The need for remote learning in the face of school closures and indefinite social distancing is greater than ever. But what does it look like? How do we achieve quality teaching and learning and connect with students and families in meaningful ways? We walk that road in this episode by providing 4 principles and several tools and strategies to support your remote learning needs. And as always, we are here to help if this content isn't enough by itself. Visit cbdconsulting.com/elevateedu to conne...
Mar 24, 2020•20 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Teaching skills effectively is an ongoing challenge for educators of all levels. A large part of the challenge stems from the confusion of defining the skill and determining what it actually looks like in the classroom. Critical thinking is no exception. For this episode, the Communications by Design team of instructional coaches investigates how to teach critical thinking, presenting a series of strategies and ideas from educators doing just that and doing it well. Our team works to support K-1...
Feb 03, 2020•22 min•Season 1Ep. 89
Posing the question of what to do about the ongoing epidemic of under-motivated students, the Communications by Design team of instructional coaches posed the question to a number of compelling West Michigan educators. Listen to this concise treatise on leveraging powerful instructional strategies to re-engage and re-motivate students.
Jan 10, 2020•15 min•Season 2Ep. 3
You heard him first on episode 22 discussing his work to grow empathy in students by sharing student stories. David Theune has now returned from the Netherlands where he, as a Fulbright Scholarship recipient in 2018, began an international expansion of his vision for sharing story. That experience has influenced David in several ways, both in the solidification and expansion of past and present thinking. Listen as David talks with Zach about the experience in the Netherlands and the impact it ha...
Oct 30, 2019•43 min•Season 2Ep. 2
We asked 3 leading educators what they thought about teaching and learning and the purpose of the education experience. Listen here to the insightful and profound reflections of Tracy Horodyski, Dave Stuart Jr. ( davestuartjr.com ), and Luke Wilcox as they dive deep into the reality of education, the world, and our students today. Connect with these educators at : Tracy : twitter.com/tracyhorodyski Dave : davestuartjr.com Luke : lukewilcox.org | statsmedic.com The Communications by Design team o...
Sep 30, 2019•34 min•Season 2Ep. 86
Laingsburg, Michigan teachers Becky Malaski and Liz Stark were tired of the “grading game” and wondered if their students’ grades really reflected their learning. So, they ditched grades! Now, students work harder than they ever have and are focused on mastery--not completion or compliance. Becky and Liz share the strategies they have implemented to give students more choice, more ownership of their learning, and more quality feedback on their work. Click here for teacher resources Connect with ...
May 06, 2019•38 min•Season 1Ep. 85
Maggie Edison teaches high school math in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. She became frustrated when students would leave questions on assessments blank when she knew they had at least some knowledge of the concept. From this, her differentiated, leveled assessments were born which allow students to demonstrate understanding at multiple levels. See some examples of Maggie's assessments at cbdconsulting.com/episode84 Connect with Maggie via email: medison@egrps.org Our team of instructional coaches ...
Apr 29, 2019•21 min•Season 1Ep. 84
How do we tell the story of the great things happening in our classrooms? Dr. Christina Podraza, an assistant principal in Elmhurst, Illinois, shares how she celebrates teachers and students with the world beyond the school doors while building a positive, professional, and energized environment. Connect with Christina: Twitter: @christinapod Blog: christinapodraza.com Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blo...
Apr 22, 2019•27 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Tasha Candela ( tcandela@lsps.org and @bethetigger ) started a student internship program at Lake Shore High School four years ago with just three students. Since then, the program has grown to 56 participants, connecting students with businesses in the community and providing authentic experiences in various career fields. Tasha shares how she started the program and the elements that have made it successful. Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn mo...
Apr 15, 2019•24 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Michael Budziak is a K-5 STEM teacher in Gibraltar, Michigan. He shares the process he uses to foster design, engineering, technology, and problem-solving skills in his students through creative, hands-on projects that connect with the content being learned in the classroom. Connect with Mike via email at budziam@gibdist.net . Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and servic...
