State of Ed Podcast: Recent Episodes
Marc Isseks and Nick Simone
Marc and Nick sit down with Dr. Kristopher J. Childs, Chief Academics, Equity and Social Justice Officer at Open Up Resources, founder of K Childs Solutions, and author of Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice, Grades K-12: A Guide for Moving from Mindset to Action. This conversation covers what it actually means to teach math as a tool for sense-making rather than a system of rules to memorize, and why Dr. Childs believes every child who walks into a classroom is already a math person.
Dr. Childs makes the case against the gradual release of responsibility model in math instruction, explains why the answer is the least interesting part of any math lesson, and introduces his popcorn analogy for understanding how and when students develop mathematical understanding. The conversation also covers what it means to be married to the content but never to the context, how mathematics for social justice starts not with controversy but with community gardens and credit scores, and why in-class teaching demonstrations are where Dr. Childs does his most important work. Marc and Nick also go deep on the calculator debate, grouping students in math, and why failing at a standardized test might actually be the least of anyone's problems. If you have ever been told your math department is the one place engagement strategies don't apply, start here.
Guest Links:
- kristopherchilds.com
- @DrKChilds on X (Twitter)
- Dr. Kristopher J. Childs on LinkedIn
- Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice on Amazon
- Dr. Childs on Amazon (all books)
- Open Up Resources profile
Follow Marc:
- marcisseks.com
- @marcisseks on X (Twitter)
- @marcisseks on LinkedIn
- @edupyro on TikTok
- @edupyro on YouTube
- CAPTIVATE on Amazon
Find State of Ed:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- stateofedpodcast.com
Marc and Nick sit down with Daniel Senn and Erlend Klouman Høiner, co-founders of We Will Write, the fast-paced, anonymous, team-based writing game already used by more than a million students worldwide. This conversation covers how two childhood friends from Oslo built a platform that is making students beg to write instead of avoiding it, and why the most important thing happening in the room might be the silence right after the timer starts.
Daniel and Erlend walk through the design decisions behind We Will Write: the timed challenges that level the playing field for every writer in the room, the visual prompts that eliminate the blank-page barrier, and why anonymity unlocks student voice in ways traditional writing instruction never could. The conversation also covers the unexpected classroom culture benefits teachers are reporting, what the teacher dashboard reveals about individual student confidence, and the surprising finding that students who use the platform start calling themselves writers.
If you are still trying to get students to care about writing, this one is for you.
Guest Links:
- wewillwrite.com
- Daniel Senn on LinkedIn
- @dansenn on X (Twitter)
- Erlend Klouman Høiner on LinkedIn
- @erlend2000 on X (Twitter)
Follow Marc:
- marcisseks.com
- @marcisseks on X (Twitter)
- @marcisseks on LinkedIn
- @edupyro on TikTok
- @edupyro on YouTube
- CAPTIVATE on Amazon
Find State of Ed:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- stateofedpodcast.com
Marc and Nick sit down with Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO and founder of Designing Schools, former education executive at Apple, lecturer at UC Irvine, and author of Designing Schools: How Design Thinking Makes You Irreplaceable in the Age of AI. This conversation covers what it actually means to lead schools through the current moment in AI, and why the fear of being replaced may be pointed in entirely the wrong direction.
Dr. Quidwai reframes the AI replacement conversation from the ground up, makes the case that we are not facing a critical thinking crisis but an agency crisis, and explains what the schools getting AI right all have in common. The conversation also covers why AI should be understood as a teammate and not a tool, what happens to people who never learn the language of AI, why educators are the most natural design thinkers in any room, and why the pockets of excellence we celebrate need to be scaled, not just celebrated. If you are a school leader trying to figure out where to put your energy right now, start here.
Guest Links:
- designingschools.org
- @AskMsQ on Instagram
- @AskMsQ on X (Twitter)
- Dr. Sabba Quidwai on LinkedIn
- Designing Schools on Amazon
Follow Marc:
- marcisseks.com
- @marcisseks on X (Twitter)
- @marcisseks on LinkedIn
- @edupyro on TikTok
- @edupyro on YouTube
- CAPTIVATE on Amazon
Find State of Ed:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- stateofedpodcast.com
Marc and Nick, joined by guest co-host Kate Crimmins, high school English chairperson, sit down with Kristina Smekens, president and lead consultant at Smekens Education and one of the most in-demand literacy consultants in the country. Kristina has spent the better part of two decades helping K-12 teachers master reading and writing instruction, and this conversation zeroes in on a distinction that changes everything: the difference between modeling what to do and the think-aloud that makes invisible thinking visible.
Kristina walks through the free throw analogy that stopped a room full of new teachers cold, explains why students can repeat every step of a skill and still fail the moment the context shifts, and unpacks what gradual release actually looks like when it is done with intention. The conversation also covers the planning that makes a 15-minute mini lesson look effortless, and why slowing down in September almost always produces faster, more independent learners by spring. If you have ever shown students exactly what to do and then watched them not be able to do it, this one is for you.
