Teaching Matters

Alyssa Tormala, Head of School at Laurel Springs School, shares insights on online education, mastery-based learning, community building, and the role of technology like AI in modern schooling. Laurel Springs is a fully accredited online school. In our discussion, Alyssa discusses trends in online education as well as ways in which online educators adapt practices to help students grow. Laurel Springs School: https://laurelsprings.com/

Natural disasters pose risks for schools that exceed typical planning efforts. When such disruptions occur, districts with mature and scalable plans are able to return to some sense of normalcy more quickly. Megan Kuhfeld, Director of Growth Modeling and Analytics with NWEA discusses a recently released research brief from NWEA discussing factors that should be considered when developing a mature action plan for natural disasters. NWEA Report: https://www.nwea.org/uploads/lessons-in-resilience-a-playbook-for-recovery-from-natural-disasters_NWEA_rresearchBrief.pdf

In this episode, Scott Titsworth and Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer of the 95 Percent Group, discuss the current challenges in literacy education, particularly the alarming decline in reading scores among students. They explore the importance of the science of reading, the need for effective teaching practices, and the role of data in driving instructional decisions. Laura emphasizes the necessity of aligning resources and training for teachers to ensure all students receive the support they need. The conversation also touches on legislative actions aimed at improving literacy education and the collaborative efforts required to create lasting change. YouTube: https://youtu.be/b82wj-2Z--8

Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase, the superintendent of the Westbury Union Free School District, discusses the critical role of communication in ensuring school safety. She emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of safety within schools, integrating various safety measures, and maintaining open lines of communication with parents and the community. Dr. Chase shares insights on the implementation of technology in safety protocols, the significance of trust, and the ongoing evaluation of safety measures through audits. The discussion highlights the multifaceted approach needed to foster a safe and supportive educational environment for students and staff. Dr. Dupree Chase: https://www.tahiradupreechase.com/ Centegix: https://www.centegix.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/mX-14B8A7fc

In this episode, Scott Titsworth and Shawn Young discuss the critical role of student engagement in education, exploring Shawn's journey from physics teacher to Chief Platform Officer at HMH. They delve into the importance of gamification in the classroom, the integration of AI in education, and the need for meaningful learning experiences. The conversation highlights the impact of great teachers, the onboarding process for new educational platforms, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in education. They conclude with thoughts on the future of teaching and the importance of building relationships in the classroom. https://youtu.be/wfipL8BRZO4

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Jason McKenna discuss the challenges and opportunities in STEM education, particularly focusing on the integration of robotics in the classroom. They explore the importance of early engagement in STEM, the role of creativity in motivating students, and the need for effective professional development for teachers. McKenna shares his journey from teaching to working with VEX Robotics and emphasizes the significance of providing students with hands-on learning experiences that foster collaboration and problem-solving skills. VEX Robotics: https://www.vexrobotics.com/ Jason McKenna: https://www.jmckenna.org/

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth interviews Dr. David Lawrence, the superintendent of Dayton Public School District, discussing the challenges of teacher shortages, the innovative use of remote teachers, and the importance of a strong educational culture. Dr. Lawrence shares insights on the five C's approach, his journey into education, and the impact of technology on learning environments. The conversation also explores the future of education in light of technological advancements and the evolving needs of students.

This is the second of a two-part series exploring the use of aptitude testing to help students envision career goals. In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth engages with Koree Hodgkinson and Victoria Hegsted from Danbury Local Schools in Ohio to discuss the implementation of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), a platform designed to assist students in understanding career pathways. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by a small school district, the importance of career readiness, and how data from Youth Science informs curriculum development and student support. The guests share insights on engaging parents, collaborating with local businesses, and the transformative impact of career assessments on students' futures.