Apr 08, 2019•15 min•Season 1Ep. 81
*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message. (Or email us at coach@cbdconsulting.com)* You first heard Dayna Cantu, a 5th grade teacher in Delton Kellogg Schools, on episode 70 where she shared about her student-centered classroom. In this episode, Dayna shares how she started a classroom makerspace (on a limited budget) that empowers her students to b...
Apr 01, 2019•13 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Megan Scalise is a 4th grade teacher in Gibraltar, Michigan who implements genius hour with her students. She and her students share the what, how, and why of genius hour, plus the challenges and successes they’ve experienced. Get in touch with Megan on Twitter: @ScaliseInFourth or via email: scalism@gibdist.net Resources: Wonderopolis Epic! PowToon Prezi Google Sites Wix Screencastify and Screencast-o-matic Google Drawings This episode’s music is by Lee Rosevere . Our team of instructional coac...
Mar 25, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Nick DeNault teaches math at Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. In this episode, he talks with Erik about how he has shifted students’ focus from getting the correct answer to asking thoughtful questions and having meaningful dialogue. He shares strategies and resources as well as the positive outcomes he and his students have experienced. Email Nick at ndenault@lsps.org . (Interested in other impactful PD for math instruction? Consider this summer program !) Our team of instr...
Mar 18, 2019•23 min•Season 1Ep. 78
David Vermeulen teaches middle school social studies in Montague Area Public Schools--you will remember him from episode 63 on self-paced instruction . In this episode, he shared how he implements Socratic Seminars with middle school students, fostering civil discourse and collaboration. He even incorporates a backchannel chat, similar to what was shared in episode 40 . You can connect with David via email: vermeulend@mapsk12.org Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher...
Mar 11, 2019•21 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Richard Byrne is a successful edtech blogger at freetech4teachers.com. In this episode, he shares his story and philosophy of educational technology, the biggest changes he’s seen in his 12 years of blogging, and what he thinks could be the next big thing in the world of edtech. Resources: Practicaledtech.com and his free handbook Website with daily updates: freetech4teachers.com Twitter: @rmbyrne Facebook Group: Freetech4teachers Instagram: @rmbyrne Youtube: youtube.com/user/rbyrnetech MACUL Co...
Mar 04, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Scott Ely, Curriculum Director at Spring Lake Public Schools, shares how he provides choice, flexibility and unique collaboration opportunities for his teachers through online professional development. Connect with Scott via email at sely@springlakeschools.org Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or calls) at cbdconsulting....
Feb 25, 2019•22 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Joe VanderZee is a teacher in Santiago, Chile. He shares some differences between the U.S. and Chilean educational systems and his experiences with student-driven, interdisciplinary project-based learning. Connect with Joe on Twitter @javanderzee or email: javanderzee@gmail.com Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or calls)...
Feb 18, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 74
*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message.* Yes, deeper learning through discussion is possible in math! Deb Mertz, a high school math teacher in Spring Lake, Michigan, shares how she uses the Harkness discussion method to foster dialogue, problem-solving, and reflection in her math classes. She shares the powerful outcomes and some specific strategi...
Feb 11, 2019•32 min•Season 1Ep. 73
*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message.* Liz Kolb is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan and author of Learning First, Technology Second . Erik and Liz discuss her technology integration framework, the Triple E Framework and how teachers can best choose and leverage technology to engage students in learning, enhance learni...
Feb 04, 2019•44 min•Season 1Ep. 72
*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message.* Julie Hoehing teachers a 3-4 split class in Lake Shore Public Schools. She shares how technology not only helps her be a better teacher, but how students use technology to be more independent learners. Erik and Julie also talk how coaching has helped make all of this possible. Connect with Julie via email (...
Jan 28, 2019•15 min•Season 1Ep. 71
*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message.* Dayna Cantu is a 5th grade teacher in Delton Kellogg Schools. In this episode, Zach talks with Dayna about her journey into blended learning and a student-centered classroom. She shares some insights about her approach to education and developing independent thinkers as well as some practical tips for teach...
