SYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education

Show Notes Peter Drake is Associate Professor of Computer Science at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. He teaches a variety of courses including Software Development and AI & Machine Learning. His research has involved building artificially intelligent programs to play the classical Asian game of Go, using deep neural networks to analyze photographs of clouds, and creating video games to teach people about earthquake preparedness.   In today's episode. Peter talks about learning management systems, knowing your purpose as a student, and helping high schoolers learn the basics of how to college.   Timestamps 2:22 What makes a good LMS, and how can a teacher harness those tools to effectively engage with their students? 4:33 An on-demand source of administrative information 7:41 Connecting the LMS with other technologies students are using 8:34 Don't use more technology than is necessary  12:53 How can online high schools prepare students for college? 14:43 In some ways, college is just the next 4 grades…. 15:20 Don't be afraid to ask questions! 18:22 If you've been using a system for years, you may think it's obvious, but not to a new user 18:32 Students are not alone!  19:14 Using your time wisely 20:40 Check your email at least once a day 23:27 The Plan, Change, Evaluate cycle 26:09 What holds students back when they're entering college? 26:51 Making mistakes is how you learn 31:47 If there was one thing Peter could give to every teacher in the U.S., what would it be and why? Episode Resources: Peter Drake's short essay on How To College Small Teaching and Small Teaching Online - Books by Flower Darby and James M. Lang Geeky Pedagogy - Book by Jessamyn Neuhaus Ungrading - Book edited by Susan Blum You can email me at drake@lclark.edu. For social media, I'm on Mastodon at https://qoto.org/@peterdrake.  https://github.com/PeterDrake/drakepedia/blob/master/administrivia/how_to_college.md

Guest Bio Maddy Dahl has been teaching online for 8 years. During her tenure, she has taught a wide range of classes from basic high school writing and grammar to AP English courses. When she isn't teaching, you can usually find her playing board games or exploring Oregon.    Episode Summary Maddy teaches us about how to create an online AP course for students, how to help students earn college credits while in high school, and provides invaluable advice to teachers just getting started on their AP journey.    Timestamps Maddy's exciting news! [2:13] How do you create high school AP courses online? [3:50] How the FCM works in an online AP class [6:40] A focus on collaboration asynchronously and synchronously [8:53] Supporting students' organization, practice, and executive functioning [9:30] All about formative assessments [11:50] Collaborate and listen [13:21] Partnering with community colleges [16:56] AP and college credit courses are rigorous but different [20:25] Maddy's advice for creating your own online AP course [22:00] Maddy's favorite teacher when she was in high school [26:29]   Resources Find Maddy Dahl at mdahl@syseducation.org How-To AP Guide FREEBIE College Credit Now (Oregon) Frontier Charter Academy College Board AP Central FCM Episode (S2 EP16)

Show Notes Matt Miller is the author of five books, including Ditch That Textbook. His Ditch That Textbook blog reaches thousands of educators in more than 100 countries with inspiration and practical teaching ideas. He's a keynote speaker, podcast host, and the creator of the Ditch That Textbook Digital Summit.   In today's episode, we talk about not just ditching textbooks, but finding your educational hammer.   Timestamps 2:02 The mission behind the work 3:23 Saving teachers time and helping equip them to level up their teaching 4:32 A lot of edtech principles are based on good, solid teaching 6:14 Does ditching the textbook mean textbooks are evil? 7:15 It can't get much worse 8:09 Sometimes you get great ideas just by looking at what others are doing 11:52 How to answer “How does this fit?” 12:04 EdTech tools are marketed to us 12:56 The carpenter analogy 13:56 Amass lots of tools that you can use at your disposal 14:56 Sometimes you need to go back to the tried and true, versatile tool 15:03 When you introduce new tools, students have to learn how to use them 17:27 What would Matt give to every teacher in the U.S., and why?   Resources ditchthattextbook.com/101 Twitter @jmattmiller

Nate is a tech-loving history teacher from Indianapolis, Indiana and author of two books on teaching. Don't Ditch That Tech: Differentiation in a Digital World, and Breaking the Blockbuster Model: Using Edtech and Accessibility to “See What's Next” in Classrooms. He was the Indiana Connected Educator of the Year in 2020 and his work has been featured in such publications as the New York Times and Washington Post. He also holds a Master's Degree in History from the University of Indianapolis.   In today's episode, Nate talks about old pedagogical models and new ones, and he explains how his new book helps educators to navigate through it all. We'll learn what the blockbuster model is and how we can learn from the streaming model to make online learning awesome.  Timestamps 2:53 Which instructional practices have stood the test of time, and what should we leave in the history books? 3:50 Two really disruptive things in the education world 5:14 Things to look at with direct instruction 6:28 Comparing collaborative learning with direct instruction 9:50 How student's perception of learning affects their learning 14:03 The need to improve digital equity 14:46 Continuing the good things we do as educators 15:48 The three metaphors of Nate's book 16:56 What is cloning? 19:46 Meeting students where they are and where they want to be 24:25 A blend of the theoretical and practical 25:13 What would Nate give to every teacher in the U.S. and why? Resources Nate's twitter - @TeachfromRidge Nate's blog - breakingblockbuster.com Breaking the Blockbuster Model 

Guest Bio -  Christine Voelker is the K-12 Program Director for Quality Matters, a global non-profit dedicated to quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments.  QM provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations grounded in research and driven by best practices.     Summary -  Today Chris is going to teach us about what QM does and how their work supports the national standards for quality online education.  Timestamps -  Career transitions over the years and seeking greater impact [2:44] What are the National Standards for Quality Online Learning? [6:55] What do the standards for teaching cover? [10:56] What do the program standards cover? [11:15] What do the course standards cover? [11:53] Similarities with the Danielson Framework [12:39] What is the Learning Portal? [13:40] QM's mission statement [16:46] Three-pronged approach to quality assurance [16:57] What's the course review process? [18:46] What is Rigorous Professional Development? [19:39] Quality Matters reviews are for you to see [21:23] How does the work of QM complement the work of the Standards? [23:32] What's “QM Lite”? [24:50] Becoming certified! [25:34] Who was Chris' favorite teacher as a kid? [27:28]   Resources -  National Standards for Quality Online Learning Quality Matters Bridge to Quality Course Design Guide Digital Learning Collab Virtual Learning Alliance Twitter: @nsqol; @k12qm; @qmprogram; @vllaonline; @theDLCedu; @voelkerc

Edi Cox serves as the Director for Low Country Virtual, an online school in South Carolina.  She began her career as a high school teacher who was recognized for her innovative work.  In her most recent role she served as the Executive Director of Online Learning and Instructional Technology in one of the largest school districts in South Carolina. She is credited with launching one of the first district-led virtual programs in the Palmetto State.  In 2013 Ms. Cox was instrumental in the writing and submission of a Gates Foundation Grant designed to help a district launch personalized learning efforts with a rollout of 1:1 devices to more than 43,000 students.  She holds multiple degrees and has completed additional graduate-level coursework through Western Governors' University, where I recently attended as well! Edi continues to stay current in the field by serving in a variety of roles with national organizations such as the Digital Learning Collaborative, Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA) and Quality Matters. She provided guidance in the revisions to the National Standards for Quality (NSQ).    Today, Edi tells us about the power of collaboration among districts, and how important it is for us all to learn from our collective mistakes and wins.  Timestamps 2:53 What Edi's educational journey has looked like 4:46 Edi was an instructional designer before instructional designers were a thing!  5:45 Edi's work with the Low Country Educational Consortium 7:06 Taking advantage of the forced online learning from the pandemic 11:52 We know that the majority of students are well-served by the traditional brick and mortar classroom 13:06 Supporting the students who are not served well by the traditional model 17:45 Why is it important for Low Country Virtual to partner with organizations like Digital Learning Collaborative and Quality Matters? 20:33 Quality Matters 24:14 What would Edi give to every teacher in the U.S., and why? 

