ClassCast Podcast: Recent Episodes

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.085 features Sonny Thadani, CEO & Co-Founder of Robin, discussing social-emotional learning, mindfulness, the value of personal/life coaching, and how we can serve students' and teachers' emotional needs as we strive to improve education. Sonny initially found success as a realtor and business consultant, but a series of important personal experiences compelled him to shift paths and seek opportunities to support students (and teachers). Initially, after forging relationships with families from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, Sonny became interested in social-emotional learning and supporting mental health; he then became a father and had a transformational experience with a personal life coach and saw the potential for coaching in schools. Now, in his role as CEO of Robin, a cutting-edge social-emotional learning and coaching program, Sonny is doing everything he can to promote mindfulness, peace, and productivity in schools across the country. If you are interested in making SEL work for students, teachers, and communities around you, don't miss Sonny's coaching-based approach.

You can learn more about Robin at my-robin.com, on Twitter @robin_stories, on Instagram @robin_stories, or by contacting Sonny directly.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-7:12 -- Intro to Sonny Thadani, Robin, & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
2. 7:12-11:57 -- Making SEL Work for Students: Relationships & Voices *
3. 11:57-19:23 -- Making SEL Work for Teachers: Buy-In & Support **
4. 19:23-26:50 -- Flexible Curricula & Phasing-In Change
5. 26:50-35:50 -- Student & Faculty Input in SEL Implementation **
6. 35:50-41:31 -- Sonny as a Student & SEL as a Core Skill *
7. 41:31-54:07 -- The Purpose of School According to Sonny & Sonny's Ideal School
8. 54:07-58:19 -- Upcoming Goals for Robin
9. 58:19-1:03:44 -- SEL for Teachers **
10. 1:03:44-1:10:48 -- Final Wrap-Up & Sonny's Book Recs

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)!
​Donations -- large and small -- help keep this podcast independent!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.084 features Jeff Harris, President and Co-Founder of Xello, discussing college and career planning, supporting students' long-term goals, and the concept (and reality) of "future ready" students. Jeff and host Ryan Tibbens discuss their own experiences with past versions of "career planning," why talking about and structuring long-term planning is more important than ever, and how services like Xello can serve students without over-burdening teachers and counselors. This discussion goes beyond shallow platitudes about being "future ready" and digs into how local communities and students' experiences shape their goals and options, how classical/liberal/traditional schools may need college and career planning services even more than public and STEM schools, and even how school divisions go about testing and adopting cutting edge edtech like Xello. If you are a counselor, special education transition teacher, career/technical education teacher, parent, or community member concerned about how we're preparing students for their lives beyond high school, this episode is a must-listen. You can learn more about Jeff Harris and Xello at Xello.world and through their social media accounts, including on Twitter and YouTube.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-8:33 -- Intro to Xello, Jeff Harris, & Helping Students Find Their Futures
2. 8:33-16:11 -- Purpose & Relevance: Student Engagement in Edtech & Career Planning *
3. 16:11-24:35 -- Who Is Involved in Most Edtech Adoptions?
4. 24:35-26:50 -- How to Implement Xello
5. 26:50-34:57 -- The Role of College/Career Readiness in Private & Public Schools *
6. 34:57-39:30 -- The Purpose of School According to Jeff Harris
7. 39:30-45:07 -- The Dangers of College/Career Advising & Advice **
8. 45:07-55:04 -- Jeff Harris, the Student Who Needed & Created College/Career Planning **
9. 55:04-1:07:16 -- Jeff's Ideal School & the Meaning of "Future Ready" *
10. 1:07:16-1:19:24 -- Final Wrap-Up & Jeff's Book/Movie Recs

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.083 features Jessica Kirkland, a high school English teacher in Loudoun County, Virginia (and Twitter superstar), talking shop and exchanging ideas about improving schools, building relationships, navigating the pandemic, and much more with host Ryan Tibbens. In this laidback, funny, yet insightful discussion, you'll hear Jess proclaim that she's "pro-nonsense," share her strategies for connecting with students, divulge her secret wish to indoctrinate students (with a love for trees), and much more. Part of what makes this discussion so refreshing is that Jess has nothing to promote, nothing to sell. She has amassed over 11,000 Twitter followers in around three years just by being honest, thoughtful, and likeable -- and it all shines through in this discussion. Whether you're looking for honest perspectives on the current state of schools, a funny conversation between coworkers, or ideas about how to scale your social media presence (Jess says, "All of my demons are in the drafts"), you will love this episode.

You can learn more about Jess and follow her on Twitter @JKirk___ (three underscores, LOL).

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-5:00 -- Intro to Jessica Kirkland (& Her Twitter Fame)
2. 5:00-14:20 -- Relationships & the Purpose of School According to Jess **
3. 14:20-20:13 -- Finding Our Places during the Pandemic *
4. 20:13-27:08 -- Are Schools Still in Panic Mode?
5. 27:08-34:57 -- Forging Relationships through Masks & Screens **
6. 34:57-41:15 -- Jess Kirkland's Experience as a Student
7. 41:15-46:44 -- Should Teachers Love Their Students?
8. 46:44-54:33 -- Does Teaching Diverse Students Require Diverse Personas? *
9. 54:33-1:07:59 -- Jess's Ideal School: Specialization & Interdisciplinary Studies **
10. 1:07:59-1:15:29 -- Is Change Impossible in Public Education? *
11. 1:15:29-1:22:16 -- Jess's Outlook for 2022
12. 1:22:16-1:36:31 -- Jess's Final Thoughts, Book/Movie Recs, & Wrap-Up *

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)!
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ClassCast Podcast Ep.082 features host Ryan Tibbens reflecting on his experiences in an all-new distance learning program, challenges teachers faced in 2021, and how educators can move forward into 2022 with optimism and determination.

In many ways, distance learning represents one of the most common forms of innovation in schools today. Teachers and students must leverage technology, plan and perform with increased precision, and traditional schooling must be reimagined to fit 21st century tools and incredibly diverse settings. Students enroll in distance learning because they prefer the online format, have physical or mental health concerns, desire greater flexibility in scheduling, or want to travel. Teachers face all the regular pressures of school, but now the technology is even more important, the students' environments and home lives are more diverse (and more important), and engagement becomes paramount to success. Nearly halfway through the first year of non-COVID caused distance learning, host Ryan Tibbens shares his experiences and goals for this great new opportunity.

​And, since early 2020, we've been talking about and fretting over the pandemic, delivering quality instruction through various formats, responding to diverse needs, ever-increasing administrative control, and even "culture wars," all of which have tested the creativity, ability, and determination of educators and students around the world. Shortly after returning to school for the 2021-2022 school year, unprecedented tales of teacher burnout, turnover, and anxiety surfaced that should concern all community stakeholders. How can we do better (and feel better) this year and beyond? How can we feel fulfillment in a job that is harder and more scrutinized than ever?

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.081 features Mr. Tyler Rablin, an instructional technology coach, high school English teacher, and anti-grading crusader in Washington, sharing his perspectives and research on grading and assessment with host Ryan Tibbens. This is among the all-time best episodes of the ClassCast Podcast because Tyler offers insights and ideas that challenge conventional wisdom, that put students first, and that show listeners a path to better formal education. By reforming grading, we can increase learning, boost confidence, improve culture, and help teachers to handle the burden of feedback.

This is an instant-classic. Listen on the podcast service of your choice, and be sure to like, follow, subscribe, write a review, and share with friends! You can hear more from Tyler Rablin on Twitter @Mr_Rablin, LinkedIn, and his website.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-11:31 -- Intro to Tyler Rablin & Crusading Against Grading *
2. 11:31-15:27 -- How Teachers & Parents React to Grading Innovation
3. 15:27-22:48 -- Ungrading: How It Works **
4. 22:48-29:38 -- Gender in Grading & Student Self-Assessment
5. 29:38-42:31 -- Grading's Impact on Confidence & Growth **
6. 42:31-55:59 -- Is Grading a Culture Problem? **
7. 55:59-1:10:12 -- The Purpose of School According to Tyler Rablin *
8. 1:10:12-1:17:32 -- Tyler's Ideal School
9. 1:17:32-1:28:14 -- Why Is 2021 So Hard? *
10. 1:28:14-1:38:29 -- Tyler's Book/Movie Recs & Final Wrap-Up

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)!
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ClassCast Podcast Ep.080 features Doug Roberts, the founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation (IEI), speaking with host Ryan Tibbens about empowering educators, supporting superintendents, and connecting innovative education entrepreneurs with the schools and students they want to serve. After starting his career as a history/social studies teacher, Doug filled a variety of roles before launching IEI, which is a unique organization designed to support superintendents. Doug has strong feelings about empowering educators; hiring, training, and trusting great teachers; and giving excellent educational vendors, large and small, a level playing field to compete for contracts in a variety of school settings. Doug's recent work with superintendents has led to the creation of the Supes' Choice Awards, a contest and award program that is the first of its kind. Listeners will find Doug's focus on high quality service, pragmatism, and supporting students to be honest and refreshing. If you've ever been curious about how superintendents network, connect, and learn, or if you've ever wanted to better understand the complexities and difficulties facing the top educators in districts across the country, you'll love this discussion. You can find Doug on Twitter and LinkedIn; IEI is also on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-8:40 -- Intro to IEI & Doug Roberts/ Advice for Education Entrepreneurs
2. 8:40-10:44 -- The Value of Relationships w/ Students, Staff, & Vendors
3. 10:44-21:03 -- The Impact of Scale: Big vs Small Schools & Businesses *
4. 21:03-29:26 -- 2021, Optics, & Scrutiny: The Impact of Politics in Schools **
5. 29:26-34:04 -- School Choice, Innovation, & Responsive Leadership
6. 34:04-45:05 -- Doug's Ideal School: Empowering Educators **
7. 45:05-50:44 -- The Purpose of School & Who Calls the Shots
8. 50:44-59:02 -- Supes' Choice Awards & Engaging with Superintendents *
9. 59:02-1:06:08 -- Wrap-Up & Doug's Book/Movie Recs

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.079 features host Ryan Tibbens talking about the correlation between centralized decision-making and the surge of superintendent and school board criticisms nationwide. Over the last few years, we've seen politicians, parents, and even teachers at school board meetings speak out, shout out, and even get thrown out. The complaints are as varied as Critical Race Theory, mask mandates, diverse reading lists, opening 5-days per week, gender/pronoun/bathroom policies, schools named after Confederate generals, social media use, and beyond. The one thing all these issues have in common is where the decisions are made -- at the top of the local (and sometimes state) public education hierarchy. As more and more decisions about curricular and pedagogical specifics are made at higher and higher levels, public concerns elevate, so what once would have been a quick meeting between a parent, teacher, and principal is now a loud diatribe in a public forum against bureaucrats who don't actually teach students. Too many teachers have lost autonomy in their work and faith in their systems. Here's one teacher's take on why centralized decision-making processes have partially caused the political debates over schools and why they hurt teachers and students.

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)!
​Donations -- large and small -- help keep this podcast independent!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.078 features Kohila Sivas, the founder and lead coach at MathCodes, an innovative program designed to help students build their math skills, personal confidence, and executive functions. Kohila's amazing work builds on the idea that most students need more than just content help, so adults must be more than just tutors or teachers; instead, Kohila recommends serving as a "coach," one who works with the student, on the same team, to achieve mutual goals. In addition to her 22+ years in private tutoring and coaching, Kohila has worked as an advocate, teacher's assistant, teacher, and parent. Recently, she launched the MathCodes Certified Coach program to help other tutors and teachers around the world to better serve their students by demystifying math and helping the whole student. She's also the author of the upcoming book Escape the Tutoring Trap: Be an Agent of Change. If you are a tutor or teacher looking for some great ideas about serving all students or improving your practices, or if you are a parent interested in tutoring and coaching support (from Sivas, host Ryan Tibbens, or elsewhere), this episode is rich in great ideas and sound advice.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-9:03 -- Intro to Kohila Sivas & MathCodes
2. 9:03-14:23 -- Are You a "Math Person"? (They Don't Exist.) *
3. 14:23-22:30 -- The Importance of Purpose & the Purpose of Education According to Kohila
4. 22:30-37:30 -- Kohila's Ideal School: Universal IEPs, Coaches, & Serving Individual Students **
5. 37:30-47:42 -- "Learning Loss," the Pandemic Tutoring Boom, & MathCodes Certification *
6. 47:42-56:15 -- The Power of Confidence in Education
7. 56:15-1:03:43 -- Kohila's Education & Preparation for Teaching & Coaching
8. 1:03:43-1:07:47 -- How Schools Limit Teacher Creativity & Enthusiasm *
9. 1:07:47-1:17:49 -- For Parents: Homework Help vs Tutoring vs Coaching **
10. 1:17:49-1:25:20 -- Kohila's Book/Movie Recs. & Wrap-Up​

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)!
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ClassCast Podcast Ep.077 features Grant Schafer, the Supervisor of Community Connections for Loudoun County Public Schools. Working closely with Career & Technical Education, Computer Science Experiential Learning, and a few other specialized programs in the school system, Grant strives to connect community resources with individual teachers, students, and classrooms to make school-based learning as authentic as possible. His hard work, power skills (soft skills), and ever-growing rolodex make him an asset to the whole community because he fosters relationships between local businesses, non-profits, and schools. Host Ryan Tibbens met Grant, a fellow JMU Duke, at the 2021 Loudoun 40 Under 40 celebration where he was being recognized for his amazing work connecting public schools with community resources. (Ashley Tibbens -- Ep.021 -- was also among the honorees this year!) If you are interested in project-based learning, making school more "authentic," getting involved in public education without becoming a teacher, or understanding how community members can work together to improve education, this discussion is for you. You can learn more about Grant's work by following @LCPSpartner and @CommunityLCPS on Twitter.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-5:38 -- Intro to Grant Schafer & Community Connections
2. 5:38-13:31 -- Project-Based Learning, "Authenticity," & Grant's Rolodex **
3. 13:31-20:53 -- Loudoun 40 Under 40, Networking, & Community Buy-In *
4. 20:53-28:26 -- Grant's Education: James Madison University & Outreach Services
5. 28:26-37:48 -- The Future of Community Connections in Schools **
6. 37:48-47:25 -- The Purpose of School According to Grant
7. 47:25-50:44 -- Equity & Social-Emotional Learning as Job Skills *
8. 50:44-57:04 -- Grant's Ideal School
9. 57:04-1:07:06 -- The Inflexibility of Education Bureaucracy **
10. 1:07:06-1:14:58 -- Grant's Book Recommendations & Wrap-Up​

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! Donations -- large and small -- help keep this podcast independent!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.076 features Simon Tang, a former student of host Ryan Tibbens, sharing his thoughts on school improvement, student choice, dual enrollment programs, post-high school plans, Dick Wolf TV shows, and much, much more. Throughout his public school career, Simon distinguished himself from most students by serving as a technology support specialist/paraprofessional in the school, forming close bonds with faculty members, challenging the status quo, earning top grades and thousands of dollars in scholarships, and wearing a totally awesome pocket protector. Simon shares his student (and semi-staff) views on school improvement, joining the US Navy, and how COVID affected his education, post-high school plans, and personal outlook. If you're interested in serious student perspectives, challenges to tradition, or people with the quirks and confidence to change the world, don't miss Episode 076 and Mr. Simon Tang!

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-11:03 -- Meet Simon Tang *
2. 11:03-17:00 -- Dual Enrollment, Rigorous Classes, & Scholarships **
3. 17:00-25:58 -- Simon'ns Start in the United States Navy
4. 25:58-30:02 -- The Purpose of School: Indoctrination or Self-Improvement? **
5. 30:02-35:13 -- I.T., Specialization, & Access to Education
6. 35:13-39:22 -- What's the Deal with Textbooks?
7. 39:22-53:50 -- The Importance of Student Choice & Engagement *
8. 53:50-58:01 -- The GED, Graduation, and Opportunity
9. 58:01-1:12:00 -- Simon's Ideal School: Choice & Specialization **
10. 1:12:00-1:17:00 -- Would You Send Your Kids to These Schools?
11. 1:17:00-1:27:24 -- Standardized Testing, Project-Based Learning, & Power Skills **
12. 1:27:24-1:32:00 -- Hot Topics, Hot Seat
13. 1:32:00-1:52:32 -- Simon's Book, Movie, & TV Recommendations; Final Thoughts; & Wrap-Up

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! Donations -- large and small -- help keep this podcast independent!

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Classcast Podcast Ep.075 features Cary Vipond and Kevin Cook, members of "The Cookout," a discussion group focusing on race relations and making positive change in the Loudoun County, Virginia community. Along with host Ryan Tibbens, they discuss the recent debates (and hysteria?) over critical race theory, equity training for school staff, anti-racism, and politics in public schools. Given Fox News' new obsession with Loudoun County Public Schools as well as the parent and political groups seeking to influence them, Cary, Kevin, and Ryan agreed it was time for reasonable people with first-hand experience in these schools and communities to have a reasonable discussion.

Cary Vipond, a long-time history and social science teacher, football coach, and father, launched "The Cookout" in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder. He assembled a group of Black and white men, including community leaders, entrepreneurs, clergy, teachers, and students, to share perspectives and ideas, first to help one another understand the racial dynamics at play in the country, and then to take actions to improve local government, business, and schools for Black people. ClassCast Podcast host Ryan Tibbens was invited by Cary to join the group when it was formed. Kevin Cook, a certified project manager, coach, and father, joined the group soon afterward and has been a thoughtful, vocal participant in the group's efforts. Camryn Thompson (Ep.031) has also participated in The Cookout.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-7:57 -- The Cookout & Local Efforts Against Racism
2. 7:57-9:55 -- Educate Ignorance; Punish Malice *
3. 9:55-26:36 -- Shifting Mindsets & Community Reactions to Anti-Racist Teaching **
4. 26:36-34:00 --Kevin's Experiences as a Black Father
5. 34:00-48:04 -- Race, Anti-racism, & "CRT" in the Classroom **
6. 48:04-54:21 -- Why We Must Have Tough Conversations
7. 54:21-59:18 -- Race Education: Completing the Thought *
8. 59:18-1:06:40 -- Seeking (& Silencing) Black Perspectives
9. 1:06:40-1:12:17 -- The Intersection of Mental Health, Racism, & Politics *
10. 1:12:17-1:20:25 -- What Can Schools Do to End Racsim?
11. 1:20:25-1:31:09 -- Final Wrap Up & Book Recommendations

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! Donations -- large and small -- help keep this podcast independent!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.074 features Al Kingsley -- CEO of NetSupport Inc., school leader & administrator in the United Kingdom, and author of the hit new book My Secret #EdTech Diary -- speaking with host Ryan Tibbens about his career in educational technology, what he's learned by leading his own schools, how the pandemic has changed education, why personal reflection is so important, why #EdTech really is for everyone, and more. Al's book "gives an insider's view of education technology historically and for the post-pandemic future." With a career in technology that spans over three decades, and with experiences launching and leading great schools, Al is uniquely positioned to help teachers and school administrators better understand the value of education technology, how to leverage it, and why common sense adoption and professional development practices ultimately lead to better education and happier teachers. From focusing on students to reflecting on professional practices, from digital citizenship to data security, Kingsley and Tibbens address the most important ideas behind #EdTech.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-3:15 -- Intro to Al Kingsley & My Secret #Edtech Diary
2. 3:15-12:15 -- Tech Adoption for Teachers and Districts **
3. 12:15-19:00 -- Improving #EdTech by Improving Professional Development & Relationships *
4. 19:00-31:02 --Pandemic Schooling, Innovation, & Reflection
5. 31:02-37:04 -- Al's Education & Entry into School Leadership
6. 37:04-50:35 -- Assessment, Reflection, & #EdTech for Success *
7. 50:35-1:03:57 -- Student Privacy & Data Security
8. 1:03:57-1:16:19 -- Al's Ideal School *
9. 1:16:19-1:24:16 -- Final Thoughts, Book/Movie Recs, & Wrap-Up

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! Donations -- large and small -- help keep this podcast independent!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.073 -- Host Ryan Tibbens ruminates on how efforts to standardize, scale, and reproduce great teaching ultimately lead to dummy-proofing, to treating teachers like dummies who need scripts and Choose-Your-Own-Adventure styled lesson plans. This solo talk was recorded in response to Ep.072, the #EduPodlooza Innovation Roundtable, in which participants addressed concerns with micromanagement, groupthink, mass appeal, and more. If you believe that great schooling requires great teaching, or if you believe that the key to improving education is to improve teacher quality, this talk is for you. National teacher shortage? The answer is here. Do teachers want more money? Yes. But would most good teachers be willing to accept a smaller raise if accompanied by greater autonomy? ALSO YES. Listen, then respond. Drop a comment below or email readthinkwritespeak@yahoo.com to get involved in the discussion. The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, YouTube, and at ClassCastPodcast.com!

