Classroom Conversations: Recent Episodes
Georgia Public Broadcasting
Classroom Conversations is the place for teachers to share and learn. Presented by the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Public Broadcasting, each episode features Georgia educators who are teaching and reaching students in innovative and impactful ways.
A school nurse and a teacher work together to overcome a major barrier to learning: access to health services. Join us for the kickoff of our special series of episodes on Health Barriers to Learning with guests Amanda Dubreuiel and Shannon Bynum ofBen Hill County Middle School.
Want to encourage student innovation? Foster the spirit of invention! Join us in conversation with Scott Frank, Roxanne Moore, and Julia Varnedoe to learn more about student invention and intellectual property's role in protecting student ideas.
2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year Holly Witcher has 23 years in education. In our season 6 premiere, Witcher reflects on her journey as a special education teacher at Tesnatee Gap Elementary, her love for overcoming challenges, and the joy of celebrating student growth. Tune in for a heartwarming conversation with one of Georgia’s most beloved educators!
Looking to bring AI into your classroom with confidence? Join us with Amber Jones, a certified computer science educator and co-designer of AI for Georgia, to explore accessible tools, ethical considerations, and hands-on strategies for teaching AI to students.
Tech and creativity join forces in this episode of Classroom Conversations! Join us in our conversation with Tiffany Jones to learn how she and her students make beats with code.
Robots are revolutionizing K-12 classrooms—enhancing STEM learning, automating tasks, and sparking innovation! Join us in conversation with Robert Kraushaar and Tyler Kinner to learn more.
Looking to make STEM accessible for all students? Join us in conversation with Abbie Hudson and Lindsey Cook of Harris County School District to learn how!
Happy Veterans Day! How does teacher military experience feed classroom community? Find out in this special rerun episode with Josh Adee of Columbia County Alternative School.
Looking to encourage student creativity with technology, but not sure where to start? Join us in conversation with Mike Afdahl to learn practical tips that will get your students excited about sharing their ideas!
We are facing a serious problem in our schools: underage vaping. Join us for this week's Red Ribbon episode of Classroom Conversations with Drew Hayes of Forsyth County Schools.
When it comes to student learning, we need to assess the full picture. School social workers are an integral part of this whole child approach. Join us in conversation with Dr. Abifee Thomas and Caitlin Tripp of Atlanta Public Schools to learn more!
Technology-use in education is on the rise, so how can we keep our students safe from cyber attacks? Join us in conversation with cybersecurity expert Lakecia Gray of Gwinnett County Public Schools to learn more.
Technology should help rather than hinder student learning. How can we encourage positive technology use? Join us in conversation with Saundra Watts of Cobb County to learn more!
Can we ask you a question? Are you interested in strategies to get your students to think critically? Join us in conversation with Dr. Misty Givens of Henry County to learn how effective questioning can get your students to think about subjects on a deeper level.
What can the simple art of reading aloud do for student comprehension? Join us in conversation with Jordan Motsinger of Cobb County Schools for this special rerun episode of Classroom Conversations.
Take learning to the next level by encouraging students to work together! Join us in conversation with Stephanie Sisk of Fayette County Public Schools to learn more about collaborative learning.
Unlock understanding in mathematics with the power of storytelling! Join us in conversation with Jabal Moss of the Richmond County School System to learn how.
Visual literacy practices can help our students in all subject areas. Join us in conversation with Anne Aurand, an art educator for North Paulding High School to learn more!
Looking to improve communication with your students? Join us in conversation with Ashleigh Wright of Southeast Bulloch County High School to learn how dialogue circles can make a difference in your classroom!
Calm your students by teaching them these practical self-regulation strategies. Join us in conversation with Amy Beasley and Mary Simmons in our very special Season 5 premiere!
Join us in conversation with the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Christy Todd, for our very special Season 4 finale! Tune in to hear her insights on the power of student creativity in the classroom!
Improving student well-being improves their educational experience! Join us in conversation with Seth Winstead of Rome High School to learn more.
Students are getting excited about reading at Randolph County Elementary School! Join us in conversation with Principal Heather Melton to learn more.
Want to help your students to love reading? Enter literacy interventions! Join us in conversation with Amanda Phelps, Assistant Principal of Wayne County High School, to learn more!
How can we maximize the impact of our literacy efforts in our schools and communities? Learn how in our conversations with Ronda Hightower and Ronda Walker of Laurens County Schools.
Support learning by supporting school safety! Join us in conversation with Dr. Grant Rivera and Chuck Gardner of Marietta City Schools to learn more.
How can we build connections between families and schools that benefit our students? Join us in conversation with Laura Bucio and Nikki Huckaby of Rome City Schools to learn more!
Add an element of fun to get your students interested in classroom standards! Join us in conversation with Autumn Sutton of the University of North Georgia and Brandon Murry of Fayette County Public Schools to learn how to gamify learning in your classroom.
