Teaching Matters WOUB Public Media

Teacher and staff shortages, particularly in areas of specialized need like speech pathology, counseling, and accessible education, are increasing throughout the country. Such shortages coupled with increasing non-instructional demands on teachers increase stress and, for some, burnout. Despite that, a recent survey conducted by Soliant, a recruiting and staffing company specializing in education and other skilled sectors, shows that teachers remain optimistic about their impact. Lesley Slaughter, Senior Vice President at Soliant, discusses the challenges of staffing and potential solutions offered by firms like hers to meet the needs of students and schools.

Reading is a fundamental skill that facilitates learning across standards, subjects, and grade levels. Yet, national statistics show that students are reading less and, generally speaking, below grade level. Kari Kurto is the National Science of Reading Project Director for the Reading League. Kari discusses a resource called Compass, which provides educators, administrators, policy makers, and others with resources on evidence-based practices that improve students’ reading skills.

To learn more about Compass, visit the Reading League’s website: https://www.thereadingleague.org/compass/

This episode is part of a two-part series on the topic of scientifically supported reading instruction. Joe Burns is a regional product manager for Capstone, an educational technology and publishing company. Having taught early childhood grades, Joe discusses the importance of developmental skill development in reading as well as how Capstone augments phonics instruction with authentic texts. Joe also discusses topics raised in a recent article about the science of reading instruction in eSchool News. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrburns-710/ Read more from Joe about the science of reading here: https://tinyurl.com/tmjoeburns

In 2023, Deeper Learning Global (DLg) awarded the Ulster, New York, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (Ulster BOCES) with the “Deeper Learning” designation. Ulster Superintendent Dr. Jonah Schencker discusses this designation and how the district operationalizes deeper learning through its north star commitments of developing self, contributing to community, developing capacity, and engaging in continuous cycles of inquiry. Ulster will partner with DLg to host the DL Global New York conference in July of 2024. To learn more about Ulster BOCES, visit their website: https://www.ulsterboces.org/ To learn about the DL Global New York conference, visit: https://www.ulsterboces.org/educator-edge-home/educator-professional-development/for-school-district-leaders/dlny

Following the release of Chat-GPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms, teachers and administrators at all levels of education have worked to react to both the possibilities and problems of AI. Carl Hooker is a former educator and now an author who analyzes the implications of AI for teaching and learning in his new book, Learning Evolution: The New Era of AI in the Classroom. Our discussion highlights practical advice as well as some of the ethical and social implications of AI. Learn more about Carl at his website: https://carlhooker.com/

Dr. Cynthia Wise has developed a career-long track record of turning low-performing schools into schools of distinction. Currently the Principal and Chief Academic Officer of the Transformation Waco Charter Schools in Waco, TX, Dr. Wise discusses the Culture Conscious Campus Model that she has developed as a proven model for school transformation. As she narrates her story, you will learn key takeaways about the importance of teacher-student relationships, leadership, and relentless pursuit of student academic success. Connect with Dr. Wise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cynthia-wise-a65a8546/