This conversation explores the profound impact of recent immigration policy changes on teachers and students, focusing on the emotional and practical challenges faced in educational settings. Panelists discuss the anxiety and fear stemming from the potential presence of immigration agents in schools, the importance of clear communication and support systems, and strategies for creating safe spaces for students. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration among educators, community ...
Apr 19, 2025•13 min
This conversation explores the implications of recent changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in education. A panel of educators discusses how these changes affect teaching practices, classroom environments, and student relationships. They emphasize the importance of maintaining inclusivity and building strong relationships with students and families, regardless of policy shifts. The discussion highlights the need for educators to adapt while remaining committed to fostering a...
Apr 04, 2025•27 min
This conversation explores the challenges educators face in creating safe and supportive environments for students. It highlights the importance of emotional support, effective discipline, and collaboration among teachers and administrators. The discussion emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in addressing student behavior, as well as the critical role of school leadership in fostering a positive school culture. Follow on Twitter: @mrzachg @jonahdavids1 @d4griffin3 @larryferlazzo @j...
Mar 27, 2025•23 min
This conversation explores the complexities of classroom censorship, the impact of educational policies on teacher autonomy, and the importance of fostering trust and transparency in education. Experts discuss the challenges teachers face in navigating restrictive guidelines while striving to engage students in meaningful discussions. The dialogue emphasizes the need for professionalism, objectivity, and skills development for constructive conversations in the classroom. Additionally, the panel ...
Feb 27, 2025•29 min
The conversation explores the implications of AI in education, particularly in writing. It features educators discussing foundational skills necessary for writing, the evolving nature of these skills, and the potential role of AI as a tool for enhancing learning. The participants express diverse perspectives on whether AI can support or hinder the development of essential writing skills, emphasizing the need for careful technology integration in the classroom. The discussion highlights the impor...
Feb 13, 2025•20 min
A deep dive into the decline of reading among students, examining the factors contributing to this trend, including busy lifestyles, technology, and curriculum constraints. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering a love for reading through engaging teaching methods, social interactions, and empowering educators to have a say in curriculum decisions. Experts share insights on how to make reading a more enjoyable and communal experience for students, emphasizing the need for sustaine...
Jan 11, 2025•36 min
The 2024 review of the Teacher’s Aid podcast with Jon Harper focuses on enhancing teacher well-being and providing practical strategies for educators. Key themes include managing job-related stress and anxiety, trauma-informed practices, and fostering a supportive classroom environment. Episodes cover topics such as using the Spoon theory for energy management, creating calming corners, and implementing brain breaks tailored to student needs. The podcast emphasizes the importance of leveraging s...
Jan 03, 2025•9 min
This conversation explores the transformative power of journaling for teachers, emphasizing its importance for reflection, mental health, and personal growth. The guests share their experiences and practical tips on how to incorporate journaling into a busy teaching schedule, highlighting the benefits of prioritizing self-care and reflection in the teaching profession. Follow on Twitter: @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd @EducationHall @outsideteacher Pete Hall is a capacity-builder. A former prin...
Nov 11, 2024•16 min
This conversation explores the significance of brain synchrony in education, emphasizing the importance of diverse teaching methods, social connections among students, and the role of teachers in facilitating engagement. The discussion highlights research findings that link student engagement to academic success and offers practical strategies for teachers to enhance learning environments. Follow on Twitter: @SuzanneDikker @mrs_frommert @YoukiTerada @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Suzanne Dikker...
Oct 12, 2024•18 min
This conversation explores the challenges teachers face in supporting students who feel overwhelmed. Experts discuss the importance of understanding emotions as data, the need for emotional education for both students and teachers, and practical strategies for navigating the hidden struggles students bring to class. The discussion emphasizes the significance of co-regulation and the necessity of addressing adult emotional skills to foster a healthier learning atmosphere. Follow on Twitter: @marc...
Sep 12, 2024•19 min
Preparing for class discussions when students are not prepared can be a challenge for teachers. It can lead to tough choices on how to spend class time and can have repercussions for students academically and socially. However, there are strategies teachers can use to address this issue, such as providing alternative ways for students to participate in discussions and creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. It is important for teachers to show that they value students' partici...
Sep 07, 2024•16 min
A recent survey found that nearly a quarter of middle school students and a third of high school students feel they don’t belong. This conversation explores the concept of belonging uncertainty and its impact on students’ well-being and academic success. The guests discuss the importance of creating a sense of belonging in schools and offer strategies for addressing this issue. They emphasize the need for adults to have conversations about identity, race, gender, and sexual orientation with stud...