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Episode 072, the first of Season 3, features a great segment from the "Innovation Roundtable," the first group discussion from the 1st annual #Edupodlooza, an all-day education-podcast marathon in which teachers from around the world talked about improving schools, podcasting, and hot topics, with a few games and creative elements mixed in. The guys over at the Unprofessional Development Podcast hosted the event and did amazing work all day. The full innovation discussion will be available at 8pm on 7/25 at ClassCastPodcast.com and on YouTube so that you can hear what innovative ideas (and hilarious exchanges) preceded this wrap-up, but the final parts of this discussion are the perfect way to launch Season 3. Host Ryan Tibbens asks participants about a unifying theme from their previous comments -- making school less like school -- and how we can use that concept to make meaningful improvements. You'll hear some great ideas from Mike Yates (Schoolish Podcast & Teach For America's Reinvention Lab), Gerardo Munoz (2021 Colorado Teacher of the Year & secondary social studies teacher), and other all-star teachers and podcasters on the panel, including Mealey & Tudisco (Unprofessional Development), Batsheva Frankel (Overthrowing Education), Toria Claire (Tiny Voice Talks), and Sandrine Hope (Step into Mondays). After a deep, critical discussion of changing school, this episode ends with a light-hearted game and plenty of laughs. Watch for the full roundtable discussion soon, and let us know what you think about this talk and how to make school less like school (and better overall)!

WELCOME TO SEASON 3 OF THE CLASSCAST PODCAST!

Since launching in July 2019, ClassCast Podcast episodes have been downloaded and streamed nearly 13,000 times! From discussions with former students to international authors and thought leaders, from local community organizers to acclaimed educators and experts around the globe, host Ryan Tibbens has worked tirelessly to record and share purposeful conversations about the philosophies, policies, pedagogies, and people that can make formal education great.

Season 3 will include a few shake-ups and new elements, most notably VIDEO. While all previous ClassCast episodes are available to stream on YouTube, they were just audio with an accompanying slideshow. From now on, nearly all episodes will be available with real video of participants engaging in discussion. Of course, audio-only streams will continue to be available on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and most other podcast services.

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.071, the FINAL episode of Season 2, features college professor, education enthusiast, and author Christina (Tina) Groeger, whose new book -- The Education Trap: Schools and the Remaking of Inequality. Tina and host Ryan Tibbens discuss school's limited ability to affect social inequality, how quality education relates to social mobility, project-based learning, unschooling, and much, much more. Tina is a professor at Lake Forest College, a graduate of Harvard University, and a thoughtful, sincere student of American education and its social impacts. If you are interested in equality/inequality, opportunity, the American Dream, or improving our education system, then this episode is for you! ​

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-4:03 -- Intro to Tina & The Education Trap
2. 4:03-12:22 -- The Purpose of School According to Tina & "Defunding" Schools *
3. 12:22-21:08 -- Economic & Political Influences on Education, Inequality, & Social Mobility
4. 21:08-28:13 --Knowledge, Merit, & Mobility *
5. 28:13-36:33 -- Vocational vs Liberal Education & Local Control *
6. 36:33-47:41 -- Tina's Ideal School
7. 47:41-57:43 -- Unschooling, Project-Based Learning, & Organizing *
8. 57:43-1:10:31 -- School Choice, Unions, and Improving Schools
9. 1:10:31-1:16:59 -- Final Thoughts, Book/Movie Recs, & Wrap-Up

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! If every listener made a one-time donation of $2-3, the podcast would be funded for the year!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.070 features intervention specialist, special education teacher, and author Melinda Arnost discussing inclusion, social-emotional learning, differentiation, and how good relationships combine with common sense to create functional classrooms and effective teachers. Melinda recently published her first book, Empowering Inclusion: The Tool Teachers Need to Help All Students Succeed. In this talk with host Ryan Tibbens, Melinda shares tips for team-teaching, demands consistent scheduling, explains how relationships enable effective differentiation, talks about her great new book, and more. If you have any interest in special education, social-emotional learning, inclusion, differentiation, team-teaching, or making sure that all students are learning, you'll find TONS of useful ideas and perspectives here.

If you're interested in hearing more from Melinda Arnost, follow her on Facebook and Instagram! If you're interested in hearing more about social-emotional learning on the ClassCast Podcast, check out Ep.035!

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-0:39 -- #Edupodlooza Promo
2. 0:39-2:38 -- Intro to Melinda & the Role of "Inclusion Specialist")
3. 2:38-5:57 -- The Purpose of School According to Melinda *
4. 5:57-12:17 --Empowering Inclusion: The Tools Teacher Need to Help...
5. 12:17-19:11 -- Situational SEL & Inclusion Implementation **
6. 19:11-21:20 -- How Much SEL Is Enough?
7. 21:20-26:06 -- Formal vs Informal: Differentiation, SEL, & What Great Teachers Do **
8. 26:06-38:10 -- Differentiation and Inclusion: What Teachers Can Do *
9. 38:10-45:24 -- Melinda's Education & The Teachers We Need
10. 45:24-51:35 -- Melinda's Ideal School & Flexible Spaces
11. 51:35-57:44 -- Final Thoughts, Relationships, & SEL's Popularity
12. 57:44-1:05:00 -- Melinda's Book/Movie Recs & Wrap-Up

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! If every listener made a one-time donation of $2-3, the podcast would be funded for the year!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.069 features host Ryan Tibbens reflecting on the 2020-2021 school year, pandemic-related changes in schools, 4-day work weeks, and a HUGE career shift -- to 100% virtual instruction. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone differently, but one thing is certain -- it is has affected everyone. Tibbens has experienced loss in his family, a massive shift at work, and a sea-change in education beliefs. This quick solo talk starts with a brief promo of #Edupodlooza (check it out June 27) and quickly gets into teachers' experiences in 2020-2021. A deep reflection on a pandemic mantra -- "If not now, why ever? If now, why not always?" -- follows and is accompanied by a quick justification of a 4-day school week. This episode ends with perhaps the most important part (bury the lead much?) -- Ryan Tibbens' shift to 100% synchronous virtual instruction in the 2021-2022 school year, the 16th year of his career. If you're interested in innovation, education trends, school choice, or a "return to normal" in schools, then spend a few minutes on this episode and the very real experiences it presents.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-0:52 -- #Edupodlooza Promo
2. 0:52-10:49 -- 2020-2021 Recap
3. 10:49-15:21 -- If not now, why ever? If now, why not always?*
4. 15:21-19:04 -- 4 Day Weeks or Bust
5. 19:04-32:49 -- Big Changes: Tibbens Goes Virtual***

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The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

If every listener made a one-time donation of $2-3, the podcast would be funded for the year!

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EP.068 -- CHRIS RADER -- HIGHER ED ABROAD, STEM, & MAKING HIGH SCHOOL MORE VALUABLE5/24/20210 Comments ClassCast Podcast Ep.068 features Chris Rader, a former student of host Ryan Tibbens, sharing his experiences and perspectives on education and how to better serve students. Since graduating from high school in 2012, Chris has found immense success in the fields of chemistry and material science at Virginia Tech and now as a Ph.D. student the Adolphe Merkle Institute in Switzerland. Aside from groundbreaking work with cellulose and creating environmentally friendly packaging, Chris also has some great ideas about how we can improve K12 education in the United States to better prepare young people for college, career, and the independent critical thinking we all aspire to. Chris's experiences in lab sciences have not only shaped his rare and valuable skill set; they've also helped him to better understand what education can -- and can't -- do for young people in the current paradigm. If you are interested in improving STEM in K12, learning more about chemistry and materials science, helping young people achieve more on their own, studying abroad for higher ed, or even the significance of athletics for high school students, this is a discussion you won't want to miss.

For more information, leave a comment at www.ClassCastPodcast.com or contact Chris Rader directly via email, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-5:40 -- Intro to Chris Rader & His Unique Education Path
2. 5:40-14:18 -- Depth, Rigor, & Project-Based Learning in HS vs College *
3. 14:18-16:49 -- Why Get a Ph.D.?
4. 16:49-25:52 -- Patents, Saving the World, & Chris's Work in Material Science *
5. 25:52-45:25 -- Improving American High Schools, Career Prep, & Grading **
6. 45:25-59:32 -- Chris's Ideal School & Learning by Doing *
7. 59:32-1:07:04 -- The Value of Athletics in Human Development
8. 1:07:04-1:12:30 -- Study Abroad: Make It a Priority
9. 1:12:30-1:21:24 -- Chris's Book & Movie Recs/ Final Wrap-Up

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The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.067 features Peter Hubbell, founder & CEO of Apply : you, discussing personal branding, storytelling, improving education, and helping recent college graduates to secure their first jobs through innovative interviewing techniques. Apply : you runs a series of practical workshops that apply Madison Avenue branding and storytelling techniques to help graduates market their way to their first job in any career. Peter forged an admirable career in advertising before shifting his focus to helping young people secure gainful employment. He shares his views on educating "the whole child," the importance of athletics, the value of boarding schools, and more.

You can learn more about Peter Hubbell and Apply : you on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-3:53 -- Intro to Peter Hubbell & 'Apply : you'
2. 3:53-8:25 -- Applicants: Stand Out to Win **
3. 8:25-11:53 -- Peter's Education
4. 11:53-17:45 -- The Purpose of Education According to Peter: Potential *
5. 17:45-23:45 -- How to Own Your Interview & the Moses of College Hockey *
6. 23:45-27:36 -- Apply : you: Why Focus on College Grads?
7. 27:36-47:14 -- Personal Discovery, Branding, & Rhetoric **
8. 47:14-55:00 -- Peter's Ideal School: Boarding Schools & the Whole Child
9. 55:00-58:56 -- Academics & Athletics: Developing the Whole Child
10. 58:56-1:06:08 -- Books & Final Wrap-Up

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The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! If every listener made a one-time donation of $2-3, the podcast would be funded for the year!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.066 features Dr. Casey Jakubowski, a professor, author, and teacher from upstate New York sharing his views on education in the United States, our need for greater civic education and engagement, as well as how we can "#ChangeTheNarrative" about our school system's successes and failures. Casey has worked in K12 and higher ed., in humanities and STEM, in the classroom and in leadership roles. Through his long and varied career, he has gained unique perspectives on what our schools do, how they function, and what we can do to improve how we serve students and communities. From standardized testing to specialization, from civics to community influences, we cover it all. Casey also shares a heartfelt story of family, loss, and students rising to the occasion and making change in the world. You can contact Casey on Twitter and LinkedIn or leave a comment below if you want to continue the conversation.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-4:29 -- Intro to Casey Jakubowski
2. 4:29-12:43 -- The Purpose of School According to Casey (#ChangeTheNarrative) **
3. 12:43-15:23 -- "Defunding" Schools
4. 15:23-33:37 -- Casey's Ideal School & How to Get There *
5. 33:37-44:34 -- Standardized Testing, Opportunity Data, & "Learning Loss" *
6. 44:34-54:43 -- Humanities, STEM, & Real Human Stories
7. 54:43-1:02:17 -- How Politics Limits Schools *
8. 1:02:17-1:11:01 -- Book/Movie Recs & Wrap-Up

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The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.065 features Dr. Sam Fecich, an education professor, author, speaker, and podcaster who works with pre-service teachers. She and host Ryan Tibbens discuss teacher preparation, how we can attract and train the best talent, why pedagogy and content both matter, and more. Sam's enthusiasm is infectious, so you're sure to find this episode both engaging and enlightening. Worried about the national teacher shortage? We cover it. Wondering how to help talented young people get into education? We cover that too.

In addition to authoring two books designed to help pre-service and new teachers, Sam produces the Edumagic Podcast for pre-service teachers. She recently spoke with our host, Ryan Tibbens, on her show about purpose, priorities, and organization. Be sure to check out Edumagic! You can contact Dr. Fecich on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and via her website.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-6:45 -- Intro to Dr. Sam Fecich
2. 6:45-11:04 -- The Purpose of School According to Sam
3. 11:04-16:29 -- Working with Pre-Service Teachers *
4. 16:29-23:26 -- Is Content King? Learning & Professional Development Needs **
5. 23:26-36:13 -- Addressing the National Teacher Shortage & Attracting New Teachers **
6. 36:13-45:15 -- Sam's Ideal School *
7. 45:15-49:43 -- Sam's Book & Movie Recs
8. 49:43-50:33 -- Wrap Up

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The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.064 features host Ryan Tibbens sharing his thoughts on school choice while concluding a five episode mini-series on school choice. After engaging, informative discussions with Citizen Stewart (pro-school choice), Jennifer Berkshire (pro-public school), Neal McCluskey (pro-school choice, and Jon Hale (pro-public school), Tibbens tries to connect the dots, share the learning, and make meaningful predictions about the future of school in the United States. Over half the episode focuses on the positive aspects of school choice -- freedom, specialization, individuality, and more -- but in the final 20 minutes, Tibbens explores the potential problems, including decreased community control, monopolies, reduced quality, and -- most importantly -- the abolition of publicly funded education. Whether you are pro-choice or pro-public schools, this episode includes a synthesis of ideas that is sure to make you second guess your biases.

Support the show! If each listener donated just $2, we could fully fund the ClassCast Podcast! Please consider making a small donation to keep the discussion alive.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-4:32 -- Intro & Recap of School Choice Mini-Series
2. 4:32-9:51 -- Previous Connections to School Choice
3. 9:51-15:18 -- Is "Choice" Good? *
4. 15:18-24:26 -- Choice, M4A, Specializing, & Informing Parents *
5. 24:26-33:16 -- Racism & School Choice
6. 33:16-47:04 -- Tibbens' Problems with School Choice **
7. 47:04-54:04 -- The Best Path Forward: Choice and the Public System **
8. 54:04-56:58 -- Final Thoughts/Wrap-Up

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.063 features education historian, professor at the University of Illinois, and author Jon Hale discussing school choice, its dark history, and the problems it may spawn in the future. Much of Jon's work focuses on past school choice movements and Civil Rights era freedom schools; he makes invaluable contributions to the on-going ClassCast discussion of school choice and freedom by provide clear historical context and common sense predictions about what the future may hold. Jon's upcoming book, The Choice We Face: How Segregation, Race, and Power Have Shaped America's Most Controversial Education Reform Movement, addresses the same topics in greater detail; he is also the author of The Freedom Schools: Student Activists in the Mississippi Civil Rights Movementand To Write in the Light of Freedom.Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-5:37 -- The Purpose of Education According to Jon Hale
2. 5:37-10:51 -- The Appeal of School Choice
3. 10:51-21:12 -- The History of School Choice & Race **
4. 21:12-27:38 -- Freedom Schools
5. 27:38-36:26 -- Jon's Ideal School *
6. 36:26-39:34 -- Why School Choice Has Momentum & School Reform Doesn't
7. 39:34-46:23 -- Public Schools & Community Cohesion
8. 46:23-54:00 -- Are Public Schools Actually Failing? *
9. 54:00-1:04:04 -- Final Thoughts & Recommendations *

Recent and upcoming ClassCast Podcast episodes feature public school advocates, school choice advocates, and the kind of thoughtful discourse that should inform our national conversation as well as individual listeners' opinions on school choice, public schools, funding, equity, justice, and opportunity. Let us know what you think about each part of this series and how you feel about school choice.

• School Choice Series Part 1: Ep.060 -- Citizen Stewart -- School Choice & Educational Opportunity (3/21/21)
  ​- School Choice Series Part 2: Ep.061 -- Jennifer Berkshire -- The False Promises of School Choice (3/29/21)
• School Choice Series Part 3: Ep.062 -- Neal McCluskey -- School Choice & Liberty (4/5/21)

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!
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Support the show! If each listener donated just $2, we could fully fund the ClassCast Podcast! Please consider making a small donation to keep the discussion alive.

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.062 features Neal McCluskey PhD, the Director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute, discussing school choice, individual liberty, and the future of education with host Ryan Tibbens. Neal has spent most of his career studying public policy with a focus on education; he is a leader in the national school choice conversation, has written and edited three books on the subject, and explains his beliefs and goals through a lens of respect for individuals and their liberty. In this conversation, Neal explains how school choice will (and won't) affect community bonding, civil rights, and public funding. While he does concede that most school choice supporters would like to see lower taxes and/or educational costs, he doesn't agree with host Ryan Tibbens' concern that school choice legislation now will ultimately lead to the end of publicly funded education. Much as Jennifer Berkshire's (Ep.061) new book is leading the discussion against school choice, Neal McCluskey and Corey DeAngelis's new book, School Choice Myths: Setting the Record Straight on Education Freedom, is making waves in the education policy arena. This episode is Part 3 of the ClassCast Podcast mini-series on school choice; don't miss the others!

Recent and upcoming ClassCast Podcast episodes will feature public school advocates, school choice advocates, and the kind of thoughtful discourse that should inform our national conversation as well as individual listeners' opinions on school choice, public schools, funding, equity, justice, and opportunity. Let us know what you think about each part of this series and how you feel about school choice.

