The Extraordinary Educators Podcast

Sari Laberis

Best practices, tips, and stories to help you be extraordinary in your classroom and beyond, featuring Curriculum Associates' Director of the Educator Community Sari Laberis.

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Episodes

Multisensory Learning in Math Education with Liz Peyser
3d ago
Multisensory Learning in Math Education with Liz Peyser
Unlock the secrets to making math an exhilarating experience for students with the wisdom of Liz Peyser, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates. Discover how multisensory learning can revolutionize the way children understand and enjoy mathematics. In our conversation, we explore easy-to-implement classroom strategies such as the 'turn and talk' method, the undeniable power of manipulatives, and the tactile experiences that bring subjects like algebra to life. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the classroom, Liz's passion and practical advice promise to ignite a newfound love for teaching math that resonates with students long after they leave your classroom.Feel the warmth of appreciation as we celebrate the extraordinary impact of educators like you, who dedicate their lives to enlightening young minds. Liz's infectious enthusiasm shines through as we discuss the joy that comes from sharing knowledge and the lasting impression that teachers leave on their students' futures. Embrace the insights from our guest by checking out her blog in the show notes, and don't hesitate to join the conversation on social media or email us for a chance to feature on our show. Your role in shaping the next generation is pivotal—subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast to be part of a supportive network that champions the spirit of incredible educators everywhere.Read Curriculum Associates' blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blog/incorporating-multisensory-learning-in-the-classroomFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!
Mastering Math Fact Fluency with Laurie Penney
Mar 4 2024
Mastering Math Fact Fluency with Laurie Penney
Unlock the mystery of math fact fluency with the enlightening guidance of Laurie Penney, a Math Content and Pedagogy Specialist from Curriculum Associates. In our latest conversation, Laurie sheds light on the vital components of math fluency—accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility—and how these elements intersect to build a robust foundation for learners. She offers a fresh perspective on memorization, drawing parallels to the ease of learning the lyrics to a beloved song, a natural and stress-free process. Our discussion also veers away from the anxiety-ridden timed tests, steering towards innovative strategies that encourage a more positive and engaging way to grasp critical math facts.As we bring this episode to a close, we extend a warm invitation to our fellow educators to join the conversation beyond the podcast. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram, or reach out via email to share your thoughts, suggest discussion themes, or express your interest in contributing as a guest. By subscribing and leaving a review, you help support our community and continue the mission of empowering passionate educators. So, let's keep the dialogue going, and stay tuned for future episodes that promise to shine a spotlight on the incredible journey of teaching and leadership.Read Laurie's Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blog/make-math-funFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!
Empowering Student Success: Educational Acceleration Strategies with Megan Robinson
Feb 12 2024
Empowering Student Success: Educational Acceleration Strategies with Megan Robinson
Uncover the secrets to unlocking your students' full potential with Megan Robinson, Director of Content, Implementation, and Adoptions at Curriculum Associates, as she guides us through the revolutionary practice of educational acceleration. Get ready to transform your approach from remediation to the more dynamic strategy of acceleration, a method that equips students with the foundational skills they need before tackling grade-level challenges. Megan's discussion, rich with insights from pivotal studies like The Opportunity Myth by TNTP, is a treasure trove for educators seeking actionable strategies to elevate engagement and outcomes in the classroom. Join us as we delve into the astounding success story of a school that catapulted its math proficiency rates from 17% to 50% in just two years through whole-class acceleration. This episode isn't just about the statistics; it's a celebration of the universal benefits that come from refreshing foundational skills for all learners, ensuring no student lags when moving forward. With Megan's invaluable expertise, we conclude with a powerful reminder of the impact educators have when they remain connected and proactive in an ever-evolving educational terrain. Read The Opportunity Myth by TNTP: https://tntp.org/publication/the-opportunity-myth/Visit the Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blogFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!
Transformative Techniques for Engaging Math Students with Jesse Lewis
Feb 5 2024
Transformative Techniques for Engaging Math Students with Jesse Lewis
Unlock the secrets of transformative math instruction with our insightful guest, Jesse Lewis, a Regional Math Consultant with Curriculum Associates who brings to light the urgency for change in the post-pandemic classroom. In a landscape where catch-up tactics have leaned heavily on memorization and procedural drills, Jesse advocates for a richer, more resilient approach. He urges educators to dive deep into the mathematics education standards and the eight standards for mathematical practice, emphasizing the significance of developing students' problem-solving prowess and perseverance. We tackle not only the content but also the crucial aspect of classroom management, discussing how to cultivate an environment that encourages self-regulation and collaboration, skills that are indispensable for students as they navigate complex mathematical challenges.Imagine transforming your math lessons with tools like fraction strips and double number lines, methods that breathe life into the numbers and concepts that can often seem abstract. Our conversation with Jesse explores these innovative strategies and resources that promise to revolutionize the way we think about teaching mathematics. This episode is not just an exchange of ideas; it's an invitation to join a vibrant community of listeners and educators committed to redefining math education. Share your journey with us, engage with new pedagogical insights, and be sure to glean Jesse's invaluable tips that could very well be the catalyst your teaching methods have been waiting for.Visit the Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blogFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!
Understanding the Post-Pandemic Impact on Early Education with Kelsey Young
Jan 29 2024
Understanding the Post-Pandemic Impact on Early Education with Kelsey Young