GUEST LINKS
- smekenseducation.com
- @SmekensEd on X (Twitter)
- Kristina Smekens on LinkedIn
- Kristina Smekens on Amazon
- Launching the Writer's Workshop (Grades 3-12)
Follow Marc:
- marcisseks.com
- @marcisseks on X (Twitter)
- @marcisseks on LinkedIn
- @edupyro on TikTok
- @edupyro on YouTube
- CAPTIVATE on Amazon
Find State of Ed:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- stateofedpodcast.com
Marc and Nick sit down with Stephanie Clinise, a ninth-grade English teacher at Hatboro-Horsham High School in suburban Philadelphia, to talk about what happens when a teacher leads with the hook every single time. Stephanie found We Will Write, a gamified writing platform out of Norway, got her students engaged in meaningful writing on their first try, and ended up on the floor at FETC 2026 sharing the story with anyone who would listen.
The conversation digs into the teaching philosophy underneath all of it: why context has to come before content, how a classroom timeline stretching from the Transcontinental Railroad to the birth of Taylor Swift unlocked Shakespeare and Roald Dahl for ninth graders, and how Stephanie is navigating AI in the writing classroom with real structure and genuine optimism. If you believe the lesson has to earn student attention before it can teach them anything, this one is for you.
GUEST LINKS
- @MrsClinise on Instagram
- @MrsClinise on TikTok
- Stephanie Clinise on LinkedIn
- We Will Write (platform featured in episode)
Follow Marc:
- marcisseks.com
- @marcisseks on X (Twitter)
- @marcisseks on LinkedIn
- @edupyro on TikTok
- @edupyro on YouTube
- CAPTIVATE on Amazon
Find State of Ed:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- stateofedpodcast.com
Marc Isseks and special guest co-host, Karen Walsh sit down with Dan Thomas, a recently retired STEM teacher who spent his entire 32-year career at the same school he graduated from in Jamestown, New York. Now consulting and speaking under his Coach Thomas Tech brand, Dan brings a hands-on, PBL-driven philosophy to educators looking to make learning visible, meaningful, and yes, actually usable by Tuesday morning.
This conversation covers a lot of ground: why AI has finally moved past the shiny-new-thing phase and into real implementation, how the Tuesday Test reframes professional learning (if you cannot use it tomorrow without hand-holding, what is the point?), and why AI may be the first tool that makes genuine differentiation possible at scale. Dan and Karen, a veteran English teacher known for her commitment to creativity and reinvention, bring decades of classroom experience to a discussion that is as practical as it is forward-looking. The takeaway: the teacher who embraces this moment has more power than at any point in the history of education.
Follow Marc:
- Website
- X (Twitter)
- TikTok
- YouTube
- CAPTIVATE on Amazon
Find State of Ed:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- stateofedpodcast.com
GUEST LINKS
Dan Thomas | Coach Thomas Tech
- coachthomastech.com
- @coachthomastech on X (Twitter)
- LinkedIn: Dan Thomas (coachthomastech)
- The TechEd Clubhouse Podcast on Apple Podcasts
- The TechEd Clubhouse Podcast on Spotify
Nick and Marc sit down with Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, elementary school principal, adjunct professor at McDaniel College, TEDx speaker, president of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, and one of the top 100 influencers in education. She is also the author of two bestselling books, The Principal's Journey and Relational Intelligence.
Dr. Edoho-Eket shares the leadership lesson she wishes every aspiring principal understood before stepping into the role, why relationships are the engine of every great school, and how consistency, communication, and presence build the kind of trust that makes the hardest parts of the job possible. She also opens up about navigating imposter syndrome as a new principal, the surprising challenges of moving from assistant principal to principal, and why you don't need all the answers - you just need to know who to ask.
The conversation also tackles one of education's most pressing topics: AI in the classroom. Dr. Edoho-Eket shares her district's pragmatic approach to ethical AI implementation, why "guidance" beats "policy" in a fast-moving landscape, and how schools can build a strong foundation in digital citizenship starting at the elementary level.
Find Dr. Edoho-Eket: website, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's latest book, CAPTIVATE
Nick and Marc spend time with Dr. Cynthia Taines, a sociologist, associate professor, and author of The Metropolitan Community: Partnering for Equality Across the Educational Divide. They discuss the many inequities facing our nation's schools and the potential solutions that could bridge existing divisions.
Find Dr. Taines: website, Instagram, Facebook
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's latest book, CAPTIVATE
Click HERE to watch this episode of State of Ed Podcast
In their ongoing FETC series, Nick and Marc sit down with Jeff Piontek, an education leader, author, and international speaker with more than 25 years of experience advancing early literacy, instructional design, and school leadership. Jeff is the former director of instructional and informational technology for the NYCDOE. His work focuses on protecting the human foundations of learning while thoughtfully integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Jeff is also the creator of the AI, EI, O, and You framework, a practical model designed to help educators and leaders balance innovation with well-being, oral language development, and human agency.
Find Jeff Piontek: website, X, LinkedIn
Check out Kibeam.
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's latest book, CAPTIVATE
Click HERE to watch this episode of State of Ed Podcast
In their ongoing FETC series, Nick and Marc sit down with Austin Levinson, Director of Learning at MEGAMINDS. They discuss the shifting landscape of edtech and how MegaMinds is leveraging artificial intelligence to create more meaningful learning experiences for students in schools.
