Learning Unlocked

Guest: Kristin McCord, Instructional Specialist - Reading/ELA PreK-6 In this episode, Kristin shares the essential components of early reading instruction and explore what EVERY (PreK-12) educator needs to know to support young readers. From phonemic awareness and phonics to fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the foundational skills that set students up for lifelong literacy. Learn how to make phonics instruction more engaging, identify struggling readers early, and deliver targeted support with confidence. Whether you're new to teaching reading or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode will empower you to implement structured literacy practices, differentiate for diverse learners, and build a classroom culture where reading is both accessible and joyful. Resources from this episode: Scarborough's Reading Rope Structured Literacy Finger Stretching Video  Elkonin Boxes Fundations "Tapping Video" Open-Source Decodable Stories (for teachers oustide of GPS*) Open-Source Phonics (for teachers oustide of GPS*) Kristin LIVE working with Miles *GPS teachers will use district approved curriculum and resources.

Guest: Jessica Smith, Arizona ACEs Consortium Educator In this episode, we unpack the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and explore how different types of stress—positive, tolerable, and toxic—shape student (and adult) behavior, learning, and engagement. This knowledge and awareness can help educators create safe, supportive environments where all students are better able to learn and grow. Resources from this episode: Parents Under Pressure - USDHHS Youth Mental Health - USHHS Mindfulness First The Arizona ACEs Consortium  The Regulated Classroom Book Yoga Nidra Guided Meditations  John Hopkins Medicine Somatic Breath and Body Work  

Guest: Jennifer Kjar, ELA Resource Teacher at South Valley Junior High Listen in as veteran educator Jennifer shares how she personalizes the district ELA curriculum, scaffolds effectively for resource students, and strikes the perfect balance between high expectations and supportive practices. Full of practical tips and warm encouragement, this episode is a must-listen for any teacher looking to engage all learners with strategies, routines, and heart.  Resources from this episode: Kami Curipod Jennifer's Evidence Log MadLibs for Parts of Speech Supporting Student Success with High Expectations

Guests: Kelly Jarett, Cassie Kutzbach, Claudia DeAlba, and Jenn Colvin  In this episode, educators will discover strategies for addressing common student behavior challenges like defiance, aggression, and emotional outbursts. They'll learn proven de-escalation techniques to manage misconduct and maintain classroom respect. Additionally, educators will gain insights into student dysregulation and how to create a supportive environment that fosters emotional regulation and better behavior outcomes. Resources from our behavior team:  PBIS Word Brainstorming Behavior (has PTR info) Escalation Cycle First/Then Board Behavior Expectations Checklist Keyring Visual Cards Feelings Scale (Zones of Regulation Colors) Power Struggle Infographic Functions of Behavior Fidget Tools Second Step The Anxious Generation Credits:  Prevent Teach Reinforce - PTR (District Model for Behavior) Crisis Prevention Intervention- CPI (GPS listeners, register in Vector: 1 class per month!)

Guest: Alyssa Davis, Spectrum Elementary - 5th Grade In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Davis to explore the power of active math learning strategies, including the transformative approach of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. We discuss practical ways to engage students, foster deep mathematical thinking, and create a classroom culture where every learner thrives. Even if you are not a math teacher, tune in for ideas for strategies that can be used in any lesson! Building Thinking Classrooms Online BTC Conferences and Events  

Guests: Natalie Krafft, Oak Tree Elementary - Music and Marissa Gomez, Boulder Creek - Art In this episode, Brit chats with Natalie and Marissa about their world in special areas. We dive into the secrets of how these spaces boost brainpower for all students and snag some nifty tips on sprinkling art and music into regular classrooms too. Tune in for a chat that's sure to spark some joy! Resources: School of Rock  Harvard Health Publishing University of Central Florida Rousseau's Hypnotic Piano Background

Guest: Elizabeth Evans, Director of Civic Education Programs at Arizona State University In this episode, Brit and Liz bond over their common enemy: perfectionism! They share their own stories of overthinking and struggling to please others, while giggling their way through practical tips for beating the perfectionism blues. With their help, you'll be able to perform your best, without losing your sanity in the process!

Guest: Leslee Mizen-Stroud, Middle School Social Studies Teacher In this episode, Brit gets all the details on how Leslee is leveling up her teaching game with Classcraft! This edtech gem is a gamified tool that even non-gamers can rock with their students. Listen in as Leslee "spills the tea" on how Classcraft has revolutionized her teaching style and made her classroom a more engaging and dynamic space for learning.  Resources: Leslee's Top "Random Events" for relationship building and creating a classroom culture. Classcraft - Student Engagement (can be used in partnership with PBIS, CASEL, Digital Citizenship, IB Standards, and the 4C's).  Classcraft 101 Vimeo: Getting Started

Guests: Trisha Shores & Marcus Hire, High School English and Social Science Teachers and Instructional Coaches In this episode, we discussed the intersection of teacher credibility and grading practices and beliefs, namely what it takes to shift the learning focus away from traditional grading and some of the toxic behaviors it can unintentionally create, to a culture that values mastery of learning. The heartfelt moments and candid conversations had about the learning roadblocks teachers can unknowingly build left us wanting more! This conversation takes an honest and hard look at effective teaching and learning in 2023. Resources: The Evidence-Backed Grader

Guest: Jammie Zimmer, Second Grade Teacher Joining Wendy for this podcast is Jammie Zimmer, a second grade teacher who excels at Building Community and Connection. Although she teaches young children, many of her ideas can easily be transferred to classes with older students. Most importantly, catch Jammie's enthusiasm, passion, and pure joy; her love of teaching will reignite yours! 

