Bite-Sized PL

This episode uses a cluttered garage as a metaphor to explore how schools can declutter ineffective practices by focusing on what truly supports learning, guided by the High Reliability Schools (HRS) framework. Third-grade teacher Heidi Green shares her journey from skepticism to empowerment, highlighting how HRS helps create safer, more responsive learning environments by centering student voice,...

This podcast episode explores the science and practical use of brain breaks in classrooms, highlighting how both rats and humans consolidate learning during rest. Educators share strategies for implementing effective and manageable breaks, emphasizing how brief pauses help students of all ages reset, stay engaged, and learn more effectively.

English teacher Kevin Campbell shares how he creates engaging classroom discussions using techniques like sustained interaction, positive redirection, benign controversy, and blind entry—encouraging students to think deeply and build confidence. Through role play and real examples, Campbell demonstrates how modeling vulnerability and thought processes helps foster a culture of curiosity and learni...

Small, consistent habit changes—both in daily life and teaching—can lead to meaningful, sustainable growth. Instructional coaches Chad Crane and Christy Waite emphasize the power of mindset shifts, encouraging teachers to start small, reduce mental load, and adopt practical strategies that make teaching more effective and manageable.

Carly Maloney discusses the impact of "Watch and Learn" sessions, a teacher-led professional development approach that fosters collaboration, trust, and ongoing growth through peer observation. The episode highlights the importance of administrative support, structured scheduling, and cross-curricular learning, emphasizing that a culture of observation and reflection enhances both teaching effecti...

In this episode, we sit down with first-year math teachers Taylor Christensen and Aileen Trost as they share the highs, lows, and surprises of their first year in the classroom. From managing the unexpected to building strong relationships with students, they discuss what they've learned, how they've grown, and the realities of balancing workload expectations. Whether you're a new teacher or a sea...

The "School Matters" webinar, led by Davis School District leaders, focused on class size concerns, budgeting challenges, and strategies for improving teacher support, including targeted training for TAs and expanded intervention teams. Emphasizing transparency and collaboration, the district reaffirmed its commitment to balancing resources, advocating for increased funding, and ensuring educators...

Jared and Sarah welcome Dr. Doug Ball, Air and Space Force Teacher of the Year, to discuss fostering curiosity and engagement in STEM education through strategic questioning and classroom culture. Doug emphasizes the importance of scaffolding discussions, encouraging student ownership of learning, and creating an inclusive environment that nurtures critical thinking, communication, and collaborati...

This episode explores how educators can enhance learning experiences through technology and creativity. Topics include using Canvas for organization and personalized learning, with tools like Mastery Paths and multimedia content to engage students. Microsoft tools like Teams and OneNote are highlighted for collaboration and efficiency, while Canva stands out as a versatile design tool for all skil...

As a teacher, are you more of a Big Bird or a Mr. Rogers? Educators Christy Waite and Melanie Jones discuss how developing a teaching persona, inspired by the blend of fantasy and reality in "Sesame Street" and "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" can both captivate students and pose challenges, especially when balancing performance with effective teaching strategies.

Chad Crane, an instructional coach, reflects on his new role and the challenges he faces, particularly when a teacher, Melanie Jones, expresses the desire for a new personality to become more engaging in the classroom. The episode explores the tension between the cultural expectations of an ideal teacher persona, often favoring extroverted traits, and the reality that effective teaching can take m...

Chad Crane and CTE teacher Kelsey Bernards discuss how AI has become an invaluable partner for educators, transforming their work practices and providing support in tasks like creating rubrics, generating teaching ideas, and refining assignments. They highlight how AI can act as a thought partner, offering suggestions, prompting higher-order thinking, and reducing teacher exhaustion, making it a p...

Juliana Urtubey, 2021 National Teacher of the Year shares powerful stories highlighting the transformative role of relationships and dignity in education. Through examples like a student's sweet potato gift and Hawaiian teachers' canal restoration project, the discussion underscores the importance of joy, justice, and collaboration in fostering meaningful change and sustaining educators' purpose.

In this holiday-themed episode, the hosts share educational and fun gift ideas, from creating inclusive classroom spaces to using mindfulness tools and innovative accessories like Bluetooth eye masks. They also explore the value of unconventional approaches to pedagogy, recommend resources for student-centered learning, and encourage kindness through gestures like Secret Santa traditions and takin...

Second grade teacher, Melissa Norman explores effective teaching practices, emphasizing creating an engaging and emotionally supportive classroom environment by tailoring lessons to students' unique needs and activating prior knowledge. Daily personal interactions, reflective tools, and fostering creativity to build relationships, all support student success while maintaining a flexible, student-c...

Davis Education Foundation director Jodi Lunt discusses fostering community support for the Davis School District through programs like Cash for Classrooms, Kids Closet, and innovative projects that remove barriers to learning and empower students and educators. Jodi shares inspiring stories of generosity and collaboration, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to enhancing education, meeting st...

Technology Integration Specialist Katie Scholer discusses how technology can transform classroom experiences, making learning more immersive and accessible. Tools like Google Earth, iPads, and AI-driven tutoring help students engage more deeply with content, while ongoing professional development supports teachers in integrating these technologies effectively to enhance student learning.

Chandee Chidester, a thrid grade teacher and distinguished educator for the the Modern Classroom Project, describes teacher sustainability and student-centered, mastery-based learning. Chandee explains how she implemented self-paced lessons in her classroom to cater to different student abilities and challenges, fostering engagement and growth for each student, and shares her excitement about furt...

Retired high school ceramics teacher Shalise Bailey reflects on her teaching journey, the strong bonds she formed with students and colleagues, and the challenges of retirement. She shares advice for both new and experienced teachers to focus on meaningful student connections and to find joy in the small "glimmer moments" that make teaching rewarding.

Theater and film teacher Liz Christensen discusses the power of performance-based assessments to engage students in authentic learning. She shares how these assessments allow students to demonstrate skills in practical contexts, fostering critical thinking, self-expression, and metacognition across various subjects.

Community School Director Robbie Kinghorn discusses school leadership and addressing students' academic and personal needs. By organizing efforts such as supplying shoes and hosting community events, school leaders aim to strengthen the bond between schools and families, encouraging self-sufficiency and deeper engagement.

Ceramics teacher Kyle Guymon fosters a hands-on learning environment where students are encouraged to fail, learn, and grow. Kyle shares his strategies for setting high expectations, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and inspiring students to express their unique artistic voices in pottery.

Games can boost student motivation and learning in the classroom. Kynda Farrel, Tanielle Carter and Mikell Wilcox share fun, practical game ideas that help students practice math, review concepts, and stay engaged.

Cynthia Minson, a first-grade Spanish immersion teacher, discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching students who are new to both school and the Spanish language. Cynthia emphasizes the importance of celebrating small successes to build student confidence and self-regulation, while also discussing how learning centers and individualized goals help address student gaps and promote engagement i...

Special guest, Jessica Cabeen reflects on the importance of being authentic and connecting with students through simple gestures like high-fives and music, emphasizing how meaningful interactions can have a profound impact. She also share personal challenges, discussing how vulnerability and balancing personal struggles with professional responsibilities can foster stronger relationships and perso...