Follow Austin Levinson on LinkedIN
See MegaMinds in action.
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's latest book, CAPTIVATE
Click HERE to watch State of Ed Podcast
First-timers at the FETC Annual Conference in Orlando, Nick and Marc got to meet many incredible educators from across the country. In this episode, they sit down with the incomparable Barbara Bray, who gushes about her love of teachers and addresses the importance of remembering your "why."
Get to know Barbara Bray: online, Grow Your Why Podcast, her books
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Nick turns the tables and interviews Marc about his book, Captivate as well as the message he is sharing with educators across the country as a featured speaker at conferences. They discuss challenges faced by today's school leaders, ways to leverage educational technology in the classroom, and how to effectively mentor new teachers.
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990566898
Marc is joined by author, podcaster, speaker, and instructional technology expert, Alana Winnick. Recorded at the School Administrators Association of New York's Annual Conference, amid the picturesque backdrop of Lake George, Marc and Alana discuss the role of AI in today's classrooms, the challenges of implementation, and the incredible opportunity available to our schools and students in this generative age.
Find Alana Winnick online, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990566898
Marc is joined by author, speaker, and former school superintendent, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo. Recorded at the School Administrators Association of New York's Annual Conference, amid the picturesque backdrop of Lake George, Marc and Joe discuss critical elements of district leadership, how to hire, train, and retain the very best people, and ways to shift culture to ensure that learning environments produce the best possible outcomes.
Find Dr. Sanfelippo online, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Marc is joined by international consultant, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author, Rosalind Wiseman, whose book Queen Bees & Wannabees inspired the popular film and musical, Mean Girls. They discuss how to foster schools that promote student voice, the differences between respect and dignity, and the challenges facing educators and young people in a social media world.
Find Rosalind Wiseman online, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's latest book, CAPTIVATE
In this conversation, Marc and Nick discuss the intricacies of lesson planning, emphasizing the importance of structured questioning and engagement techniques. They explore how to effectively plan lessons that foster student participation and understanding, while also considering the role of AI in education and the balance between creativity and structure in teaching.
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Marc and Nick sit down with Dr. Colleen Kelley, retired chemistry professor, TEDx speaker, and author of Kids' Chemistry comic books. Dr. Kelley shares how her passion for science has led her on a journey to bring molecular literacy to elementary school students through story telling and fun.
Show Notes:
Dr. Kelley's website
TEDx Talk
PBS Documentary
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Marc and Nick sit down with Jake Miller, author, personalized learning specialist, and host of The Educational Duct Tape Podcast to discuss how to leverage instructional technology, increase students' intrinsic motivation, and strategies to help shift how educators approach teaching in today's schools.
Show Notes:
Jake Miller's socials
Bluesky Twitter (X) Instagram Facebook Website Podcast Website YouTube TikTok LinkedIn Pinterest
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Marc and Nick sit down with Laura Williams, author, consultant, and 21st century learning specialist to discuss increasing student engagement, leveling up cooperative learning, and how to make a meaningful impression on your classes.
Show Notes:
Laura Williams on X, BlueSky LinkedIn
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990566898
Marc and Nick sit down with Jennifer Womble, chair of the Future of Education in Technology Conference (FETC), the largest gathering of its kind in North America. They discuss the many challenges faced by educators and schools impacted by an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Show Notes:
Jennifer Womble on X, BlueSky LinkedIn
Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Catch the second part of Marc and Nick's in-depth conversation with Dr. Todd Whitaker (author of What Great Teachers Do Differently and What Great Principals Do Differently). It is a master class in instructional leadership from the classroom to the superintendency.
Show Notes:
Dr. Whitaker on X, website
Follow Marc on X, online, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
There are so many great lessons in this conversation we couldn't fit it into one episode! Don't miss Dr. Todd Whitaker (author of What Great Teachers Do Differently and What Great Principals Do Differently) share gems on how to hire and retain the very best teachers, improve classroom management, and be the best leader you can be for your school community.
Dr. Whitaker on X, website
Follow Marc on X, online, or YouTube
Pick up a copy of Captivate
Marc and Nick sit down with two outstanding school leaders, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld and Dr. Nick Polyak to discuss the importance of promoting and supporting cultures of innovation and inclusivity to meet the needs of all students. This is a masterclass for educators in leadership roles as well as those learning how to lead.
Show Notes:
Dr. Lubelfeld on X
Dr. Polyak on X
Follow Marc on X, online, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Marc and Nick sit down with Neulight co-founder, Dr. Andrew Lawrence to discuss how his company is helping educators leverage the power of A.I. to implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) more efficiently and effectively than ever before.
Show Notes:
Check out Neulight
Dr. Lawrence on LinkedIn
Follow Marc on X, online, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
In their first visual podcast, Marc and Nick sit down with the one-and-only Vicki Davis, known worldwide as the Cool Cat Teacher. Topics include: the role of AI in teaching and learning, computational thinking, and the power of making meaningful connections with students.
Show Notes:
You can explore Vicki’s insights, projects, and resources at CoolCatTeacher.com.
