Bite-Sized PL

This episode uses a cluttered garage as a metaphor to explore how schools can declutter ineffective practices by focusing on what truly supports learning, guided by the High Reliability Schools (HRS) framework. Third-grade teacher Heidi Green shares her journey from skepticism to empowerment, highlighting how HRS helps create safer, more responsive learning environments by centering student voice, streamlining curriculum, and embracing continuous improvement.

This podcast episode explores the science and practical use of brain breaks in classrooms, highlighting how both rats and humans consolidate learning during rest. Educators share strategies for implementing effective and manageable breaks, emphasizing how brief pauses help students of all ages reset, stay engaged, and learn more effectively.

English teacher Kevin Campbell shares how he creates engaging classroom discussions using techniques like sustained interaction, positive redirection, benign controversy, and blind entry—encouraging students to think deeply and build confidence. Through role play and real examples, Campbell demonstrates how modeling vulnerability and thought processes helps foster a culture of curiosity and learning.

Small, consistent habit changes—both in daily life and teaching—can lead to meaningful, sustainable growth. Instructional coaches Chad Crane and Christy Waite emphasize the power of mindset shifts, encouraging teachers to start small, reduce mental load, and adopt practical strategies that make teaching more effective and manageable.

Carly Maloney discusses the impact of "Watch and Learn" sessions, a teacher-led professional development approach that fosters collaboration, trust, and ongoing growth through peer observation. The episode highlights the importance of administrative support, structured scheduling, and cross-curricular learning, emphasizing that a culture of observation and reflection enhances both teaching effectiveness and school culture.  

In this episode, we sit down with first-year math teachers Taylor Christensen and Aileen Trost as they share the highs, lows, and surprises of their first year in the classroom. From managing the unexpected to building strong relationships with students, they discuss what they've learned, how they've grown, and the realities of balancing workload expectations. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator, their insights on adaptability, student engagement, and surviving the first year will resonate. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about the journey of becoming a teacher!

The "School Matters" webinar, led by Davis School District leaders, focused on class size concerns, budgeting challenges, and strategies for improving teacher support, including targeted training for TAs and expanded intervention teams. Emphasizing transparency and collaboration, the district reaffirmed its commitment to balancing resources, advocating for increased funding, and ensuring educators feel valued and heard.

Jared and Sarah welcome Dr. Doug Ball, Air and Space Force Teacher of the Year, to discuss fostering curiosity and engagement in STEM education through strategic questioning and classroom culture. Doug emphasizes the importance of scaffolding discussions, encouraging student ownership of learning, and creating an inclusive environment that nurtures critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

This episode explores how educators can enhance learning experiences through technology and creativity. Topics include using Canvas for organization and personalized learning, with tools like Mastery Paths and multimedia content to engage students. Microsoft tools like Teams and OneNote are highlighted for collaboration and efficiency, while Canva stands out as a versatile design tool for all skill levels. 

As a teacher, are you more of a Big Bird or a Mr. Rogers? Educators Christy Waite and Melanie Jones discuss how developing a teaching persona, inspired by the blend of fantasy and reality in "Sesame Street" and "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" can both captivate students and pose challenges, especially when balancing performance with effective teaching strategies.

Chad Crane, an instructional coach, reflects on his new role and the challenges he faces, particularly when a teacher, Melanie Jones, expresses the desire for a new personality to become more engaging in the classroom. The episode explores the tension between the cultural expectations of an ideal teacher persona, often favoring extroverted traits, and the reality that effective teaching can take many forms, including those aligned with quieter, introverted personalities.

Chad Crane and CTE teacher Kelsey Bernards discuss how AI has become an invaluable partner for educators, transforming their work practices and providing support in tasks like creating rubrics, generating teaching ideas, and refining assignments. They highlight how AI can act as a thought partner, offering suggestions, prompting higher-order thinking, and reducing teacher exhaustion, making it a powerful tool to enhance both teaching and personal productivity.

Juliana Urtubey, 2021 National Teacher of the Year shares powerful stories highlighting the transformative role of relationships and dignity in education. Through examples like a student's sweet potato gift and Hawaiian teachers' canal restoration project, the discussion underscores the importance of joy, justice, and collaboration in fostering meaningful change and sustaining educators' purpose.

In this holiday-themed episode, the hosts share educational and fun gift ideas, from creating inclusive classroom spaces to using mindfulness tools and innovative accessories like Bluetooth eye masks. They also explore the value of unconventional approaches to pedagogy, recommend resources for student-centered learning, and encourage kindness through gestures like Secret Santa traditions and taking restful naps during the break.