Discover the critical insights shedding light on how the pandemic has shaped the educational landscape, as we sit down with the brilliant Kelsey Young, Senior Research Scientist at Curriculum Associates. Through our conversation, Kelsey provides a deep dive into Curriculum Associates' latest research findings, which signal a warning for educators everywhere: our youngest learners' education has been notably impacted by the pandemic, leaving them at a disadvantage as they begin their academic journeys. This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about early education and the long-term implications of these formative years.Kelsey doesn't just share the challenges; she brings hope and solutions to the table, discussing the silver lining of phonics improvement and how it can serve as a predictive beacon for reading success. The episode is rich with actionable strategies for teachers, emphasizing the power of early intervention and a strong foundation in early childhood services to close the pandemic-induced gaps. Kelsey's insights provide a fresh lens through which educators can reassess and energize their teaching methods, ensuring that our littlest scholars aren't just catching up, but are poised to thrive in their educational endeavors.Read Curriculum Associates' Research: https://bit.ly/3vFnq68Find out more about Magnetic Reading: https://bit.ly/3u5yyWGVisit the Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blogFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!
Revolutionizing Literacy Intervention for Middle School Students with Christine Zimmermann
Jan 22 2024
Revolutionizing Literacy Intervention for Middle School Students with Christine Zimmermann
Ever wondered how to effectively lift your middle school students out of the literacy crisis they're facing? Look no further for answers as we sit with Christine Zimmermann, Senior Manager of Product Marketing on our ELA team, who brings her expertise on reading intervention strategies that will transform your approach to teaching. In our enlightening chat, Christine tackles the perplexing question of how to support students struggling with foundational reading skills and comprehension and underscores the importance of understanding these differences to drive student success across all subjects.Our conversation goes beyond identifying the literacy challenges that middle school educators face, diving into the use of data to inform impactful teaching strategies. Christine shares invaluable insights on prioritizing critical content to close learning gaps and the specialized resources that can catapult educators toward this goal. This episode is an essential listen for educators across the board, promising to not only enrich your toolkit but also to inspire action that can genuinely make a difference in your students' academic lives. Join us as we explore these compelling strategies with Christine and set the stage for a revolution in literacy intervention for middle schoolers.Read Christine's Ebook: https://bit.ly/3KM4VBLVisit the Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blogFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!
Starting the New Year Strong with Danielle and Sari
Jan 1 2024
Starting the New Year Strong with Danielle and Sari
Looking to start the 2024 year strong within your classroom? Discover how a simple yet powerful exercise can transform your mindset and boost morale in our latest episode of the Extraordinary Educator podcast. We, Danielle and Sari, reflect on the past year, discussing the challenges educators have faced and emphasizing the paramount importance of self-care for educators. We believe that just like everyone else, teachers need to prioritize their own well-being to effectively care for their students.The highlight of the episode is an enlightening activity we call 'Courageous Compliments', designed to foster positivity in the education community. This practice involves giving genuine compliments and openly accepting them, breaking the norm of deflecting praise. It's a heartfelt compliment exchange that underscores the difficulty yet significance of accepting compliments. Listen in as we delve into how this activity can be adapted for students, and even incorporated into home life. We also challenge you to compliment three people this week and watch as positivity radiates. As we usher in the New Year, we share an engaging and practical activity to kick off your year on a high note, without the stress of impossible-to-keep resolutions. Visit the Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blogFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!
Unlocking the Superhero Within: An Insightful Conversation with Tom Murphy
Dec 26 2023
Unlocking the Superhero Within: An Insightful Conversation with Tom Murphy
Want to unlock the superhero within you as an educator? This episode is a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and heart, as we engage in an insightful conversation with Tom Murphy, the founder of Sweethearts and Heroes. This conversation uncovers the profound influence teachers hold in moulding young minds. Tom offers his unique perspective on the heroic role of teachers, emphasizing the importance of teaching with heart and passion.Join us as we navigate through Tom's book, "13 Pillows for Affective Teachers," where he underlines the significance of understanding individual learning styles and pacing. We unravel the notion that teaching isn't a sprint but a marathon, a journey of understanding and addressing students' challenges. The second half of our conversation is a call to action for all educators, inviting you to join our extraordinary journey to elevate education and empower students. So, grab a seat, tune in, and let's start this inspiring journey together. Remember, you are the superhero your students look up to!Download Tom's ebook for free: https://www.sweetheartsandheroes.com/book-promoListen to the audio version: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8YW0sgR8koHI5-mEYgsMC8sF9e4-9XYqDownload the audio version: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DgMcxWWXIkTr69b_LEC12BX1xkMvYkwQLearn more about The H.O.P.E. Classroom series: https://thehopeclassroom.com/Watch The Hope Series trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCwj9RFOxGcVisit the Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blogFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!
Transforming Dual Language Teaching with Laura Bryant
Dec 4 2023
Transforming Dual Language Teaching with Laura Bryant
Transform your teaching approach with the unique insights of Laura Bryant, a seasoned dual language teacher hailing from Arizona, who firmly believes in the power of language as the cornerstone of all instruction. Prepare to be enlightened by her rich experiences and understand the profound impact of overlooking language in the classroom, especially in dual language settings. Laura also sheds light on the advantageous model of an extended school year punctuated by breaks, maximizing both student engagement and teacher refreshment.Tune in to unravel Laura’s practical and effective strategies for teaching academic language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Laura’s remarkable ability to guide students to harness all four language domains across diverse subjects, such as reading, math, science, and social studies, guarantees riveting discussion. Learn how the innovative use of carousel activities and context clues can dramatically enhance your students' vocabulary and their ability to integrate new words into their conversations. Lastly, don't miss our candid chat about the significance of social media in building networks among educators and eliciting valuable feedback on our podcast. Buckle up for an episode brimming with actionable takeaways that promise to redefine your educational approach.Visit the Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blogFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!