connect with your local representatives
✅ Why joining professional organizations amplifies your voice
Perfect for: K-12 teachers, administrators, education advocates, and anyone who wants to make a real difference in education policy.
Ready to turn your classroom expertise into policy influence? Watch now and pick ONE task to start with this summer.
📧 Email your summer prep tips: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
Subscribe for more practical teaching strategies and education advocacy tips!
Episode Mentions:
- International Literacy Association (ILA)
- National Association Of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
- American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
- National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
- International Society for Technology and Education (ISTE)
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: Why Teachers Need an Advocacy Toolkit
01:56 - Task 1: Understand Your School's Funding Streams
04:14 - Task 2: Build Your Information Network
06:28 - Task 3: Document Student Impact Stories
08:40 - Task 4: Connect with Local Representatives
11:52 - Task 5: Join Professional Organizations
12:09 - Why This Matters: Policy Affects Everything
15:07 - The Power of Evidence-Based Advocacy
17:38 - Summer Challenge: Pick One Task
19:12 - Wrap-up and Next Steps
TeacherAdvocacy #EducationPolicy #TeacherVoice #EducationReform #StudentAdvocacy
Make sure to listen to my full interview (Season 4, Episode 38) before diving into this bonus content! (https://pod.fo/e/2da8d1).
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🍎✨ Teachers, you've almost made it to summer break! 🌟
Instead of taking a podcast hiatus, I'm creating 20 mini episodes packed with actionable tasks to set you up for fall success, while still prioritizing your much-needed rest and rejuvenation.
Let's share our wisdom!
What are your go-to end-of-year tasks that make September SO much smoother? From simple classroom prep like labeling supplies to bigger decisions about curriculum planning, I want to hear YOUR end-of-year and summer strategies that make September smoother. What tasks do you tackle now that save you time later?
I'm curious about your strategies for:
✨Systems you set up now to save time later
✨Templates or resources you create during summer break
✨How you balance thorough prep with actually enjoying your time off
✨Ways you prepare while staying flexible for your new students' needs
Drop your best tips in the comments below! Let's help each other work smarter, not harder. 👇
(And remember - protecting your rest and rejuvenation time is just as important as any prep work you do!)
Chapters:
0:00 - Summer Break is Almost Here!
0:15 - 20 Mini Episodes Coming This Summer
0:30 - Help Me Help You - Share Your Tips!
0:45 - From Small Tasks to Big Planning
1:00 - Let's Connect in the Comments
TeacherLife #EndOfYear #SummerPrep #BackToSchool #TeacherTips #ClassroomOrganization #TeacherPodcast #EducationTips #TeachingStrategies #TeacherCommunity #ProfessionalDevelopment #ClassroomManagement #TeacherProductivity #SummerPlanning #TeachersOfYouTube #TeacherSupport #EducatorLife #TeachingHacks #ClassroomPrep #TeacherWisdom
New episodes every Monday, with bonus episodes on Fridays.
🌟Whether you're an educator, administrator, or coach, these conversations offer practical strategies to enhance your educational practice. Don't miss these inspiring discussions that bridge the gap between theory and real-world implementation in our schools.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
This episode shares how federal policies impact real students in classrooms, emphasizing educators' role in advocating for services. Learn why teachers have the power to advocate effectively for essential services by using evidence-based arguments about student well-being rather than political positioning, and the importance of support services. You'll leave the episode understanding why community support is essential and how the federal education role impacts classrooms.
A federal judge in Massachusetts just made a ruling that will impact every educator and student in America. Over 1,300 Department of Education employees who were laid off in March have been ordered back to work, and the administration's plan to dismantle the department has been blocked.
In this episode, I explain exactly what happened, why it matters for your classroom, and what this means for students who depend on federal education services. From special education funding to student loans to civil rights protections, this ruling affects real students in real schools.
What You'll Learn:
✅ The facts behind the massive DOE layoffs and court ruling
✅ How federal education cuts impact your students directly
✅ Why 1,300 employees getting fired matters for classroom teachers
✅ Evidence-based advocacy strategies that actually work
✅ How to stay engaged in education policy as a professional
Episode Mentions:
- Federal judge blocks Trump’s Education Dept. shutdown, orders reinstatement of laid off staff by Amy Zimmer | May 22, 2025, 3:01pm EDT
- Judge Blocks Trump Administration From Dismantling Education Department by Michael C. Bender May 22, 2025
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or education advocate, this analysis will help you see the bigger picture while staying focused on what matters most—supporting student success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction - Why This Ruling Matters for Educators
01:00 Breaking Down What Actually Happened
03:00 The Mass Layoffs - 1,300 Education Workers Terminated
04:00 Federal Judge's Ruling and Legal Requirements
05:00 Real Impact on Students and Classrooms
07:00 The Contradiction in Trump's Executive Order
08:00 Lessons in Effective Education Advocacy
10:00 Evidence-Based Arguments vs Political Positioning
11:00 What This Means Moving Forward
12:00 Federal vs State Education Responsibility Debate
13:00 You Can't Improve by Destroying Without a Plan
14:00 Practical Steps for Educators
16:00 Why the System Worked in This Case
18:00 Challenge for Educators - Stay Engaged Professionally
19:00 Wrap-Up and Call to Action
EducationPolicy #DepartmentOfEducation #TeacherAdvocacy #FederalEducation #EducationNews #TeachingStrategies #StudentRights #EducationFunding #TeacherSupport #EducationReform #PolicyAnalysis #StudentSuccess #EducatorPodcast #ClassroomImpact #SpecialEducation #EducationLaw #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #EducationAdvocacy #SchoolFunding #educatorresources
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Learn about a school attendance reform that actually works! Discover strategies to combat chronic absenteeism and increase student engagement.
In this bonus episode, I discuss my conversation with Naomi Tolentino Miranda from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, about transforming student attendance through compassion, not punishment.
What You'll Learn:
✅ Why punitive attendance policies are failing our students
✅ The "We Missed You Today" strategy that works better than detention
✅ 5 practical interventions you can implement immediately
✅ Data-driven approaches to identify attendance patterns
✅ How sleep schedules impact high school attendance
✅ Building family partnerships that actually work
💫Episode Mentions:
- Attendance Works Infographic (Attendance in the Early Grades)
- Stay in the Game! Attendance Network
- The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop
- Attendance Works
- AAP's Earlier Bedtime and Its Effect on Adolescent Sleep Duration
- The Education Trust
- American Enterprise Institute (AEI)
💫Six Questions for Reflection:
- How does your school or district currently approach chronic absenteeism? Is it primarily punitive or preventative?
- What data are you collecting about attendance, and how are you using it to identify patterns and develop targeted interventions?
- How are you building and maintaining relationships with chronically absent students and their families?
- What barriers to attendance exist in your specific community, and how might you address them?
- How are you celebrating and recognizing improvements in attendance, even small ones?
- Most importantly, is your school a place worth showing up to for every student?
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: Shifting from Punitive to Preventive
01:00 - Meet Naomi Lenina Miranda & Her Transformative Work
02:00 - The Power of Preventative vs Punitive Approaches
03:00 - Success Stories: Stay in the Game Network Results
04:00 - 6 Key Barriers to Student Attendance
05:00 - Sleep & Attendance: The Biological Mismatch
06:00 - 5 Practical Strategies for Schools
07:00 - The Power of Data: Attendance Dashboards
08:00 - School Climate & Culture Impact 09:00 - Family Partnerships That Work
10:00 - The "We Missed You Today" Strategy
11:00 - Trauma-Informed Attendance Approaches
12:00 - Parent Voice in Systemic Change
13:00 - Making School Worth Showing Up To
14:00 - Reflection Questions for Your Context
15:00 - Closing & Call to Action
ChronicAbsenteeism #StudentAttendance #EducationStrategy #SchoolLeadership #TraumaInformed #StudentSupport #AttendanceMatters #EducationPodcast
Make sure to listen to my full interview with Naomi (Season 4, Episode 37) before diving into this bonus content! (https://pod.fo/e/2d747f).
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Learn how this school district cut chronic absenteeism by 40% through community outreach and building connectedness. Find out the attendance solutions they implemented to make a positive impact on school attendance.
In this powerful final episode, Naomi Tolentino Miranda, Coordinator of Student Support Programs with Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, shares how to shift from punitive to proactive approaches when addressing chronic absenteeism - a crisis affecting 1 in 4 students nationwide.
Naomi shares research-backed strategies for understanding the "why" behind each student's absence and building school connectedness through trauma-informed practices. Learn how creating welcoming school environments empowers families to share their challenges and collaborate on personalized solutions.
This conversation reveals why data isn't something to fear but a powerful tool that helps identify hidden patterns and tailor interventions for different communities. Naomi explains how her innovative attendance dashboard transformed her district's approach, moving beyond average daily attendance to address the deeper issues of chronic absenteeism.
Whether you're an educator, administrator, or caregiver, you'll gain actionable insights to help every student feel connected, supported, and motivated to attend school.
💫Episode mentions
- Attend to Achieve
- One Leader’s Plan to Cut Chronic Absenteeism—One Student at a Time
- Attendance Works - Hedy Chan
- Reporting on Chronic Absence
- Chronic Absence Research and Graphics
- Dr. Robert (Bob) Balfanz
- Centering School Connectedness
- JHU School of Education
- Center for Educational Policy Research at Harvard University
- Calculating a Student’s Daily Attendance
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:00 Meet Naomi Tolentino Miranda
02:58 Key Research and Researchers on Absenteeism
05:44 Defining Chronic Absenteeism: Beyond Truancy
08:39 Student Barriers Across Grade Levels
11:42 Moving from Punitive to Proactive Approaches
13:26 The Importance of Finding the "Why"
16:58 Individualizing Solutions for Student Needs
19:12 Creating Welcoming Spaces for Parents
22:03 Empowering Parent Voice
23:55 The Power of Data: Creating an Attendance Dashboard
27:30 Why Data Should Be a Tool, Not a Threat
29:33 Final Thoughts: Every Student Has Different Needs
31:08 Episode Wrap-Up
ChronicAbsenteeism #TraumaInformedEducation #SchoolAttendance #EducationReform #StudentSuccess #DataDrivenEducation #SchoolConnectedness #ParentEmpowerment #EducatorResources #EveryStudentMatters
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode, I reflect on my conversation with journalist Tom Hayden about the PTA Equity Project (PEP) in Evanston, Illinois. This groundbreaking initiative pooled $650,000 from wealthy school PTAs to help underserved schools but revealed unexpected challenges in balancing equity with school autonomy.
🎓 What You'll Learn:
➡️Why good intentions don't guarantee good outcomes in education
➡️How to balance equity with local autonomy in schools
➡️The real challenges of centralized vs. local school funding
➡️5 key takeaways for sustainable equity initiatives
➡️Why universities and broader communities need to be part of the solution
📚 About This Episode: This reflection dives deep into the complex ripple effects of the Evanston experiment, from hidden fundraising to community tensions. I share personal experiences from teaching in wealthy and underserved schools, offering unique insights into funding disparities.
💡 Key Topics Covered:
✨The PTA Equity Project's successes and failures
✨Balancing centralized funding with school autonomy
✨Building sustainable equity initiatives
✨Community partnerships for educational equity
✨Real-world examples from San Diego and NYC schools
Chapters
00:00 Introduction & What You'll Learn
01:00 About the PTA Equity Project in Evanston
02:00 Implementation Challenges & Hidden Consequences
03:00 Balancing Equity with Local Autonomy
04:00 Five Key Takeaways from Evanston's Experience
05:00 Practical Implications for Communities
06:00 Personal Teaching Experiences & Universities' Role
07:00 Conclusion & Community Call to Action
EducationalEquity #PTAFunding #SchoolFinance #EvanstonIllinois #TeachingStrategies #EducationPodcast #SchoolFunding #EquityInEducation #PublicSchools #EducationReform #SchoolAutonomy #CommunityPartnerships #PTAEquityProject #EducationalPolicy #TeacherResources #SchoolImprovement #EducationLeadership #EquityVsEquality #SustainableEducation #SchoolGovernance
Make sure to listen to my full interview with Tom (Season 4, Episode 36) before diving into this bonus content!
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired, and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this eye-opening episode, I speak with Tom Hayden, an adjunct professor at Northwestern University School of Journalism, about the controversial PTA Equity Project (PEP) in Evanston, Illinois.
We dive deep into how this well-intentioned initiative pooled $650,000 from wealthy school PTAs to redistribute resources across the district, but is now burning through $50,000 annually without sustainable fundraising.
Tom reveals the unexpected consequences: conflicts of interest with board members, disincentivized fundraisers, and "black market PTAs."
Discover what really happens when equity initiatives meet complex community dynamics and learn valuable lessons about effective educational funding that balances equity with sustainability.
A must-watch for caregivers, educators, and anyone concerned about educational equity and school funding disparities.
Episode Mentions:
- PTA Equity Project
- Evanston/Skokie - School District 65
- Evanston Community Foundation (ECF)
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the PTA Equity Project
02:00 - Evanston's Educational Landscape & Context
05:30 - How the PEP Fund Was Created During COVID
10:15 - The Pooled Funding Model: $650,000 Collected
14:00 - Galas, Fundraising, and Class Divisions
17:30 - The "Black Market PTAs" Problem
20:00 - School Board Conflicts of Interest
23:45 - Capital Improvements: Who Should Pay?
27:15 - Black Student Achievement & Political Solutions
31:00 - Finding Balance in Polarized Conversations
34:20 - Universities' Responsibility in Education Funding
38:00 - Conclusion: Community-Wide Solutions
EducationalEquity #SchoolFunding #PTAEquityProject #EducationReform #SchoolBoardPolitics #AchievementGap #EducationalJustice #CommunityCollaboration #EvanstonSchools #RacialEquity #EducationPolicy #SchoolResources #FundraisingEthics #ParentInvolvement #EducationalDisparity
✨Tune in every Monday for the best research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better the lives of the children in your care.
⭐....& stay tuned for my bonus episode every Friday, where I'll share how I applied what I learned from the guests in schools that week.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Discover why learning through mistakes is the foundation of effective instructional coaching! In this bonus episode, I explore Jim Knight's seven essential success factors for instructional coaching and how they create conditions for both teachers and students to flourish.
Learn how vulnerability powers growth, why partnership principles transform coaching relationships, and how addressing power dynamics creates the psychological safety necessary for genuine improvement.
I share my own coaching journey mistakes and what they taught me about equality, choice, voice, reflection, and true partnership.
You'll discover practical strategies to create a culture where mistakes are welcomed as learning opportunities, empowering both coaches and teachers to experiment, reflect, and grow together.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: The Value of Learning Through Mistakes
1:00 - Setting the Stage: Jim Knight's Seven Success Factors
2:00 - Personal Coaching Mistakes That Transformed My Practice
4:00 - Partnership as the Foundation of Effective Coaching
5:00 - Key Partnership Principles: Equality, Choice, Voice & Reflection
7:00 - Addressing Power Dynamics in Coaching Relationships
8:00 - Creating a Culture Where Mistakes Are Welcome
InstructionalCoaching #PartnershipPrinciples #TeacherDevelopment #CoachingMistakes #ProfessionalGrowth #EducationalLeadership #JimKnight #PsychologicalSafety #SchoolCoaching #TeacherVoice
Make sure to listen to my full interview with Jim (Season 4, Episode 35) before diving into this bonus content!
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired, and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
& 👉Follow Schoolutions Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Learn the 7 must-have factors for successful instructional coaching in this video featuring Jim Knight. From the Impact Cycle to the partnership approach, these tips will help you coach for success!
Join me in this enlightening conversation with instructional coaching pioneer Jim Knight, founder of the Instructional Coaching Group. We explore his book, The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching: Seven Factors for Success.
Jim shares wisdom from his 25+ years of research, revealing how the partnership approach makes teachers 4.5 times more likely to implement new strategies compared to directive approaches.
Learn practical communication techniques, how to navigate system challenges, and why focusing on student outcomes is the true measure of coaching success.
Jim's pioneering work has shaped how instructional coaching is implemented in schools worldwide, making this episode valuable for education professionals at all levels.
Perfect for instructional coaches, educational leaders, and anyone interested in improving teaching practices through collaborative professional development.
Episode Mentions:
- Mark Rothko
- The New Classroom Instruction That Works by Bryan Goodwin and Kristin Rouleau
- Don Deshler Leadership Award
- Lean Design Research
- European Mentoring and Coaching Council
- International Coaching Federation
- Christian van Nieuwerburgh
- Dr. Haesun Moon
- Karrie Fansler’s Responsive Coaching Cycle
- The Knowing-Doing Gap: How Smart Companies Turn Knowledge Into Action by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton
Jim’s Mentioned Books:
- Evaluating Instructional Coaching
- Instructional Coaching
- The Instructional Playbook
- Data Rules
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Jim Knight
02:00 - Overview of the Seven Success Factors
05:25 - The Foundation of Partnership in Coaching
11:25 - Communication Skills for Effective Coaching
16:45 - Leadership Approaches for Coaches
20:30 - The Impact Cycle and Flexibility
24:25 - Using Data to Drive Coaching Conversations
33:10 - Creating and Maintaining Instructional Playbooks
38:45 - Navigating Systemic Challenges in Coaching
43:15 - Learning from Mistakes and Continuous Growth
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Discover the science behind why belonging matters in education. Learn about inclusion strategies, diversity in schools, and how to boost student engagement.
In this bonus episode, I explore the critical concept of belonging in education and why creating inclusive environments is essential for both students and educators.
Drawing from extensive research, I break down how genuine belonging significantly impacts academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being for everyone in school communities.
As education policy becomes increasingly politicized, understand why representation matters and how inclusive practices create spaces where all students can thrive as their authentic selves.
Episode Mentions:
- The Instructional Playbook: The Missing Link for Translating Research Into Practice by Ann Hoffman, Jim Knight, and Michelle Harris
- Belonging One-Pager (Sample)
- The Hattie Check and Visible Learning:
- Teacher-student relationships .62; Belonging .46
- The Extended Research Check:
- Agents of Change: How Content Coaching Transforms Teaching and Learningby Lucy West and Antonia Cameron (setting intentions)
- Coaching A-Z: The Extraordinary Use of Ordinary Wordsby Haesun Moon: (V=value) and (W=Wonder)
- The Thin Book of Trust, Third Edition: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work by Charles Feltman → (trust language) Chapter 1
- Intro to Trust by Dan Newbie (layers of trust)
- Brené Brown About Fitting in and True Belonging (YouTube short 37 seconds)
- Samantha Bennett’s Circles of Engagement
- The Importance of Representing Everyone in Today’s Classroom by Diana Brannon (2024)
- Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop (1990)
Make sure to listen to my full interview with Erica (Season 4, Episode 34) before diving into this bonus content!
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this powerful interview, Erica Meltzer from Chalkbeat discusses the Trump administration's controversial efforts to reinterpret Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and eliminate DEI programs in schools.
Learn how recent legal injunctions have temporarily blocked these attempts, why Title I funding for high-poverty schools hangs in the balance, and what this means for students and educators across America.
Essential viewing for parents, teachers, administrators, and anyone concerned about educational equity.
💫Check out these resources from Erica here:
➡️States sue Trump Education Department to defend school diversity efforts (4/25/25)
➡️Trump gave states 10 days to sign an anti-DEI policy. NY Education Department is refusing (4/4/25)
➡️Indiana plans to comply with Trump push to ban DEI from schools (4/9/25)
⭐And then two ways that are showing up at the school district and classroom level in IN:
➡️Lawmakers end racial and ethnic studies course mandate, make more education changes as session ends (4/25/25)
➡️Wayne Township schools ends diverse-business policy following Trump guidance (4/22/25)
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Title VI and Civil Rights in Education
02:00 Welcome and Introduction of Erica Meltzer
03:00 Recent Developments with the Trump Education Department
04:00 Research on Diversity in Education and Student Outcomes
05:00 Background on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
07:00 The Dear Colleague Letter and Legal Challenges
09:00 Recent Court Injunctions and Temporary Holds
10:00 Practical Impacts on Schools and Title I Funding
12:00 How Institutions Are Responding Across the Spectrum
14:00 Complexities for Districts in Red and Blue States
17:00 Legal Lines: What's Allowed and What's Potentially Problematic
20:00 Self-Censorship and Unclear Guidance for Educators
23:00 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
Chalkbeat #EducationPolicy #TitleVI #DEIinSchools #FederalFunding #EducationEquity #CivilRightsAct #SchoolFunding #EducationJustice #SchoolCompliance #TeacherSupport #TitleIFunding #EducationLaw #StudentOutcomes
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Transform your classroom with real-world learning experiences that ignite student curiosity and foster deep learning. From one-on-one meetings to transferable skills, create a classroom community that students actually care about!
In this bonus episode, I unpack the powerful second mantra from The Limitless Classroom by Julie Wright and James Goldberg: "Kids deserve the why and the how, not just the what."
Learn practical strategies for creating meaningful learning experiences that connect to real-world applications, understand individual student needs through one-on-one meetings, and intentionally shift from teacher-centered to student-centered approaches. Perfect for educators looking to move beyond surface learning to help students develop deeper understanding and skills that last a lifetime.
00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview
01:00 - The Second Mantra: Kids Deserve the Why & How, Not Just the What
02:00 - Planning Questions for Meaningful Learning Experiences
05:00 - Student Exhibitions of Learning: Process & Reflection
07:00 - Moving from Surface to Deep Learning
10:00 - The Power of One-on-One Student Meetings
13:00 - Final Thoughts & Conclusion
EducationTransformation #DeepLearning #ClassroomCommunity #TeacherCoaching #StudentEngagement #MeaningfulLearning #OneOnOneMeetings #RealWorldLearning #TeachingStrategies #LimitlessClassroom #SimonSinek #WhyNotJustWhat #StudentCuriosity #EducationBeyondTheClassroom
Make sure to listen to my full interview with Julie and James (Season 4, Episode 33) before diving into this bonus content!
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired, and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
& 👉Follow Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Discover why true educational transformation happens when we shift from content-centered to student-centered learning! In this insightful conversation, educators Julie Wright and James Goldberg share wisdom from their book The Limitless Classroom: Mantras to Deepen Learning. Learn how giving students time, purpose, and ownership develops genuine curiosity and transferable skills.
Julie and James explain their three powerful mantras:
- Kids deserve more time to think and do
- Kids deserve the why and how, not just the what
- Kids deserve to own their learning journey
Whether you're a teacher, coach, or administrator, you'll leave with practical strategies to prioritize student voice, create menus of opportunities, and embrace responsive instruction that meets learners where they are.
Check out these resources from Julie and James!
- Slide Deck with Graphics
- PDF with Graphics
- Julie’s Books
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
01:59 - Meet Julie Wright and James Goldberg
03:50 - The Purpose of "The Limitless Classroom"
04:40 - How Julie and James Met and Collaborated
07:54 - Why Mantras for Teaching?
09:40 - Mantra 1: Kids Deserve More Time to Think and Do
13:55 - Responsive Classroom Approach
17:02 - Mantra 2: Kids Deserve the Why and How, Not Just the What
21:55 - Surface to Deep Learning
24:00 - Mantra 3: Kids Deserve to Own Their Learning Journey
27:00 - Student Ownership Revelation Story
28:30 - Creating Menus of Opportunities
34:35 - Call to Action for Educators
40:00 - Conclusion and Contact Information
#LimitlessClassroom #EducationalMantras #StudentCenteredLearning #EducationTransformation #TeachingMantras #ClassroomStrategies #DeepLearning #StudentVoice #ResponsiveTeaching #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #MathEducation #LiteracyInstruction #MeaningMaking #CurriculumIntegration #LimitlessClassroom #EducationalCoaching #TeacherCollaboration #ContentIntegration #TeachingStrategies #StudentAgency #MeaningfulLearning #EducationTransformation #ResponsiveTeaching
✨Tune in every Monday for the best research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better the lives of the children in your care.
⭐....& stay tuned for my bonus episode every Friday, where I'll share how I applied what I learned from the guests in schools that week.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode, I discuss Dr. Haesun Moon's revolutionary Dialogic Orientation Quadrant (DOQ) model for powerful team coaching.
Discover how this approach creates meaningful conversations by allowing participants to explore preferred futures, resourceful pasts, troubled pasts, and dreaded futures.
Learn practical strategies for implementing DOQ in both professional coaching settings and classroom environments.
I share specific "curiosities" (powerful questions) for each quadrant that stimulate deep reflection and agency among participants.
This episode complements Season 4, Episode 32 featuring Dr. Moon herself.
Perfect for coaches, educators, and anyone who facilitates group conversations!
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:00 Welcome to the Podcast
02:00 Dr. Haesun Moon's DOQ Model Article
04:00 Setting the Scene for the Team Coaching Demo
06:00 Understanding the DOQ Quadrants
08:00 Quadrant-Specific Questions and Curiosities
11:00 Flow and Movement Between Quadrants
13:00 Final Reflection Questions
14:00 Commitments and Moving Forward
15:00 Tips for Implementing the DOQ Model
16:00 Closing and Contact Information
💫Episode Mentions:
- Team Coaching with the DOQ: Learning with the Hungarian Team by Dr. Haesun Moon
TeamCoaching #DOQModel #DialogicOrientation #CoachingTechniques #EducatorTools #ClassroomCommunity #ProfessionalDevelopment #ConversationSkills #FacilitationStrategies #PrefutureThinking #SolutionFocused #EducationalLeadership #TeamDialogue
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast:
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this transformative conversation, Dr. Haesun Moon reveals how her Dialogic Orientation Quadrant (DOQ) model can revolutionize difficult conversations in polarized environments. Learn how to navigate from troubled pasts and dreaded futures toward resourceful pasts and preferred futures.
Dr. Moon, a Harvard faculty member at the Institute of Coaching and a leading expert on evidence-based coaching, shares practical techniques for transforming dialogues in schools, workplaces, and personal relationships.
Discover why acknowledging negative experiences without exploring them creates powerful connections and how finding calibration points in polarized conversations can bridge even the most divided perspectives.
This episode offers essential strategies for educators, coaches, parents, and anyone seeking to improve dialogue in our increasingly polarized world.
Episode Mentions:
- Janet Clare Beavin Bavelas
- Conference: TLCx - Teaching, Learning, and Coaching (with Jim Knight) in Toronto
Check out Some of Dr. Moon’s Published Writing:
- Coaching A to Z: The Extraordinary Use of Ordinary Words by Dr. Haesun Moon
- Team Coaching with the DOQ: Learning with the Hungarian Team by Dr. Haesun Moon
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction to Dr. Haesun Moon
2:08 - Research foundations and influences
3:28 - Origin story of the DOQ model
7:24 - Evolution and structure of the four quadrants
12:25 - Dialogue in polarized environments
17:00 - Navigating disagreement through calibration
22:10 - Specific techniques for intentional dialogue
27:40 - How to respond to dreaded futures
32:30 - Applying the model with children and students
35:40 - New frontiers: politics and semiotic warfare
38:40 - Conversation as our dwelling place
#DialogicCoaching #DOQModel #HaesunMoon #CoachingTechniques #DifficultConversations #SolutionFocused #TeamCoaching #CommunicationSkills #ActiveListening #TransformativeDialogue #EducatorCoaching #DialogueTechniques
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Discover why children fear making mistakes and how to help them embrace setbacks and learn from them. Nurturing curious minds is essential for growth and development.
In this powerful bonus episode, I delve deeper into my conversation with Lily Howard Scott, author of The Words That Shape Us.
Discover how the language educators and caregivers use profoundly impacts children's emotional development, self-perception, and willingness to take risks.
Learn practical strategies for building emotional vocabulary, reframing mistakes as learning opportunities, and using language that honors children's autonomy.
Whether you're a teacher, parent, or caregiver, these evidence-based approaches will transform how you communicate with the children in your care and help them develop the emotional intelligence needed to thrive in school and beyond.
Episode Mentions:
➡️ Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
➡️ Carol Dweck - Even Geniuses Work Hard
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview
01:00 - Overview of "The Words That Shape Us" Book Structure
04:00 - Developing Children's Emotional Vocabulary
07:00 - Helping Children Become Comfortable with Discomfort
09:00 - Reframing Mistakes as "Brilliant" Learning Opportunities
11:00 - Building a Culture of Fearless Learners
12:00 - Final Thoughts and Poem "On Children"
#TheWordsThatShapeUs #TeacherLanguage #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #BrilliantMistakes #ChildDevelopment #ClassroomCommunity #TeachingStrategies #SEL #EmotionalVocabulary #PerfectionismInKids
Check out my full S4E31 interview with Lily Howard Scott (https://youtu.be/3UGl2D9VKg8).
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
👉 Follow us on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Discover the profound impact of language on children's development with educator and author Lily Howard Scott. In this insightful conversation, Lily reveals how the words we use with children become their inner voice, shaping their thinking patterns and sense of self. Learn practical strategies to help children develop self-trust, move beyond binary thinking, and embrace a "birder mindset" that empowers them to appreciate life’s small wonders.
