Amle Podcasts

Join Jack Berckemeyer, assistant executive director for National Middle School Association, and Dr. Santo Pino as they discuss the importance of community involvement and business partnerships within the school. Jack and Santo also share ideas on ways to involve businesses in your school and the issues and concerns schools might experience.

Jill Spencer, a member of the NMSA Site-Based Services Speakers Cadre, has a discussion about cyber citizenship and its issues with Jack Berckemeyer, assistant executive director for National Middle School Association. Jill explains what it means to be a good cyber citizen in today's day and age. She elaborates on appropriate actions for young adolescents when dealing with technology, and shares some great examples for classroom teachers to use.

Michael Galbraith and Bob Vogel, authors of the new books Voices of Teens: Writers Matter and Voices of Teens: In Their Own Words tell NMSA director of publications April Tibbles how they engaged, even empowered, students through reflective writing. Together, Michael and Bob crafted a magical program for the middle school classroom based on Erin Gruwell's Freedom Writer's Diary.

Features Todd Williamson, a 7th grade science teacher who employed student-created podcasts to enrich a science unit on human body systems. Todd explains how producing the podcasts helped students improve science, literacy, and technology skills and understanding.

Features Erica Roberts, interviewed by Mary Henton, NMSA director of integrated media initiatives. When Erica used wikis as the format for an annual social studies curriculum project, her students were engaged and learned.

Features Bill Ivey, interviewed by Mary Henton, NMSA director of integrated media initiatives. Bill tells the story and shares insights about how students in his humanities class, in Massachusetts, used Skype to collaborate and learn with students in New York City.

Features three middle school principals taking questions from undergraduate students. At the April 2008 gathering of the Collegiate Middle Level Association, students preparing to teach in the middle grades had an opportunity to pose questions to three seasoned middle school principals.

Features Kathy Hunt Ullock, educational consultant and member of the National Middle School Association Site Based Services cadre, talking with Jack Berckemeyer, NMSA assistant executive director. Kathy and Jack offer advice to the new teacher and discuss the importance of establishing a support system.

Features Ross Burkhardt, former teacher, past president of National Middle School Association, and a member of NMSA's Site Based Services cadre talking with Jack Berckemeyer, NMSA assistant executive director. Ross and Jack talk about building professional relationships within the school.

Features Sherrel Bergmann, middle level educator and consultant, talking with Jack Berckemeyer, NMSA assistant executive director. Sherrel and Jack share concrete, practical suggestions for the new teacher. They also comment on steps to build safe, respectful relationships in the classroom.

Features Kenneth Brighton, intereviewed by April Tibbles, NMSA director of publications. A middle school teacher for two decades, Kenneth is currently a professor at Johnson State College specializing in middle level education and adolescent development. This show discusses his book, Coming of Age: The Education & Development of Young Adolescents.

Features Walt Grebing, consultant and former middle level principal, talking with Jack Berckemeyer, NMSA assistant executive director. Walt and Jack discuss what principals are looking for during the interview process and tips on how to adjust to your new school environment.

Features Judy Brough, professor of middle level education and consultant, talking with Jack Berckemeyer, NMSA assistant executive director. Judy and Jack talk about pre-service teacher education and reflective classroom practice.

Features Nancy Feigenbaum, intereviewed by April Tibbles, NMSA director of publications. Nancy, a successful reporter for 14 years and a first-year teacher at age 41, shares her experiences in her first year of teaching. This show discusses her book, More Than I Ever Imagined: A First-Year Teacher's Discoveries.

Features Debbie Silver, middle level educator and consultant, talking with Jack Berckemeyer, NMSA assistant executive director. Debbie and Jack offer ideas and concrete suggestions to help the new teacher organize for success.

Features Dave Shepard, a former middle level principal, talking with Jack Berckemeyer, NMSA assistant executive director. Dave and Jack talk about identifying a good teaching candidate, and offer advice to the new teacher about first steps in classroom management and student motivation.

Features Charlene Giannetti and Margaret Sagarese, intereviewed by April Tibbles, NMSA director of publications. Charlene and Margaret are recognized experts on young adolescent behavior. This episode discusses the publication Keep Cliques and Bullies from Invading Your School, and provides useful information on dealing with this issue.

Features Judith Baenen, middle level professor and educator, talking with Jack Berckemeyer, NMSA assistant executive director. Judith and Jack talk about building relationships with parents and families, pre-service course work, suppporting new teachers, and maintaining a sense of humor.

Features Nick Toombs, a second year teacher in Denver, CO, talking with Jack Berckemeyer, NMSA assistant executive director. Nick shares some of his experiences as a new teacher and talks about the preparation necessary for the first interview and the difference between his first and second years of teaching.

Features Gail Heinemeyer, former middle school principal, talking with NMSA directors Jack Berckemeyer and Mary Henton. The conversation focuses on the advantages of staff participation in a book study on This We Believe: Successful School for Young Adolescents. Gail also offers advice to leverage data for student achievement.