Follow Marc on X, online, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Recorded at AMLE 24 in Nashville, Marc sat down with five of the Sparkle Sisters, a group of innovative middle school educators from across the United States. Pull up a chair and catch P. Sloan Joseph, Katie Powell, Ruby Voss, Amber Benson, and Dr. Simone T. Lewis as they discuss topics, including: collaboration, AI, evolving classrooms, and the power of making connections.
Show Notes:
Guests' X handles:
P. Sloan Joseph
Katie Powell
Ruby Voss/Amber Benson
Dr. Simone T. Lewis
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Marc and Nick sit down with tech guru, Jose Moreno, to discuss how his company, Neulight, is using AI to change the way schools implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). And that is just the beginning...
Show Notes:
Neulight Website
Jose Moreno on LinkedIn
Neulight on LinkedIn
Neulight on Facebook
Neulight on Instagram
Follow Marc on X, online, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE
Marc and Nick sit down with disrupter, Dr. Anashay "Teach 'Em" Wright, to discuss the importance of promoting the promise and power of children.
Show Notes:
Find Dr. Wright online: X, Website, LinkedIn
Follow Marc on X, online, or YouTube
Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE!
Marc and Nick sit down with math guru and force of nature, Libo Valencia to discuss his book, "Math Play," and why he believes that math can be every student's favorite subject!
Show Notes:
- Libo on X
- Libo's website
Follow Marc on X, online, or YouTube
Marc and Nick sit down with esteemed educational leader and hip hop artist, Dr. Mervin Jenkins (aka "Spectac") to discuss how he has successfully interwoven his two passions into one outstanding journey.
Show Notes:
- Life Thru Music
- Flocabulary
Follow Marc on X @marcisseks or online: marcisseks
Marc and Nick sit down with two brilliant education policy experts, Dr. Sarah Robert and Dr. Jennifer Gaddis to discuss the importance of school food and how American institutions can and must do a better job sourcing food and providing more enriching experiences for students.
Show Notes:
- The Guardian article: "School Food Fights"
- Open access copy of Transforming School Food Politics Around the World
Follow Marc on X @marcisseks or online: marcisseks
Marc and Nick sit down with two amazing staff developers and instructional gurus, Tara Koehler and John Sammon to discuss their new book, The Tapas Approach to Project Based Learning.
This conversation is perfect for PBL pros and newbies alike!
Find Tara and John online:
- John’s X
- John’s Facebook
- Tara’s X
- Tara’s Facebook
- Tara’s Instagram
- Book Website
Follow Marc on X @marcisseks or online: marcisseks
Back together for the first time since defending their doctoral dissertations, Marc and Nick sit down with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad to discuss her fantastic new book, Unearthing Joy.
Dr. Muhammad is a professor of Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on literacy, language, and culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has served as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, school district administrator, curriculum director, and school board president. Her scholarship has appeared in leading academic journals and books.
Dr. Muhammad's Culturally and Historically Responsive Education Model has been adopted across thousands of schools throughout the United States and Canada.
And she's really funny, too!
Dr. Muhammad online:
- Website
- X
Marc and guest co-host, Alex Andrade, sit down with Dr. Romie to discuss how educators can cure "busy brain."
Dr. Romie is a board-certified physician, award-winning wellness speaker, and the founder of “brainSHIFT at Work.” She brings together over 20 years of authority in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness to not just deliver programs, but create cultural change.
Dr. Romie is on a mission to transform mental health and wellness in the workplace and currently works with Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, & global associations. She is also the Chief Wellness Officer for Evolution Hospitality, where she scaled a mindfulness & wellness program to over 7000 employees. Her expertise is featured in the national media such as NPR, NBC, TED talks, and Forbes. Find the cure for your busy brain at drromie.com or @drromie on social media.
Dr. Romie's socials:
In his final conversation from AMLE 22, Marc sits down with the PBL Diva herself, Dr. Simone T. Lewis. They discuss all things PBL, gamification, sources of creative inspiration, and, of course, footwear!
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest: Dr. Simone T. Lewis
For more on Dr. Lewis:
- Home Learning Support Website
In Part 2 of this conversation from AMLE 22, Rick Wormeli, acclaimed educator, speaker, and author, takes a deep dive into the legitimacy and ethics of grading.
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest: Rick Wormeli
Ways to find/contact Rick:
- Website
Marc is joined by the one-and-only Rick Wormeli, acclaimed educator, speaker, and author of nine books. In Part I of this conversation, Rick discusses strategies for schools to rethink homework and cease using it in ways that are punitive or dissuade student interest and engagement in learning.
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest: Rick Wormeli
Ways to find/contact Rick:
- Website
Marc is joined by Cathleen Beachboard, educator, author, and missionary of hope. Cathleen shares the importance of building hope in our students and ourselves. She also provides strategies to measure hope and teaches the pathways that help it blossom.
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest: Cathleen Beachboard
Website: The School of Hope
Nick and Marc are joined by Dr. Mike Brown, school leader and founder of EdRevolution. In this two-part discussion, they discuss the importance of establishing rich relationships, expanding the lens through which we view history, and building connectedness in communities in order to shape the schools our students need right now.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest: Dr. Mike Brown
LinkedIn: Mike Brown
Nick and Marc are joined by Dr. Mike Brown, school leader and founder of EdRevolution. In this two-part discussion, they discuss the importance of establishing rich relationships, expanding the lens through which we view history, and building connectedness in communities in order to shape the schools our students need right now.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest: Dr. Mike Brown
LinkedIn: Mike Brown
Nick and Marc celebrate their 50th episode of the podcast! They are joined by Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent of North Shore District 112, in Illinois, and co-author of The Unfinished Leader. Discussion topics include: characteristics of great leaders, the importance of empathy, and how to improve your organization through effective hiring practices.
