The Teachercast Podcast

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, hosts Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss the challenges and strategies for managing the end of the semester, including organizing grade books and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance teaching practices. They explore the importance of effective rubrics, the use of AI tools for feedback, and the balance between utilizing technology and maintaining educational integrity. 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 The end of the semester can be chaotic for teachers. Staying organized is key to managing workload effectively. Using AI tools can streamline grading and feedback processes. Creating meaningful rubrics enhances student understanding. AI can provide a starting point for lesson planning. Class Companion offers valuable feedback to students. Teachers should use AI as a supportive tool, not a crutch. Effec

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, hosts Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Mansour welcome the new year with excitement and discuss various developments in education, including the launch of a new book and the transition to college teaching. They delve into the stress educators face and share strategies for managing it, emphasizing the importance of organization, mindset shifts, and self-care. The conversation highlights the significance of sleep and hobbies in maintaining emotional resilience and balance in the teaching 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! Digital Learning Tip of the Week Tip # ??? To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In This Episode … New Podcasting Format for TeacherCast Updated Newsletter Format Stress Management Write down everything that you have to do in the moment now. Fin

In this conversation, Channon Essex, an educator and author, discusses her journey into education, the challenges of burnout among teachers, and the importance of self-care. She shares her experiences working with students, the significance of building authentic relationships, and introduces the ACT framework (Accept, Create, Teach) designed to support educators. The discussion also touches on the feedback received from her book, 'The Positive Effect for Educators,' and her aspirations for the future. 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 The importance of self-care for educators. Building relationships with students is crucial for success. Authenticity in teaching fosters trust and connection. The ACT framework helps educators maximize their impact. Feedback from the book has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers need support beyond just pedagogical training. U

In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss the importance of increasing female representation in the technology sector with Sue Harnett, founder of Rewriting the Code. They explore the challenges women face in tech education, the significance of community support, and the role of tech companies in fostering diversity. The conversation emphasizes the need for mentorship, the importance of representation, and strategies to encourage young women to pursue careers in technology. This podcast episode emphasizes the need for building networks and community to empower young women in their career paths, ultimately highlighting the positive impact of these initiatives on their confidence and success in the tech industry. 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! To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In This Episode …

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss the significance of data collection in education. They explore various methods for gathering data, the importance of needs assessments, and how to build relationships with teachers through data-driven conversations. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for data collection and analysis, aiming to enhance instructional coaching and improve student outcomes. 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 Teachers Should Collect Their Own Classroom Data Empowers data-driven decision making Provides immediate insights into student performance Allows for personalized instruction and interventions Helps track progress over time Facilitates communication with parents and administrators Ways to Collect and Analyze Classroom Data Google Workspace Google Forms for quick surveys a

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