Lily shares powerful concepts from her book, The Words That Shape Us: The Science-Based Power of Teacher Language, including outer shell vs. inner swirls, creating safe classroom environments, and why the most powerful learning happens between ages 0-10.
This episode offers transformative language tools for educators and caregivers to nurture children's authentic selves beyond achievement metrics.
Episode Mentions:
- Lily on Instagram: @lily_howardscott
- Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett - How Emotions are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain
- David Foster Wallace
- B.D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.
- The Tyranny of Metrics by Jerry Z. Muller
- Marilynne Robinson
- The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
- Ralph Fletcher
- Georgia Heard
- Tyler Rablin - Hacking Student Motivation
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to Lily Howard Scott
1:40 The Power of Words in Shaping Children's Brains
3:00 Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett's Research on Emotions
5:32 Helping Children Discern Authentic Thoughts from External Pressures
8:05 Creating Safe Spaces in the Classroom
11:20 Teaching Beyond Metrics and Compliance
13:52 Harper's Story: Achievement Pressure's Hidden Toll
16:05 The Birder Mindset: Appreciating Life's Small Details
20:35 Practical Applications of the Birder Mindset
23:10 The Connection Between Bird Watchers and Wisdom
25:30 Moving Beyond Binary Thinking with Children
28:15 The Critical Learning Period (Ages 0-10)
30:30 Outer Shell vs. Inner Swirls
33:40 Closing Thoughts: The Lasting Impact of Our Words
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S4E30 bonus episode, I reflect on my conversation with Dr. Katy Anthes about her Forward Framework for moving from polarization to progress. Drawing from the classic book Difficult Conversations, I consider the gap between intentions and impact, explaining why we often misinterpret others' motives and how avoiding difficult conversations damages relationships.
Learn practical strategies for:
➡️recognizing your contribution to conflicts,
➡️understanding your emotions,
➡️and addressing issues directly to create meaningful progress.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or leader, these evidence-based techniques will transform how you approach challenging conversations and build stronger connections.
📚 Featured Book: Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
00:00 - Introduction: Moving from Polarized Mindsets to Progress
01:00 - The Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies Podcast
01:40 - Dr. Katy Anthes's Forward Framework
02:10 - "Difficult Conversations": A Classic Resource
03:00 - Why Assumptions About Intentions Are Often Wrong
04:00 - How We Assume Intentions from Impact
05:30 - Digital Communication and Misinterpreting Intentions
07:00 - How Accusing Others Creates Defensiveness
08:30 - The Toxicity of Avoiding Difficult Conversations
10:00 - Tools for Spotting Your Contribution: Role Reversal
11:00 - The Observer's Insight Technique
12:00 - Understanding Your Own Emotions
14:00 - Final Thoughts: Being Understood vs. Being Right
14:30 - Outro and Contact Information
DifficultConversations #IntentionsVsImpact #ConflictResolution #EducationPodcast #CommunicationSkills #ForwardFramework #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #TeachingStrategies #ParentingTips #WorkplaceRelationships #PersonalGrowth #AssumedIntentions #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducatorResources
Check out my full S4E30 interview with Dr. Katy Anthes!
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired, and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
👉 Follow us on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this powerful conversation with former Colorado Commissioner of Education Dr. Katy Anthes, we explore her groundbreaking "Forward Framework" for navigating polarization and finding productive middle ground in education and beyond.
Dr. Anthes shares research-backed strategies to move from destructive conflict to productive disagreement, explaining why curiosity and humanity are essential for progress. Learn practical skills to address divisive topics in your classroom, school, or community, and discover why 87% of Americans are tired of division and ready for a better way forward.
Whether you're an educator dealing with polarizing issues or anyone seeking to have more meaningful conversations across differences, this episode offers hope and practical tools to create positive change.
Episode Mentions:
- Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC)
- Colorado Council of the International Reading Association (CCIRA)
- Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict & Getting to Yes with Yourself: How to Get What You Truly Want by William Ury
- Jim Collins
- High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
- More in Common
- Undivide Us
- Belonging without Othering: How We Save Ourselves and the World by john a. powell and Stephen Menendian
Check out Katy’s writing and work with PEBC:
- A Reminder to America: We Still Agree on More Than We Don’t The work ahead of educators to nurture a healthier kind of politics(November 11, 2024)
- Forward Initiative → From Polarization to Progress
00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Katy Anthes & Forward Initiative
05:00 - Research on Conflict: William Ury's "Possible"
09:00 - Destructive vs. Productive Conflict
13:00 - Finding Humanity and Common Ground
17:00 - Examples of Polarization in Education
21:00 - Hope in Numbers: 87% Want Less Division
25:00 - The Forward Framework Part 1: Preparation & Listening
32:00 - The Forward Framework Part 2: Connecting & Complicating
37:00 - The Forward Framework Part 3: Rethinking & Creating Space
41:00 - Closing Thoughts: Progress Through Humanity
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Learn how Just-In-Time Scaffolding can support struggling math students in this video. Discover three effective ways to provide math intervention for students who need extra help in understanding mathematical concepts.
In this S4E29 bonus episode, I unpack the critical differences between "just-in-time" and "just-in-case" scaffolding. Discover why timing is everything when supporting struggling math students and how traditional intervention models often fail at the secondary level.
Learn practical strategies for maintaining cognitive demand while providing appropriate support, ensuring equity in mathematics education, and balancing academic intervention with social-emotional awareness.
This episode offers invaluable insights for educators seeking to transform their approach to supporting striving students in grades 6-12, with research-backed methods that preserve productive struggle while providing targeted assistance.
Episode Mentions:
- Just-in-Time vs. Just-in-Case Scaffolding: How to Foster Productive Perseverance by Dr. Juli K. Dixon
- How to Implement Response to Intervention at the Secondary Levelby PJ Caposey
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:00 Introducing the Bonus Episode Focus
02:00 Understanding Just In Time vs Just In Case Scaffolding
04:00 How Premature Scaffolding Reduces Cognitive Demand
06:00 Maintaining Learning Goals While Scaffolding
07:00 Real-World Example: Holocaust Unit Scaffolding
08:00 Challenges with RTI at the Secondary Level
10:00 Team Concepts and Student-Centered Approaches
11:00 Proactive Intervention: Catching Students Early
13:00 Rethinking the RTI Triangle Model
14:00 Social-Emotional Support in Intervention
15:00 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
MathIntervention #JustInTimeScaffolding #ProductiveStruggle #EquityInEducation #BreakItMath #TeacherPD #SecondaryEducation #MathTeaching #RTImodels #DifferentiatedInstruction
Want to learn more about Juliana 's B.R.E.A.K. it Math Intervention Framework™? Check out my full S4E29 interview with her (https://youtu.be/Nvb8ePouHbA).
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired, and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
👉 Follow us on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolutionspodcast/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Join me as I speak with Juliana Tapper, M.Ed, founder of CollaborateEd and author of Teaching 6-12 Math Intervention: A Practical Framework To Engage Students Who Struggle. Discover Juliana’s revolutionary B.R.E.A.K. it Math Intervention Framework™, designed specifically for students who have experienced math trauma or anxiety.
Juliana reveals why Algebra 1 is a critical gatekeeper for educational success and how her evidence-based approach helps break down barriers for historically underserved students. Learn practical techniques to build math confidence, engage reluctant learners, and elevate student status in mathematics.
🔑 Topics:
- Understanding and addressing math trauma and anxiety
- The five-step B.R.E.A.K. it Math Intervention Framework™
- How to implement the innovative "Math Wars" teaching method
- Why building community must come before content
- Just-in-time vs. just-in-case intervention approaches
- Strategies for maintaining high expectations for all students
Episode Mentions:
- Embedded Formative Assessment by Dylan Wiliam
- Elena Aguliar - Coaching for Equity, The Art of Coaching Teams, Arise
- Math Chat Podcast hosted by Mona Lehl
- Math Therapy™by Vanessa Vakharia
- Choosing to See by Kyndall Brown, Ph.D. and Dr. Pamela Seda
- Just-in-Time vs. Just-in-Case Scaffolding: How to Foster Productive Perseverance by Dr. Juli K. Dixon
From Juliana:
- Free PDF: 10 Math intervention strategies
- Free Mini-Workshop: Surprisingly easy ways to engage apathetic students
6Through12MathIntervention #MathTrauma #AlgebraGatekeeping #MathEquity #TeacherSupport #MathWars #MathFramework #BREAKIT #MiddleSchoolMath #HighSchoolMath #MathTeaching #MathCoaching
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Learn about the potential end of free school lunches and what could come next. Stay informed on Department of Education news and potential cuts.
In this urgent S4E28 bonus episode, I examine how Republican budget proposals threaten universal free school meals for 12 million students nationwide. Based on senior Chalkbeat reporter Kalyn Belsha's investigative reporting, this episode breaks down the academic, administrative, and financial consequences of these proposed cuts.
Learn why universal free school meals improve attendance, test scores, and student behavior, and discover how these cuts would create significant burdens for schools already facing resource challenges. This episode provides essential information for educators, parents, and community members concerned about child nutrition and educational equity.
For more resources, including Kalyn's full article and Jennifer Gaddis' book "The Labor of Lunch," visit the show notes. Join me every Monday for research-backed strategies and Friday for bonus reflections to support the children in your care.
Episode Mentions:
- How a Republican plan to cut universal free school meals could affect 12 million students by Kalyn Belsha
- The Labor of Lunch: Why We Need Real Food and Real Jobs in American Public Schools Volume 70, Jennifer E. Gaddis
- S3E23: Providing Healthy School Meals to All Students with Food Service ESP, Talisa Jones
- National Education Association (NEA)
00:00 - Introduction: The Threat to Universal Free School Meals
01:00 - About Skolution's Coaching and Teaching Strategies Podcast
01:45 - Kalyn Belshaw's Investigation into School Meal Cuts
03:00 - Impact of Universal Meals: Removing Stigma and Supporting Families
04:00 - Administrative Burdens and Nutrition Quality Concerns
05:30 - GOP Proposals: Community Eligibility Requirements Increase
07:00 - Income Verification Requirements and Paperwork Burden
08:00 - Financial Impact on Families and School Meal Debt
09:30 - Immigration Concerns and Tariff Effects
10:45 - Book Recommendation: "The Labor of Lunch" by Jennifer Gaddis
12:30 - Moving Away from "Or" Mentality in Public Support
13:30 - Advocacy Work of Food Service ESPs
14:15 - Closing and Call to Action
SchoolMealCrisis #SaveSchoolLunches #FeedingStudents #EducationCuts #StudentHunger #SchoolLunchProgram #UniversalFreeMeals #ChildNutrition #FoodInsecurity #SchoolMealDebt #EquitableEducation #StudentSuccess #EducationPolicy #SchoolMealEquity #ChildrenFirst #EducationAdvocacy #TeacherVoices #SchoolFunding #NutritionMatters #KidsNeedFood
Want to learn more about how the budget cuts will impact children in your care? Check out my full S4E28 interview with Kalyn.
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Join me as I interview Chalkbeat senior national reporter Kalyn Belsha for an urgent update on the Trump administration's education cuts. This follow-up to Kalyn’s Episode 18 appearance covers the rapid dismantling of the Department of Education.
Discover which vital programs have been terminated, how research benefiting thousands of students has been abruptly halted, and what these cuts mean for vulnerable populations including children with disabilities.
This conversation reveals how federal education funding is being used as leverage against schools and universities, and why the biggest concerns lie ahead with potential cuts to Title I and IDEA funding.
Episode Mentions:
- Trump expected to sign executive order on U.S. Department of Education. Here’s what we know by Erica Meltzer
- Parent groups and organizations that support families of children with disabilities by state
- National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
- The Hechinger Report's tracker of Trump's education actions
- The New York Times' tracker on lawsuits against the Trump administration
- Columbia University's response to the Trump administration saying it would withhold $400M in federal funds from the University
- The University of Kansas Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction -This link has a teacher's guide & earlier research on the strategy
00:00 Introduction: Why This Conversation Matters
01:00 Overview of Recent Department of Education Cuts
02:00 Kalyn Belsha Returns with Critical Updates
03:00 Department of Education Confirmation Hearings
04:35 Linda McMahon's Limited Knowledge of Education Law
05:25 Major Cuts to Teacher Training and Research Programs
07:15 Impact on Students with Disabilities' Transition Programs
08:30 Research Projects That Cannot Be Restarted
09:30 The "End DEI" Portal and Its Real Purpose
11:15 Where Are the Guardrails? Understanding Funding Types
12:45 The Future of Title I and IDEA Funding
14:15 Implications for Colleges and Universities
15:40 Federal Funding Used as Leverage Against Schools
17:00 Executive Order to Dismantle the Education Department
18:30 Withholding Federal Funds as a New Enforcement Tactic
19:30 School Meal Program Rollbacks on the Horizon
20:45 The Connection Between Education and Democracy
22:15 How to Stay Informed Without Being Overwhelmed
24:00 Resources for Tracking Education Policy Changes
25:15 How to Advocate for Education Funding
26:30 Moving Beyond Our Bubbles to Support All Children
27:30 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode I break down the groundbreaking "Forward Together" report from the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) shared by Sarah Sandelius and Kristen N. Briggs during their S4E27 Episode: How The Ability Challenge is Transforming Special Education. Discover the three essential mindsets and eight key practices that benefit not just the one in five students with learning differences, but ALL learners.
I share practical strategies for:
➡️explicit instruction,
➡️Universal Design for Learning,
➡️strategy instruction,
➡️flexible grouping,
➡️positive behavior strategies,
➡️collaboration,
➡️culturally responsive teaching,
➡️and evidence-based content instruction.
Learn how to create equitable learning environments where every student can thrive despite political pushback against inclusive education initiatives.
Episode Mentions:
- ✨NCLD Report: FORWARD TOGETHER: Helping Educators Unlock the Power of Students Who Learn Differently
- ✨Stiggins's 7 Strategies of Assessment FOR Learning
- ✨S3 E31: Your AI-Powered UDL Thought Partner: LUDIA with Beth Stark and Jérémie Rostan
- ✨S4E19: Educational Teams Bridging School & Family Communication w/ Leah Mermelstein & Dr. Jen Gioia
- ✨Kalyn Belsha of Chalkbeat
Perfect for educators, administrators, and caregivers committed to supporting diverse learners.
00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview
01:00 - About the Forward Together Report
03:00 - Understanding the "One in Five" Students
05:00 - Three Essential Mindsets for Effective Teaching
06:00 - Self-Efficacy: Believing in Your Ability to Teach All Students
08:00 - Positive Orientation Toward Inclusion and Belonging
09:00 - Growth Mindset for Teachers and Students
10:00 - Eight Key Practices That Benefit All Learners
11:00 - Explicit Targeted Instruction and Universal Design for Learning
12:00 - Strategy Instruction for Independent Learning
14:00 - Positive Behavior Strategies and PBIS
15:00 - Flexible vs. Fixed Grouping Approaches
16:00 - Collaboration Between Educators and Caregivers
17:00 - Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Pedagogy
19:00 - Evidence-Based Content Instruction
20:00 - What Science Says About Neurodiversity in Learning
22:00 - Moving Forward Together and Finding Purpose
23:00 - Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Preview
TheAbilityChallenge #SpecialEducation #InclusiveTeaching #LearningDifferences #EquitableEducation #TeachingStrategies #EducatorResources #NCLD #UniversalDesignForLearning #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EducationPodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Join me as I speak with Sarah Sandelius and Kristen N. Briggs from The Ability Challenge about revolutionizing special education through their groundbreaking THRIVE Framework. We need to shift from deficit-based thinking to presuming competence in all learners.
You'll Learn:
- Why focusing on Tier 1 instruction is essential for ALL students
- How to move beyond compliance metrics to meaningful student outcomes
- The critical difference between visible and invisible disabilities
- Why "kids will meet whatever bar you set for them, low or high"
- Practical strategies for creating truly inclusive learning environments
Sarah Sandelius, a former lawyer who founded The Ability Challenge, shares her personal journey from witnessing educational inequity to creating systems-level change. Kristen N. Briggs brings her invaluable perspective as a special education teacher and school leader, highlighting how intentional support systems can transform educational experiences for students with disabilities.
Episode Mentions:
- National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
- Insights for Navigating the Transition to Adulthood
- Forward Together
- IDEA
- MTSS-i
- Juliana Tapper, M.Ed - Teaching 6-12 Math Intervention
- The Ability Challenge's 2025 White Paper "From ABC to THRIVE"
Chapters:
- 00:00 - Introduction and overview
- 01:00 - Meet Sarah Sandelius and Kristen Briggs
- 02:00 - Research that informs their work
- 03:50 - Kristen on lived experience vs. academic research
- 06:10 - Sarah's journey to founding The Ability Challenge
- 09:56 - Understanding visible vs. invisible disabilities
- 11:59 - What schools could do better to support students
- 13:21 - The problem of "Tier 2 and 3 ourselves out of a Tier 1 challenge"
- 17:23 - The importance of collaborative professional learning
- 19:29 - The THRIVE Framework explained
- 21:50 - Taking a systems-level approach to special education
- 24:40 - Moving beyond compliance metrics to meaningful assessment
- 27:46 - Grade-level content access for all students
- 29:08 - The "what, so what, now what" data analysis protocol
- 31:32 - Setting high expectations and checking educator biases
- 34:34 - Future vision and emerging trends in special education
- 37:17 - Building teacher knowledge around specialized instruction
- 38:37 - Resources for understanding functions of behavior
- 39:12 - Reimagining staffing approaches
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Discover how writer's notebooks create essential spaces for student creativity and authentic expression in this S4E26 bonus episode featuring insights from Ralph Fletcher's book, A Writer's Notebook: Unlocking the Writer Within You. Learn practical strategies for implementing writer's notebooks in your classroom and providing meaningful feedback that empowers rather than constrains young writers.
🔑 In this episode:
🌟Why writer's notebooks serve a distinct purpose beyond assignments
🌟How to shift from formulaic writing to authentic expression
🌟The difference between "done" and "done for now" in the writing process
🌟Practical ways to provide feedback that focuses on growth, not just praise
🌟John Hattie's research on effective feedback for student learning
I share my experience implementing writer's folders and notebooks across grade levels and explain how giving students freedom transformed their writing. This episode is perfect for K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and anyone interested in helping students develop authentic writing voices.
00:00 - Introduction: The power of greenbelt writing
01:00 - Schoolutions podcast overview
01:43 - Ralph Fletcher's concept of greenbelt writing
02:00 - Writing folders vs. writer's notebooks
03:12 - Breaking free from genre constraints
04:32 - The problem with writing formulas
05:12 - Ralph's definition of a writer's notebook
07:00 - Choosing the right people for writing feedback
08:23 - Creating in-person writing groups
10:15 - The writer should control the feedback process
11:32 - You don't have to accept all feedback
12:58 - John Hattie's research on effective feedback
14:25 - Why "great job" isn't helpful feedback
15:32 - Connecting feedback to zones of proximal development
Episode Mentions:
- A Writer's Notebook: Unlocking the Writer Within You by Ralph Fletcher
- Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning by John Hattie
- Lev Vygotsky’s Zones of Development
Want to learn more about Greenbelt writing and offering students choice as writers? Check out my full S4E26 interview with Ralph Fletcher.
#WritersNotebook #TeachingWriting #LiteracyInstruction #RalphFletcher #GreenbeltWriting #StudentWriters #TeacherPD #WritingWorkshop #JohnHattie #WritingFeedback #ElementaryWriting #MiddleSchoolELA #WritingProcess #LiteracyCoaching #AuthenticWriting
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with renowned author and educator Ralph Fletcher to discuss his book, Joy Write: Cultivating High-Impact, Low-Stakes Writing and why the concept of greenbelt writing is crucial for developing authentic student voices.
Greenbelt writing serves as a designated creative space where students can write freely without constraints, similar to how greenbelts in nature create essential passages for wildlife to thrive.
Ralph, who has also written numerous books for young readers and teachers, shares his perspective on how scripted curricula and commercial writing programs have squeezed choice and joy out of classroom writing experiences.
The conversation explores:
- Why choice is fundamental to developing strong writers
- How academic writing has overshadowed expressive writing in classrooms
- The importance of pleasure and joy in the writing process
- Practical ways teachers can incorporate greenbelt writing alongside required curriculum
- How student-initiated writing reveals skills, humor, and collaboration that often remain hidden
Episode Mentions:
- What is Greenbelt Writing? by Ralph Fletcher
- The World's Loneliest Elephant by Ralph Fletcher (illustrated by Naoko Stoop)
- Craft and Process Studies by Matt Glover
- Misreading Masculinity by Thomas Newkirk
- Boy Writers by Ralph Fletcher
- Barry Lane (educator)
- Katie Wood Ray (educator who discusses writing stamina)
- Malcolm Gladwell (reference to his 10,000 hours concept)
- John Carroll (professor at University of New Hampshire)
Ralph offers examples of how teachers can validate and affirm student writing without feeling pressured to grade or critique it heavily, suggesting that sometimes benign neglect allows creativity to flourish.
The episode concludes with a discussion about writing identity and how teachers can help all students see themselves as writers by providing opportunities for authentic expression.
Perfect for teachers, coaches, and caregivers looking to restore creativity and joy to writing instruction while balancing curricular demands.
GreenbeltWriting #JoyWrite #RalphFletcher #WritersCraft #WritersNotebook #WritingMentor #LowStakesWriting #WritingWorkshop #StudentChoice #AuthenticWriting #TeachersOfTwitter #TeachWriting #WritingTeacher #LiteracyMatters #WritingInstruction #ELA #ElementaryELA #StudentVoice #WritingJoy #CreativeWriting #WriteFromTheHeart #WritersIdentity #WritingCommunity #ReclaimWriting #TeacherLife #EdChat #LiteracyEducation #ChoiceMatters #StudentEngagement #WritingFreedom
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode, I highlight Chapter 5 of Dr. Towanda Harris's book, The Right Tools: A Guide to Selecting, Evaluating, and Implementing Classroom Resources and Practices. Building on my previous conversation with Dr. Harris about nurturing teacher candidates, I explore the essential elements of effective collaboration among education professionals.
Learn why:
- 💡purposeful collaboration requires clear focus and structure,
- 💡how bringing diverse educational perspectives to the planning table strengthens instructional approaches,
- 💡and why individual reflection is a necessary complement to collaborative work.
Discover practical strategies for:
- ✨ identifying the right collaborators,
- ✨ establishing meaningful focus areas for teamwork,
- ✨ and implementing conversation starters that drive productive professional discussions.
Whether you're a classroom teacher navigating boxed curricula, an instructional coach supporting teacher teams, or an administrator building collaborative school culture, this episode offers valuable insights on harnessing the power of intentional collaboration to better serve all students.
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Overview of The Right Tools
02:00 Dr. Harris's journey to valuing collaboration
04:00 Who to invite to the collaborative planning table
06:00 Serving diverse student populations through collaboration
08:00 Focus areas for effective collaboration
10:00 Different planning structures
11:00 Powerful conversation starters
12:00 Putting collaborative practices into action
#DrTowandaHarris #TheRightTools #TeacherCollaboration #EducationalLeadership #ProfessionalLearning #SchoolPlanning #TeacherTeams #EffectiveCollaboration #TeacherReflection #InstructionalCoaching #EducationResources #TeamPlanning #TeacherCandidates #SchoolImprovement #StudentSuccess #CollaborativePlanning #GradeLevelTeams #VerticalPlanning #ProfessionalLearning #ClassroomStrategies #EducatorResources #TeachingStrategies #SchoolSolutions #EducationPodcast #SchoolImprovement #TeacherSupport #InstructionalStrategies #SchoolLeadership #EducationalTeams
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this powerful episode of Schoolutions, I sit down with Dr. Towanda Harris of the Harris Innovation Consulting Group, an influential educator with over 20 years of experience who's impacted more than 10,000 educators nationwide. Dr. Harris shares her journey from third-grade teacher to university professor, offering invaluable insights about preparing the next generation of teachers. Learn why questioning the status quo should be celebrated, how to redefine success in education beyond traditional metrics, and why developing a teaching philosophy must start with personal reflection. Whether you're a new teacher, veteran educator, or educational leader, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on creating more responsive, student-centered classrooms.
Key Topics Discussed:
➡️Dr. Harris's journey from classroom teacher to university professor
➡️The importance of questioning and unlearning in education
➡️Redefining success beyond traditional metrics
➡️Developing meaningful teaching philosophies
➡️Creating inclusive classroom environments
Research & Resources Mentioned:
💫Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's work on mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors
💫Dr. Gholnescsar (Gholdy) Muhammad's work on transactional learning
💫Zaretta Hammond's Ready 4 Rigor Framework
💫Dr. Carla España and Dr. Luz Yadira Herrera's work on translanguaging
💫Aeriale N. Johnson
💫Arlène Elizabeth Casimir's Holding Space Protocol
💫The Georgia Literacy Act
Dr. Harris’s Recommended Resources:
📚A Love Letter to Teachers by Patrick Harris II
📚3 Ways to Take Charge of Your Personal Growth As an Educator by Dr. Towanda Harris
📚Meaningful Learning Experiences: Teaching the Student and not the ContentCCRIA blog by Dr. Towanda Harris
📚Student Agency: Strategies to Build a Strengths-Based Classroom by Dr. Towanda Harris
📚The Right Tools: A Guide to Selecting, Evaluating, and Implementing Classroom Resources and Practices by Dr. Towanda Harris
Timestamps:
- [00:00:00] Episode Introduction
- [00:02:00] Dr. Harris's Educational Journey
- [00:09:00] Changes in Teacher Candidates
- [00:15:00] Redefining Success in Education
- [00:24:00] Developing Teaching Philosophies
- [00:34:00] Inclusive Teaching Practices
- [00:37:00] Closing Thoughts
DrTowandaHarris #TheRightTools #EdChat #TeacherEducation
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
✨ In this S4 E24 bonus episode, discover how student-centered learning and innovative teaching can create meaningful classroom success through collaborative agreements. By focusing on personalized learning and active learning strategies, educators can build stronger connections with their students. This episode explores how cooperative learning transforms traditional classroom dynamics into spaces where every student thrives. 🌱
I explore insights from Kwame Sarfo-Mensah's book Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom. Discover how to shift from traditional classroom control to collaborative agreements empowering students and teachers. Learn practical strategies for letting students take the lead, including student-led teaching opportunities and peer tutoring.
Whether you're an educator struggling with classroom dynamics or a school leader looking to strengthen communities, this episode offers concrete tools for creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued. It also explores how repairing harm through education can strengthen classroom relationships and why vulnerability in teaching matters.
Listen in to understand how you can transform your classroom into a space where both students and teachers thrive through mutual respect, shared responsibility, and authentic community building. Want to learn more about nurturing culturally affirming learning communities? Check out my full interview with Kwame (https://youtu.be/tNg3icwk-bs).
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired, and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
You will learn practical strategies and frameworks to create inclusive, identity-affirming spaces throughout this S4E24 conversation with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah. This episode highlights Kwame’s book, Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally-Affirming Classroom. Kwame brings seventeen years of education experience, including nine years as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia and Boston. He is the founder of Identity Talk Consulting and host of the Identity Talk 4 Educators podcast. As a former middle school math teacher, Kwame discusses the journey from classroom teaching to global education advocacy.
Key Topics:
➡️The three P's of intersectional awareness: Privilege, Power, and Positionality
➡️Strategies for being an authentically active community-engaged educator
➡️The importance of origin stories in teaching
➡️Counter-storytelling and celebrating marginalized communities
➡️Creating culturally affirming classroom environments
Highlighted Frameworks:
💫Origin Story Components (STORI):
💫Racial Literacy Development Framework:
Practical Strategies:
✨The "Me Bag" activity for celebrating student identities
✨Reflective questions for educator development
✨Community engagement at multiple levels
✨Ways to incorporate counter-storytelling
Tune in to explore how educators can use intentional, inclusive practices to strengthen student engagement, emotional wellness, and academic success, creating classrooms that are not just places of learning but spaces of healing, growth, and transformation.
#IdentityTalk4Educators #IdentityAffirmingEducation #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #TeacherDevelopment #EducationalEquity #TeacherLife #TeacherPD #EducationalLeadership #InstructionalCoaching #TeacherCommunity #ProfessionalLearning #StudentIdentity #CounterStorytelling #IntersectionalAwareness #CulturalCompetency #SchoolTransformation #EdChat #SchoolCommunity #StudentVoices #ClassroomCommunity #TeacherGrowth #TeacherReflection #EducationMatters #K12Education #SchoolCulture
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this S4E23 bonus episode, I break down key insights from Arlène Elizabeth Casimir's book Trauma-Responsive Pedagogy: Teaching for Healing and Transformation (co-authored with Courtney Baker). The episode focuses on Casimir's seven-stage framework for weaving trauma-responsive practices into instruction. This episode accompanies Season 4, Episode 23, featuring the full interview with Arlène Elizabeth Casimir.