Nick and Marc welcome Dr. Aditya Nagrath, Founder and CEO of Elephant Learning, to the podcast. They discuss strategies to increase math literacy and close the skills gap that plagues millions of students in schoolhouses across the country.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest: Dr. Aditya Nagrath
Website: Elephant Learning
Linked In: Dr. Aditya Nagrath
Instagram: Elephant Learning
Nick and Marc welcome back Dr. Tracey Benson to the podcast to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, racial literacy, activism in the NBA and the role of schools in the ongoing march toward social justice.
Nick and Marc are pleased to welcome Nadirah Simmons to the podcast. As both Social Media Manager at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the founder of hip-hop social club, The Gumbo, Nadirah weaves her creative energy into producing exciting content. She shares the recipe for how schools can succeed in turning out students who thrive academically and professionally in an unchartered 21st century landscape.
Twitter @hinadirah
@thegumbo
Web
Thegumbo.net
hinadirah.com
Nick and Marc welcome two incredible champions of AR and VR in education, Jaime Donally and David Lockett. They share the secrets of incorporating these fast-growing technologies into meaningful learning opportunities for students of all ages.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guests:
- Jaime Donally:
- Twitter @jaimedonally
- Website arvrinedu.com
- David Lockett
- Twitter @davidjlockett
- David heads to NASA
Nick and Marc welcome back EdTech guru, Ryan Krakofsky, to discuss what lessons can be learned from Hong Kong's re-opening of school. Plus, game-changing instructional technology that educators everywhere should become familiar with, as well as the importance of leading from the heart, with or without a pandemic.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest:
- Ryan Krakofsky:
- Twitter @mrkpyp
- Website ryankrakofsky.com
-
PubPDAsia
- Reality Composer
- Teachin' It Real Podcast
On this supersized episode, Nick and Marc are joined by rockstar leaders from across the nation to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education. Topics include the pros and cons of remote learning, best online practices, strategies for re-entry and most importantly... where do we go from here?
Featured guests:
1. Jill Geocaris: @JillGeocaris
- Sari Goldberg McKeown: website; @sgteach_sari
- Allyson Apsey: website; @AllysonApsey
- Michelle Moore: @Michelle4EDU
-
Nichole Allen: @nicwithanh73
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.comSubscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Show Notes:
Check out Allyson's wonderful Serendipity series... Check out Marc's book, available wherever books are sold.
On this supersized episode, Nick and Marc are joined by rockstar leaders from across the nation to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education. Topics include the pros and cons of remote learning, best online practices, strategies for re-entry and most importantly... where do we go from here?
Featured guests:
1. Jill Geocaris: @JillGeocaris
- Sari Goldberg McKeown: website; @sgteach_sari
- Allyson Apsey: website; @AllysonApsey
- Michelle Moore: @Michelle4EDU
-
Nichole Allen: @nicwithanh73
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.comSubscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Show Notes:
Check out Allyson's wonderful Serendipity series... Check out Marc's book, available wherever books are sold.
On this supersized episode, Nick and Marc are joined by rockstar leaders from across the nation to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education. Topics include the pros and cons of remote learning, best online practices, strategies for re-entry and most importantly... where do we go from here?
Featured guests:
1. Jill Geocaris: @JillGeocaris
- Sari Goldberg McKeown: website; @sgteach_sari
- Allyson Apsey: website; @AllysonApsey
- Michelle Moore: @Michelle4EDU
-
Nichole Allen: @nicwithanh73
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.comSubscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Show Notes:
Check out Allyson's wonderful Serendipity series... Check out Marc's book, available wherever books are sold.
Nick and Marc are joined by guest Dr. Tracey Benson, associate professor at UNC Charlotte, academic activist and co-author of Unconscious Bias in Schools: A Developmental Approach to Exploring Race and Racism. In this very candid conversation, they discuss the importance of addressing race in schools, as well as strategies to bring people together and work towards eradicating the negative impact of implicit bias.
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest:
Dr. Tracey Benson @DrTraceyBenson
Show Notes:
Tracey Benson's website
Multicultural BRIDGE
Recorded at VSTE19 in Roanoke, Virginia.
Marc is joined by author and educator, Tamara Letter. They discuss Tamara's book, "A Passion for Kindness: Making the World a Better Place to Lead, Love and Learn" and how small, selfless acts can make all the difference.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Show Notes:
Tamara Letter on Twitter: @tamaraletter
Tamara’s website
Tamara's book
Dr. Masaru Emoto’s work on shaping water with words
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Marc is joined by guest co-host, Denise Hayden, a College Board consultant and extraordinary high school educator. Their guest is Dr. Ken Wallace, Superintendent of Schools, Maine Township High School District 207, in Illinois. They discuss Ken's role as a founder of the highly acclaimed Chicago Coaching Center, how learning is often messy and the importance of building for the long haul.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest:
Dr. Ken Wallace @kenwallace207
Show Notes:
Chicago Coaching Center (Watch their inspiring video)
Illinois Personal Learning Network
Chicago Coaching Center Podcast
Check out Marc's new book, FORWARD FAST, available wherever books are sold.
