The Extraordinary Educators Podcast

Ready to roll out the red carpet for your students? Join us as we delve into an extraordinary and inspiring conversation with Kat Perry, a remarkable reading specialist from Northeast ISD in San Antonio, Texas. Kat's unique approach to celebrating student growth and learning brings the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the classroom in a district-wide event - The Growth Gala. This isn't...

Ever wondered how to unlock the algebraic potential in young minds? Look no further, as we've tapped into the expertise of Rebecca Brenneman, a seasoned 7th-grade math teacher from Maryland, who's got the playbook for priming middle schoolers for the world of algebra. Rebecca's approach emphasizes a rock-solid number sense and the art of breaking down complex problems into bite-size...

Ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of setting up learning centers in your classroom? Let's break down those barriers with Amy Haskell from Curriculum Associates as she joins us to debunk myths and simplify the concept. In our revealing conversation, she spills the beans on how to craft structured and effective learning environments with just a few consistent elements like a technology zone and...

Unlock the mystery of math fact fluency with the enlightening guidance of Laurie Penney, a Math Content and Pedagogy Specialist from Curriculum Associates. In our latest conversation, Laurie sheds light on the vital components of math fluency—accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility—and how these elements intersect to build a robust foundation for learners. She offers a fresh perspective on memorizat...

Discover the transformative strategies that Dr. Martha Butler, a seasoned literacy coach, is using to revolutionize early literacy development in our schools, especially post-pandemic. This episode is a treasure trove for educators and parents alike, as Dr. Butler opens up about the all-encompassing approach her school takes to ensure foundational skills are not only targeted in small groups but a...

Ever wondered how a teacher can turn a classroom into a hub of excitement and learning that students can't get enough of? Da'Jhon Jett is that teacher, and he's sharing his playbook with us. He's not your average sixth-grade educator; Da'Jhon is a maestro of engagement, harmonizing music and the latest TikTok trends to reach students on their level. Our chat with him is a...

Uncover the secrets to unlocking your students' full potential with Megan Robinson, Director of Content, Implementation, and Adoptions at Curriculum Associates, as she guides us through the revolutionary practice of educational acceleration. Get ready to transform your approach from remediation to the more dynamic strategy of acceleration, a method that equips students with the foundational s...

Unlock the secrets of transformative math instruction with our insightful guest, Jesse Lewis, a Regional Math Consultant with Curriculum Associates who brings to light the urgency for change in the post-pandemic classroom. In a landscape where catch-up tactics have leaned heavily on memorization and procedural drills, Jesse advocates for a richer, more resilient approach. He urges educators to div...

Discover the critical insights shedding light on how the pandemic has shaped the educational landscape, as we sit down with the brilliant Kelsey Young, Senior Research Scientist at Curriculum Associates. Through our conversation, Kelsey provides a deep dive into Curriculum Associates' latest research findings, which signal a warning for educators everywhere: our youngest learners' educat...

Ever wondered how to effectively lift your middle school students out of the literacy crisis they're facing? Look no further for answers as we sit with Christine Zimmermann, Senior Manager of Product Marketing on our ELA team, who brings her expertise on reading intervention strategies that will transform your approach to teaching. In our enlightening chat, Christine tackles the perplexing qu...

Ever been perplexed by the intricate dance of teaching reading? Let the wisdom of Elizabeth Bassford, Vice President of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, be your guide on this educational odyssey. As we unpack her vision for revitalizing literacy education, you'll feel the urge to re-enter the classroom with strategies to elevate your reading instruction. This episode isn&a...

Discover the secret sauce to sparking a fervor for learning as we chat with Josh Hall, National Director, Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates. Freshly inspired after the winter break doldrums, educators often scratch their heads wondering how to reignite that classroom dynamism. Josh lays it all out for us, dissecting the trinity of engagement—behavioral, cognitive, and emotional—a...

