Join Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics in education with Mark Atkinson, CEO of Mursion. Learn how Mursion's AI-powered simulation platform is revolutionizing teacher training by offering educators a safe space to practice under pressure, receive real-time coaching, and improve rapidly—without posing risks to real students. This discussion dives into how these simulations enhance teaching skills, support classroom management, and foster emotionally intelligent teaching practices.Resources for Continued LearningThis conversation focuses on how early career teachers are using Mursion to enhance their teaching. If you’d like to learn more about how you or your district can harness the power of Mursion for teacher training, request a demo.You can also download an overview of Mursion, to learn more about the impact of using simulations in training.During this conversation, Mike and Wendy noted that a tool like Mursion can be a great pairing to using video in the classroom. Teaching Channel’s Empower Platform has the tools you need to get started using video for professional coaching and feedback.

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.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Dr. Angela Goodloe, President-elect of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP). This conversation focuses on Dr. Goodloe's extensive involvement with KDP and the organization’s commitment to inclusive education while highlighting the importance of critical thinking, teacher accountability, and educator support. Dr. Goodloe also shares practical advice for new teachers, emphasizing the value of listening, self-reflection, and cultural sensitivity.Resources for Continued LearningDr. Goodloe has contributed to several articles and journals on the topics discussed in this episode. Explore the links below to learn more about KDP and Dr. Goodloe's work involving diversity, cultural responsiveness, and ethics in education.Teacher Candidates Using Annotated Technology Foster Cultural Responsiveness and EthicsThe “Awakening Dragon”: Addressing Policies and ProceduresEmergent Themes from the 2020 KDP Diversity Summit: Teacher Educators’ Awareness of Factors That Support and Retain Prospective Teachers of ColorIn this episode, Angela and Wendy talk about the use of AI for instructional support. The K12 Hub has several resources for you to explore more on this topic:Teaching Channel Talks Episode 70: Why is ChatGPT Intimidating Educators? (w/Shouvik Paul)50 ChatGPT Prompts for Teachers65 AI Prompts for Lesson Planning

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, our host Dr. Wendy Amato discusses the importance of literacy and reading with Robin Rubenstein, Director of Curriculum and Implementation at K12 Coalition. This conversation centers around K12 Coalition's Red Thread literacy curriculum, a K-8 program designed to integrate the science of reading into everyday instruction and to address gaps in existing literacy education materials. In this discussion, Robin and Wendy cover the foundational components of the Red Thread program, the creation process of decodable texts, the significance of explicit instruction in reading strategies, and the ongoing professional learning support provided to educators.Resources for Continued LearningThis episode focuses on K12 Coalition's RedThread literacy program, a holistic reading program that's redefining literacy education. Learn more about how you can bring RedThread to your school.K12 Coalition is offering a free resources so you can try our the RedThread literacy program in your classroom including a sample lesson plan, student workbook, and decodable book. Download your free samples of the RedThread Foundations Curriculum and experience the difference firsthand!During the episode, Robin and Wendy reference an NYU study on the RedThread Foundations program. You can read the full comparative study on the RedThread website

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.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato welcomes Nathan Estel, Managing Director of Passage Preparation, to discuss the high standards in teacher certification tests and how Passage Preparation is helping educators meet them. Discover how their innovative approach, including diagnostic assessments, customizable study plans, comprehensive study guides, and personalized coaching, ensures teachers are well-equipped for certification and classroom success. Nathan shares insights from his extensive background in education, highlighting the program's unique strategies designed to enhance teaching skills, boost confidence, and ensure classroom readiness. Join us for an essential conversation on supporting educators in meeting certification standards and improving teaching quality across the country.Resources for Continued LearningConnect with Nathan Estel on LinkedIn.Connect with Passage Preparation on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInTeaching Channel is proud to partner with Passage Preparation in supporting continuous professional development for new teachers. Learn more about the teacher certification prep courses available for your state and get ready to conquer your next test!

