The Extraordinary Educators Podcast

Amy Wright, K-4 Interventionist at Prairie Hill Elementary School in Illinois, joins this episode. Amy begins this episode reflecting back on her 30-year teaching career, and trends she's noticed every few years. She shares how recently she's tried to "keep it simple" by having clear and high expectations for her students, focusing on the love of reading, writing, math, and lea...

Dr. Angela Herring, Instructional Coach and ELA Department Chair in Georgia, joins this episode. Angela's expertise lies within coaching teachers, and she shares how in this climate, teaching really is "survival of the fittest." In order to help her teachers not feel burnt out, Angela provides a safe space for her staff.  This is critical in helping them face challenges they weren&a...

Lisa Liptak, first grade teacher at Annie Fisher STEM, in Hartford CT, joins this episode. Lisa dives right into how to help students navigate trauma during these uncertain times. She shares best practices such as role-playing, teaching students to problem-solve, discussing the importance of using words, and more. Lisa explains how each day in her classroom starts and ends with circle time, and st...

Zach Pfrimmer, third grade teacher at Liberty Elementary School in Washington, joins this episode. Zach first discusses the transition to being back in person this year, and how we're all doing the best we can for our students. Zach also shares how he has established himself as a teacher leader in the building, and shares best practices to ensure every teacher who is part of a student's...

Jessica K. Medley, 8th grade math teacher at South Gerard School in Alabama, joins today's episode. Jessica recently transitioned from teaching elementary students to middle school students, and dives into how challenging yet rewarding this change has been. She explains the importance of understanding new content knowledge, and shares strategies she's relied on that she took from her ele...

Amy Spears, 8th grade math teacher at Alton Middle School in Illinois, joins today's episode. Amy shares the 10 things she's learned about precise math language. For example, she explains why you should use "simplify" rather than "reduce" when talking about fractions with your students. Hear why these small changes can be critical for students, and how Amy has changed...

Regina Hewlett Norman, fourth grade ELA teacher at Liberty Point Elementary in Georgia, joins this episode. Regina discusses how technology has supported her and her students this year, and how she celebrates successes even during these uncertain times. She also dives into the importance of maintaining a work/life balance, and provides best practices to take care of both your physical and mental b...

Kevin Finnegan, principal at the Prairie Hill School in Illinois, joins this episode. Kevin discusses how his school community uses consistent PLCs, which have changed student outcomes, and how leadership supports teachers with collaborative planning time. Kevin dives into replicable best practices that other leaders and teachers will definitely find helpful!  The Prairie Hill School Twitter Insta...

Sally Shum McDevitt, Associate Design Director, Learning Games, at Curriculum Associates (CA), joins this episode to discuss her new book, Family Style ! Sally shares what brought her to CA,  her passion for representation in children's literature, and what fueled her fire to write a book.  Sally's book, Family Style Twitter Instagram Email: ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com

Joe Cuprak, National Director at Curriculum Associates, joins this episode to discuss how we can “slow down to go fast.” He shares how his personal experiences shaped his work, and best practices you can use tomorrow with your students to increase buy-in and engagement.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurriculumAssoc Instagram: www. Instragram.com/MyiReady Email: ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com

Danielle and Sari close out this year with "three good things!" Learn a fun activity you can do with colleagues, students, or even family to express gratitude and remember the positives this year. Thank you for listening, and we'll be back in 2022 with more episodes! EETV: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYBxXjTJkGixoX0aRbZqL1Q Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurriculumAssoc Instagram...

Megan Tegerdine, Special Education Teacher in Missouri, joins this episode. Megan shares not only the importance of building relationships with her students, but also  how she is doing this in her classroom. She provides strategies, tips, and practical advice for teachers about how they can better get to know their students as the humans they are. Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurriculumAssoc Insta...

Josh Hall, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, joins this episode. Josh dives into the importance of selecting texts for your students in which they see themselves, and also see people who are different from them. He shares both personal and professional experiences, as well as research about why this is so important for all students. Magnetic Reading: https:/...

Brooklin Trover, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, joins this episode. Brooklin discusses the human side of data, and how we need to see students for who they are, not just their data and stats on paper. She also provides best practices and tips for you to implement today in your classroom. Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurriculumAssoc Instagram: www. Instrag...

Naneka Brathwaite, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, joins this episode. Naneka dives into how educators can continue being learners while also being teachers. She discusses resources, tips, and strategies to help facilitate equitable discourse in classrooms. Why Knowledge Building Is Crucial to Literacy blog post: https://www.curriculumassociates.com/blog/b...

Woody Paik, Executive Vice President at Curriculum Associates, joins Danielle and Sari for this episode. Woody explains his background and his journey from being a high school teacher to where he is today. Woody then shares the story of his grandfather and how his grandfather's story shaped the values of his family. Woody ends with his hopes for the future of education. Twitter: https://twitt...

On this episode of the Extraordinary Educators podcast, Danielle and Sari dive into Accelerated Learning. They discuss how you can approach this in your classroom by starting small, knowing your data, and giving instructional time to both grade-level content and small-group instruction.  TNPT Opportunity Myth: https://tntp.org/publications/view/student-experiences/the-opportunity-myth Norm vs Crit...

On this episode, Danielle and Sari discuss how research about the brain and neuroscience relates to building relationships with students. Danielle provides practical tips and best practices to help create bright lines in the classroom, and get students prepared for learning. Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurriculumAssoc Instagram: www. Instragram.com/MyiReady Email: ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com

Shane Twamley, Language Arts Teacher at Kraemer Middle School in California joins this episode. Shane dives into how teachers can "work smarter and not harder," and have a better work/life balance, especially after last school year. He provides insights about "learning shifts," his term for what's widely known as "unfinished learning." Shane's positivity, wa...

Yolanda Snipes, fifth grade teacher in Georgia, joins Danielle and Sari for this episode! Yolanda shares her experience transitioning from remote learning last year to in-person learning this year. She dives into how we can hold students and families accountable, and continue to have high expectations for all of our students.  Yolanda's Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrYolandaSnipes Twitter: ht...

Sana Shaikh, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager at Curriculum Associates, joins Danielle and Sari  to discuss her work at CA and how she got to where she is today.  Sana's letter to her twins: https://www.today.com/parents/letter-1st-generation-american-mom-her-children-school-year-t231715 More about CA's access and equity: https://www.curriculumassociates.com/access-and-e...

Liz Peyser, National Director Literacy Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, joins Danielle and Sari  to discuss all things math! She dives into the two different types of acceleration, and what teachers can do to build their content knowledge.  Liz also talks about maintaining grade level instruction and building in scaffolds to help students better access grade level instruction....

Kandra James, National Director Literacy Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, joins Danielle and Sari  to discuss all things literacy! Kandra dives into grade-level reading, and why we should all be working towards getting all students to grade-level reading. Kandra shares best practices, tips, and foundations for educators to support this work. She dives into why systems and routi...

Jennifer Sharlene Kidd, first grade teacher at Straub Elementary School in Kentucky, joins Danielle and Sari for this episode.  In her twenty-second year of teaching, Jennifer shares what's on her mind during this back-to-school season. She dives into how Summer School went, and how her school worked to meet students where they were to accelerate learning during the summer.  Jennifer also sha...

Danielle and Sari are joined by Millicent Borishade, Principal at Cedarhurst Elementary School in Highline Public Schools, WA. Millicent dives into leadership best practices that ensure students are excited to learn each day. She talks about motivating and inspiring students each day, and how her entire school community is transparent with students and their families about their data.  Highline Pu...