Dr. Allison Powell is the former Vice President for State and District Services/New Learning Models of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), which provides expertise and leadership in K-12 Blended, Online, and Competency-based Learning. Working at iNACOL, Allison helped write the National Standards for Quality and several other reports to expand and improve the field of K-12 online, blended and competency-based learning.   Allison taught in both face-to-face and online K-8 environments. She has been working in the field of online learning for over 15 years, starting as a K-8 blended teacher for Odyssey Charter Schools in Las Vegas, NV. After teaching in a blended environment, the Clark County School District asked her to help start the Virtual High School in the fifth largest school district in the country. In her role as an administrator for the program, she helped with training teachers, building courses, overseeing technology and educating leaders on the benefits of online learning.   Allison was charged with starting an online professional development program for the school district to allow all administrators, teachers, and district staff to meet their training needs in a more flexible environment.   Allison regularly shares her expertise in K-12 online education by speaking at various education and policy meetings and events around the world. She has served on several boards for various schools and organizations. Allison completed her doctorate in educational technology from Pepperdine University.   In today's episode, Allison talks about the importance of groups such as the Digital Learning Collaborative, Quality Matters and the Evergreen group. She reminds us that online instruction works best when everyone has equitable access, and relationships are strong. Timestamps 3:34 Allison's roles in the Digital Learning Collaborative, DLAC, and the Evergreen group 5:35 How does the DLC do their research?  8:10 What is DLAC like? 11:00 Allison's time with iNACOL and how she got involved with online learning 13:27 The process of creating an online high school program 15:50 Stories from the early days 19:21 What have been some of the most positive changes in the world of virtual education over the past 15 years? 21:21 It's common to form stronger relationships online than in brick and mortar schools 23:39 Some of the new things coming to online learning 29:19 What would Allison give to every teacher in the U.S.?    Resources Allison's twitter allison@evergreenedgroup.com Allison's LinkedIn

Pete Wharmby is an autistic speaker, writer, tutor and parent, who is working to improve autism acceptance in society by sharing insights and experiences of autism to the widest possible audience. He has spoken at many conferences and events, often as the keynote speaker, on topics such as autism in education, the experience of autistic students and teachers, the importance of monotropism and special interests and much more.   In today's episode, Pete talks about valuing our autistic student's strengths, like hyperfocus and clear communication. He tells us to encourage student interests and strengths in the online classroom, and reminds us that not every sound practice will benefit autistic students.    Timestamps 2:56 What Pete loves about being autistic 3:34 Hyperfocus 5:36 Be flexible! Allow students to stay in the “flow state” 7:30 Interleaving is a good idea, but won't work for a lot of autistic students 8:31 The clarity of autistic communication 11:45 Taking criticism from students publicly 12:24 Making expectations exact instead of vague 16:59 How Pete's special interests have shaped his life, and how it can teach you more about autism 21:02 Pete's advice to teachers: take it as a sign of trust if an autistic student shares their special interest with you 21:32 Just listen!  23:11 What would Pete give to every teacher in the U.S. or U.K., and why? Resources Pete's Website Pete's Blog Pete's YouTube Channel What is Neurodiversity - Harvard University

Traci has worked in special education for over 20 years.  She has been a Teacher, Autism Specialist and currently works as a Student Services Professional Development Coordinator.  Her professional work includes working with students from age 3-21, their families and their teachers.  You can reach her at traci.sevick@gmail.com.   In today's episode, Traci talks about supporting students with autism, in the online classroom and the brick and mortar setting. She also discusses the societal view of autism, and centering autistic voices in discussions. Timestamps 2:41 What kind of students tend to be successful in online classroom environments? 6:04 What about online school for students on the spectrum? 9:48 Who should parents go to if they need help figuring out in-person activities for their autistic child? 10:39 Developmental Disability Services 13:21 Light it up Blue and #RedInstead 14:32 A societal shift in perspective about autism 15:00 What does Traci wish teachers and admin knew about the needs of autistic students? 19:30 If there was one thing Traci could give to every teacher in the U.S., what would it be? Resources https://autismsociety.org/ https://www.learnfromautistics.com/light-it-up-red-for-world-autism-awareness-acceptance-day/ https://factoregon.org/ https://www.autismspeaks.org/teachers-and-administrators https://www.nea.org/resource-library/teaching-students-autism-guide-educators https://www.spectrumlife.org/tigard/therapy-and-interventions/apricot-clinic

Dr. Novak is an internationally renowned education consultant, an author, adjunct professor at UPenn, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts. Dr. Novak has more than 19 years of experience in teaching and administration, a doctorate in curriculum and teaching, and is the author of 8 published books, including the best-selling education books, UDL Now!, Equity By Design, and UDL and Blended Learning.    Episode Summary In this greatest hits episode, we wind back to season two, where Katie Novak and I talk about intrapersonal variability and facing the skill-breakdown that often comes with starting on your UDL journey. She helps us understand the connection between UDL and equity and also how to ditch labels and focus on students as individuals.    Timestamps Where does Katie's UDL passion stem from? [2:51] Facing skill-breakdown in the face of inclusion [4:01] Effects of allowing students to make decision for themselves [5:07] What is UDL?  [7:46] Roots in architecture [8:23] Embrace intrapersonal variability [10:16] Firm goals, period. [10:50] Can learners really self-differentiate? [11:01] Your most beneficial source of growth [12:39] Firm goals, flexible means [13:00] A career commitment [13:30] The connection between UDL and equity [17:23] The general education classroom as the least restrictive environment [18:15] Labels don't have meaning? [19:41] Katie's universally designed breakfast [20:32] A child should be able to consent to their care [22:14] Get to know Katie's favorite teacher, Mrs. Krause [25:09]   Resources: Novak Education What is UDL? Infographic 30 Universally Designed Lesson Plans for Online Teachers The Science Behind UDL

Jonathan brands himself as an Educational Technology Specialist. He is not working toward “best practices,” but rather “next practices.” He believes that innovation and creativity is where we are supposed to live as educators and that the phrase that will kill a career is, “but I have always done it this way.”   In today's episode, Jonathan talks to us about Project Based Learning. He examines the generational differences in technology that kids are dealing with today, talks about how we can work with students to understand their motivations, and how to use tech in the classroom effectively.  Timestamps 2:35 Who is iGen? And what do we do to adapt online education to their educational needs? 3:52 The good things about Millennials - and the consequences  5:16 Different generational attitudes about technology 8:47 Education about digital privacy 9:40 How Computer Science aligns with privacy, morals, and ethics 10:19 Technology laws are often archaic 11:59 Talking to kids about privacy 13:41 How socialization has changed with social media 18:06 Online learning has been a major pivot for a lot of people, and we've learned a lot about it in the past few years 19:02 Elementary teachers do PBL so well!  21:45 Problem based learning 24:27 How are we connecting with students? 25:13 What do students care about? 28:28 Laying out expectations 28:44 How do you do this with tech? 29:49 Bringing in experts 31:52 One of the great powers of online education 32:36 Why does this matter (to me)? 38:00 If Jonathan could give one thing to every teacher in the U.S., what would it be?   Resources Twitter @jonredeker Gmail jredeker@gmail.com Website sites.google.com/view/jonathanredeker

Colin Seale was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where struggles in his upbringing gave birth to his passion for educational equity. Tracked early into gifted and talented programs, Colin was afforded opportunities his neighborhood peers were not. Using lessons from his experience as a math teacher, later as an attorney, and now as a keynote speaker, contributor to Forbes, The 74, Edutopia and Education Post and author of Thinking Like a Lawyer: A Framework for Teaching Critical Thinking to All Students (Prufrock Press, 2020) and Tangible Equity: A Guide for Leveraging Student Identity, Culture, and Power to Unlock Excellence In and Beyond the Classroom (Routledge, 2022), Colin founded thinkLaw (www.thinklaw.us), a multi-award-winning organization to help educators leverage inquiry-based instructional strategies to close the critical thinking gap and ensure they teach and reach all students, regardless of race, zip code or what side of the poverty line they are born into. When he's not serving as the world's most fervent critical thinking advocate or tweeting from @ColinESeale, Colin proudly serves as the world's greatest entertainer to his two young children.   In today's episode, Colin teaches us to unlock brilliance in our students and move beyond compliance to build psychological safety in our online classes and engage all students with critical thinking. Timestamps 2:27 What's the unique draw to Tangible Equity?  6:38 Asking, ‘What is the significance?' 7:52 Bringing kid's backgrounds into their learning 10:11 Kids need to be not just problem solvers, but problem finders 12:40 Is the “Why” different for different students? 14:20 Unpacking the hidden curriculum 16:47 How you as a teacher can make a tangible difference 18:41 Our kids need direct engagement with each other to learn how to be better 23:02 How did Think Law come to be? 24:42 What Think Law does right now 29:03 Learning how to learn 32:50 Do our kids have the psychological safety to be brilliant? 36:26 The importance of teacher confidence 38:26 What would Colin give to every teacher in the U.S.? Resources @ThinklawUS  @ColinESeale

Show Notes Dr. Luke Hobson is the Senior Instructional Designer and Program Manager at MIT, the author of the book What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Instructional Designer, the founder of Instructional Design Institute, and the host of the Dr. Luke Hobson Podcast and YouTube Channel.   In today's episode, Luke tells us all about instructional design, and how you can get started in your classroom.  Timestamps 2:46 What does an instructional designer do? 3:42 How did Dr. Luke get involved in instructional design? 6:52 Luke did NOT love school as a kid!  8:48 The importance of getting to know your students 11:19 Telling younger students about instructional design 13:15 EVERYONE needs an instructional designer!  16:41 How does a teacher start the process of improving their instructional design? 18:03 Incorporating student voice 19:02 Beta testing your courses before they go live 22:27 Course mapping using your data 27:52 Using qualitative AND quantitative data 31:48 So many more people know what instructional design is now!  34:19 Trying to avoid using jargon 35:14 Actually, maybe jargon can be inclusive SOMETIMES 37:10 What would Luke give to every teacher in the U.S.? Resources https://drlukehobson.com/

