Learning Unlocked with Brit Bingold

Guest: Kristin McCord, Instructional Specialist - Reading/ELA PreK-6 In this episode, Kristin shares the essential components of early reading instruction and explore what EVERY (PreK-12) educator needs to know to support young readers. From phonemic awareness and phonics to fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the foundational skills that set students up for lifelong literacy. Learn how to make phonics instruction more engaging, identify struggling readers early, and deliver targeted support with confidence. Whether you're new to teaching reading or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode will empower you to implement structured literacy practices, differentiate for diverse learners, and build a classroom culture where reading is both accessible and joyful. Resources from this episode: Scarborough's Reading Rope Structured Literacy Finger Stretching Video  Elkonin Boxes Fundations "Tapping Video" Open-Source Decodable Stories (for teachers oustide of GPS*) Open-Source Phonics (for teachers oustide of GPS*) Kristin LIVE working with Miles *GPS teachers will use district approved curriculum and resources.

Guest: Jessica Smith, Arizona ACEs Consortium Educator In this episode, we unpack the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and explore how different types of stress—positive, tolerable, and toxic—shape student (and adult) behavior, learning, and engagement. This knowledge and awareness can help educators create safe, supportive environments where all students are better able to learn and grow. Resources from this episode: Parents Under Pressure - USDHHS Youth Mental Health - USHHS Mindfulness First The Arizona ACEs Consortium  The Regulated Classroom Book Yoga Nidra Guided Meditations  John Hopkins Medicine Somatic Breath and Body Work  

Guest: Jennifer Kjar, ELA Resource Teacher at South Valley Junior High Listen in as veteran educator Jennifer shares how she personalizes the district ELA curriculum, scaffolds effectively for resource students, and strikes the perfect balance between high expectations and supportive practices. Full of practical tips and warm encouragement, this episode is a must-listen for any teacher looking to engage all learners with strategies, routines, and heart.  Resources from this episode: Kami Curipod Jennifer's Evidence Log MadLibs for Parts of Speech Supporting Student Success with High Expectations

Guests: Kelly Jarett, Cassie Kutzbach, Claudia DeAlba, and Jenn Colvin  In this episode, educators will discover strategies for addressing common student behavior challenges like defiance, aggression, and emotional outbursts. They'll learn proven de-escalation techniques to manage misconduct and maintain classroom respect. Additionally, educators will gain insights into student dysregulation and how to create a supportive environment that fosters emotional regulation and better behavior outcomes. Resources from our behavior team:  PBIS Word Brainstorming Behavior (has PTR info) Escalation Cycle First/Then Board Behavior Expectations Checklist Keyring Visual Cards Feelings Scale (Zones of Regulation Colors) Power Struggle Infographic Functions of Behavior Fidget Tools Second Step The Anxious Generation Credits:  Prevent Teach Reinforce - PTR (District Model for Behavior) Crisis Prevention Intervention- CPI (GPS listeners, register in Vector: 1 class per month!)

Guest: Alyssa Davis, Spectrum Elementary - 5th Grade In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Davis to explore the power of active math learning strategies, including the transformative approach of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. We discuss practical ways to engage students, foster deep mathematical thinking, and create a classroom culture where every learner thrives. Even if you are not a math teacher, tune in for ideas for strategies that can be used in any lesson! Building Thinking Classrooms Online BTC Conferences and Events  

Guests: Natalie Krafft, Oak Tree Elementary - Music and Marissa Gomez, Boulder Creek - Art In this episode, Brit chats with Natalie and Marissa about their world in special areas. We dive into the secrets of how these spaces boost brainpower for all students and snag some nifty tips on sprinkling art and music into regular classrooms too. Tune in for a chat that's sure to spark some joy! Resources: School of Rock  Harvard Health Publishing University of Central Florida Rousseau's Hypnotic Piano Background

Guest: Elizabeth Evans, Director of Civic Education Programs at Arizona State University In this episode, Brit and Liz bond over their common enemy: perfectionism! They share their own stories of overthinking and struggling to please others, while giggling their way through practical tips for beating the perfectionism blues. With their help, you'll be able to perform your best, without losing your sanity in the process!

