Teaching Channel Talks

Teaching Channel

New teacher? Seasoned veteran? Leader in a school or district? No matter what your role, being in education these days is tough. We’re here to help. Join our host, Dr. Wendy Amato, as she tackles challenging issues in education with experts in the field and discusses how to inspire meaningful, vibrant, and fun PD, shifting perceptions about professional learning. read less
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Episodes

[Episode 101] Teaching the Beautiful Intersection of Language and Culture (w/Dr. Kaishan Kong)
Sep 18 2024
[Episode 101] Teaching the Beautiful Intersection of Language and Culture (w/Dr. Kaishan Kong)
Join Dr. Wendy Amato and Dr. Kaishan Kong, for an enriching conversation about the intricate relationship between language proficiency and cultural understanding. Episode 101 of Teaching Channel Talks focuses on the powerful impact of global virtual exchanges and introduces practical strategies for integrating cultural context into language education. Dr. Kong shares personal anecdotes, classroom strategies, and insights into navigating social justice in teaching, making this episode a must-watch for educators looking to cultivate intercultural competence in their students.In this episode, Wendy and Dr. Kaishan Kong discuss Collaborative International Online Learning (COIL) as a key component of language learning. COIL fosters communication skills in both home and new languages through intentionally designed activities. To learn more, visit their website.The episode also highlights the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), which supports the implementation of social-emotional learning programs in school districts while building support among parents and educators.Resources for Continued LearningFor a deeper exploration of the intersection between language and culture, check out Dr. Kong’s book, Intercultural Citizenship in Language Education: Teaching and Learning Through Social Action. The book examines the framework of Intercultural Citizenship across various US teaching contexts.Wendy also asks Dr. Kong about her article, Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones: Understanding and Integrating Social Justice in Chinese Language Class. Listeners can access the full journal and explore other articles Dr. Kong has contributed to that relate to the topics in this episode.Additionally, Dr. Kong shares insights about the virtual exchange program her students participate in. She has provided a comprehensive description and outline of this project for listeners to explore further.
[Episode 98] Educate. Affirm. Include. Disrupt. Supporting Our Trans and Nonbinary Students (w/Rebecca Kling & Vanessa Ford)
Aug 7 2024
[Episode 98] Educate. Affirm. Include. Disrupt. Supporting Our Trans and Nonbinary Students (w/Rebecca Kling & Vanessa Ford)
In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Rebecca Kling and Vanessa Ford, authors of the "Advocate Educators Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender Students Thrive." Drawing from their personal journeys in advocacy and education, this conversation focuses on the urgent need to support transgender and non-binary students. Learn about their four-pillar approach: educate, affirm, include, and disrupt, and gain valuable insights and practical tips for fostering an inclusive and affirming school environment in this inspiring and informative discussion.Resources for Continued LearningGet the Book: This episode focuses on the pillars discussed in Rebecca and Vanessa's book, Advocate Educators Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender Students Thrive, available wherever books are sold. New Course Offering: Teaching Channel is proud to offer course 5344: Understanding and Affirming Transgender and Non-binary Students which uses the Advocate Educators Handbook along with additional resources and strategies for supporting trans and nonbinary students.Handbook Extra: Inside the Advocate Educator's Handbook, Rebecca and Vanessa have curated a comprehensive list of additional resources for further exploration.Know Your Policies: Unsure about the laws and policies in your state? Check out this detailed map from the Movement Advancement Project to stay informed.
[Episode 95] How Khan Academy is Taking AI to the Next Level in Education (w/Dr. Kristen DiCerbo)
Jun 26 2024
[Episode 95] How Khan Academy is Taking AI to the Next Level in Education (w/Dr. Kristen DiCerbo)
