Teaching Channel Talks

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks , Dr. Wendy Amato speaks with Khari Shabazz, Managing Director of Schools and School Partnerships at K12 Coalition , about how shifting from compliance to connection can combat chronic absenteeism. Drawing from his experience as a school leader and parent, Khari shares powerful examples of how student voice, academic rigor, and human connection can transfo...

How does understanding memory and cognition shape better teaching? In this episode of  Teaching Channel Talks , Dr. Wendy Amato sits down with Meg Lee, founder of  Learning Science Partners  and an expert in evidence-based instruction, to explore how teachers can apply cognitive science in practical, classroom-specific ways. They discuss retrieval, attention, and effortful thinking,...

What happens when teachers understand how learning really works? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks , Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Dr. Jim Heal , co-founder of Learning Science Partners , to talk about the science behind effective teaching. Dr. Heal explains why effortful thinking leads to stronger learning, challenges common myths about engagement, and shares how cognitive load, memory, an...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks , Dr. Wendy Amato sits down with Karen Stinson , Program Coordinator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education at Radford University. They discuss the urgent need for more teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and explore why teacher supply is not meeting the growing demand. Karen shares insights from her work at Radford, the challenges of preparing...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by educator, author, and consultant Kwame Sarfo-Mensah to talk about honoring student identity in everyday teaching. Drawing from his new book Learning to Relearn , Kwame shares personal stories and practical strategies around identity, decentering, and collective action. He and Wendy discuss how cultural awareness, reflection, a...

Multilingual learners are the fastest-growing student group in the U.S., and their success depends on how well schools support language development alongside grade-level instruction. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Katherine Hamilton , Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, to share how educators can better support these students—whether they’re new to the country or born i...

How Can Storytelling Transform Learning? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks , Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes performance artist and storyteller Liza Newell to explore the power of storytelling in education. Liza shares how fairy tales, folklore, and personal narratives can create meaningful connections, inspire curiosity, and help students navigate complex ideas. Together, they discuss how teache...

What if strong parent engagement was the key to happier teachers and more successful students? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks , Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by education consultant, coach, and speaker Peyten Williams to explore how schools can foster meaningful partnerships with parents. Peyten shares why parent education shouldn’t stop after orientation and how ongoing communication and s...

How can a single image spark rich mathematical discussions? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks , Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Sarah Larison from Northwestern to explore Multiplicity , a platform designed to transform math instruction through rich images and meaningful discussions. Sarah shares how this innovative approach, born during the pandemic, continues to engage students and empower teach...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks , guest host Keely Keller steps in for Dr. Wendy Amato to explore the critical topic of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) with Dr. Stephanie Stollar , an expert in reading science and educational frameworks. Stephanie highlights the essential role of effective Tier 1 instruction in improving literacy outcomes and aligning with the science of reading....

Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks for an inspiring conversation with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez , President of Mrs. Wordsmith . Discover how Mrs. Wordsmith is revolutionizing literacy education with tools like Word Tag and Readdiculous, blending explicit instruction with gamified learning. Brandon shares his passion for addressing the literacy crisis, unpacking the impac...

Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this impactful episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she speaks with Dr. Luke Berryman , founder of The Ninth Candle , an organization dedicated to transforming Holocaust education. Discover how Dr. Berryman's unique background in classical music and the history of Nazi Germany inspired him to create educational programs that challenge misconceptions and foster critical thin...

Are we equipping students with the skills they need to succeed beyond the classroom? Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she sits down with Lindsey Dixon , the Vice President of Product and Innovation at NAF. Lindsey shares how NAF, a national nonprofit leader in career readiness education, leverages technology to extend its mission to high schools nationwide. Learn a...

How can we introduce social justice topics to young learners in a meaningful way? In this episode of  Teaching Channel Talks , Dr. Wendy Amato sits down with Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder of  Little Justice Leaders , to discuss the importance of teaching social justice at the elementary level. Discover how Little Justice Leaders’ curated educational boxes empower teachers and parents to guid...

How can drama transform learning beyond the stage? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks , our host Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Sam Marsden, drama instructor and author of Drama Games for Early Years , to explore drama as a powerful interdisciplinary tool for every classroom. Sam opens up about her personal journey with dyslexia and how drama helped her overcome learning challenges, while also ex...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks,  Dr. Wendy Amato  welcomes  Trish Keiller , the CEO and Founder of  Roots Education , for an insightful conversation on creating thriving school environments. Trish shares her unique experience blending academic and wellness strategies while focusing on empowering students and educators from the inside out through practical, daily well...

Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics in education with Mark Atkinson , CEO of Mursion . Learn how Mursion's AI-powered simulation platform is revolutionizing teacher training by offering educators a safe space to practice under pressure, receive real-time coaching, and improve rapidly—without posing ri...

Join Dr. Wendy Amato and Dr. Kaishan Kong , for an enriching conversation about the intricate relationship between language proficiency and cultural understanding. Episode 101 of Teaching Channel Talks focuses on the powerful impact of global virtual exchanges and introduces practical strategies for integrating cultural context into language education. Dr. Kong shares personal anecdotes, classroom...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Dr. Angela Goodloe , President-elect of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP). This conversation focuses on Dr. Goodloe's extensive involvement with KDP and the organization’s commitment to inclusive education while highlighting the importance of critical thinking, teacher accountability, and educator support. Dr. Goodloe also shares practical adv...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, our host Dr. Wendy Amato discusses the importance of literacy and reading with Robin Rubenstein , Director of Curriculum and Implementation at K12 Coalition. This conversation centers around K12 Coalition's Red Thread literacy curriculum, a K-8 program designed to integrate the science of reading into everyday instruction and to address gaps in existing l...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Rebecca Kling and Vanessa Ford , authors of the " Advocate Educators Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender Students Thrive ." Drawing from their personal journeys in advocacy and education, this conversation focuses on the urgent need to support transgender and non-binary students. Learn about their four-pillar approach: ed...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Nathan Estel , Managing Director of Passage Preparation, to discuss the high standards in teacher certification tests and how Passage Preparation is helping educators meet them. Discover how their innovative approach, including diagnostic assessments, customizable study plans, comprehensive study guides, and personalized coaching,...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, host Dr. Wendy Amato discusses teacher burnout with Dr. Jen Johnson , including the THRIV model—a practical burnout management strategy for educators. Dr. Johnson shares the importance of detachment, setting boundaries, and the significance of honoring one's humanness to prevent burnout. Additionally, she highlights strategies such as mindful self-compass...

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, host Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Kristen DiCerbo , Ph. D. , Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy , for an engaging discussion about Khanmigo , the AI-powered tutor and teaching assistant. Discover how this AI tool leverages large language models to help students get unstuck and assist teachers with administrative tasks and lesson planning. In this conversa...

Join host Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she welcomes Desiree Brown , an early career elementary teacher and the reigning Miss Tobyhanna 2024. This conversation explores Desiree's teaching career, the need to support early career educators, and ways to foster a love of learning in students. Desiree also shares the impact her involvement in pageantry has had in her car...