Podcasts about tesol

"Choice generates agency, agency generates engagement, and engagement is where learning begins. If you aren't ‘falling over' as a teacher, you probably aren't pushing yourself or your learners to take ownership of the language." We sit down with the esteemed Professor Jonathan Newton. Jonathan is an Associate Professor at Victoria University of Wellington, where he leads postgraduate programs in TESOL and Applied Linguistics. With over 30 years of experience, his work focuses on the "black box" of classroom interaction and how task-based language teaching (TBLT) can foster learner agency and ownership. He has published over 80 articles and several seminal books on classroom interaction and task-based pedagogy.   In this episode, we discuss: The "Black Box" of communication: understanding the actual mechanism that explains how learning occurs during interaction. The power of choice: why giving learners agency is the most direct path to motivation and ownership. Unlearning the security blanket: moving beyond rigid PPP formulas to embrace the "falling forward" of real teaching. The "Magoo" (MG-O-O) criteria: a simple heuristic for tweaking textbook activities to strengthen meaning, gaps, and outcomes. Tasks for absolute beginners: why input-based tasks are the perfect entry point for learners with zero English. Negotiation for meaning: measuring the tangible acquisition of vocabulary through group-work interaction. The "Atlas Complex" in teaching: letting go of the burden of being the sole source of authority in the classroom. The desk as the enemy: how small physical shifts in the classroom can reignite learner engagement.   *Prefer video? Watch the episode on YouTube.   FOR MORE FROM JONATHAN NEWTON: 1. Connect on LinkedIn 2. Visit his website    OUR PARTNER: FLUENTIZE Want to teach your best lessons — without all the prep? Fluentize turns real-world videos into interactive ESL lessons for teens and adults. Explore 650+ ready-to-teach lessons designed to engage your students, simplify lesson planning, and save you hours of preparation. Start for free here.   SUPPORT US:

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth and Allyson speak with Bobbie Sandberg — an educational researcher who recently completed her PhD in instructional psychology and technology at BYU — about what's actually happening in the household when a K-12 student learns online, and why most programs aren't designed for the answer. Bobbie's research, grounded in Jered Borup's Academic Communities of Engagement framework, reframes engagement as a three-dimensional challenge — cognitive, behavioral, and affective — that K-12 students can't sustain alone. When the school is online, the support system shifts to whoever is home. And most programs haven't reckoned with what that means.Together, Seth, Allyson, and Bobbie explore how parents naturally divide the labor of support, why more involvement isn't the same as better involvement, and what happens when families arrive at virtual school not by choice but because nothing else worked. Bobbie also shares what she's learned about the critical first weeks of enrollment, why explicit role invitations from programs make a surprisingly big difference, and the underrated power of affective engagement — including a story about refugee mothers whose aspirational storytelling did what tutoring couldn't.Key topics discussed: - the three dimensions of student engagement and who owns each one- why cognitive support from parents can actually backfire- mooring factors and why families don't always "choose" online school- the fire hose problem in onboarding; designing for autonomy instead of dependence- why affective engagement might be the most underestimated variable in online learning.Links & Resources:Bobbie's parent guide website: https://www.supportonlinelearning.com/parentguide.htmlBobbie's parent assessment - HOPE survey: https://byu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7WdzYJPDpXve16K "Behind the Screen: Exploring Parental Roles in K-12 Online Education" (Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 2024) - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15391523.2024.2447729"Parental Support Challenges for K-12 Student Online Engagement" (Distance Education, 2024) - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01587919.2024.2397481 "Choosing Virtual: Understanding the Forces that Drive Parents Toward Online K-12 Education" (Journal of School Choice, 2025) - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15582159.2025.2534005Guest Bio: Bobbie Sandberg is an educational researcher who recently completed her PhD in instructional psychology and technology at Brigham Young University. Her work focuses on parental roles in K-12 online education, with published research on how families navigate school choice, how parents construct their support roles, and where programs most commonly fail to design for the home environment. She holds a BA in linguistics and a TESOL master's certification from BYU.About the Hosts: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Why Distance Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered distance learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/global-learning-live/Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell work with CILC, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, to help educators implement high-quality live virtual learning experiences across grade levels. Discover more at CILC.org.

How could the second-largest school district in the nation believe its decision to ban screens was right when so many educators adamantly believe it's wrong? How are school boards and educators looking at the same research and arriving at different conclusions? The discussion around screen use in schools has intensified, particularly with the LA Unified School District's decision to impose a screen ban. But what does this mean for our students and their educational experience? In this conversation, we'll unravel the rationale, the existing research on technology use in education, and how we can approach technology to enhance learning rather than hinder it. Dr.Punya Mishra (punyamishra.com) is Associate Dean of Scholarship and Innovation at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. He has an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, two Master's degrees in Visual Communication and Mass Communications, and a Ph.D. in Educational psychology. He co-developed the TPACK framework, described as “the most significant advancement in technology integration in the past 25 years.” Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. She was the founding Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University and teaches in the Faculty of Education. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Fell Kurban is currently the head of the Global Terminology Project and the creator of the GenAI-U technology integration framework. Dr. Liz Kolb is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan and the author of several books, including Cell Phones in the Classroom and Help Your Child Learn with Cell Phones and Web 2.0. Kolb has been a featured and keynote speaker at conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada. She created the Triple E Framework for effective teaching with digital technologies. Dr. Puentedura is the Founder and President of Hippasus, a consulting practice focusing on transformative applications of information technologies to education. He has implemented these approaches for over thirty years at various K-20 institutions and health and arts organizations. He is the creator of the SAMR model for selecting, using, and evaluating technology in education and has guided multiple projects worldwide. Dr. Helen Crompton is the Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning at ODUGlobal and Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University. Dr. Crompton earned her Ph.D. in educational technology and mathematics education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel ill. Dr. Crompton is recognized for her outstanding contributions and is on Stanford's esteemed list of the world's Top 2% of Scientists. She is the creator of the SETI framework.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, your hosts talk with Dr. Helaine Marshall — retired professor of education at Long Island University Hudson and creator of SOFLA, the Synchronous Online Flipped Learning Approach — about the pedagogy most online courses never get around to designing, and what it costs when they don't. Drawing on five years of development work, Community of Inquiry theory, and her own linguistics teaching, Helaine walks through an eight-step cycle that treats synchronous virtual instruction as its own medium rather than a degraded version of in-person teaching. The reframe at the center of the conversation: online learning isn't a tool problem, it's a design problem — and empowerment isn't something teachers do to students, it's what happens when the conditions are built for it.Together, the hosts and Helaine explore why most virtual classrooms default to lecture-over-Zoom, the eight-step SOFLA cycle that weaves asynchronous pre-work with structured synchronous sessions, the two steps that actually determine whether it succeeds (the SHAC share-out protocol and "preview and discovery"), the control issues that make teachers resist the model, and how SOFLA adapts across content areas — from linguistics to Boyle's Law — and age groups. They also work through Helaine's four E's framework — equity, enrichment, engagement, empowerment — and a single linguistic observation that reframes how to think about agency in virtual classrooms: empowerment is not a transitive verb.Key TopicsThe eight-step SOFLA cycle: pre-work, sign-in, whole group application, breakouts, share-out, preview and discovery, assignment instructions, reflectionWhy pedagogy outlasts tech tools — and why most online teaching skips pedagogy entirelyThe SHAC protocol for accountable, substantive peer feedback"Preview and discovery" as the motivational hinge between lessonsThe four E's: equity, enrichment, engagement, empowermentP-P-R-R (patience, persistence, reflection, renewal) for teachers new to the modelAdapting SOFLA across content areas, age groups, and even in-person classrooms4. Links & ResourcesSOFLA® (book, forthcoming May 2026) — Helaine W. Marshall and Ilka Kostka, University of Michigan Press, Brief Instructional Guide Series: https://press.umich.edu/Books/S/SOFLA-RHelaine's SOFLA hub — overview, training team, and resources: https://malpeducation.com/sofla/Helaine's bio and full publication list — https://malpeducation.com/our-experts/helaine-w-marshall/"Fostering Teaching Presence through the Synchronous Online Flipped Learning Approach" — Marshall & Kostka, TESL-EJ, Vol. 24 (open access): https://tesl-ej.org/wordpress/issues/volume24/ej94/ej94int/Breaking New Ground for SLIFE: The Mutually Adaptive Learning Paradigm, 2nd ed. (2023) — Helaine's other signature framework (MALP), University of Michigan PressMeeting the Needs of SLIFE: A Guide for Educators, 2nd ed. — Marshall, DeCapua, and Tang, University of Michigan PressPerusall — the social annotation platform Helaine uses for pre-work: https://www.perusall.com/Flipped Learning Network — founded by Jon Bergmann and Aaron Sams, referenced as the origin of flipped learning: https://flippedlearning.org/Community of Inquiry framework — Garrison, Anderson & Archer, the theoretical grounding for teaching presence: https://coi.athabascau.ca/CILC — Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration: https://cilc.orgBanyan Global Learning — https://banyangloballearning.com/global-learning-live/Guest Bio: Dr. Helaine W. MarshallDr. Helaine W. Marshall is the creator of two instructional frameworks — SOFLA (Synchronous Online Flipped Learning Approach) and MALP (Mutually Adaptive Learning Paradigm) — and currently serves as president of MALP, LLC, where she trains educators on both models. Her work centers on culturally responsive-sustaining education and online flipped learning, particularly for teachers working with language learners and students whose prior schooling has been disrupted. She is retired Professor of Education and Director of Language Education Programs at Long Island University – Hudson, has published three books with University of Michigan Press, and received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from New York State TESOL.About the Hosts: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Why Distance Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered distance learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell work with CILC, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, to help educators implement high-quality live virtual learning experiences across grade levels. Discover more at CILC.org.