Join us in conversation with Katie Seymour of the Georgia Council on Literacy and Putnam County Primary School for another extra special episode on literacy leadership!
Hey teachers! You know the journey to graduation starts well before students cross the stage. To learn more about what graduation coaches are doing to improve graduation rates, join us in conversation with Shaniqua Caldwell and Amanda Campbell of Peach County High School.
Looking to improve reading skills in your classroom? Join us in conversation with Beth Herod, Early Learning and Elementary Curriculum Director for Gordon County Schools to learn how to implement skill checks and interventions to improve student literacy!
Want to create a vibrant school community to help your students engage in learning? Join us in conversation with Jacob Runyon and Marcella Baker of Paulding County to learn more!
How can we better support our students starting middle and high school? Join us in conversation with Newton County's Laura Lambert and Muscogee County's Vanessa Ellis to get some transformative tips!
How can we get ahead of teacher burnout and retain staff in our schools? Join us in conversation with Principal Jeff Cher of Eastside High School to learn the secrets of building leadership capacity.
October is National Economic Education Month! Celebrate by bringing personal finance to your students. Join us in conversation with Sherry Anthony and Craig Ellis to learn more!
Take student success to the next level through the power of service learning! Join us in conversation with Patti Gilmer and Donny Robertson of Calhoun City Schools to learn more.
Join us in conversation with Chef Tiffany Lewis to discover how she delivers culinary arts curriculum that inspires students in the kitchen, in their other classes, and onward to pursue fulfilling careers.
Want a coaching session on creating a positive classroom climate? Join us in conversation with Aimee Hays, Principal of Model Elementary to learn more!
Hey teachers! Want to learn how to harness the powers of observation and bring content to life? Join us in conversation with Dr. Megan Higgins and Cori Colbi to learn about the power of phenomenon-based instruction.
Looking to improve literacy in your classrooms? Join us in conversations with Assistant Superintendent Felicia Purdy to hear how she led the charge to improve literacy instruction for K-8 students of Seminole County Schools.
High-leverage practices can impact your students for the better! Join us in conversation with Henderson Middle School principal, Dr. Suzan Harris to learn more!
Looking for tips to foster engagement in your classroom? Join us in conversation with Delise May of Atlanta Public Schools to hear how she creates a positive classroom climate with the power of peer encouragement.
Looking for effective strategies to improve literacy in your school? Join us in conversation with Assistant Superintendent Felicia Purdy of Seminole County Schools to learn how she leads literacy instruction that enhances K-8 education.
How can we address the differing needs of English-learning students in our classrooms? Join us in conversation with ESOL educators Jessica McLaughlin and Lauren Fogarty to find out!
Make a difference in your students' mental health today! Join us in conversation with Tamlin Hall of Hope Givers and Adam Kowalczyk (Coach K) of Richmond County for the Season 4 premiere of Classroom Conversations!
Look behind the scenes of the Georgia math standards revision for secondary education. Join us for a special episode of Classroom Conversations with Lya Snell and Kenneth Golden of the Georgia Department of Education!
Get the insider scoop on Georgia math standards for elementary level math! Join us in for this special episode of Classroom Conversations with Lya Snell of the Georgia Department of Education and Ginny Baldwin of Cherokee County Schools.
How can we use STE(A)M principles in our classrooms to encourage student curiosity and collaboration? Join us in conversation with Amanda Garrett and Sarah Wetherington of Paulding County for our Season 3 finale! Thanks for listening! We'll be back soon with Season 4!
Student health is a group effort! Join us in conversation with Forsyth County school nurse, Susan Kawecki, and specialized instruction teacher, Sydney Bramblett, to learn how nurses and teachers collaborate to improve student physical and academic health at Coal Mountain Elementary School.
Georgia students of different abilities are able to share the spirit of athleticism thanks to wheelchair sports. Join us in conversation with Anna Henry and Christy Jones of the Houston County School district to discover how adapted sports is making a difference in the lives of student athletes across the state.
Let's get students excited about numbers in math class and beyond! Join us in conversation with Seticia Smith of Oak Hill Middle School to learn how.
Join us to hear about an agriculture exchange program connecting students in Georgia and Germany to each other and to the land. Wes Pace and Holly Garcia of Seminole County Schools tell us how this exciting partnership is opening the minds of students globally.
Meet students where they are by implementing personal learning plans! Join us in conversation with Jeanine Bunn of Lamar County Schools to learn how tailoring instruction to individual students can make a difference in your classroom.
Get students interested in science by bringing the subject from the page to real life! Join us in conversation with third grade teacher Amy Brown to learn how hands-on, inquiry-based 3D science instruction can improve students understanding of the natural world.
How can music develop a greater sense of community and collaboration in our classrooms? Join us in conversation with music teachers, Melissa Delman and Michael Kobito to find out!