• School Choice Series Part 1: Ep.060 -- Citizen Stewart -- School Choice & Educational Opportunity (3/21/21)
  ​- School Choice Series Part 2: Ep.061 -- Jennifer Berkshire -- The False Promises of School Choice (3/29/21)

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-5:05 -- Neal's Background & Entry into Education Policy
2. 5:05-10:47 -- School Choice's Effects on Communities *
3. 10:47-19:16 -- School Choice: Liberty & Respect for Individuals *
4. 19:16-30:38 -- The Purpose of School According to Neal
5. 30:38-54:46 -- Civil Rights, Diversity, & School Choice *
6. 54:46-1:08:38 -- Is School Choice a Step Toward Ending Public Funding for Education? **
7. 1:08:38-1:15:26 -- Compromise: Teachers' Unions & School Choice
8. 1:15:26-1:18:40 -- Neal's Ideal School
9. 1:18:40-1:26:40 -- Final Thoughts, Book/Movie Recs, & Wrap-Up

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.061 features Jennifer Berkshire, an education journalist, podcaster, and co-author of a great new book about school choice, A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door. She and host Ryan Tibbens discuss school choice, racial and economic inequality, the politics behind the choice movement, and problems that school choice is likely to cause. Throughout the discussion, Jennifer shares her own experience being bused across town to a public school, her concerns about how school choice may exacerbate current inequalities, and even asks a few questions of the host. This is the second installment of the ClassCast Podcast School Choice Mini-Series; you can listen to the first episode with Citizen Stewart here and watch for additional episodes coming soon.

You can learn more about Jennifer and work by following her on Twitter, listening to the Have You Heard? Podcast, or visiting the website for A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door.

Upcoming ClassCast Podcast episodes will feature public school advocates, school choice advocates, and the kind of thoughtful discourse that should inform our national conversation as well as individual listeners' opinions on school choice, public schools, funding, equity, justice, and opportunity. Let us know what you think about each part of this series and how you feel about school choice.

Support the show! If each listener donated just $2, we could fully fund the ClassCast Podcast! Please consider making a small donation to keep the discussion alive.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-2:14 -- Spacesedu.com (Check it out!)
2. 2:14-10:16 -- Introduction to Jennifer Berkshire & Her School Experiences
3. 10:16-17:59 -- Can Schools Fix Social Inequality & Meritocracy? *
4. 17:59-25:00 -- Reagan's Politics, Education History, & School Choice
5. 25:00-32:10 -- School Choice, Taxes, & "Poisoning the Well"
6. 32:10-35:01 -- The Purpose of School According to Jennifer
7. 35:01-40:49 -- Standardize Testing, School Choice, & Inequity *
8. 40:49-50:06 -- School Choice, Race, & Economics *
9. 50:06-59:25 -- Is Choice within the Public System Possible? *
10. 59:25-1:01:54 -- Jennifer's Ideal School
11. 1:01:54-1:04:57 -- Jennifer's Book & Movie Recommendations

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.060 features Chris "Citizen" Stewart discussing school choice, educational opportunity, dismantling oppressive systems, and empowering individuals with host Ryan Tibbens. Citizen Stewart is CEO of the Brightbeam Network, founder of Citizen.Education, host of the UnPublic Podcast, co-host of the 8 Black Hands Podcast, a former school board member, father of five, and school choice advocate. In this episode, we discuss the value of choice, the significance of freedom for all citizens, why school choice appeals to many poor and minority families, and how great education should be tailored to individuals rather than aggregates. Stewart shares observations on school consolidation, economies of scale, parenting, and why school choice might be the future of education in America.

Approach this episode with an open mind, curious intellect, and vision for what schools should be. If that "should be" is different from what currently exists, then various school choice models could be the path forward. On the other hand, a move to nationwide school choice could undermine our participation in local communities, dedication to serve others, and our long-term dedication to funding education for all students.

You can learn more about Citizen Stewart at @citizenstewart on Twitter, @citizenstewart on Instagram, and @iamcitizenstewart on Facebook. You can also see his advocacy at Brightbeam Network and Citizen.Education.

Upcoming ClassCast Podcast episodes will feature public school advocates, choice advocates, and the kind of discourse that should inform our national conversation as well as individual listeners' opinions on school choice, public schools, funding, equity, justice, and opportunity. Let us know what you think about each part of this series and how you feel about school choice.

Support the show! If each listener donated just $2, we could fully fund the ClassCast Podcast for the entire year. Please consider making a small donation to keep the discussion alive.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-7:53 -- Intro to Citizen Stewart & Teacher Quality
2. 7:53-10:32 -- The Purpose of Education According to Citizen Stewart
3. 10:32-17:00 -- Parents' Responsibilities in Education *
4. 17:00-29:04 -- Can School Choice Become a Reality? **
5. 29:04-35:00 -- Equity, Funding & Other Elements of School Choice
6. 35:00-42:04 -- School Consolidation, Cultural Conformity, & Civic Education *
7. 42:04-48:13 -- Citizen Stewart's Ideal School *
8. 48:13-53:08 -- Citizen's Own School Experiences
9. 53:08-1:01:16 -- Race & Educational Opportunity
10. 1:01:16-1:07:55 -- Citizen Stewart's Entry to School Policy *
11. 1:07:55-1:14:29 -- Final Comments; Book/Movie Recommendations; Contact Info

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment where you listen. Leave a comment to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.059 features host Ryan Tibbens exploring the concept of "learning loss," how it's being applied during the COVID-19 pandemic, and why most of these discussions are biased, flawed, and misleading. If you pay attention to education-related news, then you know that politicians, state education boards, testing companies, university researchers, school choice advocates, and even some local school leaders have been ranting about "learning loss" for months. But you may not have considered how narrow and limited that discussion has been. Are students really 3-6 months behind? Are the disparities between racial and socioeconomic groups insurmountable? If we really want to promote top-quality education for all citizens, if we really want to create life-long learners, then shouldn't we all be concerned?

The sky is not falling. Learning hasn't stopped. "Learning loss" is a talking point for those hoping to capitalize on the pandemic, but the situation isn't nearly as dire as they would have you believe. Tibbens takes the long view and points out why "learning loss" isn't going to cripple a generation. Don't panic (and carry a towel).

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.058 features Iman Ghanizada, aka "The Certs Guy," a young star at Google, newly published author, and former student of host Ryan Tibbens. Iman shares ideas about his new book, Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect: All in One Exam Guide, about how technology can improve education, and how people must maintain strong morals and respect if they truly want to live good lives and serve others. Tibbens taught Iman in 9th grade English during his first year as a teacher, so the episode begins with a little catching up but quickly moves on to focus on Iman's goals of mentorship, representation, and personal development. If you are interested in how technology is reshaping our world, how young leaders are building networks to support others, or even how to get certified as a Google Cloud Architect, this episode is for you.

Table of Contents (highlights*)

1. 0:00-5:13 -- 9th Grade English
2. 5:13-10:55 -- Why Write and Teach? *
3. 10:55-17:47 -- The Purpose of Education
4. 17:47-24:59 -- How the Internet Decentralizes Learning *
5. 24:59-31:25 -- Morality in Tech
6. 31:25-37:34 -- Blockchain: Decentralizing Education
7. 27:34-43:39 -- Certificates vs Degrees
8. 43:39-46:12 -- Communication: The Value of Schooling
9. 46:12-56:42 -- Iman's Ideal School *
10. 56:42-1:08:53 -- The Certs Guy: How to Think, Help Others, Increase Representation, & Advance Careers *
11. 1:08:53-1:15:23 -- Iman's Recommendations & Wrap-Up

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.057 features host Ryan Tibbens examining the motivations behind returning to in-person schooling this spring. Many community members, particularly teachers, have been shocked by how rapidly local officials have shifted their positions on distance vs hybrid options this winter. What people often fail to realize is that the return to school is not motivated by infection rates, a few loud parents at school board meetings, or even the quality of education. Rather, there are financial and political interests at play, and government officials -- local, state, and federal -- see the writing on the wall.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and leave a positive review. The ClassCast Podcast doesn't pay for promotion, so your support and referrals are vital. Get more commentary, innovation, news, occasional snark, and school memes by following the ClassCast Podcast on Facebook & Instagram @ClassCastPodcast and on Twitter @ClassCastPod. You can also access current and archival content at www. ClassCastPodcast.com.

If you are interested in advertising on the ClassCast Podcast, please inquire via the contact forms on our website.

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.056 features teacher, innovator, author, lawyer, and speaker Rachelle Dene Poth discussing virtual reality and augmented reality in the classroom, accessing VR hardware for students, and preparing students and teachers alike for the technology of tomorrow. After speaking with Taylor Freeman, an AR/VR industry leader and Forbes 30 Under 30 winner, in ClassCast Podcast Ep.046, host Ryan Tibbens made exploration of VR in education a top priority for future podcasts. Crowdsourcing ideas for future interviews led to Rachelle, a talented foreign language and STEAM teacher who has presented at ISTE, ASCD, and professional development events and conferences across the country. In this episode, Rachelle describes her amateur beginnings in the AR/VR space, how she gradually incorporated the technology into her STEAM and foreign language classes, and offers ideas to help other teachers access the technology for their students. If you are interested in AR/VR, or if you are a teacher or parent who wants to bring learning to life for your students, check out this discussion with Rachelle Dene Poth (and then listen to Ep.046 with Taylor Freeman)!

You can keep up with Rachelle at www.rdene915.com and follow her on Twitter @rdene915. Her books -- In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking, The Future Is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead, Unconventional: Ways to Thrive in EDU, Chart a New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow's World, and True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us -- are available on Amazon.com, her website, and many education booksellers.

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more. You can also find us on YouTube and right here at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen. Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!
​
Table of Contents (Highlight clips*)

1. 3:19-8:40 -- Intro to Rachelle Dene Poth & Her Work with Virtual Reality/Augment Reality
2. 8:40-17:49 -- AR/VR Equipment in the Classroom *
3. 21:08-23:01 -- What VR Has in Store for Us **
4. 23:01-27:48 -- Why Isn't EdTech More Kid Friendly?
5. 27:48-38:37 -- Rachelle's Education & 9,000 Degrees
6. 38:37-45:39 -- Rachelle's Ideal School **
7. 45:39-53:42 -- Rachelle's Education Books & Being an Author
8. 53:42-55:42 -- Rachelle's Book/Movie Recs.
9. 55:42-56:58 -- Final Wrap-Up & Contact Info

~~ And be sure to check out Spaces, a great digital portfolio and collaboration software that empowers teachers and students to focus on learning and growth. They helped to make this episode possible. ~~

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.055 features Clement Townsend, the owner/operator of Broadcasting Career Mentor and VideoJournalismPro.com. Clement shares his views on improving education through project-based learning (PBL), particularly in regard to teaching students how to plan, write, record, and edit video projects that amplify their voices, build foundational academic skills, and prepare them for 21st century jobs. Prior to launching his own education company, Clement Townsend was a popular and successful sports journalist who broadcast in Texas, Alabama, Virginia, and Chicago, Illinois. Clement covered the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game, and several NCAA football national championship games. Now, he dedicates himself to empowering young people by teaching them the skills he's learned, by making their learning authentic and applicable, and by improving education through innovation and industry-expertise. Clement's enthusiasm is infectious, and if you have interests in PBL, media, or transitioning students from media consumers to media producers, this episode is for you.

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major services plus YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Contact host Ryan Tibbens via website comment/contact forms. Contact Clement Townsend at www.videojournalismpro.com, on LinkedIn, on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter. Check out the table of contents below; highlights are marked with an asterisk (*).

Table of Contents

1. 0:00-12:53 -- Intro to Clement Townsend & His Educational Journey
2. 12:53-23:04 -- Launching Broadcasting Career Mentor & Video Journalism Pro*
3. 23:04-37:46 -- Serving the Youth: Modern "Essays," Media Education, & More**
4. 37:46-44:26 -- Opportunities for Collaboration & Quick Practice
5. 44:26-50:43 -- Pandemic Pivots: Teaching Media Production Online
6. 50:43-56:04 -- Clement's Ideal School*
7. 56:04-1:00:37 -- Music, Art... Why Not Media?: Expanding Media Production in Schools*
8. 1:00:37-1:05:32 -- Clement's Book Recs & Final Wrap-Up

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.054 features host Ryan Tibbens making unexpected connections between big ideas, from the Capitol attack on January 6 to grading policies to student scheduling to ending the factory model of public education. It sounds like a stretch, but trust me: It's all connected.  If you've ever thought teachers should make time for "teachable moments" in class, or if you want to end "factory" or "industrial" schooling, then there's a lot to unpack in this content-rich 29 minutes. Buckle up!

Remember: you can listen to the ClassCast Podcast at www.ClassCastPodcast.com, on YouTube, and on all major streaming services, including iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Stitchr, Amazon Music, Audible, and more!  If you like what you hear, please subscribe, leave a positive review, and share with your friends. If you want to get involved in the conversation, visit the website for more information about leaving comments or contacting the host. Enjoy!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.053 features Dr. Matthew Rhoads, a leader in edtech, blended learning, data utilization, and pandemic responses; he's also the author of Navigating the Toggled Term: Preparing Secondary Education for Navigating Fall 2020 and Beyond. Matt shares insights into how teachers can leverage technology to adapt to ever-changing pandemic scenarios while also preparing themselves and their students for the future of education. From "moneyballing" school to "navigating the toggled term," from pandemic adjustments to the future of distance learning, this episode connects current contexts to on-going innovations in ways that will help listeners understand the effects on every student and teacher. If you have any interest in school now or in the next decade, Dr. Rhoads shares ideas and predictions that will cement the value of edtech and adaptability into your priority list. Don't miss Matt's second book, Navigating the Toggled Term: A Guide for K-12 Classroom and School Leaders,which will be released later in 2021.

Contact Dr. Matthew Rhoads via Twitter @MattRhoads1990 and www.MatthewRhoads.com.

Table of Contents (Highlights )

1. 0:00-6:15 -- Intro to Pandemic Schooling*
2. 6:15-9:28 -- Dr. Rhoads' Education & Experiences
3. 9:28-17:49 -- Engines of Innovation & Pandemic Effects
4. 17:49-24:21 -- Matt's Preferred Edtech & Data Tools
5. 24:21-35:30 -- Moneyballing School: The Role of Data in Modern Schooling**
6. 35:30-55:44 -- Navigating the Toggled Term: In & Out of School during the Pandemic**
7. 55:44-58:26 -- Matt's Ideal School
8. 58:26-1:02:14 -- The Future of Online School
9. 1:02:53-1:08:51 -- Concerns about Concurrent Hybrid/HyFlex in K12**
10. 1:08:51-1:12:05 -- Book #2
11. 1:12:05-1:15:14 -- Matt's Book & Movie Recs
12. 1:15:14- End -- Wrap Up

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This quick highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.053 features Dr. Matthew Rhoads offering his thoughts on the concurrent hybrid and HyFlex models being implemented in some schools across the country. Dr. Rhoads is the author of Navigating the Toggled Term: Preparing Secondary Education for Navigating Fall 2020 and Beyond and has a second book dealing with blended learning, ed. tech., and pandemic responses that will be available later in 2021.  Near the end of the full episode, Matt offered up his views on concurrent hybrid school. Every student, parent, teacher, and administrator involved in a concurrent hybrid or HyFlex model should consider the issues he addresses. 

The full audio of Ep.053 featuring Dr. Rhoads will be available on Sunday, 1/17/2021, on all major streaming platforms, YouTube, and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to subscribe, like, follow, review, and share the ClassCast Podcast wherever you listen! 

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Episode 052 of the ClassCast Podcast features Sandy Sullivan, president of the Loudoun Education Association (LEA), speaking with host Ryan Tibbens about the LEA, its short and long term goals, collective bargaining in Virginia, pandemic safety measures, community outreach, and more. This is Sandy's second (non-consecutive) term as LEA president; otherwise, she has spent her career teaching early elementary education in Loudoun and Montgomery (MD) counties. In this conversation, she explains the changes in Virginia's collective bargaining laws, the need for union representation, how education associations and unions function, as well as what is best for teachers and students. Whether you're for or against teachers' unions, this episode will help you better understand the issues and better contextualize their impacts in local communities.

Contact Sandy Sullivan and/or the Loudoun Education association at their website, on Facebook, or by email. You might also check out the Virginia Education Association and National Education Association.

Be sure to like, share, follow, subscribe, and leave a positive review wherever you get your podcasts.

Table of Contents

1. 0:00-3:40 -- Sandy's LEA Involvement
2. 3:54-8:51 -- Sandy's Path through & to Education
3. 8:52-11:41 -- Member involvement in the Loudoun Education Association
4. 11:41-20:08 -- Political Climate in 2020
5. 20:08-34:14 -- How LEA Works & Unionization/Collective Bargaining ***
6. 34:14-46:33 -- Short Term LEA Goals ***
7. 46:33-52:26 -- What's Best for Teachers? (And Students?)
8. 52:26-57:06 -- Sandy's Ideal School
9. 57:06-59:54 -- Final Thoughts on Teacher Motivations & Collective Bargaining ***
10. 59:55-1:07:19 -- Sandy's Book/Movie Recommendations & Wrap-Up

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2020 has been a special year in many ways, most of them bad.  But for the ClassCast Podcast, 2020 was a year of learning, development, and growth. These discussions about improving education reached thousands of listeners spread across six continents.  In 38 episodes this calendar year, I spoke with passionate students, innovative teachers, reflective administrators, industry-leading CEOs, elected officials -- all kinds of smart, purposeful people who are challenging the status quo of education in the United States and abroad.

​This special episode offers a quick reflection on ClassCast Podcasts from 2020, goals for 2021, and an overview of all the content generated this year. 

Visit www.ClassCastPodcast.com to see the TOP TEN Most Downloaded episodes of the year as well as the ten HOST'S PICKS for most commented-upon and asked-about episodes. 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.051 features Devin Siebold, America's favorite teacher-comedian, sharing his thoughts on education, school improvement, and why school can be so hilarious (and so tragic). Devin discusses his beginnings in comedy, his classroom experiences, and his ever-growing fanbase (up to 10 MILLION views per month). If you've ever laughed at Devin's YouTube videos (what teacher hasn't?) and wondered what kind of teacher makes those videos, or wondered how his administrators react, this episode will make it all clear. Throughout this conversation, Devin shares his personal career goals, sincere hopes for school improvement, and insights into comedy as an art form. You can learn more about Devin Siebold, his upcoming events, and his social media presence by checking out his website, DevinComedy.com.

Be sure to like, share, follow, retweet, subscribe, leave a positive review, and send passenger pigeons to everyone in your region in support of the ClassCast Podcast!