As we transition into the Easter break here in the UK, I will take the next couple weeks off to spend time with my family.But today I share the events and products produced by National Association of Primary Education. These include:Reading Conference with University of BedfordshireMaintaining Curiosity in the Curriculum - Christian Schiller Lecture - LondonPrimary First JournalBook release of 'John Coe - an Enlightened Voice for Primary Education'Links to more information below.Chapters:00:01 - Introduction to Education On Fire Podcast00:55 - Upcoming Educational Events01:51 - Upcoming Events and Lectures02:49 - Introduction to New Resources04:23 - Reflecting on the Past and Looking Forward04:51 - The Essence of Education

Cerys Griffiths is the Head of BBC Bitesize, the BBC's free, online learning resource for students aged 5 to 16, their teachers and parents. Bitesize also aims to support educating the whole child through it's Careers, Study Support and media literacy offer, Other Side of the Story, as well as special educational initiatives like the Bitesize Guide to AI. Cerys was, for many years, a journalist in the North West, a TV and newspaper reporter and then an editor of news programmes for both ITV and the BBC. She is on the board of the Micro:bit Education Foundation and is an advisory board member for the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester.Key TakeawaysTeen attitudes to AI are complex — BBC Bitesize's annual Teen Summit Survey found a third of teenagers are worried about AI's impact on their career prospects and the spread of misinformation, while 47% are already using AI tools for homework and revision.Confidence can be a blind spot — Many young people feel they already know enough about AI when in reality they don't fully understand its deeper implications. The challenge is helping them recognise what they don't yet know.Critical thinking is the core skill — Rather than focusing on specific tools (which change rapidly), BBC Bitesize's approach centres on equipping young people with the ability to assess, verify and question the information they encounter every day.AI as a collaborator, not a substitute — Cerys emphasises that AI works best as a companion tool. Young people still need to be thinkers, creators and developers alongside it — not passive users of it.A positive, empowering outlook — BBC Bitesize's Guide to AI uses real young people in real-world scenarios to show both the benefits and risks of AI, deliberately avoiding a fear-based approach.New resources to tackle misinformation — Solve the Story is a brand new episodic mini-drama for classroom use, where students must solve a fake news mystery across six episodes — a creative, engaging way to build media literacy skills.Trust is BBC Bitesize's superpower — All content is reviewed by practising teachers and education consultants, making it one of the most trusted sources of educational content in the UK.Chapters:00:03 - Introduction to BBC BiteSize06:08 - The Evolution of AI in Education09:35 - The Role of AI in Education and Misinformation18:55 - Introducing 'Solve the Story' - A New Educational Initiative23:20 - Educational Content Creation and Trust29:00 - Empowering Youth Through Educationhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesizeInstagram: @bbcbitesize

As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we're revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world.Whether you're listening for the first time or returning with new classroom experiences behind you, we invite you to engage with this episode through fresh eyes. Notice what resonates differently. Consider how your thinking has evolved. Reflection is not a destination—it's an ongoing practice. Thank you for being part of this community for the past five years. Here's to the next chapter of thinking aloud together.----How do you sustain your professional development as an educator? In this episode, guest Yulia Kharchenko shares a framework she and her colleagues have developed to ensure future teachers are prepared for future challenges in the teaching profession… Listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts…

Ross W. Greene, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and the originator of the innovative, evidence-based approach called Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS), as described in his influential books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost & Found, and Raising Human Beings. He developed and executive produced the award-winning documentary film The Kids We Lose. Dr. Greene was on the faculty at Harvard Medical School for over twenty years and is now founding director of the nonprofit Lives in the Balance. He is also currently adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech. Dr. Greene has worked with several thousand kids with concerning behaviors and their caregivers, and he and his colleagues have overseen implementation and evaluation of the CPS model in countless schools, inpatient psychiatry units, and residential and juvenile detention facilities, with dramatic effect: significant reductions in recidivism, discipline referrals, detentions, suspensions, and use of restraint and seclusion. Takeaways:Dr. Ross Greene emphasizes the necessity of adopting proactive strategies in education to better support children facing mental health challenges.We discusses the importance of meeting each child where they are developmentally, rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach in education.Dr. Greene's approach advocates for understanding and addressing the underlying problems causing concerning behaviors rather than merely modifying the behaviours themselves.The conversation highlights the alarming increase in mental health issues among children, which necessitates a shift in educational practices and societal attitudes towards youth.A focus on developmental variability is crucial in education, as every child's needs and experiences are unique and deserve tailored support.Chapters:00:11 - Introduction to Dr. Ross Greene and Collaborative Solutions08:17 - Meeting Every Kid Where They're At10:54 - Understanding Developmental Variability in Education22:34 - Understanding Student Behavior and Systemic Issues32:54 - The Importance of Collaborative Change in Education38:22 - Empowering Change in Educationhttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Kids-Who-Arent-Okay/Ross-W-Greene/9781668203903

Welcome to episode 83 of Lexis, another student-led episode, which this time features Oli, an A Level student at the Dubai British School interviewing Dr Sarah Hopkyns, with some help from Dan. Sarah is a Lecturer in TESOL and International Education at the University of St Andrews, Lecturer (Teaching) in Intercultural Communication at the Institute of Education, UCL and Visiting Research Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.We talk about: What we mean by ‘The Gulf' and the Gulf nationsWhat makes them interesting from a linguistic point of viewThe types of English spoken in the Gulf and whether we can talk about ‘Gulf English'The role of Arabic in the regionTranslanguaging, multilingualism and reconceptualising how we think about doing language in the worldTranslingual practice as a real world manifestation of how people use language resources to communicateAttitudes to English use and English as a threat to local language and identityYou can find Sarah's university page here: https://research-portal.st-andrews.ac.uk/en/persons/sarah-hopkyns/ Her ResearchGate profile is here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Hopkyns We discuss some of the following:Nizar Habash and David Palfreyman's ZAEBUC corpus of Arabic-English: https://aclanthology.org/2022.lrec-1.9/ ‘The Pact We Made' by Layla AlAmmar https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-pact-we-made-layla-alammar/82be48b15ed150fc Blair Fussell's 2011 work based on ‘Gulf English': https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231752461_The_local_flavour_of_English_in_the_Gulf Thanks to Oli and his teacher, Sumayya Kazi for making this episode happen and for all the work put into it. Lexis is on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lexispodcast.bsky.social ContributorsLisa Casey blog: https://livingthroughlanguage.wordpress.com/ Dan Clayton blog: EngLangBlog & Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/englangblog.bsky.social Jacky Glancey Raj RanaMatthew Butler Music: Serge Quadrado - Cool Guys Cool Guys by Serge Quadrado is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. From the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/serge-quadrado/urban/cool-guys