Guest: Leslee Mizen-Stroud, Middle School Social Studies Teacher In this episode, Brit gets all the details on how Leslee is leveling up her teaching game with Classcraft! This edtech gem is a gamified tool that even non-gamers can rock with their students. Listen in as Leslee "spills the tea" on how Classcraft has revolutionized her teaching style and made her classroom a more engaging and dynamic space for learning.  Resources: Leslee's Top "Random Events" for relationship building and creating a classroom culture. Classcraft - Student Engagement (can be used in partnership with PBIS, CASEL, Digital Citizenship, IB Standards, and the 4C's).  Classcraft 101 Vimeo: Getting Started

Guests: Trisha Shores & Marcus Hire, High School English and Social Science Teachers and Instructional Coaches In this episode, we discussed the intersection of teacher credibility and grading practices and beliefs, namely what it takes to shift the learning focus away from traditional grading and some of the toxic behaviors it can unintentionally create, to a culture that values mastery of learning. The heartfelt moments and candid conversations had about the learning roadblocks teachers can unknowingly build left us wanting more! This conversation takes an honest and hard look at effective teaching and learning in 2023. Resources: The Evidence-Backed Grader

Guest: Jammie Zimmer, Second Grade Teacher Joining Wendy for this podcast is Jammie Zimmer, a second grade teacher who excels at Building Community and Connection. Although she teaches young children, many of her ideas can easily be transferred to classes with older students. Most importantly, catch Jammie's enthusiasm, passion, and pure joy; her love of teaching will reignite yours! 

Guests: Brit Bingold, Julia Salce, and Wendy Peterson Our Professional Growth Instructional Specialists are 'put on the spot' as they discuss perspectives on teaching from veteran teachers. Listen to learn, be entertained, and "give 'them' a pencil"! 

Guest: Jordan Hall, Instructional Coach In this episode, Jordan and Brit celebrate episode 50 with one of our essential instructional routines: MOVEMENT! We discuss how purposeful movement utilizes strategies that allow students to move while processing content and how it enhances instruction rather than detracting from it.  Want to know more? Brit's GOGOMO Playlist on Spotify GOGOGO Strategy Explanation Video GOGOMO Sentence Frames Four-Corners Strategy/Video Quiz-Quiz-Trade Video/Strategy Kinesthetic Mapping Sample Video from Whole Brain Teaching Ready-To-Go Instructional Strategies that Build Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking by Denise White and Alisa Braddy

Guest: Julia Salce, Instructional Specialist  In this episode, we 'unlock' formative assessment by discussing it through an instructional lens. How can educators provide students opportunities to say, do, make, or write, thus allowing teachers time to assess and collect learning evidence formatively? We discuss this question and work to answer it in today's conversation.  Want to learn more? Formative Assessment Reference One-Pager One Teacher's Take on Clipboard Cruising GOGOMO Strategy Video Blind Brain Dump Strategy Video  

Guest: Shannon Jauregui, High School English Teacher In this episode, Shannon and Brit share their love for Kagan cooperative learning strategies and how to use them intentionally in the classroom. Want to learn more? Kagan Structures: A Miracle of Active Engagement Kagan Structures Elevate High School Achievement Cooperative Learning Quick Reference Guide

Guest: Trish Smith, 8th Grade Social Sciences Teacher In this episode, Trish shares with Brit how she leverages different types of note-taking in her classroom to help her students comprehend the material and remember what they have learned to reference for future lessons.   Want to learn more? Link It - Learn It - Log It Notes INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE: Layering Notes Article III Economic Competition Notes-Smith Guidelines for Notes/Summaries in Social Studies