Table of Contents

• 0:00-8:00 -- Intro to Devin Siebold, Teacher-Comedian*
• 8:00-12:04 -- Devin's Favorite Comedian & Getting Started
• 12:04-17:01 -- Being a Funny Teacher
• 17:01-22:17 -- Becoming a Teacher
• 22:19-27:31 -- Becoming the Teachers' Comedian*
• 27:31-41:35 -- Avoiding Admin's Wrath & the Most Embarrassing All-Staff Ever**
• 41:35-45:42 -- Favorite YouTube Clips & Coworker Conditions
• 45:44-51:11 -- Devin's Ideal School: The Magic School Bus Meets Unschooling**
• 51:14-53:11 -- A New Joke: Christmas Sweatshops
• 53:12-56:29 -- Devin's Book/Movie Recommendations
• 56:30-58:22 -- Upcoming Shows & Wrap-Up

(*Highlights)

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.050 features host Ryan Tibbens discussing the value of and need for snow days, despite our ability to conduct classes online.  The shortest episode to date, just 10 minutes, this passionate defense of snow day school cancellations addresses parent concerns like falling behind, seat time, screen time, and learning as well as social-emotional learning, whole child development, and the sanctity of of snow days in American culture.  Before you criticize the decisions to close schools for snow, or before you engage with someone who opposes snow days, listen to this episode, consider your values, and remember this timeless wisdom -- there is a special place in hell for people who oppose snow days. 

If you disagree with any of the ideas in the episode, or if you'd like to engage further, use the contact form at www.ClassCastPodcast.com or find us on Twitter @ClassCastPod as well as Facebook and Instagram @ClassCastPodcast.  

Be sure to like, subscribe, share, follow, retweet, leave a positive review, and whatever else might help spread the word about the great conversation occurring the ClassCast Podcast! 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.049 features innovator, writer, and former principal Craig Randall sharing his ideas about improving teacher observation and evaluation processes to increase the quality of teaching and of school in general. Craig is the creator and author of Trust-Based Observations, a new framework for evaluating teachers while encouraging innovation, risk-taking, and growth. His system is, as the name indicates, based on building a trusting, growth-focused relationship between teachers and evaluators; it is the culmination of a long, successful career teaching, counseling, coaching, and administrating in schools on four continents. This episode offers food for thought AND practical solutions for anyone concerned with improving the quality of instruction of in schools, from teachers to students, from principals to parents. Listeners with less time should check out highlights in the starred sections below.

The ClassCast Podcast is available on all major streaming platforms, plus YouTube and ClassCastPodcast.com. Be sure to like, subscribe, share, follow, and leave a positive review wherever you listen.

Table of Contents

1. 0:00-6:18 -- Intro/Craig as a Student
2. 6:18-12:32 -- Craig as a Guidance Counselor, Coach, & Teacher
3. 12:33-16:49 -- Working in International Schools
4. 16:49-27:35 -- Becoming a Principal & Revolutionizing Teacher Observation w/ Trust-Based Observations**
5. 27:36-36:49 -- Can We Really Make a Good Teacher Great?
6. 36:49-47:41 -- The Evolution of Teacher Evolution Over Time
7. 47:42-52:47 -- The Reality of Teacher Observations & Evaluations, plus "Fantasy" Teachers**
8. 52:47-59:18 -- Craig's Ideal School**
9. 59:19-1:05:11 -- Action Research
10. 1:05:11-1:09:51 -- Students' Voices in Teacher Evaluations**
11. 1:09:51-1:20:48 -- Craig's Book/Movie Recommendations & Wrap-Up

Contact Craig Randall at www.trustbased.com, on Twitter @trustbasedcraig, and via email @ craig @trustbased.com.

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 048 features host Ryan Tibbens sharing insights and advice on reserving judgment (and passing it), building patience, and keeping an open mind.  As a teacher, he has developed a deeper appreciation for patience, optimism, and open-mindedness than most people (and certainly more than he had earlier in life); this quick solo episode includes ideas to help teachers maintain strong relationships with students and coworkers as well as advice to help families and friends overcome personal, political, and moral differences as we head into the holiday season.  Tibbens uses a line from F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel The Great Gatsby to anchor these insights: "Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope."  Before you give up on a student, "unfriend" an old friend, or uninvite someone from a holiday celebration, think long and hard about hope, possibility, and patience.  

You can find this and every other episode of the ClassCast Podcast on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, YouTube, and many more.  Be sure to subscribe, like, follow, share, leave a positive review, and tell your friends.  Happy holidays! 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.047 features Shane Lawrence, the host of The Ed Podcast and a middle school drama/film/computer/art/English/everything teacher from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Shane and host Ryan Tibbens discuss Shane's experiences in education, podcasting, how to make school better for students, great movie and book recommendations, and more. For over six years, The Ed Podcast has been among the most loved and respected education podcasts; using that background, Shane shares what he has learned about great teaching and about how to broadcast it. For the "ideal school" section of this episode, Shane showed up prepared -- he had notes about schedules, planning times, options, and more. And of course, as a film and drama teacher, Shane shares some excellent movie and book recommendations at the end. This episode has a little something for everyone, and it has a whole lot for teachers, administrators, and podcasters.

You can contact Shane via TheEdPodcast.com and on Twitter @theedpodcast.

Be sure to like, follow, subscribe, share, comment, review, and all that other good stuff wherever you get your podcasts. Streaming now on all major services.

Table of Contents

1. 0:00-15:52 -- Intro to Shane Lawrence & Education Podcasting
2. 15:52-26:00 -- Shane's Education & Teaching Career
3. 26:00-31:13 -- How We Schedule a School Day
4. 31:13-1:06:04 -- The Ideal School
5. 1:06:38-1:14:25 -- Shane's Movie & Book Recommendations
6. 1:14:26-1:15:27 -- Wrap Up

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.045 features Taylor Freeman (founder & CEO of Axon Park, co-founder of Upload, Forbes 30 Under 30, and VR industry leader) sharing knowledge and insights about the exciting field of XR (virtual reality, augmented reality, etc. -- we explore the names and functions in this episode), how it can impact and improve schools, and how the world may change as virtual reality technologies become better, cheaper, and more popular. Whether you know nothing about virtual reality or you have your own headset, this episode has something for you -- educational applications, business dynamics, technical details, recommended platforms, and more.

Host Ryan Tibbens first gave serious consideration to virtual reality schooling in late September 2020 after teaching synchronous online classes all day. "It would be great if students could work from home but feel like they were around each other, if they could look around and see each other to improve class climate and discussion." From there, the idea took off: "If we had virtual reality capabilities to recreate the classroom, why stop there? Why not make every day a lab day, field trip, or hands-on activity?" Tibbens contacted Freeman, and the result is an exciting, interesting, truly outside-the-box discussion about how we can apply new technologies to improve nearly every aspect of both traditional and online schooling.

Whether you're looking for educational innovation, information about a quickly advancing technology, what the future may hold, or even a great holiday gift idea, Ep.046's conversation with Taylor Freeman is rich in ideas and inspirations.

Table of Contents

1. 0:00-9:47 -- Intro to Taylor Freeman & VR in Schools
2. 9:47-13:31 -- The Inspiration for This Discussion
3. 13:31-23:52 -- Taylor's Education
4. 23:52-34:57 -- The Rise of Virtual Reality in School & Beyond
5. 34:57-42:19 -- VR, XR, AR, MR: What Are We Talking About?
6. 42:11-44:50 -- The State of XR/VR Today
7. 44:50-54:53 -- Axon Park: The School of the Future
8. 54:53-1:01:02 -- How to Create a Virtual Setting
9. 1:01:03-1:13:56 -- Virtual Reality in Movies AND Taylor's Book/Movie Recs.
10. 1:14:22-1:30:06 -- Final Thoughts: Video, Cyber Sickness, Oculus Quest 2, & AR in Class
11. 1:30:06-1:37:53 -- Taylor's Ideal School

Contacts
Find Taylor Freeman on Twitter @TaylorPFreeman, on Instagram @TaylorPFreeman, and on LinkedIn. Also follow @AxonPark and @UploadVR on Twitter and other social media outlets. Check out www.AxonPark.com and www. UploadVR.com for more information.

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In this sub-20 minute episode, host Ryan Tibbens discusses some of the less-talked-about aspects of the most common school models considered as school leaders across the country search for the best way to get students "back to school."  In many districts that have used 100% district learning through the first quarter of the school year, public pressure is mounting to open hybrid options that allow students back into the school building on a part-time basis. A model that is growing in popularity -- concurrent hybrid schooling -- allows in-person and online students to participate in the same class. That option sounds great at first, but a closer look at the logistics quickly reveal it to be just as limited as other options.  In the end, we may not have any good options, so we're all left to discuss and debate which is the least bad. No matter what your school division's leadership chooses, do your best to support students and the ultimate goal of school -- to empower individuals and uplift communities. 

Please read this great article about concurrent hybrid teaching from NBC News.

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.044 features Matt Bass, candidate for Board of Supervisors in Clarke County, VA, discussing life, school, politics, community, and planning in small town America. Clarke County, VA is located just over an hour west of Washington DC in the northern Shenandoah Valley. A small, rural county, it is home to just under 15,000 people, one high school, one grocery store, and a whole lot of genuine Virginia character. Situated just over the Blue Ridge Mountains from the booming DC suburbs of Loudoun, Fairfax, and Arlington, Clarke has managed to preserve thousands of acres of pristine farmland, beautiful mountain forests, and a small town charm that makes it unique in the northern Virginia region. In this episode, Matt shares his experiences growing up and going to school in Clarke County, attending the University of Virginia, becoming an attorney, starting a family, and future plans for the community he loves. Listeners from big cities or growing suburbs may be surprised to hear about the significance of schools in small communities; listeners from small towns will feel affirmed and reassured by Matt Bass's vision for the future.

Table of Contents

1. 0:00-13:24 -- Matt's Education and Background
2. 13:25-26:11 -- Higher Education: Applicable Skills vs Academic Knowledge in Small Towns
3. 26:12-29:37 -- Expanding Opportunities in Schools
4. 29:37-39:04 -- Choice & Innovation in Smaller Rural Schools (like Clarke County, VA)
5. 39:04-50:37 -- How Schools Anchor Communities like Clarke County, VA (Clip 01)
6. 50:38-1:11:00 -- Local Politics & Bass's Vision for Clarke County
7. 1:11:31-1:15:15 -- Student Loan Debt
8. 1:15:16-1:21:01 -- Matt's Ideal School
9. 1:21:02-1:22:39 -- Choosing Home
10. 1:22:39-1:30:58 -- Matt's Book & Movie Recommendations
11. 1:30:59-1:36:23 -- Final Thoughts

Be sure to like, share, follow, subscribe, leave a positive review, and all that other good stuff wherever you get your podcasts!

Learn more about Matt Bass's platform at https://www.facebook.com/Bass4Board. ​

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.044, Matt Bass, a candidate for Clarke County, VA Board of Supervisors, talks about how public schools anchor communities, particularly in small towns and rural areas across the country. In this clip, Matt and host Ryan Tibbens talk about the many roles that schools play in a community and how a sense of belonging, common identity, and unity can be forged through a healthy public school system.

Learn more about Matt Bass's platform at https://www.facebook.com/Bass4Board.  

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In this highlight from ClassCast Podcast Ep.044, Clarke County, VA Board of Supervisors candidate Matt Bass and host Ryan Tibbens discuss politics, planning, and community preservation.  Clarke County is situated approximately an hour west of Washington DC in the northern Shenandoah Valley.  In many ways, Clarke County represents "genuine Virginia" -- small towns, agricultural economies, and traditional communities -- and its proximity to the booming, wealthy suburbs of northern Virginia present an unique situation, a bridge between two worlds in one of our nation's oldest and most historically rich regions.  Listen to this clip to hear more about Matt Bass's vision for the county's future and how to maximize opportunities and resources without departing from local culture and tradition.

Learn more about Matt Bass's platform at https://www.facebook.com/Bass4Board.  

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.043 features host Ryan Tibbens discussing wide-reaching, intrusive, and imperfect policy changes in his school division that are resulting in suppression of teachers' First Amendment rights, paranoia among employees, book banning, censorship, and more. Banned Books Week 2020 runs from September 27 through October 3 and, ironically, included Tibbens' first personal run-in with book banning during his 15 year teaching career. The new policy not only infringes upon employees' first amendment rights in hopes of protecting the division's public image and efficiency, but it declares a universal ban on racial slurs "regardless of intent" as well. That, of course, sounds great, but it results in a wide variety of high quality texts becoming unsafe -- or possibly banned -- for classroom use, rendering teachers' efforts to support national and local antiracist goals harder to achieve because teachers have fewer options for texts to inform and guide those discussions. In this episode, Tibbens addresses problematic aspects of the new policy, connects it to classroom realities, and defends The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, Just Mercy, and more.

If you are serious about fighting racism and censorship while promoting critical thinking and intellectual freedom, this episode is not to be missed.

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~~ UPDATE: Since this episode was released, several leaders within the school system have reached out for clarification. Contrary to initial comments, they say no specific books are being banned. They also state that teachers have their full support and that some of the "diverse classroom library" books mentioned are either no longer included or are not present in elementary classrooms, as I mistakenly indicated. Additionally, in part because of awareness and concerns raised by this podcast, the proposed Professional Conduct Policy has been sent back to committee for revision. Final language is still pending. That being said, the clarifying comments also suggest a shift from what the ALA calls "direct censorship" (a formal ban by school leaders) to "indirect censorship" (an informal ban imposed by teachers/librarians on themselves in order to avoid conflicts or problems at work or in the community). At this point, the censorship concern seems to fall upon individual teachers, not leadership, because there is no formal ban or limitation on the texts. School leadership has issued formal guidelines on how to handle books with racially offensive language, which includes "DO NOT use audio books or read passages with sensitive language or racial slurs aloud, nor should students read these passages aloud. Teachers may not read the passage and omit the offensive word or supply a substitute word. Language spoken aloud that is oppressive causes violence and trauma to students and provides tacit permission for students to use these terms outside of the classroom." This guideline makes the texts addressed in this episode (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and The Autobiography of Malcolm X) unusable for whole class and small group applications because the texts can't be read or discussed aloud. The broader concerns of this episode stand.

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 042 features Joe Pizzo, the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) 2020 National Educator of the Year, sharing his thoughts about education, progress, project-based learning, classroom dynamics, and much, much more as he begins his remarkable 47th year teaching middle school English in Chester, New Jersey. Joe talks with host Ryan Tibbens about adjusting to pandemic conditions, supporting young teachers, creating "real world" and project-based opportunities for students, publishing, and more -- including why he hasn't retired yet! Joe is one of the busiest people we've met on the ClassCast Podcast, from winning multiple state and national level awards to serving on professional organizations' boards, from teaching middle school and college to volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America and at his local church. In this wide-ranging, intimate conversation, Joe shares what keeps him motivated, how to connect with students, and even why a comfort note or sincere consolation can help someone through personal tragedy and loss. Given that 50% of teachers leave the profession within five years and that the national average career length is currently around 14 years (and dropping steadily in recent decades), Joe Pizzo offers a refreshing look at what makes teaching great and why great teachers stick around.

Table of Contents

• 0:00 - 7:40 -- Intro/Why Not Retire?
• 7:46 - 17:39 -- Changes during 47 Year Career?
• 17:40 - 24:15 -- Pandemics & Tough Discussions in School
• 24:30 - 32:25 -- Joseph Pizzo: the Student & Young Teacher
• 32:26 - 36:15 -- Advice for Young Teachers (continued below)
• 36:16 - 43:57 -- A Case Study in Patient, Persistent Education
• 44:07 - 53:44 -- Pizzo's Ideal School (plus Standardized Testing & Accountability)
• 53:45 - 1:01:12 -- 9/11 Ceremony & Project-Based Learning
• 1:01:13 - 1:02:33 -- Advice for Young Teachers (continued)
• 1:02:33 - 1:04:06 -- PBL & Real World Opportunities
• 1:04:15 - 1:07:23 -- AMLE 2020 Educator of the Year
• 1:07:24 - 1:11:54 -- Power Skills, Soft Skills, & Personal Development
• 1:11:54 - 1:25:00 -- Book & Movie Recommendations
• 1:25:00 - 1:32:18 -- Writing Can Change Everything & Comfort Notes
• 1:32:18 - 1:39:40 -- Final Thoughts

Be sure to like, share, follow, subscribe, and leave a positive review wherever you get your podcasts. The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major services and aims to improve education by hosting thoughtful, critical discussions about how we can do school (and life) better -- an education podcast for everyone, not just teachers. Be sure to leave a comment or review and let us know what you think.

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.041 features host Ryan Tibbens discussing racism, antiracism, acts of protest (particularly in professional sports), reactions to those protests, as well as why and how teachers can facilitate these discussions in the classroom. If you have ever paid attention to debates about NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, or if you heard about players' moment of silence (and the crowd booing) during the first game of the season, this episode provides perspectives that might help people better understand both sides of the discussion. And for teachers and parents, the examination of those perspectives should serve as starting point for deep, honest discussions with our students and peers.

For additional ideas on the subject, here's an article I wrote in 2016 about Colin Kaepernick's demonstrations. You can access the full, correct text of Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" here; his speech to the APA, including discussion of "Urban Riots" is available here.

Be sure to like, follow, share, subscribe, and leave a positive review to help spread the word about the ClassCast Podcast. If you want to share your own views on these protests or how to facilitate discussions about racism in school, join the discussions via www.facebook.com/ClassCastPodcast and www.twitter.com/ClassCastPod.

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.040 features Garrett Pierce, a recent online college graduate AND face-to-face college graduate, sharing insights into distance learning, the rigidity of high school, students' mental health struggles, improving schools, school choice, and learning by doing. Garrett, a former student of host Ryan Tibbens, also shares his passions for music, movies, brewing beer, baking bread and pizzas, and the finer things in life. If you're interested in a student and young professional's perspective on education and worthy reforms, look no further. Check out the Table of Contents below to identify clips and sections that fit your interests, or enjoy the whole conversation. Don't forget to like, follow, share, retweet, subscribe, and leave a positive review wherever you get your podcasts.

Table of Contents

1. Intro/ Garrett as a Student/ Student Mental Health -- 0:00-11:41
2. Hands-On Learning & VoTech -- 11:42-17:21
3. Breweing Beer -- 17:25-22:15
4. 2nd Degree Software Programmer -- 22:16-29:51
5. Religion & Education -- 29:53-35:03
6. School as Vocational Training -- 35:04-41:25
7. The Ideal School, Learning Styles, & Choice -- 45:26-57:20
8. Class Choice, Mental Health, & Student Loans -- 57:12-105:30
9. Distance Learning -- 1:05:30-1:18:18
10. Movie/Book Recs. -- 1:18:14-1:32:09
11. The War on Normal People -- 1:25:39-1:30:17
12. Cooking, Baking, & Brewing -- 1:32:10-1:37:53

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.039 features Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley -- standardized test experts, tutors, entrepreneurs, networkers, and podcasters -- speaking with host Ryan Tibbens about high stakes testing, the evolution of tests, "good testers," equity, grade inflation, improving schools, and much more. This discussion covers it all -- from becoming standardized test experts to school curriculum, from Randy Moss to Leo Tolstoy.

