The Teachercast Podcast

In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss the science of reading with Dr. Rob Friel and Dr. Brian Cromer from South Western School District. They explore the importance of leadership in implementing literacy changes, the challenges faced during the transformation, and the significance of building a collaborative culture among educators.   If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! In This Episode … What is the current landscape of the science of reading? How did the science of reading become a national movement? Conversation Takeaways The science of reading is a body of research that informs educational practices. Leadership is crucial in implementing effective literacy programs. Transformational change in literacy requires a methodical approach. Building a collaborative culture enhances educational outcomes. Curriculum development should be an ongoing process. Profess

In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss the science of reading with Dr. Rob Friel and Dr. Brian Cromer from South Western School District. They explore the importance of leadership in implementing literacy changes, the challenges faced during the transformation, and the significance of building a collaborative culture among educators.   If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! In This Episode … What is the current landscape of the science of reading? How did the science of reading become a national movement? Conversation Takeaways The science of reading is a body of research that informs educational practices. Leadership is crucial in implementing effective literacy programs. Transformational change in literacy requires a methodical approach. Building a collaborative culture enhances educational outcomes. Curriculum development should be an ongoing process. Profess

In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury hosts Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group, and Robert Palazzo, Supervisor of Curriculum, Student, and Community Services in Panther Valley School District, on the program to discuss courageous leadership in education, particularly in the context of literacy transformation.  If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Conversation Takeaways Courageous leadership is essential for transforming literacy in schools. Data-driven decision-making is crucial for effective educational leadership. Transitioning from balanced literacy to structured literacy can significantly improve student outcomes. Understanding the diverse needs of students is key to effective curriculum implementation. Building a culture of collaboration among staff enhances the success of literacy initiatives. Regular assessment and intervention models can better meet student ne

In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury hosts Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group, and Robert Palazzo, Supervisor of Curriculum, Student, and Community Services in Panther Valley School District, on the program to discuss courageous leadership in education, particularly in the context of literacy transformation.  If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Conversation Takeaways Courageous leadership is essential for transforming literacy in schools. Data-driven decision-making is crucial for effective educational leadership. Transitioning from balanced literacy to structured literacy can significantly improve student outcomes. Understanding the diverse needs of students is key to effective curriculum implementation. Building a culture of collaboration among staff enhances the success of literacy initiatives. Regular assessment and intervention models can better meet student ne

In this episode, Jeff Bradbury, Laura Stewart, and Kymyona Burk discuss the importance of literacy instruction and the levers that can improve literacy outcomes for students. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! In This Episode … What is the current landscape of the science of reading? How did the science of reading become a national movement? Conversation Takeaways Investing in teacher knowledge and coaching are key levers for improving literacy outcomes. Funding is essential for implementing effective literacy policies and practices. Teacher preparation programs should include instruction on evidence-based literacy practices. Personal connections and relationships can enhance professional collaborations. Ongoing work is needed to sustain and improve literacy education. Teacher preparation is crucial in ensuring that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to teach rea

In this episode, Jeff Bradbury, Laura Stewart, and Kymyona Burk discuss the importance of literacy instruction and the levers that can improve literacy outcomes for students. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! In This Episode … What is the current landscape of the science of reading? How did the science of reading become a national movement? Conversation Takeaways Investing in teacher knowledge and coaching are key levers for improving literacy outcomes. Funding is essential for implementing effective literacy policies and practices. Teacher preparation programs should include instruction on evidence-based literacy practices. Personal connections and relationships can enhance professional collaborations. Ongoing work is needed to sustain and improve literacy education. Teacher preparation is crucial in ensuring that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to teach rea

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, hosts Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser explore the concept of empathy in education, particularly through a project called Middle School 2.0. They discuss how this project allows students to step into the shoes of educators, fostering understanding and respect. The conversation covers various aspects of the project, including creative development, branding, course creation, budgeting, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning. The episode emphasizes the importance of empathy, creativity, and real-world skills in the classroom. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! In This Episode … Why is it important for students to learn about Empathy? How can we help students understand the challenges faced by school administrators? What are some effective ways to put students in an administrator's shoes? How does experiencing an administrator'