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, host Dr. Wendy Amato discusses teacher burnout with Dr. Jen Johnson, including the THRIV model—a practical burnout management strategy for educators. Dr. Johnson shares the importance of detachment, setting boundaries, and the significance of honoring one's humanness to prevent burnout. Additionally, she highlights strategies such as mindful self-compassion and the importance of community to support educators in managing and preventing burnout.Resources for Continued LearningThis conversation focuses on the strategies for burnout prevention and recovery included in Dr. Johnson's book, THRIVing After Burnout: A Teacher's Compassionate Guide.In this discussion, Wendy and Dr. Johnson talk about the Teacher Care Network (TCN) and the THRIV community, learn more and join this free, supportive group of educators on the TCN website.

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.

Join host Dr. Wendy Amato in this episode of Teaching Channel Talks as she welcomes Desiree Brown, an early career elementary teacher and the reigning Miss Tobyhanna 2024. This conversation explores Desiree's teaching career, the need to support early career educators, and ways to foster a love of learning in students. Desiree also shares the impact her involvement in pageantry has had in her career, her advocacy for teacher self-care, and her current children's book project.Resources for Continued LearningDesiree uses her social platform, "With Love Teaching" to share her teaching experiences but that's not her only endeavor! You can also connect with her on Instagram to learn more about Desiree's pageantry and platform, or check out her website for more teacher resources.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Laura Balliett, creator of Cool School Comics, joins our host Dr. Wendy Amato to share her journey in making science learning accessible and captivating for every learner. Together, they delve into how these one-page science cartoons engage students and enhance their understanding of scientific concepts. This conversation highlights how Cool School Comics aligns with educational standards, supports flexible learning environments, and meets the diverse needs of educators and learners.Resources for Continued LearningCool School Comics is more than just a comic; it’s a powerful learning tool designed to make scientific concepts accessible to all students. These one-page infographics, accompanied by worksheets, guided notes, and interactive activities, are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and presented in a format that students find engaging. Laura has provided a Free Earth Day Comic for our K12 Hub audience, or you can shop all available Cool School Comics.In this episode, Laura mentions that Cool School Comics started out as Cool School Rap. Now you can check out Laura's original Order of Operations Rap that started it all!

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Elizabeth Wilkins, alongside our host Dr. Wendy Amato, discusses the impact of book bans. Wendy and Elizabeth explore how these bans hinder authentic learning by omitting essential themes like violence, mental health, and race. Emphasizing the need for inclusive reading materials, they urge educators to involve students and parents in book selection and foster open discussions despite challenges.Resources for Continued LearningIn this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Wilkins references book ban data from Pen America, you can learn more about the trend of banning books in America and see the full data here.Check out the book Dreamland Burning, by Jennifer Latham, which Dr. Wilkins lists as one of the banned books she has used in class. For our Teaching Channel listeners, Dr. Wilkins has provided downloadable "Banned Bookmarks" for you to print and share with other teachers or your students.

This episode of Teaching Channel Talks features a conversation between Dr. Wendy Amato and Dr. Greg King, the Director of Research from Mindprint Learning, discussing how different cognitive skills in students impact how they process information. They delve into the importance of leveraging cognitive skills for personalized learning, the impact of Mindprint assessments on student growth, and the practical application of data in educational settings to empower students and improve teaching strategies.Resources for Continued LearningIf you enjoyed this episode, you can learn more about how MindPrint Learning’s cognitive assessment is helping students identify their strengths and reach their highest potential by visiting their website.Teaching Channel is proud to partner with MindPrint Learning with a new course that helps teachers who have access to the MindPrint Learning Assessment engage every learner in their classroom. If you’re a part of the MindPrint community, you can check out course 5298: Science of Learning: A Practical Approach to Engaging Every Learner.

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, our host, Dr. Wendy Amato, welcomes Dr. Walter Lee, Assistant Professor of Middle/Secondary Education at the University of South Carolina Upstate, to discuss educator mindsets and the importance of positive self-concept. In this conversation, Dr. Lee shares his equity-focused approach for preparing the next generation of educators for the classroom, ensuring they are properly equipped to handle everything thrown at them—including parent-teacher conferences!Resources for Continued LearningIf you enjoyed this episode, you can learn more from Dr. Lee on his YouTube channel where he posts more information about the Call Me MiSTER program and tips for improving your mindset and wellbeing.Dr. Lee is a board member of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), an international organization specifically for middle school educators. As the go-to middle school 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!This episode focuses on self-concept and equity, learn more about the important role these factors play in education in Dr. Lee’s article, Rising Tides, Sinking Boats – A Focus on Equitable Practices.