Guest: Wendy Peterson In this episode, Brit and Wendy discuss two of John Hattie's highest rankings: Teacher Estimates of Student Achievement and Collective Teacher Efficacy. Despite their high effect sizes, both harbor "elephants" in the classroom, so we determine how to move past this to embrace and implement their power to accelerate student learning fully. Want to know more? Wendy's Estimates and Efficacy Resource Handouts Wendy's Excerpts of Estimates and Efficacy Research Wendy's Estimates and Efficacy Presentation Wendy's Stems for Tough Conversations Introduction to John Hattie's Research

Guest: Julia Salce, Instructional Specialist  In this episode, Julia & Brit continue their conversation about using wait time in the classroom and its powerful effects on teachers. They also suggest strategies for Wait Time 1 & Wait Time 2.  Want to learn more? THE ARTICLE Budd Rowe.pdf Wait Time | Vanderbilt Tips for Implementation Wait-Time Strategies One-Pager made by Julia Salce

Guest: Julia Salce, M.Ed, NBCT & Instructional Specialist  In this episode, Julia and Brit GEEK OUT over their new learning about "wait time." We chat about how the brain learns through a "race-car vs. hiker brain" analogy and reveal how crucial wait time is for critical thinking and learner efficacy. Want to learn more? THE ARTICLE Budd Rowe.pdf Using Think Time to Let All Students Show What They Know | Edutopia Teaching Tools in a Flash - Wait Time - Final.pdf Wait Time: Making Space for Authentic Learning | Kent State University Worksheets Don't Grown Dendrites by Marcia L. Tate

Guests: Courtney McIntosh and Jennifer Reagan, Special Education Coordinators In this episode, Courtney and Jen answer four commonly asked questions from general education teachers about special education, including the similarities and differences between IEPs and 504 plans, as well as what basic understandings all teachers need to know about special education laws.   

Guest: Lindsay Wilson, Instructional Coach In this episode, Lindsay shares two strategies that create frequent opportunities to collect student classroom data that will help teachers make data driven decisions in their classrooms. Want more? Here are the resources from this episode: "My Favorite No" Strategy from The Teaching Channel The Power of Data: Instructional Strategies to Help You Create a Data-Driven Classroom from Better Lesson 27 easy formative assessment strategies for gathering evidence of student learning from NWEA 

Guest: Shawn Abele, District Technology Coordinator In this episode, Shawn shares several great tips and technology tools to assist students and teachers. We discuss how to use tech for engagement, efficiency, and ease.  Other top tools from Shawn: Google Slides Canva Whiteboard.chat Blooket Gimkit Quizziz Want to learn more from Shawn (or get the list of the Robot library)? shawn.abele@gilbertschools.net  Are you a GPS Employee? Check out the Instructional Framework Technology Resources page! It is amazing.

Guest: Julia Salce, Instructional Specialist  In this episode, Julia and I chat about the ways the brain learns and how and WHY the 'link-it-learn-it-log-it' strategy for note-taking and the 'blind brain dump' strategy for retrieval practice help ALL students learn.  Want more? julia.salce@gilbertschools.net Uncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, and Terrence J. Sejnowski (the big orange book that Julia LOVES). The 'Link-It-Learn-It-Log-It' Strategy by Julia Salce The 'Blind Brain Dump with Color Coding' Strategy  Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina  Retrieval Practice: Resources and research for every classroom by Kate Jones

Guests: Sarah Erhart, Ayn Kelly-Harris, Tammie Borden, and Wendy Peterson  In this episode, a few of our district instruction coaches stopped by to discuss the role of an instructional coach and explain how coaches are an essential part of student-centered learning and collective teacher efficacy.  Want to learn more? Visit: https://www.dianesweeney.com/

Guests: Julia Salce and Wendy Peterson, Instructional Specialists In this season finale, we discuss the last domain of our district Instructional Framework. The Reflect domain wraps of the mini-series we have done within Season 4.  Want to know more? Bookmark us: https://linktr.ee/GPSPGD "Is Your Lesson a Grecian Urn?" by Jennifer Gonzalez Rapid Fire Questions from the Dare to Lead Podcast hosted by Brene Brown

