aggieTEACH Momentum

In this episode, we feature a conversation with local school board presidents Kim Ege of College Station ISD and Joel Bryan of Bryan ISD regarding the vital role of school boards in the secondary public education landscape. Our discussion explores the high-level responsibilities of trustees, highlighting how strategic long-term planning, fiscal management, and community partnerships structurally s...

In this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. James Stronge, a heritage professor at the School of Education at William & Mary and author of Qualities of Effective Teaching, regarding the vital concept of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in the secondary classroom. Dr. Stronge shares his focus on how knowing a subject deeply is fundamentally different from knowing how to teach it effe...

In this episode, we feature a conversation with Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Thornton McFerrin Coaching Academy, Dr. Michael Thornton, regarding the intersection of teaching and coaching in the secondary classroom. Dr. Thornton shares his thoughts on being a "teacher-first, coach-second", emphasizing that the skills needed for effective instruction and athletic leader...

In this episode, we feature a conversation with Kara Green, a program manager and field experiences team lead in the Office of Educator Preparation Programs and Certification at Texas A&M University, regarding what to expect around clinical teaching in the secondary classroom. Kara shares her focus on a clinical teaching philosophy that views this intensive semester as a crucial "safety n...

We often talk about fostering a growth mindset in our students, but what about the mindsets we carry as educators? In this episode, host Kenric Davies dives into the hidden dangers of a teacher having a fixed mindset and how our subconscious expectations can shape a student's entire academic trajectory. Drawing from classic psychological research and personal classroom victories, Kenric challe...

In this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Justin Randolph, Assistant Professor of History at Texas A&M, and Adam Cook, Laboratory Manager and Senior Forensic Engineer, regarding the implementation of strategies to make content relevant in the secondary classroom. Justin and Adam share their unique perspectives on connecting academic disciplines to the real world, ranging from the int...

In this episode, we talk with a guest from the TAMU LIVE lab about Game Based Learning and using Gamification in the classroom. We also include a conversation about how Virtual Reality (VR) may be helpful for student learning and engagement in your classroom. Mentioned Resources TAMU LIVE Lab Website TAMU LIVE Lab Socials Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725...

To round out the series on inquiry in the classroom, host Kenric Davies reflects on the universal themes found across the science, social studies, mathematics, and English episodes. In this bonus episode, Kenric shares his own experiences as a former physics and astronomy teacher to highlight how inquiry-based learning (IBL) transcends specific content areas and focuses on the fundamental process...

In the final part of our series on inquiry in the classroom, guest Dr. Sarah DiCaglio, Assistant Professor and Writing Program Administrator at Texas A&M University, describes her experiences implementing inquiry-based learning in the English classroom. Dr. DiCaglio shares practical insights into the process of writing as a form of thinking, emphasizing the importance of student discovery over...

In part 3 of our 4 part series on inquiry in the classroom, guest Dr. Jennifer Austin, Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas at Austin, describes her experiences implementing Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) in the mathematics classroom. Dr. Austin shares practical insights for applying inquiry in both small and large class settings while describing IBL as a powerful tool to engage stude...

In part 2 of our 4 part series looking at Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) in the classroom, guest Dr. Sarah Wiseman, veteran social studies teacher in Frisco ISD, describes her experiences using IBL with social studies classes. Dr. Wiseman shares practical strategies for scaffolding inquiry while describing IBL as a way to equip students with the critical thinking skills to make meaning in their worl...

In part 1 of our 4 part series looking at Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) in the classroom, guest Dr. Dawson Nodurft, Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University, describes his experiences implementing inquiry in the science classroom. Dr. Nodurft shares practical strategies for using counterintuitive demonstrations to spark curiosity while...

In this episode, we feature a conversation with veteran AP Physics teacher Christine Rittenhouse regarding the implementation of student-centered grading practices in the secondary classroom. Christine shares her focus on a grading philosophy that emphasizes student growth, ownership, and mastery over traditional point-chasing. The episode serves as a practical guide for educators, detailing a mul...

In this episode, we take a deep-dive conversation with teacher candidates Alysa, Julianna, Parker, and Abigail regarding the rigorous process of preparing for Texas secondary teacher certification exams. While the students briefly touch on their personal inspirations for entering the field , the primary focus is on the academic and logistical hurdles of the certification pathway. The episode serve...

In this episode, guest host Dr. Jennifer Whitfield interviews aggieTEACH-Arts & Sciences Program Manager Kenric Davies about why he decided to become a high school educator. Kenric also shares why he eventually got out of the classroom to pursue his changing passion related to supporting educators in Texas. Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: N...

In this episode, a deputy for a local sheriff's department joins in a discussion about school safety and what a teacher should do in difficult situations. Mentioned Resources: Texas School Safety Center Stop The Bleed Training Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumental) Artist: More Like Georgia License #: 9511520888

In this episode, former teachers in science and social studies discuss tips to help a classroom run smoothly. We cover topics from room layout, classroom procedures, group work and projects, and content spiraling as all ways to help teachers stay on track and enjoy their classroom environment. Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumen...

In this episode, we talk with ⁠Dr. Matthew Neighbors '96 ⁠about the role of the superintendent of a school district and how they can support classroom teachers. Music Included:Song: Jam Time (Instrumental)Artist: NAMLicense #: 4601725855Song: New Kids (Instrumental)Artist: More Like GeorgiaLicense #: 9511520888

In this episode, we discuss how technology can be integrated into a classroom to emphasis learning. Our guest speaker (Miguel Guhlin from TCEA) gives advice to new teachers about how to avoid the traps of introducing technology to your lessons at the wrong time or for the wrong reasons. Episode Resources: Ed Tech Adoption Stages, Part 1 -  https://blog.tcea.org/ed-tech-adoption-part-1/ AI and the...

In this episode, we talk with a teacher turned assistant principal about the current teacher appraisal system in Texas. Our conversation covers the individual parts of the process as well as how new teachers can use this process to hone their craft and become more effective in the classroom. Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumenta...

In this episode, I dive into the various people that are part of the day-to-day work that a teacher does. Having a good relationship with these groups or individuals will greatly enhance the job satisfaction and effectiveness of a classroom teacher. Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumental) Artist: More Like Georgia License #: 951...

In this episode we discuss the expectations a general education teacher has when working with students in special education or Section 504. Many new teachers have little experience in this area and our guest (Catherine Davies '10, Registered Educational Diagnostician) helps give more practical information. Resources: TEA - Special Education , Intervention Central , Positive Behavioral Intervention...

Teachers have the opportunity to bring their passion for content and teaching to their students in a variety of ways. In this episode, leaders from local education foundations discuss how writing classroom grants can help teachers elevate student engagement and bring relevance to their content. Our conversation focuses on tips for writing great grant proposals and examples of previous teacher gran...

Teacher burnout is real and new teachers need to go into the field with tools and knowledge to help weather through the difficult times. In this episode, we talk with representatives of the Charles Butt Foundation , Kurt Lockhart and Chris Lowak, about the data they collect about teacher retention in Texas. During our conversation, we touch on why teachers feel burn out and how they can manage the...

In this episode, recent aggieTEACH alumni discuss their experiences in the first year of teaching. The invited guests share success and areas of growth and how the aggieTEACH program helped them have a great first year. Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumental) Artist: More Like Georgia License #: 9511520888