Teaching Matters

WOUB Public Media

Teaching Matters Podcast is an audio series exploring the issues related to teaching and learning in an informaiton-rich world.

  1. 2d ago

    Holistic Student Support: The Milton Hershey School Story

    In this episode of Teaching Matters, host Scott Titsworth talks with Dr. Tara Valoczki, Assistant Vice President of Education and Student Life at Milton Hershey School, a tuition-free boarding school for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr. Valoczki describes her path from elementary principal to systemwide leader, and explains why her office oversees academics, health services, and residential care as a single integrated system rather than separate departments. The narrative threading through this discussion focuses on the ways in which student support can be thought of in a holistic, comprehensive way to promote lifelong success. Milton Hershey School: https://www.mhskids.org

  2. Sep 10

    Making EdTech Meaningful

    Host Scott Titsworth talks with Ali Arsan, Founder and CEO of Edlio, the K-12 communications platform used by more than 19,000 schools across North America. After 25-plus years in education technology, Arsan argues that most EdTech has prioritized its own growth over the needs of educators and families, leaving schools juggling disconnected platforms while families get lost in the middle. The conversation covers the roots of platform fragmentation, what a real school-family partnership requires, and where Arsan believes AI can genuinely help improve communication and information flow. https://www.edlio.com

  3. Sep 1

    Who's Really Designing AI for the Classroom? A Conversation with Auditi Chakravarty of AERDF

    In this episode of the Teaching Matters podcast, host Scott Titsworth talks with Auditi Chakravarty, President and CEO of the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), about her path from high school English teacher to leading a national education R&D fund. The conversation centers on AERDF's “Advanced Inclusive R&D” model and the organization’s recent initiative putting teachers at the center of designing AI approaches in the classroom. Learn more about AERDF's programs at: https://aerdf.org

  4. Aug 27

    New Data on Absenteeism

    Dr. Kara Stern returns to the Teaching Matters Podcast to discuss new data on the topic of absenteeism. She highlights two recent reports from SchoolStatus. Dr. Stern is the Director of Education and Engagement at SchoolStatus. During our discussion Dr. Stern provided mid-year updates on attendance from the 2025-2026 school year and discussed how intentional strategies by districts, particularly for younger students, can have a substantial positive impact on attendance. SchoolStatus Website: https://www.schoolstatus.com Additional Content! The NEW report referenced in the discussion is now released: https://www.schoolstatus.com/resource/2026-attendance-trends-report?utm_source=press_release&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=schoolstatus_26q3_cd_report_2025-26_attendance_trends

  5. Aug 19

    Watch for Counterfeits in the Back-to-School Rush

    As families gear up for a school year that will cost them close to $1,000 in supplies, Scott talks with Frank Cullen, Executive Director of the Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP), about the counterfeit goods flooding online marketplaces each fall. Cullen, whose career has spanned from Hollywood to Capitol Hill, explains why U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than $7 billion in fake goods last year, what the pending SHOP SAFE Act would change about marketplace liability, and the practical steps parents can take to avoid counterfeit school supplies and electronics this back-to-school season. https://c4ip.org/shop-safe/

  6. Jul 9

    Student Engagement in STEM Education

    This episode of Teaching Matters introduces audience members to Project Lead the Way through a discussion with Dr. Katie Minihan, Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. The conversation examines the connection between student engagement, experiential learning, and community partners particularly in STEM education. Katie discusses the importance broader definitions of success beyond standardized testing, highlighting the significance of student engagement and social-emotional learning. Minihan shares insights on the importance of empowering students to solve real-world problems in their communities. Project Lead the Way: https://www.pltw.org/

  7. Jun 23

    Trends in Online K-12 Education

    Alyssa Tormala, Head of School at Laurel Springs School, shares insights on online education, mastery-based learning, community building, and the role of technology like AI in modern schooling. Laurel Springs is a fully accredited online school. In our discussion, Alyssa discusses trends in online education as well as ways in which online educators adapt practices to help students grow. Laurel Springs School: https://laurelsprings.com/

  8. Jun 15

    Being Intentional About Professional Development

    This episode explores the effectiveness of professional development in K-12 education, featuring insights from Jim Hall, CEO of the K12 Coalition. Topics include strategies for impactful teacher training, the role of evidence-based practices, and the future of education with AI and other innovations. K12 Coalition: https://k12coalition.com

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About

Teaching Matters Podcast is an audio series exploring the issues related to teaching and learning in an informaiton-rich world.

Information

  • Creator
    WOUB Public Media
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2016 WOUB Public Media
  • Show Website
    Teaching Matters