Send a textIn this episode, our guests Drs. Huseyin Uysal and Luis Javier Pentón Herrera talk to us about learning the English language, and supporting young people in humanizing ways as they learn English. Dr. Huseyin Uysal's research interests, which tie back to several of his current endeavors, are primarily centered on studying fairness, justice and equity in language assessment, criticality in TESOL teacher education, and plurilingualism at public schools. His work has appeared in venues such as TESOL Journal, TESOL Quarterly, Linguistics and Education, and Peabody Journal of Education. He currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Education for Multilingualism, and the Associate Editor of Journal of Education, Language, and Ideology. He is the current Chair of the Bilingual-Multilingual Education Interest Section of TESOL International Association. Dr. Uysal is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of English Language Education at The Education University of Hong Kong. He holds a PhD degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in ESOL/Bilingual Education from the University of Florida. You can reach Dr. Uysal at huysal9@gmail.com. Dr. Luis Javier Pentón Herrera's current teaching and research projects are situated at the intersection of identity, emotions, and well-being in language and literacy education, social-emotional learning (SEL), autoethnography and storytelling, refugee education, and language weaponization. His books can be found in the University of Michigan Press, Routledge, Springer, Brill, De Gruyter, TESOL Press, Bucharest University Press, and Rowman & Littlefield. Dr. Pentón Herrera is an award-winning Spanish and English educator and a best-selling author. In 2024, he was selected as the 2024 TESOL Teacher of the Year, awarded by the TESOL International Association and National Geographic Learning. He is a Professor at VIZJA University, Poland, and a Book Series Co-Editor of the Cambridge Elements in Language and Power (Cambridge University Press) and Contemporary Perspectives on Learning Environments book series (Emerald Publishing), as well as Co-Editor of Tapestry: A Multimedia Journal for Teachers and English Learners, and Associate Editor of Language Teacher Education Research. Further, he is a Fulbright Scholar and Specialist, and an English Language Specialist with the U.S. Department of State. Previously, he served as the 38th President of Maryland TESOL from 2018 to 2019, and earned the rank of Sergeant while serving in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Two of his professional accolades include the ‘30 Up and Coming Emerging Leaders in TESOL', awarded by TESOL International Association in 2016, and the J. Estill Alexander Future Leader in Literacy Award, awarded by the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER) in 2018 when his dissertation was chosen as ALER's Outstanding Dissertation of the Year. Originally from La Habana, Cuba, Dr. Pentón Herrera enjoys creative writing, playing with his two dogs, Virgo and Maui, and running in his free time. You can connect with Dr. Pentón Herrera on his Instagram: @luisjavierpentonherrera and on his website https://luispenton.com/To cite this episode: Persohn, L. (Host). (2026, Mar. 10). A Conversation with Huseyin Uysal and Luis Javier Pentón Herrera. (Season 6, No. 8) [Audio podcast episode]. In Classroom Caffeine Podcast series. https://www.classroomcaffeine.com/guests. DOI: 10.5240/F619-2EFE-72B9-79F4-04DF-FConnect with Classroom Caffeine at www.classroomcaffeine.com or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Based on the final chapter of Prof Dr Ger Graus's book Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education (Routledge), this conversation asks the most honest question of the entire series: So what?Ger examines what 40-plus years of educational work has truly changed — and what it hasn't.At the heart of the episode is a sobering reckoning: Wythenshawe, the deprived area of Manchester where Ger dedicated much of his career, remains in the bottom 25% of England's most disadvantaged communities — just as it was in 1999. Yet rather than despair, Ger finds meaning in the individual lives transformed, the schools that finally began collaborating, and the quiet but lasting legacy of the Education Action Zone that brought 29 schools together for the first time.Joining the conversation are educators, researchers, and colleagues who offer their own reflections on the book's significance — including insights from OECD Education Director Andreas Schleicher's afterword, and a passionate endorsement from Russian education researcher Dr. Sergey Kosaretsky.Key QuotesGer Graus on systemic change:"Certain dials are too big to shift by one person or by one small organisation. It's a concerted effort — and in order to see the big picture, all pieces of the jigsaw need to fall into place."Ger Graus on political impatience:"It's taken you since the 1944 Education Act to keep getting it wrong. Whatever made you think that in five years we would solve all your problems?"Andreas Schleicher (OECD), quoted from the book's Afterword:"The task is not to make the impossible possible, but to make the possible attainable."Dr. Sergey Kosaretsky on the book's message:"Education is not only schools. Education is not only universities. Education is a lot of things that children do every day — with their friends, their parents, with themselves."Mark Sylvester on Ger's philosophy:"One of the things he would say is that he wants to teach children, but also to teach humans how to learn."Key Takeaways1. Structural poverty is stubborn — but individual impact still matters. Despite decades of effort, the communities Ger worked in remain among England's most deprived. He doesn't shy away from this, but argues that transforming individual lives — like the girl from Wythenshawe who played Juliet in Italy and re-engaged with school entirely — is proof that the work was never wasted.2. Change in education takes generational patience. Politicians want results in five-year cycles. Ger argues that meaningful educational reform operates on a far longer timeline, and that unrealistic expectations are one of the biggest barriers to real progress.3. Lived and informal experience is education too. Multiple contributors highlight that education extends well beyond school walls — into homes, exchanges, community experiences, and play. Ger's career has been defined by championing this broader definition.4. The book is a call to action, not just a memoir. Colleagues urge policymakers — especially those working on England's forthcoming schools white paper — to read Through a Different Lens and draw from its hard-won lessons. It's described as "a textbook for all teachers, educators, and parents."5. Asking "so what?" is an act of courage, not defeat. Ger's willingness to interrogate his own legacy — particularly in the shadow of a cancer diagnosis — models the kind of honest, reflective leadership that education urgently needs.Chapters:00:07 - Introduction to the Series02:54 - Reflecting on Impact and Change10:41 - Reflections on Education and Poverty15:40 - The Importance of Lived Experience in Education19:42 - The Importance of Education Beyond Schools24:27 - The Role of New Leaders in Educationhttps://www.gergraus.comGet the book – Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education

The word is spreading through the education community that a new kind of artificial intelligence enables students to complete an entire course with a single prompt. As one educator explained, with just a simple setup, a student can put an entire course on autopilot and go back to playing video games. It's called Agentic AI, and it has sparked a new round of handwringing and calls to go back to blue books and pencils. To kick off 2026, the creators of SAMR, TPACK, Triple E, SETI, and the Gen AI U frameworks met to unravel how this technology may impact teaching, learning, and the future of proving that a student's degree or credential actually indicates competence. The big takeaway is that the solutions start with asking the right questions. Follow on X: @CFKurban @hcrompton @lkolb @punyamishra @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Related Resources: The AI Tech Fatigue of 2025 Was Real: How Educators Are Planning to Regain Control in 2026 | AI Agents: A New Era in Higher Education | Cheating Lessons: Learning from Academic Dishonesty | SAMR | The SETI Framework | TPACK | Triple-E | The GenAI-U Framework BRN-X: Gen AI Podcast Lab Dr. Punya Mishra (punyamishra.com) is the Associate Dean of Scholarship and Innovation at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. He has an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, two Master's degrees in Visual Communication and Mass Communications, and a Ph.D. in Educational psychology. He co-developed the TPACK framework, described as “the most significant advancement in technology integration in the past 25 years.” Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. She was the founding Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University and teaches in the Faculty of Education. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Fell Kurban is currently the head of the Global Terminology Project and the creator of the GenAI-U technology integration framework. Dr. Liz Kolb is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan and the author of several books, including Cell Phones in the Classroom and Help Your Child Learn with Cell Phones and Web 2.0. Kolb has been a featured and keynote speaker at conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada. She created the Triple E Framework for effective teaching with digital technologies and blogs at cellphonesinlearning.com. Dr. Puentedura is the Founder and President of Hippasus, a consulting practice focusing on transformative applications of information technologies to education. He has implemented these approaches for over thirty years at various K-20 institutions and health and arts organizations. He is the creator of the SAMR model for selecting, using, and evaluating technology in education and has guided multiple projects worldwide. Dr. Helen Crompton is the Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning at ODUGlobal and Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University. Dr. Crompton earned her Ph.D. in educational technology and mathematics education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel ill. Dr. Crompton is recognized for her outstanding contributions and is on Stanford's esteemed list of the world's Top 2% of Scientists. She is the creator of the SETI framework. She frequently serves as a consultant for various governments and bilateral and multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, on driving meaningful change in educational technology.