Show Notes Jay McTighe has a wealth of experience and knowledge developed during a rich and varied career in education. He is an accomplished author having co-authored 17 books, including the award-winning and best-selling Understanding by Design series with the late Grant Wiggins. His books have been translated into 12 languages. Jay has also written more than 50 articles and book chapters and been published in leading journals, including educational leadership and Education Week. He has an extensive background and professional development, and is a regular speaker at national, state and district conferences and workshops. He has conducted workshops in 47 states within the US and seven Canadian provinces, and internationally to educators in 35 countries on six continents.   In today's episode, Jay explains Understanding by Design, and how you can implement it in your classroom. He tells us how UbD can lead to deeper understanding and learning and talks about assessment in the UbD framework.  Timestamps 3:58 What is Understanding by Design? 4:53 A modern education should do more than equip students to repeat back information they've learned 5:32 Teaching does not ensure learning 6:22 The three stages of backward design 7:17 Stage one: Identifying transfer goals 8:06 Stage two: What would students need to be able to transfer? 8:25 Stage three: Identifying the more specific and discrete knowledge and skill objectives 8:55 Understanding by Design in a nutshell 10:07 Teachers can answer Ryan Bowens' question 11:40 Some areas of curriculum are naturally taught with UbD 12:04 What do those areas have in common?  12:48 UbD is also common with extracurricular activities 12:59 What makes learning meaningful 13:25 An athletics analogy 14:28 Teaching isn't just about marching through grade level standards 17:25 Is there still wiggle room in the day to day operations of our classes? 17:55 Essential Questions 18:48 Some examples of essential questions 19:48 Assessments we use should be directly linked to the goals we've identified in stage one 20:35 There may not be much differentiation with WHAT we want students to know, but there can be in HOW they demonstrate their understanding 20:54 An example about declarative knowledge 23:37 The bookends of goals and success criteria 24:37 An example about with the goal of argumentation 28:19 Where to start with backward design? 31: 55 Some advice for teachers new to UbD 35:14 Find a partner or a team to plan with!  36:42 What would Jay give to every teacher in the U.S. and why? Resources Jaymctighe.com Twitter - @jaymctighe Understanding by Design by Ryan S. Bowen Grant Wiggins' YouTube Video UbD White Paper from ASCD Tomlinson, C., & McTighe, J. (2006). Integrating differentiated instruction and Understanding by Design: Connecting content and kids. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Guest Bio -  My guest today is Cassie Pierce. This is her eighth year teaching. She has experience teaching both upper and lower elementary in very different school settings (private, public, charter etc.) with an equal amount of time both in-person and online. She went back to school to become a teacher while working full time at a not-for-profit hospice where she worked for six years. Cassie volunteered after work for a children's bereavement support group and this experience coupled with her time in classrooms, inspired her to pursue an education degree. Cassie is also an instructional coach for online teachers.    Summary -  In our Greatest Hits episode, Cassie and Natalie talk about all things class culture and relationship building. You're going to feel like you've just received a big hug by the end of this one!   Timestamps -  We are a team! [2:48] How the doctor's office is like school [5:20] The words we use make a difference [7:17] Defining and building a positive class culture [10:20] Offering multiple supply options [16:05] Building culturally responsive curriculum [19:57] Growth and process over product and answers [24:34] Cassie's favorite teacher [28:40]   Resources -  Class Jobs Freebie! Disability Visibility by Alice Wong

Valerie Sousa is a Kindergarten Teacher from Western Massachusetts. She has been teaching for 12 years and loves to incorporate new and innovative ideas into her classroom. She is the author of the book “Coding to Kindness” through EduMatch Publishing. This book was inspired by her students and her journey as she began coding in the classroom.   In today's episode, Valerie teaches us that teaching students to code young can also help them build community and SEL skills. She shows us how to start kids off with the “building blocks” of coding, and explains how teaching the logic of coding early can help with foundational skills.    Time Stamps 1:59 How Valerie's coding and kinder journey began 4:35 Basic building blocks for coding 6:57 Coding is a collaborative task!  8:50 Benefits of learning to code young 10:01 The SEL side of coding 10:28 What makes a community?  13:44 How do SEL and coding come together in the classroom?  14:30 What inspired Valerie to write Coding for Kindness 14:50 Teaching kids to be part of a community 16:13 Women in STEM!  17:37 An interactive book 20:46 Guided questions and background history!  22:07 What thing would Valerie give to every teacher in the U.S.? 23:22 Remembering the things that you've done over the year    Resources Valerie's Website Brian Aspinall Robot mouse activity set Botley the coding robot

Guest Bios -  All of Season Two's guests are featured today! It's an all-star crew!   Episode Summary -  All of our guests and the crew at AOE answer the same question - Who was your favorite teacher as a kid and why?    Timestamps -  Katie Novak [1:21] John Warner [6:35] Allison Galvin [8:54] Tom Schimmer [10:11] Ken Williams [12:27] Amanda VanBuren [14:46] Rachael George [17:00] Nefertiti Dukes [19:17] Tim Batiuk [20:25] Chase Orton [22:41] Cassie Pierce [24:15] Matt Rhoads [28:11] Maddy Dahl [29:29] Rachel McBroom [31:36] Thomas Cooper [32:48] Chris Smith [33:35] Chris Voelker [34:33] Shawn Bundy [36:54] Megan Mills [40:36] Katie Schweitzer [42:56] Andrew Senkowski [44:59] Nick Wolf [47:17] Joe Dale [50:32] Jodi Miller [53:10] Fonz Mendoza [53:38] Ashley White [55:05] Matt Duran [55:50] Lexie Boren [56:48] Natalie Farrell [58:14] Natalie Conway [1:00:15]   Resources -  SYS Website

Guest Bio - Joe Dale was a teacher for 13 years and is now an independent languages consultant. He's from the UK and works with a range of organizations such as the BBC, Skype, Microsoft, The Guardian and many more. He has spoken at conferences and run training courses around the world!   Episode Summary -  Today Natalie and Joe talk about how technology can help students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for modern foreign languages and cultures.    Timestamps -  What Joe and Natalie have in common [2:11] Free webinars?! Yes please! [4:01] Benefits of Google Arts and Culture in virtual classrooms [6:53] Importance of primary sources [7:38] What's the future of augmented reality (AR)? [9:14] How Google Earth can help with language learning [14:30] Traveling around the world with Window Swap and more [16:32] Natalie's high school language teachers took two different approaches [20:01] Yes/and not either/or when it comes to language and culture [21:14] Technology as a means to promote independent learning [26:10] How Joe's approach to Clinical Sessions inform our work with students [28:13] The need for algorithms and apps to be paired with a human element [30:32] Will technology replace teachers? [34:42] Who was Joe's favorite teacher as a child? [36:42]   Episode Resources -  Find Joe Dale Twitter @joedale YouTube  LinkedIn FREEBIE!!! Online Tools for Language Learning Virtual Field Trip Websites  Google Earth Window Swap Drive N Listen City Walks Virtual Vacation ThingLink Expeditions Other Resources TiLT Webinars (free) Learning For Justice Facing History Quizlet EdPuzzle Google Arts and Culture FlipGrid AR EdTech Review Sept 2021 Article Book Creator GifCap Developer MOTE Vocaroo

Guest Bios -  Nefertiti Dukes leads the Professional Development team at Screencastify where they focus on what video makes possible for classroom educators, not what Screencastify makes possible. Before joining the Screencastify squad, Nef taught middle school and high school Humanities. And, she has worked with learners of all ages on speech and debate.   Alfonso Mendoza serves as an Instructional Technologist and has received his Masters in Educational Technology, E-Learning Certification, Technology Leadership Certification and Technology Director Certificate. He is currently working on his doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. Alfonso is a Google Innovator and was named 1 of the Top 50 EdTech Influencers on Augmented Reality in K-12 Worth a Follow in 2021.    Jodi Miller is a former high school biology teacher and current PhD student at The Johns Hopkins University School of Education. She also created WellCheq, an online platform that allows students and teachers to log their feelings each day.    Summary -  Today my guests wrestle with four scenarios that students and teachers often encounter in online learning, from struggles with engagement to community building and checking our assumptions in order to better serve our students.    Timestamps -  Scenario One: Engagement [3:36] Jodi asks, “What's going on?” [4:12] Fonz shares the importance of connection before content [5:42] Nef considers connection in another sense [7:14] Scenario Two: Seeing Students' Thinking [9:05] Kids as customers in our class [10:07] The obvious answer [12:20] Consider getting an inventory of preferences [13:29] Scenario Three: Flipped Class Model (FCM) [17:14] What TikTok teaches us about video instruction [18:08] Timestamps aren't just for podcasts [19:57] Flipping the FCM script on students [21:27] Do kids have to watch the entire video? [23:42] Treating students as customers choosing our classrooms [26:00] Scenario Four: Class Community [27:21] Fonz keeps it simple [28:23] Nef zeroes in on community norms [30:35] Jodi includes empathy in the conversation [32:12]   Resources -  Connect with Nef Dukes @NiftyNef Connect with Fonz Mendoza @MyEdTechLife and @MyEdTech.Life Connect with Jodi Miller @Jodes39 and @CheqWell WellCheq Website MyEdTechLife Website Screencastify Website EdTech Heros Podcast

