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Teaching Today is brought to you by The Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, Columbia University.
In conversation with teachers, researchers, and school leaders, we’re dedicated to breaking down the problems, policies, and promising practices that define teaching. Uniting theory and practice, CPET promotes rigorous and relevant scholarship, and is committed to making excellent education accessible worldwide.
In conversation with teachers, researchers, and school leaders, we’re dedicated to breaking down the problems, policies, and promising practices that define teaching. Uniting theory and practice, CPET promotes rigorous and relevant scholarship, and is committed to making excellent education accessible worldwide.
184 Episodes
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Tired of the polarizing debate about AI in writing classrooms? Dr. Kelsey Hammond offers a more nuanced path forward. Rather than creating endless guidelines about when students should or shouldn’t use ChatGPT in their writing process, she explores how writing itself can become a tool for understanding our relationship with AI. Through reflective essays, poetry, metaphor-making, and examining our own prompts as "mirrors of self," educators can help students develop discernment instead of just follow rules. This conversation invites each of us to shift how we think about AI, writing, and what it means to be human.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Why is systemic change at the high school level such a challenge? In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Curtin, Director of Education at the Barr Foundation, to explore what real transformation looks like—and why adding more programs isn't the answer. Jenny shares how listening deeply to students reveals gaps between current reality and what's possible, and why pairing excellence with equity creates the conditions for meaningful change. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or education advocate, this conversation offers a practical framework for moving beyond quick fixes to address the root causes keeping high schools from serving all students well.
A framework for quality in high schools that Barr uses with school partners: https://barrfdn.issuelab.org/resource/indicators-of-school-quality.html
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Should first-graders learn to read analog clocks? It's a small question with big implications about what we choose to teach—and why. In this episode, we're in conversation with Dr. Tony Wagner, author of Mastery, exploring how technology has outpaced pedagogy and what that means for today's classrooms. We discuss the "Five Cs" every community wants for graduates (but rarely teaches), why intrinsic motivation matters more than grades, and actionable strategies teachers can implement tomorrow—no permission required.
The future of learning starts with asking better questions.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
In this episode, we explore ConnectINK, an AI-powered writing coach that's different from every other AI tool you've encountered: it will never write for your students. Instead of generating content, ConnectINK asks questions. "Who else was there?" "What did that feel like?" "Can you describe another event related to this one?" Join us for a conversation with the full design team—educators, software engineers, and program managers—as they share how they built a tool that speeds up the feedback cycle while keeping students in the driver's seat. You'll hear about the 16-year-old who rejected an "easier" feature because "writing is supposed to be difficult," teachers who went from AI-skeptics to enthusiasts, and why innovation happens when you put student learning above everything else. If you're wrestling with how to use AI ethically in your classroom, this conversation will change how you think about what's possible.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Fifty balloons. Stories of cupcakes. A student shouting profanities before storming out. These are the moments teacher prep programs can’t prepare you for. Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf joins us to discuss "subversive moments"—when classroom control completely evaporates and you have to make split-second decisions while somehow pretending you're not destabilized. Learn why disruptions can be opportunities, how to de-escalate without taking it personally, and why the most flexible teachers create the most expansive learning spaces for students. Based on his book Teaching in the Riptide: Anchoring Pedagogies for Soulful Practitioners.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Feeling overwhelmed by Gen AI in education? You're not alone. Dr. Julianne Ross-Kleinmann and Yaa Yaa Whaley-Williams from Ulster BOCES join us to discuss the real digital divide, why banning AI doesn't work, and what technology can never replace—the human heartbeat of teaching. Whether you're AI-curious or AI-cautious, this conversation offers practical guidance for navigating this revolution while keeping students at the center of teaching and learning.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Episode Correction: AAS degree pathways are for computer systems technology or electromechanical engineering technology, not for cybersecurity.
Too little curriculum or too much? Most teachers have experienced one extreme or the other. Dr. Jacqui Stolzer joins us to discuss her research on curriculum ideologies—four frameworks that help teachers identify the values embedded in their curriculum work, navigate professional tensions, and ask the critical question: What am I not seeing? A must-listen for anyone trying to bridge the gap between curriculum mandates and classroom reality.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
What can the iconic movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" teach us about student engagement? This episode explores the critical disconnect between students and educators, examining why students mentally and physically check out of their education. Guests Colleen Keating-Crawford, Sydney Tweedley, and Izzy Fitzgerald from The Reinvention Lab at Teach For America share personal stories that reveal a startling truth: many students are physically present but mentally absent, highlighting a deeper crisis in our education system. Our conversation emphasizes that creating meaningful connections and relevant learning experiences is crucial for keeping students engaged. We also share practical strategies teachers can implement immediately to make a difference right where they are. Learn more about the people and research they discuss att: https://www.reinventionlab.org/
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
🌟 Join us for an inspiring conversation about creating inclusive classrooms where every voice can shine! In this episode, our guest Katherine Hamilton, Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, joins us as we dive into the complex and rewarding world of supporting multilingual learners in the classroom. We celebrate the incredible value of multilingualism in our classrooms and explore how ALL teachers—not just language specialists—can embrace simple techniques to help English language learners thrive across every subject.
