Teaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers Perspective

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I'm your host, Don Fessenden, and today we are diving into a topic that brings excitement, engagement, and dynamic learning into the classroom: utilizing educational games and simulations.  Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "Games in the classroom? Aren't those just distractions?" But let me assure you, educ...

Send a text Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that has the potential to transform your teaching practice and ignite student learning in new and exciting ways: cross-curricular teaching approaches.   Imagine a classroom where math and science come alive through storytelling, where history lessons ar...

Send a text Welcome to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I'm your host, Don Fessenden, and today we are exploring a topic that holds the potential to transform teaching practice from the inside out: peer coaching and mentoring.  Whether you're just starting your teaching career, or you've been in the classroom for decades, there's something incredibly powerfu...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving deep into a topic that lies at the heart of effective teaching: building trust with your students. Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have in the classroom; it’s the bedrock upon which all meaningful learning takes place.   It’s what allows students to feel safe, valued, and motivated to take...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into a topic that is truly the cornerstone of great teaching—reflective teaching and practice.  Reflective teaching isn’t just about thinking back on what went right or wrong in a lesson; it’s about a continuous, intentional process of examining our teaching methods, understanding th...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into a topic that’s always top of mind for high school teachers—classroom management. We know that managing a high school classroom is no easy task.  With students juggling academics, social dynamics, extracurricular activities, and their growing independence, it can feel like you’re...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we're going to dig deep into a topic that's vital for every middle school teacher—differentiated instruction.   If you've ever stood in front of a classroom of middle schoolers, you know just how diverse this age group can be. You’ve got students who are racing ahead, those who are...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re tackling a topic that sits at the heart of effective teaching—Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction. Whether you're teaching kindergarteners just learning their letters, middle schoolers navigating algebra, or high school students preparing for college, understanding how to use assessm...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor podcast! I’m thrilled to share some exciting news as we reached a significant milestone: our 50th episode!  It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come together, exploring the ins and outs of education, as we shared strategies, and provided professional development episodes doing our part to support our teachers and parents.  I couldn’t be more grate...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving deep into a topic that is fundamental to the work of every middle and high school educator—adolescent development and learning. The teenage years are often characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes, which can make them some of the most challenging yet...

Send a text Welcome to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re tackling a topic that’s essential for every student, no matter their age—Health and Wellness Education.   In today’s fast-paced world, where students are often juggling academics, extracurriculars, and personal challenges, understanding and promoting health and wellness is more...

Send a text Welcome to another insightful episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that often presents both incredible opportunities and unique challenges in the classroom—supporting gifted students.  These are the students who, with the right guidance and support, can achieve remarkable things. But what does it mean to be gifte...

Send a text Welcome to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re exploring a topic that’s not just a buzzword but a transformative approach to education—STEM. That’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  Whether you’re nurturing the natural curiosity of elementary students, guiding the budding interests of middle schoolers, or challenging high schoolers...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re taking a deep dive into a topic that’s close to the hearts of many educators and parents alike—supporting English Language Learners, or ELLs.  Whether you’re teaching bright-eyed kindergarteners, navigating the turbulent waters of middle school, or preparing high schoolers for the world beyo...

Send a text Welcome to the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re exploring how to foster creativity across all grade levels. Creativity isn't just for the arts; it's a crucial skill that enhances learning, problem-solving, and student engagement in every subject.  Today, we’ll delve into practical strategies for nurturing this vital skill from elemen...

Send a text Welcome to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a delightful yet critical topic: Using Play to Enhance Learning.  From elementary through high school, play is a powerful tool for engaging students, enhancing learning experiences, and developing critical social and cognitive skills. We'll explore practical wa...

Send a text Welcome to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast . I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that is crucial for sparking curiosity and nurturing critical thinking in our students: Engaging Science Lessons.  Whether you’re an elementary, middle, or high school teacher, creating science lessons that captivate, and challenge students is an art form th...

Send a text Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we explore the essential tools, strategies, and philosophies that empower educators to be their best in the classroom.  I'm your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving deep into Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, or MTSS. This framework is a critical approach for ensuring that all students receive the su...

Send a text Welcome to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we explore strategies, insights, and best practices for educators at all levels. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving deep into a fundamental aspect of literacy instruction: Phonics and Word Study.  Whether you’re teaching at the elementary, middle, or high school level, understanding and effectively implementing phonics...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we explore impactful strategies to elevate your teaching practice. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today’s episode is all about one of the most dynamic and engaging approaches to teaching—Creating Thematic Units. We’ll explore how this strategy works across elementary, middle, and high school levels, delve into the benefits and c...

Send a text Welcome to another episode of the Teaching with Valor podcast, where we explore innovative educational strategies that empower teachers and inspire students. I'm your host, Don Fessenden. Today, we're diving into the world of Inquiry-Based Learning, a dynamic approach that places students at the center of their educational journey. Unlike traditional teaching methods, where i...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we explore the most impactful strategies and methods in education to empower teachers, parents, and students alike.  I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re going to take a deep dive into one of the most dynamic and engaging teaching strategies out there: Project-Based Learning, or PBL.  We’ll discuss how PBL can be implemen...

Send a text Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we explore strategies, insights, and stories that empower educators, parents, and students alike. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into a topic that’s crucial for the success of every student: parental involvement. We’ll explore how to effectively encourage and foster parental engagement at the elementary, midd...

Send a text Welcome to "Teaching with Valor," the podcast dedicated to empowering educators with the knowledge and tools they need to make a lasting impact in the classroom. I’m your host, Don Fessenden. Today, we're diving into a topic that is increasingly essential in today's world—Teaching Financial Literacy. Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that equips students wi...

Send a text Welcome to "Teaching with Valor," the podcast where we explore essential topics in education with the aim of enhancing our teaching practices and positively impacting our students' lives. I’m your host, Don Fessenden. Today, we're taking a deep dive into understanding child development. This is a critical area for educators and parents alike as it forms the foundati...