Talks With Teachers

Sarah Donovan Ethical ELA provides teachers with that which is compassionate, just, and good in English Language Arts for the human beings with whom we are entrusted. Written by teachers, teacher educators, parents, and students for the good of humanity.   In this episode Sarah and I discuss: Her transition from social work to education What she brought from her social work background into the classroom The lessons she learned as a new teacher How to effectively navigate the systems of a school How a unit of genocide changed the trajectory of her teaching career Why vulnerability is important in the classroom How Ethical ELA contributes to the conversation of responsibility, ethics, and dignity in teaching Why blogging is more empathetic than narcissistic Check out Sarah's post on oversharing The post #78 Sarah Donovan of Ethical ELA appeared first on Talks with Teachers.

Erika Nielsen Andrew is the Chief Academic Officer at Teaching Channel. She started her career as a high school social studies teacher in several Bay Area schools. After a short stint as a high school administrator, she earned her doctorate at University of California, Berkeley, and went on to found and lead several coaching groups at the School of Education, including the Urban Schools Network and the Teaching and Learning Alliance. Subscribe to Talks with Teachers on iTunes In this episode you will learn: How she and Teaching Channel are working to make professional learning as invigorating and inspiring as can be. Where she began her career and how it ultimately led to a career at Teaching Channel. Why we need to open the doors on more classrooms The two similarities between coaching athletes and coaching teachers Two sure-fire ways to give feedback to large numbers of students How Teaching Channel establishes its culture of respect and collaboration The primary reason why most professional developm

In this week's podcast episode I talk about something I believe will help English develop amazing experiences for their students, The Best Lesson Series: Literature. The book contains 15 extraordinary lessons from great teachers. The lessons and practical approaches in the book prove how anyone is capable of engaging students, building skills, and making their classroom a magical place.     Get a FREE sample of The Best Lesson Series: Literature Order your copy today! The post Pursue Your Passion appeared first on Talks with Teachers.

Download on iTunes Follow Laura on Twitter Laura teaches English language arts, digital design, and media productions, and co-advises the student-produced news station, at Kenilworth Junior High School in Petaluma, California. She is a Google for Education Certified Innovator, National Board Certified Teacher, Edutopia Facilitator, Bay Area Writing Project Teacher Consultant with an MA in Ed. Tech. In 2015, she was a first place winner of the Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Teacher Innovator Award. Laura has been teaching since 1988: before state standards, before standardized tests, before scripted, one-size-fits-all curriculum and before threats of Program Improvement and merit pay. In an attempt to push back against the voices that condemn and despair over our public schools, she also blogs and tweets. Show Notes Coming Soon! http://laurabradley.me/ www.bestlessonseries.com The post Episode #75 Laura Bradley Talks NaNoWriMo appeared first on Talks with Teachers.

David Bosso, the 2012 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, has been teaching Social Studies at Berlin High School since 1998.  He was recently named the 2012-2013 Outstanding Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the National Council for the Social Studies, and was recognized by the Connecticut Council of the Social Studies for its Excellence in Social Studies Education award in 2009. In this episode you will learn: How David uses the textbook as a tool, not as a curriculum How David makes history as relevant as possible How to exist beyond the curriculum How to get involved in education leadership Why David blogs about his teaching experiences Why teachers should stay in the classroom Read Education in the United States and Finland: What is and what can be by David Bosso The post Episode #74 David Bosso appeared first on Talks with Teachers.

Listen on iTunes Terry Heick is the creator of Teach Thought. He is a former English teacher turned education dreamer who is interested in how learning is changing in a digital and connected world. This includes, among other changes, the rise of self-directed learning. He is also interested in the power of questions, the role of play in learning, clarifying digital literacy, the flexibility of project-based learning, marrying mobile learning and place-based education (especially through mentoring), the potential of video games and simulations in learning, what it really means to “understand” something, and how all of this produces wisdom and self-knowledge in students. In addition to his work with TeachThought, he also presents at national conferences, provides professional development for schools, blogs for edutopia, and creates content for companies including learn.ist. Teaching Tips: He started a blog for himself as a teacher to see curriculum different and escape the bubble of his school He went to ASCD

Penny Kittle is an English teacher, literacy coach, and director of new teacher mentoring at Kennett High School in North Conway, New Hampshire. She teaches 10th, 11th, and 12th graders each fall and also occasionally in the alternative night school for adult students. Penny is also currently the National Council of Teachers of English Policy Analyst for the State of New Hampshire. You can follow her at www.pennykittle.net In this episode you will learn: Penny's travels as a teacher and educator in various states throughout the country Her time as a woodcarving teacher What it takes to be a good coach in sports and how that is transferrable to coaching teachers The impact Donald Graves had on her teaching The importance of teachers existing as writers Mini lessons are most efficient and least effective and conferring is least efficient yet most effective. How to turn dependent learners into independent thinkers What type of feedback matters to students The two books that are fascinating her right now

