The Teacher's Desk Ivan

In Episode 10, we talk more about the Gap, and how this pandemic may be affecting it. An important, if understated, role of schools is to help to close that gap amongst our children, and distance learning adds new obstacles to many old problems.

Our guest for this episode is Annie, a dynamic 7th Grade English LA teacher and mother of two. She shares insights on teaching from home, equity in these "hybrid" school models, and appreciating what we are because of this.

Note:
I mention a review that was recently released by the NWEA. The link to that review can be found HERE.

Back to discussing education in the middle of unknown territory. In Episode 9 we discuss the presumed roles of education, and the gaps that exist in schools, both now and before the pandemic. The truth is, our job, as educators, is very much the same as it has always been: provide accessible and rigorous education, and close the gaps! 

In Episode 8, we discuss some of the ways that parents and others can help to keep students focused, and make the most of the time you have devoted to school during the week. This also includes a bit on Discipline, and how it can be different as a teacher than as a parent or other adult.

This episode features a wonderful interview with Balika, a middle-school science teacher and mother of two. She shares some advice, experiences, and a heaping spoonful of common sense for today's school ordeals.

In Episode 7, we look at some strategies to help teach several kids at different ages. It can be daunting trying to work with one student, let alone more than one, and of different levels!

The tips here are focused on ways that you can keep your students as focused as they can be during your school day. Please share any ideas or strategies through social media or email The Teacher's Desk at teachersdesk.podcast@gmail.com. We would love to share new ideas with our listeners!

This episode features Kristie, a secondary science teacher, talking about how she's working with her students, how they're dealing with distance learning, and what she hopes to see from it all. Wonderful guest, and check out our extra content about Human's on Mars!

P.S. - Kristie mentions a website she uses for fun educational opportunities, called Zooniverse. The web address is www.zooniverse.org, for anyone interested. I have checked it out, and it is every bit as fun as Kristie said it was!

Episode 6 focuses on something known to teachers as the Gradual Release of Responsibility (known to many parents as "Now watch mommy/daddy do it"). Incorporating this into your home-based classroom could be a game changer, but it needs to be done well to be effective.

This episode features our interview with Brett, a high school Social Studies teacher. He offers some juicy insights on just what studying history does for us as a society, as well as some wise advise for our home-bound school scenario.

Episode 5 continues with our focus of trying to help those that are trying to create a learning environment at home during these times of school closures and social distancing. We discuss creating that environment, setting up a schedule that helps your students, and using student voice to inform your teaching.

My guest for this episode is middle school humanities and English teacher, Caity. She is sharp, dynamic, witty, and works very hard to help her students. She tells us a bit of what led her to teaching, as well as her thoughts on those that are assuming the role of teacher at home.