In this episode, Helen interviews Emma Walker of Pronunciation with Emma, who describes her journey from early reading support work at age 16 through linguistics studies, CELTA, and a TESOL master's to becoming a pronunciation specialist and major YouTube educator. Emma explains how her passion for phonetics and classroom experiences with learner listening difficulties led her to focus on pronunciation and listening as closely linked skills, filling a gap she saw in ELT resources. She discusses her pandemic-era experiment teaching through video games on Twitch, the growth of her online pronunciation platform, and the challenges of building a niche business despite skepticism. Reflecting on changes in ELT, she notes that pronunciation now receives more attention and acceptance, including accent diversity, and says that while her future path may evolve, she expects to remain in teaching or coaching and is most proud of her persistence and resilience in building her career. Emma encourages listeners to believe in themselves, because motivation can come and go but determination and consistency can take us there.Emma's Website: https://pronunciationwithemma.com  Emma's YouTube Channel “Pronunciation with Emma”: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNfm92h83W2i2ijc5Xwp_IA   Emma on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmawalkerteacher/ To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast 

Monica Katona:https://wordsinbloomenglish.com/Host:https://www.patreon.com/c/PinkCloud9Media#pinkcloud9media #business #video #podcast #ai

Chris speaks with Joshua Wedlock (Gongju National University) and Nick Wilson (Sunshine Coast University). lostincitations@gmail.com, haswellkyudai@gmail.com  

Today, Stephen introduces a bonus episode from the podcast English Learning for Curious Minds.You can listen to all episodes by searching in your podcast app for English Learning for Curious Minds or go to www.leonardoenglish.comThe transcript for this episode is here.----------------------------British politics can feel confusing, with a king, a Prime Minister, and noisy debates in an old building. This episode explains how the system works, from Parliament and voting to why two parties have ruled for so long.

In this episode, Abeer is joined by Michael McDougle to discuss what it means to teach Palestine and questions of justice in contexts where these issues are often unfamiliar, and how insights from Palestinian Christians have shaped understandings of faith and peacemaking.Michael McDougle (mmcdougle@lcc.lt) is an Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Originally from the United States, he has lived and worked in Russia, Ukraine, China, and Lithuania. He holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies (Columbia International University), an MA in TESOL (Biola University), and an MA in Theology and Culture with a concentration in Peace Studies (St. Stephen's University). His research interests lie at the intersection of theology, peace studies, TESOL, and Culture. Michael is also a Peace Ambassador with Peace Catalyst International, where he serves on the Israel-Palestine Working Group.Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.#israel #palestine #gaza #christianity #bible #faith #zionism

In this episode, Helen and Emily discuss her eclectic career, including teaching, teacher training, authoring books like Voices for National Geographic Learning, running online courses, and creating doodle and sketchnote visual resources. Emily describes teaching ESOL learners from refugee backgrounds and embraces a nomad lifestyle, traveling while working remotely. She highlights persistent issues in ELT like native speakerism and lack of LGBTQ+ representation, though she notes growing awareness of diverse Englishes and localisation in teaching materials. Looking ahead, Emily will continue visual recording and write about her digital nomad experiences. Emily emphasises how supportive the ELT community is and encourages us to: embrace creativity and messiness in teaching and learning, network and take opportunities, and feel the fear, turn off your inner troll, and draw anyway!Emily's website: www.EmilyBrysonELT.com   www.EmilyBrysonELT.com/freebies/   www.EmilyBrysonELT.com/all-courses/  www.EmilyBrysonELT.com/resources/ Contact Emily via LinkedIn or Instagram and Facebook @emilybrysonelt or via her website www.EmilyBrysonELT.com/contactIn this episode, Emily references:Voices & Impact: https://www.eltngl.com/sites/Voices/home & https://www.eltngl.com/sites/impact/home   Chia Suan Chong - Successful International Communication: https://chiasuanchong.com/about-me/Rachael Roberts, Business Coaching: www.EarnLiveThriveinELT.comJennifer Murray, Copywriting Support: https://www.bestwordscopywriting.com/   Canva: www.canva.com  To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna interview Tabitha Kidwell, an esteemed teacher educator, about her research on the preparation and professional development of teacher trainers. The conversation explores various models and approaches for teacher training, the need for formalized support, and the essential skill sets for effective teacher training. The episode also emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development and the role of professional learning communities in supporting teacher trainers.This episode is a must-listen for anyone leading—or aspiring to lead—professional learning in ELT. Gain insight into how intentional mentorship, structured preparation, and reflective networks can transform teacher development for the better.

There is a lot of online talk about the growing scourge of AI-generated content and how it's affecting our digital lives, both in and out of the classroom. Though many of us are absolutely confident we can quickly spot AI slop when we see it, this discussion revealed that a genuine understanding of creativity in the age of AI is required and rare. Listen to this robust discussion on how AI Slop is affecting educators, students, and creativity in teaching. Follow on Twitter: @CFKurban @hcrompton @lkolb @punyamishra @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork See Related Resources: Here: https://www.bamradionetwork.com/track/how-ai-slop-is-affecting-students-educators-and-the-craft-of-teaching-creativity/ A Tool That's Crushing Creativity | SAMR | The SETI Framework | TPACK | Triple-E | The GenAI-U Framework | Bringing Out Individual Talents in Children | CNN | Google | CBS | Brainwaves Anthology Dr. Punya Mishra (punyamishra.com) is the Associate Dean of Scholarship and Innovation at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. He has an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, two Master's degrees in Visual Communication and Mass Communications, and a Ph.D. in Educational psychology. He co-developed the TPACK framework, described as “the most significant advancement in technology integration in the past 25 years.” Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. She was the founding Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University and teaches in the Faculty of Education. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Fell Kurban is currently the head of the Global Terminology Project and the creator of the GenAI-U technology integration framework. Dr. Liz Kolb is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan and the author of several books, including Cell Phones in the Classroom and Help Your Child Learn with Cell Phones and Web 2.0. Kolb has been a featured and keynote speaker at conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada. She created the Triple E Framework for effective teaching with digital technologies and blogs at cellphonesinlearning.com. Dr. Puentedura is the Founder and President of Hippasus, a consulting practice focusing on transformative applications of information technologies to education. He has implemented these approaches for over thirty years at various K-20 institutions and health and arts organizations. He is the creator of the SAMR model for selecting, using, and evaluating technology in education and has guided multiple projects worldwide. Dr. Helen Crompton is the Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning at ODUGlobal and Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University. Dr. Crompton earned her Ph.D. in educational technology and mathematics education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel ill. Dr. Crompton is recognized for her outstanding contributions and is on Stanford's esteemed list of the world's Top 2% of Scientists. She is the creator of the SETI framework. She frequently serves as a consultant for various governments and bilateral and multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, on driving meaningful change in educational technology.

We've all been there—juggling new tech, new expectations, and wondering if our students are really learning what matters. In this chat, we talk about “pedagogical debt” (the gap between what we know works in teaching and what we actually do), how AI is shaking things up, and why the right kind of curiosity can help. At its heart, it's a conversation about making sure technology serves learning—not the other way around. Dr. Punya Mishra (punyamishra.com) is the Associate Dean of Scholarship and Innovation at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. He has an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, two Master's degrees in Visual Communication and Mass Communications, and a Ph.D. in Educational psychology. He co-developed the TPACK framework, described as “the most significant advancement in technology integration in the past 25 years.” Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. She was the founding Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University and teaches in the Faculty of Education. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Fell Kurban is currently the head of the Global Terminology Project and the creator of the GenAI-U technology integration framework. Dr. Liz Kolb is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan and the author of several books, including Cell Phones in the Classroom and Help Your Child Learn with Cell Phones and Web 2.0. Kolb has been a featured and keynote speaker at conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada. She created the Triple E Framework for effective teaching with digital technologies and blogs at cellphonesinlearning.com. Dr. Puentedura is the Founder and President of Hippasus, a consulting practice focusing on transformative applications of information technologies to education. He has implemented these approaches for over thirty years at various K-20 institutions and health and arts organizations. He is the creator of the SAMR model for selecting, using, and evaluating technology in education and has guided multiple projects worldwide. Dr. Helen Crompton is the Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning at ODUGlobal and Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University. Dr. Crompton earned her Ph.D. in educational technology and mathematics education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel ill. Dr. Crompton is recognized for her outstanding contributions and is on Stanford's esteemed list of the world's Top 2% of Scientists. She is the creator of the SETI framework. She frequently serves as a consultant for various governments and bilateral and multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, on driving meaningful change in educational technology.