Guest Bios -  Andrew Senkowski is a former Math educator who has worked in both brick & mortar and online schools over the past decade. He currently lives and works from Pennsylvania as a Content Editor Manager for a national curriculum company, but stays connected to online teaching as an Instructional Coach for SYS.   Nick Wolf spent his career working in all aspects of K-12 education, both nonprofit and for-profit, from the local to national levels. Nick started out his career at the KIPP Foundation before moving on to work at Alma, an upstart student information system, and now serves as the Technology Systems Coordinator at SYS Education.   Episode Summary -  Today Andrew and Nick teach us that there's a lot that must be pre-planned and intentionally designed in the background for an online school or program to function really well for students and families. These two help us understand that it's okay to use fewer apps and use them really well, and that we should treat ourselves like a best friend and be kind to ourselves as we learn and take risks in the online world.    Timestamps -  Learning about Andrew's birding life [3:23] Nick is an indoor kid [4:48] Andrew's take on the unseen work of an online educator [6:29] Balancing synchronous and asynchronous instruction [8:05] The tech side of a school is all about preparation [11:10] What is equity of access? [12:10] Eliminating user friction [13:00] It always comes back to universal design for learning [16:00] The walled garden of student safety [16:33] What all the successful schools start with [17:56] The most important factor in any online program [18:38] Start with ideas, not tech [21:21] Steady, responsive and flexible leadership [24:44] What Andrew learned from working in an online school in PA [26:13] Nick's advice for first-year online teachers [31:16] Nick quotes Shakira [32:29] Andrew's advice to treat ourselves like a friend [34:27] Concerning student accountability [37:06] Andrew's favorite teacher growing up [39:53] Nick's favorite teachers growing up [42:45] Resources -  SYS Education Website The Big Year Movie Whiteboard.fi Desmos MyEdTechLife Podcast SYS FREEBIE! Open Educational Resources (OERs) for MS/HS and K-5 Dr. Katie Novak's Website Chase Orton's AOE Episode Contact Nick Wolf on Twitter @NickCWolf and nwolf@syseducation.org Contact Andrew Senkowski at asenkowski@syseducation.org

Guest Bios -  Megan Mills has 14 years experience teaching in the areas of special education, general ed and talented/gifted students. She's done this work in both brick and mortar and virtual settings. She is currently in her 4th year as a special education teacher at Frontier Charter Academy.    Dr. Katie Schweitzer has worked in public education for the last 18 years both in brick and mortar and online. She is a principal and district level administrator for student services and teaching and learning, and holds a doctorate in educational leadership.    Summary -  In this episode we learn that it's essential to imagine what online education could be, and work to make that a reality for students. We learn that connecting with families and students is essential to success and that the beauty of online education lies in the fact that accommodations are available to everyone, all the time.    Timestamps -  What keeps both Katie and Megan going back to school themselves? [3:04] What led Megan to online teaching? [4:53] We had no idea… [5:42] How did Katie find online education? [6:55] Asking ‘what could it be?' [8:36] Megan's Take: teaching challenges and rewards [11:10] Katie's Take: admin challenges and rewards [14:14] Who can online schools support? [17:31] The greatest struggle we face [19:56] Accommodations are a snap! [21:10] Families are looking for answers [22:07] The importance of listening to families [22:51] Normalizing virtual learning and therapies [27:57] The silver lining to remote learning [29:02] Recognition of the good in online charters [30:24] New Mindset - we don't accept limitations [31:46] Megan's favorite teacher [33:23] Katie's favorite teacher [35:44]   Resources - Accommodations FREEBIE!!! FCA Website Guest Emails Megan Mills mmills@frontiercharteracademy.org Dr. Katie Schweitzer kschweitzer@frontiercharteracademy.org

Guest Bio -  Shawn Bundy has been teaching science and coaching high school soccer and chess for nearly 20 years. Shawn has spent the last ten years teaching high school science at Oregon Charter Academy and coaching girls soccer at a variety of Portland area high schools. He enjoys helping young adults to experiment in the classroom and on the field and believes that the best way for students to learn is when they feel safe enough to make their own decisions and mistakes.   Episode Summary -  In today's episode, Shawn teaches us that teachers are coaches and that in an online environment, we can reach a variety of students in a variety of ways if we're open to being creative, engaging in collaborative work with our peers, and if we take student-feedback with open minds. Below you'll find a resource for Shawn that will help you with your own project planning for students.    Timestamps -  How did Shawn come into the field of education? [1:56] What keeps Shawn coming back to the online classroom? [4:32]  According to Shawn, the biggest part about teaching is… [6:02] How does Shawn meet the wide variety of student needs in his classes? [7:51] The power of choice and connection in PBL [9:33] The ease and challenge of differentiation [12:17] Shawn's tech recommendations for online educators [14:15] The importance of student feedback [16:51] The morph in role from when Shawn started teaching online and today [18:04] The hidden benefit of online teaching is something every teacher always wants [20:57] Permission to wear pajamas?! [21:55] Who was Shawn's favorite teacher/coach growing up? [23:13] Teaching is leading… [26:54]   Resources -  Oregon Charter Academy Shawn's Semester Project Choices FREEBIE

Guest Bio -  Christine Voelker is the K-12 Program Director for Quality Matters, a global non-profit dedicated to quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments.  QM provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations grounded in research and driven by best practices.     Summary -  Today Chris is going to teach us about what QM does and how their work supports the national standards for quality online education.  Timestamps -  Career transitions over the years and seeking greater impact [2:44] What are the National Standards for Quality Online Learning? [6:55] What do the standards for teaching cover? [10:56] What do the program standards cover? [11:15] What do the course standards cover? [11:53] Similarities with the Danielson Framework [12:39] What is the Learning Portal? [13:40] QM's mission statement [16:46] Three-pronged approach to quality assurance [16:57] What's the course review process? [18:46] What is Rigorous Professional Development? [19:39] Quality Matters reviews are for you to see [21:23] How does the work of QM complement the work of the Standards? [23:32] What's “QM Lite”? [24:50] Becoming certified! [25:34] Who was Chris' favorite teacher as a kid? [27:28]   Resources -  National Standards for Quality Online Learning Quality Matters Bridge to Quality Course Design Guide Digital Learning Collab Virtual Learning Alliance Twitter: @nsqol; @k12qm; @qmprogram; @vllaonline; @theDLCedu; @voelkerc

Beau Neal is an educator, an administrator, and an entrepreneur seeking to improve the state of education not just in his home state of Oregon, but across the country. In the last four years he has co-founded a revolutionary online charter school, Frontier Charter Academy, and a first-of-its-kind educational consulting company, SYS Education. Beau is an advocate for online education and a believer in giving power to teachers. Beau joins Natalie to discuss all our previous guests' thoughts on formative and summative assessments. We learn to go beyond a grade and find worth in backward design and student-centered projects. Timestamps: Tim Batiuk's ideas about student engagement and reflection [1:38] Maddy Dahl's backward design focus [2:51] Ashley White's ideas for chunking assessments [4:08] Katie Schweitzer's functional lens [5:37] Our educators' views are legit [8:19] Beau and Natalie talk reflection in the grading process [9:09]  Benefits of feedback loops [11:10] Why am I learning this? [11:40] Real world application as the goal [12:35] Thinking in terms of function [13:05] Assume kids will Google info and ask them to do something with it [13:22] Why am I giving this assessment? [14:45] Don't forget your teacher prep learning [15:15] Tiny home designs as assessments? [15:40] Can we be more intentional? [16:27]   Resource Links: Tiny House Project - Grade 5 Math

Guest Bios -  Dr. Rachel McBroom is the Chief Academic Officer at NC Virtual. Dr. Thomas Cooper III is the Instructional Director at NC Virtual. Dr. Chris Smith serves as the Instructional Director at NC Virtual. These three leaders are bringing high quality online courses to students across the state of North Carolina.    Summary -  Today we will learn that virtual education can achieve its promise of providing high quality courses and instruction across socio-economic and geographic divides. Will will come to understand that teachers have the skills to create high quality curriculum themselves and that with proactive thinking and community support, a whole state can provide high quality online education to all its students.    Timestamps -  Remote teamwork tools [3:22] NC Virtual - the origin story [5:26] Who is creating the curriculum? [8:28] Deaf and blind students access online learning too [11:33] How the fully asynchronous model works for NCVirtual [12:40] Grades and placement, who ultimately decides? [15:26] The need for flexibility in timing of course completion [16:19] Serving students with learning exceptionalities [17:44] Filing the gaps statewide and providing career awareness [21:49] What is Iwork? [23:32] Rachel's favorite teacher [27:32] Thomas' favorite teacher [28:45] Chris' favorite teacher [29:32]   Resources -  Quality Matter Website NC Virtual Website