Guests: Brit Bingold, Julia Salce, and Wendy Peterson Our Professional Growth Instructional Specialists are 'put on the spot' as they discuss perspectives on teaching from veteran teachers. Listen to learn, be entertained, and "give 'them' a pencil"! 

Guest: Jordan Hall, Instructional Coach In this episode, Jordan and Brit celebrate episode 50 with one of our essential instructional routines: MOVEMENT! We discuss how purposeful movement utilizes strategies that allow students to move while processing content and how it enhances instruction rather than detracting from it.  Want to know more? Brit's GOGOMO Playlist on Spotify GOGOGO Strategy Explanation Video GOGOMO Sentence Frames Four-Corners Strategy/Video Quiz-Quiz-Trade Video/Strategy Kinesthetic Mapping Sample Video from Whole Brain Teaching Ready-To-Go Instructional Strategies that Build Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking by Denise White and Alisa Braddy

Guest: Julia Salce, Instructional Specialist  In this episode, we 'unlock' formative assessment by discussing it through an instructional lens. How can educators provide students opportunities to say, do, make, or write, thus allowing teachers time to assess and collect learning evidence formatively? We discuss this question and work to answer it in today's conversation.  Want to learn more? Formative Assessment Reference One-Pager One Teacher's Take on Clipboard Cruising GOGOMO Strategy Video Blind Brain Dump Strategy Video  

Guest: Shannon Jauregui, High School English Teacher In this episode, Shannon and Brit share their love for Kagan cooperative learning strategies and how to use them intentionally in the classroom. Want to learn more? Kagan Structures: A Miracle of Active Engagement Kagan Structures Elevate High School Achievement Cooperative Learning Quick Reference Guide

Guest: Trish Smith, 8th Grade Social Sciences Teacher In this episode, Trish shares with Brit how she leverages different types of note-taking in her classroom to help her students comprehend the material and remember what they have learned to reference for future lessons.   Want to learn more? Link It - Learn It - Log It Notes INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE: Layering Notes Article III Economic Competition Notes-Smith Guidelines for Notes/Summaries in Social Studies Sample Student Notes Left side of Notebook pg Sample Student Notes Right side of Notebook pg

Guest: Wendy Peterson In this episode, Brit and Wendy discuss two of John Hattie's highest rankings: Teacher Estimates of Student Achievement and Collective Teacher Efficacy. Despite their high effect sizes, both harbor "elephants" in the classroom, so we determine how to move past this to embrace and implement their power to accelerate student learning fully. Want to know more? Wendy's Estimates and Efficacy Resource Handouts Wendy's Excerpts of Estimates and Efficacy Research Wendy's Estimates and Efficacy Presentation Wendy's Stems for Tough Conversations Introduction to John Hattie's Research

Guest: Julia Salce, Instructional Specialist  In this episode, Julia & Brit continue their conversation about using wait time in the classroom and its powerful effects on teachers. They also suggest strategies for Wait Time 1 & Wait Time 2.  Want to learn more? THE ARTICLE Budd Rowe.pdf Wait Time | Vanderbilt Tips for Implementation Wait-Time Strategies One-Pager made by Julia Salce

Guests: Courtney McIntosh and Jennifer Reagan, Special Education Coordinators In this episode, Courtney and Jen answer four commonly asked questions from general education teachers about special education, including the similarities and differences between IEPs and 504 plans, as well as what basic understandings all teachers need to know about special education laws.   

Guest: Lindsay Wilson, Instructional Coach In this episode, Lindsay shares two strategies that create frequent opportunities to collect student classroom data that will help teachers make data driven decisions in their classrooms. Want more? Here are the resources from this episode: "My Favorite No" Strategy from The Teaching Channel The Power of Data: Instructional Strategies to Help You Create a Data-Driven Classroom from Better Lesson 27 easy formative assessment strategies for gathering evidence of student learning from NWEA 

Guest: Shawn Abele, District Technology Coordinator In this episode, Shawn shares several great tips and technology tools to assist students and teachers. We discuss how to use tech for engagement, efficiency, and ease.  Other top tools from Shawn: Google Slides Canva Whiteboard.chat Blooket Gimkit Quizziz Want to learn more from Shawn (or get the list of the Robot library)? shawn.abele@gilbertschools.net  Are you a GPS Employee? Check out the Instructional Framework Technology Resources page! It is amazing.