Teaching Matters

Tom Livezey is the superintendent of Oak Ridge Public Schools in Muskegon, Michigan. In this episode, Tom discusses the evolution of communication between schools and parents, the importance of parent engagement, and innovative strategies to improve student attendance. Livezey shares insights from his extensive experience in education, emphasizing the need for community understanding and trust to foster effective partnerships. The conversation also touches on the future of parent-teacher conferences and the impact of technology on communication in education. Oakridge Public Schools: https://oakridgeschools.org YouTube: https://youtu.be/dn1_mLOl1gQ

This episode of Teaching Matters features Alix Guerrier, CEO of Donors Choose. Donors Choose is a nonprofit platform that matches teachers’ projects and needs with donors. Alix discusses the 25-year history of Donors Choose as well as recurring and emerging trends in what teachers are seeking to fund. Donors Choose: https://www.donorschoose.org YouTube: https://youtu.be/l-TACQgVs2Y

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Susan Riley explore the importance of creativity in education, particularly through arts integration and the challenges teachers face in fostering a creative environment. They discuss the impact of AI on creativity, the barriers posed by standardized testing, and the potential of leveraging students' unique experiences as resources for creative problem-solving. Susan emphasizes the need for educators to cultivate creativity in their classrooms and personal lives, while also addressing the evolving role of AI as a tool for enhancing creativity rather than replacing it. Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM: https://artsintegration.com Susan Riley: https://susanmriley.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/65shdGVeLg8

In this conversation, Carmelo Piazza, the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Preschool of Science, discusses the importance of early childhood education, particularly through inquiry-based learning and STEAM concepts. He shares his journey into education, the philosophy behind his preschool, and the significance of creating a stimulating, screen-free learning environment for young children. The discussion emphasizes hands-on learning techniques and the need for structured learning to prepare children for a future in a digital world. Brooklyn Preschool of Science: https://brooklynpreschoolofscience.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/XEh8TAuWmiA

This conversation explores the evolution of data usage in education, the founding of the Abre platform by Zach Vanderveen and Chris Rose, and how it addresses the challenges educators face with data management. The discussion highlights the importance of user experience, the role of AI in education, and ways in which data-driven platforms can assist districts in achieving a wide range of goals in addition to academic achievement. Zach and Chris emphasize the need to support educators and students through fostering meaningful relationships focused on improving educational outcomes. Link to Abre: https://abre.com YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/PX4qZycklog

In this episode of the Teaching Matters podcast, host Scott Titsworth engages with Aubrey Francisco and Michelle Tiu, co-executive directors of AERDF's EF+Math program, to discuss the critical role of executive function skills in enhancing math education. The discussion in this episode centers on evidence-based practices focused on improving math learning by strengthening students' executive functioning skills. The EF+Math program recently released a new digital library of resources, which can be found at: https://efmathprogram.org YouTube: https://youtu.be/0_yv6n2WF-4

In this episode, Scott Titsworth and Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer of the 95 Percent Group, discuss the current challenges in literacy education, particularly the alarming decline in reading scores among students. They explore the importance of the science of reading, the need for effective teaching practices, and the role of data in driving instructional decisions. Laura emphasizes the necessity of aligning resources and training for teachers to ensure all students receive the support they need. The conversation also touches on legislative actions aimed at improving literacy education and the collaborative efforts required to create lasting change. YouTube: https://youtu.be/b82wj-2Z--8

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth speaks with Catherine Townsend and Jeremy Goldstein about the National Mall's significance, its historical context, and the educational opportunities it presents. They discuss the Trust for the National Mall's initiatives, including preparations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, the launch of the National Mall Gateway, and the importance of civic learning. The conversation highlights the rich history of the Mall, the stories behind its monuments, and how individuals can engage with the Trust to support its mission. Trust Website: https://nationalmall.org Trust 250th Celebration Site: https://www.nationalmall250.org YouTube: https://youtu.be/CCZsA5w6fl4

Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase, the superintendent of the Westbury Union Free School District, discusses the critical role of communication in ensuring school safety. She emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of safety within schools, integrating various safety measures, and maintaining open lines of communication with parents and the community. Dr. Chase shares insights on the implementation of technology in safety protocols, the significance of trust, and the ongoing evaluation of safety measures through audits. The discussion highlights the multifaceted approach needed to foster a safe and supportive educational environment for students and staff. Dr. Dupree Chase: https://www.tahiradupreechase.com/ Centegix: https://www.centegix.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/mX-14B8A7fc

This conversation explores the critical issue of chronic absenteeism in schools, highlighting the findings from a comprehensive report by SchoolStatus. The discussion covers the importance of attendance, the data methodology used, and the patterns observed in absenteeism across different grade levels. Dr. Kara Stern emphasizes the significance of early interventions, effective communication strategies with families, and the need for a systematic approach to improve student attendance. The conversation also addresses the unique challenges faced by middle school students and the role of parents in identifying early warning signs of disengagement. Report Link: https://www.schoolstatus.com/wp-content/uploads/SchoolStatus_2024-2025-Attendance-Trends-Report.pdf

