The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast

On our second ✨annual✨ summer reading list, we explore a curated selection of memoirs, nonfiction, and fiction that have shaped how we think about identity, belonging, error, and what it means to be human. This year's picks lean heavily into nonfiction and memoir, reflecting a shared desire to understand the systems, stories, and inner critics that shape us and our students.  Books discussed...

This episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, hosted by Anna and Shé, features Northeastern University educators Rachel Toncelli and Ilka Kostka, co-authors of Artificial Intelligence, Real Teaching: A Guide to AI in ELT , discussing practical and pedagogical approaches to AI in English language teaching.  They address common misconceptions, including fears that AI will replace language learnin...

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast , Shé and Anna are joined by Dr. Linh Phung, decorated language educator, researcher, innovator, and the creator of Eduling app , to explore the principles and practical applications of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), an approach that shifts the focus from isolated language practice to meaningful, goal-oriented communication. Together, they u...

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast , Shé and Anna are joined by ESL teacher and founder of The ESL Grammar Gallery Audrea Gold to explore a refreshingly practical and research-informed approach to grammar instruction: the NUFU framework—Noticing, Understanding, Forming, and Using. Moving beyond traditional rule-based instruction, Audrea reframes grammar as a meaning-making tool rat...

As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world. Whether you’re listening fo...

As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world. Whether you’re listening fo...

As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world. Whether you’re listening fo...

As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world. Whether you’re listening fo...

As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world. Whether you’re listening fo...

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast , co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with Dr. Lillian Ardell—founder of Language Matters —for a timely and deeply reflective conversation about monolingual bias and how it shapes English language education around the world. Together, they unpack how the assumption that English should dominate learning environments shows up in policies, classroom pract...

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast , Shé and Anna are joined by global educator and ESL teacher Andrea Collados for a timely and deeply reflective conversation about algorithms, echo chambers, and the urgent role of critical thinking in English language teaching. Together, they unpack how algorithm-driven media environments shape what our students see, believe, and share—and why th...

On this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna take us back to the roots of the podcast: reflection. The episode integrates the voices of teachers around the world, who reflect on their teaching goals for the new year—from addressing student motivation and needs assessments to integrating AI tools and promoting trauma-informed teaching. Each contributor offers a unique insight, making this episode a treas...

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna interview Tabitha Kidwell, an esteemed teacher educator, about her research on the preparation and professional development of teacher trainers. The conversation explores various models and approaches for teacher training, the need for formalized support, and the essential skill sets for effective teacher training. The episode also e...

In this lively episode, Shé sits down with Ben Buckwold (Founder & CEO of Ellii) and Tara Benwell (VP of Publishing at Ellii) to explore the story behind one of Ellii’s most creative classroom tools: Ellii Dilemmas. The discussion centers on Ellii’s newly introduced interactive classroom tool designed to foster critical thinking and discussion among students. Listeners get insights into the de...

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna discuss the importance of the Lexical Approach in teaching English, featuring insights from guest Erin O’Byrne. They explore how focusing on lexical chunks—common phrases and expressions—rather than isolated words or strict grammar rules can enhance both learner autonomy and teacher effectiveness. Erin shares her journey of adopting...

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we sit down with Sara Davila, a self-described “learning alchemist,” to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education. With her trademark mix of research, theory, and classroom pragmatism, Sara takes us on a journey from the evolution of AI and deep learning to the practical ways teachers can use large language models (LLMs) today. T...

In Part 2 of our collaboration with the DIESOL Podcast , we reunite with Brent and Ixchell, this time with our signature Teacher Think-Aloud style, with more narrative and reflective interruptions as we delve into actionable strategies. In this episode, we explore the practical side of reflective pedagogy in English language teaching: How to implement tech tools to enhance reflection The balance b...

In this special crossover episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast , Shé and Anna team up with Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes of the DIESOL Podcast (Developing Innovation in English as a Second or Other Language) for a lively conversation about reflective practice—the foundation of our podcast and a shared passion between both shows. Instead of our usual format, you’ll hear the DIESOL style: les...

In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with climate activist, teacher trainer, and founder of Renewable English , Harry Waters, for an energizing conversation on integrating environmental sustainability into English language teaching. 🌱🌍 Harry shares how his early activism and global teaching experiences led him to reimagine ELT as a platform for climate awareness, youth empowerment, an...

In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with Sharon Tjaden-Burkes, Senior Instructional Designer and founder of the IDEA Networking Sessions, to explore what it really takes to move from the English language classroom into instructional design. 🎙️  Sharon shares a candid look at what sparked her transition, the emotional toll of adjunct life, the joy of upskilling through tinkering and tec...

In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna share their 2025 summer reading list—13 unforgettable books that move across cultures, borders, and languages. Whether you're traveling, lesson planning, or just in need of some inspiration, this curated collection will offer powerful perspectives on migration, memory, identity, and resistance. 🧳💬 From a nine-year-old’s journey across Central America in Sol...

In this episode of the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, hosts Anna and Shé discuss the importance of building rapport in the classroom, revisiting techniques adapted for online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest Bob Nguyen shares his journey of integrating technology into teaching, emphasizing authentic student connection through tools like Padlet, Mentimeter, and Gather Town. Bob also highl...

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast , we pull back the curtain on the increasingly popular—yet often misunderstood—lifestyle of digital nomadism in English Language Teaching (ELT). Our guest, teacher trainer, materials writer, and visual thinking advocate Emily Bryson , joins us from the road to talk about the real logistics, trade-offs, and intentional choices that come with taking...

TESOL 2025 was a whirlwind! We interviewed educators from around the globe, discussing AI, advocacy, community, and more. Hear their insights and feel the energy of the convention. Watch or listen to our video episode now!  📸 Photo & video credit: joevoigts.com  🎧 Related Resources: Episode 30 – Drama in the classroom: beyond the role play (with Richard Silberg) Episode 66 – “Being a native...

In this episode, we dive into the pervasive issue of native speakerism in English Language Teaching with educator and advocate Meri Maroutian. Meri shares her journey into the profession, the biases she’s faced, and the reflective, practical tools she now offers to help others tackle this issue—like her three-part masterclass designed to dismantle accent bias and outdated teaching models. We also...