Teaching Channel Talks

Teaching Channel
Teaching Channel Talks

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. NOV 13

    Teaching Social Justice to Shape Young Minds (w/Dr. Shelby Kretz)

    How can we introduce social justice topics to young learners in a meaningful way? In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato sits down with Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder of Little Justice Leaders, to discuss the importance of teaching social justice at the elementary level. Discover how Little Justice Leaders’ curated educational boxes empower teachers and parents to guide children in understanding diversity, inclusion, and other significant themes. As she reflects on her own journey, Dr. Kretz explains how early exposure to justice paves the way for impactful, lifelong change in communities. Resources for Continued LearningIn this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato and Dr. Shelby Kretz discuss how educators and parents can introduce social justice topics in ways that resonate with young children. To continue this journey and bring practical, impactful tools to your classroom, we encourage you to explore these valuable resources. Start by diving into the Creating an Inclusive Classroom Culture Mini-Course. This course offers educators step-by-step guidance to create learning spaces where every student feels represented and valued. Looking to enhance the diversity in your curriculum? Little Justice Leaders’ comprehensive Checklist to Deepen Classroom Representation can help you evaluate and broaden the materials and voices included in your lessons. Make complex topics approachable for students with the “Explained for Kids” YouTube series. Designed to break down intricate social justice themes into kid-friendly explanations, this series supports teachers and parents in sparking meaningful discussions. Finally, engage your students with hands-on learning by trying out 3 Activities to Teach Kids About Social Justice. These activities provide a fun, interactive way for children to explore important concepts while building empathy and understanding.

    20 min
  2. SEP 18

    Teaching the Beautiful Intersection of Language and Culture (w/Dr. Kaishan Kong)

    Join Dr. Wendy Amato and Dr. Kaishan Kong, for an enriching conversation about the intricate relationship between language proficiency and cultural understanding. Episode 101 of Teaching Channel Talks focuses on the powerful impact of global virtual exchanges and introduces practical strategies for integrating cultural context into language education. Dr. Kong shares personal anecdotes, classroom strategies, and insights into navigating social justice in teaching, making this episode a must-watch for educators looking to cultivate intercultural competence in their students. In this episode, Wendy and Dr. Kaishan Kong discuss Collaborative International Online Learning (COIL) as a key component of language learning. COIL fosters communication skills in both home and new languages through intentionally designed activities. To learn more, visit their website. The episode also highlights the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), which supports the implementation of social-emotional learning programs in school districts while building support among parents and educators. Resources for Continued Learning For a deeper exploration of the intersection between language and culture, check out Dr. Kong’s book, Intercultural Citizenship in Language Education: Teaching and Learning Through Social Action. The book examines the framework of Intercultural Citizenship across various US teaching contexts. Wendy also asks Dr. Kong about her article, Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones: Understanding and Integrating Social Justice in Chinese Language Class. Listeners can access the full journal and explore other articles Dr. Kong has contributed to that relate to the topics in this episode. Additionally, Dr. Kong shares insights about the virtual exchange program her students participate in. She has provided a comprehensive description and outline of this project for listeners to explore further.

    22 min
  3. AUG 7

    Educate. Affirm. Include. Disrupt. Supporting Our Trans and Nonbinary Students (w/Rebecca Kling & Vanessa Ford)

    In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Rebecca Kling and Vanessa Ford, authors of the "Advocate Educators Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender Students Thrive." Drawing from their personal journeys in advocacy and education, this conversation focuses on the urgent need to support transgender and non-binary students. Learn about their four-pillar approach: educate, affirm, include, and disrupt, and gain valuable insights and practical tips for fostering an inclusive and affirming school environment in this inspiring and informative discussion. Resources for Continued LearningGet the Book: This episode focuses on the pillars discussed in Rebecca and Vanessa's book, Advocate Educators Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender Students Thrive, available wherever books are sold. New Course Offering: Teaching Channel is proud to offer course 5344: Understanding and Affirming Transgender and Non-binary Students which uses the Advocate Educators Handbook along with additional resources and strategies for supporting trans and nonbinary students. Handbook Extra: Inside the Advocate Educator's Handbook, Rebecca and Vanessa have curated a comprehensive list of additional resources for further exploration. Know Your Policies: Unsure about the laws and policies in your state? Check out this detailed map from the Movement Advancement Project to stay informed.

    27 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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.

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