
Modern Classrooms Project Podcast
Your hosts discuss the model and its implications for the future of education, along with guests including MCP implementors such as mentors, teachers, and administrators.
Latest episodes

Oct 13, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 210: You're Not the Only Expert in the Room
Toni Rose is joined by Sabrina Monserate-Lindsay for a deep dive into her approach to using the MCP model in her high school math class.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship 2024
Connect with Sabrina on Instagram @puzzle_bites
Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week
We’re attending MassCUE in Foxborough, MA from Oct. 15-17. We have four of our teacher leaders presenting on this model. Come find us!
Have you always wanted a community to read books with? We are hosting a book club with ScreenPal and Kami. The community has chosen to read UDL & Blended Learning by Katie Novak and Catlin Tucker. Join us in this 10-week community of practice to learn with and from educators across the country, receive Premium access to both ScreenPal and Kami, and deepen your understanding of UDL and blended learning. Get your must-do reading pages for our third session on Thursday, October 24, 7pm ET. Register here
Are you an educator in Alabama, Baltimore, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Chicago, DC, LA, Minnesota, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, NYC, Oakland, St. Louis, or Tulsa County? Then you’re eligible to apply for one of our scholarships to work with a personal mentor and learn the MCP Model through our self-paced Virtual Mentorship Program. Applications are open for our October and January sessions and scholarship recipients receive a fully-funded seat in the VMP and eligibility to earn a $500 stipend when you finish the course. The deadline for the October session is fast-approaching and seats are limited across all locations. Head to www.modernclassrooms.org/apply-now to learn more and submit your application.
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!
The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to TeachSpecial Guest: Sabrina Monserate-Lindsay.

Oct 6, 2024 • 42min
Episode 209: Adapting a Curriculum to MCP for Young Learners
Toni Rose is joined by Evette Reid to discuss working with young learners and adapting a preset curriculum to work with the MCP model.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
Zearn
GoGuardian
Eureka Math
Connect with Evette on Facebook at evettemreid and by email at ereid2teach@gmail.com
Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week
Have you always wanted a community to read books with? We are hosting a book club with ScreenPal and Kami. The community has chosen to read UDL & Blended Learning by Katie Novak and Catlin Tucker. Join us in this 10-week community of practice to learn with and from educators across the country, receive Premium access to both ScreenPal and Kami, and deepen your understanding of UDL and blended learning. Get your must-do reading pages for our second session on Thursday, October 10, 7pm ET. Register here.
Are you an educator in Alabama, Baltimore, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Chicago, DC, LA, Minnesota, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, NYC, Oakland, St. Louis, or Tulsa County? Then you’re eligible to apply for one of our scholarships to work with a personal mentor and learn the MCP Model through our self-paced Virtual Mentorship Program. Applications are open for our October and January sessions and scholarship recipients receive a fully-funded seat in the VMP and eligibility to earn a $500 stipend when you finish the course. The deadline for the October session is fast-approaching and seats are limited across all locations. Head to www.modernclassrooms.org/apply-now to learn more and submit your application. We would love to learn with you this year!
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!
The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to TeachSpecial Guest: Evette Reid.

Sep 29, 2024 • 1h 1min
Episode 208: Lifelong Learning
Toni Rose is joined by Jorge Valenzuela to talk about lifelong learning, project-based learning, and staying authentic as an educator.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
Lifelong Learning Defined, and the Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast
Project Based Learning
Jorge's book, Project-Based Learning+: Enhancing Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
Raising Equity Through SEL
Emotional Intelligence 2.0
CASEL SEL Framework
The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
Jorge's Edutopia Articles and Videos:
A Simple Tool for Aligning Instruction and Assessment
Building Relationships with Empathy Mapping
How a Simple Visual Tool Can Help Teachers Connect With Students
Empathy Map Template
A Simple, Effective Framework for PBL
5 Steps to Keep Engagement High During Project-Based Learning
Using Frequent Feedback Cycles to Guide Student Work
PBL Resources from Jorge:
Jorge's project template and exemplar
Jorge's evaluation/feedback template
Reproducibles
How Students Become Ideal Teammates**
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
Jorge's online course, Teaching Pro
Connect with Jorge on social media @jorgedoespbl, by email at info@lifelonglearningdefined.com, and check out his podcast and Youtube channel. Connect with Jorge for personal coaching here, and check out his speaker info here
Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week
Our Back to School Toolkit is out and ready for you! For this year, we focused on communicating to caregivers and stakeholders all about blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Download here.
Have you always wanted a community to read books with? We are hosting a book club with ScreenPal and Kami starting at the end of this month. The community has chosen to read UDL & Blended Learning by Katie Novak and Catlin Tucker. Join us in this 10-week community of practice to learn with and from educators across the country, receive Premium access to both ScreenPal and Kami, and deepen your understanding of UDL and blended learning. Get your must-do reading pages for our second session on Thursday, October 10, 7pm ET. Register here.
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!
The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to TeachSpecial Guest: Jorge Valenzuela.