In this episode, Scott Titsworth and Shawn Young discuss the critical role of student engagement in education, exploring Shawn's journey from physics teacher to Chief Platform Officer at HMH. They delve into the importance of gamification in the classroom, the integration of AI in education, and the need for meaningful learning experiences. The conversation highlights the impact of great teachers, the onboarding process for new educational platforms, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in education. They conclude with thoughts on the future of teaching and the importance of building relationships in the classroom. https://youtu.be/wfipL8BRZO4

Reading is a fundamental skill for students; unfortunately, reading comprehension is diminishing for students nationally. Rebecca Kockler is the Executive Director for Reading Reimagined, a program with the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (https://aerdf.org/programs/reading-reimagined/). In our conversation we explore the challenges faced by students in reading comprehension, the concept of the decoding threshold, and the need for ongoing support in reading skills. Rebecca shares insights from her work with Reading Reimagined, emphasizing the necessity of tailored interventions and the role of technology in enhancing reading education. The discussion highlights the goal of eradicating illiteracy and ensuring that all students can access and engage with complex texts, ultimately allowing them to focus on more enriching educational experiences.

In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Jason McKenna discuss the challenges and opportunities in STEM education, particularly focusing on the integration of robotics in the classroom. They explore the importance of early engagement in STEM, the role of creativity in motivating students, and the need for effective professional development for teachers. McKenna shares his journey from teaching to working with VEX Robotics and emphasizes the significance of providing students with hands-on learning experiences that foster collaboration and problem-solving skills. VEX Robotics: https://www.vexrobotics.com/ Jason McKenna: https://www.jmckenna.org/

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth interviews Dr. David Lawrence, the superintendent of Dayton Public School District, discussing the challenges of teacher shortages, the innovative use of remote teachers, and the importance of a strong educational culture. Dr. Lawrence shares insights on the five C's approach, his journey into education, and the impact of technology on learning environments. The conversation also explores the future of education in light of technological advancements and the evolving needs of students.

Scott Titsworth and Stephanie Hickman Boyse discuss the psychological stress faced by college students and the importance of career guidance. Stephanie shares her personal journey from being a college student to becoming the co-founder and CEO of Jebbee, a free AI-driven platform that helps students explore career options and connect with professionals. Stephanie describes features of Jebbee and how it differentiates itself from other platforms. The discussion also covers how schools and companies can get involved with Jebbee and the positive impact it has had on students' career paths. Link to Jebbee: https://about.jebbee.com

This is the second of a two-part series exploring the use of aptitude testing to help students envision career goals. In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth engages with Koree Hodgkinson and Victoria Hegsted from Danbury Local Schools in Ohio to discuss the implementation of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), a platform designed to assist students in understanding career pathways. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by a small school district, the importance of career readiness, and how data from Youth Science informs curriculum development and student support. The guests share insights on engaging parents, collaborating with local businesses, and the transformative impact of career assessments on students' futures.

This conversation explores how YouScience is being used to assist teachers, staff, students, and families reduce the awareness gap for possible career paths. Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), shares the company's origin story and the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry. Candice Sears, from the Montgomery County Educational Services Center in Ohio, discusses how the Montgomery County ESC is leveraging the partnership with YouScience to enhance student readiness for the future. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding students' aptitudes and interests to create meaningful career pathways and community engagement. This is the first of a two-part series exploring ways in which schools are using YouScience to spark understanding and discussion of career readiness.

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth speaks with Danna Okuyama, founder and CEO of Urban Sandbox, a platform designed to enhance student wellbeing through creative expression and peer interaction. They discuss statistics surrounding student mental health, the origin of Urban Sandbox, and how it aims to provide a safe, engaging environment for K-12 students. Danna shares insights on the importance of creativity in fostering wellbeing, the platform's safety protocols, and the newly launched Wellbeing Program that offers tiered support for families. The conversation emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to student support and the role of parents and educators in nurturing student growth. Link to Urban Sandbox: https://www.urban-sandbox.com

The Alliance for Decision Education is a national nonprofit organization that provides resources to help students develop skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Adriana Masarra and Ali Stumacher, both from the Alliance, discuss the alliance’s mission and the benefits of adopting intentional decision education into students’ experiences. Link to Alliance for Decision Education: https://alliancefordecisioneducation.org

Tara Bonner, Chief Neuroeducation Officer for the Arrowsmith Program, discusses the concept of neuroplasticity as it relates to students’ growth. The neuroplasticity perspective assumes that our cognitive functions can grow and change as a result of learning experiences. Tara discusses classroom techniques that stimulate such growth, including techniques employed by the Arrowsmith Program Link to the Arrowsmith Program: https://www.arrowsmith.ca