Second grade teacher, Melissa Norman explores effective teaching practices, emphasizing creating an engaging and emotionally supportive classroom environment by tailoring lessons to students' unique needs and activating prior knowledge. Daily personal interactions, reflective tools, and fostering creativity to build relationships, all support student success while maintaining a flexible, student-centered approach to learning.

Davis Education Foundation director Jodi Lunt discusses fostering community support for the Davis School District through programs like Cash for Classrooms, Kids Closet, and innovative projects that remove barriers to learning and empower students and educators. Jodi shares inspiring stories of generosity and collaboration, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to enhancing education, meeting students' basic needs, and encouraging listeners to contribute time, talents, and resources to create lasting positive change.

Technology Integration Specialist Katie Scholer discusses how technology can transform classroom experiences, making learning more immersive and accessible. Tools like Google Earth, iPads, and AI-driven tutoring help students engage more deeply with content, while ongoing professional development supports teachers in integrating these technologies effectively to enhance student learning.

Chandee Chidester, a thrid grade teacher and distinguished educator for the the Modern Classroom Project, describes teacher sustainability and student-centered, mastery-based learning. Chandee explains how she implemented self-paced lessons in her classroom to cater to different student abilities and challenges, fostering engagement and growth for each student, and shares her excitement about further enhancing her methods to create an even more student-led environment.

Retired high school ceramics teacher Shalise Bailey reflects on her teaching journey, the strong bonds she formed with students and colleagues, and the challenges of retirement. She shares advice for both new and experienced teachers to focus on meaningful student connections and to find joy in the small "glimmer moments" that make teaching rewarding.

Theater and film teacher Liz Christensen discusses the power of performance-based assessments to engage students in authentic learning. She shares how these assessments allow students to demonstrate skills in practical contexts, fostering critical thinking, self-expression, and metacognition across various subjects.

Community School Director Robbie Kinghorn discusses school leadership and addressing students' academic and personal needs. By organizing efforts such as supplying shoes and hosting community events, school leaders aim to strengthen the bond between schools and families, encouraging self-sufficiency and deeper engagement.

Ceramics teacher Kyle Guymon fosters a hands-on learning environment where students are encouraged to fail, learn, and grow. Kyle shares his strategies for setting high expectations, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and inspiring students to express their unique artistic voices in pottery.

Games can boost student motivation and learning in the classroom. Kynda Farrel, Tanielle Carter and Mikell Wilcox share fun, practical game ideas that help students practice math, review concepts, and stay engaged.

Cynthia Minson, a first-grade Spanish immersion teacher, discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching students who are new to both school and the Spanish language. Cynthia emphasizes the importance of celebrating small successes to build student confidence and self-regulation, while also discussing how learning centers and individualized goals help address student gaps and promote engagement in the classroom.

Special guest, Jessica Cabeen reflects on the importance of being authentic and connecting with students through simple gestures like high-fives and music, emphasizing how meaningful interactions can have a profound impact. She also share personal challenges, discussing how vulnerability and balancing personal struggles with professional responsibilities can foster stronger relationships and personal growth in education.  

Sunburst Elementary principal Rachel Alberts helps us explore the power of creating an inclusive school environment and building a culture of belonging through intentionality and collaboration. Rachel shares how focusing on collective ownership and efficacy has transformed her school, empowering every educator and staff member to work together to support all students, parents, and the community.

Superintendent Dr. Linford explores how the theme- EVERY 1 - reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity and the ultimate goal of making every student and staff member feel truly valued and connected within the school community.

In a particularly fun and uplifting session from the 2024 R&R conference, sisters Kara Oliverson  and Kirsten Gunderson shared creative ways to celebrate students. The conversation covers practical and engaging strategies for fostering a positive classroom environment, emphasizing the importance of making everyone feel valued and appreciated.          

Welcome back for a new school year! In this episode veteran teachers share insights and humorous anecdotes about their experiences and lessons learned. The discussions emphasize the importance of self-care, building relationships with students, and finding joy in teaching, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

In this special podcast episode, the Kate Jared and Jenette discuss impactful classroom strategies as they celebrate Jenette's retirement. They share favorite teaching techniques, such as using cold calling cards and fostering personalized learning environments, while emphasizing the importance of teacher-student relationships and the evolving nature of education.

In this episode of Bite-Sized PL, Jared and Kate welcome Belinda Kuck, the outgoing Director of the Teaching and Learning Department. Belinda reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to administrator, discussing the evolution of educational technology and offering valuable advice for new educators on the importance of resilience, collaboration, and staying current in their field.

Jared and Kate explore sustainable teaching practices with experienced educators Danielle Wasserman and Rachel Norris. Discover how adopting curriculum before adapting it can streamline teaching and enhance student learning.