Sep 22, 2024 • 1h 32min
Episode 207: How MCP Impacts the College Experience
Guest host Avery Balasbas is joined by a panel of his previous students who are now in college to discuss their MCP experience and how it prepared them for learning beyond high school.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
Avery's previous MCP Podcast episodes:
Episode 139: Teacher and Learner Reflection Practices
Episode 200: Celebrating 200 Episodes
Subway Surfers
Ochem Tutor
Blackpenredpen
Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week
Our Back to School Toolkit is out and ready for you! For this year, we focused on communicating to caregivers and stakeholders all about blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Download here
Have you always wanted a community to read books with? We are hosting a book club with ScreenPal and Kami starting at the end of this month. The community has chosen to read UDL & Blended Learning by Katie Novak and Catlin Tucker. Join us in this 10-week community of practice to learn with and from educators across the country, receive Premium access to both ScreenPal and Kami, and deepen your understanding of UDL and blended learning. Our first session is this Thursday, Sept. 27, 7pm ET. Register here
Want to connect with other educators of color who are creating a more student-centered learning environment? Join our monthly Shades of Excellence meetup on Monday, Sept. 23, 7pm ET. Register here
We’re attending the NCTM Annual Meeting and Exposition in Chicago from Sept. 25-28. Come find us!
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!
The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to TeachSpecial Guests: Alexander Cai, Brandon Buerger, Jimmy Chen, and Kelly Chan.

Sep 15, 2024 • 58min
Episode 206: From the Classroom Into Leadership
Don Allen, a passionate educator transitioning from classroom teaching to leadership, shares his insightful journey. He discusses the Pygmalion Effect and its significant impact on student potential. Allen emphasizes the urgency of addressing systemic issues in public schools, particularly for educators of color. He advocates for innovative teaching methods, mastery-based learning, and the transformative potential of AI in education. Diving into community engagement, he also highlights exciting initiatives like the Back to School Toolkit and collaborative book clubs for educators.

Sep 8, 2024 • 57min
Episode 205: Engaging with Students Even When They Are Absent
Toni Rose is joined by Cassandra Burdette to talk about how she engages and supports students who are absent from school.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
Brené Brown - Clear is Kind
Connect with Cassandra by email at cassandra.burdette@modernclassrooms.org and follow her district on Instagram @fort_wayne_community_schools
Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week
Our Back to School Toolkit is out and ready for you! For this year, we focused on communicating to caregivers and stakeholders all about blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Download here
Have you always wanted a community to read books with? We are hosting a book club with ScreenPal and Kami starting at the end of this month. The community has chosen to read UDL & Blended Learning by Katie Novak and Catlin Tucker. Join us in this 10-week community of practice to learn with and from educators across the country, receive Premium access to both ScreenPal and Kami, and deepen your understanding of UDL and blended learning. Register here
Looking for virtual connection? Join our implementer meetup on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 7 pm EST to connect with other Modern Classroom educators!
Curious to learn how Building Thinking Classrooms align so well with self-pacing? One of our all star teacher leaders, Joe Manfre, is leading a webinar on Building Thinking Classrooms in a Self-Paced Learning Environment on Thu. Sept. 12 at 6pm ET. Register here
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!
The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to TeachSpecial Guest: Cassandra Burdette.

Sep 1, 2024 • 59min
Episode 204: Reflections from a Four-Year MCP Implementer
Toni Rose is joined by Sam Ortiz to talk about her experience implementing the model over four school years, addressing concerns from stakeholders, and engaging with the MCP community.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
Screencastify and Screencastify Submit
Quizziz
MCP Self-Paced Structures resources (including the tracker templates Sam mentioned)
MCP Free Course (also linked below in every episode!)
Connect with Sam on Instagram @thatteachermomma
Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!
The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to TeachSpecial Guest: Samantha Ortiz Whitelaw.

Aug 25, 2024 • 1h 16min
Episode 203: Troubling the Narrative with Ken Shelton
Toni Rose is joined by Ken Shelton to talk about ways we can critique and disrupt the status quo in the world of education.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
You can find Ken's blog, social media links, contact form, and newsletter signup (and lots more!) at his website, kennethshelton.net
Ken's Edutopia artical, Building Authentic Community During Meetings
Ken's book (with Dee Lanier), The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered the Chat
Ken and Dee's podcast, The Liberated Educator
Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week
Want to connect with other educators of color who are creating a more student-centered learning environment? Join our monthly Shades of Excellence meetup on Monday, August 26, 7pm ET. Register here.
Looking for ways to make your learning more interactive? We’re partnering with Goosechase to talk more about creating scavenger hunts and more on Wednesday, August 28, 6pm ET. Register here.
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!
The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to TeachSpecial Guest: Ken Shelton.

Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 18min
Episode 202: System Alignment
Toni Rose is joined by Sean Aker to talk about how aligning and streamlining systems while centering relationships within schools materially benefits students and teachers.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
Remember, you can now engage with this podcast on Youtube!
Elena Aguilar: Bright Morning and the Bright Morning Podcast
Parent Teacher Home Visit Project
Ways of Being - A Social and Emotional Learning Model
The Checklist Manifesto
Atul Gawande's TED Talks
Connect with Sean on Strava, LinkedIn, or at 3E Solutions
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Listen to this podcast on Youtube
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj
Kareem: @kareemfarah23 on Twitter
Toni Rose: @classroomflex on Twitter and Instagram
The Modern Classroom Project
Modern Classrooms Online Course
Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom!
The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond on Twitter and Learning to TeachSpecial Guest: Sean Aker.

Aug 11, 2024 • 55min
Episode 201: Increasing Student and Teacher Confidence
Megan Meachum, a dedicated fifth-grade teacher, shares her inspiring journey with the Modern Classrooms Project after 15 years in education. She discusses how this innovative approach has rejuvenated her passion for teaching and helped her students thrive. The conversation highlights the importance of community support in rural education, the joy of rediscovering effective teaching methods, and strategies for fostering communication among diverse learners. Megan's insights illuminate the benefits of personalized learning and engaging assessments in today’s classroom.