Guest Bio Maddy Dahl has been teaching online for 8 years. During her tenure, she has taught a wide range of classes from basic high school writing and grammar to AP English courses. When she isn't teaching, you can usually find her playing board games or exploring Oregon.    Episode Summary Maddy teaches us about how to create an online AP course for students, how to help students earn college credits while in high school, and provides invaluable advice to teachers just getting started on their AP journey.    Timestamps Maddy's exciting news! [2:13] How do you create high school AP courses online? [3:50] How the FCM works in an online AP class [6:40] A focus on collaboration asynchronously and synchronously [8:53] Supporting students' organization, practice, and executive functioning [9:30] All about formative assessments [11:50] Collaborate and listen [13:21] Partnering with community colleges [16:56] AP and college credit courses are rigorous but different [20:25] Maddy's advice for creating your own online AP course [22:00] Maddy's favorite teacher when she was in high school [26:29]   Resources Find Maddy Dahl at mdahl@syseducation.org How-To AP Guide FREEBIE College Credit Now (Oregon) Frontier Charter Academy College Board AP Central FCM Episode (S2 EP16)

Guest Bio My guest today is Tim Batiuk. He's been an online teacher and currently is chief technology officer at SYS Education LLC. Tim is one of us. He has taught at the elementary level online and currently works to support and drive teachers forward in their use of technology to meet the needs of all students. He's passionate about UDL and is always willing to help educators implement the framework.    Episode Summary In this episode we take a deep dive into UDL - universal design for learning. This isn't a gimmick or “thing of the moment” but a way of thinking about Engagement, Representation and Expression. It's a framework for thinking and planning that requires us to look through a lens larger than our own personal lived experiences, preferences or needs. This is maybe the most important episode of the season. There's so much to learn!   Timestamps: Why is Tim so passionate about UDL? [02:38] Accessibility is great! [3:48] Who is speech to text for? [4:20] How does UDL and ADA connect? [5:00] Tim's thoughts on pre planned accessibility [5:32] Why is UDL important and relevant? [7:00] How UDL breaks down barriers and helps create equity [7:26] How does UDL look to students? [9:11] UDL is difficult but we do the work [10:15] How does a teacher incorporate UDL in their planning? [11:15] What is a question bucket? [14:18] Tim's tips for visual presentation [17:40] What about students who need more processing time? [20:57] What's the best way to provide a hyperlink? [22:10] The importance of a teacher's voice [24:35] What does expression mean in terms of UDL? [28:20] Reflecting as a means of doing better next time [30:30] Tim's call to action! [31:40]   Resource Links: CAST's UDL Guidelines CAST's plan to update the guidelines Tim's Question Basket Discussion Example

Guest Bio Dr. Matt Rhoads is an innovator and expert in integrating EdTech and research-based instructional strategies to amplify student learning. He currently is an instructional leader and EdTech integrationist for a consortium of Adult Schools. He spent his prior years like me, in Special Education in K-12. He has also worked as a technology coach. Matt is also a lecturer of Education Technology, K-12 teacher candidate supervisor, author, podcaster, and educational consultant.    Summary Dr. Rhoads is everywhere in education and has collaborated with many brilliant educators. Today, we talk about his new book, Navigating the Toggled Term, and the future of online education.   Timestamps Teaching adults vs teaching children [2:44] What Matt learned from Navigating the Toggled Term [5:23] What are successful schools doing differently? [8:13] What is the coherence framework? [8:40] The power of teachers leading other teachers [10:30] Should districts continue to have an online option? [12:09] Intentional online design vs emulating in-person learning virtually [14:19] How do we prioritize activities for synchronous vs asynchronous times? [17:56] Changing our perceptions and use of assessment tools [21:17] Technology isn't the driver of online learning [25:29] Digital Promises, Learner Variability Tool [26:36] Who was Matt's favorite teacher? [27:45] Resources Matt's Website Navigating the Toggled Term Book Digital Promises: Learning Variability Project

Guest Bio -  My guest today is Cassie Pierce. This is her eighth year teaching. She has experience teaching both upper and lower elementary in very different school settings (private, public, charter etc.) with an equal amount of time both in-person and online. She went back to school to become a teacher while working full time at a not-for-profit hospice where she worked for six years. Cassie volunteered after work for a children's bereavement support group and this experience coupled with her time in classrooms, inspired her to pursue an education degree. Cassie is also an instructional coach for online teachers.    Summary -  Today Cassie and Natalie talk about all things class culture and relationship building. You're going to feel like you've just received a big hug by the end of this one!   Timestamps -  We are a team! [2:48] How the doctor's office is like school [5:20] The words we use make a difference [7:17] Defining and building a positive class culture [10:20] Offering multiple supply options [16:05] Building culturally responsive curriculum [19:57] Growth and process over product and answers [24:34] Cassie's favorite teacher [28:40]   Resources -  Class Jobs Freebie! Disability Visibility by Alice Wong

Dr. Katie Schweitzer is an administrator and truth teller. She knows special education inside and out and is a true servant leader in her school. As Special Programs Director and Elementary Principal at Frontier Charter Academy, Katie steers a small but mighty special education program that is showing other online schools how to work collaboratively and positively with students and families who have unique needs.  This episode is a resource for any online educator looking for ways to effectively reach students with special needs, from technology to building trust, we'll explore what it means to truly engage an IEP team in creating meaningful educational opportunities for students that will benefit them in school and in life.  Timestamps  What accommodations easily translate from brick and mortar to online? [02:07] Katie's advice to teams looking to create accessibility. [03:50] What advantages do students enjoy due to being online? [04:28] Katie's ideas about hours students spend online. [06:27] Why you need to know your school's framework and philosophy. [08:07] The importance of clearly communicating advantages and disadvantages. [09:42] What role do families play in supporting students? [13:48] How does Katie's staff communicate with families? [17:20] Considering how families assist in progress monitoring. [19:02] Is online school more flexible for faculty and students' schedules? [21:11] What can teachers do right now to assist students with special needs? [24:18] Katie's suggestions about use of “real life” accommodations. [26:28] How do we honor the need for student engagement and connection? [27:52] Why should general and special education teachers co-teach or co-plan? [30:51] Selected Links from the Episode Family Communication: Template for a Family Tech Survey https://rb.gy/ulng7s Sound Practices for Holding IEP Meetings Online  https://rb.gy/fys6v5 This episode was originally aired on 2020-10-22

Guest Bio -  Chase Orton spent 12 years teaching both in private residential and public schools. He has been a basketball coach, outdoor educator, wilderness instructor and taught classes like Math, The Physics of Mountain Biking, and many more. He has over ten years' experience as an independent consultant and is passionate about making classrooms more fulfilling for both students and teachers. He believes in investing in a teacher-centered, teacher-driven style of PD and has recently authored a new book entitled The Imperfect and Unfinished Teacher of Mathematics: A Journey to Reclaim Our Professional Growth which will come out February 2022.   Episode Summary -  Today Chase and Natalie talk about math stories and how we can make more equitable and successful math classrooms.    Timestamps -  Stranded at the Staples Center - 2:33 Healing cultural relationships with math - 7:20 The goal of an unfinished math story - 9:08 Chase's practical advice for equity and success - 12:12 Considering math stories - 15:50 Accountability for math stories - 17:18 Math teachers are capable of supporting one another in PD - 24:14 Un-grading and student self-assessment - 28:05 Building a common vision of equity in math class - 34:25 Identity and agency as primary drivers - 38:37 Calibrating our measures to our values - 41:06 Seeing class from students' perspective - 41:49 Benefits of the apprenticeship model - 43:01 Equity isn't a checklist - 43:44 Chase throws a curveball for the favorite teacher question - 47:10   Resources -  Chase's Undercover Calculus Website  Peter Liljedahl's Website and Book Building Thinking Classrooms Freebie - 4 Strategies for Nourishing Math Stories in Your Classroom

Guest Bio - Tim Batiuk has worked in virtual education for over seven years. He previously worked in self-publishing and screen printing. Currently, Tim is spending work time on agile project management and migrating services to cloud computing, and his free time is spent fixing up a new house and cooking plant-based foods!   Episode Summary - Today we learn how products like AdminDash can help us write a positive school story for our students and help us create deeper relationships with them as well.    Timestamps -  What Tim misses about the classroom [2:25] How Classrooms and Tech Support are the same [3:40] What is Tim curious about today? [6:26] What problems does AdminDash help solve? [8:00] Beautiful data is better data [10:50] Filling in gaps in the Canvas LMS [12:22] Tim's short list for how to build relationships with students online [17:49] Cool advancements in ed tech [23:23] Tim and Natalie are wicked cool [29:24] Who was Tim's favorite teacher growing up? [30:03]   Resources -  AdminDash

