Time for Teachership

Lindsay Lyons
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

How can I build capacity for culturally responsive teaching and project-based instruction? How can I reduce teacher burnout and promote a culture of wellness for staff and students? What are the secrets to getting teacher buy-in? What does practicing shared leadership actually look like? Welcome to the Time for Teachership podcast where we tackle adaptive challenges in educational leadership! Each week, host Lindsay Lyons brings together guest experts, research findings, and practical steps to help brave school leaders transform schools into antiracist spaces that cultivate student, family, and teacher leadership to enable all students to thrive.

  1. 6h ago

    271. Supporting Multilingual Learners: Key Ideas from the WIDA 2020 Framework | Practical Strategies for Every Classroom

    As multilingual learner populations continue to grow in schools across the country, many educators are asking the same question: How can we provide language support without lowering academic rigor? In this solo episode, Lindsay Lyons breaks down the WIDA 2020 Framework into practical, classroom-ready ideas for teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders. You'll learn how the framework organizes language development, why over-scaffolding can unintentionally reduce learning opportunities, and how to design instruction that builds both content knowledge and academic language. Whether you're brand new to WIDA or simply need a refresher, this episode offers an accessible overview of the framework along with actionable strategies you can implement immediately.   In this episode, we discuss: An overview of the WIDA 2020 Framework and why it matters for supporting multilingual learners. The four Key Language Uses (KLUs): Narrate Inform Explain Argue How language expectations, language functions, and language features work together during lesson planning. A step-by-step example of using the WIDA framework to design a science lesson. How WIDA proficiency level descriptors (PLDs) should—and should not—be used. Why educators should avoid labeling students by proficiency level. The importance of maintaining grade-level rigor while providing appropriate language supports. WIDA's four foundational ideas: Equity of opportunity and access Integrating language and content learning Collaboration among stakeholders A functional approach to language development The difference between macro scaffolding (planned supports) and micro scaffolding (responsive, in-the-moment supports). Practical examples of responsive scaffolding that strengthen language development without over-supporting students. When translation supports multilingual learners—and when it can unintentionally limit language growth. WIDA's asset-based "Can Do" philosophy and how multilingual students' languages and cultures strengthen learning for everyone.   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/271

  2. Aug 11

    270. Not Your Granny's Grammar with Patty McGee | Rethinking Grammar Instruction to Empower Student Writers

    What if grammar wasn't about memorizing rules—but about helping students express themselves more powerfully? In this episode with host Lindsay, literacy consultant and author Patty McGee shares the research behind her book Not Your Granny's Grammar and explains why traditional grammar instruction often fails to improve student writing. Instead, she offers an inquiry-based, student-centered approach that helps grammar become a meaningful tool for communication, creativity, and voice. Together, we explore how teachers can move beyond worksheets and isolated grammar lessons toward joyful grammar experiences that foster curiosity, collaboration, and authentic writing across content areas. Whether you're an elementary teacher, literacy coach, instructional leader, or secondary ELA educator, you'll leave with practical strategies you can implement immediately. In this episode, we discuss: Why grammar should be viewed as a tool for expression—not simply a collection of rules. The difference between spoken grammar, book grammar, and standard grammar, and why each has value. How grammar can amplify student voice and strengthen meaning in writing. What decades of research reveal about why traditional grammar instruction doesn't improve writing quality. The three research-backed grammar practices that have the greatest impact: Sentence construction Sentence expansion Sentence combining Why grammar instruction works best when taught through inquiry-based units rather than isolated lessons. Patty's grammar learning progression built around surface learning, deep learning, and transfer. The power of long-term student partnerships for collaborative grammar learning. Why teachers should ask more questions—and lecture less—during grammar experiences. How reflection builds curiosity and helps students naturally progress toward more sophisticated sentence structures. Common challenges teachers face when teaching grammar—and how to overcome them. Why it's okay (and powerful) for teachers to say, "I don't know—let's figure it out together." Easy-to-create grammar manipulatives that make grammar interactive, engaging, and fun. How reading, writing, and grammar naturally reinforce one another when taught together.   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/270   Connect with guest Patty McGee  Website: https://pattymcgee.org

