UnboundEd Podcast

How often is our classroom teachers' potential power as researchers neglected? Before them is a wealth of information about teaching and learning. Yet they often aren't encouraged or permitted to fully digest the information, and as a result, miss opportunities to transform the mindsets and skillsets of everyone in their classroom. Fortunately, I got to talk with Angela Stockman about her book, The Writing Teacher’s Guide to Pedagogical Documentation. Join us as we discuss how the process of thoughtful documentation can lead to learning transformation for students and teachers alike. This is The LP.

It has long been said in the world of literacy education that reading and writing float on a sea of talk. What should we do when navigating students through those seas isn’t always easy? At times, it can be challenging to ensure that the academic discussions you have with students about a text avoid confusion and coddling. Fortunately, I got to talk with Tricia Zucker about her book, Strive for Five Conversations: A Framework That Gets Kids Talking to Accelerate Their Language Comprehension and Literacy. Join us as we discuss practical and powerful ways to use conversation to help all students become better thinkers, readers, listeners, and speakers. This is The LP.

To what degree can students manage their own assessment process? The culture of our classrooms can reflect a fear of finding nuanced answers to this question. Fortunately, I got to talk with Starr Sackstein about her book, Student-Led Assessment: Promoting Agency and Achievement Through Portfolios and Conferences. Join us as we discuss what it means for students to truly own their development and the mindset and heartset required from teachers to make it happen. This is The LP.

How does one define, refine, and redefine themselves in a crazy profession like classroom teaching? The intellectual and emotional health of teachers and students alike greatly depend on this process, and often times our schooing systems make this process harder that it should be. Fortunately, I got a chance to talk with Jennifer Felton to discuss her book, Teaching in the Now: Classroom Momentum Begins With You. Join us as we discuss what it means to go on this unique personal and professional journey, while remainin intact and impactful at the same time.

Making Professional Development an Issue of Equity With Jill Harrison Berg | EP 24 by UnboundEd

How do we keep math class a reflection of human realities and desires? So often, it can be hard to visualize math instruction that is evenly grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful, and it is costing our students interests and potential. Fortunately, I got a chance to talk with Kristopher Childs and John Staley to discuss their book, Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice: A Guide for Moving From Mindset to Action. Join us as we discuss what it means to take math out of the textbook, and into the personalities and pursuits of the future generations.

How do we keep students' voices in the center of our instruction? Even when educators know how to, they often operate in environments that discourage this practice. I got a chance to talk with Ann Marie Baines to discuss her book, Amplify Student Voices: Equitable Practices to Build Confidence in the Classroom. Join us as we discuss what it means to deliver engaging instruction while affirming identity.

How do we navigate the challenges of turning the science of reading into the reality of daily instruction? Educators across the country are committed to research-backed literacy nstruction, but sometimes the process can lead to more questions, or misconceptions. I got a chance to talk with Melissa Loftus and Lori Sappington to discuss their book, The Literacy 50–A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Join us as we tackle some these questions, as well as some of my own.

How do we create a process were humanizing education leaders works in harmony with humanizing the students they serve? It's hard for an educator to tend to the intellectual and emotional development of students if they don't see how it's inevitably connected to their own intellectual and emotional development. Join the discussion with Carlos Moreno, author of Finding Your Leadership Soul: What Our Students Can Teach Us About Love, Care, and Vulnerability and discover how the journey through this profession, if grounded correctly, can cause both educators and students to flourish.

Too often, the bridges of grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful instruction are limited and the barriers of misconceptions arise. These misconceptions about English Language Learners often hold educators back from properly serving these students. I got a chance to talk with educator Barbara Gottschalk to discuss her book, Dispelling Misconceptions About English Language Learners: Research-Based Ways to Improve Instruction. Join us as we discuss practical ways to overcome psychological barriers, shift away from assumptions, tap into student strengths through home languages, and involve immigrant families more authentically.