Guests: Julia Salce and Wendy Peterson In this episode, we chat about what we are currently reading and provide a 'taste' of each instructional book and what it has to offer educators.  Instructional Books Discussed: Uncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley PhD, Beth Rogowsky EdD, Terrence J. Sejnowski   10 Mindframes for Visible Learning by John Hattie & Klaus Zierer  Instructional Agility by Cassandra Erkens, Tom Schimmer, and Nicole Dimich Vagle John Hattie's Visible Learning Website: John Hattie's Visible Learning MetaX  Other Instructional Books We Love: Love to Teach: Research And Resources For Every Classroom by Kate Jones Retrieval Practice: Resources and Research for Every Classroom by Kate Jones Ready-to-Go Instructional Strategies that Build Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking by Denise White and Alisa Braddy Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites by Marcia Tate Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning by Peter Liljedahl Our Favorite Instructional Websites for Articles: Edutopia.com Teachthought.com Cultofpedagogy.com Edweek.org

Guests: Wendy Peterson and Julia Salce In this episode, the three of us dive into different types of assessment and how they each impact learning. We also discuss how to create a feedback-friendly culture in the classroom.  Want to know more? Bookmark us: https://linktr.ee/GPSPGD TransFormative Assessment by W. James Popham. "When teachers stop learning, so do students." -Jim Knight Check out our PGD Feedback Templates: Performance Task Reflection Form Quiz Auto-Feedback Reflection Page Self-Reflection Teacher Conference Preparation Form Small-Group Feedback Tracking Form

Guests: Julia Salce and Wendy Peterson In this episode, we face “the beginning of the end” of this school year by unlocking three ways to painlessly pivot in order to wrap up this quarter in a positive and productive way. Want to learn more? "This Year, Take "Self-Care" Off Your "To-Do" List" by Michelle Trujillo Uncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, PhD, Beth Rogowsky, EdD, and Terrence J. Sejnowski  "Sifting Through The Year": Pivoting from Packing to Placing Template by PGD staff Unofficial sponsor of this episode: @rise.up.bakery | Rise Up Bakery

Today's episode is from season 1, episode 7 on Creating Active Learning Experiences. In this episode, Julia Salce debunks the myths of direct instruction and discusses the high-impact of blending short bursts of instruction with active learning experiences (ALEs), no matter the age group or content area. We also discuss briefly the importance of teacher and student clarity in relation to direct instruction. This episode repost is in response to our development of a NEW series of active learning experience strategy videos on our department YouTube channel. Thanks for listening! Enjoy!

Guests: Julia Salce & Wendy Peterson, Instructional Specialists Gilbert Public Schools Professional Growth & Development As we enter into "testing season," we address high-stakes test preparation. In the episode, we dive into the "dos" and "don'ts" of test prep and the importance of using retrieval practice as an effective strategy in creating quality learning and test prep throughout the entire school year. Want to learn more? Check out our Linktr.ee! As mentioned in this episode: Julia's new favorite education book: Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, and Terrence J. Sejnowski 

Guests: Wendy Peterson and Julia Salce Instructional Specialists, Gilbert Public Schools In this episode, we chat about creating effective and efficient substitute plans and discuss ways to make this process more beneficial all.  Want our easy-to-use substitute template for FREE and recipes for those under the weather? Links above not working? Visit our website to download! 

This week's episode is a bonus episode. As you all know, we are in the midst of another COVID surge. For this short episode, I would like to speak directly to you drawing inspiration from a renowned educator, Caitlin Tucker and psychotherapist, Esther Perel to review the new format the podcast is taking for Season 4.  Thanks for listening, Brit 

Guest: Suzanne Lunt, Instructional Coach In this season finale, Suzanne provides practical strategies for educators to use to be more present over winter break in order to return to school both mentally and emotionally, as well as how to balance work and life during the rest of the school year.  Want more from Suzanne? IG: @kickingincoaching  suzanne.lunt@gilbertschools.net The Essence of a Mother by Julie S. Jensen (Suzanne's sister's book) The Rabbit Effect by Kelli Harding