Looking to start the 2024 year strong within your classroom? Discover how a simple yet powerful exercise can transform your mindset and boost morale in our latest episode of the Extraordinary Educator podcast. We, Danielle and Sari, reflect on the past year, discussing the challenges educators have faced and emphasizing the paramount importance of self-care for educators. We believe that just like...

Want to unlock the superhero within you as an educator? This episode is a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and heart, as we engage in an insightful conversation with Tom Murphy, the founder of Sweethearts and Heroes. This conversation uncovers the profound influence teachers hold in moulding young minds. Tom offers his unique perspective on the heroic role of teachers, emphasizing the impor...

Join us on an enlightening journey as we host the Extraordinary Educator, Dr. Janie Brown. Dr. Brown imparts her valuable wisdom on nurturing a sense of community in the classroom. Get insights on how to truly connect with your students, foster an environment of inclusivity, and tailor your instruction to what truly motivates your class. Dr. Brown enlightens us on the importance of transparency an...

Ever wished you could inspire success in every student that walks into your classroom? You're in the right place! This enlightening episode is a masterclass in igniting student success, with our esteemed guest, Glendaliz Almonte, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates. We delve into the art of teaching reading, nurturing self-efficacy, and fostering a sense o...

Transform your teaching approach with the unique insights of Laura Bryant, a seasoned dual language teacher hailing from Arizona, who firmly believes in the power of language as the cornerstone of all instruction. Prepare to be enlightened by her rich experiences and understand the profound impact of overlooking language in the classroom, especially in dual language settings. Laura also sheds ligh...

Does your classroom feel like a nurturing space, where each student feels seen, heard, and embraced? Join us as we welcome the inspiring educator Nick Alfred from Rhode Island, who has brilliantly transformed his classroom into an 'environment of care'. He explains how prioritizing the well-being of students, both emotionally and physically, creates a learning space where relationships f...

Ever wonder how educators can harness the power of student data to better shape their teaching methods? This episode promises to provide an insightful dialogue on this very topic. We're joined by Joe Cuprak, National Director at Curriculum Associates, as he shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the field of education. Listen as Joe imparts advice on systemizing the approach to help...

Do you remember the days as a new teacher, worried about family phone calls? Emily, an Extraordinary Educator and current fourth grade teacher, certainly does. In this episode, she walks us through her fascinating journey, from being a 22-year-old new educator who was worried while making phone calls, to a seasoned professional adept at creating and maintaining strong bonds with students' fam...

Our special guest today, Josh Hall, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, brings his wealth of knowledge to the table. We're going to blow the lid off the subject of discourse in the reading classroom. This isn't about simple student chit-chat, but the methodical and intent sharing of thoughts that promote diverse views and foster engagement. Give this...

Are you ready to redefine your classroom with technology? Tap into the genius of Charlie Giannone, a groundbreaking New York educator and podcast host, as we explore his innovative approach to teaching. You're in for a thrilling ride as he recounts his experience of creating a weekly TV show with his fourth-grade students, and how it transformed their learning experience. Discover how this cr...

Picture navigating your workspace or classroom with a profound sense of connection and mutual respect, where everyone's unique needs are understood and catered to. How much more could we achieve? How much more progress could we make? This episode guides you through this journey with Brooklin Trover, National Director of Curriculum Instruction at Curriculum Associates, who believes in the tran...

Ever wonder how to get the most out of your time when it comes to education? Mara Rodriguez, Senior Director of Educator Success at Curriculum Associates, joins us to share her insights on how acceleration in education is all about maximizing minutes and crafting creative schedules. We explore ways to balance student learning and level content as we aim to provide the best experience, without over...

Have you ever wondered how to inspire your students to take ownership of their learning journey? If so, this episode is a goldmine for you! We had the pleasure to talk with Mindy Geer, a seasoned third-grade educator with an impressive 24-year teaching spree, who unwraps the secret of student empowerment through data ownership. Mindy, with her rich and diverse classroom experiences, enlightens us...