KEY CONCEPTS:
➡️Distinction between bearing witness and empathy
➡️Healing as a parallel process
➡️Creating restorative and transformative practices in schools
Arlène’s Seven-Stage Framework:
1. Know Thyself
2. Know Thy Content
3. Bearing Witness
4. Feel
5. Grieve
6. Initiate the Archetypes
7. Heal and Transform
#TheAwakenedTeacher #TraumaResponsiveTeaching #TeacherPD #EducatorPodcast #TeacherResources #TraumaInformedEducation #TeacherGrowth #TeacherWellness #EducatorSupport #TeacherMentalHealth #ProfessionalDevelopment #BraveSpaces #ClassroomCulture #HoldingSpace #SEL #WholeChildEducation #TeacherCommunity #TeachersOfInstagram #TeacherLife #EducatorsOfInstagram #TeacherTribe #HealingCenteredEducation #StudentSupport #TraumaResponse #ClassroomManagement #EarlyChildhoodEd
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this transformative episode, Olivia welcomes Arlène Elizabeth Casimir —author, healer, The Awakened Teacher, and CEO/founder of Reveye—to share essential insights on co-creating classrooms that support self-regulation, co-regulation, and meaningful connection. As the co-author of Trauma-Responsive Pedagogy: Teaching for Healing and Transformation, Arlène breaks down the nine different trauma responses educators should recognize and offers actionable strategies to design learning spaces where both students and teachers can flourish academically, emotionally, and socially.
Through Reveye, Arlène brings together trauma-responsive teaching, culturally relevant pedagogy, healing-centered education, and multimedia literacy to help educators foster environments where students feel seen, heard, and valued. She integrates spirituality in education as a grounding force, offering practical ways to support reflection, resilience, and well-being in learning spaces.
Tune in to explore how educators can use intentional, inclusive practices to strengthen student engagement, emotional wellness, and academic success, creating classrooms that are not just places of learning but spaces of healing, growth, and transformation.
🔑 CORE INSIGHTS:
Traditional teaching methods focusing solely on academic outcomes and compliance are insufficient
➡️Trauma can be a gateway for healing and transformation
➡️The classroom can be an incubator for elevating consciousness
➡️Teachers must practice inner work for outer change
➡️Holding space is about creating containers for full humanity
Episode Mentions:
- Carl G. Jung - Memories, Dreams, and Reflections
- bell hooks
- Toni Morrison
- Komozi Woodard - Sarah Lawrence College
- Thích Nhất Hạnh
- don Miguel Ruiz - The Four Agreements
- Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi – The Guest House
#TheAwakenedTeacher #TraumaResponsiveTeaching #TeacherPD #EducatorPodcast #TeacherResources #TraumaInformedEducation #TeacherGrowth #TeacherWellness #EducatorSupport #TeacherMentalHealth #ProfessionalDevelopment #BraveSpaces #ClassroomCulture #HoldingSpace #SEL #WholeChildEducation #TeacherCommunity #TeachersOfInstagram #TeacherLife #EducatorsOfInstagram #TeacherTribe #HealingCenteredEducation #StudentSupport #TraumaResponse #ClassroomManagement #EarlyChildhoodEd
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode, I explore two transformative educational programs - AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and STEP (Student Expedition Program). Building on my S4E22 conversation with Tracy Baynes, I break down how these programs are revolutionizing college preparation and achieving remarkable success rates among students.
Discover how AVID and STEP are closing the opportunity gap by preparing students for college success through academic skill building, relationship development, and systemic change in schools. Learn about their approach to equity in education, the importance of student-driven learning, and how these programs are helping educators create sustainable change in their classrooms.
Whether you're an educator, administrator, or caregiver, this episode offers valuable insights into proven strategies that help students thrive academically and beyond. From elementary school foundations to college graduation success, learn how these programs are transforming education one student at a time.
Key Insights:
- STEP's impressive 96% college graduation success rate in Arizona
- AVID's reach: 8,000 schools and 2 million+ students
- Essential academic behaviors taught starting in elementary school:
- Note-taking strategies
- Organization skills
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- How these programs transform teacher-centered instruction to student-driven learning
Want to learn more about STEP? Check out my full interview with Tracy Baynes (https://youtu.be/d0grSKM3exQ).
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
& 👉Follow Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Why do 96% of STEP students graduate college when the national average is far lower? In this eye-opening conversation with Tracy Baynes, founder of the Student Expedition Program (STEP), discover how experiential learning and comprehensive support are transforming college access for low-income Arizona students.
Join our S4E22 conversation to discover how Tracy Baynes is revolutionizing college access for low-income students! From teaching oceanography on tall ships and instructing with the with National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound to reenvisioning education in Arizona, Tracy shares powerful insights on:
- Why going to college isn't enough - it's about getting the degree
- The truth about community college vs. 4-year universities
- How standardized testing acts as a gatekeeper
- Breaking down barriers in college admissions
- The myth of AP exam scores
- Building self-advocacy skills for college success
- Creating generational change through education
Tracy offers many strategies and even an invitation to connect about transforming college access and creating pathways to success for all students!
#STEPProgram #CollegeSuccess #HigherEducation #CollegeAccess #Education #StudentSuccess #CollegePrep #FirstGeneration #EducationalEquity #CollegeAdvising #FirstGen #APClasses #CollegeBound #UnderservedStudents #EducationalOpportunity #CollegeGuidance #StudentMentorship
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Cheers to states that make child care accessible! In this S4E21 bonus episode, I explore groundbreaking research and state-level solutions transforming early childhood education in America.
Thanks to Dr. Dan Wuori, you'll discover:
➡️James Heckman's revolutionary findings on early childhood ROI
➡️The Perry Preschool Project's 60-year multigenerational impact
➡️New Mexico's game-changing free childcare program
➡️South Carolina's innovative Pre-K to Kindergarten transition framework
➡️Real solutions for the childcare cost crisis
🔑 Key Highlights:
➡️How early intervention creates lasting generational change
➡️New Mexico's $150M+ childcare funding solution
➡️Why childcare costs 8-19% of household income
➡️South Carolina's successful family engagement strategies
➡️Breaking down barriers in early childhood education
💡 Featured Research:
➡️The Heckman Curve
➡️Perry Preschool Project's 60-year study
➡️Labor Department childcare cost data
➡️South Carolina's Birth Through Five Plan
earlychildhoodeducator #ChildcareReform #Education #EarlyEducation #ChildcareSolutions #PreschoolEducation #EducationPolicy #FamilyPolicy #ChildDevelopment #EarlyLearning
Want to learn more about transforming early childhood education? Check out my S4E21 full interview with Dr. Dan Wouri and visit your state's early childhood education resources to get involved locally.
Subscribe for more insights on education, policy, and creating positive change for our children! 🔔
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
& 👉Follow Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-wahl-4300811a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolutionspodcast/
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/olivia-wahl.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schoolutionspodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode (S4E21), I welcome Dr. Dan Wuori, founder of Early Childhood Policy Solutions and strategic advisor at The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation™, to discuss his book, The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It).
Key Discussion Points:
➡️The three simple truths of early development: learning begins in utero, the prenatal to age 3 period is uniquely consequential, and brain development is optimized through stable one-on-one interactions
➡️Why terms like "daycare" and "childcare" need to be reconceptualized to reflect their true educational nature
➡️The crisis in early childhood education, including 40% annual teacher attrition and severe wage disparities
➡️State-level innovations in early childhood policy, highlighting initiatives in New Mexico, Vermont, Washington D.C., and North Dakota
➡️The economic case for investing in early childhood education, featuring research by Nobel laureate James Heckman showing a 13.1% annual return on investment
Striking Statistics:
💡1 in 4 American mothers must return to work within two weeks of giving birth
💡Early childhood educators earn 59 cents per hour less than dog walkers
💡40% of early childhood teachers leave the field annually
Some Episode Mentions:
➡️ Research by Dr. James Heckman, Nobel Prize-winning economist
➡️ New Mexico's free child care program is bringing relief that millions of U.S. families need
➡️ The Vermont Child Care Contribution
➡️ Washington D.C. Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund
➡️ North Dakota - Governor Doug Burgum
➡️ South Carolina Pre-K to Kindergarten Transition Plan: Family Engagement
#TheDaycareMyth #EarlyChildhood #ECE #ChildDevelopment #EarlyLearning #EducationPolicy #TeacherPay #WorkingParents #ParentingResources #EarlyEd #ChildCareReform #BrainDevelopment #EarlyYears #PreschoolTeacher #EducationEquity #InfantCare #TeacherRights #FamilyPolicy #PaidLeave #StatePolicy #EducationInvestment #PreK #ECETeachers #ChildrensRights #EarlyIntervention #EducationReform
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
A bonus episode where I read selected entries from Gwyneth Hagan's Substack microblog Starting Small. **The episode explores how natural patterns like bubbles, chaos, and flow can serve as metaphors for transforming education from a factory model to a forest model.
Gwyneth's work combines poetry, educational theory, and observations of nature to envision more organic, interconnected learning systems. The readings include reflections on finding joy in learning, embracing uncertainty, and accepting periods of withdrawal (what Hagan calls "snail mode") as natural parts of growth and change in education.**
- The Joy of Learning from Bubbles
- In Chaos & Flow
- How to start small when you are scared
- Snail Mode Acceptance and Emergence
#EducationTransformation #NatureBasedLearning #ForestModel #TeacherGrowth #ProfessionalLearning #PatternsinNature #SustainableEducation #CollectiveLearning #EdLeadership #TeacherWellbeing #OrganicLearning #EducationEcosystem #TeacherPoetry #MindfulTeaching #LearningDesign #EducationalChange #TeacherReflection #HolisticEducation #SystemicChange #TeacherAgency
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode, I speak with educator, designer, and facilitator Gwyneth Hagan about transforming education from a traditional factory model to what she beautifully describes as a forest model. Drawing on patterns found in nature, Gwyneth shares powerful insights about creating more organic, interconnected learning systems that honor both educators' and students' natural growth processes.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Moving beyond the factory model of education to embrace a more ecosystem-based approach
- How natural patterns like spirals, waves, and fractals can inform better learning design
- Why educators need to experience the same wonder-filled, permission-free learning they want to create for students
Gwyneth also shares her personal journey of incorporating poetry and natural observation into her professional work, challenging traditional boundaries between artistic and educational practices. The episode concludes with her moving poem "Small Things," which beautifully encapsulates her philosophy of taking time to notice and appreciate the smaller moments in learning and life.
Gwyneth's Substack, Starting Small & Recommendations:
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Design for Belongingby Susie Wise
- Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown
- Letters from the Future (of Learning) by Sam Chaltain
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I follow up on my conversation with Leah Mermelstein and Dr. Jennifer Gioia (S4E19) to explore critical aspects of educational support systems. The episode breaks down three main areas:
✨Recent developments in tutoring programs, including insights from a 2024 New York Times article (With Speech to Teachers, Harris Waded into a Fiery Education Debate) about Kamala Harris's education stance and challenges highlighted in The Hechinger Report (Students aren’t benefiting much from tutoring, one new study shows) about scaling tutoring effectively.
➡️P-3 Literacy Instructional best practices guide
✨An in-depth exploration of John Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory and its practical classroom applications (Cognitive Load Theory: A Practical Guide And Tips For Teachers), including:
➡️The relationship between sensory, short-term, and long-term memory
➡️Understanding working memory's limited capacity (5-9 pieces of information for ~30 seconds)
➡️Practical tips for teachers to reduce cognitive load
➡️Strategies for students to optimize their learning environment
✨ An introduction to MagicSchool, a free AI tool for educators that offers:
➡️Rubric generation
➡️Automated feedback assistance
➡️Text-dependent question creation
➡️AI-resistant assignment development
➡️Creation of exemplar and non-exemplar responses
EducatorPodcast #LiteracyEducation #StudentSupport #TeacherPD #ReadingInstruction #SchoolPsychologist #EquitableEducation #TeacherCollaboration #LearningSupport #OrthographicMapping #EducationalTeams #FamilyEngagement #InclusiveEducation #LiteracyCoach #ReadingSpecialist #StudentSuccess #SchoolLeadership #InterventionStrategies #teamworkmakesthedreamwork
👉Check out my episode with Leah and Jen here: (https://youtu.be/Yc-Gkq2zwhw)!
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
& 👉Follow Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies Podcast on social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ol
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode, I sit down with literacy expert Leah Mermelstein and school neuropsychologist Dr. Jennifer Gioia to explore how educators can better support students who are "stuck" in their learning journey. Together, we unpack how schools can build effective support systems directly into their educational framework through three core elements: dedicated time for team dialogue, appropriate resources and curriculum, and shared knowledge of research-based practices.
The conversation delves into practical strategies for:
➡️breaking down educational silos
➡️fostering family-school collaboration
➡️ensuring equitable student support
Leah brings insights from literacy consulting and tutoring, while Jen shares perspectives on neuropsychological evaluation and empowering families with educational knowledge.
Join us for actionable strategies to create unified teams that support every student's learning journey while addressing both individual needs and systemic barriers.
Mentions:
- S1E10: "We-Do" Writing: A Solution for Shaky Independence
- S2 E35: It's Time to Bend Curriculum & Create Our Own Integrated Units of Study
- Julie Wright - What’s Our Response
- New Jersey’s Intervention and Referral Services Committee (I&RS Committee)
- Orthographic mapping
- Sounds-Write: First Rate Phonics
- Cognitive load theory and individual differences
- With Speech to Teachers, Harris Waded into a Fiery Education Debate
- Students aren’t benefiting much from tutoring, one new study shows
- Ari Gerzon-Kessler - On the Same Team
- Making the Most of Team Time in Middle School
- LMC Literacy Toolkits
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode I reflect on my S4E18 interview with Kalyn Belsha, a senior national reporter for Chalkbeat, focusing on Trump's campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education and its potential impact on students with disabilities.
I break down Erica Meltzer's article about ending the U.S. Department of Education and share Kalyn’s valuable recommended resources for you to take action, including links to:
➡️the Senate HELP Committee,
➡️disability advocacy groups,
➡️and state-specific parent support organizations.
Chalkbeat #SpecialEducation #IDEA #EducationPolicy #TeacherShortage #SpecialEd #Advocacy #StudentRights #DisabilityRights #SchoolStaffing #EducationEquity #TeacherSupport #ParentAdvocacy #CivilRights #EducationNews #SpecialEducationTeacher #ParaProfessional #SchoolPolicy #StudentServices #InclusiveEducation #EducationReform #K12Education
👉Check out my episode with Kalyn here!
New episodes are released every Monday, with a bonus solo episode on Fridays featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this timely and crucial episode, I sit down with Kalyn Belsha, senior national reporter for Chalkbeat, to unpack the potential impacts of Trump's campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education. We explore how this could specifically affect students with disabilities, from changes in civil rights complaint processes to funding distributions and staffing challenges. Kayln breaks down complex policy implications into clear, actionable insights, explaining how the shift could transform education from federal to state control.
Our conversation covers critical topics for you, including:
➡️How civil rights complaints might shift from investigations to lawsuits
➡️The potential move to state-controlled block grants for education funding
➡️Current staffing shortages in special education and potential solutions
➡️The role of advocacy at state and local levels
Whether you're an educator, administrator, or caregiver, this episode offers valuable perspective on navigating potential changes while continuing to support students with disabilities. We conclude the episode with an uplifting discussion about educator resilience and the importance of supporting teachers during challenging times.
Episode Mentions:
- Constance A. Lindsay
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Kalyn’s Recommended Resources:
- Senate HELP committee (senators to write to with suggested questions for Linda McMahon on serving children with disabilities)
- parent groups and organizations that support families of children with disabilities by state
- National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
- The Center for Learner Equity
- Special education staffing shortages put students’ futures at risk. How to solve that is tricky. By Kalyn Belsha | November 19, 2024
- Ending the U.S. Department of Education: What it would mean and why Trump and Project 2025 want it By Erica Meltzer | August 23, 2024
- Many young kids missed early special ed services due to COVID, compounding work for schools By Kalyn Belsha | May 24, 2023
- Educators see struggling students. After a pandemic year, do they need extra help or services for a disability? By Kalyn Belsha | September 1, 2021
Chalkbeat #SpecialEducation #IDEA #EducationPolicy #TeacherShortage #SpecialEd #Advocacy #StudentRights #DisabilityRights #EducationEquity #ParentAdvocacy #CivilRights #EducationNews #SpecialEducationTeacher #ParaProfessional #SchoolPolicy #StudentServices #InclusiveEducation #EducationReform #K12Education
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode, I reflect on my S4E17 conversation with educator Kass Minor and explore the urgent need for transformative education in 2025. I discuss The Minor Collective's community-based approach to education and highlight key insights from Kass's blog about preparing students for real-world challenges alongside revisions to the NYS Portrait of a Graduate. Drawing from recent research and a New York Times guest essay, Giving Kids Some Autonomy Has Surprising Results by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, the co-authors of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better.
I examine why student autonomy and agency are crucial for engagement and success. I share practical strategies for educators and caregivers to create learning environments where students can:
➡️develop essential life skills,
➡️navigate diverse perspectives,
➡️and pursue their curiosities while meeting academic goals.
This episode offers a hopeful yet pragmatic vision for education that extends beyond traditional academics to help students thrive in an increasingly complex world.
#KassMinor #CorneliusMinor #TheMinorCollective #RadicallyProKid #TeachingFiercely #TeacherAgency #SocialJusticeEducation #EdChat #Education #StudentAgency, #AuthenticLearning
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Join me in conversation with educator and author Kass Minor as we explore the intersection of justice, joy, and transformative teaching practices. Kass, the author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools, shares powerful insights about creating inclusive classroom environments that honor students' whole selves while empowering teachers to trust their professional judgment.
Key topics include:
➡️Why teacher agency is critical for meaningful educational transformation
➡️The importance of integrating foundational teaching frameworks with justice-oriented practices
➡️ How somatic literacy and body awareness impact teaching effectiveness
➡️Using six-word stories as a powerful assessment tool
➡️Creating a curriculum that responds to student needs and community context
Drawing from her experience as a New York City Teacher and her extensive work in educational development, Kass offers practical strategies for building more equitable and joyful learning spaces. This conversation bridges theory and practice, offering you concrete ways to create classrooms where both teachers and students can thrive.
Whether you're a classroom teacher, administrator, or education advocate, this episode provides valuable insights for reimagining education through a lens of justice, community, and collective action.
Some Episode Mentions:
- Jonathan Haidt - The Anxious Generation
- Cinnamon Kills First
- Gloria Ladson-Billings
- Vivian Maria Vasquez
- Leilani Mabrey
Kass’s Recommendations & Published Works:
- Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools
- Increasing the Psychic Rewards of Teaching
- Love as a Qualifier: Building Literacy Culture Across a School
TeachingFiercely #TeacherAgency #SocialJusticeEducation #EquitableEducation #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #InclusiveEducation #SomaticLearning #CommunityBasedLearning #TeacherLeadership #CurriculumDesign #StudentVoice #TeacherReflection #JoyfulLearning
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I expand on my conversation with Jennifer McCarty Plucker, Ed. D. about book access and classroom libraries. Drawing from experts like Tammy Mulligan, Clare Landrigan, Towanda Harris, Cris Tovani,Kate Roberts, Donalyn Miller,Colby Sharp, and Molly Ness, I explore strategies for building effective classroom libraries, empowering students to create their own text sets, and ensuring equitable book access.
You’ll learn about the importance of strategic partnerships, diverse representation in book selections, and community engagement in addressing book deserts. Essential listening for educators, librarians, and caregivers interested in fostering literacy development through thoughtful curation of reading resources.
Episode Mentions:
- S4 E16: Mackin Educational Resources: Digital Learning Platforms & Library Services with Jennifer McCarty Plucker, Ed.D.
- It’s All About the Books: How to Create Bookrooms and Classroom Libraries That Inspire Readers by Tammy Mulligan and Clare Landrigan
- The Right Tools: A Guide to Selecting, Evaluating, and Implementing Classroom Resources and Practices by Towanda Harris
- Why Do I Have to Read This? Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Students by Cris Tovani
- The Heart of Fiction: Reading for Character, Theme, & Craft by Kate Roberts
- Game Changer: Book Access for All Kids by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp
- S3 E5: The Role of Read Alouds in the Science of Reading with Dr. Molly Ness
- End Book Deserts
#BookAccess #LiteracyEducation #ClassroomLibraries #TextSets #TeacherResources #StudentEmpowerment #BookDeserts #ReadingEquity #LiteracyDevelopment #EducatorPodcast #BookCuration #SchoolLibraries #DiverseBooks #TeachingStrategies #EdChat #Mackin
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Discover how Mackin Educational Resources partners with educators to provide comprehensive support for classroom and library resources. In this episode, Jennifer McCarty Plucker, Ed.D., Director of Learning and Development at Mackin reveals invaluable free services and tools available to educators, including:
➡️Access to a catalog of over 3 million titles
➡️Expert help with curating classroom resources and text sets
➡️Free Storyteller Spotlight events featuring authors like Jeff Kinney
➡️Technical support for processing, barcoding, and labeling
➡️Digital integration through MackinVIA and MackinVision platforms
➡️Makerspace resources and hands-on learning materials
➡️Collection analysis services
➡️Family engagement resources
Perfect for teachers, librarians, and education leaders looking to save time and money while enhancing student engagement. Learn how Mackin's "let's find a way to yes" approach helps educators build diverse, standards-aligned collections that serve all learners.
Drawing on foundational research from John T. Guthrie and real classroom experience, this episode offers you practical solutions for getting quality materials into students' hands. Whether you're managing a school library, building classroom collections, or supporting family literacy initiatives, you'll discover tools and strategies you can implement right away.
Episode Mentions:
- S3 E39: Using Inquiry to Inspire Lifelong Readers with Dr. Jennifer McCarty Plucker
- Engagement With Young Adult Literature: Outcomes and Processes by Gay Ivey, Peter H. Johnston 20 March 2013 https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.46 or https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/rrq.46
- Teens Choosing to Read by Gay Ivey and Peter Johnston https://a.co/d/e4K9Q5s
- Mackin website and catalog: www.mackin.com
- Library Custom List Request form: https://search.mackin.com/list-request
- Classroom Custom Book List Request form: https://home.mackin.com/classroom/classroom-custom-book-list-request/
- Storyteller Spotlight: https://home.mackin.com/resources/storyteller-spotlight/
- To Reach Jen: jenniferplucker.com or MackinLearning.com
Jen’s Other Recommended Resources:
- Link to blog writing: https://mackinlearning.com/author/jennifer-mp/
- Link to order Inspiring Lifelong Readershttps://a.co/d/9xIeTUK
- Baiting the Reading Hook: https://ascd.org/el/articles/baiting-the-reading-hook
EdChat #SchoolLibrary#LibraryLife #LibraryResources #Librarians #SchoolLibrarians #LibraryLove #Literacy #ReadingCommunity #LiteracyMatters #EdTech #DigitalLearning #ELearning #TechInEd #ClassroomLibrary #TextSets #MakerSpace #ClassroomResou
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I explore the fascinating science and power of repetition in learning. Following my conversation **with Stephanie Leavell, creator of Music for Kiddos, I dive into how repetition impacts brain development, memory retention, and skill mastery across all age groups.
Drawing from multiple research sources, I break down key concepts like active recall, the spacing effect, and spaced repetition learning. I share a compelling classroom observation of how repetition helped both a teacher and his students build confidence through multiple presentation practices. The episode also covers how repetition benefits early childhood development, the importance of repeated read-alouds for young children, and why we find repetition in music so appealing.**
Whether you're an educator, caregiver, or lifelong learner, this episode offers practical insights into how strategic repetition can enhance learning outcomes and why "practice makes perfect" is more than just a saying – it's backed by neuroscience. I conclude the episode with valuable tips for implementing repetitive practice effectively in both classroom and home environments.
Episode Mentions:
➡️S4 E15: Music Therapy in Schools: Strategies for Teachers and Child Development with Stephanie Leavell, Creator of Music for Kiddos
➡️Unlock the power of repetition: A groundbreaking learning method - Traverse 10/2023
➡️Eva Keiffenheim’s The Feynman Technique Can Help You Remember Everything You Read
➡️9 Benefits of Repetition for Learning - Iris Reading
➡️The Power of Repetition - Queensland Government - Department of Early Childhood Education and Care 8/2023
➡️Repeated Read Alouds May Lead to Reading Success for Young Children by Timothy Rasinski
➡️Why we love repetition in music - TED-Ed by Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis
➡️Hot Chocolate song reel
#TeacherResources #TeacherTips #TeachingStrategies #EducationPodcast #TeacherLife #EduTalk #EducatorResources #K12Education #LearningScience #BrainDevelopment #CognitiveScience #SpacedRepetition #ActiveRecall #LearningStrategies #StudyTips #MemoryTechniques #BrainScience #LearningProcess #EarlyChildhood #EarlyLearning #ReadAloud #EarlyLiteracy #ChildDevelopment #EarlyEducation #PreschoolActivities #KidsLearning #ParentingTips #EarlyYears #MusicEducation #MusicTherapy #MusicAndLearning #ArtsEducation #MusicInSchools #ChildrensMusic #MusicForKids #MusicTeacher #MusicClassroom #MusicLearning
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative power of music education with my guest Stephanie Leavell, creator of Music for Kiddos and board-certified music therapist. You’ll discover how music serves as more than just entertainment, acting as a vital tool for child development, emotional regulation, and academic learning.
Stephanie shares practical strategies for incorporating music into early childhood education, including lesson planning tips and the critical role of repetition in learning. From her journey as a reluctant performer to becoming a passionate music educator, Stephanie offers valuable insights for teachers, therapists, and caregivers about creating engaging musical experiences.
Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your classroom practices or a caregiver interested in supporting your child's development, my conversation with Stephanie illuminates the multifaceted impact of music on young minds.
Join us to learn how to build a more musical environment that supports children's growth, emotional well-being, and learning potential.
Key topics include:
➡️Simplifying music lesson planning for early childhood
➡️Understanding children's music processing and engagement
➡️Creating supportive learning environments through music
➡️Balancing structure and flexibility in music education
➡️The emotional impact of music on child development
Episode Mentions:
- Slow Down song
- Watermelon Watermelon song
- Berklee College of Music
- Music for Kiddoscommunity, blog, & podcast
- Dr. Sarah Gulish
- Rosie Rocks!
Stephanie’s Other Recommended Resources:
- F-Flat Books
- Fyütch
- Miss Katie Sings
- Blog posts on sensory systems and music & 5 Ways to Simplify Your Early Childhood Music Lesson Planning
#StephanieLeavell #MusicforKiddos #TeachingStrategies #EarlyChildhoodEducation #TeacherResources #TeacherTips #PreschoolTeacher #MusicEducation #MusicTherapy #ChildrensMusic #MusicTeacher #MusicForKids #ChildDevelopment #EarlyLearning #ChildhoodEducation #PlayBasedLearning #SensoryProcessing #TeacherPD #TeacherGrowth #EducatorResources #TeacherCommunity #MusicCommunity
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I reflect on my recent conversation **with Denise Goldin-Dubois about her Three Student Protocol.
I explore essential aspects of building trust and relationships in educational settings, drawing insights from influential books and my mentors in the coaching field.**
I delve into the importance of distinguishing between facts and inferences when working with teachers, the hidden values behind complaints, and the art of genuine listening in coaching relationships.
I share practical wisdom from works like Agents of Change by Lucy West and Toni Cameron,Coaching A-Z by Haesun Moon, PhD, and The Thin Book of Trust by Charles Feltman, offering valuable perspectives on developing meaningful connections in educational environments.
Perfect for educators, coaches, and administrators, this episode provides actionable insights on:
➡️ building trust,
➡️ understanding the developmental landscape of teaching,
➡️and creating stronger relationships in educational settings.
I end with Charles Feltman’s practical steps for cultivating trust through care and transparency in professional relationships.
#EdChat #TeacherCoaching #EducationalLeadership #ThreeStudentProtocol #TrustInEducation #SchoolCoach #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherPD #RelationshipBuilding #SchoolCulture #TeacherSupport #InstructionalCoaching #AssetBasedThinking #EducatorWellness #CoachingConversations #SchoolImprovement #TeacherMentoring #StudentSuccess #TeacherEffectiveness #SchoolLeadership
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Join me in conversation with veteran educator Denise Goldin-Dubois to explore her innovative three student protocol – a powerful planning and reflection tool that helps teachers deepen their practice. With over 25 years of experience in public education, Denise shares how focusing intentionally on three specific students can transform instruction for an entire classroom.
Learn how to move beyond broad generalizations and track observable facts about your students rather than making inferences. Discover practical strategies for making your planning more concrete and actionable, whether you're a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or administrator. Denise explains how this protocol can be adapted for multiple contexts, from individual classroom planning to professional learning communities and teacher evaluations.