In this compelling episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato hosts Dr. Howard Fields III, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and adjunct professor of education at Harris-Stowe State University. In this eye-opening exploration, Howard and Wendy examine challenges in educational equity, unravel the complexities of DEI efforts, and shed light on why a consensus that prioritizes comfort is a disservice to our students.Resources for Continued LearningIf you enjoyed this episode, you can learn more from Dr. Fields by visiting his website or listening to his mini-podcast, How to Achieve Educational Equity. He has also provided an Educational Equity Professional Learning Plan for our listeners working toward educational equity within their schools or organizations. In addition, Dr. Fields has authored two books focused on educational equity that are mentioned in this episode:Transfers & Open Enrollment: The Denigration of Black School CommunitiesHow to Achieve Educational EquityIn this episode, Wendy and Howard discuss his work developing and training an Educational Equity GPT. Watch a video to see this AI tool in action or test it for yourself.

Junior High. Middle School. No matter what the name on the sign outside says, what's important is the work happening on the inside. In this episode, Wendy welcomes Jack Berckemeyer of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) for a candid conversation about the big changes happening in how educators approach middle school. Jack stresses the importance of middle school teachers connecting with their students during this crucial time in their academic careers and how staying up-to-date on the fads, fashion, and slang of this age group can help in student success.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!Jack Berckemeyer is a successful author who has written several books focusing on middle level education. In this episode, Jack and Wendy talk about the following titles:Successful Middle School: This We BelieveSuccessful Middle Schools: TeamingManaging the Madness: A Practical Guide to Understanding Young Adolescents & Classroom ManagementDeliberate Optimism: Still Reclaiming the Joy in Education 2nd Ed

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.

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

Join our host Dr. Wendy Amato and special guest, Katie Johnson, the principal of Belmont Ridge Middle School in Leesburg, Virginia, as they explore the nuances of middle school from a leadership lens. As a veteran middle-grade teacher now navigating the challenges of leadership, Katie's student-first approach has helped her create a thriving school culture and earned her school the recognition of AMLE as a School of Distinction. Resources for Continued LearningIn this episode, Katie and Wendy talk about AMLE's Schools of Distinction, an award given to Belmont Ridge Middle School under Katie's leadership. Learn more about this program, connect with other recognized schools, or nominate your own middle school for this prestigious recognition here. During the episode, Katie talks about the importance of professional learning and a student-first focus in her school. To see how your school aligns with these best practices, Katie has provided a best practices slide deck used at Belmont Ridge Middle School to plan professional learning.Curious about how the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) works to support and improve middle schools across the country? Check out AMLE's National Policy Agenda for the Middle Grades.

Join our host Dr. Wendy Amato and special guest, Katie Powell from the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), as they explore the unique landscape of middle school. Both former middle grade educators, Katie and Wendy share valuable insights on the nuances of teaching in the middle levels and discuss how AMLE is undertaking initiatives to support and empower middle school teachers to make a lasting impact in these pivotal years of student development.Resources for Continued LearningDuring this conversation, Wendy and Katie talk about the characteristics of a successful middle school. Download AMLE's Successful Middle School Summary to see how your school stacks up and identify places for potential improvement!If you're a middle grade educator ready to "find your people" and better support your students, join the Association for Middle Level Education! Becoming a member of AMLE means joining thousands of fellow middle school educators in a collective movement to elevate the middle school profession and achieve excellence in our schools and our careers.Check out AMLE's Successful Middle School Assessment and learn how you can use this data-driven tool to help middle school educators create meaningful improvement.

In this engaging episode of Teaching Channel Talks, we’re joined by Lisa Geary, an award-winning speech-language pathologist, to discuss the importance of collaboration between teachers and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). By exploring ways in which teachers can partner with SLPs, this conversation provides insight into practical approaches that educators can seamlessly integrate into their classrooms to enhance communication among students and support students with speech and language challenges. Using the strategies discussed, we can create more inclusive and effective learning environments for every student!Resources for Continued LearningTake what you've learned straight into the classroom! Lisa has provided several resources from Yorktown Therapy Services to help you support your students' language performance and speech sound production in class.Supporting Language Performance in the ClassroomSupporting Speech Sound Production in the Classroom