In this episode, Craig Randall interviews first grade teacher Susan Anderson. Susan, who started her career later in life after adopting two children, speaks on the value of building trust and relationships with students to foster a positive learning environment. The conversation covers her approach to formative assessments, differentiation, behavior management, and creating engaging classroom experiences.

00:00 Introduction

00:37 Meet Susan Anderson

00:51 Susan's Journey to Teaching

02:57 COVID Challenges and Overcoming

06:59 Building Trust with Students

14:34 Formative Assessment Practices

29:37 Behavior Management Strategies

33:34 Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Craig Randall sits down with Rocio Avalos, a first-grade teacher with 35 years of experience at Whitney Elementary.

They discuss her journey from aspiring chemical engineer to passionate educator, her classroom management and relationship-building techniques, and the significance of routines and responsibilities in fostering a successful learning environment.

Rocio also shares her experience with different observation models and reflects on the impact of the Trust Based Observations model.

00:00 Introduction to Rocio Avalos

00:43 Rocio Avalos' Journey and Teaching Philosophy

01:46 Classroom Management and Relationships

20:20 The Importance of Routines and Responsibilities

21:09 Trust Based Observations vs. Danielson Model

In this episode host Craig Randall interviews Morgan Adams, a first-grade teacher from Trinity Midland School in Midland, Texas.

They discuss Morgan's journey into teaching, the challenges and joys of the profession, and the importance of building relationships and trust in the classroom.

Morgan shares her creative and engaging classroom strategies, emphasizing the balance between structure and novelty, and provides insights into improving teacher observation techniques.