Ashley White is a talented educator and leader. She has worked as a brick and mortar teacher and online teacher during her 14 year career thus far. She holds her reading endorsement in Oregon and currently teaches high school English. She's also an instructional coach dedicated to equitable education. Episode Summary - In this encore episode from season one we learn how the flipped classroom model (FCM) works and why it benefits our students. My guest, Ashley White, will give us practical guidance on how to flip our classes to increase equity and engagement for all our students. She'll teach us how to create a weekly starter video (WSV) and how to engage students actively and collaboratively in live class sessions. She'll make a great case for the flipped class model being a sound practice, and not a fad or educational jargon. It's a way to make our classes more meaningful, interactive and fun!   Timestamps Flipped classroom model defined [3:28] What is a weekly starter video and what is its purpose? [3:54] What are the best weekly starter videos? [5:43] What's next after the WSV? [7:37] The benefits for elementary students and differentiation [9:35] How Ashley flipped her HS English class [10:42] Translating the FCM to the “I do, we do, you do” model [14:19] Ashley proves FCM is not a fad [16:02] Leveraging the WSV to get engagement in live sessions  [17:54] Ashley's own children's experience with FCM online [19:44] Challenges are real - how to face them [22:46] How to make live class equitable for students who are behind [23:40] Ashley's real world example of skill-based practice over content-based [25:10] The freedom that comes with the FCM [27:26] Students taking ownership of “your” class [30:52]   Resources Flipping the Classroom What is Flipped Learning?  SYS One Pager

Nefertiti Dukes leads the Professional Development team at Screencastify where they focus on what video makes possible for classroom educators, not what Screencastify makes possible. Before joining the Screencastify squad, Nef taught middle school and high school Humanities. And, she has worked with learners of all ages on speech and debate. Today Nef and Natalie talk about how video can democratize education, empower students to take control of their learning, lead to more universally designed classes, and much more! Timestamps The educator's desire to have a greater impact [2:08] What is Screencastify? [3:40] Why is Nef so excited about Screencastify? [4:18] Bridging original content creation and pre-published videos [7:12] Using video to make your classroom more equitable and accessible [10:03] UDL and access [11:40] What UHaul has to do with video instruction [12:51] The Modern Classrooms Project partnership [15:28] Tying screencasting and assessing together [17:26] Two questions to ask when we're working with video instruction [17:58] What Nef more recently realized about assessment [19:33] Hidden assessments [21:00] How can on demand video get parents more easily involved? [24:54] When time-bound communication doesn't work [25:53] Why we don't get 100% attendance at back-to-school events [27:34] What it means to democratize education [28:44] Nef's favorite teacher and personal friend [30:33]   Resources Screencastify TechLearning Screencastify Guide Article 

Rachael George is the Director of Student Services and Elementary Programs in the Oregon Trail School District.  She is a practicing educational leader, author, speaker, adjunct professor, and advocate for education. She currently serves as the NAESP State Representative for Oregon, is an NAESP Fellow, and is the COSA President Elect. Rachael is an all around girl boss! She has a new book coming out this winter called She Leads: The Woman's Guide to a Career in Educational Leadership.  Natalie and Rachael discuss being a woman in leadership in schools, the effects of Covid, online learning, and of course a teacher who helped change Rachel's life.    Timestamps -  Rachael's win of the moment [2:37] A little about Rachael's new book [4:30] Firefighter or teacher? [5:13] The perfectionist trap [7:05] Rachael tells women to go for it [8:15] The importance of mentors [9:45] Rachael says thanks to online educators [12:06] Collaboration over competition in education [14:15] How can brick and mortar schools meet the needs of online learners? [17:49] Rethinking relationships and connections [19:42] Benefits of being a #girlboss [21:54] One size doesn't fit all [23:13] Natalie's hope for the future of online teaching [23:53] The teacher who changed the trajectory for Rachael [24:50]   Resources -  Rachael's co-authored NASSP Article  Rachel's Website

Amanda VanBuren has been a high school art educator for nearly 20 years. She spent her first 13 years teaching at two large inner city public high schools in Southern California and the last 6 years in online education here in Oregon. She has taught a range of art courses including Art 1, Painting, Digital Art, Photography, Ceramics, and Illustration. She loves helping students push outside of their comfort zones, open their minds, and gain confidence through creative risk taking, experimentation and a “what if?!” mindset. Amanda and Natalie talk about what art education is, how awesome it can be in an online context, and leave you inspired to do something creative to feed your soul today.    Timestamps -  Amanda's favorite art to create [2:27] The Artist's Way [5:25] The question everyone asks Amanda [7:13] What does a Foundations of Art class look like online? [8:40] Natalie learns the elements of art [9:23] A week in the life of an online art student [10:00] How Amanda allows her students to have voice and choice [12:15] What's a Creative Cooldown? [14:57] Advantages of learning art online [16:03] Drawbacks of learning and teaching art online [17:35] Remedies to the drawbacks [19:00] The art of feedback [20:24] Why is art education important? [24:37] Amanda's reminder to us to be present and slow down [27:33] Blind contour drawing as a way to learn to focus [29:21] Amanda's favorite lesson right now [30:32] Art with mud? [32:48] Amanda's favorite teacher growing up [35:49] How to get in touch with Amanda [38:39]   Resources -  Contact Amanda at avanburen@frontiercharteracademy.org Amanda's 1 Project 5 Ways Resources The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Phil Hansen's Embrace the Shake Ted Talk John Spencer's Website and This Could Fail Video

Guest Bio -  Kenneth C. Williams shares his experience and expertise as a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, coach, and consultant in leadership and education. He is the Chief Visionary Officer of Unfold the Soul, Inc., an organization dedicated to helping schools  live  their posters. Skilled in joining the why of the work to the how of the work, Ken is known for his powerful  and engaging combinations of “heart, humor, and hammer.” He is an expert  at helping schools build capacity in the collective commitments required of learning for all cultures. Ken is a distinguished teacher, mentor, public speaker, school leader and the author of two books. His latest best- seller, co-authored by Tom Hierck, is Starting a Movement: Building Culture from the Inside Out in Professional Learning Communities.   Summary -  In this episode Ken and Natalie talk about the importance of belonging and inclusion for real change to take place in a school and for students to truly feel welcomed and valued. They discuss how labels can be helpful and how they can be excuses for shortcomings. You'll learn how to think differently about the students before you this year and your obligation as an artist of education.    Timestamps -  What fuels Ken's passion? [2:21] Why Unfold the Soul? [3:12] Top-down and bottom-up moves to change a school [5:55] The spiritual side of equity and school change [6:52] Culture is always fluid [8:13] If belongingness is about achievement then…? [9:20] Doing the hard work, especially online [10:04] Learning for all and learning outcomes [15:07] Getting away from labels defining students [16:17] The one thing only the principal can do [19:48] What's Loose and What's Tight? [21:35] Setting teachers up to do the right work [23:50] Excuses and context [26:39] Labels are fine until they change our expectations [28:48] Are you a Thermometer or Thermostat? [30:23] Who was Ken's favorite teacher? [35:48]   Resources -  Ken's Unfold The Soul Website Natalie's Medium Article on Labels This week's Freebie Rick DeFour Article In Praise of Top-Down Leadership    Books Mentioned in this Episode Learning by Doing 

Tom Schimmer is an independent education author, speaker, and consultant from Vancouver, BC. For the first 20 years of his career he was a classroom teacher, school administrator, and district level leader. For the past 10 years, Tom has worked as an internationally recognized leader and expert in the areas of assessment, grading, RTI, and educational leadership. He is the author & co-author of six books and is the host of his own podcast aptly called The Tom Schimmer Podcast.   In this episode Tom Schimmer gives us the rundown on how to be reliable assessors of our students' skills. He gives us tools for thinking about standards and achievement and opens our eyes to the vast benefits of using rubrics and four-point scales. You'll be a better assessor by the end of this episode!   Timestamps -  Who is Tom Schimmer? [2:08] Curriculum and Standards [4:28] What should a report card represent? [6:14] Setting teachers up for grading success [7:40] Tom's guidelines for determining students' achievement towards learning goals  [9:43] Questions to ask ourselves during the summative moment [11:44] Standards don't mean standardization [18:39] The desirable goal of public education standards [21:43] Tom respects the work of online educators [24:23] Homework and accountability [26:25] Tom's mantra for us all [27:39] How CPS relates to punitive grading [30:30] Who was Tom Schimmer's favorite teacher as a kid? [33:36]   Resources -  A Guide to Summative Moments Tom's Recent Books Tom Schimmer Podcast Tom's Solution Tree Site Collaborative Problem Solving - Dr. Ross Greene