Guest: Dawn Koberstein Principal, Mesquite Elementary School In this episode, Dawn and Brit look back on their own classroom blunders, such as group work and cold calling, and provide simple strategies to correct these missteps in order to positively impact the learning experience for both the teacher and the students. Want more from Dawn? dawn.koberstein@gilbertschools.net 

Guests: Julia Salce and Wendy Peterson, Instructional Specialists In this episode, we are back again focusing on the INSTRUCT domain of our district's Instructional Framework. We dive deep into what high-quality instruction looks like in the classroom and focus on three key areas: teacher clarity, intentionality, and student engagement. And of course, rapid fire questions!  Want more from our instructional specialists? Visit our podcast site: https://learningunlocked.libsyn.com/website or check out what is being offered at https://linktr.ee/GPSPGD 

Guests: Dale Lunt, Elementary Principal and Brittany Brady, Social Worker Gilbert Public Schools In this episode, Dale and Brittany share with Brit how they have implemented practical strategies for restorative discipline on their elementary campus and have had success with this approach with many students and families in the community.  Want to learn more? dale.lunt@gilbertschools.net  Principal Conference on Restorative Discipline mentioned in the episode. 

Guests: Wendy Peterson and Julia Salce, Instructional Specialists With the help of pumpkin-pie coffee and candy corn, we review the concept of lesson design in this episode. We discuss how lesson design differs from lesson planning and dive into what the phrase "high-yield" means when it comes to instructional strategies and intentional instruction.  Want more from PGD? julia.salce@gilbertschools.net wendy.peterson@gilbertschools.net

Guest: Dr. Sean Lively  Principal, Ben Carson High School In this episode, Brit and Sean discuss his findings on the Detroit Promise Scholarship. Promise scholarship programs in large urban cities, like Detroit, can have significant impact not only on our students but our communities. We consider how a scholarship program like this would be beneficial locally and how the use of high-yield instructional strategies can support students to achieve scholarships and be more prepared for a post-secondary education.  Want more from Dr. Lively? https://www.detroitk12.org/Page/2826

Guests: Wendy Peterson and Julia Salce  Instructional Specialists, Gilbert Public Schools  Connecting with students, colleagues, and the community is foundational to education -- as Julia Salce and Wendy Peterson discuss with me in this episode. Our district has created an Instructional Framework focused squarely on student learning, including the five domains: Connect, Design, Instruct, Assess, and Reflect. As three veteran educators, we bring quite different perspectives on how to connect, so listen in on our always frank, but often funny conversation. *This is part 1 of a 5 part series! Want more from PGD's specialists? wendy.peterson@gilbertschools.net julia.salce@gilbertschools.net 

Guest: Matthew Moix, PD.D, NCSP Coordinator of Psychological Services In this episode, Brit and Matt discuss the effects of mental health on student learning. Matt also provides strategies, learning supports, and actionable steps all teachers can use to create a mentally healthy learning space. Want more from Matt? matthew.moix@gilbertschools.net

Guest: Kareem Farah CEO and Co-Founder of the Modern Classrooms Project In this first episode of season 3, Brit is joined by Kareem who was awarded the 2018 Standing Ovation Award for Excellence in Classroom Innovation for his blended, self-paced, mastery-based approach to teaching and learning. This conversation provides a basic overview of this approach and revolves around one of MCPs core values: "Education impacts every person, and every person has something to contribute. We are all in this together."  Want more from Kareem? Visit: www.modernclassrooms.org Twitter: @KareemFarah23

Guest: Melissa Hosten Co-Director at the University of Arizona Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers In this episode, debunking the myth of 'learning loss' is the focus. Melissa discusses her research findings and invites listeners to "hear the voices" of students and teachers from this past school year, including their challenges, but also their learning and growth. As this school year ends, Brit and Melissa encourage educators to breathe in relief, rest, recover, and reconnect this summer.   Want more from Melissa? Visit: crr.math.arizona.edu