Table of Contents

1. Intro/Changing Tests over Time -- 0:00-9:12
2. Randy Moss: Do "Good Testers" Make Good Tutors? -- 9:15-17:37
3. Leo Tolstoy: All about "Naturally Good Testers" -- 17:38-20:46
4. Is the SAT Legit? -- 20:47-23:40
5. Test Prep: Strategies vs Skills and Curriculum -- 23:49-33:28
6. Don't Kill the Messenger: Grade Inflation & Equity -- 33:29-44:41
7. Ideal Schools: More Reading, Smaller Classes, & Peer Teaching -- 44:53-49:48
8. Recommendations: Books & Movies -- 49:50-53:03
9. Wrap-Up/Final Wisdom -- 53:21-54:58

Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley host the Tests & the Rest: The College Admissions Industry Podcast, which Ryan appeared on to talk about rhetoric and admissions essays; through their podcasting, they've spoken with well over 100 industry experts about different aspects of college admissions, testing, writing, research, and more. In addition to their podcast, Mike and Amy are the co-founders of the Test Prep Tribe private Facebook group for tutors and the National Test Prep Association, an all-new professional organization that connects and supports independent test prep tutors around the world. Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning in Rochester, New York; he previously tutored and worked as testing expert for Princeton Review and Huntington Learning Center. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros in Cleveland, Ohio; she previously tutored and trained with Princeton Review. Between them, they have over 50 years of test prep tutoring experience. Be sure to check out their podcast, particularly the episode featuring our host Ryan Tibbens.

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.038 features writer, traveler, and teacher Janet LoSole, author of Adventure by Chicken Bus: An Unschooling Odyssey through Central America. Janet is an experienced world traveler and ESL teacher who advocates for a special brand of homeschooling or unschooling -- "world schooling." In this episode, we discuss what world schooling is, why people do it, what kinds of families pursue the option, and what can be learned. We also address travel, educational freedom, books, and more. If you've ever thought about taking an extended field trip with family -- foreign or domestic -- you MUST learn more about world schooling and how travel can create the curriculum you need to learn everything from traditional school and more. In particular, listeners who enjoyed our recent episode about unschooling with Catina Franklin Sweedy will find a lot to think about in this conversation.

As always, be sure to like, follow, share, retweet, follow, subscribe, comment, and all that jazz wherever you get your podcasts!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Intro/What Is World Schooling? -- 1:17 - 10:40
- World Schooling: Language, Family, & Duration -- 16:31 - 27:08
- How Language Impacts Travel -- 27:09 - 34:41
- World Schooling Networks & Support -- 34:42 - 38:52
- Is World Schooling for Rich People? -- 42:15 - 50:53
- The Chicken Bus & the Book -- 50:58 - 59:04
- Janet's Ideal (Un)School -- 1:00:24 - 1:12:05
- Book/Movie Recommendations -- 1:12:05 - 1:17:19
- Seeing Poverty Up Close -- 1:17:20 - 1:22:05

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.037 features Jeremy Wayne Tate, CEO of the CLT exam, talking with host Ryan Tibbens about classical education, school choice, improving education, and the CLT exam itself. After spending around 10 years working in schools, he now leads an upstart testing company that hopes to challenge the SAT and ACT in the college admissions testing space. A self-proclaimed disrupter, Jeremy Wayne Tate cares deeply about education and about bringing back the classical form of schooling that has dominated western culture for hundreds of years. If you use Twitter and care about education, you MUST follow Jeremy (@JeremyTate41) -- you will love or hate his each and every tweet, but you will never feel apathetic about them. Whether you are a homeschooling, unschooling, private schooling, or public schooling family, the concepts of classical education, school choice, and admissions options should at least be on your radar. Don't miss this chance to learn about a new test and a new, old form of school from an up-and-coming education entrepreneur.

HIGHLIGHTS1) What is the CLT Exam & Why Classical Education? -- 2:22-21:02
2) Tate's Ideal School -- 21:30-29:30
3) Parents as Teachers & Government Schools -- 30:12-38:07
4) School Choice -- 38:08-50:18
5) Test Optional Admissions & Grades -- 52:08-56:56
6) The CLT's Growth -- 56:56-1:01:25
7) Cultural Bias -- 1:01:33-1:12:42
8) Books & Ending -- 1:14:56-1:21:00

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Ep.036 features the founders of Allies for Black Voices: ​Pooja Tanjore, Roma Sharma, Grace Crangle, & Nikita Sajai.

Allies for Black Voices is a project founded and operated by four brilliant young women in Loudoun County, Virginia. After the murder of George Floyd and the outbreak of Black Lives Matter protests across, Pooja, Roma, Grace, and Nikita felt compelled to act. They realized that social media posts aren't real action, and they understood that, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were unable to participate in protests or engage in robust discussions about systemic racism and reform. They pooled their ideas and resources and, after joining forces with the Loudoun County chapter of NOW (National Organization for Women) and their vice president (Jessica Berg -- teacher, writer, activist, and former ClassCast Podcast guest), decided to create a virtual platform to showcase Black speakers who wanted to share their ideas, experiences, and aspirations for improving racial justice in the United States. Each week throughout the summer of 2020, Allies for Black Voices is hosting a live Zoom session featuring different speakers and ideas. The events are free to attend, and they post the videos to their YouTube channel for sharing or viewing after the live event ends. Keep up with their speakers and new events on their Instagram page.

In this episode of the ClassCast Podcast, host Ryan Tibbens talks with Pooja, Roma, Grace, and Nikita about their work for racial justice and how public education factors into our country's race problems and solutions. From activism to curriculum improvement, multiculturalism to book/movie/podcast recommendations, Episode 036 is a deep, content rich discussion about how all Americans can contribute to social improvement.

NEW!
​For ease of access and organization, the ClassCast Podcast will no longer post separate highlight clips for reach episode. Of course, we recommend listening to the full episode, but from now on, each upload will include a Table of Contents with time stamps to to help listeners find specific topics and sections.

Table of Contents

• 6:03 - 25:43 -- Intro to Allies for Black Voices, Audience/Purpose, & Anti-Racist Materials
• 38:56 - 1:02:57 -- Anti-Racism in Schools (Curriculum, Gerrymandering, Representation, Racial Disparities, & School Resource Officers/Police)
• 1:03:22 - 1:11:58 -- Teacher Race and Representation
• 1:12:00 - 1:28:21 -- Improving Schools
• 1:32:00 - 1:44:00 -- Book, Movie, & Podcast Recommendations

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This clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.035 features Sara Potler LaHayne, founder and CEO of Move This World, explaining the concept of social-emotional learning (SEL), introducing the Move This World program, and declaring its significance for students of every age and background. SEL has become somewhat of buzz word in education over the last couple of years, but this trend has been built on decades of hard work by school counselors, psychologists, researchers, and entrepreneurs like Sara. If you want to know more about SEL and how it can help the young people in your life or school, this clip is a great starting point. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.035, the CEO & founder of Move This World, Sara Potler LaHayne, explains the roles teachers play in the Move This World program and in social-emotional learning (SEL) in general. Sara points out how teachers must engage in the regular practice to maximize the benefits for the students and themselves; however, because of Move This World's production quality and micro-lesson structure, teachers have to do zero planning. Teacher feedback and buy-in are essential for most student support programs to be successful, and Sara does everything she can to address teachers' needs and increase their participation.  If you want to learn more about SEL and teachers' involvement in that education, don't miss this clip. 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.035 features Sara Potler LaHayne, the founder and CEO of Move This World, a social-emotional learning (SEL) program that has served over one million students across 35 states, helping young people to achieve and maintain better mental health, emotional stability, and personal control -- all of which contribute to happiness and educational success. Throughout the episode, Sara and host Ryan Tibbens discuss what SEL is, how it works, what students/parents/teachers do in the Move This World program, and how we can make schools better by treating students as complete, dynamic human beings. SEL has become somewhat of a buzz word in public education lately, but Sara has dedicated over 13 years to building her company, increasing awareness of SEL, and supporting young people across the United States. If you want to learn more about social-emotional learning, the Move This World program, or why helping students with emotional well-being is so important, be sure to listen to the full episode.

Check out Move This World on social media:

• Facebook: @MoveThisWorld
• Twitter: @move_thisworld
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/move-this-world
• Instagram: @move_thisworld

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.034, unschooling advocate Catina Franklin Sweedy and host Ryan Tibbens discuss the importance of literacy and numeracy but disagree somewhat over how to support young people in developing those skills. Still friendly and productive, this is one of the only disagreements in the entire discussion -- Catina advocates full self-direction, and Ryan prefers compulsory direct instruction for literacy and numeracy skills.  This leads to discussions of how to implement more choice in schools, how to scale a hybrid plan, and how culture shapes our ideas about what skills are essential.  Though it comes from the end of the episode, almost an afterthought, this is one of the most entertaining sections of the discussion.

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.034 features Catina Franklin Sweedy, an unschooling advocate and leader at the Embark Center for Self-Directed Education in Leesburg, Virginia, discussing unschooling, student choice, mentorship, intellectual freedom, and innovation in public education with host Ryan Tibbens.  As COVID-19 pressures mount on public schools, students, parents, teachers, and other institutions, many families are unsure of what schooling decisions to make this fall and beyond; this discussion will not only present them with innovative options in the short term but with visions of change and progress to carry our students and schools into a new educational paradigm. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.034, Catina Franklin Sweedy describes her own schooling; she and host Ryan Tibbens then discuss the value of mentorship and making personal connections with teachers and advisors. Catina's career has been two-fold -- a highly sought-after clarinetist and teacher AND a self-directed education leader -- and this clip illuminates the path that led her to both musical success and educational innovation. Host Ryan Tibbens also shares his experiences working with students and offering mentorship to young people in public schools. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.034, unschooling expert Catina Franklin Sweedy shares her ideas about improving schools (and "unschools") in great detail -- ending compulsory attendance, moving to an interdisciplinary model, enhancing student choice, creating more labs and open facilities, improving the architecture, and more. Host Ryan Tibbens shares many of her visions and adds in one of his own goals -- using vacant commercial real estate for future school facilities. If you are interested in changing and improving the public school model, you can't miss this clip.

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.034, self-directed education expert Catina Franklin Sweedy explains the concept of unschooling and how it (and other alternatives) provide families with educational options, both during the pandemic and beyond. In addition to unschooling her own children, Catina has worked at the Embark Center for Self-Directed Education, an unschooling center in Leesburg, Virginia, for over a decade. Her insights into the benefits of freedom, choice, and student efficacy are essential listening for anyone involved in education -- schooling, unschooling, or otherwise.

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.034, self-directed education leader Catina Franklin Sweedy and host Ryan Tibbens discuss the value of choice in education -- from homeschooling, unschooling, and traditional schooling to class and content choice, from libertarianism to curiosity.  Increasing students "voice and choice" has been trendy in formal education for the last few years, but education leaders always frame it as a surface-level choice, not as a choice between school formats, content areas, and specializations.  In this clip, we explore what real choice looks like. 

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This quick teaser features host Ryan Tibbens explaining the purpose of the ClassCast Podcast -- to think outside the box about how to improve education -- to Ep.034 guest Catina Franklin Sweedy, a leader at the Embark Center for Self-Directed Education in Leesburg, VA.  This full episode (and its highlight clips) address unschooling, pandemic responses, student engagement, improving school, and more -- it is not to be missed! 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.033 features host Ryan Tibbens sharing his views about reopening schools in the fall and, more importantly, advice about how teachers, administrators, parents, and students can all adjust their rhetoric to achieve better results. In recent weeks, social media posts from parents and from teachers have turned increasingly vitriolic, illogical, and unproductive. Private pages and Facebook groups have emerged catering to every possible reopening preference, and in those echo chambers, the people who are supposed to care most about students -- parents and teachers -- seem to have lost focus on the purpose of school -- education. From concerns about childcare to teachers' health, from tax rates to technology, we would all benefit from a little more composure and compromise. Check out this sub-30 minute episode and let us know what you think. 

Be sure to like, follow, subscribe, share, and comment to spread the word and increase the level of discourse about education. 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.032 features college admissions expert and Princeton College Consulting co-founder Benjamin Caldarelli speaking with host Ryan Tibbens about higher education, helping students prepare for the admissions process, improving schools, and how to better serve both students and our communities. As a former English professor and current admissions advisor/entrepreneur, Benjamin offers insights into the "education space" that few students, parents, teachers, or professors fully understand because most people don't see the many angles that he has experienced.  Enjoy this episode, learn from Mr. Caldarelli's insights, and think about how his ideas could improve the schools around you. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.032, co-founder of Princeton College Consulting Benjamin Caldarelli and host Ryan Tibbens discuss the pressures that students face, pressures from grades and college admissions, and how those feelings can inhibit learning and derail education. Both speakers agree that many people's grades-above-all mentality is counterproductive -- it does not increase learning, personal development, nor chances college acceptance. Listen to this clip and learn more about how grading could change in ways that would ultimately improve students' learning, intrinsic motivation, and purpose. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.032, college admissions expert Benjamin Caldarelli describes his ideal school, how to create a better school environment, and how pandemic-related pressures might ultimately change higher education. "What's your ideal school?" is a standard question included in all ClassCast Podcasts, but it only occasionally generates a highlight clip; in this case, Benjamin addresses students' needs before school design, offers concrete examples of his vision, and then transitions into how COVID-19 might force higher education to evolve in the coming years. For those interested in how higher education could better serve students or what the future may hold, this clip is not to be missed. 

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This clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.032 features host and tutor Ryan Tibbens speaking with college admissions expert and Princeton College Consulting co-founder Benjamin Caldarelli about the college application process, the significance of good essays and letters of recommendation, holistic evaluations, and pandemic-related changes in the process, including schools going "test optional." This highlight offers both insights into the admissions process itself AND useful advice and ideas to help students who will be applying to college soon. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.031, student and Black Lives Matter activist Camryn Thompson shares her thoughts on the importance of racially diverse school faculties as well as how to increase racial diversity without resorting to quotas or altered expectations. Among her many thoughtful suggestions is how improved teacher compensation could help to attract the best talent from a variety of racial and ethnic groups, ultimately improving the quality of education and job satisfaction for teachers. While "pay teachers more" is a common (but not always productive) strategy, Camryn makes a logical and passionate argument for why educators are deserving of more pay and prestige, and how those improvements could yield faculties more representative of (and effective with) their student bodies.

** DISCLAIMER -- This episode contains honest, open discussions about race, racism, and bias in schools. Both Camryn Thompson and host Ryan Tibbens engaged in this discourse to share perspectives and learn. For those listening with a more critical ear (or predisposition to cancel culture/virtue signalling), please extend a little grace. We're all trying to get better. Also, as a teacher, I have referred to professional experiences that have occurred in six different schools and with a wide variety of coworkers; I do not intend to disparage any person or institution, nor do I intend to speak on "out of place" or on behalf of my employer. I am solely responsible for my views. At a few points in this discussion, specific names are obscured so that listeners focus on the broader issues rather than individual schools or people involved in the situations. If you have a suggestion or question about content in this episode, you can contact ClassCast Podcast directly via readthinkwritespeak@yahoo.com.

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.031, future doctor Camryn Thompson talks with host Ryan Tibbens about how student participation and direction might improve staff equity/race training, school committees, and new anti-racist measures in schools. Essentially, Camryn picks up a thread that has connected several episodes of the ClassCast Podcast -- if we're serious about student efficacy and empowerment, then they must be involved in the decision-making process. In this segment, Thompson and Tibbens discuss how including students, particularly students of color, in school-wide race and equity activities might improve inclusion, participation, and effectiveness.

** DISCLAIMER -- This episode contains honest, open discussions about race, racism, and bias in schools. Both Camryn Thompson and host Ryan Tibbens engaged in this discourse to share perspectives and learn. For those listening with a more critical ear (or predisposition to cancel culture/virtue signalling), please extend a little grace. We're all trying to get better. Also, as a teacher, I have referred to professional experiences that have occurred in six different schools and with a wide variety of coworkers; I do not intend to disparage any person or institution, nor do I intend to speak on "out of place" or on behalf of my employer. I am solely responsible for my views. At a few points in this discussion, specific names are obscured so that listeners focus on the broader issues rather than individual schools or people involved in the situations. If you have a suggestion or question about content in this episode, you can contact ClassCast Podcast directly via readthinkwritespeak@yahoo.com.

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.031, Camryn Thompson addresses the impacts of implicit racial biases and microaggressions in schools. Speaking with her former English teacher, she details personal experiences and shared anecdotes in which students were (intentionally or unintentionally) made to feel different, excluded, or less capable than their peers. Host Ryan Tibbens suggests that the cumulative effects of these unintentional expressions of implicit or subconscious bias may actually be more damaging to many students than the more overt, explicit acts that school staffs tend to focus upon. The two then discuss how school leadership should respond and promote anti-racist culture.

** DISCLAIMER -- This episode contains honest, open discussions about race, racism, and bias in schools. Both Camryn Thompson and host Ryan Tibbens engaged in this discourse to share perspectives and learn. For those listening with a more critical ear (or predisposition to cancel culture/virtue signalling), please extend a little grace. We're all trying to get better. Also, as a teacher, I have referred to professional experiences that have occurred in six different schools and with a wide variety of coworkers; I do not intend to disparage any person or institution, nor do I intend to speak on "out of place" or on behalf of my employer. I am solely responsible for my views. At a few points in this discussion, specific names are obscured so that listeners focus on the broader issues rather than individual schools or people involved in the situations. If you have a suggestion or question about content in this episode, you can contact ClassCast Podcast directly via readthinkwritespeak@yahoo.com.

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The first highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.031 features Duke University senior Camryn Thompson speaking with host Ryan Tibbens, her former English teacher, about racism (and, more importantly, anti-racism) in schools. As a young black woman, Camryn reflects on her own experiences with explicit and implicit racism and what we can do to make schools more inclusive and productive for all students. This clip sets up the discussions that follow throughout the remainder of the episode.

** DISCLAIMER -- This episode contains honest, open discussions about race, racism, and bias in schools. Both Camryn Thompson and host Ryan Tibbens engaged in this discourse to share perspectives and learn. For those listening with a more critical ear (or predisposition to cancel culture/virtue signalling), please extend a little grace. We're all trying to get better. Also, as a teacher, I have referred to professional experiences that have occurred in six different schools and with a wide variety of coworkers; I do not intend to disparage any person or institution, nor do I intend to speak on "out of place" or on behalf of my employer. I am solely responsible for my views. At a few points in this discussion, specific names are obscured so that listeners focus on the broader issues rather than individual schools or people involved in the situations. If you have a suggestion or question about content in this episode, you can contact ClassCast Podcast directly via readthinkwritespeak@yahoo.com.

