Teaching Channel Talks

Teaching Channel

New teacher? Seasoned veteran? Leader in a school or district? No matter what your role, being in education these days is tough. We’re here to help. Join our host, Dr. Wendy Amato, as she tackles challenging issues in education with experts in the field and discusses how to inspire meaningful, vibrant, and fun PD, shifting perceptions about professional learning.

  1. 13. AUG.

    How Strong School Culture Reduces Chronic Absenteeism (w/ Khari Shabazz)

    In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato speaks with Khari Shabazz, Managing Director of Schools and School Partnerships at K12 Coalition, about how shifting from compliance to connection can combat chronic absenteeism. Drawing from his experience as a school leader and parent, Khari shares powerful examples of how student voice, academic rigor, and human connection can transform school culture and boost daily attendance. Together, they explore what it really means to create a learning environment that students want to be part of. Resources for Continued LearningWhen Students Don’t Show Up It’s Not the Kids Failing What Schools Should Do In this article for The 74, Khari Shabazz examines chronic absenteeism as a reflection of school culture rather than student shortcomings, offering strategies to build trust, foster student voice, and create an environment where learners want to attend every day. Read the article. K12 Coalition K12 Coalition works with schools and districts nationwide to strengthen leadership, improve instruction, and build school cultures where students can thrive. Explore their programs, professional learning opportunities, and national network of partners at the K12 Coalition website. K12 Coalition Consulting Services The consulting team at K12 Coalition partners directly with school leaders and educators to address challenges, design solutions, and implement practices that improve academic outcomes and strengthen school culture. Learn more about their approach to consulting with schools. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Teaching Channel Talks on your favorite podcast platform for more insights, resources, and professional learning opportunities. Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Contact us at K12Hub@teachingchannel.com

    31 Min.
  2. 16. JULI

    Making Learning Stick with Cognitive Science (w/ Meg Lee)

    How does understanding memory and cognition shape better teaching? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato sits down with Meg Lee, founder of Learning Science Partners and an expert in evidence-based instruction, to explore how teachers can apply cognitive science in practical, classroom-specific ways. They discuss retrieval, attention, and effortful thinking, and how routines, pacing, and reflection can be adjusted to better support how students retain and recall information. Meg shares how small shifts in your teaching practice, rooted in research, can lead to stronger outcomes for all learners. Resources for Continued LearningInside the Work of Learning Science Partners Co-founded by Meg Lee and Dr. Jim Heal, Learning Science Partners works directly with schools, districts, and education organizations to apply cognitive science principles in ways that are practical, sustainable, and responsive to classroom realities. Their work includes long-term partnerships, implementation coaching, and building a shared understanding of how learning really happens. Mindsets for Home and School In Mindsets for Parents: Strategies to Encourage Growth Mindsets in Kids, Meg Lee offers a practical guide to building growth mindset habits with children. With real-world examples, prompts for reflection, and approachable brain research, the book offers practical strategies for building a growth mindset culture with children of all ages, at home or in the classroom. Designing Better PD With Brain Science How Understanding the Brain Improves Educator Learning explores how attention, memory, and cognitive load impact what teachers take away from professional learning. It highlights practical ways to design sessions that support long-term retention and real classroom impact. A District-Wide Look at Learning Science in Action This feature in The 74 spotlights Frederick County Public Schools, where Meg helped lead an ambitious effort to align teaching and professional learning with research on how the brain learns. The article explores how this system-wide approach is raising outcomes for both students and teachers.

