Teaching Matters

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott interviews Juan Duenas, the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Sheldon ISD, about the challenges of chronic absenteeism in schools, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. They discuss the importance of attendance, the role of the SchoolStatus platform in monitoring and improving student attendance, and the strategies employed by Sheldon IS...

In this conversation, Scott and Chris Stewart delve into the significant role sports play in education and personal development. They explore Chris's journey from a passionate athlete to a dedicated coach, discussing the emotional challenges of coaching, the importance of individual player development, and the lessons learned from both playing and coaching. The conversation highlights the transfor...

In this conversation, Scott and Karen Atwell explore the concept of growth mindset, its importance in education and the workplace, and how emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in personal and professional development. Karen shares her journey into consulting, the significance of lifelong learning, and the impact of remote work on interpersonal relationships. They discuss the need for empath...

In this podcast episode, Scott engages with Adam Smith and Jeannette Franklin to discuss the mission of the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (“Air-Diff”) and its EF + Math program. They explore the importance of inclusive research and development in education, particularly focusing on executive function skills in math learning. The conversation highlights the challenges students fa...

In this conversation, Dr. Alana Gillis discusses the significance of class participation in education, emphasizing its role in enhancing student learning and engagement. She explores the inequalities present in educational systems and how they affect student participation. Dr. Gillis proposes a redefinition of participation as a skill set rather than a mere attendance metric, advocating for a stru...

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth engages with Russ Davis and Dr. Kara Stern, both of SchoolStatus, to discuss the critical role of communication in education, particularly between teachers, students, and families. They discuss a research report recently released by SchoolStatus identifying specific opportunities for improving communication as well as ways in which SchoolStatus...

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth speaks with Jeremy Oskins, an automotive and robotics teacher at Comanche ISD in Texas. They discuss the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, the innovative curriculum Jeremy has developed to engage students in automotive training, and the partnerships he has built with local businesses to provide real-world experience. Jeremy shares insi...

Teacher and staff shortages, particularly in areas of specialized need like speech pathology, counseling, and accessible education, are increasing throughout the country. Such shortages coupled with increasing non-instructional demands on teachers increase stress and, for some, burnout. Despite that, a recent survey conducted by Soliant, a recruiting and staffing company specializing in education...

Reading is a fundamental skill that facilitates learning across standards, subjects, and grade levels. Yet, national statistics show that students are reading less and, generally speaking, below grade level. Kari Kurto is the National Science of Reading Project Director for the Reading League. Kari discusses a resource called Compass, which provides educators, administrators, policy makers, and ot...

This episode is part of a two-part series on the topic of scientifically supported reading instruction. Joe Burns is a regional product manager for Capstone, an educational technology and publishing company. Having taught early childhood grades, Joe discusses the importance of developmental skill development in reading as well as how Capstone augments phonics instruction with authentic texts. Joe...

In 2023, Deeper Learning Global (DLg) awarded the Ulster, New York, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (Ulster BOCES) with the “Deeper Learning” designation. Ulster Superintendent Dr. Jonah Schencker discusses this designation and how the district operationalizes deeper learning through its north star commitments of developing self, contributing to community, developing capacity, and engagi...

Following the release of Chat-GPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms, teachers and administrators at all levels of education have worked to react to both the possibilities and problems of AI. Carl Hooker is a former educator and now an author who analyzes the implications of AI for teaching and learning in his new book, Learning Evolution: The New Era of AI in the Classroom. Our disc...

Dr. Cynthia Wise has developed a career-long track record of turning low-performing schools into schools of distinction. Currently the Principal and Chief Academic Officer of the Transformation Waco Charter Schools in Waco, TX, Dr. Wise discusses the Culture Conscious Campus Model that she has developed as a proven model for school transformation. As she narrates her story, you will learn key take...

Sam Torres is a bilingual case manager for VocoVision, a company that provides teletherapy services for students across multiple specialties. Sam discusses specific strategies for promoting success for English Language Learners, the fastest growing student population in the U. S. Sam explains unique needs facing ELL students, including the intersection of speech disorders and language learning, as...

Theo Mayer is a self-proclaimed history nerd who is also passionate about the relevance of technology for learning. Working as the Chief Technologist for the Doughboy Foundation, Tayo and a team of developers created a mobile app that employs AR/VR concepts and narrative to help students in middle and high school grade levels learn about WWI. In addition to discussing the app and other resources p...

Faculty, staff, and students’ safety is of paramount concern for all educational systems. Although high-profile threats to safety capture national media attention, daily threats to safety such as altercations, vandalism, health incidents, and other issues must be part of a holistic safety strategy. Stacy Locke, Deputy Superintendent of Yakima (WA) Schools, discusses how personal safety buttons fro...

In special education, as well as the larger teaching field, there exists significant needs for ongoing professional development where teachers can orient with affinity groups that provide support and feedback that extends beyond local school districts. Dr. Jen Newton, an Associate Professor in the Patton College of Education at Ohio University and co-creator of Teaching is Intellectual, discusses...

Since the time of Sputnik, national education reform initiatives have made the case for integrating science, technology, engineering, and math into education at greater levels. Dr. Whitney Dove, CEO of Ellipsis Education, suggests that even greater attention should be given to computer science instruction. Dr. Dove discuses the need for holistic computer science curriculum as well as intentional p...

Randi Economou is a former educator and current CEO of Capstone, an educational technology and publishing company dedicated to equitable access to education. In this discussion, Randi narrates her journey from the classroom to being an industry leader and also explains her perspectives on the need for high quality educational resources to empower teaching and learning.

Internships are commonly identified as a high-impact learning opportunity for students attending higher education institutions. Less frequently are internships discussed as a valuable learning tool for high school students. In this episode, Peter Harris, an Assistant Superintendent at the Ulster County (NY) Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), discusses the benefits of the engaging s...

Following the release of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence has rapidly become one of the most disruptive technology innovations in education. Though still early in adoption, the near-future impact of AI on teaching and learning is apparent. Dana Mortenson, CEO of the education non-profit World Savvy, discusses how AI technology can be facilitative in promoting global competence, inclusivity, and ac...

The use of online synchronous communication tools in education has dramatically increased because of ubiquitous access to technology as well as external pressures such as the Pandemic. Remind is an online platform that facilitates easy communication between teachers, students, and families. Recently, Remind expanded its services to include online Tutoring. In this episode, Remind President and CEO...

Don Berg is an education researcher and practitioner who has focused his career on understanding how to better enact authentic pedagogy that equitably serves students. He has authored multiple books, the most recent of which is the 2022 publication, Schooling for Holistic Equity: How to Manage the Hidden Curriculum for K-12. In this discussion, Don explains his perspective on authentic pedagogy as...

As we navigate to post-pandemic normalcy, schools are seeking ways to address achievement gaps heightened by the pandemic while also addressing the wellbeing of students, faculty, and families. Dr. JuDonn DeShields, Chief Program and Strategy Officer from the education nonprofit PowerMyLearning, discusses a case study of how Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) was integrated into Meadows Elementary in...

Ample evidence shows that reading proficiency is one of the most important skills developed by students. Our guest, Tyson Smith, is the CEO of Reading Horizons, a publishing and technology company that specializes in reading instruction. Tyson discusses his passion for eradicating illiteracy, the vital confidence cultivated through robust reading instruction, and new trends in technology that empo...