Marc is joined by Jackie Levine from Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES. Recorded at the SAANYS 2019 Conference in Lake George, NY, Marc and Jackie discuss equity, trends and effective ways to support educational leadership.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guest:
Jackie Levine @jackielevinePNW
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Final session. Launching a great conference, or unconference in this case, is all about having a great team. Marc sat down with three of the dedicated educators who helped make EdCamp LI a reality.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guests for Session 3:
Sari Goldberg @sgteach_sari
Corey Mammolito @coreymammolito
Whittney Smith @whittneysmith_
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Marc is back for round 2. This time, it's a round table discussion regarding strategies to increase creativity and innovation in the classroom.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Guests for Session 2:
Allison Kaminsky @allieminsky
Marie Saint-Cyr - Instragram @mariesaintcyr\_art
Luisa Marino
Rich Schwartz
Lisa Wenc
Kathy Regan
Anna Domingo
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Image
Marc leads the first of three sessions at EdCamp LI 2019, in Commack, New York. Educators discuss how to use podcasts and other tech tools to promote student voice and increase engagement.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Check out these instructional tools:
Merge Cube, Padlet, Adobe Spark, Nuzzel, Google VR TourCreator
Guests for Session 1:
Jessica Morrocu
Kim Lynch @mslynch5th
Ed Murray @eddiecmurray
Jan Kasal @jankasal
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Nick and Marc welcome Dr. LaTonya Harris, assistant principal of Burbank Elementary School in Hampton, Virginia. Dr. Harris discusses becoming an elementary administrator, introducing instructional technology into the classroom and how her determination has helped raise the bar for teachers and children... and even start a Double Dutch club!
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Dr. Harris on Twitter: @1learner4Life
Dr. Harris on Instagram: LaTonya Harris
NYTimes article - We Have Ruined Childhood by Kim Brooks
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Nick and Marc welcome Baxter Mante and Zachary Rankin of Kelvin Education, a California-based company dedicated to improving the way schools focus on and address social-emotion learning (SEL). Inspired by the challenges of their own childhoods, these two coder-engineers are driven to help educators create environments that will maximize the well-being of all students.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
For more on the great work at Kelvin Education, check out kelvineducation.com or follow them on Twitter: @kelvineducation
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Image
Nick and Marc welcome Jennifer Gunn and Vince Joralemon, two of the organizers and visionaries behind the popular EDxED NYC Conference held each year in Manhattan. They discuss the power of teacher-led professional development and what it takes to launch a 1200-person conference.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or follow on @soepodcast
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Follow EDxED NYC Conference on Twitter: @edxednyc
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Nick and Marc welcome Ryan Krakofsky, Digital Literacy Coach in an IB PYP school in Hong Kong. He discusses the importance of putting resources into people, challenging students with educational technology and where to find amazing dim sum! Ryan also shares how to play "rock, paper, scissors" Pacific-style...
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts.
Follow Marc on Twitter @marcisseks or online: marcisseks.com
Follow Ryan Krakofsky on Twitter @mrkpyp
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Nick and Marc are back! In this (very) long distance episode, they talk with Lainey Morgan, primary school teacher at the American School Hong Kong, an ESOL Education school. Lainey shares some of her firsthand experience and insight into the similarities and differences in education spanning the continents, as well as explaining the phenomenon known as "China speed."
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts.
For information on international schools, Lainey recommends the following:
ESOL Schools
Search Associates
International School Services
For reviewing schools:
International Schools Review
International School Community
Check out Marc's new book, available wherever books are sold.
Nick and Marc continue their series of mini episodes entitled, FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING: A road map to mastery.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
- Curriculum can wait
Nick and Marc begin a new series of mini episodes entitled, FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING: A road map to mastery.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
- Hiring the right person
Nick and Marc debate the prospects of newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
- Rolling back rights for transgender students
- Neurocore article (NYT)
- For profit schools (NYT)
- Read Jeremy Scahill
Nick and Marc sit down with Tom Ehlers, founder and owner of Method Test Prep, to delve into the world of nationwide testing. Tom provides incredibly valuable information about these exams, plus offers some really smart tips to maximize student achievement.
NOTE: Method Test Prep is not a sponsor, nor is this a paid endorsement. Quite simply, Tom is a very bright guy with a great program that helps kids.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
- Method Test Prep
Nick and Marc welcome a special guest, Jared Fox, LGBT Community Liaison for the New York City Department of Education.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Follow us on Twitter: @soepodcast
Links from the show:
- trevorproject.org
- Jared Fox on Twitter: @edugaytional
What do The Godfather movies and the State of Ed Podcast series from EdCampLI have in common? Part II is even better than Part I.
