Guest: Alyssa Davis, Spectrum Elementary - 5th Grade

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Davis to explore the power of active math learning strategies, including the transformative approach of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. We discuss practical ways to engage students, foster deep mathematical thinking, and create a classroom culture where every learner thrives. Even if you are not a math teacher, tune in for ideas for strategies that can be used in any lesson!

• Building Thinking Classrooms
• Online BTC Conferences and Events

Guests: Natalie Krafft, Oak Tree Elementary - Music and Marissa Gomez, Boulder Creek - Art

In this episode, Brit chats with Natalie and Marissa about their world in special areas. We dive into the secrets of how these spaces boost brainpower for all students and snag some nifty tips on sprinkling art and music into regular classrooms too. Tune in for a chat that's sure to spark some joy!

Resources:

School of Rock

Harvard Health Publishing

University of Central Florida

Rousseau's Hypnotic Piano Background

Guest: Elizabeth Evans, Director of Civic Education Programs at Arizona State University

In this episode, Brit and Liz bond over their common enemy: perfectionism! They share their own stories of overthinking and struggling to please others, while giggling their way through practical tips for beating the perfectionism blues. With their help, you'll be able to perform your best, without losing your sanity in the process!

Guest: Leslee Mizen-Stroud, Middle School Social Studies Teacher

In this episode, Brit gets all the details on how Leslee is leveling up her teaching game with Classcraft! This edtech gem is a gamified tool that even non-gamers can rock with their students. Listen in as Leslee "spills the tea" on how Classcraft has revolutionized her teaching style and made her classroom a more engaging and dynamic space for learning. 

Resources:

• Leslee's Top "Random Events" for relationship building and creating a classroom culture.
• Classcraft - Student Engagement (can be used in partnership with PBIS, CASEL, Digital Citizenship, IB Standards, and the 4C's). 
• Classcraft 101 Vimeo: Getting Started

Guests: Trisha Shores & Marcus Hire, High School English and Social Science Teachers and Instructional Coaches

In this episode, we discussed the intersection of teacher credibility and grading practices and beliefs, namely what it takes to shift the learning focus away from traditional grading and some of the toxic behaviors it can unintentionally create, to a culture that values mastery of learning. The heartfelt moments and candid conversations had about the learning roadblocks teachers can unknowingly build left us wanting more! This conversation takes an honest and hard look at effective teaching and learning in 2023.

Resources:

The Evidence-Backed Grader

Guest: Jammie Zimmer, Second Grade Teacher

Joining Wendy for this podcast is Jammie Zimmer, a second grade teacher who excels at Building Community and Connection. Although she teaches young children, many of her ideas can easily be transferred to classes with older students. Most importantly, catch Jammie's enthusiasm, passion, and pure joy; her love of teaching will reignite yours! 

Guests: Brit Bingold, Julia Salce, and Wendy Peterson

Our Professional Growth Instructional Specialists are 'put on the spot' as they discuss perspectives on teaching from veteran teachers. Listen to learn, be entertained, and "give 'them' a pencil"! 

Guest: Jordan Hall, Instructional Coach

In this episode, Jordan and Brit celebrate episode 50 with one of our essential instructional routines: MOVEMENT! We discuss how purposeful movement utilizes strategies that allow students to move while processing content and how it enhances instruction rather than detracting from it. 

Want to know more?

• Brit's GOGOMO Playlist on Spotify
• GOGOGO Strategy Explanation Video
• GOGOMO Sentence Frames
• Four-Corners Strategy/Video
• Quiz-Quiz-Trade Video/Strategy
• Kinesthetic Mapping Sample Video from Whole Brain Teaching
• Ready-To-Go Instructional Strategies that Build Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking by Denise White and Alisa Braddy