In this episode of the Digital Learning Today Podcast, Jeff welcomes Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group, onto the podcast to learn about the 10 Principles of Literacy Instruction. Together they discuss the need for explicit instruction, repeatable routines, and data-driven practices to enhance literacy education. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! In This Episode … The Science of Reading is crucial for effective teaching. Explicit instruction is essential for learning to read. Repeatable routines help students focus on content. Data collection must inform instructional practices. Evidence alignment ensures resources are effective. Implementation science bridges research and practice. Feedback on the 10 Principles has been positive. Leadership is key in transforming literacy practices. Top Ten Principles of Literacy Instruction Links of Interest: Th

In this episode of the Digital Learning Today Podcast, Jeff welcomes Andrew Vanden Heuvel onto the show to discuss how he is using Fortnite to teach complex scientific principals to students of all ages. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! In This Episode … Video games make awesome laboratories: Virtual worlds make excellent pedagogical tools for science educators. They allow us to bend the laws of reality, enter into life-sized experiments, and recreate famous experiments from history. Why Fortnite? It's popular, it's playable on almost any device, and it has an incredible set of game creation tools (Fortnite Creative + Unreal Editor for Fortnite). Also, Fortnite's Replay mode can turn Fortnite into a virtual production studio, enabling amazing storytelling projects far beyond the scope of our science project. Fortnite and the Metaverse: I would argue the Fortnite can/should be thought of a

In this conversation, Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser explore the transformative power of digital tools in education, particularly focusing on Google animations. They discuss how these tools can enhance creativity, engagement, and learning across various subjects, while also addressing the emotional challenges teachers face and the importance of resilience and empowerment in the profession. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! [convertkit form=7230980] Conversation Takeaways Google Slides can be used creatively to make animations. Students can engage with animation concepts through familiar movies. Creating flipbook animations helps students understand the animation process. Using Google Slides allows for unique features not found in other presentation tools. The lesson plan for animations is available on TeacherCast. Students can express their creativity through animation projects.

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, hosts Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Mansour delve into the concept of micro credentials and digital badging in education. They discuss the implementation of a badging program in the classroom, focusing on how it can enhance student engagement and motivation. The conversation also touches on the importance of curriculum development, the use of technology tools like Notion, and future plans for expanding the badging program. Throughout the episode, the hosts share insights and practical tips for educators looking to adopt similar strategies in their teaching. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Digital Learning Tip of the Week Tip # Do Micro Credentials Provide Incentive for Student Learning? To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In This Episode … 1. Introduction to Student Micro cred

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, hosts Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss the importance of restorative practices in education, emphasizing the need for building positive relationships with students. They explore the challenges teachers face in maintaining classroom management and the significance of accountability and support for students. The conversation also highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in teaching and the need for teachers to stay empowered and focused on their goals. Additionally, they celebrate personal achievements and the ongoing journey of professional development in the field of education. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Conversation Takeaways Restorative practices help in building positive school climates. Building relationships with students is crucial for effective teaching. Teachers need to hold students accountable while providing s

In this episode of TeacherCast, Jeffrey Bradbury, Diane Manser, and Michelle Stie discuss the intricacies of professional development (PD) in education. They explore what constitutes effective PD, the importance of engaging teachers, and the role of community in fostering a supportive learning environment. The conversation highlights the need for alignment between administrators and teachers, the significance of measuring success in PD programs, and the challenges educators face in implementing new strategies. The episode concludes with practical advice for educators on navigating the complexities of PD and maintaining enthusiasm for teaching. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Conversation Takeaways Professional development should be relevant to teachers' classroom experiences. Creating a culture of feedback and vulnerability is essential for effective PD. Engaging teachers in collaborativ

