
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 8, 2023 • 28min
Episode 160: SEL in a Modern Classroom
Monte is joined by Maddie Richer to discuss the importance of addressing students' social and emotional wellbeing and ways to implement SEL in a Modern Classroom.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog
Show Notes
More info on MCP Webinars and Scholarships
SEL - Social Emotional Learning
Building Community with Restorative Circles
Brotherhood Sister Sol
Ramapo restorative justice trainings
Follow Maddie on Instagram @madelinegricher
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Send us an audio note and we'll include it on a future episode!
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP)
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: Madeline Richer.

Oct 1, 2023 • 59min
Episode 159: Elevating Teacher Wellness
Toni Rose is joined by Maya Stewart and James Edmond to discuss how school leaders can work to prioritize teacher wellness.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
More info on MCP Webinars and Scholarships
Maya's LinkedIn
James' LinkedIn
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Send us an audio note and we'll include it on a future episode!
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP)
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: James Edmond and Maya Stewart.

Sep 24, 2023 • 29min
Episode 158: Automated Grading vs. Teacher Grading
Sarah Hower, an innovative educator focused on grading automation, shares her insights on balancing automated and teacher assessments. She discusses the effectiveness of certain assignments for automated grading while emphasizing the importance of personalized feedback. The conversation highlights how AI, including tools like ChatGPT, can enhance grading accuracy and efficiency. Hower also underscores the need for transparent communication about grading changes to maintain student motivation and engagement in a mastery-based learning environment.

Sep 10, 2023 • 55min
Episode 156: Progress vs. Grades
Zach is joined by Dacia Guffey and Paul O'Donoghue to talk about the distinction between tracking progress and assigning grades and how teachers can help students and other stakeholders shift their mindsets around learning and displaying progress data.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog
Show Notes
More info on MCP Webinars and Scholarships
Check out MCP's new podcast, Catalyzing Classroom Change!
Previous MCP Podcast episodes with Dacia and Paul:
Episode 5: Supporting Disengaged Students (with Dacia)
Episode 67: Ignite! Online Academy (with Dacia)
Episode 89: Impacts of Self Pacing (with Paul)
Edutopia videos profiling MCP: High School and Elementary School
The MCP Mentor Directory
Connect with Dacia by email at dacia.guffey@modernclassrooms.org, dacia.guffey@dpsnc.net, and dacia1976@gmail.com
Connect with Paul on Twitter @PaulODonogue_
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Send us an audio note and we'll include it on a future episode!
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP)
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: Dacia Guffey and Paul O'Donoghue.

Sep 3, 2023 • 49min
Episode 155: Grading Beliefs and Mindsets
Zach is joined by Kaitlyn McGillicuddy to discuss mindsets around grades and grading, and in particular her use of standards-based grading to address some of the problems inherent in traditional grading systems.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog
Show Notes
More info on the Fall Virtual Mentorship Program cohort
On your Mark, by Thomas Guskey
Ungrading, by Susan D. Blum
Standards-Based Grading
Connect with Kaitlyn on Instagram @globalwithgilly or email her at kaitlynmcgillicuddy@gmail.com
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Send us an audio note and we'll include it on a future episode!
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP)
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 Teach

Aug 27, 2023 • 56min
Episode 154: Teacher Wellness
Toni Rose is joined by Jamilah Pitts to discuss the value of authentic self care and the importance teacher wellness and wellbeing in building a movement toward educational change.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog
Show Notes
MCP Meetups and Workshops:
Shades of Excellence August Meetup
Unlocking Reading Through Self Paced Learning
Jamilah Pitts
Preorder Jamilah's upcoming book Toward Liberation: Educational Practices in Activism, Healing, and Love
Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching for Tolerance)
Self Care in the Movement
The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel Van Der Kolk
Montgomery Riverfront Brawl Reignites National Debate over Race
A Talk to Teachers - James Baldwin
Connect with Jamilah on Instagram @msjamilahpitts and LinkedIn, or by email at hello@jamilahpitts.com
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Send us an audio note and we'll include it on a future episode!
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP)
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: Jamilah Pitts.

Aug 20, 2023 • 29min
Episode 153: How to Implement an AED Program in School
Toni Rose is joined by Michael Riggs to discuss the impact and importance of having an AED training program in schools and beyond.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog
Show Notes
MCP Q&A Session, Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Register here
Automated External Defibrillator
Cardio Partners
AED Superstore - use coupon code "MCP10" for a 10% discount!
AEDs for Schools - use coupon code "MCP10" for a 10% discount!
CPR/AED Training - use coupon code "MCP10" for a 10% discount!
Teachers with an AED Save a 7th Grader
Stop the Bleed
Get in touch with Michael:
By email at michael.riggs@cardiopartners.com
By phone at (985) 788-4531
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Send us an audio note and we'll include it on a future episode!
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP)
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 Teach

Aug 13, 2023 • 49min
Episode 152: Embracing Resistance
Toni Rose and Zach discuss the variety of emotions that can come with implementing an alternative educational model and beginning a new school year.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog
Show Notes
MCP Podcast episode 151, Humanizing Teaching Practices with Paul France
"The PD Book" by Lori Cohen and Elena Aguilar
Links from Toni Rose's Announcements:
Using TalkingPoints in Your Modern Classroom Webinar | Tuesday 8/15, 6pm ET | Register here.
VMP Info Session | Wednesday 8/16, 4pm ET | Register here.
Back to School Bash | Wednesday 8/16, 6pm ET | Register here.
EdWebinar The Student-Centered Classroom: Early Elementary Edition | Thursday 8/17, 5pm ET | Register here.
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Send us an audio note and we'll include it on a future episode!
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP)
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 Teach

Aug 8, 2023 • 57min
Episode 151: Humanizing Teaching Practices
For Season Four's inaugural episode, Zach is joined by Paul France to discuss practices that foster personalized learning and make teaching more sustainable.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog
Show Notes
Paul's new book, "Make Teaching Sustainable"
Paul's previous books, "Reclaiming Personalized Learning" and "Humanizing Distance Learning
Annual Visible Learning Conference
Daniel Pink, "Drive"
Connect with Paul:
On his website maketeachingsustainable.org
On Instagram @sustainteaching
By email at paul@maketeachingsustainable.org
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Send us an audio note and we'll include it on a future episode!
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP)
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: Paul France.

Jul 30, 2023 • 14min
Episode 150: Shortcast Episode 79 - Opening and Closing Routines
Listen to the full version of this episode here
Toni Rose is joined by Jess Bille to discuss using opening and closing routines to streamline classroom activities in both in-person and virtual/hybrid classes.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog
Outline and Show Notes
Intro - Meet Jess
MCP Podcast episode 73 (with Sarah, Jess' teacher bestie!)
Opening routines
Daily Goal Sheet on IG
SEL Do Now IG
Toni Rose’s In-Person SEL Do Now
Toni Rose’s Opening Slides (this was updated daily)
Introducing and tweaking opening routines
Closing routines
Weekly email template to caregivers
Virtual/Hybrid opening and closing routines
Toni Rose’s Virtual SEL Do Now
More Tips from Jess
Jess' Goals for the rest of the school year
Connect with Jess
Email Jess
Contact us, follow us online, and learn more:
Email us questions and feedback at: podcast@modernclassrooms.org
Send us an audio note and we'll include it on a future episode!
Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj (remember you can tweet us questions by using the hashtag #askMCP)
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: Jess Bille.