Guest: Kim Haase K-6 Math Specialist In this episode, Brit and Kim discuss the importance of building a math culture that is based in confidence. This can be accomplished by reimagining the way math has be traditionally taught and using "Just in Time Math PD: Math in Minutes."  Want more from Kim? kim.haase@gilbertschools.net 

Guest: Bobson Wong  High School Math Teacher, NYC In this episode, Brit and Bobson do the heavy lifting to learn the ropes of The Math Teacher's Toolbox: Hundreds of Practical Ideas to Support Your Students written by Bobson and Larisa Bukalov. This resource provides teachers with  fresh, engaging, and hands-on strategies for students make connections across mathematical units and decrease "math anxiety". Want more from Bobson? Twitter: @bobsonwong  http://bobsonwong.com

Guest: Melinda Murphy, M.Ed Principal, Highland High School  In this episode, Melinda and Brit discuss trials--and triumphs--all those that come with balancing the administrative side of administration with the instructional leadership side of administration. Her insight enriches not just principals but all interested in moving schools forward. Listen in to learn the steps taken on her campus to gain collective commitment required for a central instructional goal.  Want more from Melinda? Melinda.Murphy@gilbertschools.net IG @melindaLMAZ FB: Melinda Murphy 

Guest: Julia Salce, M.Ed and NBCT Instructional Specialist In this episode, Julia and I discuss the impact of homework on students. We even delve into our own past blunders as teachers with homework and our experiences with homework with our own children. Because of our conflicting feelings, we dug into the research to see what we could learn--and that is what we'll discuss and share with you today. In addition to evidence based on our research, we chat strategies to assist teachers to create appropriate, meaningful homework will be at the forefront. Want more from Julia? julia.salce@gilbertschools.net or FB @gpsprofgrowth

Guest: Jenna Quarelli-Buck Secondary ELA Curriculum Coordinator In this episode, Brit and Jenna chat about how crucial literacy skills are for students to be engaging in their school careers. We also reveal a simple strategy that can be used to help scaffold students into becoming critical and sophisticated readers and writers in any content area. Want more from Jenna? jenna.quarellibuck@gilbertschools.net

Guest: Tara Dale NBCT, Author, and Instructional Coach In this episode, Tara shares with Brit pieces of her resource book, The Science Teacher's Toolbox and how she feels that even though the book is geared towards science teachers, all teachers can gain fresh strategies for their classrooms. The book also includes ways to promote a culturally responsive science classroom. Here is a sneak peak of Chapter 19! Want more from Tara? Twitter @TaraCDale

Guest: Wendy S. Peterson Instructional Specialist  In this episode, Wendy and Brit examine the four components of teacher credibility: trust, dynamism, competence, and immediacy, and how they are closely intertwined with classroom management.  Want more from Wendy? FB Page: Inspiring Instruction; Email: nanawsp@yahoo.com

Guest: Stacey Pasquel Technology Integration Educator  In this episode, Stacey and I discuss technology's tie to learning design, especially since the past nine months have reshaped students' learning experiences. Additionally, we dive into blended learning and how it creates student-centered learning opportunities in pacing, voice, and choice.  Want more from Stacey? Email: stacey.pasquel@gilbertschools.net

Guest: Heidi Martin 1st Grade Teacher and Social Media Director for Whole Brain Teaching  In this episode, Heidi and I dig into how the WBT (Whole Brain Teaching) Basics benefits ALL students of ALL ages in ALL learning environments. We discuss what WBT is and is not and how it can empower students to take ownership of their learning.  Want more from Heidi? IG @wholebrainwithheidi or Join one of the WBT FB groups! WBT also has a podcast available on iTunes, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Google, and Podbean.

Guest: Vicki Jones Gilbert Public Schools, Director of Professional Growth and Development  Looking to score a touchdown in the classroom? In this episode, Vick and I discuss the importance of intentional instructional design in moving students beyond "drill and kill" by leveraging high-yield strategies that allow students to "scrimmage" and make adjustments before game time.   Want more from Vicki? Twitter: @GPSLearns