Teaching Matters

This conversation explores the evolution of data usage in education, the founding of the Abre platform by Zach Vanderveen and Chris Rose, and how it addresses the challenges educators face with data management. The discussion highlights the importance of user experience, the role of AI in education, and ways in which data-driven platforms can assist districts in achieving a wide range of goals in...

In this episode of the Teaching Matters podcast, host Scott Titsworth engages with Aubrey Francisco and Michelle Tiu, co-executive directors of AERDF's EF+Math program, to discuss the critical role of executive function skills in enhancing math education. The discussion in this episode centers on evidence-based practices focused on improving math learning by strengthening students' executive funct...

In this episode, Scott Titsworth and Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer of the 95 Percent Group, discuss the current challenges in literacy education, particularly the alarming decline in reading scores among students. They explore the importance of the science of reading, the need for effective teaching practices, and the role of data in driving instructional decisions. Laura emphasizes the ne...

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth speaks with Catherine Townsend and Jeremy Goldstein about the National Mall's significance, its historical context, and the educational opportunities it presents. They discuss the Trust for the National Mall's initiatives, including preparations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, the launch of the National Mall Gateway, and the importance of civic...

Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase, the superintendent of the Westbury Union Free School District, discusses the critical role of communication in ensuring school safety. She emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of safety within schools, integrating various safety measures, and maintaining open lines of communication with parents and the community. Dr. Chase shares insights on the implementation o...

This conversation explores the critical issue of chronic absenteeism in schools, highlighting the findings from a comprehensive report by SchoolStatus. The discussion covers the importance of attendance, the data methodology used, and the patterns observed in absenteeism across different grade levels. Dr. Kara Stern emphasizes the significance of early interventions, effective communication strate...

In this episode, Scott Titsworth and Shawn Young discuss the critical role of student engagement in education, exploring Shawn's journey from physics teacher to Chief Platform Officer at HMH. They delve into the importance of gamification in the classroom, the integration of AI in education, and the need for meaningful learning experiences. The conversation highlights the impact of great teachers,...

Reading is a fundamental skill for students; unfortunately, reading comprehension is diminishing for students nationally. Rebecca Kockler is the Executive Director for Reading Reimagined, a program with the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (https://aerdf.org/programs/reading-reimagined/). In our conversation we explore the challenges faced by students in reading comprehension, the...

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Jason McKenna discuss the challenges and opportunities in STEM education, particularly focusing on the integration of robotics in the classroom. They explore the importance of early engagement in STEM, the role of creativity in motivating students, and the need for effective professional development for teachers. McKenna shares his journey from teaching to...

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth interviews Dr. David Lawrence, the superintendent of Dayton Public School District, discussing the challenges of teacher shortages, the innovative use of remote teachers, and the importance of a strong educational culture. Dr. Lawrence shares insights on the five C's approach, his journey into education, and the impact of technology on learning...

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth interviews Dr. David Lawrence, the superintendent of Dayton Public School District, discussing the challenges of teacher shortages, the innovative use of remote teachers, and the importance of a strong educational culture. Dr. Lawrence shares insights on the five C's approach, his journey into education, and the impact of technology on learning...

Scott Titsworth and Stephanie Hickman Boyse discuss the psychological stress faced by college students and the importance of career guidance. Stephanie shares her personal journey from being a college student to becoming the co-founder and CEO of Jebbee, a free AI-driven platform that helps students explore career options and connect with professionals. Stephanie describes features of Jebbee and h...

This is the second of a two-part series exploring the use of aptitude testing to help students envision career goals. In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth engages with Koree Hodgkinson and Victoria Hegsted from Danbury Local Schools in Ohio to discuss the implementation of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), a platform designed to assist students in understanding career pathwa...

This conversation explores how YouScience is being used to assist teachers, staff, students, and families reduce the awareness gap for possible career paths. Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), shares the company's origin story and the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry. Candice Sears, from the Montgomery County Educational Services Center in Oh...

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth speaks with Danna Okuyama, founder and CEO of Urban Sandbox, a platform designed to enhance student wellbeing through creative expression and peer interaction. They discuss statistics surrounding student mental health, the origin of Urban Sandbox, and how it aims to provide a safe, engaging environment for K-12 students. Danna shares insights on...

The Alliance for Decision Education is a national nonprofit organization that provides resources to help students develop skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Adriana Masarra and Ali Stumacher, both from the Alliance, discuss the alliance’s mission and the benefits of adopting intentional decision education into students’ experiences. Link to Alliance for Decision Education: https:...

Tara Bonner, Chief Neuroeducation Officer for the Arrowsmith Program, discusses the concept of neuroplasticity as it relates to students’ growth. The neuroplasticity perspective assumes that our cognitive functions can grow and change as a result of learning experiences. Tara discusses classroom techniques that stimulate such growth, including techniques employed by the Arrowsmith Program Link to...

Dr. Jonah Schenker, Superintendent of Ulster BOCES in New Paltz, NY, discusses the concept of deeper learning and its implementation at Ulster BOCES. He emphasizes the importance of leadership in fostering an environment conducive to deeper learning and the skills necessary for students to thrive in the future. The discussion also highlights the recent Deeper Learning Conference and its innovative...

In the February 12, 2024, episode, listeners learned about the use of Writable by Galveston ISD in Texas. In this episode you will meet Andrew Goldman, co-founder of Writable (https://www.writable.com) and Executive Vice President of HMH Labs. Andrew discusses the origin story of Writable as well as the emerging role of artificial intelligence as a tool for teachers. Goldman suggests that AI may h...

Nigel Nisbet, Vice President of Content Creation at the MIND Education, discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, particularly in mathematics. The conversation explores how neuroscience can inform teaching methods including the integration of experiential learning to help students make connections while learning mathematical concepts. MIND Education (https://www.mindeduc...

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Dr. Temple Lovelace discuss the evolving landscape of educational assessment, focusing on the mission of Assessment for Good (https://aerdf.org/programs/assessment-for-good/). Assessment for good is a program funded by the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to unlocking scientific breakthroughs to solve teachin...

Sparking Discussion of Career Readiness through Aptitude Testing This conversation explores how YouScience is being used to assist teachers, staff, students, and families reduce the awareness gap for possible career paths. Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), shares the company's origin story and the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry. Candice Se...

Aptitude Testing and Career Readiness in Danbury Local Schools This is the second of a two-part series exploring the use of aptitude testing to help students envision career goals. In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth engages with Koree Hodgkinson and Victoria Hegsted from Danbury Local Schools in Ohio to discuss the implementation of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), a plat...

In this episode of Teaching Matters, you will meet Aja Cormier and Katie Assad, both with Galveston ISD, Galveston, TX. Katie is an instructional coach working in an elementary school and Aja is a 9th grade English teacher. Our discussion centers on how the technology tool, Writable, is being used in Galveston ISD to improve student writing. In addition to offering teachers a more efficient way to...

In this episode, listeners meet Lori Alhadeff, founder of Make Our Schools Safe, and Will Fullerton, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs at CENTEGIX (https://www.centegix.com). Lori discusses how the Parkland, Florida, school shooting resulted in the death of her daughter and led to the founding of Make Schools Safe. The organization promotes safety cultures in schools and advocates for...