This episode offers valuable insights for educators looking to humanize their practice while improving outcomes for all learners. Whether you're teaching math, literacy, or any other subject, you'll come away with practical tools to better understand and support your students' unique needs and potential.
Highlights include:
- How to select and track three focus students without falling into high/medium/low categorizations
- Ways to anticipate and plan for student responses to tasks
- Strategies for using the protocol in professional learning teams
- Tips for making evaluation data more meaningful through student-centered narratives
- Methods for shifting from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction
Episode Mentions:
- Julia Aguirre
- Cris Tovani
Denise’s Other Resources:
- Five Promises of Math Class
- Why plan & How do We do it for the mathematics classroom?
ThreeStudentProtocol #FivePromisesofMathClass #TeacherTips #StudentCenteredLearning #DifferentiatedInstruction #InstructionalCoaching #TeacherPlanning #ProfessionalLearning #TeacherPD #EquitableEducation #TeacherReflection #DataDrivenInstruction #EdChat #PedagogyMatters #StudentSuccess #TeachingStrategies #HumanizedLearning #PLCs #PLTs #TeacherCommunity #MathTeachers #K12Education
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode, I delve deeper into transformative approaches to feedback and assessment in education. Building on my conversation with Tyler Rablin (S4E13), I share crucial insights from my recent experiences coaching middle school teachers and explore why less is often more when it comes to student feedback. I challenge traditional notions of mastery-based assessment, advocating instead for a growth-focused approach that recognizes each student's unique learning journey.
Drawing from respected educational research and my hands-on coaching experience, l discuss why formative assessment should be viewed as an ongoing action rather than a mere task. I explore practical strategies for making feedback more meaningful and share a powerful story about co-teaching and student self-assessment.
Whether you're an educator, administrator, or caregiver, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating more effective and student-centered assessment practices.
Key topics:
👉The optimal amount of feedback students can effectively use
👉Rethinking formative assessment as a verb rather than a noun
👉The importance of prioritizing growth over mastery
👉Practical strategies for implementing student-driven assessment
👉Real-world examples of effective co-teaching and feedback models
Episode Mentions:
➡️Angela Stockman’s blog post: 10 things you don’t know about formative assessment
➡️S2 E6: No More "Point-Less" Grading Systems with Dr. Sarah M. Zerwin
➡️Sarah Zerwin’s book: Point-Less: An English Teacher’s Guide to More Meaningful Grading
➡️Eva Keiffenheim’s The Feynman Technique Can Help You Remember Everything You Read
#FormativeAssessment #tudentFeedback #TeacherCoaching #GrowthMindset #StudentCenteredLearning #EdChat #TeacherPodcast #FormativeAssessment #StudentFeedback #TeacherCoaching #MiddleSchoolTeaching #GrowthMindset #StudentGrowth #CoTeaching #EducationalLeadership #TeachingStrategies #StudentCenteredLearning #ProfessionalLearning #AssessmentPractices #TeacherTips #EducationInnovation #SchoolLeadership #KidsDeserveIt
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Join me in conversation with coach and author Tyler Rablin to explore transformative approaches to student motivation and learning. Focusing on his book Hacking Student Motivation: 5 Assessment Strategies That Boost Learning Progression and Build Student Confidence (Hack Learning Series), Tyler shares innovative strategies for assessment, feedback, and building student confidence.
**Drawing from his experience as a high school English teacher, he discusses how educators can move beyond traditional grading to create learning environments that empower students, foster autonomy, and help them see their own potential.
You will gain practical insights into creating meaningful learning progressions, providing effective feedback, and motivating students through choice and personalized learning approaches.**
Episode Mentions:
- Larry Ainsworth & Priority Standards
- Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory of Motivation & Social Learning Theory
- John Hattie & Effect Sizes Related to Student Achievement
- Daniel Pink
Some of Tyler’s favorite resources that connect to our conversation:
- Ohio's Learning Standards extended
- My Assessment Resource Document
Tyler’s published writing and work:
- Hacking Student Motivation
- Tyler’s blog
- Tyler’s Edutopia author page
#Education #HackingStudentMotivation #StudentMotivation #AssessmentStrategies #TeacherInspiration #LearningProgressions #Feedback #StudentConfidence #EducationalTechnology #TeachingMethods #StudentEmpowerment
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode, I share insights from my recent work with school district coaches, highlighting the importance of flexibility, responsive coaching, and building professional communities.
I detail a transformative week of coaching labs and one-on-one sessions, exploring innovative approaches to supporting educators. The episode offers a deep dive into how coaches can:
➡️Create more adaptive professional learning structures
➡️Develop collaborative thought partnerships
➡️Design flexible coaching cycles
➡️Support teachers in reimagining classroom interactions
**You will gain practical strategies for creating more responsive and supportive educational environments, with a focus on truly meeting the needs of both teachers and students.
Whether you're an educator, coach, or administrator, this episode provides valuable insights into modern educational support methodologies.
Episode Mentions:**
- S4 E12: Coaching Impact Circles: Transforming Team Feedback Through Learning Labs with Morgan Davis
- Vander Ark, T. (2018, August 22). Personalize learning and build agency by using the 4 PLC questions. Education Week.
- Knight, J., Hoffman, A., Harris, M., & Thomas, S. (2020). The instructional playbook: The missing link for translating research into practice. ASCD.
#InstructionalCoaching #TeacherCoaching #CoachingImpact #ProfessionalLearning #TeacherPD #CoachingNotes #LearningLabs #TeacherCollaboration #CoachingCycles #PLCs #EdLeadership #CoachingLeadership #SchoolLeaders #InstructionalLeadership #TeacherLeader #CoachBetter #CoachingCommunity #TeacherCommunity #EdChat #TeacherLife #EdTech #FutureOfEducation#EducatorsOfInstagram #TeacherGrowth #TeamCoaching #CoachingImpactCycles #TeacherReflection #CollectiveLearning #CoachingRisks #JeffcoSchools #ColoradoTeachers #COedu #PublicEducation #K12Education
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
**Join me in conversation with Morgan Davis, a coach's coach from Jeffco Public Schools, about reimagining coaching support through coaching impact circles. Morgan shares how her district is blending learning labs, research-based practices, and team coaching to create more effective professional development experiences. She discusses her innovative approach to "team coaching notes" and explains why maintaining a spirit of inquiry, rather than showcasing perfection, leads to more authentic teacher growth.
The conversation explores how creating spaces for genuine teacher collaboration doesn't always require heavy structure, and why the most effective coaching frameworks emphasize vulnerability and continuous learning. Morgan also offers practical insights into how coaches can balance being both facilitators and learners while supporting teacher development across 166 buildings serving 81,000 students.**
Episode Mentions:
- Karrie Fansler’s Responsive Coaching Cycle
- BOCES
- Previous Episodes
- S2 E14: Risk-Taking with Instructional Coaches & Teacher Teams with Amy Ellerman & Morgan Davis
- S3 E33: Why Instructional Coaches Need Their Own Coaches with Sam Bennett and Morgan Davis
- S4 E2: The Art of the Classroom Visit: Insights from Morgan Davis on Effective Coaching Practices
- Morgan Davis & It’s About Making Space
- Jeffco Public Schools
- Morgan’s Coaches - Vicki Reed and Katie Grisham
- Ron Ritchhardt’s - Cultures of Thinking in Action
- Jim Knight’s Impact Cycle
- Communities of Practice
- Sam Bennett
- Huang, J. W. (2023, November 28). 4 practices of warm demander teachers: A well-known approach that combines high expectations with a firm belief in students’ ability to succeed can guide them to deeper learning. The Learning Professional.
- Killion, Joellen. (2024, August). Coaching heavy, coaching light: How to deepen professional practice. The Learning Professional, 45(4).
- Denise Goldin-Dubois
- Team Coach Notes (Sample)
- Cognitive Coaching & Reflecting Map Questions:
- Decisions: What decisions were you making before the lesson or in the moment?
- Others: What are you noticing about students or other teach
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this BONUS episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I explore the transformative power of growth mindset, community building, and shared meals. I reflect on my conversation with community leader Christa Núñez, diving deep into how educators, organizations, and individuals can foster continuous learning, equity, and meaningful connections. Drawing from insights by Carol S. Dweck and inspirational resources, I discuss the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities, valuing effort, and building trust through intentional community engagement.
Episode Mentions:
➡️Christa Núñez
➡️S4 E11: Urban Agriculture Education: Building Equitable Food Systems Through Community Grants with Christa Núñez
➡️Khuba International
➡️The Learning Farm
➡️Dweck, C. S. (2010). Even Geniuses Work Hard. Educational Leadership, 68(1), 9.
➡️EL Education. (Updated in 2023). Core Practices: A vision for improving schools.
➡️The Power of Sharing a Meal | Laura Flosi | TEDxYouth@Upanga
➡️The Unifying Power of Food: How Sharing a Meal Brings Us Together
#EducationPodcast #GrowthMindset #CommunityBuilding #TeachingStrategies #UrbanAgriculture #FoodAndCommunity #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducatorInspiration #SchoolCulture #MeaningfulLearning #KhubaInternational #FarmerScholar #UbuntuLibrary #TheLearningFarm #FoodJustice #LandAccess #CommunityEmpowerment #EquitableAgriculture #LiteracyMatters #BlackFarmersUnited #CommunityGrants #LocalPolitics #GrantStory #WomenInAgriculture
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Christa Núñez, a transformative force in community agriculture and education. As founder of KHUBA International, Christa shares how she's revolutionizing access to land ownership and literacy through innovative programs like the Ubuntu Library and The Learning Farm. From securing a groundbreaking $700,000 grant for farm-stay housing to creating home libraries for underserved children, Christa reveals her strategic approach to building equitable food systems and empowering farmer-scholars.
You will gain practical insights into:
➡️Successful grant writing
➡️Community partnership building
➡️Nonprofit development
Christa also discusses her upcoming Fulbright Fellowship to Ghana, where she'll research historical connections between African American civil rights and Ghanaian independence movements.
This episode offers a masterclass in combining social justice, education, and agriculture to create lasting community change. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, educator, or community advocate, you'll find valuable strategies for turning visionary ideas into funded realities.
Join us for this powerful discussion about cultivating literacy, land access, and cross-cultural understanding in the next generation of community leaders.
Some Episode Mentions:
- Dr. Nia Nunn
- Brigid Hubberman & Children's Reading Connection
- Dr. Anna R. Kelles
- Senator Lea Webb
- Stacey Dimas
- Carl E. Heastie
- Kimberly Wiman
- Stephen Henhawk & Michelle Seneca (Gayogo̱hó:nǫʼ Learning Project)
- Park Foundation
- Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library
- Community Foundation of Tompkins County
- Ithaca City School District
- Southside Community Center
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust
- National Black Farmers Association
- Black Farmers United NYS
- Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming
KhubaInternational #FarmerScholar #UbuntuLibrary #TheLearningFarm #FoodJustice #LandAccess #CommunityEmpowerment #EquitableAgriculture #LiteracyMatters #BlackFarmersUnited #CommunityGrants
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
**In this bonus episode, I delve into the art of collaborative coaching through the lens of personal experience and relationship-building. I discuss how the universe brings people together at the right moments, particularly highlighting my connection with Karrie Fansler and our work with her responsive coaching cycle.
I share how I have implemented the innovative eight-phase responsive coaching model developed by Karrie and her 36 Evergreen Public Schools district coaches, explaining how it can be flexibly implemented in five practical sessions.
Key topics include
➡️The importance of choice and autonomy in coaching relationships
➡️How to document and track coaching progress effectively
➡️Practical strategies for implementing coaching cycles
➡️Building trust between coaches and teachers
➡️Maintaining confidentiality while keeping administrators informed using Learning Forward's 4Ts of Confidentiality ➡️The parallel between coaching teachers and conferring with students
The episode offers valuable insights for instructional coaches, teachers, and educational leaders looking to enhance their coaching practice while keeping students at the center of their work.
Check out my episode with Karrie here****!
InstructionalCoaching #ResponsiveCoachingCycle #CoachingCycle #EDUCoach #TeacherCoaching #TeacherPD #StudentLearning #TeacherLeadership #SchoolLeadership #EDULeadership #TeacherDignity #TeacherAgency #CoachingInEducation #TeachingAndLearning #K12Education #EDUChat #CoachingConversations #TeacherSupport #InstructionalLeadership #CoachingPractice #CoachingFramework #StudentCentered #CoachingPartnership #RealityBasedCoaching #ResponsiveCoaching #TeacherInquiry #CoachingDocumentation #ClassroomReality #TeacherReflection #CoachingSparkMoments**
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Join me in conversation with Karrie Fansler, Learning Design Specialist with Evergreen Public Schools, as we explore her innovative eight-phase coaching cycle that transforms traditional instructional coaching. Karrie shares how her team of 36 coaches developed this dynamic framework that puts student learning at the center while honoring teacher dignity and inquiry.
Learn about each phase of the cycle - from capturing initial "sparks" of teacher interest to establishing shared classroom reality, refining focus areas, and setting intentional next steps. Karrie explains how coaches can make this cycle responsive to individual teachers' needs, whether working through a quick 15-minute conversation or engaging in deeper long-term partnerships.
This episode offers practical strategies for instructional coaches looking to:
➡️Build stronger coaching partnerships grounded in student learning
➡️Make coaching conversations more intentional and impactful
➡️Balance structure and flexibility in coaching cycles
➡️Document and capture learning in ways that work for different teachers
➡️Center teacher agency while maintaining a clear coaching purpose
Whether you're new to instructional coaching or looking to refine your practice, this conversation provides a fresh framework for making coaching more responsive, collaborative, and focused on what matters most - student learning.
Episode Mentions:
- Responsive Coaching Cycle (graphic)
- Evergreen Public Schools
- That Workshop Book by Sam Bennett & Sam’s Circles of Engagement
- Why Do I Have to Read This? Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Students by Cris Tovani
- How to use both print and digital notebooks to organize your coaching practice by Matt Renwick
- Reggio Emilia Documentation Panels
Get in touch with Karrie @kafansler@gmail.com
#InstructionalCoaching #ResponsiveCoachingCycle #CoachingCycle #EDUCoach #TeacherCoaching #TeacherPD #StudentLearning #TeacherLeadership #SchoolLeadership #EDULeadership #TeacherDignity #TeacherAgency #CoachingInEducation #TeachingAndLearning #K12Education #EDUChat #CoachingConversations #TeacherSupport #InstructionalLeadership #CoachingPractice #CoachingFramework #StudentCentered #CoachingPartnership #RealityBasedCoaching #ResponsiveCoaching #TeacherInquiry #CoachingDocumentation #ClassroomReality #TeacherReflection #CoachingSparkMoments
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I discuss creating safe, inclusive school environments during election season. Following my interview with Ari Gerzon-Kessler**, I explore how educators can lean on the strategies and writing of experts to support students and families during politically sensitive times. Drawing from various education experts and authors, I examine the importance of welcoming all perspectives while maintaining professional boundaries, processing fear productively, and fostering genuine curiosity. Rather than promoting specific political views, I urge us to consider the educator's role in facilitating thoughtful discussions and ensuring every student and caregiver feels seen, heard, and valued in school spaces.
Episode Mentions:**
- Risk.Fail.Rise.: A Teacher’s Guide to Learning from Mistakes. by M. Colleen Cruz
- Why Do I Have to Read This?: Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Students by Cris Tovani
- Jess Lifshitz & November 2024 (Special Edition): A Word About Creating Safety Post-Election 2024
- Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective CarebyNawal Qarooni
- Jennifer L. Eberhardt
- Drive by Daniel H. Pink
- Dr. Robert Keegan and Dr. Lisa Leahy
#Education #FamilyEngagement #EducatorResources #SchoolLeadership #FETteams #TeacherPodcast #FamilyPartnerships #EquitableEducation #SchoolCommunity #TeacherResources #EdLeadership #SchoolAdmin #K12 #TeacherPD #ParentEngagement #Schoolutions #UnderrepresentedFamilies #EducationalEquity #CommunityEngagement #SchoolCulture #BetterTogether #TeachersOfInstagram #EdChat #PrincipalLife #SchoolSuccess #FamilyPartnerships #EducatorPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #SchoolImprovement #EquitableSchools
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this powerful episode, Ari Gerzon-Kessler shares practical strategies for creating meaningful connections between schools and underrepresented families through his innovative Families and Educators Together (FET) teams model. Drawing from his experience as a teacher, principal, and current leader of the Family Partnerships Department for Boulder Valley School District, Ari discusses:
➡️The critical difference between family involvement versus authentic partnership
➡️How to successfully launch and sustain FET teams
➡️The importance of moving beyond traditional involvement to true collaboration
➡️Practical ways to build trust through intentional practices
➡️Creating sustainable structures for family-school partnerships
➡️Seven key strategies for promoting positive family communication
➡️Real examples of successful action projects and outcomes
➡️The value of flattening hierarchies and creating psychological safety
🌟Ari’s Book: On the Same Team: Bringing Educators and Underrepresented Families Together, won the Independent Publishers Book Awards 2024 IPPY Gold Medal for outstanding education book.
↪️Other Resources Mentioned:
- 7 Ways to Promote Positive Communication with Families
- Beyond the Bake Sale by Anne Henderson
- The Talking Points communication platform
- Ari's School-Family Partnerships Resources to Support Your Next Steps
Ari’s Bio:
Ari Gerzon-Kessler is author of On The Same Team: Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together, which won the Independent Publishers Book Awards 2024 IPPY Gold Medal for outstanding education book. He is a speaker, trainer, and coach working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. Ari also leads the Family Partnerships department for the Boulder Valley School District (CO).
🎙️New episodes release every Monday featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Join instructional coaching expert Matt Renwick as he shares practical strategies for organizing your coaching practice using print and digital notebooks. Drawing from research like the Zeigarnik effect and his extensive experience in education, Matt offers you invaluable insights on:
➡️When to use print vs. digital documentation
➡️Creating effective daily coaching logs
➡️Maintaining teacher trust while taking notes
➡️Providing meaningful post-observation feedback
➡️Managing confidentiality with administrators
➡️Building sustainable documentation systems
Whether you're a new coach struggling with note-taking or a veteran looking to streamline your practice, this episode provides concrete strategies you can implement right away. Matt shares his personal system for using both physical and digital tools to create a "second brain" that helps manage the complexity of instructional coaching.
Perfect for:
⏩Instructional Coaches
⏩Teacher Leaders
⏩Administrators
⏩Professional Learning Specialists
⏩Anyone supporting teacher growth
Don't miss this practical conversation about building effective coaching documentation practices while maintaining trust and confidentiality with teachers.
Mentions:
- The Zeigarnik effect
- Matt’s blog
- Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Memory and Learning (Scientific American - February 21, 2024)
- Why writing by hand beats typing for thinking and learning (NPR - May 11, 2024)
Don’t forget to check out my last conversation with Matt, S2 E33: How to Support Educators Resistant to Change.
Matt’s other recommended resources:
- Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
- The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
- BUJO U - The Bullet Journal Community
Matt’s book and companion resources:
- Leading Like a C.O.A.C.H.: Five Strategies for Supporting Teaching and Learning (Corwin, 2022)
- Asynchronous course
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I have an insightful discussion with education expert Michael B. Horn about the complex issue of smartphone bans in schools. Horn, a co-founder, distinguished fellow, and chairman at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, offers a balanced perspective on this hot-button topic.
Our conversation explores:
➡️Effective strategies for implementing smartphone restrictions in schools
➡️The importance of community involvement in decision-making
➡️Potential positive uses of smartphones in educational settings
➡️The impact of smartphone use on student well-being and learning
➡️The need for nuanced, context-specific approaches rather than blanket bans
Horn advocates for empowering educators to make decisions about technology use in their classrooms rather than relying on top-down policy mandates. He also discusses the broader implications of smartphone use among young people and the role of parents in navigating this challenging landscape.
**You will leave our conversation with valuable insights on how to grapple with the role of technology in education and young people's lives. You'll also come away with a more nuanced understanding of the smartphone debate and practical considerations for addressing this issue in your communities.
Send me a voice memo or email me at schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com to share your strategies for navigating restrictions and innovations with technology in your home, school, or district.**
🌟Episode Mentions:
- Yondr Pouches
- Jonathan Haidt
- Dr. Jean Twenge
- Parentsquare App
- Remind App
- Douglas County School District - Highlands Ranch High School
- St. Lukes
- Duolingo
- Quizlet
- Kahoot
- Sam Bennett - That Workshop Book
- Asking college students when they should have received their first smartphone (in retrospect)
- Wait Until 8th Pledge
#MichaelBHorn #ChristensenInstitute #DisruptiveInnovation #SmartphonesinSchools #WaitUntil8th #YondrPouch #JonathanHaidt #AnxiousGeneration #JeanTwenge #DigitalDetox #MindfulTech #EdTech #DigitalCitizenship #TeachingStrategies #ClassroomManagement #EducationInnovation #SchoolPolicy #TechInEducation #StudentEngagement #21stCenturyLearning #DigitalLiteracy #SchoolLeadership #ParentingTech #TeacherAutonomy #BlendedLearning #ScreenTime #DigitalWellbeing #FutureofEducation #K12Education #EducatorEmpowerment
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I welcome back Julie Wright**, a veteran educator and instructional coach, for an insightful discussion on the role of coaches in data meetings.
Together, we unpack the evolving terms RtI (Response to Intervention) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) and delve into how coaches can use qualitative and quantitative data to enhance their impact.**
Julie shares actionable strategies for fostering collaboration, balancing coaching approaches, and ensuring that every student's strengths are at the forefront of educational planning.
Coaches, teachers, and administrators alike will walk away with fresh insights and tools to better support their school communities.
✨Don’t forget to check out my last conversation with Julie, S2 E24: Solving Problems of Practice When It Comes to Our Current RtI Models. Here are Julie’s other recommended resources.
#InstructionalCoaching #RTI #MTSS #DataDrivenTeaching #EducationPodcast #CoachingInEducation #StudentSuccess #CollaborativeTeaching #TeacherSupport #EducationStrategies #StudentCenteredLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #K12Education #InstructionalStrategies #PodcastForEducators #WhatsOurResponse #JulieWright #JulieWrightConsulting
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I welcome back New York Times bestselling author and educator Jennifer Serravallo to discuss her latest book, Teaching Reading Across the Day: Methods and Structures for Engaging Explicit Instruction.
Jen shares insights on:
- The importance of balancing research-based practices with teacher autonomy
- Nine different lesson structures for teaching reading throughout the school day
- How to use various grouping strategies like focus groups, guided inquiry, and conversation groups
- Incorporating socio-cultural context into reading instruction
- Practical tips for implementing these structures in the classroom
Whether you're a seasoned educator looking to enhance your practice or a pre-service teacher seeking guidance, this episode offers valuable strategies for effective reading instruction. Jen and I discuss the research behind these methods and how teachers can adapt them to meet the needs of their students.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation on making reading instruction more meaningful and complete by acknowledging students' diverse backgrounds and funds of knowledge.
Jen’s Research Recommendations:
- The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading by Nell K. Duke & Kelly B. Cartwright (2021)
- Principles of Instruction: Research-Based Strategies That All Teachers Should Know by Barak Rosenshine (2012)
#JenniferSerravallo #TeachingReadingAcrossTheDay #ReadingStrategies #WritingStrategies #ReadingInstruction #Corwin #TeacherPD (Professional Development) #LiteracyEducation #TeachingStrategies #EducatorResources #ClassroomIdeas #ReadingTeacher #TeacherAutonomy #TeacherTips #EducationInnovation #TeacherResources #LiteracyMatters #EdChat #DifferentiatedInstruction #LiteracyAcrossTheCurriculum #TeacherEmpowerment #TeacherPodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode of Schoolutions, host Olivia Wahl engages in a thought-provoking conversation with educators Nawal Qarooni and Sarah Schlessinger, Ed.D., about the crucial impact of language in educational settings. Drawing from their ASCD article Consider Your Words, they discuss:
- The importance of mindful language when discussing students and families
- Strategies for avoiding harmful labels and preconceived notions
- Practical steps for educators to reflect on and improve their use of language
- The role of coaches in facilitating these important conversations
Key topics include:
- Critical disability studies and linguistic justice in education
- Techniques for reframing discussions about student abilities and needs
- Engaging families as experts on their children
- Building trust and vulnerability in coaching relationships
This episode offers valuable strategies for teachers, coaches, and administrators looking to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments through thoughtful communication.
Featuring research insights from Dr. Sami Schalk, Dr. Subini Ancy Annamma, and Dr. April Baker-Bell, this conversation provides both theoretical grounding and practical advice for educators at all levels.
✨Check Out Nawal and Sarah’s Recommended Researchers & Resources:
- Dr. Sami Schalk, who wrote Bodyminds Reimagined andBlack Disability Politics
- Dr. Subini Ancy Annamma, who was part of the team that coined DisCrit as a term, particularly this piece on DisCrit Classroom Ecology
- Dr. April Baker-Bell's Black Linguistic Justice
- The Resilient Teacher: Creating Positive Change through Inclusive Classrooms, authored by Sarah L. Schlessinger, collection edited by Janise Hurtig
📣More Episode Mentions:
- S3E25: Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations
- Nawal’s book, Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care
- S4 E2: The Art of the Classroom Visit: Insights from Morgan Davis on Effective Coaching Practices
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Join host Olivia Wahl as she sits down with Meg and Brett Reichert, a military family navigating the unique challenges and unexpected joys of frequent relocation. In this heartfelt episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies, the Reicherts open up about:
- The realities of moving 6-9 times during a child's K-12 education
- Strategies for helping kids build friendships across distances
- Balancing career purpose with family needs
- Adapting parenting styles to different communities
- Finding stability amidst constant change
Meg, a health and wellness coach, and Brett, an Army officer pursuing a Ph.D., share candid insights on raising two young boys while embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Their story illuminates the resilience of military families and offers valuable perspectives on creating "home" wherever you land. Whether you're a military family yourself or simply curious about this unique way of life, this episode provides an intimate look at the sacrifices, adventures, and unexpected gifts of frequently uprooting your family for service.
Meg and Brett offer several strategies for managing life as a military family with frequent moves:
- Community Building:
- Joining local mom's Facebook groups to gather information about the new area
- Researching and enrolling in summer camps for kids before moving
- Joining gyms or fitness groups to meet like-minded people and build community
- Maintaining Connections:
- Using social media to stay in touch with friends from previous locations
- Setting up video game accounts for kids to play with distant family members and friends
- Encouraging pen pal relationships for children
- Education and Transition:
- Researching school districts and academic standards before moving
- Communicating with teachers about the unique needs of military children
- Focusing on the quality of education and community fit rather than just test scores
- Home Setup:
- Prioritizing setting up the children's rooms quickly to provide a sense of familiarity and stability
- Creating a "home base" feeling in each new location
- Emotional Support:
- Framing moves as adventures to help children view them positively
- Having open conversations about the challenges and benefits of their lifestyle
- Encouraging acceptance and adaptability in different communities
- Continuity in Interests:
- Researching opportunities to continue children's hobbies in new locations (e.g., horseback riding for their son)
- Parenting Approach:
- Adapting parenting styles to fit into new communities while maintaining core family values
- Balancing work commitments with family time (e.g., Brett consistently putting the kids to bed)
- Preparing for Moves:
- Involving children in discussions about potential future locations
- Reflecting on positive aspects of previous homes to create excitement for new possibilities
These strategies focus on maintaining stability, building connections, and fostering resilience in both parents and children as they navigate frequent relocations.
MilitaryFamily #MilKids #ArmyLife #FrequentMoves #MilitarySpouse #ParentingOnTheMove #ResilienceInKids #MilitaryCommunity #ServiceAndSacrifice #AdventureLifestyle #BalancingCareerAndFamily #MakingFriendsOnTheGo #EducationAcrossBorders #MilitaryChildEducation #AdaptableKids
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
In this episode of Season 4, Episode 2, I welcome back Morgan Davis, a coach with Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado. Join us as Morgan dives into her insightful strategies for supporting teachers and fostering a thriving classroom environment. 🏫
Morgan shares her approach to starting the school year strong by visiting every classroom and integrating herself as a coach into the daily life of the school. Discover how she uses research-based methods to identify strengths and build on them, ensuring teachers feel supported rather than evaluated. 📚✨
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- Morgan's Classroom Visits: How she makes initial visits meaningful and non-evaluative.
- The Role of Coaching: Balancing support and observation without adding to teacher stress.
- Confidentiality and Transparency: How Morgan maintains trust while navigating her supportive role as a coach separate from the evaluative role of administrators.
- Effective Communication: Strategies for providing feedback that truly supports teacher growth and development.
Plus, get a glimpse into Morgan’s successful integration of new resources and how she bridges the gap between teachers and caregivers. Whether you’re a coach, teacher, or administrator, you’ll find valuable insights to enhance your practice and support your team.
✨Check Out Morgan’s Recommended Resources to Support Your Classroom Visits:
- Blogs: Coach Visits & Coaches Read the Room, Too!