In this episode, Helen and Ana Paula Biazon Rocha discuss Ana's journey in ELT, emphasizing her passion for pronunciation and teacher development. She started teaching at 17 in Brazil, influenced by her family of educators and legacy. Anna's interest in pronunciation stemmed from personal challenges and feedback from teacher trainers – while seeking to improve, she discovered a passion. She highlights her shift from a teacher-centered to a student-centered approach, the importance of human connection in learning, and the need for us teachers to feel that we're not alone but  part of a teaching community. Ana's career evolved through self-study, workshops, and courses, including a Cambridge Delta and an MA in TESOL. She says that students become teachers who become students… The learning cycle is ongoing! Ana advises novice teachers and those coming to another country to learn, grow, and teach to believe in themselves, study, and embrace continuous learning. Be an open teacher-learner and find your passions!Ana mentions:- Cambridge Delta- MA in Applied Linguistics - University of Sheffield- MA in TESOL - University of Sheffield(Ana completed the MA in Applied Linguistics with TESOL in the academic year 2017-2018. After the COVID pandemic, this course was split into two: MA in Applied Linguistics and MA in TESOL, so her original Masters course does not exist anymore at the University of Sheffield. Students choose one or the other now.)- An article Ana wrote: MA student Ana Paula Biazon Rocha on why she chose Sheffield(Side note: This goes back when she was interviewed by the University of Sheffield to talk about my life as an MA student in 2018. After she finished her MA course, she started working as an English Language Tutor at the English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) at the University of Sheffield and has been doing so for nearly seven years. So she was a student who became a staff member at the university.)- IATEFL PronSIG blogListeners can contact Ana by email: a.p.biazon-rocha@sheffield.ac.uk or on social media:1. LinkedIn: (her full name: Ana Paula Biazon Rocha)2. Instagram: @anapaulabiazonrocha3. Facebook: Ana Paula Biazon RochaTo find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast

Halloween classroom activities don't have to be boring. We've got 13 ideas that are actually going to make your students want to learn - from storytelling twists that'll get everyone engaged to activities that go way beyond just putting on a costume. In this episode, we're breaking down creative approaches that work across different language levels. Have some fun using these strategies to make your classroom come back from the dead. Whether you're teaching beginners or advanced students, we've got something that'll spark their imagination and make learning feel like an adventure. Want to know how? Tune in! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/128 

In Episode 127 we're exploring Open Educational Resources (OER), an affordable, customizable alternative to pricey textbooks. We'll dive into what OER is, benefits of an OER, how and why Brent is building his own OER, and more. OER isn't without its challenges. Designing well and integrating activities can be tricky, as Brent explains. How can a teacher start building their own OER? Tune in to learn more! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/127 

In this episode we're joined by Dr. Kashif Raza, a researcher at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Raza is here to share his expertise on a critical issue in English language teaching: racial bias. We'll be exploring the preference for native speakers over non-native speakers, its impact on teaching practices, and what it means for the future of education. Stay tuned for an interesting discussion.Guest - Dr. Kashif Raza is a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education. His research focuses on the intersections of language, migration, education, and policy, examining their impact on language ideologies, mobility, and citizenship. He was the chief editor of “Handbook of Multilingual TESOL in Practice” (Springer, 2023) and “Policy Development in TESOL and Multilingualism” (Springer, 2021).Like the show? Please review, download and share.Want to know more about me and my work go to: https://gargisarkar1611.wixsite.com/gargi-sarkar Connect with me : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gargi-sarkar1611/ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gargispeaks/ Contact me: gargisarkar1611@gmail.com

Valerie was born and raised in Sequim, Washington, near the breathtaking Olympic Mountains, she has carried that appreciation for God's creation with her throughout her life. Valerie accepted Christ as a child and sensed a call to intercultural ministry while still in high school. That call led her into a dynamic ministry career, with much of the first half spent in and out of China, where she lived out her passion for cultural education and sharing the radical love of Jesus across borders. Her academic journey supported this calling as well, with a B.A. in Church Ministries with a concentration in Intercultural Ministry from Northwest University, an M.A. in TESOL and Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and ultimately a Doctor of Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary.Outside of ministry, Valerie is just as passionate about her family and the outdoors. She and her husband Nathan, her best friend and fellow adventurer, have been married for 25 years and share a love for hunting, fishing, gardening, and exploring where the mountains meet the sea. Together they are raising four sons, born between 2005 and 2009, and they enjoy a life centered on faith, family, and adventure. With her larger-than-life dog by her side, Valerie continues to model what it means to be equally yoked, steadfast in faith, and committed to lighting the fire of God's love in the lives of others.One of her favorite Scriptures, Psalm 121:1–2, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Her faith has been the steady foundation of her journey, guiding her through both personal and ministry endeavors.Today, Valerie serves as the Community Outreach Chaplain at the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties. In this role, she invests deeply in building bridges, offering spiritual care, and pointing people to Jesus through presence, listening, and genuine service. She lives out her calling to know, love, and serve Christ, and to help others do the same. Whether in ministry, mentoring, or simply spending time in her community, she remains focused on Christ, living as a testimony to His faithfulness.#faith #Jesusfollower #YMCA #FaithAndAdventure#InterculturalMinistry #LightTheFire #FocusedOnChrist #conversationswithBuddy_ _ _For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckettIf you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. _ _ _About Buddy Puckett:Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy's wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me'.” John 14:6

We're teaming up for a shared episode with the Anna and Shè from the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast to talk about the what reflective teaching is and how to start finding ways to incorporate it into your work. This is part two of a two-part experimental mini-series, continuing where we left of and moving into conversations about practical strategies to implement Reflective Teaching. The previous episode was done the DIESOL way, and this episode is done the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast way. If you liked this episdoe, please check out more of Anna and Shé's work as they do excellent work contributing to the field. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/126

In this special episode, the creators of SAMR, TPACK, Triple E, SETI, and GenAI-U reflect on how their views of AI in education have evolved since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. They share hard lessons learned and insights gleaned, offering a candid look at the ups and downs in their journey through periods of awe, skepticism, and embracing AI's potential. As they prepare to head back to school, they discuss their personal AI use, how their own kids are using AI, and their updated thinking on cheating prevention strategies. The group expands the lens to examine tech companies' AI promises, why Grammarly's new feature is shaking up grading, and how AI is impacting our relationships on many levels. They conclude by sharing how they plan to approach AI differently as they head back to school this term. Follow on X: @CFKurban @hcrompton @lkolb @punyamishra @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Dr. Punya Mishra (punyamishra.com) is the Associate Dean of Scholarship and Innovation at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. He has an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, two Master's degrees in Visual Communication and Mass Communications, and a Ph.D. in Educational psychology. He co-developed the TPACK framework, described as “the most significant advancement in technology integration in the past 25 years.” Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. She was the founding Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University and teaches in the Faculty of Education. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Fell Kurban is currently the head of the Global Terminology Project and the creator of the GenAI-U technology integration framework. Dr. Liz Kolb is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan and the author of several books, including Cell Phones in the Classroom and Help Your Child Learn with Cell Phones and Web 2.0. Kolb has been a featured and keynote speaker at conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada. She created the Triple E Framework for effective teaching with digital technologies and blogs at cellphonesinlearning.com. Dr. Puentedura is the Founder and President of Hippasus, a consulting practice focusing on transformative applications of information technologies to education. He has implemented these approaches for over thirty years at various K-20 institutions and health and arts organizations. He is the creator of the SAMR model for selecting, using, and evaluating technology in education and has guided multiple projects worldwide. Dr. Helen Crompton is the Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning at ODUGlobal and Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University. Dr. Crompton earned her Ph.D. in educational technology and mathematics education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel ill. Dr. Crompton is recognized for her outstanding contributions and is on Stanford's esteemed list of the world's Top 2% of Scientists. She is the creator of the SETI framework. She frequently serves as a consultant for various governments and bilateral and multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, on driving meaningful change in educational technology.

