Teachers Talkin'

Burnout is real—and for educators, it often creeps in quietly until it's too loud to ignore. In this episode, Ghazali and Dustin dive into real talk about how teachers can reclaim their time, protect their peace, and set boundaries that stick. 🎙️ Our guiding question: How can educators create and sustain boundaries that support both their well-being and professional impact? Together, they share li...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore the roots of math anxiety and how a gamified, mindset-shifting approach can help students regain confidence and mastery in math. Our guiding question: How can we reframe math education to overcome anxiety and help all students succeed? Dr. Aditya Nagrath (he/him) is a...

Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Tom Kaster, founder of The Datafied Classroom, to explore how teachers can unlock the power of classroom data without becoming data scientists. They dive into practical tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that make data more usable and less overwhelming—ultimately helping educators better support student learning. Tom was a secondary mathematics teacher for nearl...

Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali chat with Chelsea Marone, former teacher and principal, now working with Kaiba, an AI-powered edtech tool. They explore how AI can help educators by reducing burnout, streamlining tasks, and improving instruction without replacing teachers. Chelsea highlights Kaiba’s features, ethical AI use, and the future of AI in education. Chelsea Marone loves all things education! As...

Dustin and Ghazali talk with Javier Payano, a Chicago-based educator and co-founder of the Human Values Collective, about integrating universal human values into education. Javier shares his journey from music education to advocating for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and character development. They explore how Love, Truth, Peace, Non-Violence, and Right Action can transform classrooms, helpi...

Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Diah Asdini to explore the challenges and strategies behind effective parent-teacher communication. They discuss how teachers can build positive relationships with parents, set clear boundaries, and handle difficult conversations. From cultural perspectives to practical tools, this episode offers valuable insights for educators looking to strengthen their collabora...

Dustin and Ghazali talk with Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project and author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs , to explore how hybrid and blended learning can create more inclusive and effective classrooms. Our guiding question is, How can hybrid and blended learning models transform education to better support every student? About Our Guest Robert Barnett is an educator, autho...

Dustin and Ghazali talk with Bobby Canosa-Carr, author of Can I Go To The Bathroom? And Other Asinine Questions We Ask in School, to discuss how current policies shape our schools and how we can advocate for meaningful change. Our guiding question is, ‘What shifts are necessary in education policy and culture to empower students and educators alike? Bobby Canosa-Carr (he/him) is a leadership coach...

Dustin and Ghazali celebrate 1 year of the podcast, over 1,000 downloads, reflect on the first half of season 2, and preview the second half of season 2. It was a fun podcast to go live for the first time and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did! We are always looking for passionate members of the education world to join us and talk about tips and strategies to support teachers! You don't have t...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Kalaivani Pallavanraja to discuss how mentorship programs benefit both new and experienced teachers, and what the key elements are of an effective mentorship program. Kalaivani has 5000+ hours of teaching ESL, Business English to learners from 60+ countries | 150+ mentoring sessions for online ESL Educators| Cambridge certified trainer, Mentor Teacher....

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Conni Rasmussen to discuss the unique benefits of outdoor education and how educators can incorporate outdoor learning into their curriculum for deeper engagement. Growing up near the water Conni was either under it, in it, or in a watercraft. It was her playground and later became the playground of her boys. Combining her love for the outdoors and tea...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Chitisha Gunnoo to answer the question, “How can educators connect with diverse student populations through culturally responsive teaching?” Chitisha is, a PhD candidate at the University of Mauritius, a 21st century educator, learning and development consultant and also a passionate about SDG aligned education. Are you ready to transform your teaching...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Keith Wilhelmi to answer the question, "Should teachers prioritize teaching students how to outline, and if so, how can they do it effectively?" Keith is a retired middle school life science teacher with over 42 years of experience in education. Keith has spent much of his post-retirement time creating resources to help teachers make outlining easier f...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Faja Akbar to answer the question, "How can educators effectively integrate 21st-century skills and technology to equip students for the future workplace?" Fajarudin Akbar, the ambassador of the International English Language Teachers Association for Indonesia and a TESOL/TEFL Educator is an English language teacher and educational technology practitio...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Ginean Royal to answer the question, "How can beginning teachers build confidence and develop the skills needed to teach like veteran educators?" Ginean has been in education for 24 years. She's taught in elementary, middle, high school, and post secondary - mainly as a math instructor. She is currently an instructional coach where much of her time is...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Joe Dale, an independent languages consultant and tech expert. The conversation is focused on how AI can enhance language learning. Joe dives into practical strategies that teachers can use to bring AI into their classrooms. Joe Dale is an independent languages consultant from the UK who works with a range of organisations such as Network for Languages...

Teachers Talkin' is BACK for Season 2! In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali focus on the question, "How can educators effectively cultivate a growth mindset in both students and themselves?" We explore practical strategies and insights to help teachers and students develop a growth mindset, which is essential for personal and academic growth. We are always looking for passionate members of the educ...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali wrap up Season 1 talking about the best ways to spend Summer Break. We focus on answering the question "How can teachers use their summer break to reflect, relax, recover, and prepare effectively for the upcoming school year?" Teachers Talkin' with resume on Monday, August 26th for Season 2 with all new episodes, guests, and lots of great support!

In this episode Ghazali talks to Dustin (as a guest) and Samantha Whitelaw, a veteran elementary school teacher who implements a self-paced classroom, as they focus on the overarching question "How does the self-pacing model enhance student learning experiences in both elementary and secondary classrooms?" Samantha Ortiz Whitelaw has been in elementary education for over 14 years. She has taught 1...

In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk to Toni Rose Deanon, who hosts the Modern Classrooms Project and does Community Engagement for MCP, as they focus on the overarching question "How can a self-pacing model support teachers and students in finding more success than the traditional method of teaching?" Toni Rose (they/them) has been an educator since 2010 with experiences ranging from MS Englis...

In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk to Dean Marolla, a former teacher and principal as they focus on the overarching question "How can school leaders effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities in education to foster a culture of growth and success?" Dean is a retired educator with over 35 years of experience as a middle and high school math teacher, assistant principal, and school p...

In this podcast crossover episode, Teachers' Talkin' about Helping Teachers Thrive , Dustin and Ghazali partner with Tem Ezimokhai to discuss the overarching question "How can educators effectively assess student learning to support their progress and growth?" Since embarking on her teaching journey in 2009, Tem has been on a mission to empower students to reach their fullest potential. Specialisi...

In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk with Ryan Nicholas Leong Wei Ren about the overarching question: How can educators prioritize and support student well-being in the classroom and beyond? Ryan is Singapore’s first GENIUS Generation Youth Coach, and Top Youth Coach of the Year 2024 (awarded by the IAOTP, International Association of Top Professionals). He evolves youth to stretch their career...

In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk with Cecilia Alcaraz about the overarching question: How can educators empower students and involve them in decision-making processes? We focus on why it's important and how to give students voice and agency both in their classroom and school community. Cecilia is a Dean of Students at a high school in Chicago and has spent the bulk of her career in educatio...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali welcome Sila Tekinsoy to discuss the overarching question "How can AI reshape and enhance the educational landscape?" We believe that we are just in the beginning of AI and want to bring awareness and strategies to educators as they navigate a world that includes AI. Sıla, an EFL teacher with a decade of experience, is a dedicated educator based in Kayseri, Turk...