Don't miss this uplifting and practical episode that will leave you energized and equipped with fresh ideas for your classroom. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation! 🎧✨
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
In this episode, we continue our discussion focused on multilingual learners, diving deep into why linguistic mobility isn't just academic—it's the key to true community inclusion! Maria Underwood, Senior Professional Development Advisor at CPET, and Vince Moua, CPET Professional Development Coach, and Teachers College Zankel Fellow, join Roberta to discuss:
-Why multilingual teaching creates explosive learning opportunities for ALL students
-How understanding language history can revolutionize your classroom
-Practical, ready-to-use strategies for celebrating language diversity
-The hidden social dynamics that make or break multilingual learners' success
This isn't just talk—it's a vital addition to your toolkit for creating a classroom where EVERY language is valued and EVERY student can thrive!
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Did you know it takes 2-3 years to see real results from educational innovation? How can teachers and leaders invest in the time needed for long-lasting change? This enlightening episode, featuring Dr. Annalies Corbin, founder of the PAST Foundation, uncovers the essential ingredients that make educational changes stick. From overhead projectors to modern teaching methods, we explore how education must evolve to meet today's challenges. Tune in to discover how you can be part of the educational evolution that truly prepares students for tomorrow's challenges!
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Writing projects can feel like a distraction, unless we look at the ways in which projects increase learning for students, and the ways we can integrate them into our calendars without losing teaching time for skills or content that we need to cover.
Today, we revisit our conversation with participants from one of our Student Publication Initiative (SPI) projects last year: participants from all levels — Meg Davis, SPI coach; Vicky Beswick, NYC DOE teacher; and Juan Filan & Deylin Pena-Rodriguez — two 9th grade students who established their voices as student authors throughout the writing process.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Teachers struggle to implement social justice pedagogy due to limited support, restrictive laws, and scarce training—all while trying to build student advocacy skills! In this episode, Maria Luisa Underwood unpacks findings from quantitative research with teachers based on their experience implementing the framework "Equipping Educators to Nurture Student Civic Advocates Through Social Justice Pedagogy.” You’ll find Underwood’s chapter on the topic in NCTE/Routledge's "Practicing Civic Futures" (Vol. 3).
Listen in to discover practical solutions to the pressing challenges facing educators today!
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
In this episode, we dive into the art of creating captivating, immersive experiences that bring texts to life in any classroom setting—especially for multilingual learners!
Join our inspiring panel of educators: Adel Bruni Ashley, Gregory Petershack, Jen Gowers, Shenhao Bai. They reveal the behind-the-scenes magic of their groundbreaking workshop with students and teachers visiting from Shanghai, sharing practical strategies that will revolutionize your teaching approach.
✨ Connect brain to body through energizing prereading activities
✨ Awaken the senses with multisensory engagement techniques
✨ Spark creativity by empowering participants to become creators.
Listen to how this transformative methodology works in:
-Immersive all-day workshops
-Bite-sized sessions that build progressively
-Regular classroom routines woven throughout the school week
Visit https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/ to learn about the Literacy Unbound summer program and apply for our next session.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
In this episode, we discuss how the study of the brain can help us better support our students to learn. We are joined by Brooklin Williams, Katherine Elam, and Malik Bolden who share the importance of empathy and understanding in teaching and learning, the need to recognize and support students' emotional responses, rather than just managing their behaviors, and the crucial role teachers play in shaping students' ability to self-regulate.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Ever wonder why speaking your native language feels like putting on comfortable house clothes? This fascinating episode dives into the transformative power of affinity spaces - environments where people connect through shared language, culture, and experiences. Dr. Marcelle Mentor and Dr. Roberta Lenger Kang discuss how these spaces serve as crucial safe havens, particularly for individuals navigating predominantly English-speaking institutions. Through powerful analogies and personal experiences, they illustrate how these spaces enable individuals to truly be themselves. Listen to this episode to understand why affinity spaces aren't just nice to have - they're essential for building stronger, more inclusive communities for all.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
What role do schools and administrators play in supporting teachers to engage students in discussions about civic issues? How can structured curricula and coaching help educators facilitate constructive dialogue across political and social differences? In this episode, Elizabeth Clay Roy, the CEO of Generation Citizen, shares her passion for fostering social justice and community engagement through project-based civics. We discuss the importance of civic education, experiential civics, and relationship building in democracy, and share simple, effective ways of integrating civics education across content areas and grade levels.
Explore Generation Citizen's Navigating Social Issues: A Toolkit for Educators https://connect.generationcitizen.org/home
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
This episode features Dr. Katie McMullen and Jonathan Beltran Alvarado sharing their experiences teaching in Singapore, Lebanon, and Colombia. They explore how educators can successfully navigate cultural differences and work with diverse student and teacher populations in international schools. The discussion covers practical considerations for teaching across different settings - from urban to suburban to rural environments. Our guests provide guidance on evaluating potential schools and building meaningful connections within new teaching communities. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the fundamental importance of providing quality education for all students, regardless of location.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
In this episode, we discuss the importance of recognizing and valuing multilingual learners, with a focus on the connection between language and identity. Maria Underwood, Senior Professional Development Advisor at CPET, and Vince Moua, CPET Professional Development Coach, and Teachers College Zankel Fellow, share origin stories of their personal and professional passion for supporting multilingual learners. Alongside Teaching Today host, Roberta Lenger Kang, they explore the challenges faced by students whose primary language at home is not English, the need for educators to create safe spaces for linguistic mobility, and practical ways educators can use available tools and resources to connect with students who may have language barriers, emphasizing the need for ongoing conversations to better support and affirm multilingual learners in classrooms.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
Selecting a curriculum is a big decision for any school or district. In this episode, we define curriculum and discuss the challenges and benefits of adapting and implementing new curriculum in educational settings. We welcome Courtney Brown back to the conversation as we address the importance of understanding the time and effort required for such changes, as well as the potential limitations of professional development programs.
We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html
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