Title: Languaging in Hampton RoadsEpisode 19: The Myth of Standard English: 3 profs talk about how language worksHosts: Jill Winkowski and Prue SalaskyDate: September 6, 2025Length: 46 minutesPublication Frequency: Fourth Friday (approx) of each monthWhat exactly is linguistics? Quite simply, linguistics is the study of language, not the study of one particular language, but language as a whole. So, when we talk about Applied Linguistics, we're talking about how linguistic theory translates to practice, whether teaching TESOL or a foreign language to English speakers, understanding language variations and dialects, recognizing the bias and power inherent in standardized or normative language, or how language changes and what that tells us about history, culture and identity.For this episode, we returned to interviews we conducted over the past 18 months with three linguists at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Hampton Roads to learn just how linguistics applies in so many aspects of life. And particularly about the standard English bias and its effects. Each professor talks about her linguistic path, her specialty and the broad reach of the field.We revisited our Jan. 2025 talk with sociolinguist Dr. Bridget Anderson, director of the Tidewater Voices oral history archive at Old Dominion University, a  collection of local dialects gathered over more than 20 years, https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/tidewatervoices/. Anderson is an expert in acoustic phonetics and language variation. We also pulled from our spring 2025 conversation with professor emeritus Dr. Janet Bing, a phonologist, and a driving force behind the establishment of the university's Applied Linguistics masters program (the only one in the region), and teacher of teachers of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other  Languages). And we returned to our dialogue with Dr. Staci Defibaugh, graduate program director of the Applied Linguistics program at ODU, whose research focuses on discourse analysis of speech in health settings. In this episode we discover the shared features of linguistic discovery and what it can teach us about social standing, bias, and much more.In our earlier episodes (see below), we drew on their specific areas of expertise. Ep. #13 Guinea Talk: Gloucester County's Unique Dialect https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/languaginghr/id1727246364?i=1000688235981, Ep. #16 How do you say Norfolk? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/languaginghr/id1727246364?i=1000706264104,   and Ep. #4 How are you doing? Diagnosing Health Talkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/languaginghr/id1727246364?i=1000654121382,Here are links to the Great Vowel Shift and the IPA vowel chart for American English, as discussed by Dr. Andersonhttps://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/021dYoM3E3G2qxJg0p5VlIoRg#IPA_chart_for_American_Englishhttp://eweb.furman.edu/~mmenzer/gvs/what.htmSend your feedback and questions to languagingHR@gmail.com, and be sure to visit our website, www.languaginghr.wordpress.com

We're teaming up for a shared episode with the Anna and Shè from the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast to talk about the what reflective teaching is and how to start finding ways to incorporate it into your work. This episode goes deep - far beyond thinking about your lesson and moving into transformative teaching for dedicated educators. Listen in for a deeper understanding of reflective teaching and approaches you can make to use it to improve experiences for both you and your students. This is part one of a two-part experimental mini-series. This episode is done the DIESOL way, and the next episode will be done the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast way. We hope you'll check out more of Anna and Shé's work as they do excellent work contributing to the field. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/125 

In this episode, Lisa and Jaime discuss:Understanding the role of impacted majors and prerequisitesThe critical importance of aligning majors with career goals earlyNavigating the complexities of college transfersFinancial planning and its impact on educational choicesKey Takeaways: Over one-third of undergraduates transfer colleges, and without early planning around majors, prerequisites, and credit alignment, they risk losing time, money, and progress.Students in impacted majors like Computer Science, Business, Nursing, and Engineering must complete strict, school-specific prerequisites, so they should map overlapping requirements across multiple target schools.While some parents fear transferring will hurt their job or graduate school prospects, employers usually see only the final degree, and graduate programs value applicants who can explain a well-reasoned shift.Before committing to a college—whether first-time or transfer—use FAFSA estimators to gauge real costs, research transfer scholarships, and compare prerequisite overlaps to avoid financial strain and lost credits.“Most employers aren't looking for whole transcripts to see your collection of credits. They're just looking for the final outcome.” – Jaime SmithAbout Jaime Smith: Jaime Smith is a Certified Educational Planner specializing in college transfer, online learning, homeschooling, and supporting neurodiverse learners. A longtime transfer student advocate, she earned a Post-Master's Certificate in Transfer Leadership and Practice from the University of North Georgia with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students in 2023. She holds a BA in Linguistics from UC Berkeley, an MA in TESOL, an MSEd in eLearning, and a certificate in College Counseling.Founder and CEO of Online G3—an independent online program for gifted and twice-exceptional K–12 students—Jaime continues to teach English. A California native now in Oregon, she lives with her husband and pet bunny. Her daughter, a former homeschooler turned transfer student, is now in grad school.Episode References:#140 Avoiding the Pitfalls of College Transfers with Jaime SmithThe Truth about College Admission by Brennan Barnard and Rick ClarkEnter to win a free copy of The Complete Guide to College Transfer at flourishcoachingco.com/transfer through August 31.Order The Complete Guide to College Transfer on Amazon starting August 26 to get the full roadmap for navigating college transfersExplore school-by-school data on competitive and impacted majors at flourishcoachingco.com/majors to make smarter application choices.Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corneConnect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In a world full of apps and digital tools, sometimes the most powerful classroom connections happen with nothing more than paper, name tags, and a little imagination. In this episode, we explore some of our favorite community-building ideas, and add fresh, low-tech strategies that get students moving, talking, and genuinely engaging—with each other and with the language. Whether you're just starting the term or looking to reboot your class culture mid-semester, these ideas are easy to implement, low on tech, and high on impact. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/124 

Such a great chat today about Feral Magick with Denny Sargent, although, he has the heart of a teacher and really didn't need me! In Feral Magick: Unleash Your Inner Animal Self, author Denny Sargent gives readers the tools they need to locate and work with their inner animal as well as with sacred deities and personal animal spirits. Through spells, rituals, and meditations, as well as shapeshifting and trance states, readers will learn how to tap into their natural instinct, intuition, and insight. Practicing feral magick will lead you to form deeper intuitive bonds with your animal allies and to find the inherent power you already possess. The operating principles of intuitive spiritual animistic practices will enable you to better acknowledge and engage with all sorts of woodland spirits and will remind you that you, too, are a spirit of nature.Find Denny:Feral Magick: Unleash Your Inner Animal Self: https://redwheelweiser.com/book/feral-magick-9781578638512/?srsltid=AfmBOopCIf1Rsj3dkozM3p89Itll-tQLrMJXn47EVAoFvY70AFM7utZVWebsite: ⁠feralmagick.com⁠Denny Sargent is an artist and university instructor in linguistics and TESOL whose many extensive global travels and esoteric studies have informed his books. Sargent has visited thirty countries and lived in Japan for four years, teaching at a university and studying Shinto at Kokugakuin University. Involved in a number of esoteric traditions and orders for decades, he has written about alternative religions, hermetic magick, Taoism, animism, Shinto, and Tantra. His published books include Your Guardian Angel and You, Werewolf Magick, Clean Sweep, and Naga Magick. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

If you're not ready to dive into anything heavy but still want to stay a little connected to your teaching brain, this one's for you. In today's episode, we're sharing low-key ways to dip into PD—stuff you can explore between naps, walks, or iced coffee refills. No pressure, no big goals—just light, helpful ideas to keep you inspired while still enjoying your break. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/123 

In this episode, Ixchell and Brent dive into #ISTELive 25 in San Antonio. From eye-opening sessions that revealed cutting-edge tools to the pervasive influence of AI in ESOL, we'll cover what truly stood out. Join us as Brent shares his insights on the most impactful trends for ESOL education, advice for teachers, and some memorable moments from the vendor hall. You won't want to miss this discussion on what's shaping the future of language teaching! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/122 

