The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast

Educator Kimberly Eckert discusses innovative solutions to the teacher shortage problem, including job-embedded degrees at Reach University and programs like Educators Rising. They explore grassroots initiatives, curriculum pathways, and tailored training for aspiring educators. The episode highlights efforts to support diverse backgrounds and promote collaborative approaches in education.

Teachers share their experiences of crying in front of students due to frustration, shame, or loss of control. The podcast explores emotional triggers, strategies for managing classroom challenges, and the significance of maintaining positive relationships with students.

Explore why students give the blank stare in class and how educators can address this issue with research-based teaching strategies. Topics include cognitive psychology, pre-testing, chunking information, avoiding the curse of knowledge, beginner's mind, dual coding, conversations, and visual aids.

As our student population grows ever more diverse, many schools haven't been quite as successful as they'd like to be when trying to connect with students' families. If current efforts aren't working, it's time we tried a different approach. In this episode I talk with Nawal Qarooni, author of the new book Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations about the specific approaches teachers can take to more authentically involve families in their children's education  Thanks to Listenwise and Khan Academy Kids for sponsoring this episode. For links to Nawal's book and a transcript of this conversation, go to https://cultofpedagogy.com/pod and choose episode 222.

A teacher shares his experience with a photography project that captures the personalities of teachers, fostering bonds within the staff. They discuss the benefits of photography and creating supportive teacher communities. They also explore the steps to create similar photography projects and celebrate teachers through a gallery show.

Education researcher Jenn Binis joins the podcast to discuss strategies for improving standardized testing, emphasizing harm reduction over removal. They explore curriculum design, instructional changes, and reducing assessment biases to shift focus towards meaningful educational pursuits. The conversation advocates for practical solutions and involving local teachers in decision-making processes for systemic change.

It's a brand-new year, and to celebrate the launch of the 10th edition of our Teacher's Guide to Tech, we're exploring 8 tech tools that are worth a look in 2024. I'm joined by my team of ed tech geniuses — Brandie Wright, Lucia Hassell, Kim Darche, and Marnie Diem — to talk about a collection of tools that can make your teaching richer, more efficient, and more satisfying. Enjoy! Thanks to WeVideo and The Modern Classrooms Project for sponsoring this episode. Check out the 2024 Teacher's Guide to Tech at https://teachersguidetotech.com.

Learn about the dangers of adopting a savior mentality as a teacher and strategies to avoid it. Explore the impact on trauma-informed teaching and the importance of understanding individual student needs. Understand the significance of confidentiality and mandated reporting for supporting students and the need for systemic change. Protect your time and energy and prioritize the needs of all students.

Our classrooms have the potential to be spaces where we learn how to have conversations about challenging topics with respect, curiosity, and kindness. Contrary to the voices that say race is not an appropriate topic for school, in this episode we're saying just the opposite. My guests are Matthew Kay, author of the book, Not Light, But Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom, and Jennifer Orr, Kay's co-author of the follow-up book, We're Gonna Keep On Talking: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Elementary Classroom. I talked with Matt and Jen about the value of discussion as a teaching tool, the elements that are necessary for creating a healthy ecosystem for race conversations, some strategies for having these conversations in organic and authentic ways, and a message for teachers working in states that are hostile to conversations about race. Thanks to NoRedInk and The Modern Classrooms Project for sponsoring this episode. You can find links to both books and a full transcript of our conversation at cultofpedagogy.com/classroom-conversations-about-race/.

This podcast emphasizes the need for administrators to provide teachers with specific positive feedback. It discusses the pressures teachers face and the power of compliments in supporting their professional growth. The importance of recognizing teachers' strengths and the impact of genuine praise is highlighted.