In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, host Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Kristen DiCerbo, Ph.D., Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy, for an engaging discussion about Khanmigo, the AI-powered tutor and teaching assistant. Discover how this AI tool leverages large language models to help students get unstuck and assist teachers with administrative tasks and lesson planning. In this conversation, Dr. DiCerbo explains the science behind Khanmigo, emphasizing its role in activating prior knowledge and sparking curiosity in students while supporting teachers with customizable lesson hooks and plans.Resources for Continued LearningKhanmigo is currently free for teacher use, learn more about this AI-powered digital tool and explore how Khanmigo can be your ultimate teaching assistant!Learn more about how the AI behind Khanmigo was developed in Kristen's article: How We Built AI Tutoring ToolsIn this episode, Kristen talks about using prompt engineering to craft high-quality lesson plans using Khanmigo. Learn more about how Kristen and her team trained Khanmigo's AI to understand key pedagogical principles, curriculum standards, and the diverse needs of learners in her article: Prompt Engineering a Lesson Plan: Harnessing AI for Effective Lesson PlanningDuring the episode, Kristen and Wendy talk about Khanmigo's integration with iteach's teacher preparation program. Learn more about how these organizations are ensuring new teachers with how to use AI ethically and effectively in their classroom from day one by visiting iteach.
[Episode 87] Middle School is the Niche Within the Niche (w/Jennifer Rose of AMLE)
Mar 6 2024
[Episode 87] Middle School is the Niche Within the Niche (w/Jennifer Rose of AMLE)
In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, we’re taking a closer look at the middle grades with Jennifer Rose, the Director for Professional Programs at the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). From the importance of differentiated professional development to understanding the complex changes students go through during this phase of adolescence, Jennifer and Wendy’s discussion centers around the niche of middle level education and how AMLE is working to support the teachers within it.Resources for Continued LearningThe Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) is an international organization specifically for middle school educators. As the go-to resource for research, best practices, and professional development, AMLE is a community of over 350,000 middle level educators connecting and supporting each other.Learn more and join the community!During this episode, Jennifer mentions AMLE’s The Successful Middle School: This We Believe. Teaching Channel is proud to partner with the Association of Middle Level Education in upholding the 18 characteristics listed and offering professional development created specifically for middle school teachers.AMLE also offers several books focused on the education of young adolescents aged 10-15, which Jennifer mentions in the episode. AMLE members receive a 20% discount on all titles, but these texts are available to all educators.
[Episode 86] How Social-Emotional Learning and Teacher Wellness Shapes Education (w/Dr. Tish Jennings)
Feb 21 2024
[Episode 86] How Social-Emotional Learning and Teacher Wellness Shapes Education (w/Dr. Tish Jennings)
In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Dr. Patricia "Tish" Jennings, a professor of education at the University of Virginia and internationally recognized thought leader in social-emotional learning and mindfulness. Drawing on results from Dr. Jennings' Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education (CARE) program, a mindfulness-based professional development program for teachers, this discussion centers around reducing teacher stress, improving educators' emotional regulation, and how this attention to educator well-being shapes education and impacts student engagement, motivation, and even reading competence in classrooms.Resources for Continued LearningDuring this conversation, Drs. Amato and Jennings discuss the Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education (CARE) program, which has recently been awarded one of three $8 million grants through the Department of Education for expansion and further testing. Early results of SEL-based this professional development program reveal that taking care of teachers results in better student outcomes. Learn more about Dr. Jenning's study and the impact of the CARE program here. In this episode, Dr. Jennings mentions her curriculum, Flourish: The Compassionate School Project, which can be accessed by educators for free. Dr. Jennings is also the author and editor of several mindfulness books for teachers. Check out one of these titles for additional learning about educator well-being:Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the ClassroomThe Trauma-Sensitive Classroom: Building Resilience with Compassionate TeachingTeacher Burnout Turnaround: Strategies for Empowered EducatorsThe Mindful School: Transforming School Culture through Mindfulness and CompassionMindfulness in the PreK-5 Classroom: Helping Students Stress Less and Learn More