The Extraordinary Educators Podcast

Jasmine Lane, an elementary school teacher in Florida, joins this episode to talk about how she is keeping students motivated and focused as the end of the year approaches. Jasmine starts out by explaining two strategies that have been working well for her – one being a countdown on the board, and the other being lunch groups. Jasmine then goes on to explain what “morning slides” are, and how she...

On this episode of the mini-series, Stretch Growth Stories, Ty Holmes, Chief Inclusion Officer at Curriculum Associates, is joined by Allison Giresi, an RTI interventionist. Allison begins by talking about why she loves teaching, and what keeps bringing her back. Allison then dives in to share about how her school has achieved some stellar stretch growth, especially using an RTI system. She also e...

On this episode of The Extraordinary Educators Podcast, Danielle and Sari focus on what exactly rest looks like – especially beyond the idea of sleep. Danielle shares some great tips for how to give your brain a break, ranging from purposeful tech timeouts to quick breathing breaks. Danielle and Sari wrap up by explaining that what recharges one person may be different than what recharges another…...

Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates, joins this episode in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week! Rob starts off by explaining how he puts himself first by purposefully setting aside time to rest. He goes on to share about the incredible work that educators do, comparing teachers to athletes - both mentally and physically. Rob wraps up by explaining the importance of teachers to also be p...

LeAnne Gregg, Director of Curriculum and Instruction in Columbia County, Georgia, joins this episode to share all about actionable ways to achieve student growth. LeAnne starts by explaining how and why students and staff have experienced immense growth over the last couple of years – ranging from utilizing resources to strategic support from principals and instructional specialists. She goes on t...

On this episode of the Extraordinary Educators podcast, Danielle and Sari discuss how improv can improve connections in the classroom. Danielle explains the three improv games she’s been sharing with educators in her travels. These games not only help build relationships, but they also flip the switch on how we typically feel about mistakes – simply by celebrating and encouraging them. This episod...

Monique Ross, an interventionist in California, joins this follow-up episode to share about her life outside of the classroom. Monique starts off by explaining how she spends her free time – ranging from time with family to reading with her daughter. She also talks about her family dance parties and the importance behind them. Monique wraps up by sharing her must-have teacher supply, as well as he...

Monique Ross, an interventionist in California, joins this episode to talk about her approach to instruction and the importance of a school community. Monique begins by sharing some details about her current role and school population. She then dives in to how she works with her students, including details about the math groups that she pulls for intervention. Monique wraps up by talking about the...

Jennifer Seitz, a special education teacher from New Jersey, joins this episode to talk about what teachers can do to support themselves inside and outside of school. Jennifer starts out by explaining the mentorship program at her school, which focuses on guiding new teachers. She goes on to share five great tips about supporting your well-being as a teacher, ranging from finding people that uplif...

Brooklin Trover, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, joins this episode to discuss her new paper about how teachers can leverage their emotions to support older, striving readers. Brooklin starts off by explaining why she wanted to write this, ranging from her own teaching experience to what she has been seeing in classrooms across the country. She goes on to...

Taylor Wheatley, a fourth grade teacher, joins this follow-up episode to share about what he likes to do outside the classroom. Taylor begins by sharing his favorite hobbies, ranging from spending time outside to playing with his dog. He then goes on to talk about the path that led him to become a teacher, including why he shifted from originally wanting to teach high school calculus to now workin...

Taylor Wheatley, a fourth grade teacher in Kentucky, joins this episode to talk about how he helps his students feel connected through building consistent relationships. Taylor starts out by sharing how he purposefully starts his day with his students in, what he calls, a “Bluejay Bonding Moment.” He then goes on to share how any teacher could implement this in their own classroom, focusing on how...

Jonathan Kryk, a fifth grade teacher in Florida, joins this follow-up episode to share about his life outside of the classroom. He begins by sharing some of his favorite things to do – from hanging out with friends to playing fetch with his Goldendoodle after school. Jonathan also shares about his love of traveling, including specifics about his recent trips to Italy and Greece. Jonathan wraps up...

Jonathan Kryk, a fifth grade teacher, joins this episode to share about best practices and what he finds important in his classroom. Jonathan begins by explaining the importance of building relationships with students. He goes on to share how strong relationships carry over to the rest of his teaching – ranging from goal setting to incorporating social-emotional learning in his daily morning circl...

Charlie, a second grade teacher in Long Island, New York, joins this episode to talk about his love for pop culture and podcasts – and how that plays into his teaching. Charlie begins by discussing his own podcast, the Fandalorian, including how it came to be and some topics that are covered. He goes on to talk about his love for books in all forms, ranging from books related to education to histo...

Welcome to our new series: Beyond the Classroom! Kimberly Robinson, a high school teacher, joins us for a follow-up episode to share more about her life outside of teaching. She begins by discussing her love for research and how she incorporates that into her day-to-day – ranging from listening to podcasts while hiking to sharing her thoughts on her own podcast and Instagram account. Kimberly wrap...

Kimberly Robinson, a high school teacher, joins this episode to talk about practicing mindfulness both inside and outside of the classroom. Having recently transitioned from elementary to high school, Kimberly explains how she’s adapted to her new role. She goes on to share how she incorporates mindfulness with her high school students to ensure they all feel seen, heard, and validated. Kimberly c...

Ashleigh Crabtree, Director of Assessment Implementation at Curriculum Associates, joins this episode to talk about the crucial relationship between assessment and instruction. Ashleigh begins by explaining how assessment and instruction are linked, and the benefits associated with connecting the two. She then goes on to explain the differences between criterion-referenced and norm-referenced asse...

Ty Holmes, Chief Inclusion Officer at Curriculum Associates, joins this episode to share about an upcoming featured mini-series on The Extraordinary Educators Podcast: Stretch Growth Stories! Ty dives into what exactly stretch growth is, and how it differs from scores received from most assessment systems. He goes on to share how stretch growth plays into future episodes of this mini-series, rangi...

Jeannette Milburn, 6th grade teacher in Maryland, joins this episode to talk about how she uses “Math Labs” for both intervention and extension with students. Jeannette shares how she uses pre-requisite data and information about future units to decide student groupings. This information helps her support the students that need extra instruction, as well as students that need something more challe...

Nellie Pagan, Vice Principal in New York, joins this episode to talk about how she has used vertical teams to strengthen close reading techniques across all grade bands. Nellie shares how a new three-day close reading protocol was planned, and what each day looks like for students, teachers, and administrators. She closes out by explaining what she looks for when deciding on a new literacy program...

Presley Seal, teacher in Mississippi joins this episode to discuss engaging students, building relationships, and forming a classroom community with her first graders.  She explains the importance of having a foundation of trust, and provides ways she gets to know her students. From attending out-of-school events, to singing with her students, Presley shares what makes her community special! Curri...

Monica Maxey, Special Educator at Summersville Grade School in Illinois, joins this episode to talk about mindfulness in her classroom.  Monica dives into how she uses mindfulness, yoga, and bilateral stimulation with her students, especially during transitional times. She explains how she uses music to cue the transition, and how her students can now name the strategies she uses in her classroom....

Dr. Janie Brown, teacher in Mississippi joins this episode to discuss tech in the math classroom.  She speaks about using i-Ready with middle schoolers, and how to include the interactive piece to the introduction lesson. Dr. Brown also shares best practices around engaging students and how to encourage discussion between students. Building community in the math classroom resources and tips Prereq...

David Cisneros, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, joins this episode to discuss goal setting as we head back into the swing of things in the new year. He discusses revisiting goal setting and how to motivate, instruct, monitor, and intervene with students. He stresses the importance of checking in with students, and communicating goals with students. David a...