This Kay's Creek Elementary collaborative team discusses technology integration, showcasing the transformative power of teamwork in education. Discover how Microsoft tools like Teams and Sway have empowered students with diverse needs, fostering growth, inclusivity, and a sense of chosen family within the classroom.

Join us as we dive into the highlights of the recent UCET conference, Utah's largest educational technology event! Jared and Jenette sit down with educators from Davis School District to discuss innovative ideas and tools they've discovered, from AI tutoring to digital data tracking, all aimed at enhancing classroom learning experiences.

Inspired by Rebecca Peterson, Sarah and Jared discuss how focusing on the positive moments can bring joy and strength to educators. Through tracking “One Good Thing”, several teachers from the district share their stories, highlighting the profound effects of focusing on the good

In this episode, hosts Janette and Jared explore the impact of social-emotional learning on academic performance with guest teachers Camille Johnson and Julie Dixon. They discuss the positive effects of building strong teacher-student relationships, emphasizing kindness, and fostering emotional intelligence in the classroom. The episode highlights practical strategies, including daily dedications, mindfulness minutes, and promoting problem-solving skills among students.

Kate and Jared interview Lisa Wall, the districts Mild/Moderate K-12 & School Support Director. She gives advice for general education teachers in supporting special education students in the classroom. 

Brad Christensen and Casey Layton, from the Student and Family Resources department explore responsive services, social-emotional learning, and various support systems. The episode highlights the increasing importance of mental health education, discussing critical referrals, staff training, and the broader context of societal issues, such as the impact of social media on students

Bountiful High social studies teachers Andrew Spratt and Matthew Ence explore the impact of generative AI on education, specifically focusing on assessment. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of incorporating AI into the learning experience, delving into how AI can reshape assessment methods, foster critical thinking skills, and provide personalized learning experiences, offering insights into the evolving landscape of education in the age of artificial intelligence.

If you attended the R&R conference last summer, revisit the amazing keynote from Trevor Muir. If you missed it, now is your chance. He has amazing stories about connecting with students and will inspire you as a teacher. 

Legacy Junior High teachers Rebecca Yazzie and Gemma Phillips delve into the world of formative checks. Discover unique techniques like self-assessment hand signals, giant sticky notes for vocabulary, and the power of collaborative learning, as they discuss highlights from an article on the transformative role of quizzing in enhancing student learning experiences.

Jared and Jenette talk with two high school seniors Kallie Johannsen and Glenn Shields, who share insights on balancing academics, music, and sports. The episode explores their achievements, tips on time management and anxiety, and their suggestions for improving education.

An innovative way for students to show what they know- Amy Coray, a professional learning specialist, sits with Kate to discuss microcredentials. If you are passionate about personalized competency based learning this episode is for your. Learn what is on the horizon for students.   

In this episode, Jenette and Jared welcome Sara Fariola, a professional learning specialist, to discuss the intriguing world of the teenage brain. Sara shares insights from her experiences as a foster parent and teacher, emphasizing the importance of understanding neuroplasticity, cultural responsiveness, and building strong relationships with students. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma on the brain, the role of the amygdala in emotional responses, and practical strategies for creating a positive and engaging classroom environment for teenagers.

Four student teachers reflect on their experiences and the valuable lessons they've learned from their mentor teachers. They discuss preparation, building relationships, fostering a growth mindset, inclusive teaching to name a few. The episode underscores the profound influence of mentorship on shaping effective teaching practices and cultivating a passion for education.

Jenette and Kate observe and interview Kara Oliverson, a math teacher at Clearflied High. She talks about how she engages kids, checks for understanding, and hold high expectations. Listen for wonderful ideas and clips from her classroom

In honor of the holiday season, the whole crew shares "gifts" with listeners. Most of these gifts are education related and some are just for fun. We hope you enjoy your winter break. 

Jared sits down with Ryan Frandsen, a computer science teacher at Bountiful High School. They discuss how artificial intellingence can make a teacher's job easier. This episode has great ideas for utilize AI for your benefit. 

Navigating holidays in classrooms can be challenging. Danni Read, an english teacher at North Layton Junior High and Markasa Hansen, a second grade teacher at Wasatch Elementary, share their tips and tricks for experiencing the holiday joy with your students. 

Jenette and Kate sit down with Carly Maloney, an English teacher at Viewmont high school. Carly was just named Utah teacher of the year. Listen to hear how a wonderful educator is using her plateform. 

Jenette and Kate sit down with Instructional Coach Sharon Mcgarry to discuss what effective teaching in every class looks like. They share specific strategies from the high reliability framework.