    27 Min.
  3. 18. JUNI

    Effortful Thinking and the Power of Learning Science (w/ Dr. Jim Heal)

    What happens when teachers understand how learning really works? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Dr. Jim Heal, co-founder of Learning Science Partners, to talk about the science behind effective teaching. Dr. Heal explains why effortful thinking leads to stronger learning, challenges common myths about engagement, and shares how cognitive load, memory, and prior knowledge shape student success. The conversation offers a clear look at how learning science connects research to classroom decisions and helps teachers focus on what works. Resources for Continued LearningInside the Work of Learning Science Partners Co-founded by Dr. Jim Heal and Meg Lee, Learning Science Partners collaborates with schools and districts to bring research-backed teaching practices into daily instruction. Their work focuses on long-term partnerships, implementation support, and building shared language around how learning happens. Books by Dr. Jim Heal Dr. Heal’s books explore how research in learning science can directly shape what happens in classrooms, coaching, and leadership. Each title offers clear explanations of complex ideas, along with practical applications for educators: Instructional Illusions Co-authored with Paul Kirschner and others, this book challenges common myths about teaching and learning, offering evidence-based alternatives that support long-term retention and real understanding. How Teaching Happens A guided tour of key research on effective teaching, with clear summaries of seminal studies and what they mean for instructional practice today. Mental Models: How Understanding the Mind Can Transform the Way You Work and Learn A practical look at how mental models shape thinking, decision-making, and learning—designed to help educators and learners make smarter choices. Dive Deeper with Dr. Heal These selected articles expand on the ideas discussed in this episode—from cognitive load and effortful thinking to the real meaning of student engagement. Use them to reflect on your own practice and explore how learning science can sharpen instructional choices: Just Because They’re Engaged, It Doesn’t Mean They’re Learning (Chartered College of Teaching) - A closer look at the difference between visible engagement and lasting learning, and why teachers should focus on what students are thinking about—not just what they’re doing.If We Are Going to Teach, We Need...

    26 Min.
  4. 7. MAI

    Creating Classrooms That Honor Student Identity (w/ Kwame Sarfo-Mensah)

    In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by educator, author, and consultant Kwame Sarfo-Mensah to talk about honoring student identity in everyday teaching. Drawing from his new book Learning to Relearn, Kwame shares personal stories and practical strategies around identity, decentering, and collective action. He and Wendy discuss how cultural awareness, reflection, and empathy can shape stronger student-teacher relationships. Listen in for ways to build trust, center student voices, and create classrooms where every learner feels they belong. Resources for Continued LearningExplore the Book Learning to Relearn Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom is Kwame Sarfo-Mensah’s latest release for educators who want to center student identity and reflect on their own role in the classroom. The book offers questions and stories that challenge educators to reexamine old habits and stay rooted in what students actually need. Visit Learning2Relearn.com to download chapter previews, find discussion guides, and access tools that help you bring the book into your teaching practice. Bring Identity Work Into Your School or District Kwame founded Identity Talk Consulting, a group offering workshops, coaching, and speaking engagements focused on affirming student identity, building strong teacher habits, and supporting educators as they grow in the classroom.

    22 Min.
  5. 16. APR.

    Supporting Multilingual Learners in Every Classroom (w/ Katherine Hamilton, Ensemble Learning)

    Multilingual learners are the fastest-growing student group in the U.S., and their success depends on how well schools support language development alongside grade-level instruction. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Katherine Hamilton, Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, to share how educators can better support these students—whether they’re new to the country or born in the U.S. but still developing academic English. Katherine draws from classroom experience and district-level partnerships to break down key instructional strategies, the power of student talk, and what meaningful walkthroughs look like. She also shares the importance of aligning classroom practices with school and district priorities to keep support focused and manageable. Resources for Continued LearningLearn More About Ensemble Learning Ensemble Learning is a nonprofit that partners with schools, districts, and state agencies to support equity for multilingual learners. Their work includes professional learning, coaching, and systems-level alignment to ensure that students learning English receive the instruction and support they need to thrive. Professional Learning with Teaching Channel Looking to strengthen your support for multilingual learners? Teaching Channel’s graduate-level courses offer practical strategies to help educators create welcoming, language-rich classrooms for newcomer students. 5308: Empowering Multilingual Newcomers with Language and SEL Support Learn how to create a Newcomer Kit, build a family resource guide, and plan meaningful opportunities for language development using multi-cue and comprehensible input approaches. The course also addresses ways to support newcomer students with learning disabilities.