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.031 features Camryn Thompson, a rising senior at Duke University and a former student of host Ryan Tibbens. As a brilliant young black woman who grew up in a globally diverse, yet majority white, wealthy suburb, Camryn offers insights and suggestions to improve schools that are informed by both academic studies and personal experience. Currently working through the medical school application process, Ms. Thompson has begun dedicating more of her personal time to activism and is involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. In this discussion with her former English teacher, she advocates for anti-racism through improved public relations, hiring, staff accountability, classroom discussions, and compensation so that our schools can truly serve all Americans equitably.

** DISCLAIMER -- This episode contains honest, open discussions about race, racism, and bias in schools. Both Camryn Thompson and host Ryan Tibbens engaged in this discourse to share perspectives and learn. For those listening with a more critical ear (or predisposition to cancel culture/virtue signalling), please extend a little grace. We're all trying to get better. Also, as a teacher, I have referred to professional experiences that have occurred in six different schools and with a wide variety of coworkers; I do not intend to disparage any person or institution, nor do I intend to speak on "out of place" or on behalf of my employer. I am solely responsible for my views. At a few points in this discussion, specific names are obscured so that listeners focus on the broader issues rather than individual schools or people involved in the situations. If you have a suggestion or question about content in this episode, you can contact ClassCast Podcast directly via readthinkwritespeak@yahoo.com.

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In this quick clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.030, Leleda Beraki presents her unofficial commencement address, reflecting upon challenges and opportunities facing members of the Class of 2020. Leleda tried out to be graduation speaker, and though her speech was good, competition was stiff; the main graduation speaker did an excellent job. However, host Ryan Tibbens was on that selection committee, so he knew Leleda's speech was also great and offered her the opportunity to share it at the end of the podcast. While it may be more serious than most graduation speeches, it is also real, sincere, and, ultimately, hopeful. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.030, guest Leleda Beraki shares her experiences growing up, moving, and adapting to new cultures. Leleda was born in Eritrea, a small African nation, and moved to the United States during elementary school. Because of her family's experiences on two continents and in several cultures, she explains how she has come to understand racism and how her family's views may vary from those of black people born in the United States. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.030, recent high school graduate and future Yale student Leleda Beraki talks with host Ryan Tibbens about race and racism in schools, in society, and how honest, purposeful discussion offers a path to a more just and equitable world. Ryan Tibbens was Leleda's teacher in Advanced Placement English Language and Composition and served as his teacher's assistant during her senior year, so they know each other well and have engaged in conversations about race many times in the past, both in and out of class. In this clip, Leleda offers criticisms and suggestions for how schools can do better, and Ryan explains his decision-making when teaching classes that focus on rhetoric, justice, and equity.

DISCLAIMER** -- This episode contains honest, open discussions about race, racism, and bias in schools. Both Leleda Beraki and host Ryan Tibbens engaged in this discourse to share perspectives and learn. As the host, as a white male with my upbringing, I assume there are plenty of flawed statements in this discussion, but the only thing that's clear to me after recording is that I talked a little too much. Also, as a teacher, I have referred to professional experiences that have occurred in six different schools and with a wide variety of coworkers; I do not intend to disparage any person or institution, nor do I intend to speak on "out of place" or on behalf of my employer. I am solely responsible for my views. For those listening with a more critical ear (or predisposition to cancel culture/virtue signalling), please extend a little grace. We're all trying to get better. If you have a suggestion or question about content in this episode, you can contact ClassCast Podcast directly via readthinkwritespeak@yahoo.com.

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.030, recent high school graduate Leleda Beraki shares her experience visiting an unschooling/independent learning center, thoughts about public school requirements, desires for more student choice, and visions of what would be her ideal school. Increased student participation in policy and administrative decisions has become an unintentional theme in this podcast, and this discussion fits right in -- Leleda is the youngest guest so far on the ClassCast Podcast and offers the freshest, most clear representation of what high school students want. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.030, Leleda Beraki talks about her recent experiences as a member of the high school Class of 2020. She addresses her hopes and concerns as she prepares to enroll at Yale in the fall; her memories, concerns, and observations of distance learning at the end of her senior year; and how pandemic responses and shifts to online schooling revealed serious problems with students' educational motivations. 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.030 features Leleda Beraki, an incredibly intelligent and focused member of the high school Class of 2020, discussing her high school experience, her reflections on the pandemic closure/online learning, how to improve school, and how honest discourse can help resolve racism in school and society. As she prepares to enroll at Yale in the fall, Leleda has given serious thought to school's shortcomings and the social struggles we must all work to correct. At the end, Leleda shares her unofficial graduation address -- it was not selected for her school's virtual graduation ceremony, but it includes serious and determined tones that beautifully represent the world in 2020.

Be sure to like, follow, share, and comment to let us know what you think and help boost ClassCast's reach. If you listen on a platform that supports reviews, we would appreciate some positive comments!

DISCLAIMER** -- This episode contains honest, open discussions about race, racism, and bias in schools. Both Leleda Beraki and host Ryan Tibbens engaged in this discourse to share perspectives and learn. As the host, as a white male with my upbringing, I assume there are plenty of flawed statements in this discussion, but the only thing that's clear to me after recording is that I talked a little too much. Also, as a teacher, I have referred to professional experiences that have occurred in six different schools and with a wide variety of coworkers; I do not intend to disparage any person or institution, nor do I intend to speak on "out of place" or on behalf of my employer. I am solely responsible for my views. For those listening with a more critical ear (or predisposition to cancel culture/virtue signalling), please extend a little grace. We're all trying to get better. If you have a suggestion or question about content in this episode, you can contact ClassCast Podcast directly via readthinkwritespeak@yahoo.com.

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ClassCast Podcast Clip 029.2 features Kaplan Entrepreneur in Residence Megan O'Connor describing the new Boost Year program, how it works, and what if offers students who are looking for a different educational experience before college.  Students who are considering a gap year or alternate path between high school and college might consider what a Boost Year offers in terms of career insights and readiness. Be sure to life, follow, share, and comment to let us know what you think! 

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ClassCast Podcast Clip 029.1 features Megan O'Connor, a successful entrepreneur in the education field, talking with host Ryan Tibbens about her role and responsibilities as Kaplan's Entrepreneur in Residence. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, innovating in the education space, or a career in business, Ms. O'Connor shares useful insights in this quick clip.  Be sure to like, follow, share, and comment to let us know what you think! 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.029 features Kaplan's Entrepreneur in Residence Megan O'Connor speaking with host Ryan Tibbens about the new Boost Year program, entrepreneurship in education, and how formal education might change after COVID-19 pressures. Ms. O'Connor shares her own educational and professional background, including her work at education tech firms, and her beliefs about how college will change to better prepare students for careers. Her current project, Kaplan's Boost Year, is an alternative to the traditional gap year experience, designed to improve students' career readiness prior to entering college. 

Anyone interested in gap years, career preparation, or entrepreneurship in the field of education will find immense value in this episode.  Be sure to like, follow, share, and comment to let us know what you think!

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.028, Safa & Falak Koreshi question host Ryan Tibbens about whether or not he would homeschool his own children and what motivates that decision. As a long-time public school teacher who has been exploring the nature of education for years, he sees the situation in professional light, but also as the father of two young children, making the question personal changes the tone of the response.  After listening to the rest of this episode, ClassCast fans should ask themselves: Would I homeschool my own children?

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.028, Safa & Falak Koreshi, both of whom were homeschooled then unschooled then public schooled, speak with host Ryan Tibbens about the differences between "education" and "schooling" and why understanding the distinctions is vital to improving public education. 

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In this highlight from ClassCast Podcast Ep.028, sisters Safa &  Falak Koreshi describe their educational experiences, from homeschool to unschooling to public schooling to college, and how their transitions and different experiences inform their views of education and self improvement.

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.028, Safa Koreshi describes her experiences in public school, after being homeschooled until 8th grade, and how school's focus on grades, GPAs, class ranks, and college admissions make it seem more like an academic competition than an experience for personal growth.  Host Ryan Tibbens then references an idea that first came up in Ep.013 with Beth Konkoski -- "fantasy students." Many students refer to high school as a "game," and this discussion helps to lay bare those issues for parents or teachers who are unclear about how many students feel. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.028, formerly homeschooled sisters Safa & Falak Koreshi talk about how homeschooling and public schooling prepared them for college, particularly for STEM and lab-based classes, and professional situations. Many people misunderstand what homeschooling is really like and what it offers (or can't offer) to students; this discussion helps to better define what most students may want or need from their education, whether at home, in school, or beyond. 

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Episode 028 of the ClassCast Podcast features sisters Safa and Falak Koreshi speaking with host Ryan Tibbens about their experiences with homeschooling, unschooling, public schooling, college, and how their unique educational paths have shaped their views on education and personal improvement. They also pull from each phase of their educational progressions to address specific ways we can improve public education and why homeschooling can be great (but also why it might not be for everyone). If you are an educator seeking to expand your views of what education is and can be, if you are a parent considering what homeschooling or unschooling might mean for your own children, if you are a community stakeholder who wants public schools to better address students' needs, this episode is for you.

Many people involved in public schools tend to shrug off or downplay homeschooling, but that is a narrow and short-sighted view that limits our understandings of what education can or should be. People have been educated outside of school institutions for most of human history; the modern conception of school is a relatively new invention, so if we are serious about considering all options, pulling all the best ideas together, and creating systemic change to improve educational processes and outcomes, then the Koreshi family's experiences and comparisons must be considered. Make sure you like/share/follow/comment on ClassCast Podcast's website and social media posts to help spread our vision of critical thinking and honest discourse to improve public education. (And remember, we stream on all major podcast services!)

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.027 features the president of the Gap Year Association and founder of EnRoute Consulting, Julia Rogers, sharing insights into gap years, student travel, improving the college experience, and more. Gap years have been growing in popularity for over a decade, but now with COVID-19 pandemic-related college closures, delayed openings, online classes, cancelled social events, and more, gap years are the trendiest (and perhaps most substantive) contingency plan available. Ms. Rogers' insights and advice offer both immense value and interesting perspectives on higher education. If you are interested in gap years, travel, alternate education paths, improving college performance, or great COVID-19 contingency plans, this episode is essential listening. 

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This clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.027 features gap year expert and president of the national Gap Year Association Julia Rogers explaining how gap years appeal to so many students (the same gap year "elevator pitch" included in Clip 027.1) AND how to defer enrollment to a university so that a gap year is possible without sacrificing admissions status (new -- NOT included in 027.1).  Students who are already admitted to a university but reconsidering fall matriculation MUST listen to this so that they understand their options and the process to start a gap year. Remember to like, follow, share, and comment! 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.027, founder of EnRoute Consulting and gap year expert Julia Rogers talks with host Ryan Tibbens about how she got into the gap year industry, began her consulting/advising career, and what she hopes to accomplish.  She also shares her vision of the ideal college education -- a blend of free travel, community/humanitarian service, traditional classroom learning, and externships/apprenticeships. While her vision is ambitious, it is also laudable for its focus on developing the full person, not just a transcript or resume. After you listen to the clip, be sure to like, follow, share, and leave a comment to let us know what you like and what you want to hear more about!

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.027, president of the Gap Year Association and gap year expert Julia Rogers talks with host Ryan Tibbens about what kinds of college experiences students want, what they need, how COVID-19 might affect that experience, and why a gap year might be just what the doctor (and student advisor) ordered. Students in the Class of 2020 and 2021 face tough decisions about when and how to matriculate, and if their schools are closed, online only, or even open but with limited social and athletic activities, then contingency plans are necessary.  While a purposeful gap year should usually be treated as a primary option, in the current circumstance, gap year advisors are seeing huge increases in inquiries as students seek a post-high school experience that satisfies their goals and enriches their lives. This clip might help you to weigh the pros and cons. Remember to like, follow, share, and comment!

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This clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.027 features Julia Rogers, founder of EnRoute Consulting and president of the Gap Year Association, talking with host Ryan Tibbens about what a gap year is, why people choose them, and what they offer students that the traditional high school-to-college path doesn't. If you've never heard of gap years, start hear. If you know what they are, but are still unclear on why serious students would choose them, then there's still plenty to learn here. Ms. Rogers is an industry expert, so there's no better source to help you start considering gap years, whether as a primary plan or a contingency plan made necessary by pandemic-related closures.  Remember to like, share, follow, and leave a comment!

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In this quick clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.027, gap year expert Julia Rogers talks with host Ryan Tibbens and promotes the benefits of a gap year before giving some thoughtful advice to students considering their future plans. This is just the first clip from a timely, informative episode all about gap years, improving student preparation for college and life, travel, and more. Watch for the full episode and additional highlight clips to begin streaming in the coming days. The posting on ClassCastPodcast.com will include links to several gap year organizations, programs, and resources, plus Ms. Rogers' TEDx talk! If you or someone you know plans to enter college in 2020 or even 2021, this episode is essential listening to help make good decisions about enrollment and the future. Please like, share, follow, and leave a comment!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.026 features early elementary education expert Megan Moffett and host Ryan Tibbens discussing a wide variety of topics related to early childhood education, school at home, learning through playing, school climate, testing, teacher preparation, and much, much more. Ms. Moffett shares advice and tips to help parents educate their children at home, to help principals improve school culture, and to help us all achieve a better, more purposeful public education system.  

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.026, early elementary education expert Megan Moffett and host Ryan Tibbens discuss benefits, drawbacks, and trends related to project-based learning, standardized testing, and data collection during COVID-19 school closures. So much school legislation and policy revolve around assessment, and so much school discussion revolves around assessment, that sometimes it all starts to sound alike.  This clip is honest, direct, and refreshing -- why assessments are necessary, and why we can still do better. Let us know what you think!

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.026, elementary education expert Megan Moffett and host Ryan Tibbens discuss teacher preparation, including their own college and student teaching experiences, course requirements, and what future teachers may need to be successful. One of the most important (and obvious) ways to improve the quality of instruction in public schools is to increase the quality of teacher preparation programs; that's a topic that could fill volumes, but this clip is a great place to start. If you are a teacher or administrator, or if you are considering becoming a teacher in the future, this clip is for you!  

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In this clip from ClassCast Pocast Ep.026, elementary education expert Megan Moffett and host Ryan Tibbens discuss the trend of splitting elementary schools, clustering grade levels, and other organizational creativity that can potentially save tax dollars and increase collaboration, though they also risk increasing transitions, anxiety, and homogeneity in the school. From "Kindergarten Academies" to upper/lower elementary schools and beyond, school divisions across the country are getting creative with how they organize and facilitate different groups and ages of students. Listen in to learn more, and let us know what you think!

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.026, early elementary education expert and future administrator Megan Moffett talks with host Ryan Tibbens about the important roles school administrators play and how they can create, change, and maintain school cultures that promote student well-being and that foster growth for faculty and students alike. If you have an interest in school improvement, administration, or culture, this clip is for you.  Let us know what you think!

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.026, early elementary education expert Megan Moffett describes her "ideal" school. A standard ClassCast question, Ms. Moffett responds with enthusiasm and a clear vision -- an elementary school that focuses on play, collaboration, social-emotional learning, age-appropriate skills, and reading.  Her goals are lofty, but what makes them truly great is that they are practical and attainable -- nothing except stubborn stakeholders, cautious administrators, and dusty legislation prevent us from reinvigorating elementary education as Ms. Moffett envisions in this 6-minute clip. Let us know what you think!

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.026, early childhood education expert and teacher Megan Moffett talks with host Ryan Tibbens about the essential elements of education for preschool and early elementary students in hopes of helping parents navigate "homeschooling" and COVID-19 school closures. Ms. Moffett focuses on the benefits of purposeful play, guided practice, flexibility, stress-reduction, and -- above all -- reading. Several ClassCast listeners have requested an early-childhood episode just like this in recent weeks; this discussion should address the needs so many of us are experiencing. If you or someone you know is struggling with (or stressed about) helping young children to keep learning while staying at home, this highlight clip contains essential advice, research, and grace for parents. 

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This episode of the ClassCast Podcast features host and teacher Ryan Tibbens discussing four topics in relation to COVID-19 and school closures: 1) the need for more substitute teachers and blended learning, 2) teacher pay and new responsibilities, 3) Teacher Appreciation Week 2020, and 4) Grading.  In each section, Tibbens identifies problems or concerns that all community stakeholders should consider and offers insights and solutions.  In Part 3, Teacher Appreciation Week 2020, he takes a more personal approach than most ClassCast clips by thanking many of his own teachers and explaining their impacts on his life.   
(Note: The four clips cut from this episode do contain some additional commentary and information that did not fit into this full episode's upload. Most content is the same, but additional details, particularly in Part 3, are available in the highlight clip.)

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.025, host Ryan Tibbens addresses one of the most significant challenges facing schools as they make plans to reopen -- substitute teachers. Most school divisions across the country already struggle to hire enough substitutes, and COVID-19 will exacerbate that problem next fall. Most substitutes are older, making them at higher risk of infection and serious illness. How many people are willing to risk their health for a crummy part-time job that pays $11-$14 per hour? As we plan to reopen schools, most people are thinking about separating desks, staggering schedules, and disinfecting buildings.  Everyone seems to be overlooking the most obvious problem of all -- the teachers, not the students, are at greatest risk. What will we do when large numbers of teachers are out of work for two weeks or more (even if they are asymptomatic, a positive test will yield a required absence)?  

All our preparations and contingency plans must address the need for substitutes and increased blended learning.  Host Ryan Tibbens outlines those issues and a path forward in this clip. 

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This clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.025 features host Ryan Tibbens addressing the current problems facing teachers' compensation, largely resulting from the COVID-19 social distancing and business closures which seem likely to set off a recession. Many plans for reopening schools next year call for staggered schedules, more teacher cleaning duties, increased technology dependence, blending learning, and more -- and that's not even considering the health risks many teachers will face. Teachers, school boards, and tax-payers should all be cognizant of the pressures on teacher compensation and how those changes may affect both the short and long-term strength of the profession.  With budget cuts coming, most teachers remember pay freezes, furloughs, and other problems from a decade ago; but the current changes in education may require different administrative and fiscal plans if teachers are going to be asked to do even more in the course of providing education and safety for the nation's youth.

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.025, host and high school English teacher Ryan Tibbens offers some simple suggestions for this year's Teacher Appreciation Week and then reminisces about some of his most influential teachers, offering them thanks for their efforts along the way. If you want to hear more about how teachers impact future teachers, or if you ever attended school with Mr. Tibbens, this clip may have something special for you -- it is far more personal than most ClassCast Podcast discussions.  

THANK YOU to all the educators working hard to help others!