- Morgan’s Beginning of the Year Context Letter to Teachers
- Learning Forward's 4Ts of Confidentiality
- Past Schoolutions Episodes:
- S2 E14: Risk-Taking with Instructional Coaches & Teacher Teams with Amy Ellerman & Morgan Davis
- S3 E33: Why Instructional Coaches Need Their Own Coaches with Sam Bennett and Morgan Davis
📣Episode Mentions:
- Jim Knight & Podcast Episode with Haesun Moon, PhD
- Elena Aguilar
- Haesun Moon, PhD, author of Coaching A to Z: The Extraordinary Use of Ordinary Words
- Sam Bennett
#EducationPodcast #CoachingStrategies #ClassroomManagement #TeachingTips #EducationalLeadership #TeacherSupport #ProfessionalDevelopment #ClassroomVisits #TeachingResources #FlexibleTeaching #CoachingInEducation #TeacherEngagement #EducationInnovation #LearningEnvironments #EdChat #TeacherCommunity #InstructionalCoaching #EducationExcellence #TeacherGrowth #ClassroomDynamics #TeacherProfessionalGrowth #ClassroomDynamics #TeachingTips #ParallelPractice #Schoolutions #MorganDavis #MorganDavisConsulting #OliviaWahl
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Welcome to Season 4, Episode 1 of Schoolutions, the podcast where education transcends the classroom. I’m your host, Olivia Wahl, and in this episode, we’re thrilled to kick off the new school year with a truly inspiring guest, Trevor Muir**.
Trevor is an acclaimed educator, author, and founder of the Epic Classroom and Epic PBL**. His innovative teaching methods and impactful videos have garnered international acclaim.
Join us as Trevor shares insights from his new book,New Teacher Mindset: Practical and Innovative Strategies to Be Different from Day One, co-authored with John Spencer**.
We'll dive into Trevor’s Epic Classroom platform, explore what makes a classroom truly "epic," and discuss the essential distinction between engagement and mere excitement in teaching.**
**Discover how Trevor’s experiences, from his impactful student teaching years to his evolution as an educator, shape his approach to fostering meaningful and memorable learning experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this conversation will provide valuable perspectives and practical strategies to inspire and engage your students.**
**Tune in to learn how to create classroom environments where every student can thrive and find their own success story.
Check out these resources from Trevor!**
- New Teacher Academy
- (FREE) New Teacher Toolkit
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Get ready for a new chapter in educational excellence! Season 4 of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies launches Monday, September 9th, with a fresh look and an invigorated mission.
Join us every Monday throughout the school year for powerful insights and practical strategies from the frontlines of education. This season, dive into the minds of exceptional coaches, teachers, administrators, and caregivers as they share their inspirational stories and actionable tips to transform the lives of the students and children in your care.
This month’s highlights include:
- Trevor Muir, offering innovative strategies for classroom management and boosting student engagement.
- Meg and Brett Reichert, a resilient military family sharing their unique approach to raising their two young boys amidst constant relocations.
- Coaches Morgan Davis, Nawal Qarooni, and Sarah Schlessinger, discussing the art of intentional coaching and the importance of thoughtful language in nurturing young minds.
Prepare for a season filled with motivation, insights, and practical advice to set you up for a successful school year. Tune in every Monday and elevate your approach with Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead! 🌟📚🎓
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
With many school districts dedicating concentrated time to drafting their vision and mission statements, more time should instead be spent on crafting their belief statements. Vision and mission statements focus on the “what” and “where” but not the “why” that describes behaviors and practices that will serve our children and their teachers well every day. I wanted to end Season 3 of Schoolutions® by sharing my belief statements (my “why”) and offering some thoughts to leave you inspired heading into summer 2024. Stay tuned for Season 4 of Schoolutions®, releasing on September 9, 2024. Until then, catch up on episodes and get inspired this summer by subscribing to my Schoolutions® Podcast YouTube Channel. Take care -❤️ Olivia
Episode Mentions:
- My Belief Statements (for students) (for teachers)
- John Guthrie’s Research on Number of Reading Minutes
- Michael Fullan on Being a “System’s Player” (The Main Idea Summary of The Principal)
Connect & Learn with Me & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at my website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Be Inspired by Finding Solutions with Schoolutions® Podcast
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
wahleducationalconsultinginc #beliefstatements #knowyourwhy #agency #autonomy #6Ts #engagement #play #inquiry #workshopstructure #phonics #targets #feedbackloop #reflection #collectiveefficacy #strongandweakwork #listening #stories #coachesneedcoaches #coachesfollowcoaches #teachersneedteachers #teachersfollowteachers #studentsneedstudents #beliefspracticesandresearch #teachers #education #learning #school #schoollife #instructionalcoaching #whatweknownow
Get solutions from Schoolutions!
solutionsfromschoolutions #schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast
Dr. Jennifer McCarty Plucker leaned on her 20+ years in education as an English teacher, speech coach, reading specialist, and district administrator while writing her new book, Inspiring Lifelong Readers. Listeners will leave this conversation inspired to try Jen’s tried-and-true, evidence-based strategies. Jen’s inquiry-based approach to inspiring lifelong readers offers endless possibilities for students to develop their reading identities.
Episode Mentions:
- Louis La’mour
- Kelly Gallagher: Readicide
- Penny Kittle
- John T. Guthrie: Engaging Adolescents in Reading
- Cris Tovani: So What Do They Really Know?& Why Do I Have to Read This?
- Sam Bennett: That Workshop Book
- Banchi and Bell’s 4 Layers of Inquiry
- Mackin Publishing
- Daniel Pink
- John Hattie & Jenni Donohoo: The Power of Collective Efficacy
- Pernille Ripp - The Global Read Aloud
- Jeffrey D. Wilhelm
- Carol Dweck: Even Geniuses Work Hard
Links to Jen’s Writing:
- Inspiring Lifelong Readers * Silver Winner - 2023 INDIES Awards
- https://mackinlearning.com/author/jennifer-mp/
- https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/baiting-the-reading-hook
Connect and Learn with Jen:
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
Get solutions from Schoolutions!
solutionsfromschoolutions #schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast
Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker share what matters most to them right now after a year of instructional coaching and collaboration. The Schoolutions®What We Know Now… series has offered a space for reflection and dialogue around high-impact coaching practices and troubleshooting support. Stay tuned for more coaching conversations when Schoolutions® Season 4 releases this September.
Episode Mentions:
- What We Know Now…Series with Olivia Wahl & Dr. Wendy Bunker
- Elena Aguilar
- Dr. Jim Knight
- Diane Sweeney & Leanna Harris
- NYSED Literacy Briefs
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
Connect & Learn with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect & Learn with Wendy
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
#wahleducationalconsulting#whatweknownow #discoursenotdebate #oliviawahl #drwendybunker #comprehensiveliteracy #highimpactpractices #whenyouknowbetterdobetter #thoughtpartners #instructionalcoaches #conversationinspiration #parallelpractice #collectiveefficacy #professionalcapital #reading #writing #talking #problemsolving #tasks #teachers #learning #education #practice #teachersfollowteachers #coachesfollowcoaches #edchat
Get solutions from Schoolutions!
solutionsfromschoolutions #schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast
Dr. Anthony Muhammad reinspires through a passionate dialogue about why we need a reignited PLC at Work® movement in education. In this episode, Anthony Muhammad offers “tips to face the current challenges in education and ways to build a better tomorrow—all through the PLC at Work® process, a powerful disrupter in the world of education.”
Episode Mentions:
- The Way Forward: PLC at Work® and the Bright Future of Education by Anthony Muhammad
- Dr. Richard DuFour
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Robert Eaker
- The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of the Learning Organization by Peter Senge
- Thomas J. Sergiovanni
- Shirley Hord & Milbrey McLaughlin
- Madeline Hunter - ITIP
- Professional Learning Teams
- Transforming School Culture: How to Overcome Staff Division by Anthony Muhammad
- MTSS
- Marzano High Reliability Schools
- Learning by Doing, Fourth Edition: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work® by Richard DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert Eaker, Thomas W. Many, Mike Mattos, Anthony Muhammad
Connect and Learn with Dr. Anthony Muhammad:
- at Solution Tree
- on Twitter @newfrontier21
- on LinkedIn
Get solutions from Schoolutions!
solutionsfromschoolutions #schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast
Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker wrap up their conversations about the recently released Science of Reading Literacy Briefs by the New York State Education Department, produced for NYSED by Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. This episode is part two of two episodes that focus on Literacy Brief 7: Science of Reading: Leading for Literacy.
- NYSED Literacy Briefs & Literacy Brief 7: Science of Reading: Leading for Literacy
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
- S3 E34:Science of Reading & Leading for Literacy (NYSED Literacy Brief 7~Part I) with Olivia Wahl & Dr. Wendy Bunker
- Aggregated and Disaggregated Data
- Social Emotional Learning Framework
- Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework
- S3 E35: Reenvisioning the MTSS Process in Service of Students with Amanda Green, Madison St. Louis, & Heather Saft
- Student-led Conferences
- Portfolio-based Assessment
- Constrained and Unconstrained Literacy Skills
- Comprehensive Research-Informed Literacy Instruction
Connect with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect with Wendy
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
#wahleducationalconsulting#whatweknownow #discoursenotdebate #oliviawahl #drwendybunker #scienceofreading #leadingforliteracy #nysed #NYSLiteracyInitiative #ReadNY
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solutionsfromschoolutions #schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast
**Teachers Amanda Green, Madison St. Louis, and Heather Saft share their insights about how the MTSS process best serves students when quantitative and qualitative data highlight students’ assets and are used to plan for future intervention needs. Amanda, Heather, and Madison share what matters most to them as educators and how they collaborate as a team within their microschool community at Briarcliff Elementary in Kansas City, Missouri. The episode will inspire listeners to advocate for their students and reenvision their district’s MTSS framework for their learners.
Episode Mentions:**
- Sam Bennett’s Circles of Engagement
- Briarcliff Elementary School (MicroSchool)
- Kansas City Public Schools
- Pathways
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Framework/Process
- Tiers of Support
- MAP Test Growth (KC Assessment Tool)
- Fastbridge Learning
- Cornelius Minor
- We Got This.: Equity, Access, and the Quest to Be Who Our Students Need Us to Be
- S2E1: We (still) Got This: What It Takes to Be Radically Pro-Kid with Cornelius Minor
Connect and Learn with Madison:
- on Instagram @madisonstl
Connect and Learn with Amanda:
- on Twitter @MrsGreenNKC
Connect and Learn with Heather:
- on Twitter @heather_aft
Connect and Learn with The Den at Briarcliff:
- on Instagram @thedenatbriarcliff
- on Twitter @TheDenatBR
Connect and Learn with Briarcliff Bears:
- on Facebook @Briarcliff Bears
- on Twitter @BRES_Bears
#students #mtss #multitieredsystemofsupports #kansascityteachers #amandagreen #madisonstlouis #heathersaft #briarcliffbears #thedenatbriarcliff #teachersfollowteachers #responsetointervention #rti #teachersintouch #specialeducation #teachers #pbis #problemsolvingprocess #classroom #teacherlove #followateacher #innovativeschooltools #teachertribe #allin #readingspecialist #education
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Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker continue their conversation about the recently released Science of Reading Literacy Briefs by the New York State Education Department, produced for the NYSED by Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. This episode is one of two episodes that focus on Literacy Brief 7: Science of Reading: Leading for Literacy.
Episode Mentions:
- NYSED Literacy Briefs & Literacy Brief 7: Science of Reading: Leading for Literacy
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
- Comprehensive Research-Informed Literacy Instruction
- S3E22: (Brief 1) & S3E24: (Brief 2)
- Even Geniuses Work Hard by Carol S. Dweck
- Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework
- Social Emotional Learning Framework
- Nourishing Caregiver Collaborationsby Nawal Qarooni
- On the Same Team by Ari Gerzon-Kessler
Connect & Learn with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect & Learn with Wendy
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
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Coaches Sam Bennett and Morgan Davis offer insights into what makes instructional coaching such a powerful way to build collective efficacy and professional capital within schools. When grown-ups take risks while studying and growing together, their students are more engaged and apt to take risks themselves.
- Sam's S1E1 & Morgan's S2E14 Schoolutions Episodes
- That Workshop Book by Sam Bennett
- Ron Berger
- Amy Ellerman
- Dr. Jim Knight
Connect and Learn with Sam via Email & Check Out Her Recommendations:
- Why Do I Have to Read This? Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Studentsby Cris Tovani (This book captures our most current thinking and work with schools.)
- What’s the Best that Can Happen: New Possibilities for Teachers and Readersby Debbie Miller (Chapter 2 in this book captures our thinking about the flexibility and promise of workshop as a structure of time for students to engage behaviorally, emotionally, and cognitively).
- Elena Aguilar hosts live coaching events through her Bright Morning organization every month that I always prioritize on my calendar for her use of language and prioritizing human connection and authenticity.
- Podcasts: Unlocking Us, ReThinking, The New Yorker Radio Hour, Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso, and The Ezra Klein Show
- I am hosting a Maker Summer Camp for Grown Ups in Denver in the Summer of 2025 … people can email me to make sure they get the announcement and sign-ups
Connect with Morgan & Check Out Her Recommendations:
- at her blog
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- Cultures of Thinking in Action: 10 Mindsets to Transform our Teaching and Students' Learningby Ron Ritchhart is my current read and parallels many of the ideas we talked about in drawing on parallel practices as coaches.
- "Coaching IS Teaching" was the first post in my Parallel Practice series on It's About Making Space. It features my own context letter from a few years back. Listeners can search the "Parallel Practice" tag for more in the series.
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Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker continue their conversation around the recently released Science of Reading Literacy Briefs by the New York State Education Department, produced for the NYSED by Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. This episode focuses on Literacy Brief 6: Science of Reading: The Secondary Years. Literacy Brief 6 centers around how the Science of Reading underscores that literacy is for ideas and identities. Lesaux and Carr begin this Brief by reminding us, "During the secondary years, students embark on a journey of self-discovery, ideally engaging in collaborative and individual learning experiences that shape them as both scholars and citizens.”
Episode Mentions:
- NYSED Literacy Briefs & Literacy Brief 6: Science of Reading: The Secondary Years
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
- The Brief Series Presentation: High-Impact Practices (Page 10/58)
- Dr. Tanya S. Wright
- Why Do I Have to Read This? Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Students - (Appendix E Includes Cris Tovani’s Connect Two Vocabulary Builder Think Sheet)
Connect & Learn with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect & Learn with Wendy
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
#wahleducationalconsulting#whatweknownow #discoursenotdebate #oliviawahl #drwendybunker #scienceofreading #thesecondaryyears #connecttwo #nysed #NYSLiteracyInitiative #ReadNY #comprehensiveliteracy #drnonielesaux #katiecarr #highimpactpractices #CRSE #SEL #MTSS #whenyouknowbetterdobetter #thoughtpartners #instructionalcoaches #conversationinspiration #parallelpractice #collectiveefficacy #professionalcapital #reading #writing #talking #problemsolving #tasks #teachers #learning #education #practice #teachersfollowteachers #coachesfollowcoaches #edchat
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Changemakers and innovators Beth Stark and Jérémie Rostan introduce their AI-powered Universal Design for Learning thought partner, LUDIA, to Schoolutions followers. Beth and Jérémie describe how and why LUDIA “was created as a new entry point and scaffold for developing a Universal Design for Learning mindset, intentionally designing to reduce learning barriers, and discovering the power of Artificial Intelligence.”
Episode Mentions:
- International School of Panama
- Jérémie’s E-Book (AI-Powered UDL Strategies: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Implement Universal Design for Learning)
- LUDIA 360° Document
- Anne (Annie) Sullivan (life-long teacher of Helen Keller)
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - Three Principles
- NYSED Literacy Briefs - Brief 4
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
- Comprehensive, Research-Informed Literacy Instruction
- Sam Bennett’s Circles of Engagement
- Collective Efficacy & Professional Capital Research Excerpts
- Poe Platform - LUDIA
Connect and Learn with Beth:
- at her website
- on LinkedIn
Connect and Learn with Jérémie:
- at his website
- on LinkedIn
#bethstark #jérémierostan #LUDIA #UDL #AI #universaldesignforlearning #artificialintelligence #play #thoughtpartner
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Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker continue their conversation around the recently released Science of Reading Literacy Briefs by the New York State Education Department, produced for the NYSED by Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. This episode focuses on Literacy Brief 5: Science of Reading: The Elementary Years. Literacy Brief 5 centers around how the Science of Reading underscores that “Developing strong literacy skills in the elementary years (K-6) is crucial for setting students on a path towards academic and personal success.”
Olivia and Wendy offer their perspectives and connect the research and Brief information with the students, educators, and caregivers most impacted by them.
Episode Mentions:
- NYSED Literacy Briefs & Literacy Brief 5: SOR: The Elementary Years
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
- Renee Dinnerstein
- How Much Time Should Teachers Spend on a Foundational Reading Skill? Research Offers Clues & Matt Burns
- What We Know Now Series
- Next Generation Learning Standards (PreK-2 & 3-5)
- MTSS
- UDL
- RtI
- IDEA
Connect & Learn with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect & Learn with Wendy
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
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Emily (Em) Hammond is the incredible human behind NeuroWild - an illustrated movement to better the learning experiences for neurodivergent children across the globe. In this episode, Em introduces her NeuroWild Shift - “a new education shift for neurodivergent kids at school. If you are a teacher, this is for you. If you have a neurodivergent kid at school, this is for you (to give to the teacher). If you are a coordinator or principal or work in a school- have a read.”
Listeners will leave the conversation inspired to advocate for all learners, knowing they (and their unique qualities) are essential assets to their learning communities.
Episode Mentions:
- The NeuroWild Shift
- Dr. Ross Greene - Children will do well if they can.
- Vygotsky’s Zones of Development
- Neuro-affirming vs. neuro-damaging responses
- UDL
- Drive (excerpt) by Daniel Pink
- Em’s Teachers Pay Teachers Shop
- NeuroWild Shift: NeuroWild Shift Information Packet (49 pages) by Emily Hammond -NeuroWild (teacherspayteachers.com) (This is the full-priced one.)
- NeuroWild Shift Information Packet (49 pages), Parent Discount | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com) (This is the parent discount one.)
- Free Executive functioning handout for classrooms: Regulation and Executive Function Handout (7-page colored document) (teacherspayteachers.com)
- Free handout for supporting ND students in classrooms: Helping Neurodivergent Students Find Success in the Classroom | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
Connect and Learn with Em:
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
#neurowildshift#neurowild#autismunderstanding#autisminfo#autismsupport#audhd
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Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker continue their conversation around the recently released Science of Reading Literacy Briefs by the New York State Education Department, produced for the NYSED by Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. This episode focuses on Literacy Brief 4: Science of Reading: The PreK Years and the vital role the PreK years play in lifelong literacy.
Episode Mentions:
- NYSED Literacy Briefs & Literacy Brief 4: Science of Reading: The PreK Years
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
- High-Impact Practices
- CR-SE
- SEL
- NRP Report 2019
- PROOF POINTS: Controversies within the science of reading by Jill Barshay
- UDL
- MTSS
- Choice Time by Renee Dinnerstein
- Teacher Tom’s First Book & Second Book by Tom Hobson
- Tools of the Mind by Elena Bodrova, Deborah Leong
Connect & Learn with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect & Learn with Wendy
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
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The infamous and endearing Teacher Tom Hobson released a podcast: Teacher Tom’s Podcast! This episode focuses on what matters most to Teacher Tom - that “Community is absolutely essential. Learning to get your own needs met while also creating space and opportunities for others to get their needs met. That is one of the greatest skills any of us can have.”
Listeners will be inspired by Tom’s early childhood beliefs and practices, and thankfully, Tom reminds us of that with his words, “The secret to success in life is working well with others and being self-motivated. And those are the two things that play teaches without us doing anything at all.”
Episode Mentions:
- Teacher Tom’s First Book
- Teacher Tom’s Second Book
- Teacher Tom’s Podcast
- Woodland Park Cooperative School
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Teacher Tom’s Play Summit 2024
- Ojibwe educator Hopi Martin
- Maggie Dent & Maggie Dent’s Interview (on Teacher Tom’s Podcast)
- I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán
- University of Cambridge Study - School Starting Age: The Evidence
- Lenore Skenazy
- Kisha Reid
- Lisa Murphy
- Maggie Dent
- Laleña Garcia
Connect and Learn with Tom:
- at Teacher Tom’s website & Teacher Tom’s Linktree
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Facebook at Teacher Tom & Teacher Tom’s Play Summit
- on LinkedIn
#teachertom #teachertomhobson #tomhobson #teachertomsworld #teachertomspodcast #teachertomsplaysummit #takingplayseriously #earlychildhood #earlychildhoodeducation #preschool #earlylearning #education #learningthroughplay #kindergarten #childcare #earlyyears #parenting #kids #playbasedlearning #children #learning #toddler #preschoolactivities #kidsactivities #playmatters #montessori #childdevelopment #earlychildhoodeducator #play #toddlerlife #school #sensoryplay #toddlers #prek
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Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker continue their conversation around the recently released Science of Reading Literacy Briefs by the New York State Education Department, produced for the NYSED by Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. This episode focuses on Literacy Brief 3: Science of Reading: The Role of Writing. Literacy Brief 3 centers around the reading-writing relationship, reciprocity, and teaching writing in the content areas. Olivia and Wendy offer their perspectives and connect the research and Brief information with the students, educators, and caregivers most impacted by them.
Episode Mentions:
- NYSED Literacy Briefs & Literacy Brief 3: Science of Reading: The Role of Writing
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
- Schoolutions S3E24: Debunking Common Myths About the Science of Reading (NYSED Literacy Brief 2)
- Comprehensive Literacy Instruction
- Ellin Oliver Keene - The Literacy Studio: Redesigning the Workshop for Readers and Writers (Schoolutions S3E2: The Literacy Studio: Redesigning the Workshop for Readers & Writers)
- Leah Mermelstein - Reading/Writing Connections in the K-2 Classroom
- Lester Laminack & Reba Wadsworth - Writers ARE Readers
- Sam Bennett - Circles of Engagement
Connect & Learn with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect & Learn with Wendy
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
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With her recently released book, Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations, visionary Nawal Qarooni illuminates why we all need to follow her lead to:
- Embrace “a holistic approach to literacy instruction and family experiences in schools across the country.”
- Rethink “how schools can identify and celebrate what families already inherently bring to their children’s literacy learning.”
In this episode, Nawal explains why it matters HOW families engage with school and how to shift our classroom practices to value process over perfectionism. Nawal shares stories about shared literacy experiences, highlighting her brilliant collective care work with family labsites. Listeners will be inspired and excited to purchase Nawal’s book using promo code (AFL04) on Routledge.com for 20% off (* promo code expires March 31, 2024).
Episode Mentions:
- Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care
- Cornelius Minor
- Kilim Rugs
- White Supremacy Culture (from Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social Change Groups by Kenneth Jones and Tema Okun, ChangeWork, 2001) *updated 2021 White Supremacy Culture - Still Here
Resources from Nawal:
- Your Name Means Integrity (audio recording)
- Reflecting: Celebrating Families’ Intrinsic Knowing
- Bookelicious list for favorite picture books
Connect and Learn with Nawal:
- at her website & blog
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on LinkedIn
- on YouTube
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Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker continue their conversation around the recently released Science of Reading Literacy Briefs by the New York State Education Department, produced for NYSED by Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. This episode focuses on Literacy Brief 2: Science of Reading: Debunking Common Myths. Literacy Brief 2 centers around four key myths that Olivia and Wendy break down and connect to the students, educators, and caregivers most impacted by them.
Episode Mentions:
- NYSED Literacy Briefs & Brief 2: Science of Reading: Debunking Common Myths
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
- Ithaca College Department of Education & Spring Lecture Series: Toward Comprehensive, Research-Informed Literacy Instruction: Thinking With, Against, and Beyond the Science of Reading (Recorded Lecture)
- Dr. Maren Aukerman
- S3E22: What We Know Now: Science of Reading-NYSED Literacy Brief 1
- Comprehensive Research-Informed Literacy Instruction
- NRP Report 2019
- Simple View of Reading
- Active View of Reading
Connect & Learn with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.:
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect & Learn with Wendy:
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
#wahleducationalconsulting #whatweknownow #discoursenotdebate #oliviawahl #drwendybunker #scienceofreading #debunkingmyths #nysed #NYSLiteracyInitiative #ReadNY #comprehensiveliteracy #drnonielesaux #katiecarr #drmarenaukerman #edchat #ithacacollegedepartmentofeducation
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“Students can’t learn if their stomachs are grumbling. Universal school meals are proven to reduce child hunger.” (National Education Association) Infamous lunch lady Talisa Jones (@tj_thatsit) shares stories about her role as a Food Service ESP. Talisa lives her mission every day…ensuring the students in her school receive healthy, delicious school meals that represent their cultures and heritage. Talisa’s advocacy work stretches far beyond the walls of her school kitchen as a popular spokesperson for the National Education Association (@NEAToday). Talisa is focused on ensuring that Congress passes the Universal Meals Program Act S. 1568/H.R. 3204. Make that happen by taking less than five minutes to vote via this link: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/action-center/take-action/provide-healthy-school-meals-all-students
Episode Mentions:
- Education Support Provider (ESP)
- The Labor of Lunch: Why We Need Real Food and Real Jobs in American Public Schools by Dr. Jennifer Gaddis
- Universal Meals Program Act
- National Education Association
Connect and Learn with Talisa:
- at her website
- on Instagram
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
#tj_thatsit #thelunchlady #talisanicole #universalmealsprogramact #foodservice #foodserviceesp #schoolmeals #breakfast #lunch #schoolmealideas #kidslunch #lunchideas #breakfasttime #lunchtime #schoollife #schoollunchbox #healthykids #kidsfood #food #healthymeals #healthyfood
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Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker introduce the seven recently released Science of Reading Literacy Briefs by the New York State Education Department. The briefs were produced for the NYSED by Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. This episode focuses on Literacy Brief 1: Science of Reading: What is it? Literacy Brief 1 centers around five key ideas that Olivia and Wendy break down and connect to the students, educators, and caregivers most impacted by them.
Episode Mentions:
- NYSED Literacy Briefs (all) & Literacy Brief 1: Science of Reading: What is it?
- Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Katie C. Carr, M.Ed.
- National Reading Panel Report 2019
- Phonological & Phonemic Awareness
- Governor Hochul’s Back to Basics plan to improve reading proficiency in New York as a part of her 2024 State of the State
- Dr. David Kilpatrick, PhD
- Orton-Gillingham
Connect & Learn with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect & Learn with Wendy
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
#wahleducationalconsulting#whatweknownow #discoursenotdebate #oliviawahl #drwendybunker #scienceofreading #nysed #collectiveefficacy #whenyouknowbetterdobetter #thoughtpartners #instructionalcoaches #conversationinspiration #parallelpractice #collectiveefficacy #professionalcapital #reading #writing #talking #problemsolving #tasks#teachers #learning #education #teachersfollowteachers #coachesfollowcoaches #edchat #NYSLiteracyInitiative #ReadNY
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Renowned therapist and attachment theory expert Eli Harwood (a.k.a. "The Attachment Nerd") shares her journey and insights with listeners. Eli offers advice about navigating tantrums, allowing space for teenagers to practice making mistakes and condoning vs. accepting behaviors. Listeners will leave wanting to become members of Eli's Nerd Herd and empowered by understanding their attachment patterns thanks to Eli's recently released guided journal, Securely Attached.
Episode Mentions:
- Dr. Karyn Purvis
- The Verdict Is In - The Case for Attachment Theory by Dr. Dan Siegel 1/30/2020
- Affect Regulation, Mentalization, and the Development of Self by Peter Fonagy, Gyorgy Gergely, Elliot Jurist, and Mary Target 4/17/2005
- Some of Eli's Reels That Will Rock Your World:
- What can we learn from our dogs when it comes to the power of greeting the people we love?
- What do you mean by teenagers are practicing grownups?
- What must we remember when a child is in the thick of a tantrum?
- What is the difference between accepting vs. condoning a behavior?
- Brené Brown
Connect and Learn with Eli:
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
eliharwood #attachment #securelyattached #attachmentnerd #nerdherd #parenting #loveon #attachmenttheory #studentsupport #teachersupport #parentingsupport #parentinghacks #parentsfollowparents
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Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker discuss different types of research that can support the practices and beliefs of educators. Their work as instructional coaches focuses on helping educators, coaches, and administrators label and align what is seen and heard within the walls of classrooms with experts and current research. Through this labeling process, educators, coaches, and administrators understand why their practices and beliefs matter and impact their students’ growth.
Episode Mentions:
- “My Research is Better than Your Research” Wars (1/17/24)
- Evidence-Based Does Not Mean What You Think It Does(1/16/24)
- National Reading Panel Report 2000
- Empirical Research
- Quantitative Research
- Qualitative Research
- Action Research
- Olivia Wahl’s Bio & Beliefs
- Evidence-Based Research
- Collective Efficacy
Connect & Learn with Olivia & Wahl Educational Consulting, Inc.
