Teaching Matters

In this episode of the Teaching Matters podcast, host Scott Titsworth talks with Auditi Chakravarty, President and CEO of the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), about her path from high school English teacher to leading a national education R&D fund. The conversation centers on AERDF's “Advanced Inclusive R&D” model and the organization’s recent initiative putting teachers at the center of designing AI approaches in the classroom. Learn more about AERDF's programs at: https://aerdf.org

As families gear up for a school year that will cost them close to $1,000 in supplies, Scott talks with Frank Cullen, Executive Director of the Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP), about the counterfeit goods flooding online marketplaces each fall. Cullen, whose career has spanned from Hollywood to Capitol Hill, explains why U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than $7 billion in fake goods last year, what the pending SHOP SAFE Act would change about marketplace liability, and the practical steps parents can take to avoid counterfeit school supplies and electronics this back-to-school season. https://c4ip.org/shop-safe/

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/