The effort put forth by teachers to make educational equity a reality for students can be seen in actions, both big and small. Jesse Delgado is a special education mentor in the Tolleson Union High School District where he trains and coaches teachers on five campuses. At the heart of his mission toward equity is inclusivity. The Arizona native breathes life into opportunities for students that make them feel equal and valued, regardless of circumstance. Through his work with the nonprofit, Best ...
Mar 29, 2018•20 min
Welcome to season three of “3Ps in a Pod!” Today’s hosts, Donnie and Mary, discuss a fiery topic—teacher salary. Educator pay pushes beyond classroom walls and barrels into teachers’ personal lives. Whether there is a comma on your paystub or not, it’s no secret that teachers (everywhere) are undercompensated. Currently, Arizona rounds out the ranks for teacher pay, notably 50th in the nation for elementary and 49th for high school. Ninive Calegari, founder of the Teacher Salary Project, hears (...
Mar 22, 2018•34 min
You’ve been there, right? You’re sitting, fully engaged, in an extraordinary professional learning opportunity. You feel the teacher high and are linking concepts to your current classroom practices. The synapses in your brain are connecting at lightning speed and you feel ready to hit the ground running. Next thing you know, you’re sitting behind your desk without any notion of how to put what you’ve learned into action. Today’s hosts, Angelia and Mary, debrief a recent learning experience with...
Mar 01, 2018•25 min
Do you feel like staying up-to-date on policy in the profession is similar to drinking from a fire hose? Today’s hosts, Angelia and Danielle, admit that while life is so much about the hustle, it’s important to find the time to be informed educators. Fortunately, Chris Kotterman is back with an update on Arizona’s current legislative session. The Arizona School Boards Association’s Director of Governmental Affairs not only informs us about current events, but also gives us tips and tricks to bet...
Feb 22, 2018•29 min
The term “master teacher” can mean a multitude of things to a variety of people. Today, Danielle and Mary define the term according the standards of the Arizona K12 Center. The duo hears from Ellen Moir, the Chief Executive Officer of the New Teacher Center (NTC), a national organization dedicated to improving student learning by accelerating the effectiveness of new teachers and school leaders. At its core, new teacher induction and mentoring is a foundational piece made strong by relationships...
Feb 15, 2018•29 min
Have you ever encountered a person with an aversion toward mathematics? Get ready to rewrite your math autobiography with the Director of Teaching and Learning from the Buckeye Elementary School District and past Chief Learning Officer for the Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona. Dr. Kim Rimbey will help you realize it’s time we twist the negative narrative because the subject isn’t going anywhere. As educators, we must relearn math and redefine what it means in our classrooms. Donnie and Dan...
Feb 08, 2018•34 min
If technology gets you in a tizzy, you’ll come to admire (and maybe envy) our guest. Tony Vincent has been a friend of the Arizona K12 Center for nearly 15 years, and his self-proclaimed, geeky obsession with technology and immeasurable expertise began long before we met him— he will tell you that growing up he requested birthday cakes decorated with computers. But in a society so dependent upon online learning and accessibility, we asked the Nebraska native to weigh in on what works and what do...
Feb 01, 2018•30 min
Today, we dive into the policy behind English learners in the state. The Arizona Department of Education’s Deputy Associate Superintendent for the Office of English Language Acquisition Services (OELAS), Kate Wright, talks about the importance being intentional and structured when working with this specific student population. As educators, we have to help English learners realize they are becoming bilingual, which is an asset — not a deficit. Let’s change the mindset, fellow educators. Listen, ...
Jan 25, 2018•38 min
Although you’re only a few weeks into the semester, you might feel like you’ve been at it again for months. Stop going through the motions and rekindle your purpose in the classroom with focus and intentionality. Today’s “3Ps in a Pod” guest wears many hats, simultaneously. Not only is Sarah Brown Wessling an educator, but also a parent, the 2010 National Teacher of the Year, a National Board Certified Teacher, an advocate for education, a constant learner, an expert questioner, a speaker, and s...
Jan 18, 2018•33 min
“3Ps in a Pod” is back in session! Thanks for joining us for the start season two. Today, Angelia and Donnie chat with Amber Parker from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This week, the National Board honors 5,470 new and 3,957 renewed National Board Certified Teachers. There are now more than 118,000 Board-certified teachers in the United States. These numbers are significant because the National Board spent the last three years redesigning the process to make it more affo...
Jan 11, 2018•40 min
Thanks for joining us for the season finale of “3Ps in a Pod.” While we’re guessing you’re in need of rest and relaxation during winter break, we’re positive your heart, mind, and soul will feel refreshed after listening to today’s guest. Marian Mellen is a former teacher and founder of the Zen Bird, a company whose goal is to help individuals find deep connections through intentional practices. Today, Donnie and Danielle hear all about Mellen’s philosophy, which sounds wildly beneficial for tea...