Jan 21, 2019•16 min•Ep. 70
*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message.* Melody Arabo is the 2014-15 Michigan Teacher of the Year, a U.S. Department of Education Teaching Ambassador Fellow, author, and now an Outreach Specialist for EdReports.org. She and Pete discuss how these experiences have influenced Melody’s perspectives on education today and where it may be trending. Lis...
Jan 14, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 69
*Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message.* Carrie Moeggenberg is an instructional coach with Ludington Area Schools. For this episode, Pete connected with Carrie to talk about her additional role as community liaison and the successes she has experienced in connecting community leaders and businesses to classrooms in her schools. Connect with Carrie...
Jan 07, 2019•15 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Jeff West is a blogger, podcaster, and band teacher with Lake Shore Public Schools. Erik caught up with Jeff to ask how technology influences music education, and their conversation produced a number of insights applicable to any content area. To follow up with Jeff or any of his resources: Podcast: anchor.fm/jeffa-west Blog: olddognewtech.wordpress.com Twitter: twitter.com/edtechjwest Connect with our team of instructional coaches and utilize our live support by visiting cbdconsulting.com/eleva...
Dec 31, 2018•15 min•Season 1Ep. 67
You heard Pat Donohue in episode 60 ( https://anchor.fm/cbdpodcast/episodes/060-Standards-Based-Grading-w-Pat-Donohue-e2jlfu ) where he discussed Standards-Based Grading. Clearly an administrator who willingly embraces change, Pat talks with Erik in this episode about leading his staff through change by modeling the kinds of things he asks of his teachers. Hear them discuss flipped staff meetings, teacher critiques (of admin!), and more! Pat is more than willing to host other teachers or adminis...
Dec 24, 2018•17 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Mindfulness is a topic of conversations in many aspects of society today. In the classroom, the idea of mindful students holds great appeal (for all stakeholders!). As a retired teacher of nearly 40 years, Cheryl Blackington continues to work in education through the Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness and other endeavors in an effort to support healthy mindful practices for students and teachers. Pete talks with Cheryl about her work and suggestions she might have for others. See below for the ...
Dec 17, 2018•23 min•Ep. 65
Jen Rowe ( jrowe@lasd.net ) teaches family consumer sciences in Ludington Area Schools. Taking authenticity seriously, Jen and her students embarked on a PBL unit in conjunction with the school food service department to redesign the menu. Listen to Pete talk with Jen about this amazing project! For more from our team or to connect with one of our instructional coaches to support you in your goals, visit cbdconsulting.com/elevateEDU
Dec 10, 2018•20 min•Season 1Ep. 64
David Vermeulen ( vermeulend@mapsk12.org ) teaches middle school in Montague Area Public Schools. Erik and David discuss his efforts to teach in a classroom familiar to most teachers: some students are highly capable and progressing rapidly while others are hardly even present (to name a couple). David shares how he has developed a process for student self-paced instruction that meets both needs in a variety of ways. For more from our team of instructional coaches, visit cbdconsulting.com/elevat...
Dec 03, 2018•15 min•Season 1Ep. 63
(Subscribe to our monthly digest! http://eepurl.com/dH7LTT ) You heard him on episode 34 discussing his most recent book, These 6 Things ( anchor.fm/cbdpodcast/episodes/034-These-6-Things-with-Dave-Stuart--Jr-e1u2i5 ), but for episode 62, Dave Stuart Jr. dives deep into what he calls the 5 Key Beliefs. Listen to Dave share with Pete how he devised this particular list of 5 and the profound significance they bear on student motivation and long-term flourishing. Dave Stuart Jr. is a teacher in Ced...
Nov 28, 2018•47 min•Season 1Ep. 62
KJ Dell'Antonia is an author, blogger, and New York Times column editor. For this episode, Pete interviews KJ about her book How to Be a Happier Parent. Their discussion focuses on a few of KJ's 10 mantras for parents to consider and offers listeners plenty of opportunity to connect sound parenting advice to profound classroom practice. To learn more about KJ and her work: kjdellantonia.com twitter.com/KJDellAntonia facebook.com/kjdellantonia Instagram: @kjda For more about her book: kjdellanton...
Nov 26, 2018•30 min•Season 1Ep. 61