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, host Jeffrey Bradbury and guest Matt Rhoads discuss the topic of co-teaching in the classroom. They explore the benefits of co-teaching, the importance of effective partnerships, and strategies for successful collaboration. They also touch on the role of technology in supporting co-teaching and provide insights for administrators and teachers on how to implement and sustain co-teaching practices. Matt Rhoads also shares information about his upcoming book, 'Co-Teaching Evolved,' which offers practical guidance and resources for educators. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Digital Learning Tip of the Week Tip # How do you create a successful Co-Teaching program in your K12 classrooms? To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways Co-teaching involves working co

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, hosts Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Mansour discuss the upcoming ISTE conference, focusing on the proposal process, the excitement of attending, and the importance of networking. They share insights on how to create effective proposals, the costs associated with attending, and how to sustain the energy gained from the conference throughout the school year. The conversation also touches on the merging of ISTE and ASCD conferences and offers advice for newcomers and returning attendees. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Digital Learning Tip of the Week How do you create an ISTE Proposal that gets accepted for the big conference? To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways ISTE proposals are blind, meaning anyone can be selected regardless of their social media fo

The Human Intelligence Movement is a grassroots educational movement focused on equipping students with human-centered skills. It was started by Dr. Michelle Amant and Travis Allen to address the need for learners to develop skills that cannot be replicated by AI. These skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and adaptability. The movement aims to shift the focus in education from standardized assessments to project-based and problem-based learning that is relevant and meaningful to students. The movement also emphasizes the importance of building a community of like-minded educators who can learn from and support each other. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! In This Episode … Sharing the Mission & Purpose: Introduction to the Human Intelligence movement and its mission The rise of AI and its impact on the future of work Defining Human Intellige

In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss the concept of backwards design in lesson planning. They emphasize the importance of starting with the end goal in mind and aligning lessons with standards and assessments. They also discuss the need for clear and measurable goals, as well as the importance of gathering evidence of student learning. The hosts provide tips for managing the content and instruction, and stress the value of staying organized and pacing oneself throughout the school year. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Digital Learning Tip of the Week Tip # When planning out long term lessons and projects, consider using Backwards Design to make sure that all of your learning goals and standards are met. To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In This Episode … How to accomplish Backwards Design

In this episode, Jeff Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss Canva for education with special guest Scott Nunes. They talk about the various ways Canva can be used in the classroom, such as creating presentations, student projects, and designing graphics. Scott shares examples of how schools and teachers are using Canva to save time and enhance student engagement. They also discuss the management aspect of using Canva, including how to prevent misuse and maintain a positive learning environment. In this conversation, Scott Nunes discusses various strategies for using Canva in the classroom, including creating parent emails, using Canva Lessons, and utilizing Canva websites. He also highlights features such as Magic Resize, AI art generator, and video editing capabilities. Scott emphasizes the importance of leveraging Canva to save time, personalize content, and empower students. He encourages educators to join the Canva EDU community on Twitter and Facebook and explore the Canva for Education website. If you are

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeffrey Bradbury interviews Dr. Brandi Stinson, a principal from Maryland, about the communication app SMORE. They discuss the importance of effective communication in schools and how SMORE helps streamline the process. Dr. Stinson highlights the features of SMORE, such as multimedia integration, polls, translation, scheduling, branding, and analytics. They also discuss different ways to use SMORE, including newsletters, event announcements, and back-to-school night. Overall, SMORE is praised for its ability to create professional, visually appealing, and personalized communication for schools.If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today!Digital Learning Tip of the WeekTip # Elevate your weekly parent and staff communications by leveraging SMORE's dynamic platform rather than relying on traditional email.To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips se

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss the importance of building professional relationships with teachers, students, and administrators. They emphasize the need to create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere in the classroom, including playing music and assigning seats. They also discuss the importance of introducing new technologies and tools in a thoughtful and approved manner. Additionally, they highlight the significance of building relationships with colleagues and offering support to new teachers. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships in the education community. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Digital Learning Tip of the Week Tip # Take the first few weeks of the school year to get to know those woking with you and around you. To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, p