In this show, Nick and Marc host a round table discussion with educators seeking to understand more about podcasting and how they can utilize it to improve instruction.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Follow us on Twitter: @soepodcast
Links from the show:
- Common Sense Education
- Emath Instruction
Nick and Marc attend their first EdCamp. Part I features discussions with:
- Audra Beberman (@audrab_edtech)
- Don Gately (@donald_gately)
- Ed Kemnitzer (@kemnitzer3) & Joe Wiener (@jmwiener)
Stay tuned for Part II...
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Follow us on Twitter: @soepodcast
Links from the show:
- EdCamp homepage
After a long hiatus, Nick and Marc return with a show about why America's education system shouldn't be compared to Finland's.
"Methods Lab" - How do babies learn and how can that research improve classroom instruction?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Follow us on Twitter: @soepodcast
Links from the show:
- How young children learn
- Diane Ravitch on Common Core
- Why we’re not Finland
- How much American doctors earn
- 4 Reasons why schools in Finland are better
- Unicef study on child poverty rate
Nick and Marc celebrate the show's first anniversary at the Gilder Lerhman Institute in Manhattan and interview their president, Dr. James G. Basker.
Topics include:
- Teaching through primary source documents
- Promoting a love of history in our schools
- Opportunities for teachers to study abroad
"Methods Lab" - Bringing Hamilton, the man and the musical, to urban schools
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
- The Gilder Lehrman Institute
- Oxbridge Academic Programs
- Hamilton educational outreach
- Nominate someone for National History Teacher of the Year
Nick and Marc discuss the recent Tri State Technology Conference, sponsored by EdSurge.
"Methods Lab" - One to One Implementation
- How do we avoid turning tablets into really expensive notebooks?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
- SAMR Model
- kytelearning.com
- Tri State Technology Conference
Nick and Marc discuss the movie THE MARTIAN, tearing up student work and Internet access in Mississippi.
"Methods Lab" - Untimed Assessments
How will these new changes in New York State impact students?
Will testing ever be the same?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
PBS piece on Internet access in Mississippi schools
Clip from THE MARTIAN (spoiler alert)
NYT article on The Success Academy Charter School in Brooklyn
Nick and Marc discuss the newly enacted Every Child Succeeds legislation, as well as two articles illustrating the vast educational disparities that exist from community to community.
"Methods Lab" - Midterms
- Should we continue to administer midterm exams?
- What do quality midterms look like?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
- NYT article on Ethnic Divide in New Jersey
- NYT article on diminishing value of high school diplomas
- Every Child Succeeds Act
Nick and Marc discuss Secretary Duncan's recent about face on the abundance of standardized testing time.
"Methods Lab" - Flippin' Review
How much time, if any, should be dedicated to review?
Nick offers a great solution for increasing test preparation while preserving instructional time in the classroom.
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
NY Times article on the rollback of testing time by Secretary Duncan
A listener shares a great video
Nick and Marc welcome Dr. Carol Burris, former New York State High School Principal of the Year and current Executive Director of the Network for Public Education Fund, as well as the co-director of the Schools of Opportunity Project at the National Policy Education Center.
"Methods Lab" - The Observation Process
What is a principal looking for?
What makes for an effective post-observation conference?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links from the show:
NY Times article on the rollback of testing time by President Obama
Dr. Burris takes on APPR
www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/the-dangers-of-building-a-plane-in-the-air/2011/09/30/gIQAojqWAL_blog.html
www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/forging-ahead-with-nutty-teacher-evaluation-plan/2011/12/29/gIQAkMiYQP_blog.html
www.newyorkprincipals.org/appr-paper
www.nepc.colorado.edu/blog/teacher-evaluation-going-bad
www.nepc.colorado.edu/blog/what-thoughtless
Dr. Burris tackles Common Core
www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2013/03/04/principal-i-was-naive-about-common-core/
www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2014/09/17/four-common-core-flimflams/
www.nepc.colorado.edu/blog/why-young-kids-are-struggling
Nick and Marc welcome Karen Bronson, former teacher and principal, who currently serves as a staff developer for SAANYS.
"Methods Lab" - Professional Development
- Why does PD get such a bad wrap?
- What are the keys to providing quality PD?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Nick and Marc discuss Arne Duncan's exit and the arrival of John B. King as U.S. Secretary of Education.
"Methods Lab" - The First Progress Report
- How optimistic should the first one be?
- To what extent does student behavior change around this time?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
- Arne Duncan is leaving
Nick and Marc welcome Dr. Christina Sapienza to the show. They discuss the impact that gender bias is having on young girls and the role schools can play in ending this unfair practice.
"Methods Lab" - Teacher Training
Are new teachers adequately trained to enter the classroom?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
Teacher Training piece in NY Times
The Threat of Stereotype by Joshua Aronson
Aronson’s research - Women and math
Dr. Sapienza’s links on gender bias
seejane.org
Bechdel test
Nick and Marc discuss some changes to A.P.P.R. in New York State, an ongoing legal action by a teacher in Great Neck and a valedictorian's appeal for greater college affordability.
"Methods Lab" - The First Days of School
- How can you turn a traditionally rote, boring day into one that fosters excitement and interest?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
- Great Neck teacher’s trial
- Kacie Candela’s Newsday piece
- Victor Fleischer’s indictment of Yale
- First Five Days
- Twitter Hashtag on First Days
Nick and Marc welcome Barry Isseks, former Technology Coordinator of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, to discuss the infrastructure and software that has driven unprecedented change in education over the past two decades.