Knowing each individual student can make a profound difference in student success. This task can also be a challenge. Join us in conversation with Tabitha Purvis of Columbia County Schools for tips on getting to know all of your students.
What can the simple art of reading aloud do for student comprehension? Join us in conversation with Jordan Motsinger of Cobb County Schools to find out!
Creative problem solving helps our students thrive in the classroom and beyond! Join us in conversation with Dawn Jeffers (Columbia County) and Jennifer Borngesser (Fayette County) to learn how to enhance student resourcefulness.
Unlock the power of primary sources in your social studies classroom! In this episode, Lisa Rogers and Rick Parker of Cobb County Schools give teaching tips to improve student curiosity and comprehension.
What can we learn from theatre class? In today's episode, we're sitting down with Leigh Powell of Bainbridge High School to find out!
Maximize student learning through the power of instructional technology! Join us in conversation with Chelsea Leming and Kristen Brooks of Cherokee County schools to learn more.
Looking to cultivate learning with a positive classroom climate? Join the conversation with Parrie Oates and Ashlie Smith to learn how the art of compliments can improve our education system, one student at a time.
Award-winning teaching tips revealed! Join us for our Season 3 Premiere with 2023 GA Teacher of the Year, Michael Kobito.
Want to to foster a love of learning in your classroom? Get tips from inquiry-based social studies teachers, Melissa Williamson and Jennifer Bell, in our Season 2 finale!
Happy Veterans Day! How does teacher military experience feed classroom community? Find out in our conversation with Josh Adee of Columbia County Alternative School.
Steven Charity (Fayette County Schools) and Ellen Greer (Bartow County Schools) join us to explain the power of positive praise in the classroom.
Catie Rogers and Yessica McNeeley of Forsyth County Schools talk with us about the educational benefits of Dual Language Immersion.
Precious Bayan, art teacher at Brookview Elementary School and Fulton County Teacher of the Year, talks to us about getting students excited about learning with arts integration.
Mary Nicoletti (Lambert High School), Scott Rucker (Rucker Dog Training), and Duck the Dog join us in a discussion about collaborating within our community to empower students in our classrooms.
Ashley Nelson and Cassie Robinson of Ruth Hill Elementary School discuss how Physical Education can transform a student's understanding of other subjects.
Jacory Bernard and Nefertiti Singleton of Fulton County Schools talk about their experience working together on instructional planning for Parklane Elementary School's mathematics instruction.
Katie Holliday joins us to share how she implements project-based learning in her Tybee Island classroom.
Liz Rains of Fulton County Schools gives advice on encouraging school-wide involvement in science education.
Dr. Zelda Kitt of The Hope Academy discusses the importance of empowering student voice in our classrooms.
Kaleigh Moreno of Lowndes County Schools and Polly Anne Everritt of Muscogee County Schools discuss the importance of greeting students at the door.
Southeast Bulloch Middle School teacher, Brandon Poole, joins us to talk about setting classroom expectations at the start of the year and strategies for helping those expectations to stick around all year long.
Georgia's 2022 Teacher of the Year, Cherie Bonder Goldman, joins us to talk about her experience as TOTY and share some instructional strategies she's gained as an ESOL teacher at Hesse K-8 School in Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.
DeKalb County Pre-K and Kindergarten duo, Barry Murphy and Cynthia Hardegree, talk about how they prepare their PreK students for kindergarten and how they think about the big transition into elementary school.
Fourth grade teacher Jessica Frazer joins us to talk about her experience in a STEAM certified school at West Jackson Elementary School in Jackson County.
Liberty County middle school teacher Darius Peterson joins us to talk about teaching in a military community and strategies for making connections through history.
Dr. Rebecca Harper, Associate Professor of Literacy at Augusta University, and Leigh Willmann, high school teacher in Cherokee County, bring practical examples of how to infuse writing throughout the middle and high school day.
Bibb County teacher LaTanya Singleton Clark shares some strategies for how she makes connections with her students to help them learn, thrive, and succeed in school and beyond.
Thomasville City Schools teacher and PBIS Coach, Clark Ramey, talks about creating a positive classroom climate in his middle school classroom.
Donald White and Julie Eidson from Coweta County Schools join the podcast to talk about how they are leveraging strong community partnerships to enhance and support classroom instruction in middle and high school.
We are joined by Tamieka Grizzle from Cobb County Schools and Erin Rehberg from Thomas County Schools to chat about engaging kids in computer science at the elementary level.
Hall County teachers Jessica Mobley and Kerri Thomas join the podcast to talk about how they create a positive climate in their elementary classroom.
As Georgia educators expand the world for their students, class after class, we think they need a place to share…and learn. We are excited to introduce Classroom Conversations, a new podcast series presented by the Georgia Department of Education and GPB Education.