    21 Min.
  6. 26. MÄRZ

    Using Storytelling to Build Connection and Curiosity (w/ Liza Newell)

    How Can Storytelling Transform Learning? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes performance artist and storyteller Liza Newell to explore the power of storytelling in education. Liza shares how fairy tales, folklore, and personal narratives can create meaningful connections, inspire curiosity, and help students navigate complex ideas. Together, they discuss how teachers can use storytelling techniques—like vocal expression, body language, and pacing—to engage students and make lessons more impactful. Listen in to discover how storytelling can foster empathy, build confidence, and create lasting learning experiences in the classroom. Resources for Continued LearningStorytelling: A Tool for Engagement, Imagination, and Connection in the Classroom Liza Newell provides a resource highlighting the essential components of compelling storytelling and how educators can use story structure, character development, and performance techniques to enrich student learning. Educators can explore practical strategies for using storytelling in the classroom by accessing Liza Newell’s guide, Storytelling: A Tool for Engagement, Imagination, and Connection in the Classroom. Learn More About Liza’s Work Explore Liza Newell’s performances, workshops, and creative projects by visiting her website: Learn more about Liza’s performances, workshops, and creative projects by visiting her website. Educator Question Prompts for Story Responses Use these question prompts developed by Liza Newell and Dr. Wendy Amato to encourage students to reflect on and connect with the stories they hear, fostering meaningful discussions in the classroom. The Apple Seed Podcast Discover a collection of rich and diverse stories on The Apple Seed Podcast, a show dedicated to sharing tales that inspire and entertain. This podcast is a great resource for educators looking to bring engaging narratives into their classrooms. Educators looking to bring engaging narratives into their classrooms can explore the collection of rich and diverse stories featured on The Apple Seed Podcast. International Storytelling Festival YouTube Channel Explore stories from around the world with the International Storytelling Festival's YouTube channel. This collection of performances from renowned storytellers provides a global perspective on the art of storytelling and can be a valuable resource for classroom learning. Teachers and students can explore stories from around the world through the performances available on the International Storytelling Center YouTube Channel.

    22 Min.
  7. 12. MÄRZ

    Building Stronger Schools Through Parent Partnerships (w/ Peyton Williams)

    What if strong parent engagement was the key to happier teachers and more successful students? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by education consultant, coach, and speaker Peyten Williams to explore how schools can foster meaningful partnerships with parents. Peyten shares why parent education shouldn’t stop after orientation and how ongoing communication and support can make a real difference for students. From strengthening communication to facilitating supportive school communities, Peyten and Wendy discuss practical ways schools can connect with families, improve conversations, and build a stronger school community for students, teachers, and parents alike. Resources for Continued LearningFood for Thought Parent Discussions Join Food for Thought, a weekly Zoom session hosted by Peyten Williams and Becky McKnight, a former school administrator. These free discussions cover common parenting concerns, including friendships, technology, and discipline. Watch past recordings on Peyten’s YouTube Channel. Bowbend Consulting Best Practices for Parent Engagement Events Peyten Williams developed the Best Practices Checklist for Parent Engagement Events to help schools improve parent participation. This resource includes: Grouping parents by grade level for more relevant discussions.Converting lectures into podcasts or recorded videos for flexible access.Scheduling events at convenient times, such as after drop-off or before pick-up. By using these strategies, schools can create events that encourage meaningful engagement. Professional Learning with Teaching Channel Looking to boost your teaching skills and advance your career? Teaching Channel’s graduate-level courses are designed to help educators build strong partnerships with families and enhance student success. 5844: Engaging Parents for Student Success This course explores effective ways to foster parent, caregiver, and community engagement. Learn how to strengthen family-school relationships, encourage participation, and improve communication between teachers and families to create a more supportive learning environment. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Teaching Channel Talks on your favorite podcast platform for more insights, resources, and professional learning opportunities. Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Contact us at K12Hub@teachingchannel.com

    21 Min.

Info

New teacher? Seasoned veteran? Leader in a school or district? No matter what your role, being in education these days is tough. We’re here to help. Join our host, Dr. Wendy Amato, as she tackles challenging issues in education with experts in the field and discusses how to inspire meaningful, vibrant, and fun PD, shifting perceptions about professional learning.

Das gefällt dir vielleicht auch