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This clip from ClassCast Podcast features host Ryan Tibbens examining grading and arguing for a variation of pass/fail grading at all times. "Any argument you make against grading right now works just as well any other time." Grades distract from learning; promote external, rather than intrinsic, motivation; increase anxiety; and waste time. During COVID-19 closures, many school divisions across the nation have adopted some variety of pass/fail grading, and where the works is made optional, people act amazed at the changes in student motivation and behavior. We need to re-examine our grading systems to increase true learning, student motivation, and equity. 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.024 features talented AP Government teacher and former baseball State Coach of the Year Jason Miller speaking with host Ryan Tibbens about the value of sports, winning titles, valuing family, teaching AP classes, improving schools, pedagogy, as well as how Coronavirus closures have affected personal routines, sports recruiting, class discussions, and more. Mr. Miller is a talented teacher, accomplished coach, and sincere family man -- listeners have much to gain from his insights into our education and sports institutions. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.024, AP Government teacher and former baseball State Coach of the Year Jason Miller talks with host Ryan Tibbens about the significance of daily routines and how social distancing and closures from Coronavirus are interrupting our schools, sports, and lives; he also addresses how important schedules and routines are to many people's individual productivity and happiness. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.024, acclaimed teacher Jason Miller speaks with host Ryan Tibbens about how to improve schools -- increasing vocational, technical, and entrepreneurial programs -- and what students actually get from school now. The ClassCast Podcast is all about how education institutions can be improved, and Miller offers great common sense solutions that are both progressive and in keeping with many other guests' suggestions. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.024, acclaimed teacher Jason Miller speaks with host Ryan Tibbens about how Coronavirus closures and the shift to online schooling impacts soft skills, teachers' impacts on students, and ensuing class discussions, particularly at the high school level.  If you're a teacher, student, or parent considering how closures might affect your student, or how teachers might address the pandemic in class discussions, this clip provides great perspectives. 

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This sub-3 minute highlight clip from Episode 024 features teacher and former Coach of the Year Jason Miller addressing concerns about how Coronavirus closures might impact the recruiting process for college sports.  If you have an interest in high school or college athletics, these insights about high school sports, showcase events, and the recruiting process are essential.

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.024, AP Government teacher and baseball coach Jason Miller describes his varsity coaching career -- from building his program to winning the state championship to being named Virginia State Coach of the Year -- and how he went out on top because he lives the advice that all coaches give: "Family first." Whether you love baseball, teaching, or great human interest stories, this clip is not to be missed.  Be sure to check out other highlight clips and the full episode in which we discuss the effects of Coronavirus closures on college recruiting, daily routines, class discussion, AP exams, and more. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.023, educator Jim Dunning and host Ryan Tibbens address the need for (and concerns about) discussing COVID-19, including its impacts on health and daily life, with students in virtual classes. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.023, teacher and philosopher Jim Dunning talks with host Ryan Tibbens about the broader issues of Coronavirus closures and quarantines, the trade-offs, the possible public responses, and what is the right, most just response. They reference the famous Trolley Problem as a way to clarify humankind's situation and the decisions we must make -- how many (and whose) lives we should try to save in exchange for serious, long-term affects on economies and quality of life.  This focus on justice and well-being both provides broader perspective on the shutdown without fear-mongering or judgment; it could also serve as a good starting point for teachers interested in discussing shutdown issues with students. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Pocdcast Ep.023, educator Jim Dunning and host Ryan Tibbens discuss the uncertainty of returning to school, particularly to college, after Coronavirus closures. They raise concerns about college enrollment and attendance in Fall 2020 and what schedule changes might mean for graduates from the Class of 2020. These issues have been under-reported; we hope this episode will help students and their families to begin making contingency plans. 

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This highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.023 features educators Jim Dunning and Ryan Tibbens (host) discussing post-high school plans for the Class of 2020 and how public schools, college admissions offices, teachers, counselors, parents, and others should be helping students to assess their current Coronavirus-dictated situations and to create contingency plans for this summer, next fall, and beyond. Dunning generally believes that this is a weakness in our education system anyway, and while he may have a valid point, students' current needs should be forcing greater support and long-term planning assistance from trusted adults. 

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This highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.023 features teacher Jim Dunning and host Ryan Tibbens discussing the financial burdens of Coronavirus closures and how those changes might affect students and their colleges. As more people lose their jobs, are furloughed, or work reduced hours, families' economic and education plans might change.  Students, parents, counselors, and college administrators must be cognizant of these issues and create contingency plans to make sure long-term goals aren't derailed. Financial concerns come up again multiple times later in the full episode, and a more detailed discussion of how closures are affecting athletes/athletics follows this clip (begin ~17:30 in the full episode). 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.023 features our first return guest, educator Jim Dunning, and an in-depth discussion of the complexity of COVID-19 related closures on students' college plans, family finances, school solvency, scholarships, athletics, and more. Dunning and host Ryan Tibbens also go on to discuss the need for open, honest conversations with students; contingency plans; and common sense.  Please enjoy this full episode and consider sharing it (or highlight clips -- coming soon) with friends affected by the closures. 

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This quick highlight clip from Episode 022 of the ClassCast Podcast features host Ryan Tibbens discussing a new unit he hopes to teach online ("To Err Is Human" -- focus on errors, mistakes, and the human condition) and the need for more confident, long-term decision-making by politicians and education bureaucrats during the Coronavirus pandemic ----- Close Schools Now! He also discusses how long-term planning is a necessity and why short term official guidance is counterproductive. 

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Episode 022 of the ClassCast Podcast features host Ryan Tibbens discussing how teachers and school stakeholders are coming to terms with Coronavirus school closings (and how they might capitalize on this opportunity).  This episode begins with a personal reflection on the rise of the illness and predicting school responses; later discussions include being wrong, announcing school closures, innovation, the wisdom of caution, leadership, and more. Most school divisions now have some form of distance learning plan in place, and as new instruction gains momentum, it is important for teachers to consider the long-term implications of our current situation and decisions. At the end, there are also book recommendations to help listeners regain some balance and confidence in their lives as well as a reference to how school stakeholders are handling the closures. Stay home; stay safe!

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In this highlight clip, which actually comprises nearly half of ClassCast Podcast Ep.022, host Ryan Tibbens discusses Coronavirus school closings as an opportunity for progress and innovation in education.  He addresses some of the risks and threats inherent in the situation as well. From looking at what we might gain to what we could lose, from bureaucratic decision-making to leaders in the classroom, Tibbens points out how long term goals for public education might actually be supported by the current closings and pandemic. 

If you appreciate any of the ideas in this clip, you might also enjoy the full episode or another highlight clip about 'being wrong' and announcing school closures.  At the end of the full episode, there are also book recommendations to help listeners regain some balance and confidence in their lives as well as a reference to how school stakeholders are handling the closures. Stay home; stay safe!

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.021, former professional dancer and current dance educator Ashley Tibbens talks about her dance journey, including college, dancing at the elite Jacob's Pillow, setbacks, and post-performance career plans. If you or someone you know dances or is considering a career in the arts, this quick clip contains some great insights. 

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In this highlight from ClassCast Podcast Ep.021, dance teacher and former professional dancer Ashley Tibbens discusses the importance of learning the right way early, of making good habits, and why strong foundations are vital for later successes.  This discussion starts with dance but ultimately encompasses nearly everything we do in life and reaffirms the wisdom that "it's easier to make a good habit than to break a bad one."

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.021, dance teacher, business owner, and parent Ashley Tibbens discusses the availability and value of extracurricular programs for young children as well as the dangers of over-scheduling. This quick clip provides great insights for anyone who has or works with young children. 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.021 features dance teacher and owner/operator of Tiny Toes Dance LLC Ashley Tibbens discussing her experiences in dance and dance education, her schooling, starting a business, how to improve schools, and a special add-on at the end in which Ashley describes how she pivoted her business in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and school closures. Ashley Tibbens is among the most accomplished and sought-after dance teachers in the mid-Atlantic region. In this discussion with her husband (our host, Ryan Tibbens), she describes the significance of dance, extracurricular participation, how school could work better for all students, and how businesses like hers have responded to the economic and health issues resulting from the Coronavirus. If you love dance, school, extracurriculars, or small business, this episode is not to be missed! 

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The first highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.021 features dance teacher and owner of Tiny Toes Dance, Ashley Tibbens, discussing her pivot to online dance education in response to closures and social distancing due to the Coronavirus. This clip was recorded several days after the main portion of Ep.021, which will be available soon, because her business and teaching situations had changed so much so quickly. If you are a teacher shifting to remote/online teaching or a business owner trying to stay afloat during these trying times, this clip includes some great insights in how quick changes can make progress possible. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.020, education industry expert Jon Kasica describes to host Ryan Tibbens the process and teams involved in choosing a Learning Management System for a school division. In perhaps the greatest irony of the student-centered, project-based learning trends promoted by many educational leaders, Jon points out that students are rarely involved in adopting technology that aims to increase students' "voice and choice."  If you're a teacher who wonders how the tech is chosen, but you never get invited to the meeting, this clip is for you. 

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This highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.020 features host Ryan Tibbens and online learning management system expert Jon Kasica discussing how the current rush to implement distance learning across the country might affect students' and schools' success as well as perceptions about the effectiveness of blended/distance learning and new learning management systems. Both men share fears that this frantic, disorganized implementation might yield frustrations and doubts that could jeopardize the future of blended learning. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.020, Jon Kasica, the Northeast Regional Sales Director in K-12 Education with Canvas Learning Management Systems, addresses issues related to accessibility and special education when working with a new LMS or with blended/distance learning in general. For many teachers, accessibility and Sp.Ed. issues are among the most serious concerns as we prepare to adapt to distance learning during the time of COVID-19. Here, Jon works to ease concerns and point to special features in the technology that can help all students. 

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In the first highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.020, Learning Management Systems industry expert Jon Kasica talks with host Ryan Tibbens about implementing a new LMS, the normal teacher learning curve, and what these issues may look like when rushed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jon uses his experience in the field to describe a normal adoption and implementation in comparison to the rushed processes currently underway around the country. 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.020 features Jon Kasica, the Northeast Regional Sales Director in K-12 Education for Canvas Learning Management Systems (and a proud JMU Duke!), talking with host Ryan Tibbens about implementing a new learning management system (LMS), blended/distance learning, serving students, leveraging technology, working purposefully, adapting to distance learning in the time of Covid-19, and more. This episode offers classroom teachers a rare glimpse into some of the considerations and concepts behind buying, adapting, and implementing an LMS as well as some advice for how to proceed with the future of the school year in doubt. 

NOTE: In the episode, both speakers discuss a return to school "in a few weeks"; however, this situation is rapidly developing. By the night of 3/14, Ryan Tibbens had reassessed and no longer believes regular school will resume until fall, maybe later. (Recorded 3/13/20.)

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 019 features Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory, a beloved educator with a diverse skill set, critical mind, disarming sense of humor, and intense dedication to learning and teaching. He talks with host Ryan Tibbens about TechEd, shop class, expanding vo-tech programs, project-based learning, girls in STEM, post-secondary education, fatherly wisdom, books, and more. 

Five highlight clips have already been released, and in just a few days with no real promotions, they are among the most-streamed ClassCast segments. This discussion hits on many, many major issues in public schools today without ever getting too deep into the weeds, too distracted by terms or trendy pedagogies. This is what the ClassCast Podcast is all about. 

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ClassCast Podcast Clip 019.5 includes a segment we call "Open Mic," in which the guests get time to talk about anything they want that wasn't already covered in the conversation.  Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory addresses the necessity of failure: "Let them fail." Host Ryan Tibbens later follows up with one of his favorite quotes about education from the great Thomas Dewey: "Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes." Enjoy this quick clip in which two successful teachers address the necessity of failure in education and why grade consciousness might be limited learning. 

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In this quick clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.019, host Ryan Tibbens and Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory discuss the need for expanding vocational/technical education and increasing students' access to votech programs overall. Each teacher shares his perspective, plus personal anecdotes, about the power of vocational training.  Votech programs are a recurring theme in this episode and are discussed in other ways at multiple points -- check out the full episode for more discussion on the value of specialized vocational programs in public school. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.019, host Ryan Tibbens and Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory discuss girls in shop class, STEM programs, and how girl/boy ratios can affect class dynamics. Tim believes that girls are the best shop students, despite what cultural prejudices might indicate, and hopes to continue promoting hands-on skills for all students. 

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This clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.019 features host Ryan Tibbens and Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory discussing project-based and interdisciplinary learning in Technology Education classes. Tim teaches everything from coding and robotics to traditional wood shop, from CAD to metal working -- probably no one in his building teaches more subjects and skills than him, nor does anyone do more consistent PBL. Hear his take on PBL and student engagement. 

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The proper term is "technology educator," but Tim Gregory embodies the modern "shop teacher." The first highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.019 features Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory discussing his family's influence on his education and career path with our host, Ryan Tibbens. They address the complexity of technology education, a working class perspective on college, and becoming a teacher; they even mention "The Myth of the $100k Welder." 

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 018 features host Ryan Tibbens discussing the significance of knowledge acquisition. Far too often we hear people devalue factual knowledge, arguing that nearly all facts are available for free with a simple Google search.  What those people fail to realize is that knowledge forms the foundation of all higher-order thinking skills, including analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and creation. If you don't know stuff, you can't think stuff; if you can't think stuff, you can't do much. Knowledge deserves an important place in every classroom, curriculum, and pedagogy.  

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.017 features Sam Mull, a Programming & Community Engagement Coordinator with Loudoun County Public Libraries and all-around Renaissance man, talking with host Ryan Tibbens about his love of libraries, his education (including GIS), kayaking, hiking, concerts, woodworking, reading great books, being a good person, and more. This episode is much longer than was originally planned because Sam has so many interesting ideas and diverse experiences.  Five highlight clips are available separately, but for those who enjoy a couple clips (or who love Sam), this full episode is for you. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.017, host Ryan Tibbens and Renaissance Man Sam Mull talk about some of Sam's favorite books, many of which are already on Ryan's reading list (and wish list). If you're looking for great books to read, particularly for great, recent nonfiction, you'll want to hear Sam's recommendations.  For links to most of the books/movies discussed, check out this clip's page on our website -- www.ClassCastPodcast.com. 

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This quick clip from Ep.017 of the ClassCast Podcast showcases the final 3.5 minutes of the discussion in which Sam Mull, library coordinator and Renaissance Man, offers parting words about the library and life. 

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In the third highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Episode 017, host Ryan Tibbens and Sam Mull, a former LCPS student and current Programming & Community Engagement Coordinator for Loudoun County Public Library, discuss hobbies and learning by doing. They compare the cost of equipment for a skilled trade to college, the fulfillment of self-selected endeavors, being cool, and two of Sam's most important education influences, GIS teacher Mike Wagner (see ClassCast Podcast Episode 015) and shop teacher Tim Gregory (future podcast?).  Sam talks more about each man's influence on him in other parts of the episode, so don't miss the full audio! 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.017, host Ryan Tibbens speaks with Sam Mull, a Programming & Community Engagement Coordinator at Loudoun County Public Library. Sam discusses returning to the library after completing college, how he uses his schooling, learning on the job, and what makes libraries great. This clip has much to offer young adults navigating school and job decisions, taxpayers curious about library services, and -- most of all -- an intriguing look at some of the programs and services that Sam (and the libraries) have to offer. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Episode 017, host Ryan Tibbens talks with Sam Mull, a former student and current Programming & Community Engagement Coordinator for Loudoun County Public Library, about GIS education (see ClassCast #015 w/ Mike Wagner), his college journey, & seeking direction after college (related: ClassCast #013 w/ Ryan Orr, DropDeadPreMed.com). If you enjoy this clip, watch for more highlights plus the full audio throughout the week!

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.016 features host Ryan Tibbens discussing the fallacy of learning styles, the problems with ideological and dogmatic thinking in the classroom, the need for variety, and the value of personal relationships. This brief solo episode was prompted by an ongoing discussion of differentiation and individualization as well as a blog post shared by a coworker.  To put it all simply -- There is no one ideology or pedagogy that works when it is the only option; teachers must pick and choose strategies to fit the goals. Also, using extensive stations or immense amounts of choice within a given lesson takes too much time away from relationship building and student support.  Links to the three articles discussed in the episode are available at https://www.classcastpodcast.com/classcast/ep016-learning-styles-lt-relationships. 

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In this highlight clip from Ep.015, expert weather forecaster and GIS teacher Mike Wagner discusses the science (and art) of weather forecasting and why good forecasters should be cautious and conservative. Check out Everyday Weather Services on Facebook for the best snow day (and major event) forecasting in Northern Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, and throughout the MidAtlantic region. 

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 015 features a discussion between Mike Wagner, lead GIS teacher in Loudoun County, VA (as well as science teacher, curriculum developer, and expert weather forecaster), and host Ryan Tibbens. They discuss using geographic information systems (GIS), particularly ArcGIS, in the classroom; Mike's background and current projects as a professional weather forecaster (specializing in snow day predictions); and why a more experience-based, hands-on, and interdisciplinary style school is needed. GIS can work in every class and subject area and is considered a top five career "area of need," so implementing this technology can create valuable job skills in addition to deeper project-based learning. 

For more information about LCPS GIS, check Twitter (@LCPS_GIS) and the LCPS GIS website (https://www.lcps.org/Page/212324).
For more information about using ArcGIS Online and the manual that Mike Wagner helped write, check http://learn.arcgis.com/en/educators .
For more information about Mike's forecasts, check Everyday Weather Services on Facebook. 

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In this highlight from ClassCast Podcast Episode 015, lead GIS teacher and curriculum developer Mike Wagner discusses the implementation and value of geographic information system classes in schools.  Every school should strive to offer GIS classes like Mike suggests because of the kind of inquiry-based, career-skills focused opportunities they provide (not to mention dual enrollment college credits). Check  out this clip to learn more!

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 014 is our FIRST solo recording, featuring Ryan Tibbens discussing parts of his philosophy on teaching, why to teach, how to focus on skills, and the on-going purpose of this podcast. This was recorded in about 25 minutes with no notes or pre-planning, but there's a lot to think about, both in regard to the purpose of school and to how teachers teach.  If you enjoy this episode, please send us suggestions for future topics/questions at readthinkwritespeak@yahoo.com or via our website, www.ClassCastPodcast.com. 

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In this highlight clip from Episode 013 of the ClassCast Podcast, teacher and writer Beth Konkoski talks with host Ryan Tibbens about grading, how GPA-mania hurts education, college admissions, how competition for admission to elite universities might be counterproductive, and the relationship between high school grades and future success.

Corrections/References

• The Yuval Noah Harari book referenced is actually Homo Deus. Here's what Harari has to say about grading: "The modern educational system provides numerous other examples of reality bowing down to written records. When measuring the width of my desk, the yardstick I am using matters little. My desk remains the same width regardless of whether I say it is 200 centimetres or 78.74 inches. However, when bureaucracies measure people, the yardsticks they choose make all the difference. When schools began assessing people according to precise marks, the lives of millions of students and teachers changed dramatically. Marks are a relatively new invention. Hunter-gatherers were never marked for their achievements, and even thousands of years after the Agricultural Revolution, few educational establishments used precise marks. A medieval apprentice cobbler did not receive at the end of the year a piece of paper saying he has got an A on shoelaces but a C minus on buckles. An undergraduate in Shakespeare’s
  day left Oxford with one of only two possible results - with a degree, or without one. Nobody thought of giving one student a final mark of 74 and another student 88."
• Grading, as we think of it, wasn't even conceived of until the late 1700s, didn't begin to take on modern forms and labels until the late 1800s, and didn't come into widespread use until the first half of the 1900s. Check out a history of grading in US Education.
• High school valedictorians (whose unweighted GPAs usually hover at or near 4.0) actually have an average GPA of 3.4-3.6 in college, slightly higher than the 3.2 claimed in this episode. Here is a reference to one study on the subject.
• Millionaires/CEOs of major businesses tend to be C+/B- students in college. Check it out.
• Click this link to learn more about (or purchase) Malcolm Gladwell's David and Goliath.