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect & Learn with Wendy
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
#solutionsfromschoolutions #schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast #wahleducationalconsulting#whatweknownow #discoursenotdebate #oliviawahl #drwendybunker #research #empiricalresearch #quantitativeresearch #qualitativeresearch #actionresearch #evidencebasedresearch #collectiveefficacy #whenyouknowbetterdobetter #thoughtpartners #instructionalcoaches #conversationinspiration #learninglabs #parallelpractice #collectiveefficacy #professionalcapital #reading #writing #talking #problemsolving #tasks#teachers #learning #education #practice #conferring #modeling #teachersfollowteachers #coachesfollowcoaches #edchat
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Math influencer and visionary Dr. Peter Liljedahl offers insights on how his Building Thinking Classrooms framework transforms mathematics teaching. Peter reflects on years of research and leaves listeners with a great starting point to ensure they successfully implement the “what” and “how” when facilitating a thinking classroom. Thank you to Peter and Corwin Press, who are so generous in offering a 25% discount & free shipping PROMO CODE (CORWIN25) for Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning.
Episode Mentions:
- Building Thinking Classrooms and Mathematics Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning
- Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5
- That Workshop Bookby Sam Bennett
Connect & Learn with Peter
- at his website
- on Twitter
#solutionsfromschoolutions #schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast #buildingthinkingclassrooms #btc #peterliljedahl #mathematics #math #problemsolving #thinkingclassrooms #nctm #principlestoactions #teachersfollowteachers #edchat
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Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker are embarking on a new adventure. Every other Monday, Schoolutions followers can now look forward to a new series: What We Know Now. Olivia and Wendy will engage in discourse around current topics in education. Episodes will stay laser-focused on the week’s chosen topic and run only 10-15 minutes. Tune in and look forward to gaining insights from Olivia and Wendy’s diverse perspectives based on their vast professional backgrounds.
Olivia Wahl has been an educator for over twenty years and leads institutes for teachers nationwide. She provides PreK-12 professional learning in leadership, coaching, and literacy instruction. Her work supports teachers with conferring and using student work to drive instruction while supporting culturally responsive practices. Olivia advocates for play and inquiry-based learning experiences alongside reconceptualizing the Gradual Release of Responsibility to enhance student voice and engagement. She is the creator, producer, editor, and host of Schoolutions - a podcast to inspire and connect PreK-12 educators, administrators, caregivers, and community members as they identify and share solutions for issues in public education.
Dr. Wendy Bunker has been an educator for over thirty years. She has served as a secondary English teacher and a K-12 Reading Specialist. Currently, she works as an ELA curriculum specialist for Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services), serving districts as an instructional coach and facilitator of professional learning. Wendy is a proponent of instruction that gives all learners equitable access to literacy. Her work as a coach with administrators and teachers focuses on building instructional systems that engage all learners. Wendy acquired her Doctorate in Literacy from Syracuse University. She is deeply grateful to Kathleen Hinchman, Ph.D., and Benita Blachman, Ph.D., whose knowledge and contributions to the field of literacy provide daily inspiration for her work.
Episode Mentions:
- Cris Tovani
- Sam Bennett
- Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES
- The Reading League
- Professor Benita Blachman
- Dr. Maria Murray
- Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry
Connect w/ Olivia:
- at her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
Connect w/ Wendy:
- on Facebook
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The extraordinary Allison Zmuda and Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs have collaborated to co-create a fresh approach to curriculum design. Allison and Heidi inspire in this episode as they share critical elements of their recently released book, Streamlining Curriculum: Using the Storyboard Approach to Frame Compelling Learning Journeys**. Listeners will leave the conversation motivated and with a reenvisioned understanding of streamlining and storyboarding regarding curriculum development.
A big thank you to Allison, Heidi, and ASCD*, who are so generous in offering a 25% off PROMO CODE (STREAM25), active 1/2/24–4/2/24,for Streamlining Curriculum: Using the Storyboard Approach to Frame Compelling Learning Journeys via ASCD.org***.
Episode Mentions:**
- Robert J. Marzano, PhD
- CBS Sunday Morning
- Sample Storyboard (Energy)
- Curriculum Storyboards Website & YouTube Channel
Connect & Learn with Allison
- at her website & Learning Personalized
- on Twitter
- on LinkedIn
- on YouTube (Learning Personalized)
Connect & Learn with Heidi
- at Curriculum 21
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on YouTube (Curriculum 21)
#curriculum #curriculumdesign #streamliningcurriculum #curriculumstoryboards #storyboardapproach #thoughtpartners #allisonzmuda #heidihayesjacobs #ascd #edchat
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Colleen Beck, OTR/L, has been an Occupational Therapist since 2000. As the creator and author of The OT Toolbox, LLC, she has written thousands of blog posts on occupational therapy, created thousands of accessible resources and tools for therapy professionals, and strived to advocate for the profession as well as those we serve (children, families, educators) on The OT Toolbox social media channels. In this episode, Colleen describes her tailored toolboxes, OT interventions that should be on listeners’ radars, and her favorite blog posts. Listeners even get a sneak preview into a day in the life of Colleen Beck and learn more about how she has built her team over time.
Episode Mentions:
- Elizabeth R. Skidmore (PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FACRM), Associate Dean for Research, SHRS; Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh
- Weighted Vests and Compression Garments Blog
- American Occupational Therapy Association
Learn More from The OT Toolbox About:
- Zones of Regulation Activities
- Breathing Exercises for Kids
- Becoming a Member of The OT Toolbox
- The OT Therapist Toolbox
- The OT Teacher Toolbox
- The OT Caregiver (Parent) Toolbox
Connect and Learn with Colleen & The OT Toolbox:
- at The OT Toolbox Website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on LinkedIn
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on Pinterest
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
#theottoolbox #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #ot #therapy #autism #physiotherapy #otstudent #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #sensoryplay #finemotorskills
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Erin Patterson is the Director of Education Initiatives with SchoolHouse Connection. In this episode, Erin illuminates what makes SchoolHouse Connection the nation’s leading expert on the early care and education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Listeners learn how SchoolHouse Connection supports infants, toddlers, and pregnant and expectant parents, along with statistics and consequences children struggle with when experiencing homelessness. Erin inspires through her mission to overcome homelessness through education and works to expand opportunities for the most underserved students – those experiencing homelessness, in foster care, and in the juvenile justice system.
Episode Mentions:
- NPR’s Morning Edition
- Barbara Duffield - Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection
- The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
- District Homeless Education Liaisons - Homeless Education Directory
- Homeless Children and Youth Act (H.R. 5221)
- American Rescue Plan
Learn More:
- New Data Show Dramatic Increase in Families and Youth in Homeless Shelters, Even While Dramatically Undercounting Families and Youth Experiencing Homelessness: https://schoolhouseconnection.org/2023-hud-data/
- Infants and Toddlers Experiencing Homelessness: Prevalence and Access to Early Learning Across Twenty States: https://schoolhouseconnection.org/infant-and-toddler-homelessness/
- New Federal Guidance Urges Expediting ARP-HCY Funds. Now What? https://schoolhouseconnection.org/expediting-arp-hcy-funds/
Connect and Learn with Erin & SchoolHouse Connection:
- at SchoolHouse Connection’s website
- on Twitter: SHC & Erin Patterson
- on Instagram: SHC & Erin Patterson
- on LinkedIn: SHC & Erin Patterson
- on Threads: SHC
- on Facebook: SHC
- on TikTok: SHC
- on YouTube: SHC
#schoolhouseconnection #homeless #homelessness #education #community #nonprofit #homelessnessawareness #support #volunteer #helpingothers #endhomelessness #humanity #mentalhealth
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Caitlin Greer Meister is a specialist in strengths-based learning, giftedness, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. She is a mom of two and the Founding Director of The Greer Meister Group educational consultancy and Joyfully Learning, a New York City-based private tutoring practice. In this episode, Caitlin offers insights about the benefits of tutoring and collaborative home-school relationships. Caitlin illuminates her simple yet essential premise: Kids learn best when they’re having fun.
- Episode Mentions:
- Lev Vygotsky's Zones of Development
- Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
- Connect and Learn with Caitlin:
- at The Greer Meister Group
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- at Joyfully Learning
- on Instagram
- newsletter
- at The Greer Meister Group
#caitlingreermeistergroup #joyfullylearning #strengthsbasedparenting #school #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #parenting #parentingtips #tutoring
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The Gamer Educator (Ash Brandin) offers caregivers and educators tips for managing screens that benefit everyone involved. Ash speaks to the importance of understanding how various studies frame anti-screen rhetoric. Listeners will leave the conversation inspired to engage with the children in their lives about screen time and tackle the societal challenges that anti-screen rhetoric distracts our attention from. Ash asks us to reconsider seeing screen time as a waste of time and instead consider the life skills developed through leisure activities.Episode Mentions:
- Commentary on Radio in the 1920s
- Ohio State University Study: Screen time not harmful for academic skills of preschoolers
Connect & Learn with Ash:
- at their website
- on Instagram
#solutionsfromschoolutions #schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast #thegamereducator #gaming #gamer #videogames #game #gamers #gamingcommunity #screentime #parenting #digitalwellbeing #onlinesafety #digitalparenting #parentingtips #technology #internetsafety #digitalsafety #digitaldetox #socialmedia #kids #parents #screentimelimits #parenthood #parentalcontrols #cybersafety #family #mentalhealth #children #cyberbullying #unplug #mindfulness #familytime
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The magnificent Amy Ludwig VanDerwater’s humor and authenticity enchant as she shares intimate stories from her life as a poet and teacher. Amy generously offers a myriad of her favorite poets and resources. Listeners have the gift of hearing Amy read poetry aloud and leave the conversation with a clear vision of why we all need poetry throughout the year.
Thank you to Amy and the American Psychological Association/Magination Press, who are so generous in offering a 25% off & free shipping PROMO CODE (FLYER 25) for The Sound of Kindness (listen HERE*)
Episode Mentions:*
- Wondrous Words (Read Like a Writer) by Katie Wood Ray
- Lee Bennett Hopkins
- Naomi Shihab Nye
- Commentary: Country Cats
- The Journey is Everything by Katherine Bomer
- Something Told the Wild Geese by Rachel Field
Amy’s Books(w/ MANY teacher resources)
Poetry Websites & Books:
- Awakening the Heart by Georgia Heard
- Poems Please by Bill Moore & David Booth
- Immersed in Verse by Allan Wolf
- Naming the World by Nancie Atwell
- Starting with Little Things by Ingrid Wendt
Connect w/ Amy:
- at her website & The Poem Farm & Amy LV's School Visits
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Pinterest
- on YouTube
- on SoundCloud
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Certified school counselor and coach Zack Kasabo offers students, caregivers, and fellow educators strategies to manage difficult behaviors without enabling them. Zack designs behavior management plans from the ground up with all involved. Although Zack’s strategies may seem unconventional at times, he stays current on the latest behavior trends that parents and teens face to design behavior support plans tailored to individual needs.
Episode Mentions:
- The School Counselor and Multitiered System Supports
- Title I
- Conscious Discipline Brain State Model
- Schoolutions S2E2: Stopping Bullying and School Violence Before They Start with Professor Ron Avi Astor
- What is the Difference Between CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy?
- Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
Connect and Learn with Zack:
- at his website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
#schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast #coachkasabo #schoolcounselor #coach #teenmentalhealth #traumainformed #behaviormanagement #parentingtips #challengingbehavior #kidswithanxiety #communitycoaching #teachers #teachersfollowsteachers
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Ever wonder what it feels like to be a teacher who has to worry about being inclusive and ensuring all children feel safe within their classroom? Teacher Katie Rinderle sure does. As an American former elementary school teacher in Cobb County, Georgia, Katie is the first known public school teacher fired under Georgia's 2022 student protection laws for reading aloud Scott Stuart’s book, My Shadow is Purple, to her students. Join Katie, Scott, and Dr. Roberta Price Gardner as they share their hopes for the global future of inclusive education impacting the lives of our children, public education systems, and higher education.
Episode Mentions:
- My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart
- Southern Poverty Law Center (article)
- My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart
- Morgan Jackson - Schoolutions Episode S1E7
- Stacey's Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams
- Board Meeting Where Beth Hudson Speaks
- Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl
Connect and Learn with Teacher Katie Rinderle:
- support through GoFundMe
- at her LInktree
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on LinkedIn
Connect and Learn with Dr. Roberta Price Gardner:
- on Twitter
- on LinkedIn
Connect and Learn with Author Scott Stuart:
- at his website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
#teachinclusion #teachinclusive #inclusiveeducation #standwithkatie #myshadowispurple #myshadowispink #teachersfollowsteachers
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Pamela Elizabeth Dawson innovates and inspires as the 2023 Grammy Music Educator of the Year. As choir director, her mission to share the healing power of music has had a tremendous impact on the lives of her Desoto High School Choir students. In this episode, Pamela shares stories about her Grammy win experience, her students, and her hopes for the future of fine arts and music education. Listeners have the privilege of hearing Pamela’s choir performance ofI Thank You God.
Episode Mentions:
- Desoto High School
- Grammy Music Educator of the Year Award
- Texas Music Educators Association
- Armistice 1918 (performance)
- Berklee College of Music
- Gwyneth Walker - I Thank You God
- Texas Music Incubator Rebate Program
Connect and Learn with Pamela:
- at pamelaelizabeth.org
- on Instagram @ Desoto High School Choir & Pamela Elizabeth
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
grammywinner #grammymuseum #musiceducatorawardwinner #desotohschoir #desotoisdeagles #musicishealing #musicisjoy #musiceducation #music #teachers #teachersfollowteachers
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Stephen Noonoo is an editor and journalist who's covered education for more than a decade. Now a tech editor at Edutopia, he was previously the K–12 editor for EdSurge and has also worked at eSchool News, THE Journal, CUE, and SmartBrief. Stephen created the Warning Bell Substack to look honestly at today's teaching profession. He is dedicated to cataloging the stresses & problems that teachers face. In this episode, Stephen illuminates the driving forces behind the very real teaching shortage and offers solutions to change course. Educators and supporters of public education will leave the conversation feeling seen and heard for all they do.
Episode Mentions:
- Schooutions S2E37: Maracujá: Giving Kids the Time and Space to Discover Who They Are with Rebekah Macden
- EWA - Education Writer's Association
- Randi Weingarten - American Federation of Teachers President
- Becky Pringle - National Education Association President
- Economic Policy Institute
- USA Today - Alia Wong
- Edutopia
- Emily Tate Sullivan
- EdSurge / The New Republic
- The Mental Health Crisis Causing Teachers to Quit
- Daphne Gomez - Teacher Career Coach
- Linda Darling-Hammond - Learning Policy Institute
- Chalkbeat - Matt Barnum
- Coalition for Community Schools
- EL Education - Community Faces - Humanizing the Immigrant Label: A Better World Project
- UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Sir Ken Robinson
- Schoolutions S1E7: Going Beyond Diverse Representation of Race & Identity in Our Libraries w/ Morgan Jackson
- Cris Tovani
Connect w/ Stephen:
- at warningbell.substack.com & Edutopia
- on Twitter
- on LinkedIn
#warningbell #teachershortage #TEACHers #EDUcators #teachersfollowteachers
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This conversation with Patterns of Power grammar extraordinaires Holly Durham and Travis Leech will leave you ready to dive into authentic grammar instruction! Let go of ineffective worksheets and skill-and-drill grammar instruction as Holly and Travis describe the Patterns of Power Process with a focus on grades 9-12. They explain why traditional grammar instruction focuses too often on rules and what’s right or wrong instead of a true understanding of usage. In Kylene Beers’s words, “...master teachers, Jeff, Travis, and Holly, make things such as colons and commas, apostrophes and appositives, phrases and fragments, become more than things to be learned. Instead, they were turning conventions of language into conversations I wanted to have with kids.”
Episode Mentions:
- Patterns of Power 9-12: Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing - Grades 9-12
- Kylene Beers
- Pointless by Sarah Zerwin
- (An) Indian Father's Plea
- Larry Ferlazzo
- Tim Ferriss
- Patterns of Power (Facebook) Community
Holly and Travis Recommend:
- Everyday Editing by Jeff Anderson
- Image Grammar by Harry Noden
- Teaching Grammar in Context by Constance Weaver
- 180 Days by Penny Kittle & Kelly Gallagher
Connect and Learn with Holly:
- at her website & email
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
Connect and Learn with Travis:
- at his website & email
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
#solutionsfromschoolutions #schoolutionsinspires #schoolutionspodcast #patternsofpower #grammarinstruction #authenticgrammarinstruction #grammarusageoverrules #POPteacher #teachersfollowteachers #education #student #school
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José Luis Vilson is best known as an architect for a hopeful future and an advocate for teacher voice. José describes his math pedagogy in this episode and why math is a social justice lever. He illuminates the restrictions we put on mathematics unknowingly as a society. José encourages us to ensure our classrooms and learning communities are interconnected and to look to the future with hope. José is also an integral part of the EduColor Community, which amplifies the works and ideas of students, educators, and communities of color through supportive on- and off-line networks and professional development.
Episode Mentions:
- Ted Ed Talk
- Waiting for Superman
- Bob Moses
- EduColor Movement
- FutureMe
Connect and Learn with José:
- at his website & blog
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- on TikTok
- on YouTube
thejosevilson #mathpedagogy #architectforahopefulfuture #educolor #educolormvmt #mathcommunity #teachersfollowteachers #education #mathteacher #student #school
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The renowned Dr. Molly Ness shares key points from her most recent book, Read Alouds for All Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject, Every Day. Molly helps listeners understand the critical role read alouds play in the science of reading, along with current research and trends. Listeners will leave informed and inspired with a process and plan for integrating read alouds across all content areas.
⭐Discount valid on SolutionTree.com only. Enter promo code Schoolutions20 at checkout to receive a 20% discount on the paperback version of Read Alouds for All Learners. Offer expires 12/15/23. Not valid for bookstores, distributors, or resellers. Continental US only. Cannot be combined w/ other offers. For customers submitting a purchase order, payment must be received by 12/15/23 to qualify for this offer.
Episode Mentions:
- Dr. David Portnoy
- Scarborough's Reading Rope
- Molly's think-aloud clips
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- Reach Out and Read
- USO Reading Program
- Dollar General Literacy Foundation
- Read with Malcolm
- Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream
Be Inspired by Molly’s Writing:
- The Power and Promise of Read-Alouds and Independent Reading
- Thinking Aloud is Key to Developing Successful Reading Comprehension
- Supercharge Every Storytime
Connect w/ Molly:
- website & End Book Deserts podcast & The Coalition for Literacy Equity
- IG @a_reading_mother @endbookdeserts
- FB @drmollyness @endbookdeserts @mollyness
- Twitter @drmollyness @endbookdeserts
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Are you dreaming about creating a humanities course for students in your high school? Learn from teachers Heather Roberts and Tom Bateson how to turn that dream into reality! Heather and Tom describe their first-year step-by-step process for designing their co-taught humanities course. They offer detailed strategies alongside struggles and successes to support colleagues in beginning their journey to making history engaging and relevant for learners.
- Episode Mentions:
- Holland Patent Central School District
- Cris Tovani
- Sam Bennett
- Enduring Issues
- Syracuse University's Project Advanced (S.U.P.A.) courses
- Utica University
- Declaration of Independence
- Declaration of the Rights of Man
- U.N.’s Declaration of Human Rights
- Letter to My Future Self
- Connect and Learn with Heather:
- at her email: HeatherRoberts045@gmail.com
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
- Connect and Learn with Tom:
- at his email: thomasbateson@yahoo.com
- on Facebook
#humanities #highschoolteacher #makinghistoryrelevant #coteaching #planning
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Beth Skelton and Tan Huynh call for us to shift the long-term English learner (LTEL) label and mindset to honor multilinguals’ valuable life experiences and academic potential instead. Beth and Tan’s book, Long-Term Success for Experienced Multilinguals, offers a brilliant and accessible guide for cross-curricular implementation - designed explicitly for secondary content teachers.
Thank you to Tan, Beth, and Corwin, who are so generous in offering a 25% off PROMO CODE (C23104) for Long-Term Success for Experienced Multilinguals.
- Episode Mentions:
- SDUSD - Marshall Elementary
- Understanding by Design
- WIDA
- Zaretta Hammond - turbocharging
- Lev Vygotsky
- Allison Zmuda
- Connect and Learn with Tan:
- on his website
- on Twitter
- Connect and Learn with Beth:
- on her website
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
experiencedmultilinguals #assetbasedthinking #heritageculture
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Renowned literacy expert, Ellin Oliver Keene, welcomes us into her Literacy Studio - a new, integrated approach to reader’s and writer’s workshop. Her latest book, The Literacy Studio: Redesigning the Workshop for Readers and Writers, offers a practical step-by-step approach to providing more autonomy and choice to students while gaining back time by combining reading and writing instruction.
Episode Mentions:
- Ellin Oliver Keene
- PEBC
- Heinemann & Heinemann Journal & Heinemann Fellows Initiative
- The Literacy Studio: Redesigning the Workshop for Readers and Writers
- Dr. Donald Graves
- To Understand: New Horizons in Reading Comprehension
- Sam Bennett
- Debbie Miller
- The Literacy Studio (Heinemann Companion Resources)
- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
- Stephanie Harvey, Ann Goudvis, Debbie Miller, & Cris Tovani (book group)
- Talk About Understanding
- Dr. Fabiola Bagula - Schoolutions S2E4 - Cognitive Bias Codex
Connect and Learn with Ellin:
- at her website & email (ellinkeene1@gmail.com)
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
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Join the brilliant M. Colleen Cruz as she illuminates why mistakes are not the problem but part of learning. Colleen’s most recent book, Risk. Fail. Rise.: A Teacher's Guide to Learning from Mistakes offers strategies for exploring why mistakes happen and how we can destigmatize mistake-making to encourage a risk-taking learning culture.
Thank you to Colleen and bookshop.org, who are so generous in offering a 10% off PROMO CODE (RISK10) for Risk.Fail.Rise.: A Teacher’s Guide to Learning from Mistakes.
Episode Mentions:
- Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul
- Kathryn Schulz
- Eduardo Briceño
- Restorative Justice
- Arlène(Elizabeth) Casimir
- UDL (Universal Design for Learning)
- Akasegawa Genpei
- Thomasson & Hyperart
- De’Andre Arnold
- Disability Spread
- Gloria Ladson-Billings
- Mariame Kaba
- Nilofer Merchant
- AJ Crabill
- Maxine Greene
- The Millionaire’s Magician
- James Howe
Connect and Learn with Colleen:
- on her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Threads
- on LinkedIn
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Schoolutions Podcast Season 3 will be released on September 18th with the brilliant Colleen Cruz and her most recent book, Risk. Fail. Rise.: A Teacher's Guide to Learning from Mistakes.
This season's guests will rock your world with their stories, bravery, and innovative solutions to current issues we face in public education.
Don't forget to leave a review and share the podcast far and wide and to leave a review because it really matters!
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Schoolutions Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/
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If you'd like to become a Schoolutions sponsor or share episode ideas, connect via email at schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com or via my website, www.oliviawahl.com.
Please tune into Season 3. We can be thought partners and find inspiration together.
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Christy Lynn Anana is a Mindfulness Director with Whole School Mindfulness at Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary, located on the land of The Tulalip Tribes in Washington State, north of Seattle. In this episode, Christy offers listeners two guided meditations alongside a peek into her published book series called I Am Healing.
Episode Mentions:
- I Am Healing Book Series
- I Can Feel Better: A Tapping Story
- A Safe Place: Strategies to Feel Better
- Dr. Francine Shapiro - EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
- Waves of Emotions: A Mindfulness Story
- A Guide for Lonely Kids
- Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary
- University of Washington - Leadership for Learning (L4L) Program - Facebook
- Dr. Anthony Craig (Schoolutions S1 E5: Accessing the Wisdom of Tulalip Tribes' Elders as Cultural Guides in Public Schools with Dr. Anthony Craig)
- Tulalip Tribes
- Rainbow Dance - Boston Children's Foundation
- Dr. Bruce D. Perry
- EFT - Emotional Freedom Techniques
- Whole School Mindfulness
- Kobayashi Maru
- Tricia Hersey - Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto
- Sam Bennett's Circles (Types) of Engagement
Connect with Christy:
- at her website
- at Whole School Mindfulness
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
- on
Rebekah Macden is a globally-renowned international educator, consultant, speaker, and writer. In this episode, she offers listeners an overview of Maracujá, her co-created, character-driven SEL program that continues to have a life-changing impact on thousands of students in schools around the globe. Listeners will leave inspired by Rebekah’s commitment to students feeling safe within their authentic selves in an environment where relationships are prioritized.
Episode Mentions:
- Lisa Nichols Companies (Rebekah is a Speaker Advocate Coach)
- Tricia Friedman (Be a Better Ally Podcast - E91: Advance the Agenda of Joy with Rebekah Macden)
- Nicole Engstrom (co-creator of Maracujá)
- Taylor Swift Accepts The 2023 iHeartRadio Innovator Award
Connect and Learn with Rebekah:
- at her website
- on Twitter (@rebekahmacden)
- on Instagram (@rebekahmacden)
- on Facebook (@macdenr)
- on LinkedIn
Global changemakers Renée Dinnerstein and Larry Leaven have a shared commitment to children when it comes to reviving choice time, inquiry, exploration, and play in schools around the world. Their inspiring anecdotes and creative out-of-the-box solutions will help listeners immediately put choice time into action.
Episode Mentions:
- Vivian Gussin Paley
- Deborah Meier
- PS 321
- NAEYS
- Loris Malaguzzi
- Fanny Roman
- Why Every Kindergarten and First-Grade School Day Should Begin with Inquiry and Imaginative Play by Olivia Wahl
- S1 E8: Bringing Joy to the Start of Each Day Through Play with Mary Anne Camel
- Dalton School Hong Kong
- Susan Harris MacKay
- AnjiPlay
- Nancy Du
- Defending the Early Years Organization
- Making Your Environment "The Third Teacher"by Margie Carter
Connect and Learn with Renée:
- at her website and blog
- on Twitter (@RDinnerstein)
- on Instagram (@reneedinnerstein)
- on Facebook (@renee.dinnerstein.7) & Choice Time Facebook Group
- on LinkedIn
- check out:
- Choice Time: How to Deepen Learning Through Inquiry and Play, PreK-2 by Renee Dinnerstein
- Is Kindergarten Ready for the Child? by Renee Dinnerstein
- Renee Dinnerstein’s Revolution Grows in Brooklyn by Susan Ochshorn
Connect and Learn with Larry:
- on Twitter (@LarryLeaven)
- on Facebook (@larry.leaven)
- on LinkedIn
Leah Mermelstein, the author of“We-Do” Writing and many other renowned professional books, shares her secrets for creating integrated units of study. Listeners will learn her step-by-step process to bend or create their own integrated curricula.
Episode Mentions:
- Leah Mermelstein's Schoolutions Interview, "We-Do" Writing Book, "We-Do" Model Graphic & Self-Directed Writers Book
- P. David Pearson
- Cornelius Minor's Schoolutions Interview & We Got This. Book
- Dr. Tanya Wright's Schoolutions Interview & A Teacher's Guide to Vocabulary Development Across the Day Book
- Patterns of Power Series
- Nell K. Duke & Kelly B. Cartwright's The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading (graphic on page 9)
- First Education Writing Summit (June 14, 2023) - Reboot, Revamp, and Refresh Your School's or Classroom's Writing Instruction
- Align the Design: A Blueprint for School Improvement by Nancy J. Mooney & Ann T. Mausbach
- Schooling by Design: Mission, Action, and Achievement by Grant Wiggins & Jay McTighe
Connect & Learn with Leah:
- on her website
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
Jennifer Serravallo shares what inspired her to publish her most recent book, The Reading Strategies Book 2.0, and launch her ground-breaking literacy podcast for educators, To the Classroom. With each episode, Jen interviews leading researchers and scholars, seeking answers to all things literacy, and then processes the research with colleagues, leaning on the question, “How will we take what we’ve learned to the classroom?”
Episode Mentions:
- Maryanne Wolf
- Wiley Blevins
- Dr. Melanie Kuhn
- Dr. Peter Afflerbach
- Academic Intervention Services (AIS) & Response to Intervention (RtI)
- The Literacy Strategies Community
- Dr. Daniel Willingham
- HyeJin Hwang
Jen’s Current Podcast Playlist:
- Triple R Teaching
- Science of Reading: The Podcast
- Code Switch
- Fresh Air
- Have You Heard
- Nice White Parents
- So Many White Guys
- The Splendid Table
- The Yarn
- This American Life
- Bone Valley
Connect and Learn with Jen:
- on her website & To the Classroom Podcast (Spotify & Apple Podcasts)
- on Twitter (@JSerravallo)
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
Change is a journey and can be complex. Matt Renwick inspires listeners with his article:7 Questions I Ask Myself When Working with Educators Resistant to Change (derived from his book, Leading Like a C.O.A.C.H.: 5 Strategies for Supporting Teaching and Learning**). Matt's authentic approach and questions get to the heart of knowing each educator deeply for who they are both in and out of their classrooms.