Aug 29, 2024•21 min
The conversation explores the importance of considering executive function skills when designing classrooms. The guests discuss how classroom design can impact students’ executive function and offer practical strategies for creating a supportive environment. They emphasize the need for clear organization, visual cues, and predictable routines to help students manage their working memory and develop executive function skills. The conversation also highlights the role of reflection and flexibility...
Aug 16, 2024•20 min
Panelists share effective strategies they have used to accommodate and empower students facing challenges with mathematical concepts. The discussion raises awareness of dyscalculia, an overlooked learning challenge that our guests say needs more research, attention, and support. Follow on Twitter: @bobsonwong @bamradionetwork @jonharper70bd Honora Wall never liked math or being cold when she was younger, but now she does math every day and lives in the Midwest! Her passion for helping struggling...
Aug 15, 2024•18 min
This panel discussed why brain breaks are important for students during class time. More importantly, the guests unpack how to differentiate brain breaks to meet students’ specific needs– using them as tools to enhance social-emotional learning and academic performance. Follow our PLN on Twitter: @mrswendymturner @judywillis @Upegui @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd David Upegui, PhD, serves as a science teacher at his alma mater, Central Falls High School (RI) and as an adjunct professor of Educa...
Aug 15, 2024•13 min
Many educators support the idea of allowing students to retake exams or redo submitted assignments. However, there are significant complexities and challenges involved when teachers have large and multiple classes. In this discussion, we explore the educational value of retakes, stressing the importance of structured learning processes over mere grade chasing. The consensus was that retakes when managed well, can greatly aid student learning but require clear policies to ensure they do not overw...
Aug 15, 2024•17 min
The trauma experienced by teachers is often overlooked, or discounted in favor of focusing on student trauma. The guests discuss the need for systemic changes to support teachers, including the provision of therapists specifically for educators, regular check-ins on mental health, and a shift in culture to prioritize teacher wellbeing. Follow on Twitter: @DrKpsychologist, @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Related Articles: Trauma-Informed Care for Teachers | Edutopia How Childhood Trauma Affects T...
Aug 15, 2024•18 min
The conversation explores the importance of considering executive function skills when designing classrooms. The guests discuss how classroom design can impact students' executive function and offer practical strategies for creating a supportive environment. They emphasize the need for clear organization, visual cues, and predictable routines to help students manage their working memory and develop executive function skills. The conversation also highlights the role of reflection and flexibility...
Aug 12, 2024
In a thought-provoking discussion on work-life balance, our guests delve into the evolving challenges educators face in harmonizing their professional and personal lives. They discuss the varying approaches to work-life balance and even challenge the narrative of the need for it. Follow on Twitter: @Rdene915 @mrs_frommert @Jonharper70bd @bamradionetwork The OnBeing podcast is a nice resource as well for living more fully with both contentment and purpose: The Huffington Post Well-being activitie...
Mar 16, 2024•15 min
Multiple sources report that the number of students challenged with emotional regulation has grown exponentially. Our guests highlight the importance of creating a safe, structured, and predictable environment for children. We identify ways to maintain our composure and provide clear, assertive instructions. We also cover strategies to help students identify their emotions and offer proven methods to manage them. Follow on Twitter: @letyenconciencia @brukner_lauren @LoriWebber9 @Jonharper70bd @b...
Feb 23, 2024•19 min
What are the most effective ways to restore a class that's spinning out of control? We discovered that the answer depends on the grade level. An Edutopia survey identified the top 34 strategies to quiet a rowdy classroom. We review the findings with an elementary school teacher, a middle school math teacher, and an assistant principal. Follow on Twitter: @dalorleon @mrs_frommert @EmilyAPaschall @Mr100Teacher @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Related Edutopia Article: 34 Ways to Quiet a Rambunctiou...
Jan 27, 2024•16 min
Some call it a calming station, calming corner, or pause place. Whatever the name, it's a helpful tool for helping students regulate emotions. Our guests explain how the stations work, how to set one up, and the essential key to using them effectively. Follow on Twitter: @jenorr @SELtreasures @Jonharper70bd @bamradionetwork Mary Karapetian Alvord, Ph.D., is a psychologist and director of Alvord, Baker & Associates, LLC, located in Rockville and Silver Spring, Maryland. She specializes in ind...
Jan 04, 2024•14 min