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In this 3+ minute highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Episode 012, world traveler Sierra Wharton discusses her Peace Corps and teaching abroad goals with host Ryan Tibbens.  Since the recording of this episode, Sierra has been selected to serve in the Peace Corps: for two years, she will teach English as a Foreign Language in Ecuador. 

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Episode 013 of the ClassCast Podcast features host Ryan Tibbens and teacher, author, and innovator Beth Konkoski discussing the value of school, challenges in the modern classroom, student stress and pressures, innovative instruction, administrative initiatives, how cultural changes have undermined classroom education, and more. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Episode 013, talented writer, innovator, and teacher Beth Konkoski speaks with host Ryan Tibbens about student stress, forced resume creation, and fantasy (sports) students. If you or a loved one has experienced unnecessary stress, over-competitive behaviors, and detachment from the reality of educaiton, you can't afford to miss this highlight and (soon) full episode! 

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In this highlight clip from Episode 005 of the ClassCast Podcast, teacher and debate coach Jim Dunning questions host Ryan Tibbens about his motivations to become a teacher and our motivations for learning in school.

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In ClassCast Podcast Episode 012, host Ryan Tibbens discusses studying abroad, exchange students, international travel, multiculturalism, and more with Sierra Wharton, a future teacher who has been an exchange student, hosted many exchange students, attended college in Europe, and believes that multiculturalism and travel make people better.  Enjoy this discussion and learn more about the exchange experience, how some US school systems discourage exchange programs, family dynamics, and world travel. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.012, host Ryan Tibbens and world traveler Sierra Wharton discuss her experiences attending college abroad, how it can actually save money, and how credentials earned in foreign countries can (or can't) function in the United States. 

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In this quick clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.011, business technology consultant Ryan Orr talks with his former English teacher, our host Ryan Tibbens, about athletics, time management, and understanding purpose in education. If you enjoy this clip, check out the full episode! 

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 011 showcases a discussion with Ryan Orr, a technology consultant, public health enthusiast, former premed student, and the founder of Drop Dead Premed, a mentoring and support service for premed students considering academic and professional changes in lieu of medical school. A former student of our host, Ryan Patrick Tibbens, Ryan Patrick Orr (coincidence, no relation) reflects on his high school and college experiences, ways to improve school, premed, public health, bioethics, and much, much more.  Please enjoy this wide-ranging discussion, and let us know what questions or topics you'd like us to address in the future! 

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In this first clip from ClassCast Podcast Episode 011, Ryan Orr -- owner/operator of DropDeadPreMed.com, public health enthusiast, tech consultant, and former student of our host, Ryan Tibbens -- addresses the MCAT and the daunting tasks that await all who plan to become doctors.  Check out this quick clip now, and watch for the full episode this weekend. 

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This clip from the ClassCast Podcast features the candidates for Loudoun County School Board in the Blue Ridge District -- Ram Venkatachalam (R) and Ian Serotkin (D).  This highlight reel is meant to provide points of comparison between the candidates.  Ian Serotkin spent more time with us during his full episode, so a few of his segments are longer, but overall, the goal is to present both candidates with relative equity to help our listeners feel more informed on Election Day.  This is one of the tightest local elections in Northern Virginia -- don't miss your chance to hear each candidate in his own words! 

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Episode 010 of the ClassCast Podcast features Loudoun County, Virginia school board candidate Ian Serotkin and our host, Ryan Tibbens, discussing Serotkin's schooling, career, community involvement, vision for public schools, and more. He explains his motivation for seeking office -- improving equity, efficiency, innovation, and positive experiences for students -- as well as his vision for schools -- more specialization and innovation.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about both the candidate and the man as his discussion is looser and more casual than previous school board interviews on ClassCast.  Serotkin and his opponent (see Episode 009) are locked in one of the tightest, most competitive races in all of Northern Virginia politics this fall, but even if you don't live in Loudoun, Ian offers ideas about the futures of schools that will interest (and perhaps inspire) all listeners.  And as promised in the discussion of advocacy and recess, here is a link to Serotkin's now-famous "Cups" speech to the school board in support of recess and free play for young minds. 

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Episode 009 of the ClassCast Podcast features Loudoun County, Virginia school board candidate Ram Venkatachalam and host Ryan Tibbens discussing his upbringing and schooling, experience as a consultant, goals for the school board, influential books, and more. Ram is currently in one of the tightest elections in Northern Virginia this fall, but his vision and confidence make this a must-listen, regardless of where you live.  (His opponent will be featured on Episode 010 of the ClassCast Podcast later this week.)

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In ClassCast Episode 008, host Ryan Tibbens discusses running for office, school priorities, and general goals with Melanie Turner, a candidate to represent the Algonkian District on the Loudoun County School Board.  Though Ms. Turner generally avoids specifics, the discussion is still enlightening -- we get to hear about her own educational experiences, her motivations and concerns, and how her role as a parent is informing her campaign and platform. 

Watch for additional discussions with school board candidates over the next few weeks as everyone prepares for elections on November 5!

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In this quick excerpt from ClassCast Podcast Episode 007, Donna Fortier, the founder and CEO of Mobile Hope, and  host Ryan Tibbens discuss the significant roles that school bus drivers can, do, and should play in efforts to increase students' safety and security.

One way you know you've encountered a brilliant idea is that you can't believe you didn't know it, didn't see, didn't say it before.  The observation seems obvious, but you missed it.  Donna's understanding of school bus drivers' roles in supporting students is one such idea.  This clip, less than four minutes long, is bound to reshape your views on school bus drivers.  It will also have you rethinking current hiring and compensation policies that, paired with a strong economy, have led to bus driver shortages all over the country.

Remember to check out Mobile Hope and consider volunteering or donating.  Enjoy!

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Check out this first clip from ClassCast Episode 007; it features Donna Fortier, the founder and CEO of Mobile Hope, and our host Ryan Tibbens.  In clip 007.1, they discuss the start of Mobile Hope and the important influence turtles had in that process; they also briefly discuss the creation of a Life Skills Center soon and Naked Turtle Bar later on in retirement.  This brief excerpt is from the end of the full episode but gives a glimpse into Donna's personality and infectious enthusiasm. Be sure to check out Mobile Hope, and consider volunteering or donating.  Enjoy! 

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 007 features Donna Fortier, the founder and CEO of Mobile Hope.  Donna is engaging, intelligent, and inimitably compassionate -- her story of leaving a six-figure salary to start the only non-profit focused on youth homelessness and crisis care in Loudoun County, VA, one of the wealthiest places in the world but with a surprising youth homelessness problem, well, this story is not to be missed.  

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In Episode 006 of the ClassCast podcast, host Ryan Tibbens speaks with his former student, US Army Sergeant Brandon Middleton, about how a school counselor influenced his post-high school plans, how tests play a big role in armed forces promotions, and about his experiences and plans in the army and beyond.

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Ryan Tibbens, the creator and host of the ClassCast Podcast, has had a big year.  In 2019, he's been recognized in the Loudoun 40 Under 40, Loudoun 100, and Best of Loudoun -- Best Teacher. The Loudoun 40 Under 40 event was hosted at Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia the evening of 9/12/2019.  Because of Mr. Tibbens' increased visibility, we're taking this opportunity to share a compilation of short clips from the first six episodes of the ClassCast Podcast as a way to invite and initiate new listeners.  Now that the 2019-2020 school year is underway, we plan to record and post a new episode approximately every three weeks (more when possible).  Watch for the release of the full audio of Episode 006 -- US Army Sergeant Brandon Middleton -- later this week. 

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​After taking a few weeks off to focus on the start of a new school year, the ClassCast podcast is back.  Our most recent episode features our host, Ryan Tibbens, and one of his former students, US Army Sergeant Brandon Middleton.  In this first clip, we hear Brandon discuss how a guidance counselor's "reality check" influenced his post-high school plans and his eventual enlistment in the US Army.  Watch for the full episode release later this week! 

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​In this third segment from ClassCast Episode #005, teacher and philosopher Jim Dunning and host Ryan Tibbens discuss how we do school, how we should do school, and how students' goals and agency affect the morality of our educational institutions. Starting off with how schools operate and why reading and lecture may (or may not) offer value, they move on to the differences between teacher and student goals, exam scores, and student agency. Ultimately, the question is this: Is school, as it currently functions, moral?

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ClassCast Episode 005 features a wide-ranging discussion between teacher and philosopher Jim Dunning and our host, Ryan Tibbens.  With a focus on schools and how they support (or fail to support) effective education, these accomplished teachers address everything from purpose to data to unschooling while citing their expansive personal and professional experiences as well as a variety of research.  Dunning's ideas about parent and student choice are bound to challenge, and perhaps intrigue, even the most progressive educators, students, and policymakers. Leave your questions and responses in the comments below because, after Tibbens catches up on his reading, we hope to host a second conversation with Dunning to dig deeper into unschooling, homeschooling, and the future of parent and student choice in education.

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In this segment from ClassCast Episode 005, teacher and philosopher Jim Dunning and host Ryan Tibbens discuss data in schools, the purpose of schools, and the morality (or possible immorality) of schools.  Schools collect a lot of data -- do they use it? If so, how and why?  What is the purpose of public school? Do schools achieve or fully live up to that goal? Are schools moral? If you had to redesign education from the ground up, would you create anything that looks like schools today?  Each of these topics is addressed in earnest both in this clip and in other parts of the full conversation.  Watch for the full release of ClassCast Episode 005 later this week! 

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In this first segment from ClassCast Episode 005, teacher and philosopher Jim Dunning and host Ryan Tibbens discuss schooling, unschooling, and how individual freedom and quality education might be intertwined.  Both men have long, distinguished teaching careers and use their experiences and expertise to analyze the function of public school, home-school, and unschool with a handful of other topics and anecdotes mixed in.  If you are interested in quality education, school reform, or making good choices for your own students, check out this clip.  And don't forget to watch/listen to the full episode and additional clips, all of which will be available soon. 

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The fourth episode of the ClassCast podcast features filmmaker and Qur'an teacher Esraa Abo Oun and our host, Ryan Tibbens, as they talk about school, education, making movies, ELL classes, Islam, Syria, and more.  Check out some of Esraa's work on Instagram at @esraa_abooun and at @JihadFilm. 

Esraa Abo Oun is a former student of Mr. Tibbens, graduating from Broad Run HS in 2014 and George Mason University in 2018. She is an accomplished artist, designer, filmmaker, and teacher/student of the Qur'an.  Esraa moved from Syria to the United States in 8th grade, just before the start of the Syrian Civil War.  Her concerns about human rights, peace, education, and faith help to highlight issues that we must all face if we are to create a better, safer, more peaceful world.  Despite less-than-perfect sound quality thanks to the library's loud HVAC system and a children's play-date next door, this is an excellent episode that takes a different tone than previous recordings.  Coming Soon -- watch for ClassCast Episode 005, featuring teacher, debate coach, philosopher, and social critic Jim Dunning!

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In this clip from ClassCast Episode 004, filmmaker and Qur'an teacher Esraa Abo Oun and host Ryan Tibbens discuss student voice in education and how students can (or should) seek knowledge.

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The fourth episode of the ClassCast podcast features Esraa Abo Oun, an artist, filmmaker, Qur'an teacher and student, and former student of Ryan Tibbens, our host.  

This clip features discussion of Malcolm X's legacy as well as updating curricula to better reflect modern values and students' needs.  Additional clips (and the full episode) will be available soon.  Leave comments below with your questions an ideas!

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The fourth episode of the ClassCast podcast features Esraa Abo Oun, a filmmaker, Qur'an teacher and student, and former student of Ryan Tibbens, our host.  Due to a less-than-ideal environment for recording (a "quiet" room in the library that provided a loud air conditioner and noisy children's play date next door), the sound quality is a bit rough.  However, we've been working hard to filter out the distractions and improve the clarity of Esraa's voice.  

This clip features discussion of ELL class, Esraa Abo Oun's film "Jihad," the meaning of the word "jihad," and childhood in Syria.  Any person with an interest in understanding Islam, Syria, media bias, and refugee and immigrant experiences should check out this clip.  Additional clips (and the full episode) will be posted as editing and audio mastering are complete.  Leave comments below with your questions an ideas! 

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In this segment of Episode 003, teacher, writer, and feminist Jessica Berg discusses US Women's Soccer, the sexual division of sport, and equitable pay with our host, Ryan Tibbens. This clip fits well with an article posted elsewhere on ReadThinkWriteSpeak: Equal Pay for Equal... What?

If you enjoy this segment, checkout the full audio of Episode 003 here!

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.003, host Ryan Tibbens and teacher, curriculum developer, and feminist Jessica Berg discuss her new Women's Studies course, which is being offered as an English elective in Loudoun County Public Schools (VA). Berg explains the need for the class as well as its goals and intended outcomes. 

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In this segment from ClassCast Podcast Ep.003, host Ryan Tibbens speaks with teacher and Women's Studies creator Jessica Berg about curriculum implementation, teachers' intellectual property rights, standardized testing, language barriers, improving schools, and more. This clip is candid, quick, and funny -- enjoy! 

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Check out Episode 003, a conversation between Jessica Berg, a talented teacher, curriculum writer, and influencer, and our host, Ryan Tibbens. They begin by discussing her new Women's Studies course that will be available in several Loudoun County high schools this fall.  Throughout the rest of the episode, they address feminism, the Equal Rights Amendment, equal pay for women, US Women's soccer, teachers' intellectual property rights, improving schools, forming relationships with students, and great books and movies.  Enjoy!  (And, as always, leave comments to let us know what you like and what you want to hear more about!) 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.002, artist and graphic designer Esther Kim reflects on her time working as a server and how much she learned about herself and other people through those struggles.  Beware the Crazy Spoon Mom. 

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This clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.002 feature artist Esther Kim and host Ryan Tibbens discussing her experiences in his class, her concerns about teacher care and motivation, and how pay does (and does not) influence teacher behaviors.  If you want an honest and candid conversation about teacher effort and compensation, look no further. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.002, graphic designer and artist Esther Kim discusses side gigs and commissions with her former teacher, Ryan Tibbens, who runs a tutoring business as his side job; the two discuss the importance of community and making decisions about balancing side work with career and personal life. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.002, graphic designer and artist Esther Kim speaks with our host, her former English teacher Ryan Tibbens, about seeking a job, interviewing for jobs you don't want, and learning through inquiry and Google. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.002, artist and graphic designer Esther Kim discusses the intense impacts that student loans can have on a young adult's life; Ryan Tibbens, our host and her former English teacher, shares his own student loan struggles as well as experiences from his friends and other former students.  Any person considering college and the possible need for student loans should listen to this clip and carefully consider the long-term implications of every decision. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.001, boxer and trainer Eric Hernandez shares some big news -- he is an expectant father.  He and his former English teacher, our host, Ryan Tibbens, then discuss fatherhood and mental preparation. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.001, professional boxer and personal trainer Eric Hernandez discusses high expectations, group work, and adjusting expectations with our host (and his former English teacher) Ryan Tibbens, who introduces the concept of the zone of proximal development.  Enjoy! 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.001, professional boxer and personal trainer Eric Hernandez speaks with our host, his former English teacher Ryan Tibbens, about their shared memories from class, an airport run-in, and Eric's first professional fight. 

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The second highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.001 features host Ryan Tibbens talking with his former student, professional boxer, and personal trainer Eric Hernandez. In this segment they discuss learning via Google (aka "Google U."), challenging oneself intellectually, and lifelong learning. 

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Episode #002 of ClassCast features Ryan Tibbens interviewing former student/TA and current graphic designer, artist, and entrepreneur Esther Kim. Despite claiming to be "socially awkward," Esther carries the conversation well, sharing her experiences as a student, artist, young professional, and more.  Throughout the discussion, we hear about everything from honing art skills to how student loans affect life decisions, from waiting on spoiled parents to family loyalty.  Support Esther by checking out her (not-entirely-up-to-date website) www.EstherKimArtwork.com and following her on Instagram.  (Yes, she takes private commissions.)  

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Enjoy this random clip from an early ClassCast recording.  This is part of a much longer recording that was conducted to calibrate microphones, software, and other equipment.  However, this snippet (recorded late at night -- excuse rough voices/etc.) was funny enough that we wanted to share it with our listeners.  It starts with favorite teachers but quickly leads to cheerleader attire and pizza anxiety.  Enjoy. 

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​Here's a quick interview of Ryan Tibbens, conducted by his beautiful, charming wife, Ashley.  This interview was partly intended to discuss the purpose of the ClassCast podcast and partly to test the new microphone and recording software.  The final product is 'good enough' to share and provides a basic explanation of the podcast's initial mission.  Hopefully the mission and the sound/recording quality will both continue to evolve.

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Check out the first full episode of ClassCast, our podcast focusing on how school and education function in people's "real" lives. This episode features Eric Hernandez, a former student of Ryan Tibbens, a professional boxer, the owner/operator of Knockoutfitness LLC, and an all-around great guy.   We've stalled the release of Episode #001 because Eric let slip that he and Ciera are expecting (and today, we found out that it will be a BOY)! Episode #001 is great because it captures raw, unplanned, unstructured conversation about school, business, and more; however, this was also the first episode, so our volume is a little low and we lost a few minutes of material because we were still learning. 

Look out for Episode #002 tomorrow plus a few extra clips.  (And keep on the lookout for second episode with Eric Hernandez soon!) 

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Check out this teaser of the second episode of the ClassCast podcast, which includes the standard intro and three short segments from the discussion with Esther Kim, a promising young graphic designer and artist.  A former student and teacher's assistant of Mr. Tibbens, Esther's journey through school, early jobs, and now a budding career offers useful insights to high school and college students, teachers, and young artists everywhere.  Be sure to check out her (not fully up-to-date) webpage, and definitely follow her art account on Instagram!  Follow Read.Think.Write.Speak. on Facebook and Twitter for updates about ClassCast and other content.  Full episodes of ClassCast will be available later this week!

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Enjoy this quick clip of the first full episode of ClassCast, featuring the inimitable Eric Hernandez --  owner/operator of Knockoutfiness LLC, professional boxer, and one of Ryan Tibbens' favorite former students. For great workout ideas and inspiring photo/video, follow Eric on Instagram too. The full episode will be available later this week.  Follow Read.Think.Write.Speak. on Facebook and Twitter for updates!

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