Episode Mentions:**
- Matt's school - Mineral Point Elementary School (Wisconsin)
- Cognitive Coaching: Developing Self-Directed Leaders and Learners (Christopher-Gordon New Editions) 3rd Edition by Arthur L. Costa
- Regie Routman - Read, Write, Lead: Breakthrough Strategies for Schoolwide Literacy Success (2014)
- Micki Uppena Mineral Point Elementary School (Librarian)
- The Marshall Memo
- Heather Fisher
- Jennifer Garvey Berger
Matt's Publications:
- 7 Questions I Ask Myself When Working with Educators Resistant to Change (February 2023)
- Leading LIke a C.O.A.C.H.: 5 Strategies for Supporting Teaching and Learning (2022)
- Classroom Libraries: Who Owns the Reading? (WSRA Journal, 2019)
- Busting Myths, Telling Truths (Language Magazine, January 2018)
- Digital Portfolios in the Classroom: Showcasing and Assessing Student Work (2017)
- Five Myths About Classroom Technology: How do we integrate digital tools to truly enhance learning? (ASCD Arias) (2015)
Connect and Learn with Matt:
- on his website & newsletter
- on Twitter (@ReadByExample)
- on LinkedIn
Sara Bradford is an autistic woman and advocate. She is a member of the Autism Council of Utah and also the owner of the SJ Childs LLC Facebook Autism Advocate Support Group. In this episode, Sara shares her experience and perspective as a mother and partner to her husband and children, who are all on the autism spectrum. She is a global autism speaker and the podcast host of The SJ Childs Show. Sara offers resources and shares advice for caregivers and educators regarding autism awareness and advocacy.
Episode Mentions:
- The SJ Childs Show
- Autism Council of Utah
- SJ Childs, LLC Facebook Autism Advocate Support Group
- Autism Society of America
- The Global Autism Project
- Dr. Barry M. Prizant - Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism
- Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism
- Infinite Learning Academy
- Vela Education Fund
- employU
- Neurodiverse Learning Retreat
- Utah Afterschool Network - UAN I Am Project
Get in touch and learn with Sara (aka S.J. Childs) via linkfly
Penny Kittle lives by her words, "When you stand next to beautiful writing, your writing is just kind of set free." Penny shares how her latest book, Micro Mentor Texts: Using Short Passages From Great Books to Teach Writer's Craftoffersa process for studying and teaching on the shoulders of incredible authors as mentors to transform student writing.
Ep. Mentions:
- Donald Murray
- Donald Graves
- Thomas Newkirk
- Tom Romano
- Book Love Foundation
- Matt de la Peña
- Kelly Gallagher-180 Days & Four Essential Studies
- Andrea Davis Pinkney
- Rebekah O'Dell
- Kwame Alexander (My Mother's Fried Chicken Was a Link to My Past—and My Daughter's Future)
- All Parents are Cowards
- Sarah Zerwin-Point-Less
- Ezra Klein
- Chris Crutcher
- Peter Elbow
- Jacqueline Woodson
Penny's Recommendations:
- Writing with Mentors: How to Reach Every Writer in the Room Using Current, Engaging Mentor Texts
- The Teacher You Want to Be: Essays about Children, Learning, and Teaching
- Craft and Process Studies: Units That Provide Writers with Choice of Genre
Penny's Selected Writing:
- On Joy, Teaching, and the Deep Satisfaction of Writing
- NCTE Speech: Risk, Voice, and Clarity in Teaching
- Engaged in Young Adult Literature: A Collaborative Conversation
Connect:
- via Website
- on Instagram (Penny&Book Love Foundation)
- on Twitter
- on LinkedIn
- on YouTube
- on Mighty Networks
A.J. Crabill lives by his mantra: "Student outcomes don't change until adult behaviors change." In this episode, A.J. explains why changing adult behaviors (especially regarding school boards) requires new mindsets, knowledge, and skills. His latest book, Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Be Effective, provides a step-by-step guide to transforming student outcomes through the transformation of adult mindsets, knowledge, and skills -- starting with our own.
Episode Mentions:
- Pamela "Mama" Dawson - Choir Director at DeSoto High School (just won a Grammy)
- Mrs. Murphy (A.J.'s Economics Teacher)
A.J.'s Recommendations:
- Learn more about the book or get it: http://www.GreatOnTheirBehalf.com
- Read a preview of the book: http://tinyurl.com/Great-On-Their-Behalf-sample
Get in touch and learn with A.J.:
- via Website & Blog
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
- on Pinterest
- on YouTube
- on LinkedIn
- on Vimeo
- on Goodreads
Kindergarten teacher extraordinaire "Mr. Greg" of The Kindergarten Smorgasboard and ELEVATE Conference shares why being a teacher matters most. Listeners will leave inspired by Greg's hilarious tales from the classroom and practical tips to try right away with their students!
Episode Mentions:
- The Kindergarten Smorgasboard
- Resource Center
- Blog
- Basket Head
- ELEVATE Conference
- Holly Ehle - The Science of Literacy Learning
- Scheduling Sunday!
Greg's Recommendations:
- Greg HIGHLY recommends a doorbell for the classroom
- Greg HIGHLY recommends glue sponges to replace glue sticks
- Here is a great DIY sensory bin idea
- ABC Bootcamp is one of the most effective ways to teach letters & sounds in early elementary. The HOW & WHY
Connect and learn with Greg:
- via website The Kindergarten Smorgasboard
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
- on Pinterest
- on YouTube
Chief of Operations and Lead Writer for Two Writing Teachers, Stacey Shubitz, and Two Writing Teachers Co-Author, Melanie Meehan share beliefs, practices, and research around the benefits of teaching writing through a workshop approach. Stacey and Melanie also shine as authors of groundbreaking professional books and co-hosts of the Two Writing Teachers Podcast!
Episode Mentions:
- Stacey’s Publications
- Melanie’s Books & Resources
- Katie Egan Cunningham
- Carol Snook
- Ron Berger 4Ts
- Allison Zmuda - Roles of the Teacher
- Donald Graves
- Frank Smith (Psycholinguist)
- Steve Graham (A Meta-Analysis of Writing Instruction for Students in the Elementary Grades)
- The Literacy Studio by Ellin Oliver Keene
- The Literacy Workshop by Maria Walther & Karen Biggs-Tucker
- The College Essay Is Dead by Stephen Marche
- ChatGPT & Education Slide Deck by Dr. Torrey Trust
- ChatGPT may doom high school English classes like mine. Maybe that’s not so bad by Ben Berman
Connect with Stacey & Melanie via:
- Websites: Stacey & Melanie
- Twitter: Stacey & Melanie
- Facebook: Stacey & Melanie
- Instagram: Stacey & Melanie
- Pinterest: Stacey & Melanie
- LinkedIn: Stacey & Melanie
Try out my new SpeakPipe widget! Leave a voice memo about a Schoolutions episode that has inspired you or a PK-12 public education issue/solution. Make sure to let me know your role or connection with public education.
Here’s to continuing to find inspiration together!
Connect with Schoolutions Podcast:
- via my Website
- via SpeakPipe
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
- on LinkedIn
Dr. Tanya S. Wright shares research examining instructional practices that promote young children's oral language, vocabulary, and knowledge development. Listeners will be inspired to incorporate intentional vocabulary instruction for students throughout the school day. Tanya offers a wealth of information with examples based on her book, A Teacher's Guide to Vocabulary Development Across the Day: Grades K-3.
Episode Mentions:
- Tanya's books:
- Literacy Learning for Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers: Key Practices for Educators(NAEYC 2022)
- A Teacher's Guide to Vocabulary Development Across the Day: Grades K-3(Heinemann 2021)
- All About Words: Increasing Vocabulary in the Common Core Classroom: PreK-2(Teachers College Press 2013)
- Nurturing Knowledge: Building a Foundation for School Success by Linking Early Literacy to Math, Science, Art, and Social Studies(Scholastic 2007)
- A Parent's Guide to Reading With Your Young Child(Scholastic 2006)
Other Resources Tanya Recommends:
- SOLID Start (FREE, open-access science curriculum materials with integrated literacy learning opportunities)
Connect with Tanya:
- on Twitter
Innovative thought partners Kate and Maggie Roberts share their newest venture to put professional learning back into teachers’ hands via The Content Shop. They offer simple, practical, and bite-sized tools to optimize our teaching.
Episode Mentions:
- The Content Shop
- Membership Options
- Greg Michie (Twitter) & (Facebook)
- Gail Dahling-Hench
- Falling in Love with Close Reading: Lessons for Analyzing Texts--and Life by Christopher Lehman & Kate Roberts (2013)
- DIY Literacy: Teaching Tools for Differentiation, Rigor, and Independenceby Kate Roberts & Maggie Beattie Roberts (2016)
- A Novel Approach: Whole-Class Novels, Student-Centered Teaching, and Choice by Kate Roberts (2018)
Connect with Kate & Maggie:
- at their website: Kate & Maggie
- on Twitter: Maggie & Kate
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
- on TikTok
Teacher, instructional coach, educational consultant, and author Julie Wright shares her brilliant solutions and protocols to address common problems of practice regarding our current RtI models. Julie’s book,What’s Our Response: Creating Systems and Structures to Support ALL Learners, is an invaluable resource filled with tips for breaking out of the RtI box that we sometimes unintentionally corner children into. Julie reminds listeners that teacher autonomy and agency are at the heart of serving and meeting ALL students’ needs.
Episode Mentions:
- What’s Our Response: Creating Systems and Structures to Support ALL Learners
- Dr. Mary Howard
- What is RtI?
- What is MTSS?
- What is Tier One Intervention?
- Autonomy & Agency
- Asset-Based Thinking
- Observation Protocols
- Least Restrictive Environment
- Teaching with Fidelity
- Learning Walks
- That Workshop Book: New Systems and Structures for Classrooms That Read, Write, and Think by Sam Bennett & Workshop as a Time Structure
- FREE Resources from Julie Wright Consulting - What’s Our Response?
Connect with Julie:
- website: Julie Wright Consulting
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
This week is a special collaborative episode with the co-hosts of the Shifting Schools podcast, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman. We reflect on our journeys as podcasters - offering up podcasts that have influenced us most, stand-out episodes from our own podcasts, and lessons learned from our guests. Listen to be inspired and hear what we value and believe to be true in order to do right by you, our listeners.
- Shifting Schools Podcast with Co-Hosts, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman
- free guide on leveraging the power of podcasts
- free guide on backward chaining
- Episode 72: The 4 Shift Protocol
- Episode 207: John and Kyle Hattie: Learning Vs. Achieving, 10 Steps to Develop Great Learners: Visible Learning for Parents
- Episode 213: Being a Science Communicator with Swapna Krishna
- Schoolutions Podcast with Host, Olivia Wahl
- S2 E1: We (still) Got This: What It Takes to Be Radically Pro-Kid with Cornelius Minor
- S2 E17: Spark Change & Make Your Mark in 2023 with the Refulgent Olivia Van Ledtje (@theLivBits)
- S2 E22: The Sharing Place: Supporting Children as They Process and Move Through Their Grief with Jill Macfarlane
- Be a Better Ally Podcast
- Episode 14: We are Ready (with Kathleen Naglee)
- Unhinged Collaboration Podcast
- Episode 7: What can music history teach us about collaboration?
- Nice White Parents Podcast
- Phenomenal Teaching Podcast (PEBC)
- Heavyweight Podcast
- This Week in Tech (TWIT) Podcast
- Manoush Zomorodi
- ZigZag Podcast
- Bridget Todd
- Internet Hate Machine Podcast
- There Are No Girls on the Internet Podcast
Connect with Jeff and Tricia:
- website: Shifting Schools
- on Twitter
- on YouTube
- on Instagram
- on TiktTok
- on LinkedIn (Jeff) & (Tricia)
Jill Macfarlane shares about supporting children and their families with the grieving process in her role as the Program Director at The Sharing Place since 2003. Jill’s gift for explaining how and why people die in developmentally kid-sized ways is incredible and necessary. In addition, Jill highlights resources for families and schools looking to support their communities as they process and move through grief when their loved ones die.
Episode Mentions:
- The Sharing Place
- What is a Certified Child Life Specialist?
- Re-Grieving
- Bereavement Reactions of Children & Young People by Age Group
- New York Life’s Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative
- The Sharing Place Outreach & Education
- Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model
- John Hattie’s Visible Learning
- Coalition to Support Grieving Students
Connect with The Sharing Place:
- at their website: The Sharing Place
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
Connect with Jill:
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
Erin Croyle offers listeners her perspective on the differences between caregiving and parenting when it comes to being an advocate for disability rights and a mother to three children, one of them having Down syndrome. Erin helps listeners understand how they can both support the disability community and caregivers of children with disabilities as well. Listeners must take a moment also to be inspired by Emily Perl Kingsley’s poem, Welcome To Holland.
Episode Mentions:
- CAREGIVING AND PARENTING ARE NOT THE SAME (11/2019)
- CAREGIVING AND PARENTING ARE NOT THE SAME: BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION (9/2022)
- What is the Difference Between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
- Center for Family Involvement
- Asset-based mindset
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- The Arc of Virginia
- What is a social story?
- Elopement - When Your Special Needs Child Wanders
- Ableism
- Visual schedules and supports
- What is RtI?
- Least Restrictive Environment, Mainstreaming & Inclusion
- Co-teaching Models
Connect with Erin:
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
- on LinkedIn
Anna Davis and Lainie Levin share stories highlighting their strong collaboration and partnership in integrating technology to support their student writers. Anna and Lainie explain how various learning management systems and apps work, ensuring their students’ voices reach audiences beyond the four walls of their classroom.
Episode Mentions:
- Stronger Together: How Tech Specialists Can Support Writing (11/2022)
- The Storytelling Classroom
- Lainie’s Soapbox Blog
- Triple E Framework
- SOPPA
- Seesaw
- Schoology - PowerSchool
- Fanschool
- Google Docs - Google Slides
- Pages
- Canva
- Popplet
- Book Creator
- Timelapse in Camera App
- iMovie
Connect with Lainie:
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
Connect with Anna:
- on Twitter
Dr. Gina Picha offers listeners a step-by-step guidebook for using 5-minute conferences to guide their instruction and help them grow confident mathematicians. Gina highlights the importance of focusing our time on nudging students’ mathematical thinking and building strong math communities.
Episode Mentions:
- Gina’s Book: Conferring in the Math Classroom: A Practical Guidebook to Using 5-Minute Conferences to Grow Confident Mathematicians
- Brian Bushart
- Jennifer Bay-Williams
- Gina Kling
- Kathy Richardson
- Lucy Calkins
- Lev Vygotsky and Zones of Development
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) - Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All (2014)
- Marian Small
Gina’s Recommended Resources:
- Three Benefits of Math Conferences in Elementary School
- Recognizing and Alleviating Math Anxiety
- Assessing Basic Fact Fluency
Connect with Gina Picha, Ed.D.:
- on Twitter
- on LinkedIn
Dr. P.L. Thomas offers listeners historical context for several iterations of what have been deemed “Reading Wars.” Paul’s call to action asks listeners to examine the current Reading War in the context of the historical recurrence of public and political debates around student reading abilities and achievement.
Episode Mentions:
- Paul’s Recent Publications & Essays in Edited Volumes
- Individuals Paul Mentions During This Episode
- Furman University
- Sold a Story Podcast
- NCTE
- Language Arts Journal
- National Writing Project
- No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
- National Education Policy Center (NEPC)
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
- Johnny Can’t Read
- National Reading Panel (NRP)
- Florida Model & Retention
- Hard Words: Why aren’t kids being taught to read?(2018)
- Decoding Dyslexia
- Orton-Gillingham
- Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA)
- National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ)
- Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)
- American Public Media (APM)
- Education Week
- Forbes
- New York Times
- Hechinger Report
- Ohio Education Association (OEA)
- Tier-One Instruction
- LitCon
- Literacy Research Association (LRA)
Connect with Dr. P.L. Thomas::
- at his Website & Blog
- at P. L. Thomas Writing @
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
Young changemaker and seasoned keynote speaker, Olivia Van Ledtje (@thelivbits) offers listeners ideas to “spark change” and make their mark in the digital world. Liv’s book, Spark Change: Making Your Mark in a Digital World, co-authored with her mom, Cynthia Merrill (@cyndisueboo), helps listeners envision how they can use technology to see the power of their thinking, perspective, and voices online.
Episode Mentions:
- 30 Under 30 Award - International Literacy Association
- Icthyologist
- Kate DiCamillo & the Kid Lit Show
- This is Me from the Greatest Showman
- Digital Literacy
- Hashtag Curation
- Digital Activism
- Padlet, Flip (formerly Flipgrid), and Seesaw
- Melanie Meehan
- PS 116 - Mary Lindley Murray School
- Rebecca Woods - Health IT
- Helen Corvelyn - STEM, Project Dragonfly, and Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)
- Midwest Education Technology Community (METC) Conference
Connect with Liv:
- at her Website, Blog, Liv’s Lists
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
- on vimeo
- on LinkedIn
Schoolutions host, Olivia Wahl reflects on ten months of podcasting and how each guest has created an inspirational solutions-seeking worldwide network. Olivia invites students to share what they love and appreciate about their teachers. Students' messages reveal their gratitude for educators that show them kindness, a sense of humor, patience, respect, and inclusiveness.
World-renowned “Ask Amy” advice columnist, Amy Dickinson, inspires listeners to put a book on every bed this holiday season. Amy shares moments in her life that have become catalysts and her call to action to advocate for families reading together, access to books for all, and public libraries going fine-free.
Episode Mentions:
- Amy's Books
- Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me!
- Brigid Hubberman - Children's Reading Connection
- Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
- Apple Fest - Ithaca, NY
- David McCullough
- Scholastic Biographies
- Buffalo Street Books - Lisa Swayze
- Room to Read Investigates Scarcity of Books and Lack of Book Diversity for Children in the U.S.
- Tompkins County Public Library
- A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
- Freeville Elementary School
- John Simon & Cal Walker
- Libraries are getting rid of late fees. Here’s why that’s a good thing
- Seinfeld - The Library Cop
- Horatio Alger Association
Connect with Amy:
- at her Website
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
Two Writing Teachers Blog co-authors, Amy Ellerman and Morgan Davis illuminate how we can safely take risks as educators when we have the support of our instructional coaches and teacher teams. Amy and Morgan share details from their blogs with listeners as part of the inspiring Stronger Together Blog Series.
Episode Mentions:
- Coaching à la Carte: Stronger Together Blog Series by Amy Ellerman (10/31/22)
- Teacher Teams: Stronger Together Blog Series by Morgan Davis (11/5/22)
- Katie Wood Ray
- Sam Bennett
- Learning Lab Structure
- Professional Learning Community (PLC)
- Vicki Collet’s 2022 CCIRA session based on her book, Collaborative Lesson Study: ReVisioning Teacher Professional Development (2019)
Other Recent Blog Posts by Amy & Morgan:
- Conferring Notes: The Key to Unit Planning
- Joy and Agency: An Origin Story
- It's not Magic (but it IS): The Power of Being a Teacher who Writes
- Pattern-Seeking Strategies to Optimize Efficiency and Effectiveness
- Are we Cutting the Right Corners?
- Time for a Shift
- Write Like Me: Finding Our Voice
- Finding a Way Through: Bridging the Known with a New Resource
- The Conference, Theirs
- The Coaching Cycle, Theirs
Connect with Amy:
- at her blog & at Two Writing Teachers
- on Twitter
- on Instagram
Connect with Morgan:
- at her blog & at Two Writing Teachers
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
New York-based musician and music educator, Noah Teachey describes his process for creating a one-of-a-kind approach to co-teaching, Cyber-Teachey. Noah’s creativity as a maker will inspire listeners to consider how they can create their own instructional videos that allow one teacher to be in two places at once in their classroom.
Episode Mentions:
- Co-teaching With Myself: Creating his own instructional videos allowed one teacher to be in two places at once in his classroom by Noah Teachey (10/19/22)
- Terry Doyle Quote from Learner-Centered Teaching: Putting the Research on Learning Into Practice
- Steven Nuss - Gandhi Ashram School
- Teacher’s College at Columbia University
- Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) Models
- Station Teaching
- One Teach, One Assist
- One Teach, One Observe
- Flipped Learning/Classroom Model
- Digital Audio Workstations
- Sam Bennett
- Education Through Music, The Podcast
- Adam Grant
Connect with Noah:
- at his website
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
- on Instagram
- on LinkedIn
Renowned author and consultant, Lester L. Laminack illuminates the urgent need to create safe spaces for our LGBTQ+ youth. Lester helps listeners understand the trust required and the risks our children take when inviting others to know who they truly are.
- Lester’s Children’s & Professional Books
- Why We Need LGBTQ+ Literature for Children and Youth (6/22)
- Fred Rogers
- LGBTQ+ Suicide Rates
- Rudine Sims Bishop, Ph.D.
- National Coming Out Day
- Most Teens Who Start Puberty Suppression Continue Gender-Affirming Care, Study Finds (10/22)
- George M. Johnson - All Boys Aren’t Blue
- Harvey Milk Day
- Story Corps
Resources to Help You Support LGBTQ+ Youth:
- HRC (Human Rights Campaign)—Glossary of LGBTQ+ terms
- GLSEN
- The Trevor Project
- Safe Schools Coalition
- Youth Pride Association
- Five Ways to Support LGBTQ Youth
- GLAAD
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health/Youth Resources)
Connect with Lester:
- at his website
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
Cosimo Tangorra Jr., Ed.D. shares his journey as a superintendent and explains how he has worked to change the learning culture within his organizations. Cos offers steps for other school leaders to facilitate powerful conversations and honor the needs of the learners they serve.
- Nice White Parents Podcast
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Restorative Practices
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Morgan Jackson
Cos's Publications & Recommendations:
- Tangorra, Cosimo, Jr. (2022). Encouraging multiple pathways to graduation. In Stem Century: It takes a village to raise a 21st-century graduate (pp 187-195). Soul Excellence Publishing.
- Tangorra, Cosimo, Jr. (2021, February). Partnering with Community to Fight Teen Vaping. School Administrator, 20.
- Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School by Carla Shalaby
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Dummies by Shirley Davis
- White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R Banaji
- Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy by Gholdy Muhammed
Connect with Cos on Twitter & LinkedIn
Marriage and Family Therapists, Heather Turgeon and Julie Wright address the tween and teen sleep deprivation crisis in their book, Generation Sleepless. Heather and Julie offer listeners steps to foster teens’ self-motivation for sleeping well and advice for parents, as well as your call to action for teachers, principals, colleges, coaches, and policymakers.
- The Happy Sleeper, Now Say This, Generation Sleepless
- The Wright Mommy and Me
- Dr. Dan Siegel
- Parenting from the Inside Out
- The Whole-Brain Child
- Mary Carskadon - perfect storm analogy
- Sleep Clocks
- Camping Studies
- Discrimination Sleep: Fordham University by Tiffany Yipp: A 4-year Study
- Social Jet Lag
- REM Sleep
- Displacement Theory & State of Flow
- Blue Light Theory
- Wind-Down Dos & Don’ts
- Hooga Red Sleep-Friendly Lights
- Sleep-Friendly Schools
- Start School Later
- Academic Overload
- The Parent Fade
- The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
- FOND Family
- Paleo Sleep
- Sleep Bubble
- 5 Habits of Healthy Sleepers
- Why We Sleep by Mathew Walker PhD
- Family Meeting Agenda
- ALP Method
Connect with Heather and Julie:
- at their website (thehappysleeper.com) & blog
- on Instagram @thehappysleeper
Helen Corveleyn shares her STEM facilitator journey and stories about international fieldwork with listeners. Helen offers ideas for applying fieldwork as well as creating social-emotional, literacy, and STEM connections for children throughout the school day.
- STEM
- Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)
- STEM job stats & 100Kin10 Path to 100K
- NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)
- Hopewell Valley Education Foundation & Nature Harmony Project
- Colby Cedar Smith - Call Me Athena: Girl From Detroit
- Young Audiences of New Jersey
- Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time
- National Science Foundation
- The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
- Gilder Lerhman Institute
- Project Dragonfly through Miami University of Ohio
Helen's Awards & Honors:
- New Jersey County Teacher of the Year (2020)
- I Can STEM NJ Role Model (2021)
- Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) (2022)
Helen's Publications:
- The Promise of Pickles: Hydroponics in the Classroom
- Growing Environmental Hope Amid a Pandemic
Helen's Book Recommendations:
- Last Child in the Woods Richard Louv
- Nature Journaling: John Muir Laws
- Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Connect with Helen on:
Innovative and progressive educator Pernille Ripp offers listeners a vision and steps for reimagining their literacy instruction through global collaboration. Pernille shares stories about her educational journey and the evolution of the Global Read Aloud - a globally-collaborative project she began in 2010.
- Empowered Schools, Empowered Students, Passionate Learners, Reimagining Literacy Through Global Collaboration, & Passionate Readers
- Thirst by Varsha Bajaj
- Global Read Aloud & Blog
- Neil Gaiman
- Katherine Applegate
- David A. Robertson
- Amy Krouse Rosenthal
- On Change
- Demoralized by Doris A. Santoro
- Join the GRA and other pre-existing projects: https://padlet.com/p10/globalprojects & non-fiction picture book
Connect with Pernille at pernillesripp.com & Pernille's Blog and on:
- Instagram: (@pernillesripp) & (@theglobalreadaloud)
- Facebook: (Patreon) (GRA Main Page) (GRA Main Group) & (Passionate Readers)
Are you thinking about quitting? Make sure you practice wise seeing, being, and effort before you do. Geeta Anand, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Author, & Dean at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, shares her own stories about times when she chose to give up things dear to her, allowing space for new opportunities.
Episode Mentions & Publications:
- Mary Kelley
- Dartmouth Commencement 2020 on the Green (in July 2022)
- State funds Berkeley Journalism $25 million to strengthen California’s local news coverage By Ivan Natividad| SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
- School of Journalism Graduation and Commencement 2022 UC Berkeley
- Katherine Bomer - The Journey is Everything: Teaching Essays That Students Want to Write for People Who Want to Read Them
Book:
- The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--and Bucked the Medical Establishment--in a Quest to Save His Children(2009)
Awards & Honors:
- Pulitzer Prize, wrote two of 10 stories on corporate corruption that won the Wall Street Journal the explanatory journalism award, 2003
Pulitzer Prize, finalist, wrote lead story in series on how U.S. hospitals are rationing healthcare to cut costs, 2004 - Society of Publishers of Asia, best breaking news reporting award for coverage of terror attack on restaurant in Bangladesh, 2017
- International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, winner Danny Pearl Award for the Best Cross-Border Investigative Journalism, 2013, for stories exposing the causes and consequences of the rise of totally drug resistant tuberculosis.
- Society of Publishers in Asia, winner for Excellence in Business reporting, 2012, wrote several stories in the series Flawed Miracle about India’s healthcare, employment and education challenges.
- Society of Publishers of Asia, co-wrote stories that won best breaking news reporting award for coverage of Mumbai terrorist attacks, 2008
- Gerald Loeb Award, finalist, wrote article showing how high hospital costs are bankrupting the Amish, 2008
- Gerald Loeb Award, winner for series exposing the causes and consequences of high drug prices, 2006
Victor Cohn award for career excellence in medical science writing, 2007
Connect with Geeta:
- at via UC Berkeley - Geeta Anand - Dean and Professor at Berkeley at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism
- on Twitter @GOAnand
- on Facebook @GeetaAnand
Want to rethink grading and stop the points for compliance exchange? Dr. Sarah M. Zerwin provides a step-by-step guide to shift away from traditional grading systems in her book, Point-Less: An English Teacher’s Guide to More Meaningful Grading. Sarah offers listeners invaluable resources, courage, and the vision to begin their journey to more meaningful grading.
Episode Mentions & Publications:
- Sarah’s AMAZING Website Resource Page: Point-less Grading in General, Language Arts, Science, and Math; Teaching Writing; Teaching Reading; Workshop
- Alfie Kohn - The Case Against Grades
- Phantom Policy
- Learning Goals (AP Lit / 9th-12th Grades)
- Grading Explanations (LA 12 / AP Lit)
- For Students and Caregivers:
- Regarding Grades
- Key to What You’ll See in the Gradebook
- Infinite Campus Gradebook
- Thomas Guskey & Jane Bailey - Developing Grading and Reporting Systems for Student Learning
Recent Writings by Sarah:
Books:
- Point-Less: An English Teacher’s Guide to More Meaningful Grading (2020)
Articles:
- “Why Now is the Perfect Time to Grade Pointlessly.” (2020)
- “Planning for Uncertainty.” (2020)
- “Pass/Fail or No Grades During Online Pandemic Teaching? A gift.” (2020)
- “My Students are Rambling.” (2019)
Blog:
- The Paper Graders
- This website
Connect with Sarah:
- at her website Sarah M. Zerwin: Teacher, Writer, Consultant
- on Twitter @SarahMZerwin
- on Instagram @sarahmzerwin
- on LinkedIn @SarahZerwin
Readsters® co-founder Linda Farrell shares about her Reading Rockets Special Video Series: Looking at Reading Interventions. Linda offers tips for caregivers and educators to support their readers and emphasizes the importance of Early Intervention. She explains changes she would make to education and intervention systems to help striving readers. Listeners will leave inspired by the success stories Linda shares of her former students.