Michael Dunlea became a teacher for the same reason most did, he wanted to make a difference. He decided to become a teacher via the alternate route after working in restaurant/hotel management for over 20 years. He was a finalist for the NJ State Teacher of the Year, which set him on a path of teacher leadership that included becoming a Teacher Fellow with America Achieves in 2012 and Hope Street Group in 2014. In this episode you will learn: How he created a grassroots, teacher-led storm crew in response to Hurricane Sandy. Why he was a finalist for the New Jersey Teacher of the Year and was a Hope Street Group Fellow What was impactful about his 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Finn How his wife, a social worker, showed him what it means to be dedicated to the betterment of children. What choice every teacher must make  The number of hours he put in over contract in a school year What policy makers fail to realize about students Why every teacher should read Rick Lavoie's When The Chips Are Down: Learning D

  Using backwards design, share your teaching story. Tell the Talks with Teachers audience where you are now and how you arrived at this place in your career. -- Her role is as an educational consultant and and instructional coach. Angela considers herself an advocate for students and teachers. She had 11 years of experience in Washington D.C. and Florida. She started writing books for teachers and curriculum for teachers.  Identify a mentor that guided you in your journey to become a master teacher and share what you gained from that relationship. -- As a teacher, she never had a mentor. That is why she is so passionate about coaching and mentoring teachers now. Angela did have someone that she shared a classroom with and co-taught with. She was able to see what she did day in and day out. She laughed with her kids but was also able to get her student to work really hard. The experience was valuable because she worked side-by-side for a whole year with another passionate teacher. What did you learn from a le

Rafranz Davis LEARNER! Math & Tech Geek! Tech Specialist, Google Certified Teacher, Disruptor of Ridiculousness, Social Media writer for @DiscoveryEd Math #educolor Subscribe on iTunes   In this episode you will learn: What enabled her to transition from a middle school math teacher into tech specialist How you can have an impact on a classroom in a country you've never visited Why Rafranz does not get to have an off day as a teacher of color How she learned to challenge her students in new ways when her lesson plans were upended Why passion is something she will never tire pursuing and advocating for Why reading should be important to teachers and why she read Jose Vilson's This is Not a Test three times Why five words can change your relationship with students How reflective listening can improve your classroom visit rafranzdavis.com     The post #69 Rafranz Davis: The Five Words That Can Change a Student’s Life appeared first on Talks with Teachers.

Elana Leoni and Samer Rabadi Social Media Team at Edutopia In this episode you will learn about: Edutopia's mission How Edutopia evolved from a print magazine to a digital resource Edutopia's community-building strategies What teachers can do to be solution oriented in their approach to the craft of teaching How teachers are using Edutopia to give voice to what's happening in the trenches right now The ways in which teachers can apply Edutopia's community-building strategies to their own classrooms The common teacher needs on Edutopia How to keep conversations about educationally-sound practices without getting political Success stories of how Edutopia's content inspired teachers www.edutopia.org  The post #68 Edutopia: Inspiration That Works appeared first on Talks with Teachers.

Dan McCabe Lead Learner ★ Assistant Principal ★ Co-Moderator #NYEDchat ★ Co-Founder @EdCampLI ★http://danmccabe.blogspot.com  Subscribe on iTunes In this episode you will learn: What students gain from taking business courses The ways in which students can develop entrepreneurial thinking How mentorship from a colleague made Dan a better educator Why leadership is a choice, not a title How Dan transitioned from a business teacher to an assistant principal How social media can be your best entryway into a powerful learning network What we can do to reach those students that are disengaged The overlooked challenged of responsibility that teachers face Why disruption is an important term in education right now Why you should read The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Sir Ken Robinson The ways in which teachers can seek work-life integration How teachers can develop principles to improve their craft based on Stephen Covey's 7 Habits How the relationships teachers build and the w

James Sturtevant Jim Sturtevant first stepped in front of high school students in the late summer of 1985. Jim predicted he would teach a year or two, before pursuing something grown up: go to law school, get a PhD, or enter the private sector and earn a fortune.  But, a funny thing happened on the way to the forum.  Jim fell in love with his students.  Could one really get paid for bonding with young people?  The answer was…ABSOLUTELY!  And still is, some thirty years and thousands of students later.  “Your students seem so relaxed and happy.  How’d you create this atmosphere?” Caught off guard, he gave a meager and vague response.  After much reflection and research, Jim finally answered the question in You've Gotta Connect. Subscribe on iTunes In this episode you will learn: How James develops relationships with his students Why relationship develop is just as important, if not more important, than content knowledge How to connect with those students that seem disengaged and reluctant to learn Ways in

Cheryl Costello Academic Tech Coordinator at Cheshire Academy,an independent school in Cheshire, CT. Member of #CAIS Commission on Technology Subscribe on iTunes   In this episode you will learn: How she began using technology as a tool to differentiate instruction How she managed to go from a stay-at home mom to a successful teacher What she learned about flexibility in lesson panning and how she learned it The time and planning that goes into successful teaching Why everyone should readMindset by Carol Dweck How you can create a personal learning community on Twitter Why you should read education blogs like Edutopia and Ed Tech Teacher How her passion for her content showed through her students' work     The post #65 Tech as a Tool to Differentiate Instruction appeared first on Talks with Teachers.