In this episode Ixchell Reyes and Brent Warner discuss the integration of technology in English as a Second or Other Language teaching, coinciding with the upcoming release of Brent's new book. They emphasize the importance of using technology to enhance student learning beyond traditional methods, highlighting a student-centered approach. Brent shares specific classroom activities from his book that effectively utilize technology to improve listening and writing skills. The episode also addresses the challenges teachers face in staying updated with new educational technologies, stressing the need to focus on effective tools rather than just the latest trends. Listen for a special chance to participate in a giveaway and other surprises! Show notes at www.DIESOL.org/121 

Tired of textbooks that leave you scrambling to create supplemental activities? Join Brent and Ixchell as they break down what actually makes a language textbook worth your time and money. From spotting integrated skills and authentic materials to ensuring cultural representation that reflects your diverse classroom, they reveal the insider secrets of textbook evaluation. Discover why layout matters more than you think, how to push back on publishers, and what to look for beyond just pretty pictures. Whether you're stuck with assigned texts or have the freedom to choose, this episode will transform how you evaluate teaching materials. Stop letting textbooks control your teaching—make them work for you! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/120 

Does maintaining their heritage language help students develop literacy skills in English? The research says “yes.” Dr. Elena Schmitt, professor of applied linguistics and educational researcher, joins All For Literacy host Dr. Liz Brooke for a detailed discussion about how supporting a student's bilingualism supports the whole child. From maintaining access to key cultural and social interaction to supporting English literacy acquisition, helping students maintain their first language is worth the effort. Gain an understanding of: How to apply the research when it comes to supporting English language learning Actionable ways educators can support bilingual students in their classrooms Why the advice to “speak English at home” can be detrimental to students How to create an inclusive environment centered around translanguaging Tune in to Episode 5 for an inspirational, research-backed discussion about how heritage languages, bilingualism, and translanguaging affect student identity and success.  About Dr. Elena Schmitt Dr. Elena Schmitt is a professor of applied linguistics and coordinator of the master's in bilingual education and TESOL program at Southern Connecticut State University. Her research focuses on language contact, first language attrition, classroom interaction, teacher education, and technology-assisted teaching.  Join our community of listeners at  All For Literacy today!

Today our guest is Dr. Tracey Jones, clinical assistant professor at Baylor, specializing in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and bilingual education. Dr. Jones' teaching career spans 25 years and various contexts, including high school ESOL, Spanish, and English, Modern languages at the college level, and English for International Students in Baylor's Global Gateway Program. Her areas of research interest include second language acquisition, bilingual and dual language education, TESOL methodology, Spanish language teaching methodology, Spanish for Heritage Speakers and community engagement. Her work explores connecting university students to their local communities, specifically in and through the Spanish language. We are delighted to Dr. Jones on the show to discuss how K12 teaching influences her approach to college teaching, what language acquisition has to say about learning more broadly, the learning benefits of connecting college students to the community, and much more.

Ready to present at conferences, but don't know where to start? We're here to guide you through the ins and outs of getting your name on the conference program. If you've been attending conferences and you're thinking about the possibility of presenting, we're here to break down the things you should consider. The world needs to hear from you, so make sure your voice is out there!  Check out our advice on how to break into the conference presenting world! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/119 

This conversation explores new findings on the critical thinking divide fueled by Gen AI, What does this mean for teaching and learning? This deeply informed group discusses their experiences with Gen AI in the classroom, the pivotal role of foundational knowledge, and the need for a deeper understanding among students and educators alike. The conversation explores how AI in education is shifting the balance between control and creativity, driving some to new cognitive heights and others to new lows. Follow on Twitter: @CFKurban @sparvell @hcrompton @lkolb @punyamishra @jonHarper70bd @MicrosoftEDU @bamradionetwork Related Resources: The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking | The AI Critical Thinking Divide | SAMR | The SETI Framework | TPACK | Triple-E | The GenAI-U Framework | AI Cafe BRN-X: Gen AI Podcast Lab Dr. Punya Mishra (punyamishra.com) is the Associate Dean of Scholarship and Innovation at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. He has an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, two Master's degrees in Visual Communication and Mass Communications, and a Ph.D. in Educational psychology. He co-developed the TPACK framework, described as “the most significant advancement in technology integration in the past 25 years.” Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban is the advisor to the Rector at MEF University. She was the founding Director of the Center of Research and Best Practices for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at MEF University and teaches in the Faculty of Education. She holds a BSc in Geology, an MSc in TESOL, an MA in Technology and Learning Design, and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. Fell Kurban is currently the head of the Global Terminology Project and the creator of the GenAI-U technology integration framework. Dr. Liz Kolb is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan and the author of several books, including Cell Phones in the Classroom and Help Your Child Learn with Cell Phones and Web 2.0. Kolb has been a featured and keynote speaker at conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada. She created the Triple E Framework for effective teaching with digital technologies and blogs at cellphonesinlearning.com. Dr. Puentedura is the Founder and President of Hippasus, a consulting practice focusing on transformative applications of information technologies to education. He has implemented these approaches for over thirty years at various K-20 institutions and health and arts organizations. He is the creator of the SAMR model for selecting, using, and evaluating technology in education and has guided multiple projects worldwide. Dr. Helen Crompton is the Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning at ODUGlobal and Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University. Dr. Crompton earned her Ph.D. in educational technology and mathematics education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel ill. Dr. Crompton is recognized for her outstanding contributions and is on Stanford's esteemed list of the world's Top 2% of Scientists. She is the creator of the SETI framework. She frequently serves as a consultant for various governments and bilateral and multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, on driving meaningful change in educational technology.

Join Brent and Ixchell as they dive into the top AI questions educators are asking right now. Straight from the TESOL conference, they break down the most pressing concerns about AI tools, from choosing the right platform to understanding classroom applications. Discover practical insights, hear real teacher experiences, and get a clear view of how AI is transforming language education.

In this episode of the Language on the Move Podcast, Brynn Quick speaks with Dr Agi Bodis and Dr Jing Fang about international tertiary students in Australia. They discuss how these students can make connections between their university experiences, their curriculum, and the professional industries they hope to one day be a part of. They also discuss how international students bring rich linguistic, cultural and intellectual experiences to their university and wider Australian communities. Dr Bodis is a lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at Macquarie University as well as the Course Director of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL program. Dr Fang is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at Macquarie as well as a NAATI-certified translator and interpreter between English and Chinese. She also serves as a panel interpreter/translator for Multicultural NSW and as a NAATI examiner. For additional resources, show notes, and transcripts, go here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Dr. Robin L. McNair is a breast cancer survivor, social justice advocate, and educator of 33 years whose service and work to her community encompasses social justice, restorative justice in education, and peacemaking circles with the ultimate aim of creating communities of peace, particularly for minorities and the marginalized. A resident of Prince George's County, Maryland, she has been featured in NEA Today, MSEA Actionline, and TESOL for her work in creating restorative spaces for children and adults. Other contributions include TEDx Gaithersburg, contribution to books such as Creating Classrooms of Peace in English Language Teaching, Baldness with Boldness: Unmasking Alopecia, and Beyond the Bottom Line: Entrepreneurial Strategies for Lasting Social Change. A restorative educator, Dr. McNair is the founder of CenterPEACE, a restorative coaching and consulting business. Dr. McNair is a recent recipient of the Honor of Distinction Award for Humanities from TIUA School of Business. @iamdrrobin Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/dr-robin-l-mcnair-leadership-mark-stephen-pooler-dr-rhonda-m-wood