Guest Bio  My guest today is Allison Galvin, executive director for Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA), a statewide online charter school in Oregon. She has been in education since 2002. She began her work in schools as a math teacher and then an instructional coach in the Salem-Keizer School District, before transitioning to the role of school administrator with ORCA. She resides in Salem, OR with her husband and daughter.    Episode Summary  Allison Galvin walks us through how leaders continually focus forward, strive for excellence, and seek growth within their schools. She explains how she led her school through a tremendous transformation with the end result being better service to students and empowering teachers to reach new heights as well.    Timestamps What do you want to be when you grow up? [2:30] The role of executive director [4:04] Striving to grow as a school to meet students' needs [5:27] Changing management companies after 15 years [7:16] Change management especially in trying times [11:26] Better together [12:57] Allison's advice for successful school change [13:42] What does Allison love about her school now? [17:18] ASCEND is ascending! [18:42] Benefits of being an AVID school [19:35] A desire for a better understanding of online education [20:57] The “three percent rule” and school choice [22:15] Allison's most memorable teachers [25:24]   Resources Oregon Charter Academy Website Change Management Tips

John Warner is a writer, editor, speaker, researcher, and author of eight books, including: Sustainable. Resilient. Free.: The Future of Public Higher Education, and Why They Can't Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities. He is a weekly contributor to Inside Higher Education where he has become a national voice on issues of faculty labor, institutional values, and writing pedagogy. His text The Writer's Practice: Building Confidence in Your Nonfiction Writing is used in classrooms around the country. He is now affiliate faculty at the College of Charleston.  Today John Warner and I talk about what it means to write authentically in a school setting and how top-down policies impact our teaching. You'll learn about what you can do as a K-12 teacher to make students' transition to writing in college more successful. 

Guest Bio Dr. Novak is an internationally renowned education consultant, an author, adjunct professor at UPenn, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts. Dr. Novak has more than 19 years of experience in teaching and administration, a doctorate in curriculum and teaching, and is the author of 8 published books, including the best-selling education books, UDL Now!, Equity By Design, and UDL and Blended Learning.    Episode Summary In this episode Katie Novak and I talk about intrapersonal variability and facing the skill-breakdown that often comes with starting on your UDL journey. She helps us understand the connection between UDL and equity and also how to ditch labels and focus on students as individuals.    Timestamps Where does Katie's UDL passion stem from? [2:51] Facing skill-breakdown in the face of inclusion [4:01] Effects of allowing students to make decision for themselves [5:07] What is UDL?  [7:46] Roots in architecture [8:23] Embrace intrapersonal variability [10:16] Firm goals, period. [10:50] Can learners really self-differentiate? [11:01] Your most beneficial source of growth [12:39] Firm goals, flexible means [13:00] A career commitment [13:30] The connection between UDL and equity [17:23] The general education classroom as the least restrictive environment [18:15] Labels don't have meaning? [19:41] Katie's universally designed breakfast [20:32] A child should be able to consent to their care [22:14] Get to know Katie's favorite teacher, Mrs. Krause [25:09]   Resources: Novak Education What is UDL? Infographic 30 Universally Designed Lesson Plans for Online Teachers The Science Behind UDL

Hazel Wheeler is a stay-at-home mom and supporter of online education. She is an educator herself having worked for 20 years as a preschool teacher and nanny. Hazel is an avid gardener, cook, and blogger.  In this episode Hazel Wheeler explains why she chose online schooling for her child with special needs. Hazel offers great insight into the nature of quality online education as well as the difference between remote and online learning. She also offers practical tips for parents navigating the mom/educational support roles.  Find Hazel's writing at The Skyteahouse in the Cat Garden How to Talk So Kids will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Faber and Mazlish Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime by Scientific American   Who is Hazel Wheeler? [1:52] A gradual journey to online schooling [2:47] Mason bees and homemade comics as learning tools [5:07] Positive changes as a result of online school [7:18] Student privacy and engagement in their IEP / 504 processes [8:38] Realities of being a mom and being a learning supporter [12:00] Hazel's advice for managing her support role at home [13:13] Helpful questions to ask your child when they're stuck [14:37] A book recommendation [15:58] The pandemic and our schools [18:28] Effective home-school communication [20:24] Equity in online learning [21:32] Managing a class in an online setting [22:26] The issue of requiring faces on screens [23:40] High-quality assignments and UDL coming together [25:56] Learning how to be an online student takes time [27:47] Online learning isn't right for everyone [29:11]

Guest Bio: Ashley White has spent the last 13 years of her life teaching. She has taught in brick and mortar and online, in public, private, and public charter schools. She's a mom to three beautiful children and lives in the Portland-Metro area. Her favorite part of teaching is collaborating with teachers outside of her subject area to offer students an interdisciplinary learning experience.     Episode Summary: Today, Ashley helps us understand that the goal of an instructional coach isn't to evaluate or even be a “big sister”, but to walk with you, side by side as an advocate and ally in your professional journey as an educator.    Timestamps: Who is Ashley White? [2:26] Shoutout to Ashley's most memorable teacher [3:56] Taking your time finding your speciality [7:17] What they don't teach you in school [9:56] How Ashley worked herself into an instructional coaching role [11:15] Mentoring [11:48] Coaching defined by Ashley [12:35] The beauty and variety of coaching [13:50] Coaching as a professional relationship [15:04] See a need, meet the need, evolve your career [16:42] Why you should want to be coached! [19:20] Coaching is for everyone [20:25] The outsiders [21:08] It's okay to fall out of love with teaching, and to re engage [21:48] A foundation of trust [22:41] Time as a challenge for coaching [23:48] Keep it real [24:15] What might your coach ask of you? [25:30] Be like “Mr. C” [26:41]   Contact Ashley White awhite@syseducation.org   Resources: Elena Aguilar's Website Infographic for developing goals   Quotes “The teacher drives the ship.” - Ashley “Your coach is your ally, ...is your advocate, they walk alongside you.” - Ashley “Coaches are teachers. And they stand by the teachers they coach.” - Ashley

Lainie Rowell is an author, who recently penned Evolving Learner. She is also a podcast host, TedX-er, international consultant, experienced educator, and district leader. Lainie was a contributor to the 2019 National Standards of Quality Online Teaching and 2014 Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework committee.  Today you'll hear practical and insightful thoughts on education. We discuss facing challenges with positivity and sharing control over our classroom with students. Who is Lainie Rowell? [2:02] What are problems of practice? [3:31] It would be cool if… [4:50] Our language and actions as teachers matters [7:39] Go-to advice for increasing engagement [8:51] The community of inquiry [11:44] The relevance of the 3 Ds [14:17] Keeping student-centered learning on track [18:58] Considering your online class' collective strengths [21:11] How can I learn from my students? [24:00] What does C.S. Lewis have to do with peer education? [25:33]

Guest Bio Charlie Hoffmeister is a Speech Language Pathologist, Board Certified Telepractice Specialist and Myofunctional therapist who has been working with students as a virtual school based SLP since 2017. She is the owner of Juniper Speech and also works online with E-Therapy.  Episode Summary In this episode you'll learn about what speech therapy entails and how important it is for teachers to collaborate with speech pathologists so that their students can truly generalize their speech and language skills. Charlie shares the benefits of online speech therapy and has excellent ideas about giving kids the tools to really engage with a growth mindset.  Timestamps Work from home - mom from home life 2:13 Benefits of online speech therapy 4:00 The importance of generalizing what's learned in speech therapy 6:26 Parents' involvement in online speech therapy 8:06 Developing cognitive clarity with students 9:59 Encouraging students to take charge of their learning 12:10 Do you name your executive function strategies? 13:55 The importance of tools and strategies to make growth mindset function for kids 14:54 Normalizing mistakes 16:07 What makes a speech pathologist awesome? 18:03 Speech pathologists do more than speech sounds 20:18 Why Charlie doesn't want to work in a vacuum 21:15 Charlie's tips for the rest of us working with kids with speech needs 22:16  Everything has communication in it! 24:14 Episode Resources E-Therapy Free Online Resources Juniper Speech Contact Charlie Hoffmeister charlie@juniperspeech.com

Natalie Vardabasso is a special education teacher and assessment lead working at Calgary Academy, a private school in Alberta, Canada. She has extensive experience in education and has taught Jr High humanities and done some instructional design and coaching as well. She also hosts the always inspiring EduCrush Podcast. Natalie is absolutely fired up about rehumanizing education through dialogue, community, and creativity. In this episode Natalie and Natalie discuss the ins and outs of assessment and how to best use assessment tools to foster growth and enthusiasm around learning. Topics discussed include co-designing success criteria, the importance of formative assessment and how to use professional judgement above all else.    Timestamps  Just two small town girls talking assessment [2:10] Natalie Vardabasso answers a question with a question [4:58] Co-designing success criteria [6:29] The importance of building background knowledge [8:48] Purposes and impacts of formative assessment [10:19] Experimenting with portfolios [11:42] Shifting to inviting others to change [14:40] Assessment is cyclical, not linear [16:57] The ultimate debate in assessment [17:34] Professional judgement over gradebook calculations [19:13] Caution! Delay showing students their score [20:40] Switching to learning outcomes and proficiency scales [21:50] Consistency within your teaching team [23:48] What are grading conferences? [25:43] Students have all the answers! [27:37] Special Education and Assessment [28:37] The outcomes isn't a task or test, it's the learning [29:17] Applying all this to math [32:05]   Selected Links from the Episode This Week's Freebie! Feedback Conversation Guide for Educators Websites! Spaces Website - https://spacesedu.com/ Peter Liljedahl's Website - ​​https://www.peterliljedahl.com/teachers Books! Upgrading by S. Blum and A. Kohn Building Thinking Classrooms in Math by Peter Liljedahl