Dec 21, 2017•26 min
Thanks for joining us for the bonus episode of our first season. We’re thrilled to have Elma Dzanic in the “3Ps in a Pod” studio to discuss restorative justice practices in the Phoenix Union High School District. We first explored this subject during episode two with Dr. Dominique Smith. We were left more than intrigued and knew there was someone who could help us dive even deeper. As an alumna of her district, Dzanic brings a unique perspective — she came to the United States as a 12-year-old r...
Dec 18, 2017•31 min
Holidays in the classroom can look and feel different for everyone. What might be a jolly season for some, may leave others feeling confused, excluded, and undervalued. Listen, as we discuss the importance of inclusive and thoughtful classroom planning. Donnie and Mary hear personal stories from two teachers in the Creighton School District, Marie Twist and Kendall Gooden. Together, they prompt others to get to know students’ holiday traditions, not only for the celebratory purpose, but also for...
Dec 14, 2017•25 min
Students aren’t the only ones anxiously awaiting their grades — schools are too. State law requires all Arizona district and charter schools be assessed and given a letter grade by the Department of Education. This week, “3Ps in a Pod” hosts, Angelia and Donnie, discuss the newly amended evaluation process with Chris Kotterman. The Arizona School Boards Association's Director of Governmental Affairs shares why the “report card” should include more than test scores. Mark your calendar for next we...
Dec 07, 2017•23 min
Let’s talk about the importance of building strong relationships in education. First, Mary and Angelia share their best tactics for making classrooms like a second home for learners. Next, they interview Dr. Dominique Smith, a leading expert on the topic of restorative practice. Together, the three discuss what it means to make relationships a top priority, in order to enhance efficacy and student success. Mark your calendar now for the Thirteenth Annual Teacher Leadership on June 19-21 in Tucso...
Nov 30, 2017•24 min
Welcome back to “3Ps in a Pod,” a podcast by the Arizona K12 Center. As we chat about Practice, Policy, and Passion, two of our four co-hosts, Angelia Ebner and Donnie Dicus, interview Arizona’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, Josh Meibos. Together, they talk about the importance of seizing leadership opportunities and inspiring others to do so, as well. Tune in next week when we learn more about restorative practice from Dr. Dominique Smith. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share with you...
Nov 22, 2017•31 min
And we’re live! Welcome to “3Ps in a Pod,” a podcast by the Arizona K12 Center. Together, we’ll talk Practice, Policy, and Passion, as it pertains to the 21st-century educator. In this first episode, we introduce two of our four co-hosts, Mary Field and Danielle Brown. In addition, we hear from Arizona’s first National Board Certified Teacher and the Executive Director of the Arizona K12 Center, Dr. Kathy Wiebke. Together, the trio discusses the importance of teacher leadership, and the impact i...
Nov 15, 2017•31 min
Meet National Board Certified Teacher, Mary Field, one of the voices behind our new podcast. As a Professional Learning Director for the Arizona K12 Center, Mary connects with educators and experts to create a sense of purposeful and professional learning. On the weekends, you’ll find Mary walking her dogs or on a bike ride with her husband. Listen along to hear more about her multidimensional perspectives as we talk Practice,Policy, and Passion. You don’t want to miss her warm and caring demean...
Nov 12, 2017•1 min
Let us introduce you to National Board Certified Teacher, Donnie Dicus. As one of the Professional Learning Directors for the Arizona K12 Center and a co-host of “3Ps in a Pod,” the former elementary teacher looks forward to chatting with you about Practice, Policy, and Passion, as he sips on a trenta green tea. When he’s not working the room at a National Board event, you’ll likely see him trying out new Phoenix restaurants and hotspots. Like he says, “Turn up the volume and have a seat. You ma...
Nov 11, 2017•1 min
Meet National Board Certified Teacher Danielle Brown, one of our “3Ps in a Pod” hosts. As a Professional Learning Director for the Arizona K12 Center, Danielle rallies those around her to strategically engage in conversations that will drive change in education. New to Phoenix, you’ll likely find Danielle scoping out coffee shops as she aims to find her favorite weekend hangout spot. Don’t miss the former kindergarten teacher’s unique insight, contagious laugh, and deep thoughts as you journey w...
Nov 10, 2017•1 min
Meet one of our “3Ps in a Pod” hosts, Angelia Ebner. As a National Board Certified Teacher and the Associate Director of Programs for the Arizona K12 Center, Angelia works to bring education experts to our state in an effort to inspire and cultivate teacher leadership. When she’s not multitasking, you can find her at the CrossFit gym or grabbing a cold-brew coffee in Maricopa. We know you’ll love the Oregon native’s spunky attitude, positive thinking, and fantastic insight. As she says, “All you...
Nov 09, 2017•1 min
