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. DEC 11

    Ending Antisemitism through Education and Empowerment (w/Dr. Luke Berryman, The Ninth Candle)

    Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this impactful episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she speaks with Dr. Luke Berryman, founder of The Ninth Candle, an organization dedicated to transforming Holocaust education. Discover how Dr. Berryman's unique background in classical music and the history of Nazi Germany inspired him to create educational programs that challenge misconceptions and foster critical thinking. In this episode, Dr. Berryman discusses: The Ninth Candle’s inquiry-based approach to teaching the Holocaust.Misconceptions about Jewish resistance and the myth of Nazi infallibility.How The Ninth's Candle's customized holocaust education programs help educators meet the unique needs of their schools and communities. Gain insights into how we can move beyond storytelling to empower our students with tools for critical analysis and historical context. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or simply passionate about education, this episode offers valuable perspectives on combating antisemitism and fostering deeper understanding. Resources for Continued LearningIn this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato and Dr. Luke Berryman explore how educators can reshape Holocaust education to empower students and combat antisemitism. To build on this conversation and incorporate these insights into your teaching, explore the following resources: Here’s the complete show notes section with everything integrated: Connect with The Ninth Candle The Ninth Candle offers customized Holocaust education programs designed to foster critical thinking, challenge misconceptions, and promote historical inquiry. Learn more about their work by visiting, The Ninth Candle Programs, or reach out to their team (info@theninthcandle.com) to develop a customized program that equips students with the tools to critically analyze historical documents and gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its lessons for today. Connect with The Ninth Candle on : Facebook | Instagram | X | LinkedIn Discover Resisting Nazism by Dr. Luke Berryman The question that’s asked most often on The Ninth Candle's programs is, "Why didn’t more people resist Nazism?" Luke's years of discussing the answer inspired him to write Resisting Nazism. Ever since it began, Nazism has faced resistance from people of all faiths, nationalities, and political affiliations—but many of them have been forgotten. Like the German artists who risked their lives by drawing caricatures of the Nazis in the 1920s, or the man who infiltrated the SS to try and expose the Holocaust in the 1940s, or the women who uncovered former Nazis as part of a groundbreaking documentary in the 1970s. The list goes on. Resisting Nazism will be the first book to connect such stories, creating a vivid picture of resistance to far-right extremism across the generations. It's built on deep research, and on interviews with the people involved, their families, and their colleagues, and with academic experts. It will be published by Rowman & Littlefield before the end of 2026.

    22 min
  2. NOV 27

    Building "Future Ready" Students (w/Lindsey Dixon, NAF)

    Are we equipping students with the skills they need to succeed beyond the classroom? Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she sits down with Lindsey Dixon, the Vice President of Product and Innovation at NAF. Lindsey shares how NAF, a national nonprofit leader in career readiness education, leverages technology to extend its mission to high schools nationwide. Learn about the innovative KnoPro platform, designed to provide students with real career opportunities and the importance of passion-based and project-based learning. Lindsey also dispels myths about career and technical education and underscores the value of holistic educational models. Discover how NAF evolves to ensure all students have access to future-ready skills and opportunities. Resources for Continued LearningIn this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato and Lindsey Dixon explore the essential elements of preparing students for future-ready careers. To build on this conversation and bring these practices into your school or classroom, take advantage of these valuable resources: KnoPro connects students with real-world projects and industry mentors to develop career-ready skills. Download their Work-Based Learning Platform Overview to see how you can offer hands-on, meaningful experiences for your students. For nearly 45 years, NAF has pioneered immersive, career-focused teaching. Their flexible programming, curriculum resources, and public-private partnerships help ensure students graduate with the skills, networks, and confidence to succeed. Is your school preparing students for the challenges of the future? Download this resource on How to Know If Your Students Are Truly Future Ready to evaluate your curriculum, student experiences, and program design.

    21 min
  3. 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
  4. 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

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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