Drs. Margo Gottlieb and Andrea Honigsfeld, authors of Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers, join Highest Aspirations to discuss how administrators can support educators in transforming assessment practices. Moving beyond traditional methods, they emphasize the role of school leaders in fostering a collaborative approach that centers multilingual learners and empowers teachers.This episode explores the essential role of administrators in the five phases of collaborative assessment and how they integrate into the instructional cycle. Drs. Gottlieb and Honigsfeld discuss strategies for creating a culture of shared assessment, supporting teacher collaboration, and ensuring multilingual learners' voices are honored throughout the process. Learn how school leaders can make assessment a meaningful and equitable part of the learning journey.Key questions we address:How can administrators support teachers in implementing collaborative assessment?What structures and supports help create a culture of shared assessment in schools?How do we collaboratively examine student learning within instructional and assessment cycles across grade levels and content areas?For additional episode and community resources:Download the transcript here.Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld and Dr. Margo Gottlieb book discussed: Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers: Pathways to PartnershipsCompanion site for book to access the resources included with your purchase.University of Chicago researchers, Bryk and Schneider's Trust in Schools: A Core Resource for ImprovementSteve Barkley Ponders Out Loud PodcastFor additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, ⁠visit our blog Andrea Honigsfeld, EdD, is a professor at Molloy College, teaching graduate courses on cultural and linguistic diversity and TESOL methodology. Previously, she taught ESL/EFL in Hungary and New York City. She researches individualized instruction and has published extensively on multilingual learners and collaborative practices. A Fulbright Scholar, she has presented internationally and provides professional learning on content and language integration and collaborative practices. She has coauthored over 60 articles and chapters and over 30 books, including 11 national bestsellers.Dr. Margo Gottlieb, WIDA co-founder and lead developer, has a distinguished career as a language teacher, coordinator, facilitator, and consultant. A Fulbright Senior Scholar and TESOL 50@50 honoree, she has presented internationally and authored over 100 publications, including "Assessing Multilingual Learners: Bridges to Empowerment" (3rd ed., 2024), "Classroom Assessment in Multiple Languages" (2021/2022), and "Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers" (with Andrea Honigsfeld).

Are you heading to TESOL 2025 in Long Beach? Brent and Ixchell share all the details about their presentations, including panels on AI in materials development, AI-generated artwork for language learning, and strategies for individualizing writing. Get the inside scoop on the revival of Drinks with DIESOL as well as their live podcast recording at the conference. They also highlight interesting sessions they're planning to attend, covering everything from social justice issues to neuroscience in language learning. Plus, Brent reveals his exciting new ELT Toolkit being launched through TESOL! Whether you're attending the conference or just curious about what's happening in the TESOL world, this episode offers a useful teacher's preview of what to expect in Long Beach. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/117 

Drs. Margo Gottlieb and Andrea Honigsfeld, authors of "Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers," join Highest Aspirations to discuss transforming assessment practices. Moving beyond traditional methods, they advocate for a collaborative approach that centers multilingual learners and empowers educators.This episode explores the five phases of collaborative assessment and how they integrate into the instruction cycle. Drs. Gottlieb and Honigsfeld delve into student-led conferences, practical strategies for co-reflection, and building trust within collaborative teams. Learn how to make assessment an integral part of the learning journey, fostering student ownership and honoring the voices of multilingual learners.Key questions we address:What is collaborative assessment and how does it differ from traditional assessment practices?How do we collaboratively examine student learning within instructional and assessment cycles across grade levels and content areas?What are some specific strategies and tools that teachers can use to implement collaborative assessment and engage multilingual learners in the process?For additional episode and community resources:Download the transcript here.Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld and Dr. Margo Gottlieb book discussed: Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers: Pathways to PartnershipsCompanion site for book to access the resources included with your purchase.Language Magazine article mentioned: Collaborative Planning: Never Having to Go It AloneBrené Brown TED Talk: The power of vulnerabilityChimamanda Ngozi Adichie TED Talk: The danger of a single storyFor additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, ⁠visit our blog Andrea Honigsfeld, EdD, is a professor at Molloy College, teaching graduate courses on cultural and linguistic diversity and TESOL methodology. Previously, she taught ESL/EFL in Hungary and New York City. She researches individualized instruction and has published extensively on multilingual learners and collaborative practices. A Fulbright Scholar, she has presented internationally and provides professional learning on content and language integration and collaborative practices. She has coauthored over 60 articles and chapters and over 30 books, including 11 national bestsellers.Dr. Margo Gottlieb, WIDA co-founder and lead developer, has a distinguished career as a language teacher, coordinator, facilitator, and consultant. A Fulbright Senior Scholar and TESOL 50@50 honoree, she has presented internationally and authored over 100 publications, including "Assessing Multilingual Learners: Bridges to Empowerment" (3rd ed., 2024), "Classroom Assessment in Multiple Languages" (2021/2022), and "Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers" (with Andrea Honigsfeld).

Eva Bilungi Kiwanuka is a best-selling author, dynamic speaker, and Christ-centered parenting and purpose coach with a profound and diverse background. Shaped by her Ugandan roots and Canadian upbringing, Eva holds degrees and diplomas in Humanities and Social Sciences, Conflict Resolution and International Development Studies, and Immigration Consulting. As a seasoned college TESOL instructor and academic advisor, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her coaching practice. Eva's true passion is serving the Kingdom of God, which she fulfills as the Founder of Kingdom Enterprise: Christ in You Unlimited. Her mission is to guide parents in raising boldly Christ-centered children who are confident, self-disciplined, and joyful, and succeed God's way. Her coaching services are deeply inspired by her unwavering Christian faith and her experience as a devoted divorced mother of five. Eva's clients experience profound growth and transformation under her guidance. She has been featured on platforms like the Voice of Purpose and in esteemed publications such as Women's Journal, CEO Weekly, Kivo Daily, and most recently in MSN Fab World Today, as one the Top 10 Female Coaches making an impact in 2024! Eva is expanding her influence by co-authoring books, preparing her solo publication & course on Christ-centered parenting, and offering both virtual and live speaking engagements, and planning to launch her podcast to share her message globally. Eva's journey through parenthood is marked by faith and purpose, instilling biblical values in her children while cherishing everyday moments. Through intentional living and grounding her life in Christ Jesus, she empowers parents to guide their children toward purposeful lives rooted in faith. Start your journey here with Eva and get a FREE pdf gift from her called: “You are who God says you are. Period!” https://christ-centered-parenting-purpose.ck.page/ef61e3cb7a ~Let your faith in Christ be bigger than your fear. Let go and let God be God. ~ Contact Eva Bilungi Kiwanuka: • Download your FREE Gift-"You Are Who God Says You Are. Period!" Click the link below: https://christ-centered-parenting-purpose.ck.page/067b002763 • My first Best-selling Book: Iconic Woman's Guide to Empowerment *(For book purchase ($20.00 USD), please email request to my email address. * Book Purchase link is coming soon!!*) E-mail: coacheva.christinyouunlimited@gmail.com • FB: www.facebook.com/eva.bilungi • BOOK YOUR FREE (45-min.) Christ-centered Parenting ALIGNMENT SESSION: https://calendly.com/.../1-1-breakthrough-alignment-session • WhatsApp #: 1-204-599-4520 (Let's chat, and see how I can be of assistance to you and/or your family!) • Link tree link: https://linktr.ee/ensaanmazi05 Dr. Kimberley Linert Speaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral Optometrist Event Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/ To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com 702.256.9199 Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator Podcast Available on... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platforms Author of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life" Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3srh6tZ Website: https://www.DrKimberleyLinert.com Please subscribe, share & LISTEN! Thanks. incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kimberley-linert-incredible-life-creator/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberley.linert/ The Great Discovery eLearning Platform: https://thegreatdiscovery.com/kimberley l

Tired of bloated all-in-one platforms that do too much? Discover simple, single-use tools that do one thing well and make your life easier! In this episode, Brent and Ixchell share their favorite free and low-cost tools that can streamline your teaching workflow - most with no logins required. Plus, get the scoop on their upcoming time at TESOL and a potential in-person meetup.  Key Takeaways: Discover versatile tools that enhance student engagement and learning Learn about accessible, fuss-free alternatives to complex edtech platforms Gain insights into leveraging technology to boost productivity as an ESL educator   Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/116 

Jenet Jacob Erickson is an associate professor in Religious Education at Brigham Young University, where she teaches the Eternal Family course as well as the Introduction to Family Process course for the School of Family Life. She received a PhD in family social science from the University of Minnesota, after completing a bachelor's degree in nursing, and master's degree in linguistics -TESOL at BYU. She is a research fellow of both the BYU Wheatley Institute and the Institute for Family Studies, and has been a columnist on family issues for the Deseret News since 2013. She met and married her husband, Michael, when they were both 34 years old. Their two children, LaDawn and Peter, provide them unending opportunities for learning and joy.