  3. Aug 4

    269. The P.O.W.E.R. Framework with Dr. Genevieve Erker Caffrey: Part 2

    In Part 2 of this conversation with host Lindsay, Dr. Genevieve Erker Caffrey unpacks the final three components of her P.O.W.E.R. Framework for justice-oriented social studies instruction: Wisdom & Wit, Entanglements & Empowerment, and Relevance & Responsibility. Together, these dimensions help educators move beyond teaching about history to creating meaningful learning experiences that cultivate critical thinking, civic engagement, and student agency. You'll hear practical examples for elementary and secondary classrooms, recommendations for using children's literature, strategies for facilitating nuanced classroom discussions, and ideas for helping students move from inquiry to informed action. If you're looking for ways to teach complex histories while honoring joy, diverse ways of knowing, and authentic civic participation, this episode is packed with actionable ideas. In this episode, we discuss: What Wisdom & Wit means in the P.O.W.E.R. Framework and why joy is only one part of the equation. How music, storytelling, art, humor, oral traditions, and multiple languages can deepen social studies instruction. Using children's literature to center historically marginalized voices and cultivate student genius. Why teachers should embrace complexity instead of oversimplifying historical events. The meaning of Entanglements & Empowerment and how students can explore multiple perspectives within historical movements. Teaching the complexity of progress through coalition building, disagreement, and civic organizing. Preparing students for authentic civic action before asking them to solve community problems. Why Relevance & Responsibility should be embedded throughout the curriculum—not just at the end of a unit. Practical examples of student civic action, including letter writing, awareness campaigns, service learning, and partnerships with community organizations. A simple curriculum audit teachers can use to evaluate whether their lessons include every dimension of the P.O.W.E.R. Framework. Why the framework is intentionally called P.O.W.E.R. and how each dimension helps students analyze and understand power dynamics through a critical lens.   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/269   Listen to part 1 here: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/268   Connect with guest Dr. Genevieve Erker Caffrey  Schema Curriculum: https://schemacurriculum.com Personal Website: https://genevievecaffrey.com

  4. Jul 28

    268. The P.O.W.E.R. Framework with Dr. Genevieve Erker-Caffrey (Part 1): Designing Justice-Centered Social Studies Curriculum

    What does it actually mean to create a justice-centered curriculum? Many educators are committed to equity, inclusion, and justice, but translating those values into daily curriculum design can feel overwhelming. In this guest episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons sits down with educator, researcher, and framework designer Dr. Genevieve Erker-Caffrey to discuss her innovative P.O.W.E.R. Framework, a practical tool for creating justice-oriented social studies curriculum that is grounded in critical theory while remaining accessible for educators. In Part 1 of this conversation, Dr. Erker-Caffrey shares the origins of the framework, the challenges teachers face when designing equity-centered curriculum, and the first two dimensions of the P.O.W.E.R. Framework: Presence & Personhood and Oppression & Opposition. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why many educators struggle to implement justice-centered curriculum despite strong commitments to equity The organizational and structural barriers that make curriculum design challenging Four key characteristics teachers identified as necessary for effective equity-oriented curriculum How the P.O.W.E.R. Framework supports curriculum planning across grade levels, topics, and identity groups Why curriculum should begin with identity, humanity, and dignity before oppression How to teach about oppression in developmentally appropriate ways Why resistance and opposition should always be taught alongside systems of oppression   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/268    Connect with guest Dr. Genevieve Erker-Caffrey  Website: www.genevievecaffrey.com

  5. Jul 21

    267. Discourse as Change Leadership: Humanizing Resistance and Leading Sustainable School Change

    How do school leaders respond when staff resist change? In this solo episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons explores how discourse can serve as a powerful form of change leadership. Drawing on adaptive leadership research, transformative learning theory, and the concept of constructive disorientation, Lindsay shares a practical framework for leading difficult conversations in ways that honor staff humanity, deepen learning, and create lasting organizational change. Whether you're leading curriculum implementation, equity initiatives, school turnaround efforts, or culture shifts, this episode offers actionable strategies for facilitating meaningful dialogue that moves teams from resistance to collective growth. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why resistance is often a sign of an adaptive challenge—not a personnel problem What constructive disorientation is and how it supports transformational learning How discourse can help educators navigate emotionally complex change Why social capital is essential for difficult staff conversations Practical strategies for facilitating dialogue around controversial or challenging topics How to respond to resistance while maintaining trust and dignity Ways to build a school culture that embraces continuous learning and adaptation   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/267