"Methods Lab" - Distance Learning
- To what extent is this transforming learning?
- Can we ever truly replace a three-dimensional learning environment?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
-
- NY Times: Disconnecting From Our Digital Lives
Nick and Marc discuss social-emotional learning (a.k.a. character education) and how it can create improved learning environments in schools.
"Methods Lab" - Vocabulary
- How can we improve students' vocabulary skills?
- Is a dictionary better than dictionary.com?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
- Overcoming Obstacles
- NY Times: Teaching Social Skills
Nick and Marc welcome their first guest, Mary Craig, to the show. They discuss the ousting of Pearson, the Value Added Model and the incredible efforts of librarians and teachers in Charlottesville, Virginia to bring books to underprivileged children.
"Methods Lab" - Summer Assignments
- What does a quality assignment consist of?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
- Carole Burris’s Blog Post
- Pearson Is Out in NYS
- Link to the Books on Bikes program
- Books on Bikes on Facebook
- David Brooks’ column on attention span
Nick and Marc discuss personnel changes at the New York State DoE and debate whether or not cell phones should be permitted in class.
"Methods Lab" - Attire
- The case for and against school uniforms
- Should there be a dress code for professional educators?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
- NY Times article on Screen Addiction
- The Science of “Inside Out”
- School Uniform Debate
Nick and Marc discuss the educational impact of the Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage, "scrubbing" in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and Pixar's latest film, "Inside Out."
"Methods Lab" - Differences in teaching preadolescents and teens
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
Common Core Documentary
NY Post Article on Scrubbing
Nick and Marc discuss a recent article in the Washington Post regarding teacher burnout and high turnover rates.
"Methods Lab" - The Drain
a) How can teachers leave at the end of the day with more energy than the students?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
- Washington Post: Why So Many Teachers Want To Leave - And How To Get Them To Stay
- Joe Nocera's NYT column: How To Grade A Teacher
Nick and Marc discuss Nick's recent sojourn to Kentucky to score AP US History exams.
"Methods Lab" - College Board Workshops
a) What sessions did Nick attend?
b) Is there anything worth implementing in the classroom? Sharing with colleagues?
c) Were there any administrators in attendance?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to us on iTunes
Links related to this episode:
- EdWeek:Decision-Making Game
Nick and Marc discuss the recent appointment of Commissioner Elia. They also break down various commencement speeches and offer suggestions to the Class of 2015.
"Methods Lab" - Cooperative Learning
a) How can you make it work well?
b) When is it too much?
c) Why doesn't it work all the time?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Links related to this episode:
- Washington Post announces Commissioner Elia
- Graduation Speeches - Excerpts from the NY Times
- Commencement Speech by David McCullough Jr.
Nick and Marc discuss the social, emotional and academic damage caused by social media and offer suggestions to help children and parents navigate the dark waters of technology with greater success.
"Methods Lab" - Reading Aloud
a) When should a teacher read aloud in class? What about the students?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Links related to this episode:
BBC: Rescue Our Kids From the Digital World
NY Times: Diagnosing The Wrong Deficit
Nick and Marc celebrate 100 downloads! They also discuss Advanced Placement courses, debate merit pay and review the recent cheating scandal in Atlanta.
"Methods Lab" - Homework
a) How much is too much?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Subscribe to the podcast in the iTunes store.
Links related to this episode:
- The Daily Show segment: Fraud City
- CNN covers Atlanta Cheating Scandal
- Freakonomics’ take on Atlanta
- http://www.wsj.com/articles/cheating-in-atlanta-a-teachable-moment-1428521500
- http://www.businessinsider.com/how-was-the-atlanta-cheating-scandal-was-uncovered-2014-9
Nick and Marc debate the need for tenure (for both teachers and administrators). They also discuss the impact of Vergara v. California and the educational reform agenda of New York's Governor Cuomo.
"Methods Lab" - Testing
a) What should classroom assessments look like?
b) To review or not review?
Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Links related to this episode:
Time Magazine: A Brief History of Tenure
Opinion piece on tenure and the Vergara case in The Daily News
Education Reform in New York State
Details of Vergara v. California
Can you figure out Cheryl's birthday?
Kristof's column: Are You Smarter Than An 8th Grader?
Nick and Marc debate the need for Common Core Learning Standards and how "core" has become a four-letter word, in every sense.
"Methods Lab" - Discipline
a) What role does it play in the learning process?
b) A review of both simple and complex strategies to "do discipline right."
Listeners are welcome to ask a question or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com
Links related to this episode:
Big Mac Test
New Study Linking Education to Income
Opening Ceremonies in Beijing, 2008
Which states have adopted CCLS?
Sir Ken Robinson's amazing video
Nick and Marc launch the podcast. They discuss the "Opt Out" movement that is resulting in tens of thousands of students refusing to take the New York State assessments.
In the "Methods Lab" segment, Nick and Marc share their views on the importance of the Motivational Activity.
Follow Nick and Marc online at stateofedpodcast.com or on Twitter @soepodcast