Episode 202: Tech with Alfonso Mendoza Guest Bio:  My guest today is Alfonso Mendoza. Alfonso serves as an Instructional Technologist and has received his Masters in Educational Technology, E-Learning Certification, and Technology Leadership Certification from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, along with his Technology Director Certificate from TCEA. He is currently working on his doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. Alfonso is also 1 of less than 3,000 Google Innovators worldwide and was named 1 of the top 50 EdTech Influencers on Augmented Reality in K-12 Worth a Follow in 2021.    Episode Summary: In this episode Fonz and Natalie talk about the idea that “less is more” when it comes to educational technology, even for online teachers. They discuss the necessity of using technology to connect students with one another and their teacher, as well as the importance of teachers' “getting clicky with” new technology.    Timestamps  What's an instructional technologist? [2:12] Fonz didn't even want to teach! [4:14] Fonz's take on moderation in educational technology [6:16] Keeping it simple [8:18] How teachers' tech effectiveness relates to student success [9:58] What's the tech you should ditch? [10:23] How can technology help online teachers connect with their students? [16:26] Gettin' clicky with it  [20:20] It's okay to learn from your students [23:30]   Selected Links from the Episode Tech Checklist by Natalie and Fonz MyEdTechLife Website Using Technology To Connect with Parents - Edutopia Article

Jodi Miller is a former high school biology teacher and current PhD student at The Johns Hopkins University School of Education. She also created WellCheq, an online platform that allows students and teachers to log their feelings each day. Jodi is passionate about rethinking the ways in which schools support students. Her research focuses on how stress affects the brains and bodies of learners, and how it is related to achievement. She also examines how schools can serve as a buffer for students who may be experiencing a lot of stress and trauma. In this episode you'll learn what social-emotional learning is as well as how it relates to the concepts of mindfulness and growth mindset. Jodi gives you practical tips on how to implement SEL in your online classroom in authentic ways so that you and your students become empowered and more connected, rather than drained, by implementing another initiative. Jodi explains the importance of SEL and encourages us all to engage fully in connecting and supporting our students' social-emotional learning. Timestamps  What is SEL and is it worth investing in? [5:19] SEL and the connection to mindfulness and growth mindset [7:59] Mindfulness doesn't mean meditation [9:03] Not yet… [9:38] Jodi's proves SEL isn't just another ‘thing' to add to teachers plates [12:30] Talking SEL during a lesson on mitosis? [13:34] When your SEL curriculum doesn't fit your need [15:26] How do you really implement SEL in an online classroom? [17:50] How WellCheq came to be [19:07] Using the data you gather from SEL check-ins [20:08] What if things seem status quo? [22:14] Jodi on teacher wellbeing and teachers' own social-emotional learning [25:20] A glimpse at Jodi's PhD research on teacher wellbeing and learner outcomes [26:15] The administrator's role in boosting teachers' morale [30:11]   Selected Links from the Episode: WellCheq - Free Online SEL Tool  CASEL Website Freebie! SYS and WellCheq SEL Resource for Educators

Beau Neal is an educator, an administrator, and an entrepreneur seeking to improve the state of education not just in his home state of Oregon, but across the country. In the last four years he has co-founded a revolutionary online charter school, Frontier Charter Academy, and a first-of-its-kind educational consulting company, SYS Education. Beau is an advocate for online education and a believer in giving power to teachers.    Episode Summary: In this final episode of Season 1 we get to the heart of what it means to be an educator, and not just an online educator, in the 2020's. Learn how you can value and incorporate complexity, not busywork, into your curriculum starting now.    Timestamps: How Beau has been spending time during the pandemic [1:54] Natalie's collection of mantras [4:10] Beau takes us into the way-back machine [4:57] The problem that birthed “complexity over busy work” [6:10] Respect for students and educators [7:34] Embedding complexity over busywork within teacher training [9:17] Complexity and backwards design [10:20] Complex lesson idea - Upon Closer Examination [14:06] What we can learn from Master P and Beau's ‘easy A' class [15:38] Why we should turn Bloom's on its head [17:50] Complex lesson idea - Seven Themes of Geography Documentary [18:42] Promoting students as innovators is doable and engaging [20:27] When your lesson ideas don't go according to plan [21:45] Creating is iterative, not linear [24:39] How do I get creative with my district's curriculum? [27:35] How students may react to your shift to complexity [29:07] Sneaking in complexity in small ways [30:35]   Resource Links: Planning Planning Doc for Increasing Complexity within Curriculum Open Education Resources OER List for Elementary Grades OER List for Middle and High School Grades Books for Further Learning   Creating Innovators by Tony Wagner Teaching in the Cracksby Brian D. Schultz  

Guest Bio:  Christopher Younggren is an award-winning stage actor, playwright, director, public speaker, YouTuber and magician. He is currently a first year teacher, teaching 6/7 grade ELA at the Academy of Tucson in Arizona, where he has adapted his theatre training to enhance student engagement, via distance learning with a series of improv games designed for Zoom. He also has a YouTube Channel, Classroom Confidential, where he shares these and other student engagement techniques with educators for use in their own classrooms.    Episode Summary:  Today we talk about creating a positive classroom culture that promotes authentic engagement online. We'll discuss passion and self-care as well as the importance of relationships and giving students grace.    Timestamps: What Christpher has learned during his first year of teaching online [3:20] How a Russian theater practitioner can help us with engagement [5:40] Morning meeting at middle school [9:20] Value of community over curriculum [10:08] Picking battles with discipline online [12:36] Not just virtual learning, learning within a pandemic [13:30] Kids are not adults and the impact of that fact [14:10] Online teaching is a different job and that's okay [15:48] Letting go of “camera on” requirements [16:22] Focus on what students are doing and thinking, not compliance [19:09] Making sure all kids feel included [20:12] Quieter ways for students to participate and engage online [21:00] Planning lessons with students at the focus [24:36] Passion as a necessary teaching tool [24:56] Breaking down kids' preconceived notions about learning [26:02] Moving forward after a lesson flops [29:19] Educators' need to take care of themselves first [30:24] The importance of having fun [32:30]   Resource Links: Christopher's YouTube Channel Classroom Confidential Christopher's Self-Care Video Christopher's ZoomProv Games WellCheq.com

Guest Bio:  Stephanie Rothstein has been an educator for 18 years, is a Mentor, Speaker, Writer, as well as a Google Innovator, Trainer & Coach. She is an EdTech TOSA for Los Gatos Saratoga School District  in California, Co-Chair of a Design Thinking pathway and teacher of English 9. Stephanie is most proud of her TedX Talk "My Year of Yes to Me" published on Ted.com; writing multiple articles for Edutopia and more, creating CanWeTalkEDU, and co-founding Global GEG.    Episode Summary:  In this episode, Stephanie highlights how she engages students in inquiry-based learning by using the 3 Ds. She recently co-wrote an Edutopia article on this subject entitled Discover, Discuss, Demonstrate: Using Inquiry-Based Learning to Keep Students Engaged with Lainie Rowell. If you're looking for tools and strategies you can use tomorrow to garner deeper engagement from students, you're going to love this episode.    Timestamps: Twitter for educators - is it worth it? [2:07] How Stephanie's EduTopia article came to be [5:50] Step One - Discover [8:00] What's an EduProtocol? [9:10] What are ThinSlides? [9:36] Creative uses for images to foster discovery [11:14] Discovery in practice: Stephanie's service learning project [12:28] Step Two - Discuss [16:04] FlipGrid for reflection [17:23] Capturing student voice [18:05] Step Three - Demonstrate [20:02] Feedback as a circular process [20:43] Authentic audiences and outside guests [21:20] Stephanie's best takeaway from doing inquiry learning virtually [23:05] What bumper bowling has to do with inquiry-based learning [23:24] Demonstrate in practice: Stephanie's travel blog [54:09] How to remove limiting factors [25:27] Want to be a thought partner with Stephanie? [26:57]   Resource Links: Stephanie's Edutopia Article - Discover, Discuss, Demonstrate: Using Inquiry-Based Learning to Keep Students Engaged by Stephanie Rothstein and Lainie Rowell EduProtocols ThinSlides from Steven J. McGriff, Ph.D. and YouTube video for more guidance Question Formulation Technique (aka QFT)  FlipGrid Canva  AdobeSpark Stephanie's Service Learning Slides Stephanie's Travel Blog Template