Episode Mentions:
- Louisa C. Moats, Ed.D.
- Decoding Dyslexia
- Looking at Reading Interventions Video Series on Reading Rockets
- The Simple View of Reading
- Readsters®Complimentary Assessment Resources
Materials Co-authored by Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter:
- Phonics Plug-In - curriculum for teaching beginning phonics
- Decoding Detector - diagnostic tool for determining phonics instruction
- Pre-Reading Probes- diagnostic tool for determining pre-reading instruction
- Fixing Common Confusions Notebook - pinpointed instruction to help with: b/d confusion: other letter confusions (e.g., j/g, w/v, m/n, p/q, etc.); commonly confused high frequency words (e.g., was/saw, her/here); CVC, silent e confusions (e.g., hop/hope, not/note)
- Teaching Vowel Sounds Notebook - phonemic awareness lessons for learning how to: segment and blend sounds in spoken words, identify the vowel sounds, and state what the vowel sound is called.
Articles by Linda Farrell:
- The Simple View of Reading
- First Rule of Reading: Keep Your Eyes on the Words
- Helping Students Keep Their Eyes on the Words
- A New Model for Teaching High-Frequency Words
Webinars by Linda Farrell:
- The Simple View of Reading
- Using Decodable Books and Early Leveled Readers Appropriately
- Using Decodables and Leveled Readers
- Linda Farrel Balanced literacy vs systematic reading on Vimeo
- CCSS Reading Foundational Skills: What’s There and What’s Missing? - Linda Farrell on Vimeo
Deputy Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District and writer, Dr. Fabiola Bagula, shares her expertise in facilitating ground-breaking professional learning around unpacking implicit biases. Listeners will gain a better understanding of their own unconscious biases as well as a variety of resources. Fabi inspires listeners to embark upon the work of changing society with open hearts, minds, and wills, ensuring that everyone belongs and sees each other’s future potential.
Research & Researchers Mentioned Throughout the Episode:
- San Diego Unified School District
- Story Corps & One Small Step
- Malcolm Knowles’ Six Assumptions & Four Principles
- Constructivist Listening
- Otto Scharmer’s:
- Theory U: Leading from the Future As It Emerges
- Four Levels of Listening
- Cognitive Bias Codex
- Student Panel Identity Interviews
Recent Publications by Dr. Fabiola Bagula:
- Belonging and Being Enough within Latinas Leading Schools
- Leadership and Latina topics: https://bagula.medium.com/
Connect with Fabi:
- on Twitter @FabiBagulaPhD
- on Instagram @bagulachick
- on Facebook @FabiolaRobles
- on LinkedIn @FabiolaBagulaPhD
Speech pathologist, Susie Betancourt, describes speech interventions for various ages and disabilities. She offers inspiration and a fresh perspective on possibilities for speech pathology outcomes ranging from younger students to adults. Susie's speech tips and resources for listeners are not to be missed!
Episode Mentions:
- ASHA.org (American Speech & Hearing Association)
- Characteristics of Typical Disfluency & Stuttering
- Typical Speech and Language Development
- Stuttering Resources
- Stimulability and Treatment Outcomes
- Response to Intervention
- Fast ForWord (Auditory Processing & Phonics)
- Autism & Autism Speaks
- Wake County Public School System
Connect with Susie:
- on Instagram @susiespl
- on Facebook @susiespl
- on LinkedIn @susanbetancourt
Globally-renowned expert in bullying and school violence, Professor Ron Avi Astor, shares strategies to stop bullying and school violence before they begin. Ron illuminates years of research conducted with his colleague Rami Benbenishty from their books, Bullying, School Violence, and Climate in Evolving Contexts: Culture, Organization and Time; Mapping and Monitoring Bullying and Violence: Building a Safe School Climate; and Welcoming Practices: Creating Schools That Support Students and Families in Transition.
Episode Mentions & Interviews:
- Dr. Dan Olweus
- JAMA Network
- Pew Polls
- 7 Ways to Prevent School Shootings
- Making Schools Safer: Does Arming Teachers Make Sense?
- In the 10 years since Sandy Hook, gun laws in the U.S. haven't changed much
- How We Could Reduce School Shootings: Even without gun control
- It's not hopeless: An expert on what we can do to reduce school shootings
Connect with Ron on Twitter @AstorAvi
Dynamic changemaker and author Cornelius Minor unpacks timely big ideas for listeners from his book; We Got This. Equity, Access, and the Quest to Be Who Our Students Need Us to Be. Cornelius offers strategies to authentically listen and hear what students are communicating, then think and adjust instruction to meet their needs. He encourages us to disrupt the status quo to guarantee access for those who benefit less from the way things are. Cornelius shares how to make our curricula work for all students and illuminates why we must shift from being compliant employees to proficient educators.
Inspirational Leaders and Resources Mentioned by Cornelius:
- Fannie Lou Hamer
- Carter G. Woodson
- The Mis-Education of the Negro
- Theory U: Presencing, Crossing the Threshold into the Field of the Future
- Yetta Goodman
- Kidwatching
- Carla Shalaby
- Carla Shalaby on Radically Inclusive Discipline
Connect with Cornelius:
- at his website (Kass & Corn)
- on Twitter @MisterMinor
- on Instagram @corneliusminor
- on Facebook @MisterMinor
- on LinkedIn @CorneliusMinor
I am thrilled to share that Season 2 of Schoolutions Podcast will kick off this September with the new school year. For new listeners, my name is Olivia Wahl, and as your host, I will continue connecting you with others that have creative solutions to issues we face in public education. Over Season 1's 20 episodes, guests shared their stories and ideas around an incredible variety of topics. Give them a listen if you haven't already. This season's guests will offer their expertise, teaching us about:
- using tools and strategies to change how we listen to each other
- the courage it takes to teach and to know when to quit
- nurturing equity-centered, reflective learning
- what universities are seeking in candidates graduating from public high schools
- combating school violence and bullying
- understanding speech pathology and reading interventions
- engaging in rich tasks that nurture thinking about math
- student activism
- and so much more
Please follow, share, give a review and look for new episodes every Monday. As a veteran teacher, educational consultant, and mom of two boys in public schools, we're in this together! Parker J. Palmer's words from his book, The Courage to Teach, capture the essence of this podcast - he says - "This is for those who have good days and bad, and whose bad days bring the suffering that comes only from something one loves. It is for us who refuse to harden our hearts because we love learners, learning, and the teaching life. When you love your work that much—and many teachers do—the only way to get out of trouble is to go deeper in. We must enter, not evade, the tangles of teaching so we can understand them better and negotiate them with more grace, not only to guard our own spirits but also to serve our students well."
And with that said - here's to finding inspiration together throughout Schoolutions Podcast, Season 2!
Principal David Friedrich shares about the Vertical Farming Initiative he and his colleague, Helen Corveleyn have grown together at their school, Hopewell Elementary in Hopewell, New Jersey. David received the Top Tomato Award in 2016 for this work and Helen was recently a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) - the highest award kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Hopewell Elementary School is one of four elementary schools within Hopewell Valley Regional School District.
- Hopewell Elementary School’s Website , Facebook and Twitter pages
- David Friedrich on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter
- Helen Corveleyn on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Vertical farming project partners with school (2016)
- Hopewell Elementary School Awarded $10,000 STEM/Sustainability Grant for Vertical Gardening Initiative (2018)
- David Friedrich - Top Tomato Winter (2016)
- President Biden Honors 117 Individuals and Organizations with Highest U.S. Award for Science and Mathematics Teachers and Mentors (2022)
- GFP Graduate, Helen Corveleyn, Awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (2022)
Public school systems are still attempting to recover from pandemic learning loss where students with special needs were left behind. As a Project Coordinator for the Parent Information Center of Delaware, Tina Andrews shares her expertise with caregivers and educators of children with disabilities. Tina defines what a safe inclusive model looks and feels like while clarifying the differences between compensatory services and extended school year. Tina offers stories and countless resources to support listeners in navigating learning loss resulting from the pandemic.
- Parent Information Center (PIC) of Delaware & Tina’s Team Profile
- Parent’s Information & Resource Center
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
- What is the Difference Between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
- Center for Family Involvement
- Family Voices
- Center for Parent Information and Resources
- Find Your Parent Training and Information Center
- disAbility Law Center of Virginia
- dcist
- CADRE (The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education)
- COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates)
- Endrew F. Supreme Court Case
Tricia Coon astounds as a guest, describing the balancing act between her roles as Madison Central School District**’s PreK-12th Grade Office Administrator and the Girls’ Modified Basketball Coach. Tricia shares how she establishes and maintains relationships with caregivers, their children as well as with students that are sent to the office for various reasons by classroom educators. Three of Tricia’s basketball players, Taylor, Adrionna and Hunter, share lessons learned from her coaching on the court that they carry with them beyond the game into life.
Find Madison Central School District and Tricia Coon on Social Media:**
- Madison Central School District’s Website & Facebook Page
- Tricia Coon’s Facebook and Instagram Pages
Part two of an interview with 2022 School Library Journal Librarian of the Year and Certified School Library Media Specialist, K.C. Boyd. K.C. offers ideas around Digital Literacy and describes her various Makerspace projects (e.g. Read Poster Project & Divine Justice) that both offer refuge and attract students into her library. K.C. also shares how critical the role of a Certified Librarian is to mitigating the book banning process alongside institutions like the American Library Association Office of Intellectual Freedom and Every Library).
Some of Many Awards, Honors & Published Writing Highlighting K.C.’s Work:
- Ace Advocate: K.C. Boyd Is 2022 School Librarian of the Year (School Library Journal, 2022)
- Recipient of the 2022 School Librarian of the Year Award and Scholastic's ‘15 Librarians to Follow on Instagram’
- Librarian K.C. Boyd an advocate for students, community, profession (News Literacy Project, 2021)
- School Libraries 2021: Advocacy is a Necessary Part of the Job for School Librarians (School Library Journal, 2021)
- 2020 Distinguished Service Award, District of Columbia Library Association
- K.C. Boyd, School Librarian, Answers Our Questions! (Every Library - The Medium 2018)
- K.C. Boyd: A Leader for Readers (School Library Journal, 2016)
- The Bookend: Librarian Introduces Popular Street Lit Genre' (American Libraries Magazine, 2015)
K.C.’s Social Media Presence:
- K.C.’s Website
- Clubhouse chat group “Boss Librarian and Friends”
- Linktree
- The Boss_Librarian Blog
- YouTube
- Vimeo
#EveryLibrary #TheNewsLiteracyProject #JAReaders #KCSaidIt #TrojanLMCMakerspace #workWOKE #DivineJustice #READProgram
2022 School Library Journal Librarian of the Year and Certified School Library Media Specialist, K.C. Boyd, shares about her advocacy and activism work for school libraries and librarians. K.C. explains how she has found tremendous success in ensuring her students in Chicago and now Washington, D.C., have the right to read and access books that reflect themselves and encourage inquiry, despite their economic circumstances.
Some of Many Awards, Honors & Published Writing Highlighting K.C.’s Work:
- Ace Advocate: K.C. Boyd Is 2022 School Librarian of the Year (School Library Journal, 2022)
- Recipient of the 2022 School Librarian of the Year Award and Scholastic's ‘15 Librarians to Follow on Instagram’
- Librarian K.C. Boyd an advocate for students, community, profession (News Literacy Project, 2021)
- School Libraries 2021: Advocacy is a Necessary Part of the Job for School Librarians (School Library Journal, 2021)
- 2020 Distinguished Service Award, District of Columbia Library Association
- K.C. Boyd, School Librarian, Answers Our Questions! (Every Library - The Medium 2018)
- K.C. Boyd: A Leader for Readers (School Library Journal, 2016)
- The Bookend: Librarian Introduces Popular Street Lit Genre' (American Libraries Magazine, 2015)
- A Library Journal 2015 ‘Mover and Shaker’
- Chicago Hope: High School Librarian K.C. Boyd (School Library Journal, 2014)
- For Challenged Readers, Custom-Tailored Texts (Education Weekly, 2014)
K.C.’s Social Media Presence:
- K.C.’s Website
- Clubhouse chat group “Boss Librarian and Friends”
- Linktree
- The Boss_Librarian Blog
- YouTube
- Vimeo
#JAReaders #KCSaidIt #TrojanLMCMakerspace #workWOKE
Tom Curry shares how he has worked to build trust with his staff, students, and their caregivers as a new principal in a time of significant transition and change. Tom describes how restorative practices are critical to establishing a culture where everyone’s voices are heard within a safe and trusting school environment.
Research to Support This Work:
- Restorative Practices for Educators (International Institute for Restorative Practices
, 2022) - Restorative Practices to Implement in 2022 (Panorama Education, 2022)
- Building a Positive School Climate Through Restorative Practices (Learning Policy Institute, 2021)
- Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School: Six lessons learned from replacing punitive discipline with a community-oriented, restorative approach. (Edutopia, 2016)
Children’s Reading Connection Founder, Brigid Hubberman, along with the dynamic performing duo of Cal Walker and John Simon share their mission to inspire, create, and promote efforts that build a culture of family and community literacy. They believe that together we can grow successful readers, engaged citizens, and thriving communities. Listeners have the gift of hearing John and Cal perform two samples from their Sing Me a Story! Read Me a Song! Collection. Tune in to learn from this magical trio and be inspired to create an accessible culture of early literacy within your own community!
Find Brigid’s Published Writing within:
- Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp (2018)
- Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook: Eighth Edition (2019)
Click Links to Learn More About:
- Children’s Reading Connection → MAKE A DONATION
- Sing Me a Story! Read Me a Song & Play the Entire Collection → MAKE A DONATION
- Stories in the Streets
- Mayor Reads for All
- Word Collector Extravaganza
- Multi-Community Read
- A Book on Every Bed with Amy Dickinson - “Ask Amy” Advice Column
More Research to Support This Work:
- Children and Music: Benefits of Music in Child Development by Bright Horizons Education Team (February 2022)
- How Music Can Improve Reading Skills In Children by Natalie Wilson (June 2017)
Part two of an interview with Ithaca High School students Adam Saar, Grace Lim, Aitan Avgar, and Kadek Nawiana that began with episode 12**. These incredible students continue to share about their activism and advocacy as student representatives to their board of education. Adam, Grace, Aitan and Kadek do not disappoint with their stories, detailing how they work to create a sustainable model where they are mentoring new recruits as well as what their future plans hold, leaving listeners brimming with hope.
Please (seriously, you must...) take the time to see these incredible students in action, speaking to issues from our interview via the two ICSD Board Meeting Video Clips Below:**
- ICSD Board of Education Voting Meeting - Tuesday, March 22, 2022 (via Zoom)
- ICSD Board of Education Voting Meeting - Tuesday, April 26, 2022 (via Zoom)
**Ithaca High School students Adam Saar, Grace Lim, Aitan Avgar, and Kadek Nawiana share about their activism and advocacy as student representatives to their board of education. Adam, Grace, Aitan and Kadek renew and inspire with their stories, detailing how they are elected, what their roles and responsibilities entail, and how they prepare for board meetings. They leave listeners brimming with hope for our future.
Please (seriously, you must...) take the time to see these incredible students in action, speaking to issues from our interview via the two ICSD Board Meeting Video Clips Below:**
- ICSD Board of Education Voting Meeting - Tuesday, March 22, 2022 (via Zoom)
- ICSD Board of Education Voting Meeting - Tuesday, April 26, 2022 (via Zoom)
Parveen Shaikh is an established professional in the field of education for over two decades. In this episode, Parveen shares about her recent article published in Teacher Plus Magazine, Having Those Difficult Conversations. The article speaks to how picture books may be used in therapeutic ways to help navigate conversations about death with children of all ages. As the principal of The Somaiya School in India, Mumbai for almost 10 years, she has made the school a vibrant center for learning and growth for all.
Parveen’s Recent Published Writing:
- Shaikh, Parveen. (2019). Yet Another Milestone. K12 Digest-Independent International K12 Education Portal & Magazine.
- Shaikh, Parveen. (2022). Having Those Difficult Conversations. Teacher Plus Magazine.
Parveen’s Recommended Resources:
Picture Books:
- Where Do They Go? by Julia Alvarez (2016)
- The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers (2010)
- Cry, Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved (2016)
- Gone Grandmother by Chatura Rao (2016)
- Boo: When My Sister Died by Richa Jha and Gautam Bnegal (2017)
- Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch (2011)
Parveen’s Recent Research:
- John Hattie’s Visible Learning
- What do teachers think of death education? (2021)
- A Child's Concept of Death (2021)
- How Children Understand Death & What You Should Say (2021)
Renowned literacy consultant and author, Leah Mermelstein, shares about her “We-Do” approach to collaborative writing with children. Leah unpacks “We-Do” Writing for listeners - describing its three instructional strands (language conventions/composition/application) alongside corresponding types of writing instruction (interactive writing/write-aloud/writing process) and levels of support (share/guide/apply). Leah also offers clarity among competing literacy theories based on her most recent research.
Leah’s Published Writing:
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2005). Reading/Writing Connections in the K-2 Classroom: Find the Clarity and Then Blur the Lines. Allyn & Bacon.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2007). Don't Forget to Share: The Crucial Last Step in the Writing Workshop. Heinemann.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2013). Self-Directed Writers: The Third Essential Element in the Writing Workshop. Heinemann.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2021).“We-Do” Writing: Maximizing Practice to Develop Independent Writers. Benchmark Education.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2021). 6 Qualities of a Strong Writing Curriculum. Benchmark Education.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2021). Aligning Reading and Writing Instruction in Kindergarten-2nd Grade. Learning Without Tears.
Leah’s Social Presence:
- Leah’s Website, The We-Do Writing Facebook Community (Group), Twitter, We Do Writing on Instagram
Leah’s Research & Recommended Resources:
- Dole, J. A., Duffy, G. G. & Pearson, P. D. (2019). Epilogue: Reflections on the gradual release of responsibility model: Where we’ve been and where we’re going. In M. B. McVee, E. Ortlieb, J. Reichenberg, J., & P. D. Pearson, (Eds) The gradual release of responsibility in literacy research and practice (pp. 245-263). Bingley, UK: Emerald Group Publishing.
- Duke, Nell K. and Kelly B. Cartwright. (2021). The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading. Reading Research Quarterly (ILA).
- Scarborough’s Reading Rope: A Groundbreaking Infographic
- Must All Good Instruction Begin With Teacher Modeling?
Renowned content coach and author, Antonia Cameron, and her colleague, Renee McShane, share how coaching learning communities (CLCs) nurture reflective, intuitive coaching practices through collaboration and analysis of effective leadership and communication skills. Toni and Renee speak to the benefits of knowing ourselves and what we value as human beings and educators and how self-knowledge is the foundation of transformational coaching. They also share how being able to identify our own pitfalls as listeners and communicators can significantly improve our coaching practice.
Toni’s Most Recent Published Writing:
- Cameron, Antonia. (2020). Early Childhood Math Routines: Empowering Young Minds to Think. Stenhouse Publishers.
- Cameron, Antonia and Lucy West. (2013). Agents of Change: How Content Coaching Transforms Teaching and Learning. Heinemann.
Other Resources:
- reimaginED Teaching
- About Antonia Cameron
- About Renee McShane
- Professional Development Offerings
Kindergarten teacher, Mary Anne Camel, makes a case for beginning each school day with inquiry and play. Mary Anne leans on her extensive Responsive Classroom **training to facilitate play experiences that are both culturally-relevant as well as student-driven.
Olivia’s Article Highlighting Mary Anne’s Work Around Play:**
- Wahl, Olivia. (2018). Why Every Kindergarten and First-Grade School Day Should Begin with Inquiry and Imaginative Play. Heinemann, Online.
Other Resources:
Articles, Books & Blogs
- “The Play Deficit”
- “Kindergarten, Naturally: Pine Needles and Crackling Fires Replace Whiteboards and Desks in Finland’s Forest Classrooms”
- “The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development: Imaginative Play Is a Vital Component to Normal Child Development”
- “The Right Brain Develops First — Why Play Is the Foundation for Academic Learning”
- “Inside the World’s Best Kindergarten”
- Choice Time: How to Deepen Learning Through Inquiry and Play, PreK–2 & Investigating Choice Time: Inquiry, Exploration, and Play
- Purposeful Play: A Teacher’s Guide to Igniting Deep and Joyful Learning Across the Day
- Teaching with Poverty in Mind: What Being Poor Does to Kids’ Brains and What Schools Can Do About It
Video Clips
- “Creating Citizens for the World — Early Educators Speak Out”
- “The Work of Play”
- “The End of Play: Why Kids Need Unstructured Time”
- “The High Quality Early Learning Project”
- “MIT Brain Study: Back-and-Forth Talk Key to Developing Kids’ Verbal Skills”
- “Kindergarten in the Wild”
- “Welcome to the School Where Kids Have Recess 4 Times a Day”
- “Disrupting Innovation: A Conversation About Putting the Child at the Center of Education Reform”
Morgan Jackson teaches 11th and 12th grade English in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this episode, Morgan defines the pitfalls of diversity and why it is not enough to have only diverse representation of race and identity in our libraries. Morgan offers personal anecdotes with action steps for equitable library cultivation.
Morgan’s Published Writing:
- Jackson, Morgan (2021). How Librarians and Teachers Can Cultivate Diverse Books That Go Beyond the Trauma Experience. We Need Diverse Books.
Morgan’s Recommended Resources:
- Booksource. (2022). Why Incidental Diversity is Important In Your Classroom Library.
- We Need Diverse Books
- Dr. Bichmore’s YA Wednesday blog
- The Brown Bookshelf - United in Story
Other Notes:
- National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
- Nerdy Book Club - a community of readers
Ithaca Public Education Initiative’s Executive Director, Steve Manley and Vice President, Joyce Putnam, share how they work alongside Ithaca City School District to facilitate community connections. IPEI provides support for students and teachers of ICSD through engagement, collaboration, gifts, and grants. IPEI believes the education of every student in the Ithaca City School District is enhanced through community connections and support.
Ithaca Public Education Initiative
- Mission, Vision, Values
- Staff and Board of Directors
- Grant Information & Applications
- Events:
- Adult Spelling Bee
- Scavenger Hunt
- Disc Golf Event
- Kids Discover the Trail (KDT)
- Support IPEI
- Donate to IPEI
- Contact IPEI
**Dr. Anthony Craig is a member of the Yakama Nation and has spent his career living in and serving the Tulalip Tribal community with his wife, their four children and their grandson. Anthony shares about his experience as a principal bringing elders as cultural guides into his school to support inclusivity and a deeper understanding of connections between students' roles in school and their tribal community.
Dr. Craig's Published Writing:**
- Ginsberg, M. & Craig, A. (2010). Tradition Becomes the Teacher: Community Events Enrich Educators’ Professional Learning. Journal of Staff Development, 31(4), 36-41.
- Craig, Anthony. (2014). Classroom Teachers and Cultural Guides: Collaborating to Transform Teaching and Learning Through the Use of Traditional Tribal Knowledge. Anthony Craig. In P. McCardle & V. Berninger. (Eds.). Narrowing the Achievement Gap for Native American Students: Paying the Educational Debt. New York: Routledge.
- Craig, Anthony. (2019). Transforming Teaching and Learning Through Indigenous Strengths and Ways of Knowing. In M. Jacob (Ed.) On Indian Ground: A Return of Indigenous Knowledge—Generating Hope, Leadership and Sovereignty through Education, Northwest Volume. Charlotte: Information Age Publishing.
- Craig, A. & Craig, C. (2022). Indigenous Knowledges to Transform Public Education. In C. Pewewardy, A. Lees, R. Minthorn (Eds.) Unsettling Settler-Colonial Education: The Transformational Indigenous Praxis Model. New York: Teachers College Press.
Intermediate teacher, Jake Chernikoff and author, Alexander Brian McConduit share how they engage young writers through activism and publishing for authentic audiences. Jake and Alex offer ideas for funding and guiding writers through the research process.
Alexander Brian McConduit
- Big Boot Books (founded in 2010 by Alex)
- W.R.I.T.E. (Write, Read, Illustrate To Educate) - a youth publishing program designed to transform students into published authors
Alex’s Books:
- The Little Who Dat Who Didn't (2011)
- Thorn in My Horn (2013)
- Peter and the Pelican (2015)
- Snoballs for All (2015)
- Bloom: The Story of the World’s First Flower (2020)
Jake & Alex’s Book Collaborations (also with Irwan Awalludin & Arlo Chapple):
- Our Vote Is Our Voice (2020)
- Amazing Activists: Real Stories of People Who Changed the World (2020)
Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI)
Dr. Katherine Casey Spengler shares her family’s advocacy journey following their daughter Anna’s dyslexia diagnosis. Katherine sheds light on experts in the field, potential screening ideas for early intervention, and her vision for literacy instruction moving forward.
Katherine’s Book: Literacy Coaching: The Essentials (2006)
Katherine's Recommended Experts:
- Dr. Nadine Gaab
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience: linking neuroscience and education GAAB LAB @ HGSE
- Dr. David Kilpatrick
- Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties (Essentials of Psychological Assessment)
- Dr. Lynne Thrope, Ph.D. (Anna’s Reading Therapist)
- The Reading Room - “The place where students learn to read so they can read to learn.”
- Stanislas Deahane
- Reading in the Brain: The New Science of How We Read
Principal Kyle Skinner shares ideas for building strong, long-lasting relationships with our students and their caregivers. Kyle offers practical steps to help us create engaging community events as well as how to establish and maintain a school-based food pantry, community center and health clinic.
- Traci C.A.R.E.S. (Community Adult Resource Education Services Center) & Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Food Pantry
- Food Bank of the Southern Tier
- Monetary donations for Kyle's school can be sent directly to: Food Bank of the Southern Tier, 388 Upper Oakwood Ave, Elmira, NY 14903 with a note that it is for Benjamin Franklin Elementary School
- Food Bank of the Southern Tier
- BF Gents Club (BF Gents Club - 4th & 5th graders from Ben Franklin Elementary Recognized by NYS School Boards Association - 30 members
9.22.2020) - led by Jeremiah Johnson)
Cris Tovani shares ideas for identifying and supporting disengaged students through long-term planning and building relationships. Sam Bennett paints a picture of the circles of engagement (emotional, behavioral, and cognitive) and explains why a workshop structure enables students to connect with their teachers, other students, curriculum and themselves.
Cris Tovani's books:
- I Read It, But I Don’t Get It: Comprehension Strategies for Adolescent Readers (1999)
- Do I Really Have to Teach Reading?: Content Comprehension, Grades 6-12 (2003)
- So, What Do They Really Know? : Assessment That Informs Teaching and Learning (2010)
- No More Telling as Teaching: Less Lecture, More Engaged Learning (2017)
- Why Do I Have to Read This?: Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Students (2020)
- and a contributing author to Comprehension Going Forward (2011)
Sam Bennett's Books:
- That Workshop Book: New Systems and Structures for Classrooms That Read, Write and Think (2007)
- and a contributing author to Comprehension Going Forward (2011)The Right To Literacy in Secondary Schools: Creating a Culture of Thinking (2008), & Imagine It Better: Visions of What School Might Be (2014)
Sam & Cris also have a Heinemann On-Demand Professional Development Video Series together called: Adolescent Reading RX: What to Try When Teen Readers Can't or Won’t (2013)
Are you an educator or caregiver that needs some inspiration? Do you wish you could connect with others that have found solutions for issues you're facing with students in elementary, middle or high school? Yes? Well then I'd like to introduce you to Schoolutions, a podcast just for you. I'm your host, Olivia Wahl - a veteran teacher, educational consultant and a mom of two boys in public schools- so we're in this together!
In each 20 minute episode, I name the topic then fellow educators, administrators, caregivers and community members share their stories - their trials as well as successes. Guests offer ideas for how to tackle challenges like:
- securing grant funding for school supplies and projects
- restoring school culture and morale
- nurturing family literacy and student engagement
- & recognizing and celebrating community cultures.
My goal is to help you gain ideas for where to begin as you tackle similar challenges, to know your next steps and what to expect along the way. Please subscribe and look for new episodes every other Monday. I promise you'll be reminded of what keeps us motivated when the public education system feels broken. Together, we can reframe educational problems as inquiries, finding hope with each other.