Learning Unlocked

Guest: Vicki Jones Gilbert Public Schools, Director of Professional Growth and Development  Looking to score a touchdown in the classroom? In this episode, Vick and I discuss the importance of intentional instructional design in moving students beyond "drill and kill" by leveraging high-yield strategies that allow students to "scrimmage" and make adjustments before game time.   Want more from Vick...

Guest: Elizabeth Evans https://teachingapgovernment.com/ In this episode, Liz provides teachers with practical strategies to avoid teacher burnout and the comparison trap . We discuss the trials of teaching and how they can take their toll on our mental and physical health. Even in the midst of fear, pain, and uncertainty, we need to remember to take care of ourselves and each other. Want more fro...

Guest: Jennifer Lugo Gilbert Public Schools, English Language Arts & AVID educator  In this episode, Jennifer and I discuss the "Pygmalion Effect" as it applies to teaching and learning . Our conversation also focuses on how teachers sometimes communicate that students can and will fail--but they will also rise.    Want more from Jennifer? Follow her on Twitter @jlugo1908

Guest: Sharon Crandall  Gilbert Public Schools, 4th Grade Math Teacher In this episode, Sharon discusses her experience with using hands-on, play-based learning in math to help the learning "stick" with her students, whether in a virtual or classroom setting. We also chat about some awesome online math manipulatives as well that are not only beneficial but "mix it up" for students to keep them eng...

Guest: Suzanne Lunt Gilbert Public Schools, Kindergarten Teacher  In this episode, Suzanne and I discuss that no matter the learning environment your classroom is right now, we can still embrace hands-on materials to increase student participation and engagement. We also chat about the importance of mindfulness during the learning process and how impactful it is for both the teacher and the studen...

Guest: Julia Salce Instructional Specialist, Gilbert Public Schools  In this episode, we debunk the myths of direct instruction and converse about the high-impact of blending short bursts of instruction with active learning experiences (ALEs), no matter the age group or content area. We also discuss briefly the importance of teacher and student clarity in relation to direct instruction. Want more...

Guest: Susan Cadena K-12 Prevention Coordinator, Gilbert Public Schools  In the episode we converse about the fact that teachers that students are anxious with the current pandemic situation. Susie provides ways for teachers to easily incorporate SEL and trauma awareness into their lessons with students (and ways teachers can also take care of themselves). While providing teachers tangible "take-a...

Guest: Sarah Munoz  5th grade ELA & Social Sciences Educator, Gilbert Public Schools In this episode, we define respect agreements for students and educators and what they mean and the awesome community they can create in a classroom learning space. We also discuss how respect agreements, as opposed to norms or rules, is huge mind-shift in thinking of "classroom management".  Want more from Sarah?...

Guest: Jennifer Schrenk Reading Specialist, Gilbert Public Schools In this episode, Jennifer and I talk through the idea that teachers having high expectations for their students really starts with teachers rethinking past pedagogical beliefs that the teacher is the only one in control of learning in the classroom. We also discuss the importance of entrusting a bit more of the decision making arou...

Guest: Kaylie Peterson Junior High World Language (Spanish) Teacher, Gilbert Public Schools In this episode, we discuss how to increase engagement the 'pirate way' with one of our district's awesome world language teachers. She was inspired by Dave Burgess' book Teach Like a Pirate and learned that the PIRATE way was an acronym that was just what she needed to learn as an educator to engage her st...

Guest: Stacey Pasquel, M.Ed  Technology Integration Educator, Gilbert Public Schools In this episode, we discuss several technology tools that teachers can use for remote and distance learning this fall and the importance of remembering relationships first over rigor or content when starting the school year.  Want more from Stacy?  stacey.pasquel@gilbertschools.net

Guest: Wendy S. Peterson Instructional Specialist, Gilbert Public Schools In this episode, Wendy and I chat about efficient and effective ways to give feedback to students using small groups while reminding teachers of the importance of what the rest of the class is engaged in while the students are having a small group feedback dialogue. Wendy also does a 'demo-talk' for teachers of what the stra...