Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Through new technology and a growing body of research, our collective understanding and knowledge base around neuroscience and the brain has exploded in the past 25 years. Researchers continue to have a better grasp on how educators can create conditions and experiences that improve student learning. Understanding and applying this knowledge is key to strengthening teaching and learning practices in our schools. In this episode, we are joined by Conn McQuinn, a career educator and expert in the area of neuroscience. Together, we explore research and insights around learning and the brain, and we look at how that knowledge can inform education academically, socially, and emotionally. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

This episode is all about perspective. It’s about recognizing different perspectives, and it’s also about gaining new perspectives through our own experiences or the experiences of others. No matter how we achieve it, a broader perspective is valuable and can bring better understanding and empathy to the conversations we have with colleagues and community members. In this episode, we hear from Ena Rassmussen, a teacher who has gained multiple perspectives by holding both classroom and district-level positions in her district. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

No matter the class or group of students in front of her, Amanda wants them to know her number one theme: “You belong here.” She believes that everyone should get a wonderful physical education experience. She also wants students to believe that they can pursue their dreams and be anything they want to be. She does not want her students defined by stereotypes or the way things have always been done. During our conversation, we explore the idea of growing beyond stereotypes in the context of the physical education classroom and in the role of a strength and conditioning coach. We discuss growing the voice of women in this field as well as the integration of technology in a traditionally offline curricular area. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Scratch is the largest children’s coding platform and online community in the world. This free block-based coding program was created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has become very popular in schools for introducing students to coding as well as for developing creativity, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Scratch’s philosophy revolves around the 4 Ps—projects, passions, peers, and play—with a 5th P of purpose also woven throughout. In this episode, we are joined by Francisco Cervantes, the Director of Creative Learning at Scratch. He shares background, insights, benefits, integration tips, and future plans for the Scratch product. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

“Can you think of a better way to be a world-changer than to be working with students?” asks Carla Smith, the Teacher Academy Teacher-Coordinator for the Renton School District in Washington. She poses this question to both challenge and inspire her students to consider a career in education through a program called “Grow Your Own.” The goal of the program is to provide students with opportunities to explore and experience what it is like to be a teacher or paraeducator. The hope is that some students will decide to enter the profession and come back to Renton as teachers and paraeducators.In this episode, we talk about this unique program and explore how it might be a model that other schools can emulate to help address the current teacher and staff shortage. We look at the benefits that it presents to those involved and how it provides opportunity knowledge to the students in the program. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more. 

“Try to remember that this is the best job in the world. And no matter how down you feel, somebody in your classroom came to school today because you’re there.” These words from our guest, Dr. Teddi Beam-Conroy—Director of the Elementary Teacher Education Program at the University of Washington—hit on the essence of being a teacher. They reflect the difference we can make and the importance of showing up and giving our best every day. Throughout this episode, we explore the topic of keeping teachers in the profession so that they can continue to do their important work. We talk about the challenges faced by teachers each day, some approaches we can take to make schools a place where teachers want to remain, and specific ways that we can draw and keep teachers of color in the profession. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Nearly everywhere, schools are facing staffing shortages, leaving them with open positions for teachers, support staff, custodial work, nursing, and more. These shortages have led to more work for everyone in the system. In this episode, we are joined by Anne Beitlers, Director of the Secondary Teacher Education Program at the University of Washington. Together, we discuss this ongoing challenge. We explore the causes of this staffing shortage and ways to potentially recruit, support, and retain more teachers in our school systems. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

"We can make ripple effects, and often change occurs outside of what we’re able to see." These words from our guest, Nichola Fulmer—College and Career Readiness Program Facilitator for Renton School District—reverberate throughout this episode and reinforce the difference that we can make in the lives of our students. Each student comes to us at a different point in their journey, but if we make a safe space for them and listen openly, we can help guide them on their career and personal pathways. During this episode, Nichola helps us unpack the topic of transitioning out of high school and how we can support our students on this journey. We discuss what it means to prepare for life after high school and what teacher support might look like in practice. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

“Educators really are hope dealers. We deal in hope, and that’s what our students rely on us for. It has to start with ourselves.” These words from our guest, Jenn Nagle—Communications Manager at AVID Center—reverberate throughout our conversation about professional learning. During this episode, we explore how we can reignite hope for educators and students by empowering teachers through well-designed, collaborative professional learning. We discuss various in-person and virtual models that can be implemented as well as the need for teachers to work collectively toward mastering specifically identified strategies. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

As the costs of postsecondary education continue to rise, students and families often must seek funding opportunities to make college more affordable and accessible. Our guest, Tariq Habash from the U.S. Department of Education, provides valuable insights into accessing available funding. Most importantly, he reminds us that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is “the single best thing that a student or family can do to make college more affordable because it unlocks so much additional aid that’s out there.” This application is due June 30 each year. Join us for this episode as we explore how students and families can unlock doors to educational opportunity through FAFSA and the financial aid process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.