The Extraordinary Educators Podcast Danielle Sullivan & Sari Laberis

What happens when young minds meet the roadblocks of complex problems? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Andrea Baney, a fourth-grade math and science teacher, who sheds light on the power of productive struggle in the classroom. Andrea shares her refreshing take on how she re-engages her students with fresh challenges and guides them through the forest of confusion to the clearing of understanding. You’ll hear firsthand how her unique lesson on heat energy and a hands-on circuit building activity not only teach students about science but also the resilience needed to tackle life’s puzzles.

Read Curriculum Associates' blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blog
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Have feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!

Discover the transformational power of data-driven decisions in education as we sit down with Monique Smalls, a visionary principal who turns struggling schools into bastions of excellence. Journey with us through Monique's candid recount of how practical approaches like the gradual release model and professional learning communities can ignite a cultural revolution within the school walls. Her story is not just about numbers and statistics; it's a profound testament to the synergy of community, culture, and an unwavering commitment that uplifts students and educators alike. When simplicity meets consistency, the path to academic success is not just clear—it's inspiring.

Read Curriculum Associates' blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blog
Follow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssoc
Follow us on Instagram: @MyiReady
Have feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!

Ready to roll out the red carpet for your students? Join us as we delve into an extraordinary and inspiring conversation with Kat Perry, a remarkable reading specialist from Northeast ISD in San Antonio, Texas. Kat's unique approach to celebrating student growth and learning brings the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the classroom in a district-wide event - The Growth Gala. This isn't your ordinary school event, it's a red carpet affair that celebrates the progress of students and teachers, particularly focusing on vulnerable readers. Listen in to learn about the planning, execution, and the stunning impact of this initiative on the student community.

Read Kat's blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blog/celebrating-teachers
Follow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssoc
Follow us on Instagram: @MyiReady
Have feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!

Ever wondered how to unlock the algebraic potential in young minds? Look no further, as we've tapped into the expertise of Rebecca Brenneman, a seasoned 7th-grade math teacher from Maryland, who's got the playbook for priming middle schoolers for the world of algebra. Rebecca's approach emphasizes a rock-solid number sense and the art of breaking down complex problems into bite-sized, manageable chunks—skills that are essential for setting the stage for variables and abstract algebraic concepts. Her discussion on the power of pattern recognition, rational number operations, and viewing equations as balances offers a fresh perspective on equation solving that both novices and veteran educators can appreciate.

Read Rebecca's Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blog/ready-for-algebra
Follow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssoc
Follow us on Instagram: @MyiReady
Have feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!

Ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of setting up learning centers in your classroom? Let's break down those barriers with Amy Haskell from Curriculum Associates as she joins us to debunk myths and simplify the concept. In our revealing conversation, she spills the beans on how to craft structured and effective learning environments with just a few consistent elements like a technology zone and a teacher-led group. Amy's wisdom extends beyond the traditional boundaries of math, offering a blueprint for versatility in teaching various subjects.

Read Curriculum Associates' blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blog
Follow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssoc
Follow us on Instagram: @MyiReady
Have feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!

Unlock the mystery of math fact fluency with the enlightening guidance of Laurie Penney, a Math Content and Pedagogy Specialist from Curriculum Associates. In our latest conversation, Laurie sheds light on the vital components of math fluency—accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility—and how these elements intersect to build a robust foundation for learners. She offers a fresh perspective on memorization, drawing parallels to the ease of learning the lyrics to a beloved song, a natural and stress-free process. Our discussion also veers away from the anxiety-ridden timed tests, steering towards innovative strategies that encourage a more positive and engaging way to grasp critical math facts.

As we bring this episode to a close, we extend a warm invitation to our fellow educators to join the conversation beyond the podcast. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram, or reach out via email to share your thoughts, suggest discussion themes, or express your interest in contributing as a guest. By subscribing and leaving a review, you help support our community and continue the mission of empowering passionate educators. So, let's keep the dialogue going, and stay tuned for future episodes that promise to shine a spotlight on the incredible journey of teaching and leadership.

Read Laurie's Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blog/make-math-fun
Follow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssoc
Follow us on Instagram: @MyiReady
Have feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!