Brianna Crowley #Teacherpreneur w/ @teachingquality, 2013 @ASCD Emerging Leader, English Teacher, TechCoach, NBCT  http://about.me/brianna.crowley   Subscribe on iTunes In this episode you will learn: Her hybrid role as a classroom teacher and a Teacherpreneur for The Center for Teaching Quality Why she became a teacher and how she became a master teacher by connecting with others Her lesson that fell flat and how it crushed her at the time What the public fails to realize about teaching Why Mindset by Carol Dweck and Quiet by Susan Cain are valuable professional-development reads How we should be interesting people for our students Why Elana Aguilar's The Art of Coaching was the best PD that she attended What a comment code can do to benefit student writing The ever-evolving, always-collaborating nature of great teachers     The post #64 Brianna Crowley — ASCD Emerging Leader appeared first on Talks with Teachers.

Michael Flynn Director of Mathematics Leadership Program at Mount Holyoke College   In this episode you will learn: How he went from hating math to teaching it Why teaching the way you were taught is not always a successful practice The ways in which we can use our colleagues as resources Why summer PD can transform your teaching How his teaching changed from teacher-centered to student-centered The questions you should ask to determine if your classroom is student-centered. Why we need time to practice, experiment, and try things out The difference between a fun activity and a fun learning outcome How the dynamic nature of the classroom can be invigorating Why Principles to Action is a book that every math teacher should read The ways in which everyone can be life-long learners Why the workbook method in math can turn students off How to make math an active process The ever-evolving, always-collaborating nature of great teachers     The post #63 Active and Engaged Math Teaching: Michael Flynn a

Marguerite Izzo -- National Teaching Hall of Fame Inductee Subscribe to "The Test" -- Brian's new podcast about teaching in an era of testing Listen to find out: Why Marguerite has taught every grade from 5-12 Marguerite is a member of the Teaching Hall of Fame Why she firmly believes that if you can teach middle school, you can teach anything How teaching is more difficult than being a doctor and why our best is needed every day How administrative support can be a game changer for a teacher What happens when we don't reflect and adjust when we are teaching What the general public fails to understand about teaching, the challenge of reaching that affective domain and how that can influence the intellectual domain The exhausting and exhilarating nature of reaching 30+ students Learn the three essential things that she loves about teaching Marguerite recommends The Courage to Teach as a book  that all teachers should read Why taking care of yourself is so important in teaching How you can use The Te

Subscribe to The Test on iTunes check out aplithelp.com Could they read and could they write? That’s what they wanted to know. Of course they could do it, but how well could they do it? So they worked in silence for three hours, reading and writing. That’s all it took — three hours. A year’s worth of work, and it was done in three hours. And then, they awaited judgement. Issac and Annie are two of the nearly 400,000 students globally that took the AP Literature and Composition exam last year. It is a rigorous exam. Typically, the best and brightest students in a school take AP exams, at least that’s the way it was when I was in school.  The multiple choice section lasts an hour. Then in the next two hours students write three essays, back to back to back. Its exhausting. Few do well on it. How tough is it? Well only 8% scored a 5 last year. 18% scored a 4. If you do the math, and bear with me I’m an English teacher, nearly 75% failed to score a four or a five. 75% of the smart kids. That’s a tough exam. But w

Sean McComb -- 2014 National Teacher of the Year Sean McComb, an English teacher at Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts  in Baltimore County, was named 2014 National Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching, McComb supports his Patapsco colleagues through coaching and training as the school's Staff Development Teacher. He also served as a curriculum writer for the school system and an adjunct instructor in Education and Writing at Towson University.   In this episode you will learn:  Sean's journey into teaching Patapsco's A.V.I.D. program The emotional toll of being a teacher A lesson that failed for Sean How to ignite passion in the classroom How to ask the right essential questions When to hold back and let students control the class Why intellectual curiosity is important What you can do to build better connections with your students Why the Teaching Channel is a great resource a tip to improve student writing What he is most proud of as a teacher The post #60 2014 National Teacher

Brian Sztabnik -- educator  Brian Sztabnik runs the Talks With Teachers podcasts, #aplitchat and created aplithelp.com.  He has taught English Language Arts for ten years in middle schools, high schools, the inner city and the suburbs.  He is currently the lead English teacher at a high school on Long Island, where he teaches AP Literature and electives.  He has presented at the AP Annual Conference, LI Connected Educators, the New York State English Council Conference, and at local workshops on the Common Core Standards.  He coached varsity basketball coach for 10 years and now spends his time as a devoted father and a frequent typo-maker. www.aplithelp.com   In this episode you will learn:  How I became interested in teaching after a brief career in sports journalism The inspiration for the creation of Talks with Teachers My teaching story and what I have learned from the four schools that I have worked for in the past 10 years The qualities of successful schools The habits of successful teachers What