The Extraordinary Educators Podcast Sari Laberis

What if you could transform your classroom into an engaging, vibrant hub of learning, especially in the challenging post-COVID era? Our latest episode features Kim Brownell, a sixth-grade ELA and reading teacher, who shares her incredible journey from being a principal back to the classroom. Kim reveals her innovative student engagement strategies that are designed to keep middle school students actively involved. From incorporating movement to fostering collaboration, you'll hear about her "...

Discover how to create a classroom where every child feels seen and heard with insights from our guest, Extraordinary Educator, Nina Henderson. In this episode, we promise to equip you with practical strategies for culturally responsive teaching, all inspired by Zaretta Hammond's groundbreaking work, "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain." Nina reveals her secrets for integrating cultural diversity into your lessons, classroom displays, and discussions seamlessly, ensuring that each s...

Unlock the secrets to empowering your math students as Uloma, a math specialist, joins us to illuminate the transformative power of a positive math mindset. Delve into the essential role of productive struggle within the classroom and discover strategies that allow students, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to overcome challenges and thrive in their mathematical pursuits. Uloma brings her expertise to the discussion, underscoring the significance of continuous assessment and sharing...

Ever wondered how a middle school classroom can transform into a hub of engagement, where students are not just listeners but active participants? Join us as we sit down with Jasmine Applewhite, a dynamic STEAM teacher from Mississippi, who's revolutionizing middle school education by incorporating small group instruction with a STEAM twist. Her unique approach merges science, technology, engineering, art, and math with seventh and eighth-grade ELA, fostering an environment where differentiat...

Imagine stepping into a school where every face is familiar and every interaction is threaded with empathy and support. That's the reality second-grade teachers Kelly and Amber have created with their PAWS Time initiative, a program that's transforming their school community into an interconnected family. As this episode unfolds, you'll be captivated by their tales of weekly 30-minute sessions where storytelling and activities bridge the gaps between staff and students, nurturing a sense of b...

Discover the transformative power of appreciation and the heartwarming impact it has on educators far and wide, as we bring you a special Teacher Appreciation Week episode of the Extraordinary Educators Podcast. Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates, joins this episode to celebrate the influence of teachers. We explore how simple acts of kindness, such as leaving a sticky note or sending an encouraging email, can bolster morale and create a ripple of positivity within the educational comm...