  6. Jul 14

    266. Leading Amidst Wicked Problems with Dr. Annalies Corbin: Building Agency, Resilience, and Student-Centered Learning

    What does it mean to lead effectively when there are no simple solutions? In this guest episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons sits down with educator, anthropologist, researcher, and author Dr. Annalies Corbin to explore the concept of wicked problems and what educational leaders can learn from them. Together, they discuss how schools can foster agency, resilience, cultural responsiveness, and meaningful learning experiences while navigating increasingly complex educational challenges. Drawing from decades of research and practice, Dr. Corbin shares actionable strategies for helping students and educators move beyond compliance toward curiosity, problem-solving, and authentic engagement. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What wicked problems are and why education itself can be considered a wicked problem The difference between technical solutions and complex adaptive challenges How leaders can foster resilience and agency in students and staff Why student voice and co-design matter in learning environments The importance of culturally responsive and learner-centered education Practical ways educators can begin transforming traditional classrooms The five foundational elements of sustainable educational innovation   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/266    Connect with guest Dr. Annalies Corbin  Website: https://www.pastfoundation.org/annalies-corbin

  7. Jul 7

    265. Change Leadership Theories Explained: Improving Staff Discourse and School Culture

    In this solo episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons explores several influential change leadership theories and examines how they can strengthen staff discourse, shared decision-making, and transformational school improvement. Drawing from her doctoral research in leadership and change, as well as her experience supporting turnaround schools, Lindsay shares practical frameworks that educational leaders can use to foster equity, inclusion, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue. This episode connects leadership theory to the everyday reality of school improvement efforts, showing how discourse serves as the bridge between vision and action. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How leadership theories can inform school change initiatives Why staff discourse is essential for successful implementation The relationship between leadership, power, and organizational culture How to build collaborative structures that support equitable decision-making Strategies for fostering trust, inclusion, and collective leadership Practical ways to improve dialogue, discussion, and decision-making processes   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/265

  8. Jun 30

    264. Rethinking Math Education: From Memorization to Meaningful Understanding with Dr. Aditya Nagrath

    In this powerful episode of Time for Teachership, Lindsay Lyons speaks with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning, about transforming how we teach and experience mathematics. Together, they challenge the traditional view of math as memorization and computation and reframe it as a language for solving real-world problems. From addressing math anxiety to bridging learning gaps for older students, this conversation explores how conceptual understanding, student confidence, and meaningful application can radically shift math education for learners of all ages. If you've ever wondered how to support students who feel "behind" in math—or how to make math more joyful, relevant, and accessible—this episode is for you.   Key Topics Covered Why math should be taught as a tool for solving real-world problems The difference between procedural fluency vs. conceptual understanding How math anxiety is reinforced—and how to reduce it Why students often already have math background knowledge (they just don't recognize it) The role of language and labeling in math learning How AI is changing the way we think about mathematical thinking and problem-solving Supporting older students who have gaps in foundational math skills Why silence in math learning increases anxiety—and how conversation changes everything Practical ways families and educators can reinforce math learning at home and in the classroom   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/264   Connect with guest Dr. Aditya Nagrath  Elephant Learning (Parents): https://elephantlearning.com Elephant Learning (Schools): https://schools.elephantlearning.com

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How can I build capacity for culturally responsive teaching and project-based instruction? How can I reduce teacher burnout and promote a culture of wellness for staff and students? What are the secrets to getting teacher buy-in? What does practicing shared leadership actually look like? Welcome to the Time for Teachership podcast where we tackle adaptive challenges in educational leadership! Each week, host Lindsay Lyons brings together guest experts, research findings, and practical steps to help brave school leaders transform schools into antiracist spaces that cultivate student, family, and teacher leadership to enable all students to thrive.

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